SUFOG Newsletter No 147-148

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) newsletter, Number 147/148, dated January/February 2003, marks the group's 10th year of investigation. The newsletter covers various UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, government secrecy, and theoretical discussions about space travel.

Editorial and Group Activities

Steve Gerrard, the Chairman, opens the newsletter by expressing hope for a new future for SUFOG in 2003, noting a slow start but anticipating increased interest. He highlights an upcoming open day in October featuring a special speaker from America and encourages members to help advertise the event. Gerrard also mentions his appearance on Radio Solent's 'Curious Questions Answered' and his intention to increase the UFO content in the newsletter, while still welcoming member contributions. He notes a slight downward curve in membership and emphasizes the need for publicity, mentioning plans for an Avebury Sky-watch in August with other groups. Monthly meetings are also promoted, costing £3 per person.

Key Articles and Reports

Farnborough's Close Encounter

This section details a UFO sighting in Farnborough in August 1950, investigated by a specialist MOD team. An RAF Flight Lieutenant reported seeing a 'flat disc' flying at high speed, a sighting later corroborated by five other senior RAF officers. The MOD team initially concluded it was an optical illusion but later testimony from the officers was undermined by the MOD's suggestion they were influenced by the pilot's report. The article notes that parts of the MOD report remain classified.

Brighton Police Helicopter Chases UFO

Reported by Barbara Davidson, this article recounts an incident on September 3, 2002, where a Sussex Police helicopter crew spotted a UFO while flying over Brighton. Sergeant John Tickner and paramedic Sean Mitchell used a thermal imaging camera to record the object for three minutes before it disappeared. Experts are baffled, but the crew is convinced they did not witness a conventional aircraft.

UFO Case Blocked by MoD

This report, dated December 3, 2002, from BBC Web Site, discusses the MoD's "culture of secrecy" in suppressing information, citing the Rendlesham Forest UFO scare as an example. Parliamentary Ombudsman Ann Abraham stated the MoD broke rules three times over cases including Rendlesham. The 'Rendlesham File' details a sighting of a "glowing" triangular object by US Air Force police in Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, in December 1980. The object hovered, transmitted pulsating lights, and caused nearby farm animals to panic. USAF Lt Col Charles I Halt reported witnessing a "red sun-like light" moving through the trees.

Ministers Lift Lid on UFO Secrets

This news item from November 28, 2002, reports that secret information, including details of the "glowing" UFO seen near an RAF base over 20 years ago (referring to the Rendlesham incident), has been released under the Freedom of Information Act. This is part of a broader effort to open up government workings. Ministers are attempting to repeal legislation banning access to information, though they face criticism for not extending this to ministerial meetings. The article quotes Freedom of Information minister Yvette Cooper on the importance of "free and frank discussions" and "openness and transparency."

Did Americans and Russians Fly to the Moon, or were all so-called "Moon flights" faked?

Authored by Der Voron, this article critically examines the official accounts of the Moon landings. The author argues that the technology required for a spacecraft to take off from the Moon (requiring a carrier rocket weighing hundreds of tons and significant fuel) was not available at the time of the Apollo missions. He contrasts the weight requirements with modern rockets like Ariane-5 and Dnepr-1, and even the Titan-4. Voron suggests that the only way the landings could have occurred as described is if NASA possessed antigravitation craft (antigrav, starcraft, starship, or flying saucer) from that era, or possibly borrowed them from an extraterrestrial civilization. He points to the visibility of the American flag and inscriptions on the Moon surface as evidence, and mentions an astronaut's televised comment about seeing "giant artificial objects." The article also speculates on whether the Russians, in response to NASA's alleged success, invented their own "success story" with their "Lunohods."

Newspaper Reviews

Ernie Sears reviews various newspaper articles related to UFOs and the TV series "TAKEN." He notes that "TAKEN" is described as "American Schmaltz" by The Sunday Express, while The Sunday Times suggests aliens have greater credibility than humans. The Daily Telegraph features a "Pick of the Day" special on "TAKEN," and The Sunday Express runs a two-page spread on "paranormal" legends. The Daily Mail features an item on strange objects filmed by NASA's SOHO satellite. The article also mentions a two-page spread in The Daily Mail about alien abductions, illustrated with a Travis Walton shot and a "grey" face. The Times discusses Hubble telescope findings on time and space.

Magazine Reviews

Ernie Sears reviews "UFO Magazine," describing its January/February issue as interesting and gripping, covering topics like foo fighters, UFO reports, and the "Turkish photo evidence." He also notes that the magazine includes articles on police reports, cattle mutilations, "Rod" news reel film, and an in-depth look at Spielberg's "Taken." The review mentions that some content loses the interest of dedicated UFOlogists, but the magazine is still £2.50.

SUFOG Contact Corner and Diary

The newsletter provides contact details for various UFO research organizations, including Phenomenon Research Association, SPI England, and UPRI (Ireland). It also details the Southampton UFO Group's newsletter subscription costs (£7.50 per year) and format (10 double-sided A4 pages, bi-monthly). The SUFOG Diary for 2003 lists upcoming meetings, including quiz nights, video evenings, open discussions, and a special meeting in October. It also mentions the Avebury Weekend and a SUFOG Open Day.

Hull UFO Society Information

Details are provided for the Hull UFO Society, including their website (http://www.hufos.karoo.net/homepage.html), meeting schedule (2nd Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm-10:00pm), and admission fees (£1.30 for normal meetings, £2.30 for special meetings). Their meetings include talks on the UFO Phenomenon, news of sightings, investigator reports, coffee breaks, and video footage. The newsletter also promotes the "UFO INFO Network" magazine, a joint publication with Hull UFO Society and Yorkshire UFO Info.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing efforts of SUFOG to promote UFOlogy and increase membership through publicity and engaging events. There is a strong emphasis on government transparency and the release of information, particularly concerning UFO sightings, as evidenced by the coverage of the MoD's "culture of secrecy" and the impact of the Freedom of Information Act. The newsletter also engages with more speculative topics, such as the possibility of Moon landing fakery and the existence of antigrav technology, reflecting a broad interest in the UFO phenomenon and its implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging discussion and the sharing of experiences while also critically examining official narratives.

SUFOG, issue 11, published in November-December, is a UFOlogy magazine produced by UFOMEK. This issue features a variety of articles, reviews, and sighting reports from around the globe, with a strong emphasis on international UFO phenomena and research.

Publication Reviews

EYE MAGAZINE

EYE MAGAZINE, a publication by Chris Evers and Gary Anthony, is described as a "For UFOlogists By UFOlogists" magazine. Issue 4 includes Spanish declassifications, details on the Silpho Saucer incident from 1957 (which was labeled a 'student prank'), reviews, an 'EYE on Space' section, and coverage of a Brighton UFO film controversy. The magazine is noted for its neat 31-page pocket-sized format.

RAPPORT MAGAZINE

The November-December issue of the London-based Witness Support Group's magazine, RAPPORT, is a special full-colour edition. It features interesting articles, reader letters, and UFO-related content, including an evaluation of the Starchild skull and disclosures about Australia's Pine Gap. SUFOG's Ernie Sears contributes a regular column. The group was founded by abductees in 1990, and a donation of £1.50 is suggested.

THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN

This publication from The Victorian UFO Research Society features numerous interesting items in its pocket-sized issues. The editorial by President Judith Magee highlights strong membership support. Articles include Paul Norman's 'On The UFO Trail,' 'Brown Mountain Lights,' 'Crop Circles,' international sighting reports, and Victorian, Australia-based UFO encounters. The magazine suggests that Australia is more open to discussing UFOs.

NEW BUFORA JOURNAL

Two issues of the New BUFORA JOURNAL are mentioned, featuring the Welsh Machynlleth 'landing' from 1975 on its cover and in its contents. The editor, Norman Oliver, also contributes an article on 'coincidences' related to the incident. Other features include sightings from Sri Lanka and a mention of 'Brown Mountain Lights' from a previous issue.

AWARENESS

Published by Contact International UFO Research, AWARENESS is a pocket-sized magazine with a light blue cover. Geoff Ambler's editorial discusses public shootings, culprits, and UFO cover-ups, criticizing the lack of objectivity in official narratives and the dismissal of 'unknowns.'

THE AMERICAN UFO JOURNAL

The spring 2002 issue of THE AMERICAN UFO JOURNAL is described as a well-produced A4-sized magazine with numerous pages, featuring photos, sightings, research, and encounters from the past and present, including orbs, Bigfoot, nuts and bolts sightings, triangles, and USSR encounters.

Feature Articles

Time To Think!

Authored by Brian P James, this is the first in an occasional series of observations and comments on paranormal events. James aims to provoke thought on commonly accepted facets of paranormal reports that may not 'compute' upon closer examination. The article begins by discussing 'Vehicle Interference Effects.'

Vehicle Interference Effects

This section explores the phenomenon of vehicle interference, commonly associated with UFO close encounters but also present in other paranormal sightings. It notes that cases of vehicle stops during UFO encounters are well-documented, with classic scenarios involving dimming or failing vehicle lights and engines stalling. The article questions how vehicles restart after electrical suppression fields are removed, highlighting the complex internal combustion engine cycle and the safety mechanisms in modern cars that prevent the starter from engaging while the engine is running.

Encounter Paralysis

This article addresses the 'Alien Abduction/Encounter paralysis,' a phenomenon where an experiencer is unable to move but is wide-awake. While acknowledging the medical phenomenon of waking paralysis, the author, who is also an experiencer, questions why witnesses retain full recall of what they see, as the optic nerve should logically also be affected if the nervous system is paralyzed.

Open Day 2003

SFOG announces its Open Day for 2003, featuring Darryl Sims ('Mr. Alien Hunter') as a special invited speaker. Sims will conduct a 2-hour seminar for ticket holders. The event aims to attract 80-100 attendees.

Build a UFO

This section provides instructions on how to create a 'UFO' using a large bubble. By filling a bubble with air and illuminating it with a flashlight on a cool, dark night, unusual rings of color can be produced, resembling a UFO. It encourages readers to use their imagination for games and improved bubble formulas.

Bubble Formula

Detailed instructions are given for creating a bubble solution. A quick start involves mixing 1 part liquid dish washing detergent with 15 parts water. For a superior solution, a recipe yielding 1 quart is provided, including 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of linseed (sourced from Costa Rica), boiled until it develops a slight amber tint, and then strained. The solution is described as mucus-like and slippery. The article also mentions that aging the solution can improve bubble longevity.

UFO Sightings Reports

The magazine includes a comprehensive list of UFO sightings from various locations, categorized by region:

Alabama

Two egg-shaped objects with lights were observed moving in a 'Z' pattern in Moundville, causing vehicle battery failure. In Talladega National Forest, two egg-shaped objects approached a vehicle, with lights flashing red, yellow, and blue, moving in a 'Z' shape. One object came close before leaving.

California

A private pilot in San Jose reported seeing two black triangles hovering in a slow flight pattern, appearing to be at 45,000 feet altitude, with jumbo jets passing underneath.

Colorado

An unidentified object, described as a flying teardrop, was seen circling the sky in Payton, appearing as a metallic silver craft with one fluorescent light.

Florida

A bright object was spotted in Winter Springs, moving in a slow, straight line. It was described as flat on the bottom and domed on top, with a strange green color.

Georgia

A spectacular white light, described as the size of a baseball at arm's length, was observed in Dekalb County. In Lagrange, an unusual 'beacon' type of light was seen blinking on and off and moving east.

Iowa

In Aurelia, a hovering object with red, green, and white lights was observed, along with another similar object. A similar experience with multiple UFOs was reported in NW Iowa.

Kansas

In Wichita, a disk-shaped craft was photographed, with heavy contrails in the sky and UFOs flying below them. An Air Force Captain reportedly identified them as not being planes.

Maine

Witnesses in Spring Valley reported seeing a bright orange-reddish light that dimmed and brightened, eventually turning west and dropping something before disappearing.

Maryland

A bright object, initially mistaken for a shooting star, was seen moving from west to east in Westminster, followed by three additional bright white light objects.

Minnesota

In Winnebago, a bright light was observed that began to change colors in a circular motion, appearing as a disk-shaped craft with windows.

Missouri

In Blue Springs, a bright flashing light with colors changing from white to red to green was observed, moving in random directions and making sharp movements.

New York

In Albany, three flying triangular objects with lights on each corner were seen.

North Carolina

In Charlotte, a triangular formation of three extremely bright, round lights was observed, with one object flying off at incredible speed.

Oklahoma

A silver/black cigar-like object was seen hovering over fields near Enid, rocking slowly back and forth before disappearing without a trace.

South Africa

A craft was observed crossing the path of a satellite four times near Port Elizabeth, leaving a stream of exhaust fumes.

Sri Lanka

Sightings from Sri Lanka are mentioned in the New BUFORA JOURNAL.

Texas

An oval-shaped object was seen hovering over fields in Texas.

UK

Reports from the UK include the Brighton UFO film controversy, the Welsh Machynlleth 'landing,' and sightings in Tonbridge and Wheatley.

Virginia

A 'long lighted flying thing' was seen in Falls Church, which disappeared after the witness's car stalled and then restarted on its own.

Special Reports and Opinions

UFO SIGHTINGS HOLD STEADY, WAVE PREDICTED IN MARCH

This section reports on UFO eyewitness and photo/video evidence, noting a predicted UFO wave in March 2003. It mentions various sightings, including triangles, diamond oval objects, spheres, cigar-shaped UFOs, and domed crafts across different US states. It also includes a letter from a priest and a mention of a chimpanzee starting AIDS.

RAELIAN MOVEMENT AND IRRATIONAL THOUGHT

This article, authored by the J. Allen Hynek Centre for UFO Studies, Mutual UFO Network, and Fund for UFO Research, criticizes the Raelian Movement's claims about human cloning and extraterrestrial origins of life. It emphasizes the importance of the scientific method for studying the UFO phenomenon and dismisses anecdotal claims as insufficient evidence for establishing a new religion.

PRIEST GIVES HIS OPINION

A priest shares his thoughts on 'messengers' and superior technology, questioning the human-centric view of technology and the role of God. He notes the church's resistance to considering extraterrestrial possibilities and encourages tolerance and continued evidence collection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SUFOG consistently emphasizes the importance of UFO research, the reporting of sightings, and the critical examination of phenomena. There's a clear leaning towards investigating unexplained events with a scientific, yet open-minded, approach. The magazine reviews various publications, suggesting a desire to cover the breadth of UFOlogy. The articles on 'Vehicle Interference' and 'Encounter Paralysis' indicate an interest in the physical and psychological effects of UFO encounters. The critical stance on the Raelian Movement highlights a preference for evidence-based conclusions over unsubstantiated claims. The inclusion of numerous sighting reports from around the world underscores the magazine's commitment to documenting UFO activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous investigation while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs.