SUFOG Newsletter No 105-106

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, Issue Numbers 105 and 106, published in July/August 1999 by the Southampton UFO Group, is a bi-monthly newsletter focused on UFO research and related phenomena. The issue features a "Bumper" collection of articles, including an ongoing "Project FT" initiative, reviews of other UFO publications, an obituary, and an in-depth analysis of media coverage of crop circle events.

Project FT: European / Scandinavia Initiative

This section details the interim report of Project FT, which compares Flying Triangle (FT) sightings from mainland Europe and Scandinavia with those in the United Kingdom between 1993 and 1997. Out of 93 FT reports from the European/Scandinavian area, 62 (67%) were followed by a similar UK report within three hours, with 35 cases within 60 minutes. The analysis calculated the speed of the FTs, noting that speeds over the UK were typically between 20-60 mph, while speeds coming from or going to mainland Europe/Scandinavia ranged from 32 mph to 1252 mph, with an average of 428 mph. The speeds were observed to 'cluster' around set speeds, with one example showing speeds at 123 mph +/- 17 mph. The report also noted instances where two separate FTs might have been operating simultaneously, but cases requiring speeds over 1,500 mph were discarded. Of the remaining 58 cases, 23 (40%) involved FTs in UK airspace before travelling to mainland Europe, and 35 (60%) were in UK airspace after being seen over mainland Europe. A significant finding was that 26 cases (45%) involved FTs visiting UK Nuclear Power Stations, with Bradwell NPS (Essex) being visited 14 times (54%), Sizewell NPS (Suffolk) nine times (35%), and Dungeness NPS (Kent) three times (11%). The report provides further breakdowns of these visits in relation to mainland Europe travel.

CIA Website and Online Resources

The newsletter highlights the availability of over 50 CIA reports on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) accessible online. The editor intends to list file references in the next edition, allowing net-savvy readers to access and print these documents. The issue also includes a list of interesting Internet websites related to UFOs, compiled by the editor.

Southampton UFO Group AGM and Conference

An announcement is made for the Southampton UFO Group's Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Sunday, September 5th, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The newsletter also mentions a conference planned for 1999. However, the editor expresses concern that if only 12 tickets (£120) are sold by October 1st, the conference will be cancelled due to the need to sell 100 tickets (£1000) to proceed. The continuation of SUFOG itself is also presented as dependent on reader support.

Obituary: Richard Andrews

The newsletter reports the sad passing of Richard Andrews on August 7th, 1999. He is described as a "cereologist" and an original researcher of the crop circle phenomenon, known for his work as a dowser. He was involved in investigating crop circles around Hampshire and Wiltshire and gave lectures in Winchester and Andover. His loss is noted as significant to the field of Cereology.

Impromptu Skywatch 11.8.99

This piece recounts an impromptu skywatch undertaken by Steve Gerrard and Andy Phillips near Cheesefoot Head on August 11th, 1999. Despite arriving at 9 p.m. and observing the night sky, they only saw one airplane, heard three aircraft in the clouds, and noted some distant lights which they assumed were car headlights. Around 1:30 a.m., they returned home after a disappointing watch, hoping for better luck next time.

Coincidence or Not... That Is The Question...

This article, written by Steve Gerrard, explores the idea of coincidences, particularly in relation to UFO sightings and crop circles. He recounts a skywatch on July 10th, 1999, with group members Bill Smith and Andy Phillips, where they searched for crop circle formations near Cheesefoot Head. They observed what appeared to be a marking in a field but were unable to locate it due to trees and barbed wire. Later that night, they logged several sightings including a bright orange light, fireworks, a shooting star, and a satellite. Coincidentally, they received an email about a UFO report over Gosport at 23:55 hrs on the same night, a sighting they did not witness from their vantage point. The article concludes with a reflection on the nature of skywatching and the dedication of those involved.

Matthew Williams Replies to Paul Vigay

This section features a re-print of an article by Matthew Williams, responding to Paul Vigay's report on the TV program 'Country File' concerning crop circles. Williams, who has experience in TV production, explains how program makers often manipulate content to fit a narrative, advising readers not to trust media portrayals. He details how the 'Country File' segment misrepresented events surrounding the investigation of "The Circlemakers" at Milk Hill. Williams describes how he and researcher Paul Damon encountered a group of suspected circlemakers and later the BBC TV crew, who were filming the process. He notes that the BBC paid the farmer for the field and that the circlemakers' claims of working at night were validated by the BBC's use of night vision equipment. However, he criticizes the program for suggesting a linear, uninterrupted creation of the circle, when in fact, there were numerous interruptions from the BBC and researchers. Williams concludes that while the circlemakers finished their work, the TV piece presented a skewed perspective for a wider audience, and that TV is not the best medium for conveying truth.

Obituary: Graham Fabian Noel Knewstub

This is an obituary for Graham Knewstub, a pioneering British UFOlogist who passed away on May 16th, 1999, at the age of 90. Born in 1908, his early interest in space travel led him to join the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) before World War II. He was a chartered engineer and worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Knewstub was among the founding members of the British Branch of Albert Bender's International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) in 1952. He later became Chairman of the British Flying Saucer Bureau (BFSB) in Bristol in 1953. His significant contribution includes a 22-page work published in 1955 titled "TECHNICAL REPORT No. 1 : PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF DATA CONCERNING FLYING SAUCERS." The BFSB is noted as possibly the oldest UFO group in the world. Knewstub was also president of the London UFO Research Organisation in 1960 and the founding president of the British UFO Association in 1962.

SUFOG Diary - 1999

The diary lists upcoming events for 1999, including skywatches at Fort Nelson and the New Forest, group meetings (AGM), and a mini-conference. It also includes an itinerary for "Open Mind" events from September 1999 to February 2000, featuring topics like "An Experience of the healing potential of sound," "The crop circle mystery 1999," and "Does god play dice with the universe."

Ye Olde Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears Esq.

Ernie Sears reviews several publications. "UFO Magazine" (UK) is described as the world's best-selling UFO publication, with its May/June issue covering topics like MOD man Nick Pope's abduction denial, a 1955 UFO sighting over Karachi, a 1988 "battle" with a Finnish jet fighter, MJ12 documents, and a 1959 Papua encounter. The July/August issue of "UFO Magazine" is also reviewed, noting an article on Whitley Strieber and suggestions for a new National Security Act. "UFO Magazine (Canada)" is noted for its April issue featuring Joe Firmage and a UFO photo competition, and its May issue with a Bigfoot photo. "Faster Than Light" issue 14 is praised for its layout and content, including articles on UFOs over Russia, life on Mars, and crop circle deliberations. "OVNI Journal" is described as a slim but well-produced magazine, with its editor's review suggesting a continuing "flap" in 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG include the detailed analysis of UFO sightings, particularly the "Project FT" initiative focusing on flying triangles and their speeds and locations. There is a strong emphasis on research and data collection, with appeals for reader contributions. The issue also highlights the critical examination of media coverage of UFOs and crop circles, with a skeptical stance towards sensationalism and misrepresentation. Obituaries of significant figures in the UFOlogy community, like Richard Andrews and Graham Knewstub, underscore the historical depth of the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedicated, grassroots investigation, with a concern for the survival of the group and its publications, urging reader support. The magazine also promotes an active engagement with the subject through skywatches and meetings.

SUFOG, Issue 11, dated 15th June - 15th August 1999, is a publication focused on UFO phenomena, crop circles, and related mysteries. This issue features a diverse range of articles, reviews, and personal accounts from contributors and organizations within the UFO research community.

Contents and Articles

Page 11

The issue begins with a report on UFO sightings in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, mentioning an article by Omar on the inter-dimensional world. OVIN reports on the Flying Triangle project. INUFOR DIGEST, based in Australia, is reviewed, highlighting articles on Northern Territory sightings and a photo of an object over Aritunga. Rosemary Decker's reminiscence of George Adamski and an update from 1924 by Moira McGhee are also mentioned. CUFORG SKYWATCHERS issue 24 is reviewed, featuring articles on worldwide sightings, Joseph Firmage's 'The Truth' on the ET enigma, and Donald Warley's 'A World Under Assault' on alleged abductions. Whitley Strieber's critique of NASA's handling of 'unknown discoveries' is also noted. The magazine 'DOWN TO EARTH' is reviewed, with articles on Roswell, Sheffield Incident 1997, and Israeli crop circles. Prof. Stephen Hawking's doubts about alien visitations are mentioned. 'RAPPORT', the bi-monthly issue of the Witness Support Group, is also featured, with mentions of Elsie Oakenson's book and experiences shared by subscribers. 'ENIGMA' is described as a pocket-sized publication with an editorial on government disinformation, the beef crisis, GM foods, Monsanto, and crop circles.

Page 12

An article titled "Eating Our Words" discusses the crop circle enigma and how experiences change views, illustrated with formations up to June 1999. Czech formations allied to UFO sightings are mentioned. A reflexology article by Cathy Smiles and topics like Kosovo and The Real Truth are noted. The Bilderberg Group's meeting in Portugal is mentioned, with heavy security and secrecy. Pine Gap, Australia's Area 51, and a 1992 UFO incident are discussed. Matthew Williams' viewpoint on a BBC crop circle program is presented. 'Enigma' magazine's subscription details are provided. APRA (Anomalous Phenomena Research Agency) is highlighted for its coverage of crop circles, fireballs, meteors, triangles, and encounters. PHENOMENA magazine, from Strange Phenomena Scotland, is reviewed, covering spooky goings-on and poltergeist effects, with mentions of the church at Sainte Madelaine and the Second Sauniere Conference. THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN is reviewed, featuring an article on the VALENTICH disappearance and sightings from Papua New Guinea. Gordon Creighton's article on the Vatican's awareness of UFOs is also mentioned.

Page 13

This page continues the review of SUFOG's content. It mentions the late 1960s when a consultant to SPACELINK magazine spoke at a symposium on 'defining UFOlogy.' The ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, September 1979, featured 'The UFO Watchers' by Des Wilson, including names like Ruth Rees, Lord Clancarty, Lionel Beer, Norman Oliver, Graham Knewstub, Charles Bowen, and Bernard Delair. Graham, then 70, reported seeing a cigar-shaped object over Avonmouth in 1960 and a UFO with rotating lights near Bristol. He was honored at the 30th Anniversary Conference of BUFORA in London on 19 September 1992. He was also an opening speaker at UFO CASEBOOK in Bristol on 24 July 1993. A tribute to Lionel Beer, a founder member of British UFOlogy, is included. The Flying Saucer Club of Hove, founded in 1952 by Richard Hughes, and its amalgamation with the Bristol Club in 1954 are mentioned. The UFO99 (LAPIS International Conference) is announced, with speakers like Michael Lindemann, Nick Redfern, and Lionel Fanthorpe, scheduled for 4th & 5th December 1999 in Lytham St Annes.

Page 14

This section reviews television and radio programs from 15th June to 15th August 1999. Programs reviewed include:

• 3rd July: UFO: The Best Evidence Caught on Tape (Ch 5 Sci-Fi Weekend): A compilation of UFO footage, rated 9/10.
• 4th July: The Billion Dollar Secret (Terrestrial TV): A program investigating secret aircraft and UFOs, visiting places like AREA 51, rated 10/10.
• 4th July: Explorer (National Geographical Channel): Explored the search for extraterrestrial life using SETI, rated 6/10.
• 5th July (PT 1) & 12th July (PT 2): Stranger than Fiction: Alien Abductions - Fact or fiction?: A program covering alien abduction, rated 10/10.
• 19th July: Identified Flying Objects (National Geographical Channel): Focused on the Marfa Lights in Texas, concluding they might be earth lights caused by tectonic plate movement, rated 10/10.
• 6th August: Unmasked - Secrets of Deception (Sky 1): Featured a crop circle hoax created by three individuals in New Zealand, filmed using time-lapse photography. The review criticizes the media for perpetuating hoaxes and profiting from them.

Page 15

The Mysterious Giant Forest Rings in Canada is the main article. It reports on the discovery of over 2,000 giant 'forest rings' in northern Ontario and Quebec, Canada, visible from aerial photography. These rings, similar to crop circles, are described as huge, perfect circles of discoloured vegetation, ranging from 300 meters to over two kilometers across. Explanations range from extraterrestrial markings to meteor impact sites or biological infestations. Recent discoveries suggest the fungal infection theory is unlikely. The circles are depressed up to two meters below the surrounding ground and filled with peat. A new theory suggests the rings result from underlying geographical structures with unusual electrical properties. Prospectors are investigating these areas due to their resemblance to kimberlite tubes. The forest rings first came to scientists' attention in the 1960s, but their formation and duration remain unclear. The article suggests that understanding these rings might shed light on the mystery of crop circles. The page also lists upcoming topics for the next issue, including crop circles and UFO cover-ups.

Page 16

A REVIEW OF “THE DAY AFTER ROSWELL” by Col. Philip J Corso (Ret.) is presented. The reviewer, D.J. Probert, recounts a conversation with an R&D scientist who believes in alien civilizations interacting with us. The book details the Roswell incident and the alleged recovery of an alien spacecraft. Corso, a former member of the highly secret Research & Development of Foreign Technology department in the Pentagon, describes his encounter with alien technology and its incorporation into modern society, citing lasers as an example. The review highlights Corso's revelations about the CIA and KGB, and the idea that weapons development might have been driven by a perceived alien invasion threat, leading to the development of SDI and Particle Beam Weapons. The reviewer questions the book's factual accuracy but is assured by a scientific friend that it is a factual account. Corso suggests that information about aliens has been gradually released to the public through genuine information mixed with disinformation and fictional works.

Page 17

HUBBLE COMPLETES EIGHT YEAR EFFORT TO MEASURE EXPANDING UNIVERSE. This article reports on the Hubble Space Telescope Key Project Team's announcement of their completed efforts to measure precise distances to far-flung galaxies. Team leader Wendy Freedman states that this work is essential for determining the age, size, and fate of the universe. The measurements help determine Hubble's constant, the rate of universe expansion. The team measured Hubble's constant at 70 km/sec/mpc with a 10 percent uncertainty. The article explains that the universe's age is calculated using the expansion rate and distance measurements, and the team determined the universe is approximately 12 billion years old. This resolves a paradox with previous age estimates. The findings are based on observations of 18 galaxies and the discovery of almost 800 Cepheid stars, used as 'standard candles' for distance measurement. The team is an international group of 27 astronomers from 13 institutions.

Page 18

SUFOG SPENDS A WEEKEND AT AVEBURY 31 JULY - 1 AUGUST 1999. This is an account by Ernie Sears of a 'Phenomenal' weekend. He describes attending a 'skywatch' with colleagues from the Southampton UFO Group and APRA, perched on the ramparts of Avebury Stone circle. The event lasted from Saturday 5:00 p.m. to Sunday 1:00 p.m. Sears recounts his past experiences with monoliths and UFOs. He mentions Rachel Lamb's article linking UFOs and crop circles, and Colin Andrews as a circle expert. During the night, Sears and others witnessed a huge flash of light, followed by two more flashes, which they theorized might be a UFO entering the Earth's magnetic 'envelope'. At 3:55 a.m., they saw a huge, brilliant light moving between clouds, emitting sparkling lights, and appearing as a circular object that moved silently and curved into a cloud. They prayed for its return, but it did not reappear. The next morning, they found no new crop circles formed. The group then traced other crop formations between Avebury and Alton Barnes.

Page 19

Ernie Sears continues his account of the Avebury weekend. He mentions encountering a pub landlord who advertised 'open all day' but then stated he wasn't doing breakfasts. He speculates if this was related to the close proximity of a large crop formation and the crowd the previous evening. He also comments on Rachel Lamb's article about hoaxers causing damage to farmers' fields and questions the lack of prosecution for Southampton's 'Doug and Dave'.

View 2: Steve Gerrard - Southampton UFO Group Founder. Gerrard describes organizing events for the group. He recounts the Avebury weekend, starting with a drive to Silbury Hill and then to Avebury. He mentions seeing formations from Silbury Hill and visiting a formation opposite the pub, which they later learned was a hoax. They then found another formation in The Avenue. The group started a joint skywatch at 9:30-10 p.m. overlooking a field. They initially mistook a security light for a strange light. The night was quiet, with local sounds and fireworks. At around 3:10 a.m., they saw a flash of light from the center of the Avebury Stones, followed by two more brighter flashes, described as 'Earth Lights'. Ernie Sears suggested it was a preview to something more heavenly. At 3:50 a.m., they saw a large object making a 90-degree turn into a cloud.

Page 20

Ernie Sears continues his account of the Avebury weekend, describing the object seen at 3:50 a.m. as making a 90-degree turn into a cloud and not emerging from the other side. He notes that this confirmed Ernie's earlier prediction. Two foreign chaps approached and asked if they had seen the flashes of light, confirming their observation. The group then investigated formations in The Avenue and Beckhampton. They attempted to have breakfast at the Red Lion PH but were told there were no breakfasts available, despite advertising. The group lost money on the venture, with the Ford Galaxy hire and petrol costing £98, and only £50 collected from the participants. The group funds suffered, but they had a great weekend and felt enlightened, though one member slept through some early morning events.

Unusual Triangle UFO Reported in Pennsylvania. This report details an observation on April 21, 1999, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Witnesses described an object looking like an '1/8 slice of pizza' with white non-blinking lights, silhouetted against the sky. The object was observed to be above a commercial airliner, stop in the air, and then pace the aircraft. Gordon reports that a witness stated the UFO emitted a bright beam of light that illuminated the airplane before vanishing. The witnesses pulled into a driveway and lost sight of the event, and upon returning, only saw a bright light moving in the distance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are UFO sightings, crop circles, alleged government cover-ups, and the exploration of the ET enigma. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is open to the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena and critical of official explanations that dismiss or conceal such events. There is a clear interest in investigative journalism, personal testimonies, and the dissemination of information within the UFO community. The editorial tone is generally enthusiastic about the subject matter, encouraging readers to engage with the mysteries presented and to form their own conclusions, particularly regarding the 'Day After Roswell' book and the nature of UFO evidence. The magazine also highlights the efforts of various UFO research groups and publications, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.