Skywatch - No 30

Magazine Overview

SKYWATCH, Issue 30, November/December 1978

This issue of SKYWATCH, the publication of the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team, marks its 5th anniversary. Edited by David Rees, the magazine is an informal publication dedicated to UFOlogy and related subjects. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the group or editor, and contributions may be reproduced in full or part. The editorial address is 92, Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England, with a telephone number of 061-483-4210.

Readers' Letters

The issue opens with a section of readers' letters. Chris Ruthowski from UFOlogy Research of Manitoba notes a slow UFO scene but suggests active investigation. Ken Mitchell mentions Steven Spielberg revising CE3K. Steven Gilbourne reports on a radio program featuring Patrick Moore's skeptical views. Larry Dale announces plans for a BUFORA training program for inexperienced investigators. Roy Dutton, involved with DIGAP and MUFORA, discusses his focus on analyzing existing UFO data rather than new investigations, referencing his papers for BUFORA conferences. David Fideler praises an article on mystery helicopters and expresses interest in the subject.

Advertisement

An advertisement for the Sheffield Space Centre, run by Peter Hammerton, offers a wide range of science fiction and UFO-related books, magazines, tapes, slides, and posters. The center is located at 485, London Road, Heeley, Sheffield S24 HL, with contact number 0742-581-040.

UFOS TRICK OR TREAT by Betty Wood

Betty Wood explores the impact of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" on UFO sightings in Britain. She questions whether the film's sentimental ending might lull people into a false sense of security or serve as a symbolic plea to accept the unknown. Wood discusses the shift from the 'space brothers' of the 1950s to potentially less benevolent beings. She also considers sociological explanations, Freudian implications, and the possibility of collective unconscious phenomena or even alien manipulation through confusion and mental intimidation. Wood laments the lack of academic and scientific interest in the subject, suggesting it could lead to significant advancements in human understanding.

Shamanism and UFOs

This section delves into the parallels between shamanism and UFO activity, drawing heavily on the works of Carlos Castaneda. The author notes how 'Don Juan' books describe phenomena like ominous thunderings and the appearance of 'allies' – natural energy entities that can take various forms – which bear resemblance to UFO encounters. The author suggests that these rumblings and feelings of stillness might presage a change in consciousness. The article references 'Autobiography of a Yogi' and 'The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries' for similar accounts of entities arriving in light spheres. The concept of 'allies' is compared to biblical accounts of angels and the shaman's struggle with them. The author also touches upon the idea that 'allies' can be captured and tamed, and that shamans can demonstrate powers akin to UFO-like movements. The article notes instances of 'spacemen' encased in transparent spheres and the variability of entity descriptions based on the witness. It raises the question of whether contactees are set on a new path or suffer negative consequences, suggesting it might depend on individual makeup or a deliberate policy of confusion.

The author further explores the idea that UFO experiences might be subjective or objective mental experiences, comparing them to stigmata-like physical manifestations induced by hypnosis. The article questions whether the 'good guys' have abandoned humanity or if the 'Trickster' archetype is at play. It suggests that UFOs might be a form of trickery or a test.

SKYWATCHES: MY PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT WITH THEM by D.J. Goring

D.J. Goring of the Essex UFO Study Group discusses organized skywatches as a common and important activity for UFO groups. He notes that skywatches often attract newcomers eager to see UFOs, while others may have different expectations, sometimes mistaking them for lectures or tourist events. Goring emphasizes that while UFOs are rarely seen on skywatches, they are not a waste of time. They serve as social events, facilitate the sharing of sightings that might otherwise remain private, and can lead to new members joining groups. He acknowledges the discomforts of skywatching but highlights the potential rewards. Goring also points out the difficulty in distinguishing between natural phenomena (like aircraft, satellites, or astronomical events) and genuine unknown objects, especially for less experienced skywatchers.

FILM REVIEW: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

This review by Peter Hill praises Steven Spielberg's film as more than just a space fiction movie, calling it an epic that has influenced opinion. The reviewer compares Spielberg's use of fiction to influence audiences to the methods of authors like Dickens and Voltaire. The film is lauded for broadening minds, opening new patterns of thought, and having a profound effect on opinion by making the phenomenon more widely understood and accepted. The criticism that the 'unonauts' behavior is ambivalent is dismissed, with the reviewer stating that we might not understand them. The film is described as important and impressive.

CIA IS SUED OVER UFOS

An article reports that American lawyer Henry Rothblatt is suing the CIA to reveal its knowledge of flying saucers, claiming the agency has withheld vital facts since 1952. The CIA reportedly refused the information, citing national security. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of Ground Saucer Watch Incorporated.

FRANCE AIDS PRESIDENT CARTER'S UFO RESEARCH

This section details President Carter's efforts to release UFO facts, including his attempts to get the UN and NASA to investigate. France has become the ninth government to announce that UFOs are "not of earth technology." A major UFO probe has been launched in France, backed by defense chiefs and with US assistance. French universities and space research organizations are ordered to participate. The French study is seen as a serious undertaking, and following President Carter's own sighting remark, the US government has received numerous letters, potentially leading to its own full-scale UFO probe.

"WHY I BELIEVE IN UFO's" by Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy expresses his belief in UFOs, citing qualified observers and reported sightings that cannot be dismissed. He mentions the case of Travis Walton and his own experiences for the TV series "In Search of..." where he spoke with the Phil Baker family. Nimoy believes there is validity to UFO sightings and that life exists on other planets, making visitation possible.

RUSSIAN UFO REPORT

This report, circulated by a group investigating UFOs in Russia, claims the Soviet secret police have an espionage problem with UFOs. Despite official frowns, the Russian people are aware of UFOs. The report details sightings in Nalchik (36 hours), an airliner chase near Vorkuta, and an incident near Moscow involving a railroad crossing, stalled cars, and strange occurrences. The government attributes these to rumors and propaganda, but the intelligentsia are reportedly seeking the truth. A Russian official's response to a landed UFO was to arrest and send it to Siberia.

GROUP NEWS

This section celebrates SKYWATCH's 5th anniversary, noting its growth from a one-page newssheet in 1973 to a publication read worldwide. The editor thanks contributors like Jenny Randles, Betty Wood, and Dan Goring. The article laments the disappearance of other UFO magazines and highlights the importance of local publications like Earthlink and Northern UFO News. It expresses hope that SKYWATCH will continue to be published. The editor notes that some UFO sightings are under investigation and will be reported in future issues. The section concludes with holiday wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

BELIEVING IS SEEING by Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles reflects on the growth of SKYWATCH and MAPIT since 1973, crediting Dave Rees for its success. She discusses her own involvement in the UFO subject, including her work on a book and her administrative role with FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, organizing investigation teams. Randles notes the phenomenon of UFOs has evolved, and cautions against premature conclusions, particularly the common belief that UFOs are extraterrestrial spaceships. She suggests that viewpoints can and should metamorphose over time.

Randles focuses on the question: "Why do some people experience more UFO events than others?" She argues that while UFOs are seen by all types of people, 'repeater' witnesses often have a background of peculiar experiences, such as psychic phenomena or premonitions. She cites Mrs. Joyce Bowles' experiences as an example. Randles suggests that the UFO experience might be person-oriented and stem from within, possibly involving psychic powers. She draws an analogy to bending metal, questioning whether the psychic person or an entity is responsible. Randles believes there is a correlation between a witness's sensitivity and the intensity of the encounter. She emphasizes that while fabrications exist, it is unwise to dismiss stories outright simply because they seem nonsensical.

Randles then addresses the theme of children experiencing more UFO encounters, particularly during the 1977 UK wave. She lists examples like the South Wales school sightings and encounters in Marple and Wawne. While acknowledging that children fantasize and may misidentify objects, she doubts this accounts for all cases. She suggests that children may suffer fewer inhibitions in reporting experiences and have a greater interest in space. Randles concludes that children might be more sensitive, with better hearing and eyesight, and potentially possess psychic facilities that contribute to their experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the personal experiences and investigations of UFO phenomena, the impact of media (like films) on public perception, the exploration of potential connections between UFOs and other belief systems (shamanism, folklore), and the challenges of distinguishing between natural and anomalous aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's notes and the content selection, is one of open inquiry into UFOlogy, encouraging contributions and discussions from various perspectives, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and the potential for misidentification. The publication appears to be a platform for enthusiasts to share information and theories within the UFO community.

Title: Skywatch
Issue: 10
Volume: 1
Date: October 1978
Publisher: Essex UFO Study Group
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Skywatch magazine, published by the Essex UFO Study Group, focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena and spirituality, alongside various reported sightings and related news.

UFOS - THE SPIRITUAL CONNECTION?

This lead article, written by Gloria Saville of The Essex UFO Study Group, explores the author's personal views on UFOs and their potential connection to the spiritual side of life. Saville posits that children's heightened sensitivity might explain why they often report UFOs more readily than adults. She suggests that the UFO phenomenon might be experienced in a personal fashion, with individuals possibly being responsible for its existence. The author expresses confusion but conviction regarding the existence of UFOs, noting the rationality and calmness of many witnesses she has encountered. She draws a parallel between the diversity of life on Earth and the potential for myriad life forms in other universes. Saville theorizes that Earth might be one of many 'hells' where souls learn lessons before progressing to higher planes, or falling to lower ones. She speculates that some UFOs could originate from higher or lower planes, potentially being technologically advanced but not spiritually so. The article touches upon the idea that 'evil ones' might be prevented from taking over due to certain laws and the respect for free will. It also considers the possibility that UFOs are harbingers of the 'last days' as foretold in Bible prophecy, with the period 1980-2000 being seen as an end to the current world, potentially leading to a new Golden Age.

SIGHTINGS

This section presents several reported UFO sightings:

• Lancashire Hill, Stockport (October 7, 1978): A witness described a cigar-shaped, silver object in the sky, initially mistaken for a plane, which left a trail of smoke and descended into a black cloud. The object disappeared after 15 minutes.
• Risley, near Warrington (March 20, 1978): The Manchester Evening News reported a sighting of a 7 ft tall 'Spaceman', which was one of several in the area. One man claimed to have seen the figure while driving home from Manchester.
• Chiliwack, British Columbia (April 6, 1976): Elizabeth Van Saane and her brothers reported seeing an oblong object with flickering colored lights (blue, red, yellow) in the western sky. Ms. Van Saane later viewed it through binoculars and described it as rectangular.
• Bempton, Humberside (August 10, 1978): Over two hours, blue/white lights were observed crossing the sky in zig-zag patterns. One light stopped overhead before vanishing. Four objects converged and then shot off.

UFOS IN POLAND

This article by Marek S Iwaniec details an incident in May 1978 involving a farmer named Jan Wolski from Emilcin village, Poland. Wolski reported encountering two small creatures with green faces and black overalls in a forest. They took him into a strange, hanging object where he was examined and then released. The object was also seen by two children, and six other people confirmed seeing strange small footprints at the site. Mr. Zbigniew Blania of the British UFO Research Association stated that it was improbable the incident was a figment of Wolski's imagination, given his examination. Wolski described the creatures as about 5 feet tall, with green faces and hands, and webbing between their fingers. They communicated in an unknown language.

The object was described as being about 12 feet above the ground, and Wolski was taken inside via a small lift. The interior was dark, possibly made of plastic, with benches. One creature consumed something like an ice cube. Wolski was told to undress and was examined using two small plates that made a clicking sound when connected.

THE LARISSA CASE

This report, contributed by Omiros Karajas from Greece, details an incident on December 6, 1969. Mr. Doukas and Mr. Goudovas were driving near Larissa when they observed a luminous sphere, about the size of a full moon, with flames or flashes, flying over a rail station. The object illuminated the area and then moved southeast, stopping over the village of Onolioy. It then increased in diameter and moved erratically at high speed, leaving a large flame. The witnesses attempted to follow it in their car. Investigators George Balanos and Christ Eflhsmiopouos of APRO investigated and found strange burning marks on the right side of the car. The Greek Rep of NASA confirmed the object was not a satellite or rocket part. The investigation also revealed that villagers on Olympes Mount had seen disc-shaped objects without wings entering and exiting ravines, initially dismissed as secret military aircraft.

Another sighting occurred on July 25, 1970, in Athens, where an engineer observed a disc-shaped object with pulsating light, followed by four similar objects. In 1971, inhabitants of Karafigi village saw a disc-shaped object with yellow-red light and blue-green shafts of light, moving at high speed, which frightened local animals.

ADVERTISEMENTS

The magazine includes advertisements for various UFO and related publications:

• NORTHERN UFO NEWS: Monthly publication.
• COMMENTARY: Published by UFORUM.
• LANTERN: UFOs and Fortean phenomena.
• UFOJA NEWSLETTER: Channel Island UFO News.
• COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK: National and International UFO News.
• FORESIGHT: Bi-monthly magazine on spiritual aspects, mysticism, philosophy, psychic phenomena, UFOs, and world events.
• READ EARHLINK: For flying saucer news and UFO reports, published by the Essex UFO Study Group.
• REVELATION: Quarterly magazine on philosophy and the constitution of man, for the occult and spiritual seeker.
• SKYWATCH: Back issues available.

KENT UFO NEWS BULLETIN

An announcement states that from the next issue, the Kent UFO News Bulletin will merge with the UFO Phenomena News Bulletin to form the Unexplained Phenomena News Bulletin. This new magazine will be approximately eight pages long and published quarterly. Current subscribers will receive the first issue, with exceptions for some American subscribers. The provisional price is £1.20 for four issues, with efforts to find cheaper production methods. The new publication aims to provide international news coverage of UFOs and other mysterious phenomena.

QUOTES AND NOTES

This section features several quotes and notes:

• A quote from Thomas Fuller on pyramids forgetting their founders.
• A quote from Marie Antoinette stating, "There is nothing new except what has been forgotten."
• A quote from Albert Einstein on the importance of wonder and mystery.
• A quote from Capt. Ed. Mitchell (US Astronaut) questioning the origin of UFOs.
• George Lucas's opinion on Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' as a superior science fiction film.
• News about Gary Guffey starring in Steve Spielberg's new film 'After School'.
• Information about Ray Bradbury's 'The Martian Chronicles' being adapted into a six-million dollar television series, with Rock Hudson playing Captain Wilder.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the spiritual and psychological aspects of UFO experiences, alongside a commitment to reporting diverse international sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for various perspectives, including those that link UFOs to broader spiritual or prophetic interpretations. The magazine also serves as a hub for the UFO community, advertising related publications and announcing the consolidation of resources into a new, larger bulletin.