Skywatch - No 36

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 36
Date: June-July 1980
Publisher: N/A (Published in England)
Editor: David Rees
Country of Publication: England
Language: English
Established: 1973

Skywatch is described as an informal publication devoted to ufology and related subjects. The editorial address is 92 Hillcress Road, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE, England. The publication emphasizes that views expressed by contributors are not necessarily shared by the editorial team and that material may be reproduced with appreciation for copies sent to the editorial address.

Reader Letters and Contributions

The issue features a significant number of letters from readers and contributors, offering diverse perspectives on UFO phenomena and related topics.

Ian Ridpath

Ian Ridpath expresses gratitude for a copy of Skywatch, finding it interesting and noting that contributions on the Bignall End 'Humanoid' case and the Amityville Horror and Cottingly Fairies help answer charges made in his previous letter. He cautions against John Fuller's latest book, expecting his letter to provoke reactions.

Lionel Beer

Lionel Beer writes about the Cottingly Fairies, convinced the pictures are cut-outs due to the children's technical expertise. He finds it puzzling that contemporaries did not identify the source book(s) despite the photographs being a sensation.

Clair Robinson

Clair Robinson finds Skywatch 35 fascinating, particularly an article on UFOs and the paranormal. She criticizes a television play, "Friends in Space," as terrible and expresses concern that the perception of UFO enthusiasts as 'cranks' could discourage reporting.

Magda Graham

Magda Graham praises Skywatch as the best UFO magazine, expressing interest in the Staffordshire report and its demolition. She believes ufology benefits from self-criticism. She also touches on psychical phenomena and graphology, noting the sensationalism of the 'big lie' technique.

Hilary Evans (Society for Psychical Research)

Hilary Evans clarifies that the SPR study group is not intended to form another UFO investigative group but rather to cooperate with established local groups and provide 'psychical back-up'. The group is new and developing guidelines. They have no corporate views on survival or ESP but believe psychical/psychological aspects of ufology are important. Evans is giving a lecture on this topic and has written a book aimed at the general public about UFOs.

Allen H.Greenfield (Ufology Notebook Newsletter)

Allen H.Greenfield discusses the Bignall End Case, finding it an exceptional UFO report. He is fascinated by the 'process' in ufology and criticizes the 'pompous gobbledygook' of the 'Report on Working Party on Standards in UFO Research'. He argues against imposing rigid definitions on UFO research, stating that the informal definition of 'UFO' as an 'as-yet unresolved mystery' is appropriate until more is known.

Hilary Evans (PSI AND THE UFO PARADOX)

Hilary Evans, in an article titled 'PSI AND THE UFO PARADOX', posits that progress in ufology requires accepting that UFOs are both physical and psychical phenomena. He references Mark Moravec's article on psychical aspects and suggests cooperation between ufologists and psychical researchers could advance understanding of phenomena like poltergeists and apparitions. Evans believes that the 'trappings' for UFO stories might originate from a shared 'image bank' drawn from hypnosis subjects, SF writers, and percipients.

Book and Magazine Reviews

• Strange Stories of UFO's by Len Ortzen: Described as packed with information on Adamski, Blue Book, and the Warminster thing, found to be interesting and well worth reading.
• The Missing Seven Hours by David Haisell: An introduction to a book detailing a man's mysterious loss of seven hours and subsequent events over twenty-five years, involving UFO investigator David Haisell.
• Outermost and Spacedust by Gene Duplantier: Two magazines praised for their production and artwork, featuring articles on the UFO mystery and contributors like Adamski, Larson, Shaver, Gray Barker, and Otto Binder.

UFO REVIEW Vol 2 No.7 1980

Richard Avery reviews UFO Review, edited by Timothy Green Beckley, criticizing its newspaper format and comparing it unfavorably to Alpha and Fortean Times. He finds the stories and artwork not very good and questions the purpose of such magazines.

Television Review: PROJECT UFO

This section reviews the US television series 'Project UFO', which screened on various ITV regions. The series is described as a 'science fiction serioes' inspired by Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. Creator-executive producer Jack Webb 'liberated' files from the US Air Force's Project Blue Book. The review notes that while about 70% of cases were explained as natural phenomena or hoaxes, 12-15% were considered 'true unknowns'. However, the reviewer criticizes the show's narrative structure, where cases are often logically explained away by the end, calling it 'plain deceit'. The reviewer also comments on the cold formality between the two main Air Force characters and the show's production quality.

FRIENDS IN SPACE

This section discusses a play titled "Friends in Space" by Ray Hassett and John Ratzenberger, which aired on ITV Playhouse. The play features members of the "Friends of Space Society" and is described as a parody, with characters like the eccentric president Rex G.X. Thornton and an 'American hamburger merchandiser'. The plot involves a crashed cigar-shaped object and a green alien, presented as a parody of Steven Spielberg's film.

Article: IMAGERY AS A POSSIBLE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION FOR REPORTED CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE 'UFO PHENOMENON'

By Keith Basterfield

This article presents findings from a ten-year study suggesting that a class of inexplicable UFO events may be explainable by known psychological processes. Basterfield notes that most reported UFOs have conventional explanations (aircraft, satellites, weather balloons, etc.). Ground markings are attributed to fungus, slime mould, or hoaxes, and photographs have been affected by computer technology. Radar evidence can be confused by interpretation and anomalous propagation. The remaining cases, often close encounters with only verbal testimony, are the focus.

The Events

Basterfield details several reported encounters:

• Gum Creek, South Australia (1964): A farmer's wife reported seeing a figure appear outside her bedroom window.
• Sandford, Tasmania (1978): A woman saw a 'doorway' of white light and a golden glow.
• Boyup Brook, West Australia (1967): A man reported a lighted object that stopped his car and then left.
• Prospect, USA (1977): A man claimed abduction into an object.
• Ivy Tanks, South Australia (1973): A lady saw an egg-shaped object surrounded by a 'force field' with two figures.
• Frankston, Victoria (1972): A woman encountered a large silver-blue object that caused her car's engine to cut off, followed by a man who 'materialised' and 'dematerialised'.

Basterfield suggests that these events, particularly those occurring at night in rural areas with a single person present, may be related to hypnopompic and hypnagogic imagery, which can occur when falling asleep or waking up. He argues that these experiences, while seeming real, are internal psychological phenomena rather than external physical events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skywatch revolve around the critical examination of UFO claims, the exploration of psychological and paranormal explanations for sightings, and a skepticism towards overly simplistic or sensationalized approaches to ufology. The editorial stance, as indicated by the inclusion of diverse viewpoints and critical analyses, appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous investigation and a willingness to consider unconventional hypotheses while remaining grounded in evidence and logical deduction. The emphasis on psychological explanations, particularly imagery, suggests a leaning towards demystifying some UFO phenomena by understanding the human mind's role in perception and interpretation.

Title: Skywatch
Issue: 36
Date: June/July 1981
Type: Magazine

Content Summary

This issue of Skywatch magazine explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, with a particular focus on abduction experiences, the nature of imagery, and the practice of ufological research. The articles present a mix of case studies, theoretical discussions, and commentary on the UFO community.

Abduction and Imagery

The issue begins by examining approximately 100 cases of alleged alien abductions, noting that 25 in-depth cases showed strong correlations in details, including physiological and physical traces like glazed eyes and needle puncture marks. It also discusses cases where witnesses claim to have been awakened from sleep, often in vehicles, with optimal image conditions. A specific case from Calgary, Canada, in 1967, involving a boy's abduction experience recalled under hypnosis, is presented. The article draws parallels between these physiological and physical occurrences and the medically recognized phenomenon of "hysterical conversion," where emotional conflict manifests as physical symptoms.

The Mechanism of Imagery

The magazine delves into the mechanism of imagery, acknowledging that its precise workings are not fully understood. EEG experiments are cited, linking creative imagery to the Theta brain wave pattern, with excess Theta potentially present in schizophrenics and psychoneurotics. The role of PGO (pontine-geniculo-occipital) spikes during REM sleep is discussed as a possible trigger for intense visual imagery. The possibility that abnormal discharges during non-REM sleep could induce such imagery in healthy individuals is also raised.

Historical and Modern Parallels

The article explores the historical context of "visions" and "apparitions" reported in religious contexts, and how these evolved into beliefs about elves, goblins, and fairies in the Middle Ages. It suggests that the 20th century, with the advent of aircraft and space exploration, has shifted the focus of imagery from the supernatural to UFOs, reinforced by science fiction. The concept of materialization and dematerialization of entities is also mentioned.

Comparison of Imagery and Close Encounters

A table (Table 1) provides a comparison between general "Imagery" and "Close Encounters." Key differences highlighted include the timing (daylight vs. night), environment (darkened vs. varied), control over appearance (little vs. sudden/unexpected), and the nature of the phenomena (simple to complex vs. intense lighting and vivid colors). Close encounters are also associated with physical effects like car stops and engine failures.

Book and Publication Reviews

Several books and publications related to ufology and the paranormal are reviewed:

• "The Brain revolution" by M. Ferguson
• "Apparitions" by C. Green and C. McCreery
• "Image formation and cognition" by M.J. Borowitch
• "Experience and behaviour" and "Imagery from the standpoint of introspection" by P. McKellar
• "The walking brain" by H. Magoun
• "The psychology of anomalous experience" and "Mental Imagery" by G. Reed and A. Richardson
• "Sybil" by F.R. Schreiber
• "The function and nature of imagery" by P.W. Sheehan
• "Explorers of the brain" by L.A. Stevens
• "Scientific study of unidentified flying objects" by J. Vallee
• "Anatomy of a phenomenon" by J. Vallee
• "Signs of the Gods" by Erich Von Daniken
• "This House is Haunted" by Guy Lyon Playfair
• "Rames II and His Time" by Immanual Velikovsky
• "The New Soviet Psychic Discoveries" by Henry Gris and William Dick
• "UAP Encounters" magazine by Dean Preston
• "Alien Animals" by Janet Bord
• "The Dyfed Enigma" (co-authored by Randall Jones Pugh)
• "UFOS the Greatest Mystery" by Hilary Evans

Various newsletters and magazines are also advertised, including "Journal of Geomancy," "The Kingdom Voice," "Occult World," "Revelation," "UFO Insight," "Warminster Ley and UFO Centre," "Magic Saucer," "The Ley Hunters," "Foresight," and "Earthlink."

Cassettes and Audio Recordings

A selection of audio cassettes on UFO-related topics is offered for sale, including:

• "Space Visitors from Lanulus"
• "The Truth behind the Flying Saucers"
• "Music from Another Planet"
• "Gray Barker on the Air"
• "The World of Azik"
• "The Reinhold Schmidt Story"
• "The UFO Encounters of Jennings H Frederick"
• "The Men in Black"
• "A Warning from UFOs"
• "Calos Allende Speaks"
• "The Shaver Mystery"

Commentary and Correspondence

The issue includes commentary on the nature of ufological research and the challenges of cooperation within the community. Jenny Randles, in her article "The Bitch is Back," discusses the difficulties faced by female ufologists and critiques the tendency towards "silly pretentious thinking" within some groups. She also addresses criticisms of her work, particularly regarding the "Bignall End, Staffs report" and her interpretation of a case involving the Moon.

Tony Pace, Research Director of BUFORA, provides comments on Skywatch 35 and Jenny Randles' article, defending BUFORA's efforts and criticizing John Hind's views on conferences and papers. He highlights the challenges of organizing international events and the importance of objective research.

There is also a discussion about the "International Working Party" and the potential for collaboration among researchers. The article touches upon the difficulty of achieving true cooperation in ufology, comparing it to unlikely alliances.

Other Items

• MAPIT NEWSDESK: Announces the 2nd International UFO Congress in London and mentions correspondence regarding James Moseley.
• TV Movies: A list of UFO-themed TV movies is provided.
• Quotes: A collection of humorous and insightful quotes from various personalities.
• Snapit: A brief note about the "for your protection" series leaflet on photography.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, psychological interpretations, and historical parallels. There is a clear emphasis on research, with reviews of books, publications, and audio materials. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and objective investigation, as evidenced by the discussions on pseudoscience and the challenges of cooperation within the ufological community. The magazine also seems to encourage reader participation through correspondence and the sharing of information.