Skywatch - No 26

Magazine Overview

SKYWATCH, issue No. 26, is an informal publication devoted to UFOlogy and related subjects, published by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team, founded in 1973. This issue, dated November/December/January 1977/78, features a range of articles, reports, and discussions pertinent to the UFO community.

UFOLK: A New Photographic Magazine

Gene Duplantier, former editor of SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE, is launching a new photographic magazine called UFOLK, focusing on personalities within the UFO field. He is seeking photographs and short synopses from UFOlogists, offering a free listing of clubs or publications in return. The pre-publication price for UFOLK is $1.25.

The Philadelphia Experiment and Space Travel

An article explores the Philadelphia Experiment, a scientific thesis reportedly submitted to the Naval Research Office in 1942. This experiment, based on Einstein's theories, is said to have enabled ships to become invisible and led to a mysterious incident in 1943 where an American convoy ship vanished from Philadelphia and reappeared in Norfolk, Virginia, with crew members missing. The article suggests this technology could explain instant teleportation and challenges the notion of impossible space travel.

The Moebius Strip

The Moebius Strip is presented as a geometrical curiosity that can be used as an analogy to explain the Philadelphia Experiment and the concept of parallel worlds. Cutting the strip in various ways can create different dimensional worlds, suggesting a link to the mystery of dimensional travel.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several sighting reports are included:

• 1961, Winton, Eccles, England: A brilliant red object was observed at night, described as brighter than Jupiter, which shot vertically upwards and disappeared.
• November 1973, Llanerch, Wales: A cigar-shaped object with coloured lights was seen moving silently over a minimarket, inducing a feeling of being watched and a faint electrical sensation.
• July 13th, 1977, Featherstone, Yorkshire, England: A witness described a bright golden light in the sky, moving slowly and appearing larger than Venus.
• USA: A report mentions a silver machine landing on an apartment block, with a being emerging, and then flying away, leaving circular markings and footprints in the snow.

UFOlogy in Britain and Beyond

• Britain: The issue notes a surge in UFO sightings across Britain, including 'giant circular wheels' and instances of police cars being stalled by unidentified flying machines. It suggests that UFO flaps occur periodically and then dissipate.
• Poland: Milosz Wozniak from Szczecin reports on the UFO scene in Poland, noting the absence of official UFO groups but the presence of occultists who spread information. He mentions a book, "Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain," and a potential professor involved with a British UFO Society.

Celebrity Opinions on UFOs

The "Stars and UFOs" section highlights the views of several celebrities:

• Jackie Gleason: Possesses a large UFO library.
• Glen Ford: Believes in tangible evidence of UFOs on Mars.
• William Shatner: Believes UFOs exist due to overwhelming evidence, despite never seeing one personally.
• Za Za Gabor: Insists UFOs are always in our skies.
• William Roache: Interested in UFOs and believes organizations are opening minds.
• Anthony Hopkins: Speculates about thousands of planets with life forms, some advanced, and suggests UFOs might exist in other space-time continuums.
• Roy Thinnes: Observed strange objects while driving and was eager to play the role of David Vincent in "The Invaders."
• Leonard Nomoy: Believes in UFOs due to numerous sightings and thinks life on other planets is possible, with potential visits.
• Ed Stewart: Had an experience he believed was a UFO and hopes they exist for the excitement they provide.

Other Articles and Features

• "Where Have All the Martians Gone?" by Jenny Randles: Discusses the shift from 'little green men' to more exotic origins for alleged alien visitors, suggesting contact cases are highly personal and subjective.
• "Living UFOs?" by Ken Mitchell: Proposes that some UFOs might be living entities or life-forms suited to space, rather than just craft carrying crews.
• "Gift Ideas for Christmas": A compilation by David L. Rees, recommending UFO magazines like "Flying Saucer Review," a UFO documentary cassette, a SKYWATCH UFO Detector, a Flying Saucer Tie, and MAPIT-SKYWATCH TEE SHIRTS.
• Letters to the Editor: Includes correspondence from J. Parry questioning the cause of earthquakes, from Karen Linneballe about a Danish TV UFO program, and from Jack Allen praising Jenny Randles' comments on a BBC documentary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the study of UFOlogy, encouraging readers to be open-minded and involved in research. It presents various theories and sighting reports, often linking them to broader concepts like space travel, parallel dimensions, and the nature of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the unexplained aspects of UFO phenomena while also critiquing sensationalism and promoting a scientific approach where possible. There is a clear effort to connect UFO sightings with historical accounts and scientific theories, even speculative ones.

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: 26
Volume: 5
Date: 1978
Publisher: MAPIT

This issue of SKYWATCH delves into the world of UFOlogy, offering a mix of book and media reviews, event information, and community news. It aims to engage readers with current developments and discussions within the UFO field.

Book and Media Reviews

The magazine features a section on "Sci Fiction Records and Cassettes," listing titles by prominent authors like Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke, Verne, and Heinlein, with contact information for Andromeda Books Ltd. Several recommended paperback books are highlighted:

• Project Glue Book by Brad Steiger: Covers secret UFO findings with official photos.
• UFOs: The Psychic Solution by Jacques Vallee: Presents a new theory on the UFO experience.
• Invisible Residents by Ivan T. Sanderson: Explores the possibility of intelligent life beneath the Earth's waters.
• Tunguska Cauldron of Hell by Jack Stoneley: Details the mysterious 1908 explosion in Siberia.

Additionally, a "Flying Saucer Model Kit" for the TV series "The Invaders" is mentioned, priced at approximately £1.75/£2.00. Two records with an "out-of-this-world" theme are also recommended: an LP titled "Magic Fly" by "Spare" and a single "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" by "The Carpenters."

UFO Film

A new film, "Encounters of the Third Kind," is announced for release in Winter/New Year. David Begelman of Columbia describes it as "the most important film ever financed and distributed by Columbia." The film is being made by the same team behind the hit movie "Jaws" and will dramatize UFO encounters and landings.

Group News and Meetings

The "GROUP NEWS" section addresses the reader directly, indicating that this issue takes them into 1978 and that a full report on MAPIT's 1977 activities will appear in SW No.27. Members are encouraged to submit ideas for projects and suggestions for improving the group. Information is requested regarding preferred days and times for the next "MAPIT Meet" to ensure its success. The group offers a comprehensive and free reference library on UFO and related subjects.

Mike Cottrell is thanked for mentioning MAPIT in a letter to the Congleton Chronicle, where he introduced a new UFO Group called "CUFORT" (Congleton UFO Research Team).

The editor, David L Rees, emphasizes the need for reader support, contributions, and feedback to help SKYWATCH survive. He stresses that MAPIT is the members' group.

Winter UFO Lecture Programme in Manchester

A series of lectures organized by MUFORA is scheduled to take place at the MITRE HOTEL in Manchester. Meetings are held from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of 25p, followed by a discussion. The program includes:

• December 14th: "Atmospherical Optical Phenomena" by K. Brierly FRAS.
• January 11th: "Some Significant British Cases" by Jenny Randles.
• February 8th: "Open Forum" – an opportunity for members to share their views, chaired by Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington.

UFO Publications in Britain

The article discusses the state of UFO publications in Britain, noting that while local group journals are plentiful and varied, there is a lack of national UFO magazines available in shops. Publications like "Irish UFO News" and "EUFOSG Journal" are mentioned as examples of local journals. The author contrasts this with the situation in America, where publications like "Official UFO," "UFOlogy," and "Flying Saucers" are readily available on newsstands and appear to be successful. The article posits that a well-produced national UFO magazine could be successful in Britain, potentially reviving interest similar to the past magazine "Phenomena" from the North West.

The challenges of starting a national UFO magazine are discussed, including funding and distribution. The idea of regional networks is suggested as a starting point. The author argues that UFO researchers should not dismiss the public's interest, as they themselves were once part of the public and needed education.

Quotes and Notes

Several quotes and notes are included:

• An anonymous quote: "Figures don't lie, but liars can figure."
• A quote from LIFE magazine, January 6, 1958: "During the ensuing year there will be authenticated sightings of roughly 200 UFOs, of which the pentagon will be able to disprove 210."
• Poems by Jenny Randles and Lynne Bates, reflecting on themes of future, life, and existence.
• A quote from Arthur C. Clarke: "If you've never seen a UFO you're not very observant, and if you've seen as many as I have, you won't believe in them."

Nothing to Do With UFOs

This section includes a notice for a fire drill at Bradford University and a quote from Will Rogers about conferences. It also shares an interesting fact about the film "King Kong" being released in Denmark as "Kong King" to avoid offending the Royal Family.

Comment from David Bowie

David Bowie recounts a conversation with astronaut John Glenn, who alluded to seeing more than he could talk about in space, suggesting "Earth is not alone."

More Poems

Additional poems are presented, exploring themes of light, celestial objects, and perception, with contributions from Jenny Randles and Allen H. Greenfield.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the active pursuit and discussion of UFO phenomena, encompassing book and media reviews, the organization of local and potentially national UFO groups, and the dissemination of information through lectures and publications. The editorial stance, as expressed by David L Rees, is one of active engagement and community building, emphasizing the importance of member participation and feedback for the survival and growth of SKYWATCH and MAPIT. There is a clear advocacy for greater public awareness and education regarding UFOs, challenging the notion that researchers have no time to educate the public. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UFO interest, with mentions of contacts and publications from various countries.