Skywatch - Special Issue 2

Magazine Overview

MAPIT SKYWATCH - Special Issue Number 2

This document is a special issue of 'MAPIT SKYWATCH', published in January 1977, focusing on 'INVESTIGATIONS INTO UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS OVER NORTHERN ENGLAND - 1973'. MAPIT, the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team, is a non-profit, non-religious, open-minded group founded in 1973, dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs and bringing enthusiasts together. The publication details ten specific UFO sighting reports from 1973, investigated by MAPIT members.

MAPIT and its Publications

The leaflet explains that MAPIT publishes 'SKYWATCH' magazine, which began in September 1973 and has evolved into a global publication. They also maintain a comprehensive reference library of over 1,500 items related to UFOs and paranormal subjects, open for members' research. Membership is open to all, with subscription rates for the magazine and a request for donations. The editorial stance, as expressed by Secretary and Editor David L. Rees, is one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the mystery of UFOs without claiming to have all the answers.

UFO Sightings from 1973

The core of this issue comprises ten detailed reports of UFO sightings from 1973:

• Report No.1 (March 23, 1973): A witness in Offerton, Stockport, described a 'Green Ball' with a tail, moving at tremendous speed and vanishing. The object's characteristics were noted as similar to a meteor but its size and daylight visibility made that explanation unlikely.
• Report No.2 (April 18, 1973): Several boys in Haslington, near Crewe, reported a bright red light resembling an aircraft landing, followed by another light. While not considered highly strange, it was included for its useful points.
• Report No.3 (June 7, 1973): A forestry worker in Lamplugh, Cumberland, observed a large, metallic cylinder with rounded ends, estimated at 330 feet, moving slowly and silently. The object's size and prolonged visibility made it difficult to explain as ordinary aircraft.
• Report No.4 (July 2, 1973): A housewife in Lostock Gralam, near Northwich, reported a bright fluorescent light shaped like a long jewel, which seemed to descend into a field, accompanied by a blotting out of all sounds. The object's appearance and the lack of a trace ruled out conventional explanations.
• Report No.5 (July 21st/23rd, 1973): A student in Massena, USA, reported seeing 2-3 star-like objects moving erratically, appearing and disappearing. While she concluded they might be satellites, the erratic movement and other possibilities like military aircraft were considered.
• Report No.6 (August 15, 1973): A 16-year-old in Altrincham saw a vivid green object with bright streaks that disappeared silently. A corroborating sighting from Rhyl, North Wales, described a similar green ellipse, suggesting a possible connection.
• Report No.7 (August 18, 1973): An observer in Reddish, Stockport, reported a bright circular light stationary for two hours, described as similar to a Molotov basket or car headlight. Despite its brightness, no sound or movement was noted, and no other witnesses came forward.
• Report No.8 (September 12, 1973): A witness near Oldham sighted a cone-shaped object, described as Metallic Bronze, which hovered and then shot off at incredible speed, vapourising. The investigators felt this was a genuine UFO experience.
• Report No.9 (September 19, 1973): Multiple witnesses in Unsworth, near Bury, reported a bright object moving slowly, which later split into three parts. Despite reports to police and airports, no radar contact was made, and the official explanation suggested a weather balloon.
• Report No.10 (November 10, 1973): A mother and daughter in Whalley Range, Manchester, saw a bright light followed by two small orange lights travelling silently. The object was visible for a short duration.

Additional Reports and Articles

• 'MYSTERY AIRCRAFT' by John Parkinson (reprinted from SKYWATCH No.3, November 1973): This article discusses the possibility of alien intelligences producing sound effects similar to aircraft. The author recounts a sighting of an unusual object shaped like a 'Silver Rocket' with no wings or tail, which floated silently. A light aircraft later appeared and seemed to follow the UFO. The author speculates on the purpose of the aircraft, suggesting it might have been involved in reconnaissance.

• Paperclippings from 1973: This section compiles newspaper clippings detailing various UFO-related events:
• A 'brilliant green-coloured shape with a tail' was seen over the Manchester area (Manchester Evening News, March 23rd).
• Six spherical, silver objects were seen flying over Middleton (Manchester Evening News, April 30th), with one theory suggesting they were caused by a moorland fire.
• Predictions of spacemen landing in Wiltshire were reported (Liverpool Echo, August 22nd).
• Reports of 'strange bright objects' moving in a shooting/spinning motion were noted (Liverpool Echo, October 22nd).
• Sightings of 'strange lights' in the St. Helens area, described as bright and stationary before moving and vanishing, were confirmed (Liverpool Echo, October 29th).
• A 'night meteor' described as a green and white light was seen passing over Cumberland and Westmorland (Wythenshawe Express, December 28th).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the attempt to differentiate UFOs from known phenomena like aircraft, meteors, or weather balloons. The publication emphasizes a scientific and open-minded approach, acknowledging the complexity and mystery surrounding UFOs. The editorial stance, as articulated by David L. Rees, is one of persistent inquiry, suggesting that understanding the UFO phenomenon may require collective effort and open-mindedness, rather than definitive pronouncements.