Skywatch - No 31

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: 31
Date: February/March 1979
Publisher: Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team
Editor: David Rees

This issue of SKYWATCH, an informal publication devoted to UFOlogy, presents a diverse range of articles and reports. The cover prominently features 'MAPIT SKYWATCH' and highlights the publication's origin from the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team, founded in 1973.

Readers' Letters

The 'Readers' Letters' section includes correspondence from various individuals. Magda from Blackburn, Lancashire, expresses fascination with 'Skywatch' and a belief in the connection between occult phenomena. Jim Moseley from Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA, sends his best wishes. Normal Oliver, Editor of BUFORA Journal, London, provides details about an upcoming BUFORA conference featuring Dr. Allen Hynek. Piero Mantero from CIRS-UFO, Genova, Italy, expresses interest in reviewing 'Skywatch' for their publication 'X Selezione UFO'. V. I. Sanarov from Novosibirsk, USSR, notes the sporadic nature of UFO publications there and mentions his role as a private researcher and consultant for MUFON-USA. David Reneke from Bidewell, NSW, Australia, details his role as an Australian Consultant for UFO Research and his work with a computer system for correlating UFO cases.

Personal Accounts and Desires

One reader expresses a strong desire to witness a UFO, describing their extensive reading and discussions on the subject, and offering a field for a potential landing. The piece muses on the nature of potential visitors, questioning if they are from other planets, inside the Earth, or from another dimension, and touches upon humanity's need to believe in superior beings.

Editorial Commentary

An editorial piece reflects on the 'Sons of God' and their perceived lack of direct help to humanity, questioning their communication methods and the psychological preparedness of those they contact. It suggests that the UFO phenomenon might be a catalyst for humanity to 'THINK' and reactivate its full potential, but notes the difficulty in discovering the truth without personal contact, which may not be believed.

New UFO Publications

'UFO INSIGHT' is introduced as a new publication from the Fereration of UFO Research (RUFUR), edited by Mark Tyrrell. The first issue is praised for its quality and content, featuring articles by Jenny Randles, Anthony Pace, Andy Collins, and David Sydeserff. The subscription cost is mentioned as £1.25p for a year or 25p for a single issue.

UFO Detectors

Malcolm Jay is highlighted for designing a portable UFO Detector. The device is described as not attracting UFOs but alerting the user to their presence with an audio alarm, providing a chance to see a UFO. Further details are promised in an advertisement later in the issue.

News Reports and Sightings

'RECENTLY DECLASSIFIED AIR FORCE FILES REVEAL - 3-MONTH UFO SIEGE AT TOP SECRET ATOM PLANT': This article, from the National Enquirer (December 6, 1977), details UFO sightings at the Oak Ridge atomic installation in Tennessee between October 1950 and January 1951. The objects evaded fighter planes, and radar screens picked them up. On one occasion, radioactivity in the area surged without any release of material from the plant. A specific sighting involved a bullet-shaped object that changed shape and moved slowly before accelerating. Other sightings included a large gray object and three UFOs moving at low speed.

'WHAT HAPPENED IN SIBERIA?': By SKYSCAN member Tony Green, this report discusses the catastrophic event in the Tungus area of Siberia on June 30, 1908. A bright 'fire-ball' was seen, followed by an explosion that flattened trees within a 20-mile radius. Theories suggest a meteorite or a damaged 'flying saucer' from outer space exploding. The presence of unusual elements in melted dust globules (trinitites) and plant mutations similar to those at Hiroshima are cited as evidence supporting the extraterrestrial theory. The report references the book 'The Fire Came By' by John Baxter and Thomas Aitkins.

'UFO STOPS BY THE PARK': A New York Post report (November 2, 1978) mentions about 50 people seeing a silvery circular reflecting object hovering over Central Park.

'SUNSET UFO': From the Natal Mercury (November 23, 1978), this report describes an orange cigar-shaped luminous object seen over Lisbon, Portugal.

'AT LEAST ONE UFO SGARS OVER ITALY': On September 15, 1978, a UFO was seen over Italy and Sicily, described as triangular or torpedo-shaped and changing color.

'POSSIBLE LANDING AT ST. OVEN IN JERSEY': A report compiled for MAPIT/SKYWATCH by Dean Preston and Arno Chilvers details an experience from 1957 where Mrs. Chilvers and her family saw a large orange glowing object descend, whistle, and spin before disappearing.

'TWO SIGHTINGS FROM CYPRUS AND GREECE': Omiros Karajas reports two cases. The first, from Paphos, Cyprus (1925 or 26), involves a black disc-shaped object seen by a witness who had seen it multiple times before, accelerating away at high speed. The second case, from New Halkidona, Greece (January 7, 1976), describes a witness observing a 'cloud' making strange movements like a falling leaf before disappearing.

'UFO CRASHES IN MADAGASCAR': An Evening Press report (August 21, 1978) states an unidentified flying object crashed and exploded in the market place of Fort Dauphin.

'STIRRING NEWS OF SAUCERS': A Manchester Evening News report (January 8, 1979) indicates a 'flying saucer boom' in Britain, with the UFO spotting agency Contact International receiving an unprecedented number of sightings.

'THE KRANKIES WERE BUZZED BY A FLYING SAUCER': The Sunday Post (January 7, 1979) reports comedians Ian and Janette Tough encountering a brilliant white, long oval-shaped UFO hovering over their plane, accompanied by buzzing noises and strange lights.

'DANGER! HIDDEN UFO's': A Daily Express article (January 19, 1979) discusses a claimed major cover-up of UFO information in Britain, with the Earl of Clancarty of the Contact Movement urging the government to reveal what they know.

MAPIT Newdesk

This section welcomes new members and thanks contributors. It announces that BUFORA will stage a London Conference, with Dr. Allen Hynek as a guest speaker. Arthur Shuttlewood is mentioned as having three books in preparation. The section appeals for member support through donations of newspaper clippings concerning UFOs. Information about MAPIT posters and an information service is also provided. Lindy Whitehurst from Dallas, Texas, USA, notes the existence of a 'Hillcrest Road' in Offerton, England. The section emphasizes that UFOs are seen worldwide, not just in North and South America, citing examples from Greece, Cyprus, Jersey, South Africa, Italy, Madagascar, and Britain.

David Rees, the editor, was interviewed by Piccadilly Radio, and the response was positive.

A letter from Milosz Woznaik requests occult and health books in exchange for Polish folk arts. Omiros Karajas reports on the 'Unidentified Phenomena Investigation Team' (U.P.I.T.) in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Newsdesk - Forthcoming Events

Two dates are announced for members to visit Head Office in Offerton: April 8th and April 15th. Members are asked to contact the office to indicate their preferred date.

The Rafferty Sighting of November 4 1977

This report details an incident involving brothers Owen and Brian Rafferty near Tranent, Scotland. While driving, their car's headlights picked up an object at a 70-degree elevation, moving north to south. The object was described as oval, metallic grey-silver, 10-15 feet in diameter, and moving at approximately 15mph. It was not visible on looking back. The report concludes that the case is a valid UFO sighting.

MAPIT Cassette Series

The 'Skyquest Cassette Series' is promoted, offering tapes featuring various UFO researchers and cases, including 'The Wildman Case and the Banbury Flap'. These cassettes are C60s, with playing times between 52 and 59 minutes, costing £2.80p each.

Advertisements

Several advertisements are included:

• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: Provides UFO reports from around the world, reproduced from international press clippings.
• ARE YOU READING "THE KINGDOM VOICE"?: A British monthly newsletter on Bible Prophecy.
• THE UFO EXAMINER: A magazine covering close encounters, UFO landings, abductions, and sightings.
• NORTHERN UFO NEWS AND NORTHERN UFOLOGY: A publication from Miss Jenny Randles.
• LANGERN: Reports on UFO's and Fottcan phenomena.
• RAGNAROK: A magazine for occultists.
• COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK: National and International UFO News.
• FORESIGHT: A bi-monthly magazine on spiritual aspects, mysticism, philosophy, psychic phenomena, and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed reports of UFO sightings from various locations worldwide, investigations into specific incidents (like Oak Ridge and Tungus), and the promotion of new UFO-related publications and services. The magazine appears to maintain an open stance towards UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and theories without explicit endorsement of any single explanation, while also acknowledging the challenges in verifying such reports and the potential for government secrecy. The editorial stance encourages reader participation and the sharing of information within the UFO community.

This issue of SKYWATCH magazine, identified as issue No. 2, is primarily a compilation of UFO reports, book listings, and information related to UFO detection. The content is predominantly in English and appears to be published in the United Kingdom. The main cover headline highlights "SKYWATCH UFO DETECTORS."

Content Highlights

Earthlink and Revelation

The magazine begins by promoting "EARTHLINK," a publication for flying saucer news, offering subscription rates for UK and overseas readers. It also mentions "REVELATION," a quarterly magazine covering philosophy, constitution of man, and the occult, with subscription details provided.

Skywatch UFO Detectors and Books for Sale

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to "Skywatch UFO Detectors" (SKUFOD), a pocket-sized device designed to detect the electromagnetic effects of UFOs. The article explains the rationale behind its development, noting that UFOs are known to cause electromagnetic disturbances. The detector is described as a vital piece of equipment for UFO researchers, capable of detecting E.M. effects and alerting the user with an alarm. The specification for the pocket portable model is provided, including its size and battery operation. The detector is obtainable from Malcolm Jay.

The magazine also features an extensive "BOOKS FOR SALE" section, listing numerous titles related to UFOs, exobiology, astronomy, and related phenomena. Books by authors such as Jacques & Janine Vallee, Dr. Allen Hynek, Dr. Clifford Wilson, John Baxter, Thomas Atkins, I.S. Shklovski & Carl Sagan, Duncan Luna, Ian Ridpath, Jean-Claude Bourret, Larry Kettelkamp, I. Hobana & J. Weverbergh, Michael Hervy, Margaret Sachs & Ernest Jahn, Alan West & D. Jefferis, Kenneth Arnold & Ray Palmer, Leonard Stringfield, Paris Flammonde, D.A. Seargent, John Weldon & Zola Levitt, and Barry Downing are listed with their prices. A separate section lists "General Backgound Reading (Hardbacks)" and "General Paperbacks."

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue details a period of intense UFO activity, particularly in the Crewe area of the United Kingdom, referred to as a 'flap'. The "THE AMAZING AUTUMN SKIES" section, by Mark A. Tyrrell, covers the period from late August to late November 1977. It recounts several specific sightings investigated by FUFOR (Federation UFO Research), based in Crewe.

• Key incidents described include:
• August 24: Sightings in Nantwich and Crewe, involving oval-shaped objects, circular discs changing colour, and objects moving erratically.
• August 26: A 'squarish-boxy' shaped object with a tail observed in Coppenhall.
• September 3: Multiple sightings in the Crewe and Alsager areas, including a 'very bright star' with a cigar outline, 'pinheads' of light, and objects changing colour and direction.
• September 3: Sightings near Leighton Hospital and in Sandbach, involving objects moving at high speed and changing colour, and a hovering object over a lake.
• September 8: A yellow/orange light seen over the Wimodsley area.
• September 15: A hazy light observed during Skywatch No. 3.
• September 18: A photographic case involving a round object changing colour, photographed by David Moses.
• September 21: A photographic case near Hough, involving alleged sightings of four white lights.
• October 3: A 'bright yellow' object seen in the East.
• October 4: An orange ball of light hovering above a field.
• October 10: A yellow/orange light seen travelling NE.
• October 15: A hazy light observed during Skywatch No. 3.
• October 25: A 'large flashing light' observed moving slowly and then to and fro between trees.
• October 31 (Halloween night): Reports of a bright round object and an orange/white object performing manoeuvres.
• November 1: Two women reported seeing a cigar-shaped light travelling fast.
• November 3: Sightings of a vivid bright light with rainbow colouring, a silver-cigar-shaped object, and an orange ball-shaped object.
• November 7: Two corroborative sightings of a brilliant white object and a black cylindrical object.
• November 8: An orange point of light seen by an amateur astronomer.
• November 16: A sighting in North Wales.
• November 24: A pair of flashing pinpoints of light seen travelling NW.

The article notes that FUFOR, a small group, could not follow up every lead but gained valuable experience and matured as an investigation team.

Other Sections

• "THE END' BITS" includes a misprint correction from a BBC TV Film, a quote about evidence, and an apology for the lack of MAPIT sighting investigations due to being overwhelmed.
• "A POEM" titled "THE FLAME" by John W.B.Barklam is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the promotion of resources for UFO enthusiasts, such as magazines and books. The magazine also highlights the development and availability of a UFO detection device. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO reports, with a focus on documenting and investigating sightings, particularly those occurring in the UK. There is an emphasis on the electromagnetic aspects of UFOs and the need for researchers to stay informed and equipped. The publication aims to serve the UFO research community by providing news, reports, and relevant literature.