Skywatch - No 37

Magazine Overview

Title: MAPIT SKYWATCH
Issue: No.37
Date: September/October 1980
Editor: David Rees
Publisher: Bufora Ltd.
Country: England

Skywatch is presented as an informal publication dedicated to ufology and related subjects. The editorial states that views expressed by contributors are not necessarily shared by the team or editor, and that items may be reproduced in full or part with attribution. The publication was established in 1973.

Readers' Letters

The issue features a significant section of "Readers' Letters" that engage in a robust debate about the conduct and methodology of ufology research.

Terry Hooper criticizes Tony Pace for being insulting towards those who criticize his work, questioning why his findings were not published in established journals like Bufora Journal or JTAP.

Peter Rogerson laments Tony Pace's discourteous response to John Hinds' comments, emphasizing the importance of reasoned debate in scholarly study. He suggests that Pace's attitude reflects a "Bufora-is-always-right syndrome" and questions the selection criteria for conference audiences. Rogerson also touches upon Jenny Randles' suggestion that misperception of normal stimuli can generate subjective UFO experiences and shares his own experiences with misidentification cases, such as the Richardson case involving an elderly lady in Manchester.

Mark A Tyrrell, Secretary of Fufor, expresses concern over allegations and criticisms made by Mr. A.R. Pace (Research Director of Bufora). He notes parallels between the situation Pace finds himself in and Fufor's past experiences, predicting evasive responses and 'character assassination' attempts against Pace and his organization. Tyrrell asserts that Pace's allegations will still stand and demand an answer.

John Hind from Co. Tipperary, Ireland, also addresses Tony Pace's response to articles, criticizing the descent into personalities. Hind defends Jenny Randles, describing her as intelligent, sensitive, and attractive, and lacking bitchiness. He clarifies his own position as a constructive Bufora member and advocates for racial and sexual equality, comprehensive education, and the reunification of Ireland. Hind discusses the importance of publishing conference proceedings and criticizes the lack of standards in investigation and documentation quality, citing the 'Hill ufo' and its radar confirmation as examples of shaky evidence.

Richard Avery from Buxton, Derbyshire, supports Tony Pace, stating he has never met him but believes the IEAP conclusion is factual. He contrasts the Bufora Journal's conclusion on the Llanerchymedd Ufo with the FSR account, questioning why FSR did not publish the more mundane explanation. Avery criticizes investigators for creating 'myth-makers' and focusing on 'bizarre and weird ufo psychic cases' rather than more common ones.

Process in UFO Research by Allen H Greenfield

Allen H Greenfield, editor of the American Journal UFOlogy Notebook, contributes a lengthy article on the process of UFO research. He argues that the structure of ufology is as important as the phenomenon itself, and that ufologists are inextricably linked with the phenomenon they investigate. Greenfield expresses extreme skepticism regarding the objective reality of UFOs and posits two distinct UFO mysteries: what are UFOs, and what is the nature of the UFO mythos? He believes the latter has been neglected.

Greenfield questions whether procedural protocols in UFO case investigations influence the results, suggesting a bias towards finding "positive" or nonconventional explanations, particularly in close encounter cases. He also notes a neglect of cases with conventional explanations, arguing that these can still yield valuable insights. He advocates for new procedures for field investigators to gather information related to the UFO mythos.

He further discusses the communication of UFO information to the public, suggesting that ufology often presents a "sanitised" version of the field, emphasizing rationality and scientific backing while downplaying the role of amateurs and belief systems. Greenfield expresses a love for ufology's "wild eccentricity" but detests posturing and hypocrisy. He calls for the inclusion of diverse viewpoints, including internal critics and religious critics, in convention programs.

Greenfield also touches upon theoretical process, questioning whether UFO theories are developed logically or are presumptive belief systems predating evidence. He notes the historical use of the words "belief" and "believer" in the literature.

MAPIT Newsdesk

The "MAPIT Newsdesk" section provides various updates:

• Bufora: Announces Lord Kings Norton as its new President, praising his skeptical approach. Flying Saucer Review has increased its prices. The RBB publication is ceasing, but its material may be published by Info Journal and Journal UFO. Bufora's 'Investigators' Handbook' is mentioned, along with a related publication 'BIG TOM'.
• Conferences and Events: Mentions a symposium on the UFO/psychic link in London and a seminar on UFOs at Birmingham University featuring Ian Ridpath and Jenny Randles.
• New Books: Lists several upcoming and recently published books, including 'The Janor People' by Frank Johnson, 'The Kaikoura UFOs' by Capt. Bill Startup and Neil Illingworth, 'The Interrupted Journey' by John Fuller, 'Harminic 695' by Bruce Cathie and Peter Temm, 'UFO and Anti-Gravity' by Sphere books, 'Storm on the Sun' by Joseph Goodavage, 'The UFO Handbook' by Allan Hendry, 'Sun Gods in Exile' by Karyl Robin Evans, Jenny Randles' 'UFO Study', 'Window on Another World', and 'The Chosen' on abductions.
• Magazine Updates: Notes that 'Journal UFO' is a new magazine incorporating others, and 'Fortean Times' summer issue is available.
• Group Updates: Reports that the Portugese Group GCEO has ceased to exist, and David Kay of NUFOR (Brighton) indicates that his group and publication 'target' have ceased.
• Other: Lindy Whitehurst reports on Leonard Stringfield's claim of having photographs of captured dead aliens.

Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• 'Sasquatch Apparitions' by Barbara Wasson: Reviewed by Alan Openshaw, who finds it informative but criticizes the author's sentimental comments about researchers. The book is described as a comprehensive guide to North American Sasquatch cases.
• 'UFO Magin in Motion' by Arthur Shuttlewood: Described as an interesting book packed with on-the-spot case reports, making it potentially suitable for a film.
• 'UFO Occupants and Critters' by John Brent Musgrave: Reviewed by Alan Openshaw, who finds the title unfortunate but the book a valuable addition to UFO studies, documenting many Canadian UFO cases. Musgrave's admission that the definition of a UFO is broad is noted, as is the book's catalogue of occupant cases from 1796 to 1978.
• 'THIS HOUSE IS HAUNTED' by Guy Lyon Playfair: Reviewed as a study of the Enfield Poltergeist case. The reviewer notes the difficulty in proving the authenticity of such events and describes the book as having a "very difficult job" and potentially "dull" plot with "pretty terrible dialogue" in places, but ultimately a "very difficult subject and case handled very well."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO research methodologies, the personal conduct of researchers, and the distinction between genuine UFO phenomena and the broader UFO mythos. The magazine appears to foster open debate, as evidenced by the extensive "Readers' Letters" section, and provides a platform for various viewpoints, including skeptical and critical analyses, alongside reports and reviews of UFO-related materials. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging rigorous investigation and honest reporting, while acknowledging the complexities and potential biases within the field of ufology.

This issue of 'The Loch Ness Enigma' is dated September/October 1980 and focuses on the enduring mystery of Loch Ness, alongside reports of UFO sightings and other Fortean phenomena. The main article, 'The Loch Ness Enigma' by Rip Hepple, provides a historical overview of investigations into the Loch Ness Monster, highlighting key evidence and research efforts.

The Loch Ness Enigma by Rip Hepple

The author, Rip Hepple, shares his personal interest in the Loch Ness Monster, which began over 30 years prior. He references Constance Whyte's book 'More than a Legend' and a significant piece of film shown on BBC television by Tim Dinsdale on April 23, 1960. Dinsdale's four-minute 16mm film captured a large, humped object in mid-loch that moved away and submerged, creating a bow-wave. Dinsdale later produced a comparative film by filming a 14-foot boat covering the same course.

In January 1966, the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (UK) analyzed the Dinsdale film. Their detailed report calculated the object's length at 13.3 feet and its speed at 6.5 mph. They concluded that the object was not a surface vessel or submarine, traveled between 7 and 10 mph, was 5.5 feet wide at the waterline, and stood 3 feet high. They inferred it was an animate object with a cross-section of at least 6 feet by 5 feet, a conclusion Hepple considers the best evidence available.

On November 23, 1961, Mrs. Whyte, Richard Fitter, Peter Scott, and David James established the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau (LNI). Over the years, LNI became a major factor in the search for answers, with its headquarters at Achnahannet serving as a base for watchers, a focal point for tourists, and a hub for media. Hepple recounts his own volunteer experiences with LNI starting in 1965, appreciating the opportunity to work with diverse individuals united by a common interest and to use advanced equipment like 35mm movie cameras with 1000mm lenses and Bolex 16mm cameras.

The article mentions various funded projects, including Dan Taylor's submarine in 1969, Bob Love's work with 'Rangitea', and Professor Roy Mackal's research. In 1968, Professor Tucker and his team from the University of Birmingham tested new sonar gear at Loch Ness, which showed two large targets moving, rising, and diving at high speeds. Despite criticism in 'Nature', the Birmingham team returned in 1969/70 but did not release their results.

Tim Dinsdale became the field director for the 1970 LNI expedition, which also hosted a team from the Academy of Applied Science, including Dr. Martin Klein, designer of the Klein side-scan sonar. Stationary and towed sonar operations made contact with large, moving underwater objects. Hepple, present during the 1970 season, notes the improvements required by the County Council and his return in January 1971.

Bob Rines returned with improved equipment, and in August 1972, the Academy achieved photographic success with a sonar-controlled 16mm time-lapse camera. This captured 'flipper' pictures and a frame possibly showing two bodies. The 'flipper' frames, taken 45 seconds apart, depicted a diamond-shaped flipper about 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, indicating movement.

LNI ceased field operations at the end of the 1972 season due to planning permission issues, despite plans for a new complex. The June 1975 expedition saw the Academy obtain photographs of unidentified objects, including a frame of what appeared to be the upper torso, neck, and head of a creature, estimated to be 25 feet away and 20 feet long. Six hours later, the camera recorded major disturbance and images showing a 'bead' with bilateral symmetry, suggesting a living creature's head. The object was about 5 feet from the camera and 2 feet long. The author laments that this evidence was insufficient to convince the 'establishment', particularly zoologists and biologists from institutions like the British Museum, who have been reluctant to accept evidence or assist in searches.

Hepple believes that only a superb piece of movie film, or catching an animal, or finding a body, could definitively prove the existence of the creature. He notes that while sonar has yielded results, sceptics dismiss them as shoals of fish, reflections, or equipment faults. The Academy also found unusual stone circles and the remains of a crashed Wellington bomber in the loch.

Autogyro Experiment and Future Prospects

The article discusses an experiment in the summer of 1970 involving an autogyro piloted by Wing Commander Ken Wallis, designed to overcome the limitations of underwater observation. The autogyro provided a wide downward view, allowing for patrols of the loch in 20 minutes and visibility of up to 15 feet below the surface under calm conditions. While the experiment did not directly connect with an animal, it proved that aerial observation could vastly increase the volume of water under observation by reducing reflection.

Regarding the future, the article suggests Bob Rines will continue working with scientific bodies. Roger Parker of Partech Electronics Ltd. has also conducted expeditions with sonar gear. The number of reported sightings seems to be decreasing, possibly due to LNI's cessation of operations, increased disturbance from motor cruisers, or pollution. However, a sighting in September 1979 by the McNish family, involving two humps moving slowly and submerging, suggests at least one animal is not overly disturbed by boat traffic.

Overseas Sightings and Fortean News

The issue includes a section on international sightings. In Greece, on April 1, 1980, an Olympic Airways pilot reported a strange light. In Warsaw, Poland, two youths claimed to have been terrorized by three bright, hovering balls of light on the night between Sunday and Monday.

The article 'HUNT FOR SPACEMAN's BODY GOES ON' by Tom Tidde recounts the story of a purported UFO crash in Aurora, Texas, in 1897. Reports from a Dallas newspaper correspondent, F.E. Hayden, based on witness T.J.Weems, describe a space craft crashing, lighting up the sky, and leaving debris over three acres. A body, described as 'not...of this world' and dressed in a blue uniform, was allegedly found and given a Christian burial in the Aurora cemetery. A handmade stone with a drawing of a cigar-shaped object marked the grave. However, local residents and a Texas researcher, Dr. Alfred Krause, who found only a 1932 license plate at the site, largely dismiss the story as embellishment or a hoax, attributing it to a meteorite impact. The spaceman's grave stone was reportedly stolen years ago.

Advertisements and Subscriptions

The issue also contains advertisements for various publications and services, including 'JOURNAL OF GEOMANCY', 'MHE KINGDOM VOICE', 'OCCULT WORLD', 'REVELATION', 'UFO INSIGHT', 'WARMINSTER' (Ley and UFO Centre), 'MAGIC SAUCER', 'THE LEY HUNTER', 'FORESIGHT', 'EARTHLINK', 'GNOME NEWS', 'FORTEAN TIMES', 'UFO DIRECTORY', 'UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE', and 'HORROR FILM MAGAZINES'. Subscription details are provided for 'Skywatch' magazine, with a rate of £3.00 for 6 issues.

The End Bits

This section features several quotes, including one from Albert Einstein: "What really interests me is whether God had any choice in the creation of the World." Other quotes are attributed to an unknown source, Gordon Irving, and 'Magic Saucer No.9 1980'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, supported by scientific analysis and eyewitness accounts, and the broader phenomenon of UFO sightings, including historical and international reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, presenting evidence and research findings while acknowledging skepticism from the 'establishment'. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in the paranormal, Fortean events, and ufology, providing a platform for various investigations and reports.