SOUTH LINES UFO STUDY GROUP NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: SOUTH LINES UFO STUDY GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 28
Date: November 1970 - February 1971

This newsletter from the South Lines UFO Study Group presents a collection of reports on UFO sightings, astronomical discoveries, and space exploration news from late 1970 and early 1971.

Sighting Reports

Northborough Sighting

On November 22, 1970, near Northborough, UK, Miss Hartley, a passenger in a car, observed a greeny-white light drop vertically from the sky and disappear at treetop level. The object was described as 'a lot bigger than a star'. Three other cars stopped on witnessing the event. Northborough is located near Peterborough in Northamptonshire.

Saxilby Sighting

Mr. C.E. Hardy, a B.R. signalman from Saxilby, Lincoln, reported a sighting on November 13, 1970. While on duty at the Kesteven signal box, he observed a round sphere illuminated with a whitish-lemon coloured light at a low altitude of about 50 feet. Initially mistaking it for a signal light reflection, he soon realized it was an object. Another identical object appeared, and the two hovered side-by-side. Mr. Hardy ruled out aircraft due to the size of the lights (as big as footballs) and the lack of noise. He also dismissed satellites because of their low altitude. The objects moved in a leisurely floating manner, one towards the NE and the other towards the observer, before disappearing instantly, described as like an electric power switch being turned off. Mr. Hardy was left bewildered, asserting that the observed phenomena were not aircraft, balloons, planets, stars, reflections, or any known phenomena.

Rocket Launch Confirmation

Reports of UFOs seen by members on June 4 were confirmed to be a rocket launched from the Hebrides. 'The Astronomer' magazine confirmed in its September issue that the object was a barium cloud released by a rocket from South Uist.

Astronomical and Planetary News

Largest Meteor Crater

A group of Russian geologists claim to have discovered the world's largest meteor crater, a 60-mile-wide circle located inside the Arctic Circle in the Krasnoyarsk region of Soviet Siberia. The impact, estimated to have the force of 10,000 atom bombs, left a crater 500 yards deep and over seven miles across, with rock fragments scattered for miles. Russian geologists, led by Victor Masaitis, suggest the crater was caused by a wandering mini-world or asteroid, not an ordinary meteorite, which hit Northern Siberia at a speed of 70,000 miles per hour. The crater's base is composed of crushed rock, and the damage to the earth's crust extends down to a depth of 10 miles.

Excitement on Venus

Scientists received signals and photos from a satellite that landed on Earth from Venus, in an area known as Manhattan. A press conference was held at the Venus Institute of Technology, where Professor Zog announced that 'there is no life on Earth' due to the surface being solid concrete and the atmosphere being filled with carbon monoxide and other deadly gases. This finding necessitates carrying oxygen and water on future flying saucer missions. Professor Zog also noted the presence of 'tiny black spots' on photographs, which appear to be metal particles that emit gases, make noises, and move along certain paths, posing a hazard to landings.

Venus Surface Conditions

Penetrating Venus's thick cloud cover with radar, scientists have identified a continent named Alpha, roughly circular with a diameter of 1,000 miles, which is largely mountainous. The surrounding area is described as flat desert. It is considered unlikely that this continent is surrounded by water or has vegetation. The temperature on Venus ranges from 47 to 923 degrees Fahrenheit, and the atmospheric pressure is 90 times that of Earth at sea level. The atmosphere is 90 percent carbon monoxide.

Straight Line on Moon (Hadley Rille)

A strange straight line observed in close-up photographs of the moon's surface taken by the Apollo 8 crew is being investigated. This feature, known as Hadley Rille, runs for 60 miles along the foot of lunar mountains and is estimated to be half a mile wide and 600 feet deep. Scientists are exploring whether it was formed by water, molten lava, or a surface crack enlarged by escaping gas. The area is also known for mysterious happenings, including dust clouds and flashes of light. The crew of Apollo 15, including astronauts David Scott and James Irwin, are scheduled to land near Hadley Rille in July.

The Mediterranean Sea's Past

Oceanographers have found evidence suggesting the Mediterranean Sea was once a desert. Mountains formed in the Strait of Gibraltar, blocking Atlantic water inflow, causing the sea to evaporate. This event is estimated to have occurred between six and 12 million years ago. The Gibraltar blockage was caused by an unseen convulsion below the Earth's crust. Approximately five million years ago, the Atlantic broke through, eroding the mountains and forming the current channel.

Space Exploration Plans

Men on Mars

Following successful moon landings, NASA is planning to send men to Mars within 10 years. The goal is to have at least 3 men on the Martian surface living in a cone-shaped vehicle by 1981. By the end of the decade, NASA hopes to support approximately 40 men on Mars with crews from orbiting spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, astronomical discoveries, and the progress of space exploration. The tone is investigative and informative, presenting eyewitness accounts and scientific reports without explicit endorsement or dismissal of the phenomena discussed. There is a clear interest in the unknown, whether it be UFOs, the conditions on other planets, or geological mysteries on Earth and the Moon. The publication appears to be a platform for sharing information and fostering discussion within the UFO study community.