Skywatch - No 32

Magazine Overview

SKYWATCH, issue No. 32, published in May/June 1979 by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (founded in 1973), is an informal publication dedicated to UFOlogy and related subjects. The magazine's editorial address is 92, Hillcrest Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England, with a telephone number of 061 - 483 - 4210.

Reader Feedback

The 'Feedback - Readers Letters' section features correspondence from various individuals and organizations. Karen Linneballe from SUFOI in Denmark reports on the organization's activities in 1979, including new subscribers, a touring exhibition, and their technical department's detector (UFJ). Howard Burker, Western Regional Director of the UFO Bureau of Georgia, USA, congratulates the editor on SKYWATCH being a very good publication. John Rimmer from MUFOB, Surrey, expresses skepticism about constructive developments from the House of Lords debate on UFOs and criticizes the media's handling of the subject.

Feature Article: The First Family of UFology

This article by Chris Rutkowski of UFO Research Manitoba profiles Dr. Allen Hynek and his wife, Mimi. The interview, conducted on Hecla Island, Manitoba, touches on Dr. Hynek's career, his wife's initial reactions to his work, and their children's perspectives. Mrs. Hynek describes her husband's involvement with UFOs as a gradual process, starting in 1948 when the Air Force asked him to sort through reports of lights in the sky. She expresses that publicity can be a trap, while Dr. Hynek argues for the necessity of media exposure for their work, citing an upcoming talk at the Air Force Academy. They discuss their leisure activities, including playing backgammon and listening to music.

Other Articles and News

Scottish UFO: The Mrs. Anne Clark Sighting of June 1966

This case, discovered in 1976, details Mrs. Anne Clark's sighting of a cigar-shaped object in June 1966. While driving in southwest Scotland, she observed an object moving south-westerly, described as greenish-orange with a magnitude one brightness, at an altitude of approximately 1,300 feet. Mrs. Clark's reluctance to discuss the sighting further due to the deaths of her husband and son is noted.

UFO-Lincoln '79: The First London International UFO Research Congress

This section announces an upcoming international UFO research congress to be held on August 26-27, 1979, at the Mount Royal Hotel, Marble Arch, London. Guest speakers include Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The congress aims to establish common policies on terminology, classification, and data processing. It will feature an exhibition of UFO research material and a bookstall.

News Around the World

This segment provides brief reports on UFO sightings and related news:

• Newfoundland (Maritime Canada): A couple reported an oval object on January 17th, 1979.
• Lima, Peru: NASA scientists are reportedly attempting to contact extraterrestrials, with flying saucers seen in the Andes.
• UFO's Over Poland: Two residents of Krakow claimed to have seen a UFO that disrupted their car engine.
• UFO Seen Kuala Lumpur: Four farmers sighted a small glittering object floating in the air.

Sheffield Space Centre

This advertisement highlights a new venture offering science fiction, UFO, and related books, magazines, tapes, slides, and posters. Peter Immerton is the proprietor.

Ian Ridpath: Another Dr. Donald Menzel?

This article by D.J. Goring discusses Ian Ridpath's views on UFOs, particularly his article 'Close Encounters of the Fraud Kind'. The author criticizes Ridpath's assumptions and argues that UFOs are not extraterrestrial spaceships but rather phenomena that are not fully understood, possibly including ball lightning. The article also references astronomer V.A. Firsoff's views on the possibility of other technological civilizations.

MAPIT Newsdesk

This section includes various news items:

• Bernard Oclair of Contact UK received an award from BUFORA.
• The Jersey UFO Group LFOJA is producing a new magazine called "Unidentified Encounters".
• NUFOR is publishing a book titled 'The UFO Explosion'.
• 'Ragnarok' magazine has ceased publication.
• 'Fortean Times' is undergoing changes and will be renamed 'Strange Phenomena'.
• A CE3K Calendar related to the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is available.
• Miss Ruth Rees is the new International President of Contact UK.
• BUFORA has a copy of the House of Lords Official Report on the UFO debate.
• New magazines ALPHA and Magic Saucer are introduced.

NUFOR Withdrawal

MAPIT announces its immediate withdrawal from the Northern UFO Network.

UFOSPACE Advertisement

An advertisement for UFOSPACE, a newsclipping journal, highlighting its extensive coverage of UFO-related news from around the world.

The UFO Record: Glimpses of Another Realm?

This article by J.B. Delair assumes that the UFO phenomenon is real and intelligently controlled. It examines the UFO record, noting consistent descriptions of objects and occupants, and the occurrence of landed UFOs leaving physical traces. The author suggests that UFOs are artificial and composed of metallic materials, possibly machines or craft. The article also touches upon other related phenomena such as "Men-in-black" episodes and animal mutilations, suggesting they might be part of a larger, interconnected problem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SKYWATCH revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the scientific and public discourse surrounding the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on reporting news from around the world, featuring interviews with prominent figures in the field like Dr. Allen Hynek, and discussing upcoming events and publications. The editorial stance, as stated, is to publish views from contributors without necessarily endorsing them, fostering an open platform for UFOlogy and related subjects. The magazine also appears to engage with and sometimes critique the views of skeptics and researchers who hold differing opinions, as seen in the discussion of Ian Ridpath's article.

This issue of SKYWATCH, dated January 1979, is a UK-based publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena. It features articles exploring the technological sophistication of UFOs, the potential motivations of their occupants, and practical tools for detection. The issue also includes a section on local UFO sightings and advertisements for other related publications and services.

The Nature and Technology of UFOs

The lead article posits that the incredible flight capabilities of UFOs suggest a highly advanced and controllable propulsion system, indicative of a sophisticated technology and a high order of intelligence. The author argues that UFOs, if vehicles, are likely a small part of a much larger, unknown phenomenon, akin to a car being a minor aspect of human civilization. The realization of this advanced technology leads to the conclusion that UFO occupants possess extraordinary efficiency and proficiency.

UFO Occupant Activities and Preferences

The article suggests that by studying the behavior and preferences of UFO occupants, glimpses into their culture can be gained. While some writers propose they might be robotic forms, the focus is on their reported actions on Earth. These activities and preferences for certain terrestrial sites and artifacts offer clues about the culture responsible for the UFO phenomenon. The text notes that UFOs themselves are often described as being made of solid materials, capable of leaving ground indentations, implying the acquisition and processing of raw materials.

Biological Research and Medical Expertise

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the observed interest of UFO occupants in terrestrial animals, plants, soils, and water bodies. This is interpreted as evidence of biological knowledge being extended and potentially a program of biological research. The collection of specimens and samples further supports this supposition. The author suggests that such a sophisticated culture would likely develop biological interests for reasons such as producing nutritious foodstuffs or improving existing organisms. The possibility of cross-breeding selected denizens from different worlds is also raised. The article highlights that UFO records contain instances where occupants have allegedly exhibited advanced medical expertise, particularly in cases involving human abductions for clinical examinations or breeding experiments, pointing to an interest in medical and biological disciplines.

Technological Capabilities

The analysis of UFO behavior suggests a culture with advanced technological capabilities. The detection, location, and extraction of raw materials imply sophisticated detection techniques and control systems, which in turn necessitate a knowledge of mathematics or computational systems. This mathematical knowledge permits design and invention. The text also considers the possibility that UFOs are designed creations utilizing hard materials, possibly metals. Propulsion systems capable of propelling UFOs are clearly controlled in an advanced technological manner. The utilization of these materials and propulsion systems implies the need for detection, extraction, and harnessing of resources, requiring fundamental techniques and control systems. These, in turn, imply mathematical or computational systems for communicating abstract thoughts and creating workable designs. While some have suggested that UFO occupants might be able to 'think' UFOs into existence, the report of witnesses observing UFO occupants 'repairing' landed UFOs suggests they are composed of manufactured parts.

Broader Implications and Interdisciplinary Studies

The author concludes that UFOs and their occupants represent a limited part of a vaster whole, whose aspects can be inferred from detailed consideration of UFO behavior. This vaster whole, though possibly strange and inexplicable, must conform to the fundamental building blocks of the Universe. It is suggested that beings of great apparent intelligence exist, design sophisticated objects, take an interest in biological and medical subjects, and possess social systems, communication media, and control techniques. The UFO phenomenon offers tantalizing glimpses of this alien realm, which is largely absent from conventional literature. The article urges a systematic and cautious exploration of these hidden portions.

It is argued that a narrow focus on UFOs alone might be a disservice, as other phenomena such as inexplicable skyfalls, acoustical phenomena, animal mutilations, and the appearance of strange animals often coincide with UFO activity in specific regions. The cessation of these related outbreaks often mirrors the cessation of UFO activity. While direct connections are yet to be positively established, the similarity in their periods of manifestation suggests a link to a larger, possibly 'alien realm' phenomenon.

The article criticizes 'isolationism' in research, where specialists focus too narrowly on their own area, hindering the resolution of broader problems. It encourages researchers to give close attention to 'other mysteries' that coincide with UFO activity and advises those studying phenomena like 'Bigfoot' or animal mutilations to examine UFO activity in those localities. The establishment of bodies to correlate interdisciplinary studies is seen as encouraging, with the hope that this will help determine the extent of the UFO iceberg and allow for the study of UFOs and other mysteries on human terms.

Skywatch UFO Detectors

This section introduces the 'Skywatch UFO Detector' (SKUFOD), a pocket-sized device designed to detect the electromagnetic effects of UFOs. The author, who has been producing these detectors, explains that while previous attempts were not very successful, modern electronics have enabled the creation of a satisfactory detector. The device can be carried in a pocket, handbag, or car and is designed to provide a warning of UFO presence. It uses an electromagnetic field sensor and a latching circuit that sounds an alarm. The detector is battery-operated and uses minimal power when on guard.

Local Sighting Scene

This section details several UFO sighting investigations conducted by MAPIT:

• Mrs. I. Jones reported a huge cigar-shaped object, silver with a red 'undercarriage', that was static in the sky for hours before disappearing on a Monday in June 1978, at Hale Station in Cheshire.
• Mrs. B. Rostron reported seeing a bright star emitting three colours that appeared as a roundish, triangular object with lights in each corner, passing only 15 feet above her house on December 1st, 1978, at Offerton in Stockport.
• Mr. A. Grange observed a round object moving at a fast speed, glowing like a star with two bright lights at the front, which elevated and emitted a ray of light before disappearing on February 11th, 1979, at Congleton in Cheshire.

MAPIT has 45 sightings still under investigation and evaluation from the previous year and seeks assistance from members.

Airport Goes on Red Alert?

This report by David L. Recs details an incident on March 26th where a UFO was picked up on radar approaching Manchester Airport. The fire service and tenders were alerted. The object disappeared from radar about two miles from the airport and the jet landed safely. It later reappeared on the other side of the radar screen and vanished. Fire officers stated they saw nothing, and it was attributed to a radar anomaly. Contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Manchester Airport yielded little information, with one official stating that records are sent to the MOD in London and it could have been a straying aircraft. The ATC also noted that 'transient air is rarely detected'. Leading Fireman Woods confirmed the incident was logged, and MAPIT is seeking further details.

Other Sections

• The End Bits: This section includes brief mentions of a re-hashed version of the film CE3K, the upcoming film version of 'The Amityville Horror', and a connection between the musical 'The Sound of Music' and science fiction through actors who appeared in sci-fi shows.
• Quotes: A quote from actor Peter O'Toole is included.
• Film CE3K Details: Fans of the film CE3K are encouraged to look for specific items on the Mother Ship, including models of R2 D2, a 1945 airplane, a Volkswagen van, Darth Vader's spaceship, and the shark from Jaws.
• Ancient Astronaut Society Conference: Information is provided about the 7th World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society to be held in New Zealand in 1980, hosted by The Easth Colonisation Research Association.
• Lord Davies of Leek Quote: A quote from Lord Davies of Leek calling those who disbelieve in extraterrestrial intelligence 'Anthropological Arrogant Specimens' is included.
• Voice from the Grave: A brief mention of talking tombstones in the American burial business.
• Diversions: An advertised lecture title, "Extra-sensory perception - Does it exist?", with a scribbled addition, "I knew you were going to ask that!"
• Poem: A four-line poem by William Blake is included.
• Travel Suggestion: A suggestion to visit two towns in America: Heaven in Texas and Hall in Michigan.
• Rates: Information on membership and subscription rates for MAPIT and SKYWATCH.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advanced nature of UFO technology, the intelligence behind it, and the potential for UFOs to be part of a larger, unknown phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on the need for interdisciplinary research, moving beyond 'isolationism' to connect UFO studies with other unexplained phenomena. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO occupants may be engaged in biological research and highlights the development of practical tools, like the SKUFOD, for detecting UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider a wide range of possibilities and to actively participate in investigations. The inclusion of local sighting reports and advertisements for related publications suggests a commitment to disseminating information and fostering a community of interest in these subjects.