Skywatch - Special Issue 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SKYWATCH
Issue: Special Issue 1
Date: August 1974
Publisher: MANCHESTER AERIAL PHENOMENA INVESTIGATION TEAM (MAPIT)

This special issue of Skywatch, published by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team (MAPIT), presents a collection of theories attempting to explain the enigma of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The cover art visually represents several of these theories, including Hollow Earth, Alien Spacecraft, Earth Civilisation, Time Travellers, and Unknown Energy, all under the central question: "WHAT ARE THE UFO's". The publication is a product of the combined thoughts of Chris Randles and Dave Rees.

Explored Theories

1) ETH - Our Solar System

The most popular theory discussed is the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), which posits that UFOs originate from an advanced civilization not of this planet. The authors examine the potential for life within our solar system, noting that while Venus is a blazing inferno and Jupiter is too cold, Mars remains a candidate due to discoveries of potential water erosion. However, the vast distances involved present challenges for interstellar travel, even for advanced civilizations.

2) ETH - Other Systems

Extending the ETH beyond our solar system faces the significant hurdle of the speed of light as a limiting factor. The immense distances between stars mean that travel times would be enormous, potentially taking years even at speeds just below light speed. To overcome this, the theory suggests possibilities like hibernation processes or the use of androids or robots for interstellar journeys. The concept of curved space and 'black holes' as potential gateways to the stars is also mentioned.

A key question posed for the ETH is why UFOs have maintained a consistent form over thousands of years, as evidenced by ancient cave paintings, and why their purpose remains unclear. The authors suggest that this might be part of a long-term, controlled experiment, a point they intend to explore further.

3) Time Travellers

This theory proposes that UFOs are essentially time machines from our own future, sent back to explore the past, including our ancient history, present, and future. This could explain the consistent form of UFOs and their motives. The theory also addresses why different types of UFOs might exist, potentially linked to different eras or civilizations. It is suggested that if time travel is a real possibility, scientific investigations into the past would be launched, and UFOs might be observed. The authors consider that intervention in affairs might not be possible or allowed, which could explain the perceived non-interference of UFOs.

4) Earth Civilisations

This theory posits the existence of another advanced civilization living concurrently on Earth, perhaps in ancient lost cities or unexplored regions. It is speculated that civilizations like Atlantis or Lemuria, if they existed, possessed scientific capabilities far beyond our current understanding. The idea is also raised that we might not be the dominant creatures on this planet, and that a more advanced species could exist, similar to how ants observe human transport without full comprehension.

5) Hollow Earth

While acknowledging it contradicts current scientific knowledge, the issue briefly touches upon the Hollow Earth theory. It suggests the possibility of a subterranean race or, in a modified version, a depression at the North Pole leading to a plateau of solid ground surrounded by ice, potentially serving as a UFO base. The vastness of underwater realms is also mentioned as a place where almost anything could exist.

6) Alternate Earths

This theory suggests that UFOs could be phenomena from alternate dimensions or 'alternate Earths' that are perpetually 'real' to us. It is proposed that UFOs might only become apparent to us when they intersect our world of dimensions. The concept of infinite dimensions and an infinite number of alternate Earths is explored, drawing a parallel to the infinite monkey theorem. The discovery of particles like Tachyons, which seem to exceed the speed of light, is presented as potential evidence for alternate universes or dimensions.

7) Unknown Energy

This section shifts focus from civilization-based theories to the nature of energy. It suggests that UFOs, particularly the fuzzy sphere or ball types (often green or orange), could be forms of plasma – raw energy trapped within magnetic fields. This theory could explain why UFOs interfere with electrical instruments, change color, hover, and travel at high speeds. The authors note that this theory is often dismissed by scientists but argue it offers a plausible explanation for many reported sightings, especially for metallic saucers.

The issue also explores a connection between UFO activity and psychic phenomena, such as poltergeists. It is theorized that certain regions with high incidence rates of UFO activity also have high rates of poltergeist activity due to concentrations of an unknown energy, possibly magnetic or gravitational. This energy might be emanated from violent events, and UFOs could be manifestations of this energy, akin to echoes of past events or even future events trapped in the energy field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the authors state that it is impossible to fully do justice to all the theories explaining the UFO enigma in such a short space. They dismiss the idea that UFOs are purely psychological phenomena or that we were planted on Earth from elsewhere as less likely. The possibility of UFOs being a living being that consumes space energy or that there is nothing to explain at all are also considered. The authors admit that MAPIT cannot definitively answer the question of UFOs' origin, suggesting that a concerted effort by the world's top minds and resources might be needed, though success is not guaranteed. They emphasize that the ideas presented are not representative of MAPIT as a whole but are the collected thoughts of Randles and Rees, who believe that multiple solutions likely exist for the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of diverse and often speculative theories to explain UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Randles and Rees, is one of open inquiry and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the complexity of the phenomenon. They advocate for continued investigation and the pooling of knowledge from various fields. The publication itself, as a 'Special Issue,' suggests an in-depth focus on a particular aspect of ufology, in this case, theoretical frameworks for understanding UFOs.