SUFOG Newsletter No 161-162

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group newsletter, Numbers 161 & 162, dated March/April 2004, is presented by SUFOG, an organization with 12 years of investigation. The newsletter aims to provide interesting articles and updates for its members.

Editorial Content and Key Articles

Introduction and Newsletter Changes

The editor apologizes for the newsletter being late, citing family commitments, and assures members that efforts are made to maintain deadlines. The newsletter is undergoing changes, including the addition of color to the front page to make it more attractive. The editor also notes the demise of 'UFO Magazine' and discusses a potential replacement available online.

UFOlogy History and Future

The newsletter announces a future 'UFOlogy history lesson' in the upcoming issue, exploring the origins of the subject, influential figures, and those who have dismissed it. It also promises to print historical sightings from the Hampshire area and delve into the archives of the Southampton Evening Echo, suggesting a shift in focus.

Exobiology and First Contact Preparations

An article sourced from Popular Mechanics Magazine (February 2004) titled 'When UFOs Arrive - What Will You Do?' discusses the scientific community's views on extraterrestrial life and the preparations being made by governments and international organizations for first contact. It highlights the SETI Institute's efforts and the U.S. Air Force's capabilities in detecting potential alien spacecraft. The article also mentions the 'Declaration of Principles Concerning Activities Following the Detection of Extraterrestrial Intelligence,' which outlines protocols for astronomers upon detecting a signal.

Government Response and the Brookings Report

The newsletter details how the U.S. government, through NASA, commissioned the Brookings Institution in the late 1950s to research the societal impact of discovering alien life. The 'Brookings Report' warned of the potential for societal disintegration when encountering unfamiliar societies. Despite these warnings, NASA sent an invitation to extraterrestrials via the Pioneer 10 spacecraft. The article outlines a hypothetical 'State of Emergency' scenario where an alien visitor would be met with containment and investigation by various government agencies, including the FBI and NEST, due to concerns about potential biological threats.

The Death of UFOlogy and the Internet

Steve Gerrard, SUFOG Chairman, discusses the profound impact of the internet on UFOlogy. He notes that many people now access information online for free, leading to a decline in interest in traditional UFO group newsletters and magazines. Gerrard explains his decision to sell his extensive collection of UFO magazines and books, focusing his research on pre-1980 material that is more readily available online. He also announces the launch of 'UFOMonthly.Com,' an internet-based magazine created by former staff of 'UFO Magazine,' which offers a downloadable glossy publication.

'The Storm' that Wasn't

This section recounts a personal experience by an individual in Netley Abbey on March 25th, 2004, involving a strange 'storm' with vibration, a flash, and activated fire alarms. The event was described as 'weird' and unusual, yet received no media coverage, prompting questions about secrecy. The author notes that Hampshire Police were contacted, but no reports were made public. The incident is linked to a potential 'UFO Enigma' discussion involving Bush and Blair, and the alleged resumption of 'UFO Magazine' publication.

Mr. Woods and Bedhampton

This section presents an extract from an article by Mr. Anthony Woods, who claims to have witnessed 'amazing occurrences' and 'unknown species or life forces' in the skies. The author of the newsletter is critical of Woods, questioning his claims of a 'UFO hotspot' in Bedhampton, noting that only a few individuals have reported sightings over seven years. The article suggests that Woods appears more willing to share his findings with American media than British outlets, raising questions about what he might be hiding.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews recent newspaper articles concerning UFOs. He discusses a Daily Mail article about the discovery of potential 'earths' in the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. He also covers reports in the Daily Mail, Daily Express, and The Sun about UFO sightings, including a hovering object over Plymouth investigated by the Royal Naval Base, which was deemed 'unidentified.' The reviews highlight media speculation about 'where to go for the best UFO sightings' and mention a list compiled by Nick Pope for Grolsch beer.

SUFOG Diary and Group Changes

The newsletter includes the SUFOG Diary for 2004, listing upcoming group meetings. It also announces significant changes to the group's structure and operations, aiming to streamline the organization and ensure its future, with potential impacts on subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of UFOlogy, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the role of media in reporting these phenomena. There is a critical stance towards secrecy and a questioning of official narratives. The editor encourages member participation and expresses a desire to preserve the group and its publication. The shift towards online resources is acknowledged as a significant trend impacting traditional UFO groups.

This issue of SUFOG, covering pages 11 through 20, appears to be from 2004, focusing on various aspects of ufology, magazine reviews, and personal experiences within the field. The publication seems to be UK-based, with a strong emphasis on community and research.

Content Highlights

Magazine Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears provides reviews of several magazines that cover topics often ignored by the mainstream media, such as scandals and the conflict in Iraq. He highlights:

• Flying Saucer Review (Winter 2003): Praised for its quality since 1955, this issue features material on object formations over London in 2003, recent sighting reports including occupant contacts, flying triangles, and 'cigars' or 'motherships' filmed from 1961 up to 2004. Sears notes the lack of media coverage for these events and considers subscribing to FSR, especially after the loss of 'UFO MAGAZINE'. The contact for FSR orders is [email protected].
• The Australian UFO Bulletin (March 2004): Described as a pocket-sized product from the Victorian UFO Research Society, edited by Judith Magee. It includes Paul Norman's 'On the UFO Trail' featuring skywatch sightings from 2004, notable for the glowing reactions of a structured object to a halogen spotlight.

Personal Correspondence and Updates

Philip Mantle provides an update on his email address ([email protected]) and encourages readers to keep in touch. He also mentions other cuttings related to his 'Life After Death' experiences and Rupert Sheldrake's work.

NEXUS Magazine

NEXUS is described as a highly interesting magazine. Lorraine Michelin shares her copy, and the reviewer reciprocates with 'Rapport' and BUFORA magazines. NEXUS contents include 'Global News', 'Information Control', 'Social Control', 'Enzyme Nutrition Therapy', 'Rockefeller Internationalism', 'Aids. the Solution!', 'Suppressed Psychic Discoveries', 'The Ummo Letters', 'The Twilight Zone', and various book and music reviews. The magazine is available worldwide, with editions in Russian and soon in Spanish.

OVNI Magazine

OVNI, edited by Omar Fowler, is an older publication. An editorial discusses alleged 'doctoring' of Mars NASA photos, suggesting the soil is not red but sandy, the sky is blue, and trees are green. It also mentions a 'New Comet' and an extraordinary object over Derby on February 4, 2004, described as an orange globe. Another report details a wartime plane, possibly a Lancaster, appearing out of the mist near Skipton, Yorkshire, in January 2004. The magazine also features a 'contactee' story from a Peruvian source dating back to October 1974.

European Parliament Question on UFOs

A significant portion of the issue details a written question (P-0198/04) posed by Sebastiano Musumeci, an Italian MEP, to the European Commission regarding unexplained atmospheric phenomena. Musumeci suggests the Commission could play a role in co-coordinating research and information, possibly assigning this to a body like SEPRA or the European Space Agency. The answer, given by Mr Busquin on March 1, 2004, refers to the 'White Paper' on European space policy and mentions an action within the 6th Framework Programme for Research aimed at promoting cooperation in solar terrestrial and atmospheric research.

Book Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews two books by Lisette Larkins: "Talking to Extraterrestrials" (2002) and "Calling on Extraterrestrials" (2003). He notes that many of the abduction and encounter accounts in Larkins' books resonate with his own experiences and connect with people like Whitley Streiber. Larkins' work explores 'ETs' and offers 'Eleven steps to inviting your own UFO encounters'. Larkins also spoke at a conference in Laughlin, Nevada.

Sightings from the Past - Magazines

This section aims to feature sightings from the Hampshire area that appeared in UFO publications pre-1980. It highlights the importance of collecting historical UFO material.

Donald Edward Keyhoe: A Historical Perspective of UFOlogy

This detailed biography covers the life and work of Donald E. Keyhoe (1897-1988). Keyhoe, a Naval aviator and writer, became involved in ufology after investigating 'flying saucer' sightings for True Magazine in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He became convinced that UFOs were extraterrestrial and that the US Air Force was covering up the truth. His article "Flying Saucers Are Real" in True magazine (January 1950) was highly influential, leading to several books, including "The Flying Saucers Are Real" (1950), "Flying Saucers From Outer Space" (1953), "Flying Saucer Conspiracy" (1955), and "Flying Saucers: Top Secret" (1960). He directed the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) from 1957, bringing significant publicity to the UFO mystery. His last book, "Aliens From Space" (1973), suggested the CIA was behind the cover-up. Keyhoe spent his later years in Bluemont, Virginia.

The Laughlin Conference 2004

The author recounts their experience at the Laughlin Conference 2004, which included attending the EBE film awards, facilitating 'experiencer' workshops, and giving a 90-minute presentation on 'Expressions of ET Contact: a healing and communication blueprint?'. The conference involved numerous 'experiencers' and therapists, focusing on sharing personal contact experiences and therapeutic understanding. The author also mentions networking and media work, including TV and radio interviews.

UFOLOGY, WHAT IS GOING ON?

This section, written from the perspective of the Secretary of the Southampton UFO Group, discusses the current state of ufology. It notes a decline in SUFOG's monthly meeting attendance and a struggle to maintain group support, leading to the cancellation of events. The author emphasizes the importance of money and public interest for the survival of local UFO groups. The article also mourns the loss of Graham W. Birdsall and the closure of 'UFO Magazine', a significant publication in the field.

UFO's - THE INTEREST

This article expresses frustration over good UFO sightings being reported to the media or other groups but not being researched. It highlights the dedication of SUFOG's core members and their passion for finding the truth. The author reiterates the challenges faced by SUFOG, including cancelled events due to low interest and financial risks.

So What Now?

This section reflects on the drastic changes in ufology over the past year, including dwindling numbers and cancelled events. The closure of 'UFO Magazine' is noted as a significant loss. The author expresses hope that the legacy of 'UFO Magazine' will live on and that SUFOG will continue to offer support to the UFO community. A future event in September is announced, aiming to increase members and activities.

BBC Radio Solent Broadcasts

• Two radio appearances on BBC Radio Solent are mentioned:
• March 23, 2004: A discussion about an opinion poll where 48% of respondents felt Ozzy Osbourne should be an ambassador to meet aliens. The segment was short but helped publicize the group.
• April 7, 2004: A last-minute radio interview responding to questions about earliest UFO sightings (Anglo-Saxon chronicle), whether UFOs were seen before the 20th century, the origin of the term UFO, their speed, and global claims of UFOs.

What Can I Do Now?

This concluding section encourages readers to get involved in ufology research, emphasizing that media spotlight or not, there is much more to the subject than meets the eye. It calls for collective effort to make ufology a respected subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the review and promotion of ufology-related magazines and publications, the historical significance of key figures like Donald Keyhoe, the personal experiences of 'experiencers', and the challenges faced by UFO research groups in maintaining interest and support. The editorial stance appears to be one of passionate advocacy for UFO research, a critical view of mainstream media's handling of the subject, and a desire to foster a community dedicated to uncovering the truth about unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of continued research, sharing of information, and community support.