SUFOG Newsletter No 173-174

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Southampton UFO Group (SUFOG) magazine, Number 173 & 174, dated March/April 2005, marks the group's 13 years of investigation. The magazine expands its paranormal coverage with four extra pages dedicated to local ghost experiences and stories, encouraging member input.

Editorial Content

The editorial highlights a significant feature on press cuttings, with the editor planning to share their collection of over 11,000 cuttings dating back to 1947. They are also compiling a database of UFO sightings from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The magazine contains a mix of UFO reports, articles, press cuttings, and UFO quotes, offering insights into changing attitudes and potential hidden information.

The paranormal section kicks off with a story from Ernie Sears, the group's PRO, about a ghostly encounter. The editor invites comments and constructive criticism on the new paranormal section.

INET Launches

A press release announces the launch of the International Network of Experiencer Therapists (INET). This is a secure, centralized network of therapists who assist individuals experiencing alien encounters or similar extraordinary events. INET aims to provide a referral network for organizations worldwide and to help people without pathologizing their experiences. It is a collaborative effort involving the John E. Mack Institute (JEMI), the Organization for Paranormal Understanding and Support (OPUS), and the International Contact Support Network (ICSN), with plans to include other groups. Therapists can also use INET for secure communication. Contact information for representatives of JEMI, OPUS, and ICSN is provided, along with the INET website.

Russian Cosmonauts UFO Encounters

This section details an account from Soviet Cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok, who spent 217 days in space. During his time on the Salyut orbital station, he reported seeing a strange object the size of a finger. He described it as an orbiting object that suddenly exploded, splitting into two interconnected pieces resembling a dumb-bell. Kovalenok reported this to Mission Control and noted that the Soviet press widely covered the event, though often critically, excluding extraterrestrial explanations. He mentioned that specialists had registered considerable radiation emission on the day of the sighting. Kovalenok expressed disbelief when astronauts claim to have never seen anything extraordinary in space.

ABC News: 25th February 2005

This article discusses the origins of the UFO fascination in American pop culture, tracing it back to Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947, of nine disc-shaped objects. Arnold, described as a practical man with no interest in science fiction or the occult, witnessed the objects over Mount Rainier. He described them as pie-plate-like with a convex triangle. The press dubbed them 'flying saucers'. The article notes a subsequent spike in sightings, leading the Army Air Force to launch an investigation. General Nathan Twining stated in September 1947 that the phenomenon was real. The Cold War context is highlighted, with fears of Soviet penetration of airspace. A government office was established to investigate, quickly realizing the objects were not man-made.

March Roundup - Nick Pope

Nick Pope provides a roundup of recent news and views on UFOs, alien abductions, crop circles, ghosts, and the paranormal. He mentions a commissioned article for the Daily Mail about the Ministry of Defence UFO project and interesting sightings. Pope is scheduled to speak at the Newcastle Science Festival. He also discusses the upcoming rental release of the cult sci-fi movie 'Species III', noting the connection between sex and sci-fi. He mentions the Blue Book Archive as a resource for UFO research and reviews the thriller novel 'The Hijack' by Duncan Falconer, which incorporates remote viewing.

Aliens: Why They Are Here

This section briefly mentions a new book by Bryan Appleyard, published by Simon & Schuster, which examines the UFO and alien abduction phenomenon in a cultural context. It is expected to provoke debate.

UK UFO Reports

This section details several UFO sightings from the UK:

• Devon (February 6, 2005): A bright flash was observed, followed by a cross of lights that shot upwards into the clouds at great speed. No sound was heard. The flash was also seen by another individual in Chudleigh.
• Peterborough: Michael Hoffman, who runs the UFO research group Sky Lights, plans to use the Freedom of Information Act to access government documents about UFO sightings. He believes the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will be reluctant to release information. The MoD released papers showing 91 UK sightings in the previous year, including 'four dull red lights' over Peterborough. Earlier government meetings in 1951 dismissed UFO sightings, and a 1951 report from the Flying Saucer Working Party called UFO pursuit a 'singularly profitless enterprise'.
• Hampshire (Isle of Wight 1950-2002) (Part 2): A chronological list of sightings is provided:
• March 15, 1959, Shanklin: Slow-moving, silvery domed disc.
• July 8, 1960, Shanklin: Slow-moving orange sphere.
• November 11, 1960, Shanklin: Slow rotating blue/green lights.
• October 1966, Sandown: Object with white centre and glowing blue ring, hovered, disappeared at speed.
• July 1967, Whippingham School: 37ft wide UFO hovering at 500ft, with a 12ft swathe of flattened barley below, showing a 'whirligig' pattern.
• January 27, 1970, Ryde: Slow-moving orange sphere.
• September 10, 1970, Cowes: Hovering white/red cigar.
• November 26, 1972, Shanklin: Slow-moving orange sphere.
• 1975, Adgestone Farm, Brading: Silent craft, 100ft long, 30ft wide, 150ft above ground, dipped out of view.
• January 14, 1976, Ryde: Glowing brilliantly orange, whirling light, altitude 1,000-15,000ft, slow speed heading north.
• January 14, 1976, Ryde: Glowing light, 30 mph, dark rounded oblong, 100ft long, 50ft wide, altitude 300ft, accelerated fantastic speed.
• Millstone, Kentucky, USA (March 17, 2005): A large black, oblong object with rounded corners, no lights, and a loud rumbling sound was observed. The object was solid, its shape constant, and it moved very slowly before disappearing instantly.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews several newspaper articles related to UFOs:

• The Daily Mail (March 4): Covers Bryan Appleyard's book 'Aliens.. Why they are here', questioning the whereabouts of alleged abductees.
• The Andover Advertiser (March 4 & 11): Reports on an 'Emerald Green football UFO' seen by multiple witnesses, with some suggesting it might be a meteorite.
• The Southampton Echo (March 5): Reports a football-sized ball of light that 'blacked out' and reappeared over Southampton Airport.
• The Daily Mail (April 6): Features Professor Barrie Jones of The Open University, who believes extraterrestrial civilizations exist but states that interstellar travel is currently impossible. Jones predicts aliens will be found within ten years.

The Paranormal in Peterborough

This section details several paranormal and UFO incidents in Peterborough:

• 1909: Two police officers reported a strange object hovering above the cathedral, thought to be an early Zeppellin craft.
• 1981: Thomas Thompson reported a glowing orange spaceship performing acrobatic tricks.
• November 1997: A jet black triangular-shaped UFO was seen hovering above the A47.
• 1990: Bizarre crop circles appeared at Sibson Airfield.
• 1995: Brian Dunnett saw strange lights in the sky.
• November 1997: Two black shimmering discs were spotted gliding above Millfield.

Other Items

• Volume 11 of the MP3 Audio History of Ufology Series is available, focusing on the 1966 Michigan Flap controversy.
• Netherlands – Disks Chasing Each Other: A report from February 22, 2005, about two white disks with vertical stripes.

SUFOG Diary - 2005

The diary lists upcoming SUFOG events and topics for 2005, including Ghosts (April 20), SUFOG Material (May 18), Abductions (June 15), Area 51 (July 20), Crop Circles (August 17), a SUFOG Avebury Trip (August 20-21), Anti Gravity (September 21), Mystery Animals (October 19), TV based UFO Special (November 16), and Famous Cases (December 14). January 2006 is listed for Cattle Mutilations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related media coverage. There's a strong emphasis on local UK sightings, particularly from Hampshire. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging evidence sharing and discussion, while also acknowledging the skepticism and official explanations often presented. The inclusion of the INET initiative suggests a focus on supporting individuals who have experienced unusual events. The magazine also engages with broader cultural discussions about aliens and UFOs, as seen in the reviews of books and media.

SUFOG, issue 11-20, published in March 2005, is a magazine dedicated to the exploration of UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. This issue covers a wide range of topics, from specific sighting reports and media coverage to official government documents and scientific speculation.

Article Summaries

News from Local Papers

The issue begins with a collection of brief reports from various local newspapers. The Andover Advertiser reported on a blue/green, fizzing object with a tail. The News of the World recounted a driver's excuse of a UFO causing him to speed. The Daily Mail featured a letter discussing archaeological research suggesting alien arrival from the planet Marduk 450,000 years ago. The Daily Telegraph's article, 'QED: MoD Comes Clean At Last Over Those little Green Men...', by Robert Matthews, discusses the Ministry of Defence's release of UFO reports and the ongoing debate between scientists and believers.

Government and Scientific Attitudes

The magazine highlights a shift in official attitudes towards UFOs. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) declared it remained 'totally open-minded', a stark contrast to a 1951 government working party that dismissed UFOs. The article notes that countries like Belgium, Chile, and France are also showing increased openness. A group of American scientists has published a paper arguing for the existence of UFOs in a serious academic journal, suggesting that advances in physics, particularly faster-than-light travel theories, make alien visitation more plausible.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several detailed sighting reports are included:

• Shropshire Star: Nick Pope, a former UFO desk officer for the MoD, investigated a sensational case involving a "vast, triangular craft" near RAF Shawbury in 1993.
• Sunday Mail: A report questions a potential UFO sighting over Stirling, captured on a mobile phone. Experts suggest the images are likely due to sensor overload from photographing the sun.
• Scotland: The region is considered a UFO hotspot, with Bonnybridge reporting the highest number of sightings. Locals have campaigned to twin their town with Roswell, New Mexico.
• UK/ENGLAND - BLACK TRIANGULAR CRAFT: A report from Nottingham describes a triangular black object seen moving fast and vanishing vertically.
• Alton, Hampshire: A detailed UFO sighting report from June 22nd, 2002, describes a bright white circular object that morphed, swayed, and then vanished.
• Arizona: Victoria Liljenquist captured footage of a hovering UFO and two other orbs near her condo in Phoenix.
• Turkey: In Antalya, 45 people claimed to have seen a UFO land, with an alien being emerging from the craft.
• Monte Nevado: A photo of a large saucer-shaped object was taken by a mountain climber.

International Reports

• Canada: The 2004 Canadian UFO Survey reported 882 sightings, a significant increase, with about 15% of reports remaining unexplained.
• Mexico: UFO researcher Ana Luisa Cid photographed a spherical object. Other reports include a motionless spherical UFO and low-flying lights emitting a buzzing sound.

UFO Quotes

A section compiles quotes from various figures, including government officials and military personnel, expressing concerns and observations about UFOs, ranging from classified information to the possibility of interplanetary devices.

Magazine Reviews

• MAGONIA: Reviewed by Ernie Sears, this magazine, edited by John Rimmer, is described as a continuation of the work of Jacques Vallee. It features articles on UFOlogists, sceptics, and the 'Fortean phenomena field'.
• THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN: This magazine includes articles on UFO investigations by pilots, crop circle analysis, and historical encounters.
• UPRI NEWSLETTER: Covers a range of phenomena, including the Turin Shroud, haunted homes, and UFO reports.
• UFO MONTHLY.COM: Praised for its downloaded content, it features articles on wartime foo fighters, UFO flaps, and claims by physicists about how UFOs fly. It also includes reports of UFO sightings by astronauts.

Personal Reflections and Editorial Stance

The magazine includes personal reflections, such as one individual's extensive list of encounters with OOBEs, ghosts, healing, communication with the dead, and aliens, reinforcing their belief that politicians and authorities lie about UFOs. The editor expresses a desire for the truth to be revealed, questioning the trustworthiness of those in charge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are the prevalence of UFO sightings globally, the perceived secrecy and changing attitudes of governments, the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in UFOs, and the role of media in reporting these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and reports while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof, and advocating for greater transparency from authorities. There is a clear emphasis on the need for truth and understanding regarding UFOs and potential extraterrestrial presence.

SUFOG, Issue No 7, dated June 15th, 2005, is a UK-based magazine that has expanded its scope to include a dedicated paranormal section. This issue is the first to incorporate an extra four pages dedicated to paranormal topics, aiming to attract a wider audience and new members.

Content Highlights

Apollo Landings - Fake or Not?

This article presents a research project by US photographer Jack White, available on www.aulis.com. White, who has a background in journalism, art, history, and photography analysis, has studied over 100 Apollo EVA pictures. He claims to have found numerous inconsistencies, providing compelling evidence that the Apollo photography was faked. The article questions the feasibility of the number of photographs allegedly taken given the time constraints and the limitations of the Hasselblad cameras used, which lacked viewfinders, exposure meters, and had manual controls difficult to operate with gauntlets.

Japan - Scans Skies For Alien Life

Two Japanese observatories, the state-run Mizusawa Astrogeodynamics Observatory and the Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory, have initiated Japan's first government-backed search for extraterrestrial life. They are using radio and optical telescopes to probe the area near the Hydra constellation, where US researchers detected radio waves in 1988. The article quotes Mitsumi Fujishita, a radioastronomy professor, who believes it is not surprising if life exists elsewhere in the vastness of space. Japan also has an ambitious space program aiming for a manned moon station by 2025.

Personal Ghostly Encounters

The editor, Marcus, shares his personal interest in the Apollo question and his contact with Jack White. He also discusses his own experiences with the paranormal, including ghostly encounters. He plans to include more ghostly pictures and stories in future issues, such as the 'ghost body in the coffin' photograph and an audio recording of strange noises. The magazine intends to explore local ghostly connections, like Netley Abbey. Marcus also reflects on whether his involvement with UFOlogy has made him susceptible to 'the other side'.

A Ghostly Pet Story

An article titled 'I brought back the patter of little feet' by Ernie Sears from Southampton recounts a personal experience of a ghostly pet. While staying in an old Victorian house, the author encountered what he believed was his landlady's Yorkshire terrier, Yorkie, in the kitchen. However, the landlady stated that Yorkie had remained in the lounge. Later, the author saw the same animal, described as having a 'mane', and the landlady produced a photograph album. She showed him a picture of her 'Griffon', a breed of dog he had never heard of, which had died seven years prior. After this, the author and landlady would often hear the 'patter of his little feet'. The landlady attributed this to the author, being a medium and healer, having brought the spirit back.

Paranormal Matters by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears comments on a recent article in The Times discussing the growing public acceptance of the paranormal, with mediums attracting large crowds and businesses seeking spiritual advice. He notes that universities now offer PhDs on the subject and mentions Dr. Peter Fenwick, who works on near-death experiences. Sears encourages readers to submit their own experiences and articles to SUFOG, emphasizing the power of 'Shared POWER' for healing spiritual, mental, and physical illnesses.

Ice Circles in Canada

This section reports on ice circles observed in January 2005 near the Welland Canal in Ontario, Canada. These circular spots and shapes, some with sharply-defined edges, were found before the canal was drained. The article notes that ice circles are a debated phenomenon, with many found in Canada and elsewhere on small ponds and lakes. Theories suggest they might be natural, caused by underwater vents or currents affecting the surface ice, particularly those with 'splash patterns'. However, some rings are described as almost perfect circles with clean, sharp edges. There are currently eleven reported cases in Canada since the 1970s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is to embrace and explore the paranormal, including UFOs, ghosts, and unexplained phenomena, encouraging open-mindedness and the sharing of personal experiences and evidence. There is a clear interest in debunking or questioning official narratives, as seen in the Apollo moon landing article. The editorial tone is inclusive, seeking contributions from members and the press to build a community around these topics. The magazine also touches upon the growing mainstream acceptance of paranormal topics and scientific interest in extraterrestrial life.