Skywatch - No 28

Magazine Overview

SKYWATCH Magazine, Issue 28 (April-May 1978)

This issue of SKYWATCH, an informal publication devoted to UFOlogy and related subjects, presents a diverse range of articles and reports. The content reflects the views of contributors, which are not necessarily shared by the Group or Editor. The magazine encourages reproduction of its content and requests that copies of journals using its material be sent to the Editorial Address.

Readers' Letters

Letter from Marek Iwaniec (Tarnow, Poland)

Marek Iwaniec commends the latest issue of SKYWATCH for its excellence and up-to-date information. He addresses the article "the Polish Scene" by Milosz Wozniak, confirming that there are no UFO groups in Poland but emphasizing the widespread popularity of the UFO problem. He notes that Polish magazines and newspapers often feature articles with UFO photos and translate parts of British and American books due to a lack of local literature. Beyond UFOs, Poland shows interest in other mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle, Pyramids, Stonehenge, Atlantis, Mu, Lemuria, and Easter Island. Erich Von Daniken is also popular. Iwaniec observes a growing interest in Occultism, despite difficulties in obtaining Polish literature, with subjects including Yoga, Theosophy, Tarot, and Parapsychology. He firmly believes UFOs exist and advocates for scientists to make contact with them.

Letter from Paul Jackson (Hobart, Australia)

Paul Jackson expresses pleasure at the active UFO scene and growing membership in Britain. He notes that things are quieter in Tasmania and Australia. He mentions the films "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," anticipating the latter will increase public interest. He voices concern that this increased interest might attract "crackpots" to responsible UFO groups, potentially damaging their credibility.

Film Reviews: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This section compiles positive reviews of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" from the British National Press:

• The Sun (Tim Ewband): Praises it as "the most dazzling breathtaking piece of Cinema" and "absolutely mind-blowing."
• Daily Telegraph (Eric Shorter): Describes it as a "Breathtakingly beautiful spectacle which is also strangely moving...a Science Fiction film of genuinely mystical fascination."
• Daily Mail (Margaret Hinxman): Calls it "Simply out of this world! Its a terrific movie...bewitching...the most caring movie ever chosen for the Royal Film Performance."
• The Guardian (Tim Radford): Hails it as "Heady and vastly entertaining...Spielberg has provided gripping, spectacular entertainment."
• News of the World: "It is a thrilling and visually stunning drams...an encounter of a brilliant kind."
• Daily Mirror (Arthur Thirkell): "Close Encounters of the Third Kind sets a new dimension in space fantasies; fasten your seat belts, its an exhilarating trip."

The editor encourages readers to share their thoughts on the film with SKYWATCH.

MEN IN BLACK - FACT OR FICTION?

By Mike Cottrell (CUFORT)

This article discusses the alleged harassment, unusual accidents, and mysterious deaths experienced by UFO researchers over 25 years. It highlights the phenomenon of "Men in Black" (MIB) who reportedly issue threats over the telephone. The case of astrophysicist Morris K. Jessup is cited, who received mysterious letters and was later found dead in his car, ruled a suicide. The author suggests that Wilhelm Reich's theories on the destruction of life energy might be linked to UFO visitations. Cottrell concludes that the MIB must be removed as an obstacle before the UFO phenomena can be solved.

NEWS SNIPPET

THREE WISE MEN CONFIRM BIBLE STORY: Three astronomers in London suggest that the Star of Bethlehem was likely a giant thermonuclear explosion in space, based on astronomical records that align with the biblical account in St. Matthew's Gospel. They propose it was a runaway thermonuclear explosion on a white dwarf star.

THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE - VERY INTERESTING BUT HARDLY MYSTERIOUS

This article reports on a talk given by Andrei Monin, Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences and Director of the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology. Monin dismisses the Bermuda Triangle enigma, stating it is one of the calmest parts of the ocean and that hypotheses explaining disappearances are due to human sensationalism. He explains that Soviet research ships, like the AKADEMIK VERNADSKY, have studied whirlpools in the area, discovering eddies of water up to 200 km in diameter and 1.5 km deep. These whirlpools, resembling atmospheric cyclones, carry significant energy but do not explain "disappearances."

PRETEXTS FOR SENSATIONS

The article critiques the sensationalism surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, particularly referencing the works of Ivor Sanderson and Charles Berlitz. It debunks specific incidents often cited as mysteries:

• The disappearance of five Avenger bombers in 1945 is mentioned.
• Two jet tanker planes colliding in bad weather in 1963.
• The cruiser Witchcraft vanishing in 1967.
• A Soviet AN-22 transport plane vanishing in 1970.

THE OCEAN - A KALEIDOSCOPE OF UNSOLVED PROBLEMS

Academician Leonid Brekhovskikh, Chairman of the Oceanographic Commission of the USSR Academy of Sciences, is quoted stating that claims of aliens or atmospheric lasers causing wrecks are unfounded. He dismisses theories about the ocean bed opening up and generating anti-vortices. Brekhovskikh emphasizes that seismic stations have recorded no such phenomena. He also refutes claims of infrasound from sea waves causing deaths. The article concludes that the ocean is a complex system with many unsolved problems, which are more interesting than myths about "non-existent miracles."

Ye. Baranov, head of the POLYMODE experiment, discusses the importance of the experiment for building mathematical models of ocean and atmosphere circulation for long-term weather forecasts. Scientists from the USSR, USA, Great Britain, Canada, and France participated.

PAPER CLIPPINGS

"WEEKLY NEWS" (March 25, 1978)

Two Canadians, Jacques Lavoie and Richard Huot, claim to have photographs of a UFO that scared them at a lake near Montreal. They reported seeing a bright object appear in the sky and took photos after it hovered over the lake.

"EVENING PRESS" (February 16, 1978)

This clipping discusses a new American TV series, "Project UFO," produced by Jack Webb, which will investigate UFO mysteries and hoaxes using over 13,000 documents from the national archives. Webb aims to remain objective, acknowledging that 30% of reported UFO sightings cannot be logically explained. William Jordan and Caskey Swain are cast as an Air Force Major and Sergeant, respectively. Webb himself is undecided about the existence of UFOs but notes that many influential people have reported sightings.

LATEST REPORT ON UFOS BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN (From "NOSTRA", Paris, May 25, 1977)

This report details the Soviet Union's stance on UFO research. Since 1957, scientists have faced skepticism and threats. The USSR has an official prohibition on UFO studies, with publications often accused of being propaganda. The article argues against dismissing potential evidence due to misinterpretations or mystifications, asserting that Soviet science is capable of objective analysis.

GROUP AND GENERAL NEWS

• "Alternative 3": Readers who enjoyed the TV program are recommended the paperback book based on it, published by Sphere books.
• FUFOR UFO Conference: Information about an upcoming conference in Crewe is available by sending a SAE to the Editor.
• MAPIT News: A new UFO organization, "Commission Luxembourgeoise D'Etudes UFOlogiques" (CLEU), is mentioned, which publishes a magazine and contributes to SKYWATCH's foreign distribution.
• American TV and Film: The article notes a trend of space and UFO-themed content on American television and in films, including "War of the Worlds" series, "Future Lab," and films like "Survival Run," "Star Pilot," "Star Crash," and "End of the World."
• Italian Film: A UFU film titled "Eyes from the Stars" is reported to be doing well in Italy.
• Stockport Express Article: A lengthy article titled "A Space Creature Spied as the Children Played" is mentioned, referencing the film "Close Encounters."

Warminster revisited (Recollections of some past visits to Warminster, the British Ufologist's Mecca!)

By Daniel J. Goring, Essex UFO Study Group

This piece recounts visits to Warminster, a known UFO sighting area. The author and his companions visited Cradle Hill, a skywatch point, and noted the continued occurrence of phenomena. They recall a previous visit in 1975 where Arthur Shuttlewood was expected for a skywatch at Star Hill. The article describes the "Invisible Walker" (producing footsteps) and the "Serpent" (producing a swishing sound) as notable oddities in the area, for which no real explanation exists. Despite a lack of genuine UFO sightings during their visits, the atmosphere was described as exciting.

JUPITER - PLANET OR STAR?

This news snippet reports on a Soviet scientist, Professor Nikolai Kozyrev, who proposes that Jupiter is a star in the process of formation or dying. His hypothesis is based on Jupiter's nucleus temperature (196,000°C) and its radiation of more heat than it receives from the sun. Kozyrev's mathematical model of Jupiter's nucleus aligns with astrophysical observations and data from the American Pioneer-10 and Pioneer-11 probes.

ASTEROID ARTEK

Scientists at the Crimean astrophysical observatory have discovered a new asteroid, named Artek, which orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter. It is approximately 10 km in diameter and has been registered as a small planet with the number 1,956.

UFOS. SKYWATCHING AND SCIENCE

By Peter A Hill, MWSOM, FSS, Edinburgh Branch Secretary, British UFO Research Association.

This article discusses the practice of skywatching, acknowledging that the probability of seeing an unidentified object is low. However, it argues that skywatching has valid objectives beyond just sightings, such as gaining familiarity with normal phenomena, practicing objective recording, and organizing groups. The author stresses the importance of knowing the night sky, identifying constellations, planets, and aircraft. He suggests that skywatching should be conducted at all times and that photography can be used to document aircraft. The article outlines a disciplined approach to skywatching, emphasizing the need for defined roles, duty rotas, and serious, scientific rigor. It also touches upon the reporting of unidentified objects to BUFORA and the local press.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SKYWATCH demonstrates a strong interest in UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial possibilities, and unexplained mysteries, particularly the Bermuda Triangle. There is a clear editorial stance favoring scientific investigation and critical analysis, as evidenced by the debunking of Bermuda Triangle myths and the emphasis on disciplined, objective skywatching. The magazine also covers astronomical news and film reviews related to space and UFOs, indicating a broad scope within the ufology field. The publication appears to be a platform for enthusiasts to share their findings, theories, and experiences, while also engaging with scientific perspectives and debunking sensationalism.

This document is issue number 14 of "UFOs in Jersey", a publication by the UFO Over Jersey Association. It focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with contributions from various individuals and organizations.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Jersey Sightings

Trinity Bill, February 26th, 1975: William Kerr reported a large round circle UFO hovering directly over Port Regent. It remained stationary for about 15 seconds before rotating and disappearing. Air Traffic Control confirmed picking up a mysterious blip on radar around the same time, which remained unidentified.

Guernsey/Jersey, February 27th, 1975: Dean Preston of the UFO Over Jersey Association investigated a sighting by Mrs.P.Mace, who observed a large moving object with a glow, oblong in shape, heading towards Victoria Tower in a N.E. direction. Preston speculates if this could have been a 'Mother Ship'.

International Sightings

Latvia, 1965: A well-known astronomer, R.VITOLNIEK, sighted a formation of four sphere-shaped objects through a telescope. One object was larger than the others, and they appeared to be moving away from the planet.

Near Moscow, 1961: Drivers of locomotives reported a disc-shaped object, described as 'topped by a cupola', which followed their train for a few minutes. The object seemed to match the train's speed. The locomotive stopped and could not restart until the mysterious object departed.

ZAPOROJE to VOLGOGRAD, December 29th, 1967: The aircrew of an ILIOUCHINE 14 aircraft reported the presence of a UFO. The aircraft's motors stopped abruptly, causing the plane to side-slip towards the ground. The motors restarted only when the object became invisible, approximately 700 meters from the ground.

September 24th, 1962: Aircrew and passengers of a TU-104 reported seeing an oval object, followed by several other objects, turning around the aircraft. Their statements dwelt on the astonishing maneuverability and speed of the objects.

Scientific and Philosophical Discussions

Is It A Variable Star?

Ken Stanley discusses the possibility of our sun being a variable star, referencing a BBC TV Horizon programme. He argues that if the sun is variable, it could serve as a beacon for extraterrestrial intelligences. Stanley challenges the common scientific excuses for why aliens might not visit Earth, such as the vast distances between stars, citing the speed of light not being the ultimate limit, as evidenced by the discovery of a star traveling away from the universe at speeds exceeding light.

Age of Reason

This section includes a poem in memory of Ray Palmer, former editor of "Amazing Stories" and "Flying Saucers". The poem, titled "Age of Reason", reflects on the end of an era and the questioning of life beyond Earth.

Infinity

A poem titled "INFINITY" by Juhn W.B.Berklam, reflecting on life, time, space, and humanity's place in the universe.

Film and UFOs

All The Eights

This section by Ken Stanley notes the recurring figure-eight shape in popular space/UFO films. It lists films such as:

• 1928: Fritz Lang's "Woman on the Moon"
• 1938: Orson Welles' broadcast of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds"
• 1968: Stanley Kubrick's "2001 - a Space Odyssey"
• 1978: Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

It also mentions Douglas Trumbull's 1971 film "Silent Running" as a personal favorite.

Other Content

Events in Space: A Ring Around Uranus

This brief report mentions the discovery of a ring of satellites around Uranus in March, similar to Saturn's ring system. Astronomers believe these are remnants of a satellite that was smashed in space.

Advertisements and Listings

The issue includes advertisements for books like "STRUCTURAL STABILITY AND MORPHOGENESIS" and "EGYPTIAN RELIGION", and listings for other UFO-related publications and groups such as EUFOSG JOURNAL, FORESIGHT, NORTHERN UFO NEWS, COMMENTARY, UFO INFO EXCHANGE LIBRARY, LANTERN, COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK, and UFOJA NEWSLETTER.

Notes and Quotes

A short graffiti poem from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, expresses a wish for UFOs to go away.

Miscellaneous Comments

• A comment by Barry Norman on the rumour of Roman Polanski's next film being "Close Encounters of the Third Grade".
• A question about women's attraction to H.G. Wells, with the answer suggesting his skin smelt of honey.
• A comment by Isaac Asimov stating that almost every sighting is either a mistake or hoax.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, astronomical phenomena, and the intersection of science fiction with UFOlogy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific speculation, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing UFO reports, as well as exploring broader questions about space, extraterrestrial life, and the nature of reality.