South Lincs UFO Study Group Newsletter - No 51 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SOUTH LINCS. U. F. O. STUDY GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue: NUMBER 51
Date: SEPTEMBER 1973
Publisher: THE SOUTH LINCS. U. F. O. STUDY GROUP
Country: ENGLAND

This issue of the newsletter focuses on a variety of topics, including a reported UFO sighting, advancements in satellite technology for Earth observation, and new scientific discoveries about the planets Mars and Saturn.

Mystery Light Over Bexley

The lead article, "MYSTERY LIGHT JUST HOT AIR?" from the Kentish Times (22.4.73), details two separate sightings of a "strange bright light" over Bexley on March 4th. Mr. Graham Roberts and his mother Audrey reported seeing the light from Bexleyheath at 6:25 pm, while teacher Mr. John Smith and his fiancee Jane saw it from Hartford at the same time. Mr. Roberts described the phenomenon as a collection of lights resembling a spherical diamond that rose, got larger, and moved in a south-easterly direction. He noted that the lights appeared to switch off twice and the object changed direction abruptly. The Ministry of Defence confirmed to the Kentish Times that the sighting was being investigated. The Meteorological Office suggested that the phenomenon might be related to the four weather balloons released daily from Gatwick airport, which drift and can appear brilliant when illuminated by evening sunlight.

ERTS Satellite's Discoveries

The "ASFY IN TIL GAY" article from the Peterborough Evening Telegraph (28.3.73) highlights the achievements of the first Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS). This satellite, orbiting Earth 14 times a day, is providing detailed data on the planet's surface. Since its launch, ERTS has taken over 160,000 pictures, covering 90 percent of the United States and 75 percent of the world's landmass, including parts of the Soviet Union and China. Scientists at a symposium stated that ERTS has proven more valuable than forecast, particularly for surveying remote regions in Alaska and Canada. Specific discoveries mentioned include apparent nickel deposits in eastern Canada and South Africa, believed copper ranges in Pakistan, and the extent of Eucalyptus forests in California killed by cold weather, which poses a fire threat. The article also notes that ERTS helps monitor pollution, urbanisation, soil erosion, crops, forests, snow, water supplies, and underground water reserves. ERTS is expected to function for at least a year, with its successor delayed until 1975.

Mars: No Canals, But Alive?

"Mystery of The Huge Cash on Cars' Waist" from the Sunday Express (13.2.75) discusses new findings about Mars based on 7,349 surface pictures from America's Mars-orbiting satellite, Mariner 9. The notion of irrigation channels on Mars has been dismissed. However, scientists have identified a large natural chasm stretching for about 2,500 miles, nearly a quarter of the planet's circumference, and up to 75 miles wide and four miles deep. The article suggests that Mars is a more hopeful prospect for future investigation. Mariner 9 orbited Mars 693 times, providing close-up pictures of the planet and its two moons, Phobos and Deimos. Scientists are encouraged by the discovery of towering mountains, an atmosphere containing water vapour and oxygen, and winds that can reach over 100 miles per hour. Surface temperatures range from 31 to 189 degrees Fahrenheit, and active volcanoes may exist. This information leads scientists to believe that primitive life might be found by the Viking Mars landing vehicle, planned for two years from the article's date. Mariner 9's transmitters were switched off after mapping the surface, but the spacecraft is expected to orbit Mars for over 50 years.

Saturn's Rings: A Danger?

The article "SATUR'S RINGS DANGER" from the Peterborough Evening Telegraph (15.5.73) reports that the mysterious rings encircling Saturn appear to be made of solid material, not gas, and pose a major threat to potential explorers. Radar soundings conducted by Dr. Richard M. Goldstein and George A. Morris, Jr. of the jet propulsion laboratory indicate the rings are composed of rough, rocky chunks at least three feet in diameter. This finding contradicts the previous belief that the rings were thin and comprised of ice crystals or dust. Dr. Goldstein warned that Saturn's rings "must be considered an extrem hazard to any spacecraft sent into or near them." No radar checks were detected from Saturn itself, confirming it is gaseous. The rings, which extend outward about 85,000 miles, are closely packed but allow starlight to shine through. The United States plans to send an unmanned spacecraft past Jupiter and Saturn in 1977, but it will not approach Saturn closely enough to be endangered by the rings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the South Lincs UFO Study Group Newsletter demonstrates a clear interest in unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and scientific discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on reported sightings and scientific findings with a degree of skepticism (as suggested by the headline "MYSTERY LIGHT JUST HOT AIR?") but also with an open mind to the possibilities presented by new data. The inclusion of articles on UFO sightings alongside detailed reports on satellite capabilities and planetary science suggests a broad scope of interest within the ufology community, encompassing both the unexplained and the scientifically observable.