Skywatch - No 29

Magazine Overview

Title: MAPIT SKYWATCH
Issue: No. 29
Date: July-August 1978
Publisher: Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team
Editor: David Rees

SKYWATCH is an informal publication dedicated to UFOlogy and related subjects, produced by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (MAPIT), founded in September 1973. The publication expresses views from contributors that are not necessarily shared by the Group or Editor. Items included may be reproduced in full or part, with a request for copies of journals using material from SKYWATCH.

Readers' Letters

The "Readers' Letters" section features correspondence from various individuals. Herve Laronde, Editor of Kruptos in Lyon, France, expresses interest in translating SKYWATCH items for their next issue and hopes to meet the editor in the summer. Harry Griesberg from Gosford, Australia, encloses a standard Australian UFO Report form, designed for consistency in reporting, and notes the success of "Close Encounters" screenings in Australia. Mike Viljoen from Contact, Durban, South Africa, informs that their publication has ceased and they are negotiating with Contact UK to replace it with "Awareness". Christian De Wespin from Brussels, Belgium, expresses interest and requests a sample magazine. Michael Lewis, a BUFORA Investigator from Barnet, Herts, finds the publication informative and varied, recalling similar experiences to Dan Goring's Warminster sighting. Enrico Farraris, President of ACOM in Alessandria, Italy, discusses a 'Crisis' in Italian UFOlogy, necessitating a new approach to investigation. Malcolm Jay from London reports on selling UFO Detectors in Denmark through FUFOs, detailing a sighting by Carl Alex Hansen of two UFOs followed by five more in a circle formation.

Group News

Ken Stanley of Oldham is thanked for a short article-cum-letter about the Group, which appeared in the "Oldham Chronicle" on March 1st, leading to interesting sightings. SKYWATCH is now exchanging with UFU Canada and Ancient Skies (USA), and is sent to 19 countries. Alan West, Editor of Spacequest, confirms BUDC is still active. MAPIT relies on readers to send in UFO clipping collection material, noting the high cost of professional press-cutting services. A MAPIT/SKYWATCH Tee-Shirt is available.

International News Round-up

Erich Von Daniken completed a successful tour of New Zealand. The "Earth Colonisation Report Vol 2 No 11" is mentioned. A UFO sighting off the coast of Southern Africa near Lisbon involved a Portuguese fishing vessel, where the UFO reflected intense light and caused the ship's alarm system to operate. The "Australian UFO Bulletin" is also noted.

Asteroid Named after Chess Player

Asteroid No.1909 has been named Alexander Alekhine, after the Russian Chess Player. The naming was approved by the International Centre for Small Planets.

Unidentified Flying Objects on the Increase

This article by Nigel Watson profiles Paul Bennett, a 14-year-old schoolboy from Bradford who, with his friend Darryl Tate, formed the BRUFOAP group. Paul, who studies astronomy, meteorology, nuclear physics, and psychology, has had several startling sightings. One spectacular sighting on October 12th, 1975, involved a ten-to-twelve-feet-high robot near Wrose, which scooped soil samples. Another incident on October 15th, 1976, described a strange, two-foot-tall entity with no discernible features. Paul and his friends have also seen cigar-shaped UFOs over Idle Hill Reservoir, and a 25-page report has been submitted to "Flying Saucer Review". The article also mentions other sightings in Yorkshire, including a UFO photographed over Saltaire, a domed-green object over Haworth, and an orange-red light over Harden, suggesting Yorkshire is experiencing an increase in UFO activity.

UFO's Over Canada

An RCMP-witnessed UFO incident occurred near Kitchener, B.C., on August 3rd, 1977. A mother and son observed two UFOs, described as much brighter than stars, hovering near an airship. The RCMP noted their pulsing nature, changing colours, and that they were not stars, planets, or aircraft.

BUFORA CONFERENCE '78

The BUFORA National Research & Investigation Conference was held in Nottingham on April 15-16. Thirteen speakers presented, covering topics such as 'Spanish Time Law Analysis of UFO Sightings', 'Experimental Investigation of Some Aspects of Biochemical Evolution', and 'photographic and physical 'evidence''. Ray Dutton suggested sightings might peak along certain great circles, while John Hind proposed UFOs represent a modern social phenomenon. John Armitage discussed 'ET Concepts and the Search for Extra-terrestrial Life', and Anthony Pace spoke on 'ZEta Reticulans as possible ET visitors'.

THE BEST LAID PLANS OF...(UFO CONFERENCE ORGANISERS)

This section, by Mark A. Tyrrell, details the second 'Federation UFU Research' Exhibition and Mini-conference held on June 10th, 1978, at the Crewe Civic Centre Library. Despite publicity efforts, including radio interviews, attendance was under a hundred, a significant reduction from the previous year's five hundred. The event faced challenges, including a double booking of the lecture theatre with a paintings exhibition, and technical issues with the slide projector.

Standing Stones, Circles & Ley-Lines

Ken Mitchell discusses theories surrounding 'Megalithic Works', suggesting their significance lies in their precise placement in relation to 'Earth Currents'. He proposes that these sites may have been used to store or withdraw 'psychic energy', which could be benevolent or malevolent depending on its 'polarity'. The article draws an analogy to a 'National Grid' system of electricity, suggesting ancient man utilized Earth Currents for beneficial ends.

The Real Issues in the UFO Field

Allen H Greenfield argues that there is no substantial reason to accept the theory that UFOs are 'spaceships' from other planets. He suggests that UFOs and associated 'otherworldly' creatures are similar to classical manifestations in fairy folklore. Greenfield posits that other-dimensional structures (alternate reality frames) exist and that UFOs could be linked to this theory. He views the UFO phenomenon as suggestive of archetypal and paranormal events found within Jungian psychology and parapsychological research, highlighting a 'subjective factor' at the heart of the mystery. He critiques official UFOlogy circles for their limited frame of reference and conservative expectations, advocating for bolder patterns of thought. Greenfield contends that understanding the UFO problem requires understanding the people involved, suggesting that the nature of UFOlogists is a clue to the nature of UFOs. He cites examples from "Ufology Notebook" concerning UFO waves and airship cases, pointing to the dangers of a small, closed circle of people monopolizing public attention on UFOs.

Sighting Scene

A sighting on July 30th, 1977, near RAF Finningley, Doncaster, involved Mr. Harry Birkenhead, who photographed a possible saucer-shaped object below an aircraft formation. The object was noted on the negative but not seen by the photographer at the time. Kodak's examination of the film concluded it was likely a piece of dust or foreign matter. Further investigation was deemed not possible.

Electronic Voice Phenomenon

Alan Cleaver discusses the phenomenon of hearing voices on dis-used radio frequencies, citing the book "Broakthrough". Three main theories are considered: the voices are from the Dead, the Human Subconscious, or UFOs. The UFO theory has fewer supporters but is considered a possibility due to the polyglot nature of the voices.

Some Mysteries of the Past

The Cube

A Soviet scientist-journalist investigated a strange, machine-made cube discovered in a coal mine, estimated to be millions of years old. The museum officials claimed it was lost during World War II and had no proof of its existence.

The Inscriptions

A miner named James Parsons discovered a large amount of coal in the Hammonds-ville coal mine, Ohio, in the fall of 1868.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SKYWATCH revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader implications of the UFO phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and disseminating information, as seen in the clipping collection and the standardized report form. The publication appears open to various theories, from extraterrestrial visitation to alternative explanations involving Earth currents and psychological factors. The editorial stance, as indicated by the disclaimer, is that the views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Group or Editor, suggesting a platform for diverse perspectives within the UFOlogy community. The issue also touches upon historical mysteries and the challenges of scientific investigation in the field.

This is the first issue of UFO magazine, published by the Northern UFO Network. The cover story, "The 7 Million Year Old Toad," details a remarkable discovery made in a uranium mine in Utah, USA, on February 2, 1958. Four miners, while dynamiting a fossilised tree embedded in a high-grade uranium ore bed, shattered the tree trunk, revealing a cavity containing a living toad. The toad survived for twenty-eight hours and, despite its apparent age, was in good shape. This incident prompts the question: "Could Uranium be the key to suspended animation?"

The issue also briefly mentions another intriguing mystery: inscriptions found on a slate wall in a coal shaft that bore a resemblance to ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics. However, the age of the coal vein was estimated to be over 2 million years, and the inscriptions oxidized too quickly for experts to examine or decipher, leaving their knowledge and meaning unknown.

These accounts are presented as examples from the book 'Mysteries of the Earth' by Jacques Bergier.

Advertisements and Publications

The magazine features a section of advertisements for various UFO and paranormal publications and organizations:

• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: A monthly publication of the Northern UFO Network, write to Miss Jenny Randles.
• COMMENTARY: Described as a good magazine worth reading, published by UFORUM, write to Linda Thompson.
• LANTERN: Covers UFO's and Fortean phenomena, 4 issues for 75p, write to Ivan Bunn.
• UFOJA NEWSLETTER: Channel Island UFO News, contact Arno Chilvers.
• COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK: National and International UFU News, 30p a copy from Edward Harris.
• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine focusing on spiritual aspects, life awareness, mysticism, philosophy, psychic phenomena, UFOs, and world events. Subscription is 90p plus postage, write to Foresight Organisation.
• READ EARTHLINK: For serious Flying Saucer news, UFO reports, articles, and related phenomena. Rates are provided for UK and overseas, payable to Essex UFO Study Group.
• REVELATION: A quarterly magazine covering the philosophy and constitution of man, for the occult and spiritual seeker. Single copies 30p, yearly sub. £1.00, from The Editor, Revelation.
• SKYWATCH: Offers back issues and a special issue No.2.
• KENT UFO NEWS BULLETIN: Publication of the Cosmic Society Research Consortium, edited by D.J. Parry and G. Rolfe, Jr.

Editorial Announcement and New Publication

An important editorial announcement states that from the next issue, the Kent UFO News Bulletin will merge with the UFO Phenomena News Bulletin (published by the Norfolk and National UFO Investigation Society). The new combined magazine will be called the "Unexplained Phenomena News Bulletin." It will be approximately eight pages long and published four times a year. Current subscribers to KUFOND will be switched to the new magazine. Due to increased costs, subscribers will only receive the first issue of the new magazine, regardless of their original subscription date, with exceptions for American subscribers who paid in cash.

The provisional price for the new magazine is set at £1.20 for four issues. The publishers emphasize that this price is provisional and unlikely to decrease due to the high cost of photo-copying, which will be used for the initial issues. They hope to find a cheaper production method soon.

The publishers promise that the new publication, UPNB, will maintain a high standard, comparable to other group publications, and will feature international news coverage of UFOs and well-written articles on all aspects of UFO phenomena and other mysterious phenomena. They hope it will meet with readers' approval, with the first issue appearing in July.

A Poem: Dream or Prophecy?

The issue concludes with a poem titled "Dream or Prophecy?" by John W.B. Barklam. The poem describes a dream of ships sailing high in the sky, black in color with long fins. It evokes a sense of unease and impending doom, with imagery of panic, shooting, fighting, and confusion in a city, culminating in a machine gun firing a warning shot. The speaker questions whether this is a dream or a sign of things to come.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance is one of exploration and inquiry, presenting intriguing cases and raising questions without necessarily providing definitive answers. The emphasis on providing information through various publications and the merger of bulletins suggest a commitment to disseminating UFO-related news and research within the community. The tone is informative and aims to engage readers with the more mysterious aspects of the Earth and the cosmos.