Skywatchers no 11 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatchers
Issue Date: January/February 1997
Publisher: C.U.F.O.R.G. (Cornwall U.F.O. Research Group)
Document Type: Newsletter

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Dave Gillham (Chairman and Founder), reflects on the past year (1996) and looks forward to 1997. In 1996, CUFORG received over 50 sightings, ranging from balls of light to structured craft, and shared video footage and photographs through meetings and local media. The group actively participated in 15 skywatches, including an international event, and captured a large ball of light on film at Pensilva. Monthly meetings covered diverse topics such as crop circles, earth mysteries, SETI, and the Rendlesham Forest case, also touching on the spiritual side of the subject.

For 1997, plans include a conference featuring ufology experts. The group aims to make meetings more constructive and thought-provoking, emphasizing reader participation. The newsletter is presented as a forum for members to share ideas and experiences without fear of ridicule. Gillham urges readers to continue reporting sightings, emphasizing that more information will help in understanding the phenomena and making it harder to ignore.

Contents Overview

The issue features a variety of articles and reports:

• A Corny Cornundrum: Discusses a meeting featuring guest speaker Simon from Cornwall 2, focusing on crop circles, their history, complexity, and various explanations including hoaxing. It also mentions a video of anomalous lights associated with crop circles.
• The Apollo Missions, Life, The Universe and Everything!: Covers a meeting that included a review of recent sightings, video clips of UFOs seen by astronauts, discussion on astronauts and UFOs on the moon, and a contribution from investigator Alan Fry on the reasons for seeking knowledge and the difference between thinking and feeling.
• Sightings and Investigations: A section dedicated to reporting UFO sightings, including detailed accounts of specific incidents with dates, locations, witnesses, and descriptions.
• Earth Lights: Explores the theory linking UFOs (specifically 'earth lights') to areas of high seismic activity, referencing a recent earthquake in Cornwall and a Channel 4 program. It discusses whether this theory can explain all UFO sightings, particularly those with solid characteristics or radar traces.
• Quakes or Quackery?: An editorial piece examining the 'earth lights' theory in relation to seismic activity and UFO sightings in Cornwall. It questions whether this theory can account for all types of sightings, including those with tangible evidence like physical marks or abduction experiences.

Key Articles and Features

A Corny Cornundrum

This article details a CUFORG meeting on November 5th, which attracted over 80 attendees. The focus was on crop circles, with guest speaker Simon from Cornwall 2 (local branch of the National Centre for Crop Circle Studies) presenting information. Simon traced the phenomenon from simple circular formations in the 1980s to complex insectograms and pictograms. He noted that crop circles appear globally, in various crops like grass, courgettes, oil seed rape, potatoes, and even trees. The article highlights how crop circles have brought together people from UFO, earth mysteries, and spiritualist communities, leading to diverse investigations. Unusual sensations reported by people within circles include headaches, healing effects, giddiness, and feeling 'high'.

Terence Meaden's plasma vortex theory was briefly mentioned, along with his withdrawal from the subject in 1991 due to increasing complexity. The article then discusses the 'Doug and Dave' hoax claims from 1991, which the press widely accepted, and the suspicion that they were part of an official disinformation campaign. The debacle led to many investigators being discouraged. The article notes that hoaxed circles tend to crush the crop, while genuine ones have an intricately layered effect. A video shown featured white balls of light flying over a field near Oliver's Castle, Wiltshire, and a pictogram formation.

The Apollo Missions, Life, The Universe and Everything!

This section reports on a CUFORG meeting that adapted its format due to the cancellation of a talk on the Apollo missions. The evening began with a summary of recent sightings and skywatch news from Dave. This was followed by video clips of UFOs observed by astronauts, including a cylindrical object during the Gemini 4 mission (June 1965), an object pacing the Gemini 5 craft, a large glowing white object filmed during Apollo 11, and another cylindrical object during Gemini 4 (June 3rd, 1966).

Discussion also covered astronauts on the moon with a UFO overhead, and the possibility of moon photographs and film footage being faked. The article briefly touches on alleged alien artifacts and vegetation growth in recent moon surface photographs. Investigator Alan Fry then led a discussion on the reasons people attend meetings and seek knowledge, questioning what drives the quest to 'know' and whether extraterrestrials exist (with 90% of the audience affirming belief). Fry advocated for a balance between thinking and feeling, suggesting that excessive analysis leads to indecision and that meetings could benefit from more member input for shared learning.

He also prompted attendees to consider how they would react if they saw a UFO, questioning whether fear of ridicule would inhibit them or spur them to share. The article notes that some people are more inclined to share experiences than others, possibly due to fear of ridicule or self-consciousness. An unexpected reason for not reporting a sighting was revealed: the witness didn't think it important enough.

Later in the evening, the issue of 'ascension' and global awareness being raised, possibly by other beings, was discussed as part of spiritual evolution. One attendee expressed concern that ETs might not intervene to solve environmental and social problems, suggesting they might be waiting for humanity to resolve its own issues, and questioned if aliens are a modern substitute for God.

The meeting concluded with a video of a BBC TV Spotlight investigation into a white light over Camborne (believed to be Venus). The event was deemed successful due to audience participation, and the newsletter is offered as a platform for those who did not get a chance to speak.

Sightings and Investigations

This section details several UFO sightings reported to CUFORG:

• September 30th, 1996, 8:15 PM, Grampound: A silver-grey cigar-shaped object was seen oscillating and moving side-to-side, speeding towards Tregony and returning before departing rapidly westward.
• September 14th, 1996, 1:15 PM, St Keverne (Lizard): A stationary white object, initially mistaken for a weather balloon, was observed at high altitude. It then moved rapidly and disappeared with a flash of light.
• September 14th, 1996, 11-12 PM, Porthcurno Beach: Five bright white lights were seen moving in formation, with one ascending rapidly and the others forming a diamond and then a triangular shape.
• September 12th, 1996, 9:00 PM, St Agnes Beacon: Three satellites were observed in a triangular formation, maneuvering closer before being lost sight of.
• November 3rd, 1995, 8:30 PM, Mount Ambrose/Carn Brea: Three white flashes, too large and high for fireworks, were seen towards Carn Brea, followed by two more in the Truro area.
• July 14th, 1995, 12:00 AM, Feock (Carrick): A bright star-like object was seen moving at high speed in strange angles, stopping to hover before moving off in a pattern.
• 1994, 1:00 AM, Feock: A large, glowing golden disc was observed hovering with a humming noise before descending towards the ground.

Earth Lights

This article discusses the theory presented in a Channel 4 'Equinox' program, which suggests that UFOs appearing over seismically active areas might be 'earth lights' triggered by energy releases from tectonic plates. The author notes that Cornwall experienced an earth tremor shortly after the program aired. While agreeing the theory is scientifically plausible, the author points out it may not explain all UFO sightings, especially those detected by radar or appearing solid. The article mentions lights seen over Wales and Shropshire preceding tremors and suggests that these lights and tremors might be Earth's way of forewarning natural catastrophes. It also poses the question of whether psychics predicting such events are tapping into Earth's biorythms. The author hopes further research into earth lights will help identify UFOs and lead to more sound information.

Quakes or Quackery?

This piece, attributed to 'Ed's Ad Lib', revisits the 'earth lights' theory in the context of recent seismic activity in Cornwall. It notes that UFO activity in Cornwall peaks in September and October, with many reports categorized as 'lights in the sky'. The article lists specific sightings from September and October 1996, including silver cigars, discs with lights, and metallic triangles. It also mentions strange lights observed after the tremor, such as a grey triangular object and bright flashes in Falmouth, Truro, and Redruth. While acknowledging that some lights might be seismic-related, the author questions if the 'earth lights' theory can explain more solid UFOs or phenomena like radar traces, physical marks on the ground, abduction experiences, and implants. The article concludes by suggesting that while the 'earth lights' theory offers a partial answer, it's crucial for researchers not to selectively use data that fits the theory while discarding contradictory evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skywatchers are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the potential connection between unexplained aerial phenomena and natural events like seismic activity. There's a strong emphasis on encouraging eyewitness accounts and fostering a community forum for discussion and sharing of experiences. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider various theories but also to critically evaluate evidence and avoid confirmation bias. The group appears to be actively involved in collecting data and participating in skywatches, aiming to gather more information to understand the phenomena better.

This issue of CUFORG (Cornwall UFO Research Group) magazine, dated approximately late 1996 or early 1997 based on the '1997 DIARY DATES' section, focuses on a variety of anomalous phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings, crop circles, and earth energies, particularly within Cornwall and Devon.

The Return of Captain Cuforg

The issue opens with a report on a BBC1 Spotlight programme discussing a home video of a white light in the sky, filmed by a man in Camborne. The object was described as a 'glowing, oscillating ball' and a 'blurred, white, dome-shaped object.' While the witness believed it to be a UFO, the Cornwall Astronomy Society chairman, Tony James, suggested it was most probably Venus. Dave also appeared on BBC Radio Cornwall to discuss sightings, including a report from Peter in Exeter about a triangular formation of three 'yellowy-white lights beaming down.' The article highlights a new UFO hotspot in Polzeath and mentions a significant increase in calls to the London UFO Studies group, with Roy Lake reporting the 'biggest flap for 25 years.' The article poses questions about potential causes, such as seismic activity, media hype, pollution, or Pre-Millenial Tension, and whether humanity is being visited by otherworldly beings.

The Swedish Connection

This section presents the views of the Swedish Lightworking Society (SLS) on the spiritual aspects of ufology. They believe humanity is approaching a major global and spiritual change, triggered by increased 'vibrational frequencies.' The SLS posits that Earth has consciousness and is shifting to a higher dimension, influencing our awareness. They describe a network of energy lines and '6 point systems' on Earth, analogous to human chakras, which are responsible for expelling negativity and drawing in fresh energy. When these energy centres are active, conventional laws of physics, time, sound, light, and gravity are affected. Invisible tunnels are said to project into the universe from these points, facilitating shortcuts through time and interdimensional space, with connected tunnels forming 'zerotime' tunnels for inter-world communication. The SLS suggests that higher civilizations use these tunnels to create crop circles to raise human awareness and that 'ETs' may be using them. They express concern that some 'heavier' beings, like the Greys, might be violating 'cosmic law' by interfering with humanity's free will and attempting to prevent our spiritual evolution, possibly due to the threat or inconvenience posed by Earth's impending vibrational shift. The SLS is involved in clearing and reactivating sacred sites, working with ETs to draw energy into the planetary grid to foster a change in mass consciousness. They caution against attempting this work without proper training due to the risk of psychic attack.

Cream Circles and Tea Crops!

This article reports on a conference organised by the Cornwall and Devon Crop Circle Groups, entitled "Cream Teas and Crop Circles." Andy Thomas, author and editor of the Sussex Circular Magazine, introduced the phenomenon, discussing various explanations for crop circles, including psychokinesis and the collective thought energy of humanity. He described an experiment where meditating in a field led to circles forming. The article also touches on the possibility of crop circles being messages from an alien intelligence, designed to bring about spiritual awakening. Francine Blake, Wiltshire CCS coordinator, compared crop formations to cosmic images from the Hubble telescope, highlighting the spiral energy present in both nature and crop circles. She suggested that the universe is based on spiral energy and that our galaxy emits pulses of energy. She presented Hubble images of a 'star nursery' and a dying star's shockwaves, linking these to the creation of new stars and life. Francine believes original crop circles were meant to re-energise Earth, while later pictograms aim to raise human awareness and warn against a solely mechanistic view of life. Crop circle researchers Steve Alexander and Karen Douglas presented images, though a video of a white light over a crop formation had technical issues. An interview with a tractor driver who witnessed the event was included. The article also mentioned a slide showing dark round objects over a meditating group. Earth Mystery authors Cheryl Straffon and Caeia March discussed the Earth as a living being, revered by ancient cultures, and the significance of stone circles and standing stones as places of power. They explored the four magical elements and thresholds into other worlds.

Richard Andrews, a founder member of the CCS and British Society of Dowsers, discussed how earth energies might relate to crop circles. He noted dowsable patterns in crop circles and the presence of dowsable energy rings outside formations, suggesting a wider environmental effect. Dowser Hamish Miller discussed crop circles as a manifestation of an energy field affecting behaviour, demonstrating bio-magnetic fields and describing ley lines as a 'cobweb of energy lines.' He noted that these lines respond to thoughts and can connect distant sites, suggesting that images of St Michael slaying a dragon might represent his ability to channel earth energy.

Ufologist Roy Dutton presented what he termed 'scientific proof' of extraterrestrial visitation, discussing the need for two types of alien vessels: a large space cruiser and smaller craft for terrestrial visits. He presented a global statistical study correlating UFO sightings with constellations, suggesting Britain is a convergence area for UFO tracks, though Cornwall showed a lack of data.

Sheep Shocker

This section features a letter from a man who experienced a frightening event while camping on Bodmin Moor. He and his friend were awakened by a 'horrible inhuman screaming sound' and a 'very bright blue-ish white light.' Upon investigation, they found the remains of a sheep near their tent, with its fur on its head, front legs missing, and no blood. The writer is anxious to speak to Joan Amos, a Devon-based UFO researcher, about this case.

The Cheesewring

Following the 'Sheep Shocker' account, this brief piece reiterates the confusion and lingering unease of the witness regarding the Bodmin Moor incident, noting that the experience seemed dreamlike until he recalled it upon seeing his photos. He concludes that 'some very strange things are going on on the moors.'

Local Fortean News

This section contains several short news items:

• Dance of the Fairy Squid: Strange lights seen under the waves off the Lizard on November 15th, 1996, are attributed to a species of bioluminescent squid by Dr. Howard Bottrell of the Marine Biological Association.
• Computer Zombie: A 16-year-old boy became trapped in a hypnotic trance from a motor racing video game, requiring hospitalization and treatment with anti-hallucinatory drugs and sedatives. A consultant diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Alien Big Cats: A retrospective sighting from spring 1992 at Truro Golf Club describes a large black cat with unusually large paws, estimated to be about 1.25m/4ft long, seen bounding across the course.
• Cosmic Carnations: A CUFORG committee member, Liz, was driving near Truro and thought about buying yellow carnations, only to find a bunch lying by the roadside moments later.

1997 Diary Dates

A list of upcoming events in 1997, including CUFORG meetings, talks by Jill Harris, a discussion on the 'pyramid connection,' and a convention called 'ConnXions.' It also notes the expected closest approach of Comet Hale-Bopp on March 23rd, with the Royal Greenwich Observatory refuting claims of it hitting Earth.

Skywatches

Information about scheduled skywatches, dependent on weather conditions, usually on Friday or Saturday nights.

The "X"Mas Files - Classic Christmas Cases

• Flying "X"Mas Trees: A summary of findings regarding a 'Christmas Tree' UFO that buzzed a Boeing 737 near Manchester Airport in January 1996. The object was 'untraced,' and possibilities like hang-gliders or military activity were discounted, though the latter was not entirely ruled out due to the aircraft's proximity to uncontrolled airspace. The report concluded that the pilots saw a significant object, but its nature and identity remain unknown.
• Mince Pie Martians: An account from January 4th, 1979, where three 4ft high, winged beings in green tunics entered a house in Rowley Regis, explored, discussed religion and politics with the resident, and then left via a glowing, orange craft that left physical marks on the ground.

CUFORG UFO Sightings in Cornwall Map

A map of Cornwall showing numerous UFO sighting locations marked with dots.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, particularly UFOs and related topics like crop circles and earth energies. There's a clear interest in investigating unexplained events and presenting various perspectives, from scientific to spiritual. The editorial stance appears open-minded, encouraging exploration of different angles and acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The publication also serves as a platform for local UFO research groups like CUFORG and promotes upcoming events and contact details for researchers and organizations.