Skywatchers no 26 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatchers
Issue: 26
Date: Autumn 1999
Publisher: Cornwall U.F.O. Research Group (C.U.F.O.R.G.)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of 'Skywatchers', the quarterly publication of the Cornwall U.F.O. Research Group (C.U.F.O.R.G.), delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, including human origins, crop circles, and numerous eyewitness accounts.

Group Details and Membership

The Cornwall U.F.O. Research Group, founded in 1995, is based in Truro, Cornwall. The Head Office is located at 24 Carrine Road, Truro, TR1 3XB. Key personnel include Founder/Chairman Dave Gillham, Treasurer Elaine Gillham, and Editor/Design Ian Darlington. The group operates a website at http://www.interweb-design.co.uk/cuforg. Subscriptions for 'Skywatchers' are £12.00 per year, with single copies at £2.00. Membership to C.U.F.O.R.G. is also £12.00 annually and includes a subscription to the newsletter and reduced admission to monthly meetings. The organisation emphasizes that it is non-profit, with any surplus funds reinvested into the group to improve the newsletter and activities. They maintain an open-minded policy, stating that views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the Group's official stance.

Contents for Issue 26

The issue features a diverse range of articles:

• Page 4: "Human Race: Selective Breeding?" and "Crop Circles And Reality." Reports by Geoff Herbert (CUFORG), UK.
• Page 6: "SIGHTINGS: Local, UK & World-Wide."
• Page 22: "The Sky At Night." by Sue Herbert (CUFORG), UK.
• Page 24: "Challenging UFO Secrecy." by Michael Lindemann, USA.
• Page 28: "ET Contact: Evidence And Implications." by Steven M. Greer MD, USA.
• Page 31: "Latest Experiences of Whitley Strieber & Whitley Strieber Rallies UFO Faithful." by Whitley Strieber, USA.
• Page 35: "Visions of The Future : Part One." by Arthur C. Clarke, Sri Lanka.

A cartoon by Geoff Herbert, titled "Poor thing, he thinks he's a weather balloon," is also included.

Article Summaries

Human Race: Selective Breeding Programme?

This report on a talk by Gill Harris, presented by Geoff Herbert, proposes that the human race is the product of a selective breeding program initiated approximately fifty thousand years ago, potentially involving genetic engineering. The clues are suggested to be found in the Holy books, such as the Pentateuch and the Talmud, where genetic associations are embedded in the syllables of biblical character names. The narrative structure of these stories is seen as a way to convey this message across generations, transcending language barriers.

Crop Circles And Reality

Ann Brocklehurst's talk, reported by Geoff Herbert, explores the less obvious environmental effects of crop circles. Her investigation began when her partner purchased an old chapel in rural Wiltshire, near crop circle activity. After renovating the property, strange noises were reported. Initially, no connection was made to the crop circles, with electricity being considered as a possible cause. However, the noise persisted and was later heard within a crop circle. Brocklehurst attempted to understand the phenomenon, finding objective data elusive. She recounts instances where communication seemed to elicit a response, such as the cessation of noise upon a demand for silence, and the creation of a new crop circle after a request. The report notes that prolonged exposure to crop circles can cause sickness, nausea, depression, and suicidal tendencies, highlighting the need for serious study. The noise itself has been recorded in the 5-kilohertz range and is speculated to be related to acoustic emissions or microwave technology. The talk also touches upon the involvement of Egyptian mythology (Osiris and Isis) and an encounter with an indistinct apparition. Brocklehurst eventually stopped the noise by shouting at it, and it has not returned since. The report also mentions hoaxers experiencing anomalous lights.

SIGHTINGS: Local, UK & World-Wide

This section details several UFO sightings:

• Brixham, Devon (July 1, 1999, 6:05 pm): Four witnesses reported a very bright, white light, larger than stars, which was motionless and silent for two minutes. A plane then appeared, and the light dulled, shrank, and moved away quickly. Two thin, white 'sticks' or 'legs' were observed on its left-hand side or back.
• Falmouth, Cornwall (July/August 1970, 2 pm approx.): Four witnesses observed a round, pale orange sphere with a pulsating, cloud-like centre hovering above the water. The object was described as being just ahead of the observer.
• Redruth, Cornwall (February 5, 1999, 7:45 pm): One witness saw a green object with a white glow cross the sky at very high speed. It was estimated to be approximately three houses high and 15 inches in diameter, with no sound.
• Portreath, Cornwall (April 15, 1999, 5:15 am): One witness observed three brilliant, yellow/white lights forming a stationary equilateral triangle in the sky, pointing towards Redruth. The lights disappeared when the witness went inside to get a better view.
• Goldsithney (nr. Penzance), Cornwall (June 20, 1999, 8 pm): A child reported seeing a white circle in the sky that moved very fast ('zoomed'). This sighting was later corroborated by a friend of the child's mother living across the road.

The Sky At Night

This article by Sue Herbert (CUFORG) is mentioned in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Challenging UFO Secrecy

This article by Michael Lindemann (USA) is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

ET Contact: Evidence And Implications

This article by Steven M. Greer MD (USA) is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Latest Experiences of Whitley Strieber

This section, featuring Whitley Strieber, is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Visions of The Future : Part One

This article by Arthur C. Clarke (Sri Lanka) is listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the potential for extraterrestrial influence on human origins, the mysterious nature of crop circles and their associated phenomena, and a collection of eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as stated by C.U.F.O.R.G., is one of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to consider all opinions without prejudice. The publication also highlights its non-profit status and commitment to providing information accessible to its members.

Title: SIGHTINGS
Issue: UK & WORLD SIGHTINGS
Volume: 1999
Date: June - September 1999 (with a specific event in December 1996)
Publisher: George A. Filer/MUFON
Country: UK (with reports from Canada, USA, Australia)
Language: English

This issue of SIGHTINGS magazine presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from various locations, primarily focusing on incidents in Cornwall, UK, and a significant multi-witness event in the Yukon Territory, Canada. The magazine features detailed witness testimonies, descriptions of aerial objects, and attempts to analyze the phenomena.

Reports from Cornwall, UK

Several reports detail sightings in Cornwall during the summer of 1999:

• June 20, 1999, Goldsithney (nr. Penzance): A transparent, jelly fish-shaped object was observed by two witnesses for about ten minutes, moving towards the east.
• July 12, 1999, St. Ives: Six witnesses reported a bright, spiky star-like object that moved slowly, then sped up. It dispersed into multiple objects, with some heading towards the Plough, the sea, Penzance, and Hayle. A helicopter was later seen following one of the objects. Dave Gillham, who interviewed the witnesses, noted a similar sighting in Veryan in July 1998.
• August 15, 1999, Mounts Bay: A single witness observed a round, dark object coming from Lands End. It stopped moving offshore and then dropped straight into the sea.
• September 14, 1999, St. Agnes: Two witnesses on St. Agnes Beacon saw a white oval light with a green, triangular object inside. The object changed direction and then the light went out. A large aircraft was also noted entering the area. Animal disturbance (dogs howling) was reported during and after the sighting.
• September 14, 1999, Truro: A single witness observed a large, grey, round object floating steadily. The witness went to get a camcorder but the object had disappeared into clouds by the time they returned. A helicopter appeared shortly after, and the witness filmed it for several minutes. Dave Gillham was also a witness to this event.

Yukon UFO Event (December 11, 1996)

This section details a complex, large-scale UFO event that occurred along a 216 km stretch of the Klondike Highway in Yukon, Canada, involving 22 witnesses. The sightings were concentrated in three areas: Fox Lake (6 witnesses), Carmacks (9 witnesses), and Pelly Crossing (7 witnesses). The report, reproduced from UFO*BC, includes descriptions of the UFOs and the methodology used to estimate their size.

• Witnesses and Methodology: Nineteen of the 22 witnesses were interviewed between February and September 1999. Fourteen witnesses provided drawings. The size of the UFOs was estimated using geometric triangulation from different vantage points, yielding lengths ranging from 0.88 km (0.55 miles) to 1.8 km (1.1 miles), significantly larger than the Toronto Skydome stadium.
• Witness Code Names: To maintain anonymity, witnesses were assigned code names (e.g., FOX1, FOX2, CRM1, PEL1).
• **Highlights from the Event:
• Fox Lake: FOX2 and FOX3 observed a huge UFO over the frozen lake, which drifted directly overhead. FOX4 and FOX5, approaching from the north, saw a row of lights drifting across the lake. They later encountered FOX2 and FOX3 discussing the event. FOX1 had previously noticed a light and curved surface, followed by rectangular lights drifting over a hill.
• Fox Lake (Witness 6): This witness observed a glow on her dashboard and saw a large arrangement of multi-colored lights. Her car's interior lights dimmed, and the music slowed down.
• Pelly Crossing: Around the same time (8:30-9:00 pm), PEL1 observed a long row of lights moving slowly, initially mistaken for an aircraft. He instinctively reacted by cupping his flashlight. The UFO then sped towards him and hovered nearby. A beam of light emanated from the object, and it drifted slowly. PEL2 and PEL3 also observed a huge row of lights moving from left to right, comparing its length to the Big Dipper. Four women taking an evening course also witnessed the object.
• Carmacks: Nine witnesses in two groups reported seeing a row of lights drifting slowly to the northeast, disappearing behind an invisible wall. One witness recalled the object occupying a 60-90 degree horizontal chunk of the sky. The event occurred two weeks before Christmas, leading children to believe it was Santa Claus.
• Further Investigations: The report notes that UFO reports were heard on CBC North radio mentioning sightings in Dawson, Mayo, and Watson Lake, suggesting the event may have encompassed a larger area. Martin Jasek suggested that two similar objects might have been involved.

Other Sightings

• Long Island, New York, USA (October 2, 1999): Mike and a friend observed a huge, silent, baton-shaped object with dimly lit spheres on each end moving at high speed. It made an exact 90-degree left turn and blinked out.
• Grafton, Australia (September 15, 1999): Barry Taylor reported filming an orange UFO trailing a shiny 'ribbon' attached to a black object underneath, rotating like a tadpole.
• New Hampshire, USA (September 25, 1999): Douglas and Kathleen Blair reported seeing a green fireball with an 'electric blue' tail.
• Weathersfield, Connecticut, USA (September 29, 1999): Larry Clark reported that two state police officers pointed at a triangle-shaped craft hovering for five minutes with an intense light and haze.
• Tampa, Florida, USA (September 7, 1999): Several people reviewed a FOX TV video showing a colorful object moving slowly. While some identified it as a triangle craft, others suggested a bolide. NORAD claimed it was space junk, but Ignatius Graffeo argued the video refuted this.
• Orlando, Florida, USA (August 21, 1999): Three witnesses saw glowing circular objects, with a third appearing later, crisscrossing erratically before disappearing.
• Verona, Wisconsin, USA (October 3, 1999): A crop circle was reported near Madison.
• Ripley County, Indiana, USA (September 21, 1999): A witness observed highly maneuverable lights that moved like plane lights but did not follow linear paths. Several lights were seen, some descending and ascending quickly.
• Dundee, Illinois, USA (September 29, 1999): Four witnesses saw a white saucer, lit up like a crystal and as big as a large house.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SIGHTINGS are the diversity of UFO shapes and behaviors, the geographical spread of sightings, and the importance of witness testimony. The magazine appears to present these reports without overt skepticism, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, as indicated by the editor's notes and the inclusion of various sources and contact information for further investigation.

The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and disseminating UFO-related information, encouraging readers to share their experiences and potentially exchange data with other researchers. The inclusion of detailed reports, witness drawings (referenced as being available online), and investigative notes suggests a commitment to exploring the phenomenon seriously.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated September 1999, focuses on the theme of challenging UFO secrecy and the public's desire to know the truth. The cover story, "Challenging UFO Secrecy: But Do We Want The Truth?" by Michael Lindemann, critiques the stance of scientists like Dr. Jacqueline Mitton who dismiss UFOs as lacking evidence, arguing that the 'myth of No Evidence' is a deliberate creation.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine presents several recent UFO sighting reports:

• North Dakota: On September 6, 1999, a large cigar-shaped object was observed in Fargo at 10:30 PM, moving north without sound or lights and blocking stars of the Big Dipper.
• Colorado: Morgan Clements of the World Wide UFO Reporting Center reports on a possible abduction case from Loveland, where a witness experienced strange dreams and saw an alien with large oval black eyes in a shiny blue suit.
• Oregon: On September 22, 1999, Jerry Burgess reported his wife saw a hovering set of brilliant lights near Rosebud, described as a truncated triangle. The object moved silently and then accelerated rapidly, causing computers and digital clocks to malfunction.
• Washington/Oregon: Jim Doerter, a retired professor, shares his collection of sightings from fire lookouts, including two dramatic sightings in 1959 in south central Washington: a fluorescent blue shape and a 300-foot long craft near Mt. Adams.
• New Mexico: Submedical reports a saucer-shaped disk with U.S.A.F. markings hovering over the Manzano Mountains near Kirtland Air Force Base in June 1998.
• Brazil: An American resident in Brazil discusses the high rate of disappearances, suggesting aliens might be involved in kidnapping people, possibly for organ harvesting.

Government Secrecy and Disclosure

Michael Lindemann's article "Challenging UFO Secrecy" argues that the 'myth of No Evidence' is a 'Big Lie' perpetuated by governments. He highlights the efforts of attorney Peter Gersten, who is using legal means to force the disclosure of UFO-related documents from the Department of Defense. Lindemann draws a parallel between the current UFO secrecy and President Franklin Roosevelt's policy of denial regarding German U-boat attacks off the U.S. East Coast during WWII, suggesting that public perception and potential panic are key reasons for government cover-ups.

Journalist Frank Rain is quoted on how 'policy' dictates the handling of information deemed significant to national security, overriding reason or conscience. The article suggests that while many people may want the truth about UFOs, they might not want to know it if it is 'bad,' leading to a willful choice of denial.

Extraterrestrial Contact and Implications

Dr. Steven M. Greer, M.D., contributes an introduction to his book "Extraterrestrial Intelligence: The Evidence and Implications," detailing a meeting he had with former CIA Director James Woolsey on December 13, 1993. Greer briefed Woolsey on UFO evidence, government documents, and photographs. Woolsey reportedly acknowledged the existence of UFOs and asked Greer to discuss the implications. Greer emphasizes that the book is about the 'meaning' of these phenomena, including how UFOs travel, how secrecy is maintained, and the societal implications of disclosure. He also recounts a conversation with Dr. Sue Woolsey about communication systems used by extraterrestrials.

Greer also addresses a letter signed by Woolsey and others questioning his account of the meeting. Greer defends his depiction, stating the meeting was more than a dinner party and that the stakes were high, involving a potential 'sabotage' of disclosure efforts. He argues that good manners in this context mean speaking the truth and demanding accountability from public servants regarding UFO matters.

Astronomical Content

The issue also includes astronomical information:

• News Update: Mentions the discovery of hydrocarbon seas on Titan and Saturn's moon.
• Giant Planet in Earth-Like Orbit: Describes a giant planet orbiting the star Iota Hor, located 56 light years away.
• Sky Diary: Provides astronomical events for October, November, and December, including meteor showers and the winter solstice.
• Constellation for Autumn: Details the constellation Auriga, highlighting the star Capella and star clusters M36, M37, and M38.
• Astronomical Terms: Explains the designation 'M' for celestial objects listed in the Messier Catalogue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real, often of non-human technological origin, and that governments are actively engaged in a cover-up. The editorial stance supports the pursuit of disclosure, believing that revealing the truth about UFOs is crucial for societal progress and potentially for the survival of the planet, especially in light of environmental issues. There is a strong emphasis on the need for transparency and accountability from government officials. The publication also highlights the work of researchers and organizations dedicated to uncovering and disseminating information about UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence.

This issue of "Latest Experiences of Whitley Strieber" from 1999 delves into the author's personal UFO contact experiences and includes a forward-looking piece by Arthur C. Clarke on future technological and societal developments.

Whitley Strieber's Contact Experiences

Whitley Strieber begins by explaining that he had to step back from updating his website due to being overwhelmed with work and personal matters, including finishing a book with Anne and learning to host a radio program. He states that his contact experiences have become more intense and direct than he predicted.

He recounts a period from 1989 to 1994 where his encounters were particularly clear. He interacted with a specific individual who focused on teaching him meditation and opening his mind to external ideas. This entity was highly moral and concerned with Strieber's fidelity to his wife, Anne, reacting with extreme anger to any suggestion of infidelity. Strieber notes that these were the only times he felt truly threatened by the visitors.

Due to a relentless assault on his finances over three years, Strieber was forced to leave his cabin and his 'teacher,' a difficult separation as he had come to value the relationship. After moving to Texas, his contacts diminished, which he found heartbreaking.

Despite the lack of a teacher, Strieber's work in San Antonio has progressed, particularly in implant research. His contact experiences have also changed. He describes a startling event in April where he woke to find a small, terrified man, appearing southeast Asian, standing beside his bed. This being was physically solid, and Strieber attempted to comfort him.

He then recounts another incident where three dark figures entered his bedroom, attempting to force him out of bed. He struggled, and his wife Anne awoke, interrupting the event. The visitors withdrew but returned later, despite Anne having witnessed part of the abduction.

Strieber describes these events as initiating a period of communication, though the grammar is unfamiliar. He feels that things are changing between humans and the visitors, anticipating an environmental 'break' that will stun the world and increase contacts and communication richness.

He believes two things are necessary for increased communication: closing the gap by developing our own propulsion systems for space travel and understanding the visitors' communication methods. Secondly, humanity must recognize the need for change, possibly through an environmental event that conveys a message that our future is in decline if we do not leave Earth.

Whitley Strieber Honored and Critical

The article "Whitley Strieber Rallies UFO Faithful - Rails Against 'Denial'" by Robert Scott Martin reports on Strieber being honored as "UFOlogist of the Year" at the National UFO Conference. He used the platform to criticize unbelievers and speak to UFO enthusiasts. Jim Moseley, conference chairman, praised Strieber for bringing UFO phenomena to a new generation. Strieber, a horror novelist turned contactee, received the award for bringing the UFO enigma to public awareness.

Strieber described the UFOlogical field as "rejected knowledge" and stated he is a "missionary for rejected knowledge." He has received over 300,000 letters from people reporting similar experiences of contact, abduction, and manipulation by aliens. He believes that these encounters rarely reach the mainstream media except as objects of derision, calling it a society-wide act of "denial."

He narrated the 1985 encounter that initially made him doubt his sanity and presented a videotape of evidence accumulated since then. The presentation, titled "Why Do We Deny It?", included footage of various unexplained aerial phenomena, such as a glowing sphere over Camarillo, CA, and events over Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Amazon.

Strieber also discussed the "alien autopsy" as a significant piece of evidence and suggested that the United States is keeping a major secret related to UFOs.

The Seminal Abduction Case and Alien Motivations

Strieber's experiences, particularly those detailed in his 1985 book "Communion," have significantly influenced how people think about aliens and flying saucers. He describes the alien abductor as a capricious, dimension-traveling scientist-trickster. Strieber insists that his experiences are true.

He stated that the French have "incontrovertible evidence of something unknown in the atmosphere flying around" and that the U.S. is hiding a significant, possibly wrong, secret about this.

Strieber's presentation included footage of unexplained aerial phenomena, including a glowing sphere over Camarillo, CA, and events from space shuttle missions. He also showed a video of a 'will-o-the-wisp' and a glowing shape captured in a backyard. A segment depicted a doctor attempting to remove an implant from Strieber's ear, which retreated from the tools.

He explained that the film structure starts with distant sightings and gradually pulls closer to human lives, suggesting aliens are fascinated with the inner workings of human bodies. Strieber believes aliens are likely trying to preserve the novelty of encountering another intelligent race. He posits that any advanced race capable of interstellar travel would be secretive and searching for new experiences, with other intelligences being the most novel.

Arthur C. Clarke's Vision of The Future: Part One

Arthur C. Clarke, an "extrapolator" rather than a prophet, outlines possible future events, acknowledging that unexpected inventions can render forecasts obsolete. He notes that his early predictions for Mars landings and moon missions were often surpassed by actual events.

Clarke lists a chronology of predicted events from 2001 to 2011:

• 2001: Cassini spaceprobe begins exploration of Saturn's moons and rings. Galileo probe continues surveying Jupiter and its moons; life on Europa's oceans appears likely.
• 2002: First commercial clean energy device using low-temperature nuclear reactions becomes available, potentially ending the Fossil-Fuel Age. Pons and Fleischmann receive the Nobel Prize for discovering "Cold Fusion."
• 2003: The motor industry is given five years to replace fuel-burning engines. NASA launches the Mars Surveyor robot.
• 2004: The first publicly admitted human clone is created.
• 2007: NASA's Next Generation Space Telescope is launched.
• 2008: President Chandrika Kumaratunga receives the Nobel Peace Prize for restoring peace to Sri Lanka.
• 2009: A city in North Korea is devastated by an accidental A-bomb explosion, leading to a U.N. debate and the destruction of all nuclear weapons. A major meteor impact occurs on the North Polar icecap, causing tsunamis. Project Spaceguard is activated.
• 2010: First Quantum Generators are developed, providing portable and household electricity indefinitely, leading to the dismantling of grid systems.
• 2011: The largest living animal, a 75-meter octopus, is filmed. Larger marine creatures are discovered on Europa.

Clarke mentions that electronic monitoring aims to remove professional criminals from society, despite protests about "Big Brother" government.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the reality and significance of UFO contact and alien encounters, presenting Whitley Strieber's personal experiences as compelling evidence. There is a recurring theme of humanity's need to expand beyond Earth and confront existential challenges, as articulated by Strieber. Arthur C. Clarke's contribution provides a contrasting, yet complementary, perspective by focusing on humanity's technological progress and future potential. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and a hopeful, albeit cautious, outlook on humanity's future, driven by technological advancement and a potential shift in consciousness regarding our place in the cosmos.