SUFOG Newsletter No 175-176

Magazine Overview

This is the May/June 2005 issue of the "SOUTHAMPTON UFO GROUP" newsletter, identified as Number 175 / 176. The publication, which has been investigating UFOs for 13 years, features a cover headline asking "COULD ALIENS BE WATCHING US?". The newsletter is available online at http://www.sufog.freeserve.co.uk and can be contacted via email at [email protected]. The issue is dated May/June 2005.

Editor's Message

The editor apologizes for the lateness of the previous edition, attributing it to computer failure, and aims to be on time with the current issue. A plea for help is made regarding the Avebury Skywatch weekend on August 20th/21st, as the group leader is unable to drive due to a medical condition and requires a lift from a group member living in the general area. The meeting point is the Barge Public House at Alton Barnes around noon. The editor expresses hope that if they cannot attend, the planned BBQs will also be cancelled. Contributions for the July/August edition are requested by the end of August.

UFOlogy in the UK is described as "flat" at the moment, but the editor notes that "things are happening out there in other countries." The next edition is hoped to include "home grown UK sightings and reports." The editor has observed an increase in TV companies seeking help with programs, which is seen as a positive sign, potentially leading to a brighter future for British UFOlogy.

Contents

• The newsletter's contents page lists articles on various UFO-related topics, including:
• Could Aliens Be Watching Us?
• Dave Probert Remembered
• Daily Express letter
• The Abduction Story - Chris French
• UK UFO Reports
• KLAS-TV 8- Las Vegas, Nevada...
• UN Petition
• Newspaper Reviews
• UFO's over Hampshire
• Magazine Reviews
• Radio 4 - June 8th
• World News & UFO Reports
• Paranormal SUFOG
• Crop circle formations 2005
• Saucer Down Monster seen
• Ghostly photographs
• Ernie's Anecdotes

Could Aliens Be Watching Us?

This section reprints an article from "The Advertiser" dated April 10, 2003, detailing reports of UFO sightings in the Southampton area. Arthur Freeman reported seeing a glowing UFO change colour, while Colleen Moody spotted a yellow, egg-shaped object. Ernie Sears of SUFOG suggests that aliens might be conducting a survey of the area, possibly focusing on Southampton Water and military installations.

Dave Probert Remembered

This section pays tribute to Dave Probert, a UFOlogist and researcher of the crop circle phenomenon. It includes personal UFO experiences shared by the author, who describes himself as a careful observer and land surveyor. The author recounts two specific sightings: a shiny sphere observed while surveying at Waterlooville in 1980, and a black sphere seen from an Alitalia aircraft over France. Another account details a triangular formation of white lights seen over Fareham in 1994, which was silent and did not appear to be a conventional aircraft.

UK UFO Reports

This section features several reports from the UK:

The Western Mail - Wales: 28th May... UFO Sightings Sparked MoD Probe

Newly released information reveals a secret Ministry of Defence investigation into a spate of UFO sightings in Wales during the late 1970s, particularly in the Pembrokeshire area, known as the "Broad Haven Triangle." Despite public dismissals as hoaxes, defence experts were investigating. MoD minister Dr John Gilbert MP was receiving numerous representations, and the RAF was asked to conduct a "discreet" inquiry. Dr David Clarke, a folklore lecturer, uncovered these documents and is researching a book on the subject.

KLAS-TV 8- Las Vegas, Nevada... Bob Lazar: The Man Behind Area 51

This article discusses Bob Lazar, who claimed to have worked on alien technology at a secret facility near Area 51. It touches on the public's belief in his story, skepticism from UFOlogy circles, and Lazar's subsequent low profile. Lazar's claims about seeing nine flying discs and an anti-matter reactor powered by Element 115 are mentioned. The article also notes that scientists have since created Element 115 in a lab. Lazar now runs a scientific supply company.

The Guardian - May 12, 2005 : Back to the saucers

This review discusses the discovery of two new elements, 113 and 115, by Russian and American physicists. It links Element 115 to Bob Lazar's claims about UFO propulsion and speculates that it could be called "lazarium" if confirmed.

A LIVERPOOL FREE newspaper item

This report details an incident on December 21st, 2004, where witnesses on Snowdon reported feeling the earth move, hearing a boom, and seeing a 'silvered lens' and an RAF Typhoon that engaged with a UFO.

United Nations UFO Petition

An update on the signature collection for a UN Petition for UFO Information Disclosure is provided, with the count standing at 5835. The article encourages readers to sign the petition and notes that recent information from Brazil might make it timely to submit the petition to the UN Secretary General.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings across the UK, particularly in Hampshire and Wales, the controversial claims of Bob Lazar regarding Area 51 and Element 115, and the role of government bodies like the MoD in investigating or dismissing UFO phenomena. There is a consistent effort to present both anecdotal evidence and investigative reports, alongside a call for greater transparency and disclosure regarding UFOs, as evidenced by the UN petition. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader contributions and highlighting the ongoing search for answers within the UFOlogy community.

This issue of SUFOG, identified by its page numbering as Volume 14, Issue 14, presents a diverse collection of articles focused on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related government secrecy. The cover prominently features "UFO'S Over Hampshire... (Isle of Wight 1950 - 2002) (Part 3)", indicating a continuing series on this specific geographical area.

News and Reports

The issue opens with a summary of recent newspaper articles. The Daily Mail on June 3rd featured Science Editor Michael Hanlon discussing hypothetical life forms and making digs at "little green men and flying saucers." The Sun on June 2nd compared UFOs to fictional characters like The Daleks and Jabba the Hutt, with biologist Simon Conway Morris suggesting similarities between aliens and Earth dwellers. The News & Star of June 7th reported on a murder case allegedly connected to an alien abduction, with the accused claiming aliens forced him to commit the act. Several major newspapers (The Daily Mail, Daily Express, and The Times) on June 9th covered the arrest of a British man who claimed to have hacked into Pentagon files to expose evidence of alien visitation, facing a potential 70-year sentence.

UFO Sightings in Hampshire (Part 3)

This section details specific UFO sightings in the Hampshire area between 1950 and 2002:

• September 1976: In Newport, Shirley Rimmer and Timothy Woodward reported a formation of five flying discs moving at high speed towards Godshill, which then hovered and proceeded out to sea.
• May 28, 1977: Between Calbourne and Newport, David Weeks and his brother Chris witnessed rings of bright lights moving at high speed, also observed in Niton.
• August 11, 1977: In Shanklin, an unknown witness saw a slow-moving white sphere.
• September 13, 1978: In Ryde, a couple reported a ball of light/fire over Puckpool that moved erratically and headed towards Bembridge.
• October 1978: In the Newport and Arreton area, Mr. and Mrs. Gadd reported three sightings of lights and a saucer seen high over Victoria Rec, which moved southerly and disappeared.

Magazine Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears reviews several publications:

• The Fortean Times (March 2005): This issue covered UFOs worldwide, including "fire trails" in Jakarta and a possible connection to a disaster. It also noted a murder case allegedly linked to aliens and an abduction. Sears mentions a dark grey shape with a green glow seen in North Bay, Ontario, a "green glow" in Switzerland, a dark object with a gold spinning top shape in Mexico, and a bright light near an inbound jet.
• The Fortean Times (April 2005): This issue focused on "Britain's X Files UFO" section, with worldwide coverage. It noted multiple lights around the Himalayas causing debate in India and China, and sightings in Iraq and Iran, particularly near nuclear sites. The Iranian Air Force has orders to "shoot on sight" unidentified objects. The review also mentions reports from New Zealand, Finland, and Argentina, including a taxi driver claiming to be "sucked up" by a landing light. Jenny Randles covered an April 1991 "near miss" incident involving an Air Italia civil airliner and a missile-looking object.
• Phenomena: Edited by Nick Redfern, this magazine is described as "well worth buying" and covers topics like Wilhelm Reich, James Forrestal's death, Stephen Greer, cover-ups, free energy, reincarnation, hauntings, and hermetic astrology. It is presented as a comprehensive resource for "true and genuine experiencers."
• Focus (May issue): This "science & technology monthly" featured a spread on "declassified Government documents Reveal the truth" and "The UFO Files," questioning if "we are really being visited by aliens?"
• Rapport: The March/April issue is noted for a "true" account of an abduction, compared to the case of Antonio Villa Boas. The reviewer mentions a similar incident to one described by "HIS" (presumably a previous article or personal account).

Further Magazine Reviews and Personal Accounts

• The ASOLUTELY SAME incident: The reviewer recounts an incident that aligns with HIS alleged event, word-for-word from a book. The reviewer also mentions attending meetings with the Witness Support Group in London in the 1970s/80s and objecting to "open" meetings. The reviewer joined in 1994 after meeting James Millen on a Channel Five UFO program.
• Canadian UFO Reports: Manitoba member Chris Rotuski collected reports of "whole waves of lights" and overall 800-900 sightings in Canada in 2004, a 30% increase from 2003. A Canadian government department issues UFO report forms.
• Radio 4 - 8th June 2005: Alien Thinking: This segment discusses the work of Harvard professor John E. Mack, who was killed in a road accident. Mack was known for his research into alien abductions, publishing findings that people claiming abduction were not mentally ill. He believed these experiences were real phenomena that needed deeper inquiry. Mack worked with over 200 "abductees" or "experiencers," who described encounters often beginning at home, involving humanoid beings, and sometimes floating through solid objects.

Dr. John Mack's Work and Legacy

• Hybrid Offspring: Peter Faust, a friend of John Mack's, discusses the sanity-questioning nature of abduction experiences and how finding others with similar experiences provided him with sanity and hope. He notes that these experiences often lead to a change in understanding humanity's place in the universe.
• Inquiry into Mack's Research: In 1990, John Mack's book "Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens" became a bestseller. Harvard initiated an inquiry into his research, the first of its kind for a tenured professor. Lawyer Eric MacLeish defended Mack, arguing that a public trial would be detrimental to Harvard. The inquiry involved 14 months of negotiations, with critics suggesting Mack was confirming delusions. Ultimately, Harvard dropped the case, reaffirming Mack's academic freedom. Mack was killed in a car collision in north London after leaving a Tube station.
• Legacy: Mack's work continues through an institute bearing his name, and "abductees" or "experiencers" hold him in high regard. His search for an expanded notion of reality is hoped to continue. A BBC Radio 4 program, "Abduction, Alienation and Reason," was broadcast about John Mack.

World News & UFO Reports

• India Daily (May 4, 2005): Reports on a rise in UFO sightings in India and China since 1998, with a focus on military installations. It notes that extraterrestrials are advanced and not interested in harming humans, and that human abduction stories are absent in these countries. The educated middle class understands UFO technology as superior, and research scientists are busy with UFO technologies, suggesting military technologies are reverse-engineered from extraterrestrial UFOs.
• The Manila Times (May 5, 2005): Discusses UFOs capturing the imagination of Chinese people. Meng Zhaoguo, a rural worker, recounts an encounter with a three-meter-tall female extraterrestrial. While few claim such intimacy, millions believe in UFOs. Officially registered UFO associations in China have 50,000 members, with estimates of interested individuals in the tens of millions. Sun Shili, a retired professor, is part of a delegation to represent Earth in potential negotiations with extraterrestrials, expecting communication via telepathy. The idea of alien worlds offers hope in a society that has lost its spiritual bearings.

Further International UFO Reports

• Westerners and Abductions: The issue notes that Westerners who claim abduction often describe it as "spiritually deepening." Chinese UFO spotters may be similar. The idea is presented that extraterrestrials are here to help mankind advance civilization, possibly by imparting knowledge gradually through dreams.
• China's UFO Research: China is becoming a significant power in UFO research, with the International Chinese UFO Association planning an international meeting in Dalian. The Beijing UFO Research Association actively investigates sightings.
• Zhou Xiaoqiang's Perspective: Zhou, a 57-year-old executive, studies UFOs and recalls the Cultural Revolution. He was inspired by "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He believes Chinese interest in UFOs has grown due to improved living standards, allowing people to focus on such issues.
• Huang Yanqiu's Encounter: A farmer from Hebei province recalls an encounter in 1977 with two men possessing special powers, who took him on a flight across China.

Brazilian Military Recognizes UFO Research

• Historic Meeting: On May 20, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) met with top UFO researchers from the Brazilian Committee of UFO Researchers (CBU) for the first time. This acknowledged UFOlogy as a serious activity.
• Information Release: Brigadier Telles Ribeiro stated that UFO information withheld for decades would be released to the public. The campaign "UFOs: Freedom of Information Now" by the Brazilian UFO Magazine was instrumental.
• Military Briefing: Researchers visited the Integrated Centre of Air Defence and Air Traffic Control (Cindacta) and the Brazilian Air Defense Command (Comdabra). Brigadier Atheneu Azambuja admitted that the country has systematically detected and registered UFOs since 1954, labeled as "H Traffic."
• Classified Files: Researchers were allowed to examine three folders of classified UFO information from 1954, 1977, and 1986, including cases of airplane pursuits of UFOs and "Operation Saucer" in the Amazon. The "Official Night of UFOs in Brazil" in May 1986, involving 21 large objects jamming air traffic control, was also discussed.
• Future Steps: The FAB and the Ministry of Defence are committed to further examination of military UFO files, and a joint committee of military and civilian researchers is promised.
• Video and Interviews: A video of the meeting is available on the FAB website. A. J. Gevaerd was interviewed on "Strange Days Indeed" and by Jerry Pippin regarding these developments.

Peruvian Air Force Conceals UFO Information

• Mario Zegarra's Claims: UFO researcher Mario Zegarra claims the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) conceals information on UFO sightings, sharing it with the U.S. and relevant agencies rather than the national government. He believes this information is top-secret, as claiming extraterrestrial life challenges human evolution theories and U.S. power.
• Military Sightings: The military has allegedly sighted UFOs from their craft, but must remain silent due to classification. The spacecraft are described as manufactured from materials different from Earth.
• Notable Incidents:
• May 9, 1980: Military officers at Mariano Melgar air base detected a UFO at 1,800 feet. A pilot intercepted it and opened fire, but the object moved away quickly.
• Pentagon Report: A shining object was described in a translation of an official Pentagon report.
• Puerto Maldonado, 1952: Customs chief Domingo Troncoso photographed a UFO moving silently with a dense contrail, estimated speed 1500 mph.
• Yungay, 1967: Augusto Arranda photographed a flying saucer.
• Talara air base, 1966: An extraterrestrial object landed.
• Chachapoyas, 1979: A three-legged extraterrestrial vehicle landed.
• La Joya, Arequipa, 1980: A FAP interceptor pursued a UFO but could not reach it due to its speed.
• Proof and Secrecy: Zegarra and J.J. Benítez claim military personnel with access to this information insist the public is not ready for the truth. They warn that disclosing secret documents could lead to "termination."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are the prevalence of UFO sightings globally, the alleged involvement of military and government agencies in concealing information, and the personal experiences of individuals who claim to have encountered UFOs or been abducted by aliens. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and official reports without overt skepticism, while also acknowledging the potential for hoaxes and misidentifications. The magazine highlights the growing interest in UFO research in countries like China and Brazil, and the efforts being made to declassify information. The work of Dr. John Mack is presented as a significant contribution to understanding abduction experiences as potentially real phenomena rather than delusions.

SUFOG, Page 21, dated 25th May 2005, is an issue focused on paranormal phenomena, including hoaxes, UFOs, and unexplained sightings. The cover features an illustration of a grey alien and headlines related to the supernatural and unexplained.

The Loch Ness Monster Hoaxer Solved

The lead story reveals the resolution of the mystery surrounding Frank Searle, the infamous Loch Ness Monster hoaxer. Searle, who gained celebrity status in the 1970s for his alleged photographs of Nessie, disappeared in 1983. A film crew making a documentary discovered that Searle had died aged 84 in Fleetwood, Lancashire, having lived quietly for the last 18 years. Andrew Tullis, the film-maker, stated that Searle's place in the history of Loch Ness hoaxes is assured. Searle, a former paratrooper, had moved to Loch Ness in 1969 to set up 'The Frank Searle Loch Ness Investigation', producing 20 supposed images of Nessie, one of which allegedly showed a UFO. His exposure as a hoaxer followed, and his life became a mystery after leaving Loch Ness. The article also mentions that Adrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project was injured in a petrol bomb attack following a dispute with Searle.

Mysterious Circle: Man Finds Strange Ring at His Land

This section reports on an incident from Hood County News, Granbury, Texas, dated June 1st, 2005. Bruce Lustenhouwer discovered a strange ring on his land, described as a black, brown, and grey circle of stuff, approximately 16 feet across and appearing burned into the grass. Initially, it was speculated to be related to UFOs, with Lustenhouwer jokingly suggesting small beings operating a 'nuclear collinder'. However, the formation was observed to be a powdery substance, leading to speculation that it could be fungus or mould. Extension agent Marty Vahlenkamp confirmed that reports of mould and fungi after wet weather are common, and some can grow in circles. Lustenhouwer also mentioned a separate environmental issue with fish dying in his stock tank due to oxygen starvation from moss.

Crop Circle Formations - 2005

A list of crop circle formations reported in 2005 is provided, detailing locations and dates primarily within the United Kingdom, with a few entries from the rest of the world:

• United Kingdom:
• Ripley, nr Bournemouth, Dorset (17th April)
• Milk Hill, Nr Stanton St Bernard, Wiltshire (29th May)
• East Field, Alton Barnes, Wiltshire (Reported 19th April)
• St Catherine's Well, Loversall nr Doncaster (Reported 19th April)
• Gotham Farm, nr Toot Baldon Nr Oxford, Oxfordshire (Reported 21st April)
• Earwig Hill, Ringmer, Nr Lewes, East Sussex (Reported 23rd April)
• Golden Ball Hill, nr Alton Barnes, Wiltshire (Reported 1st May)
• The Platt, Nr Garsington, Oxfordshire (Reported 3rd May)
• Bishop's Sutton, Nr Winchester, Hampshire (Reported 9th May)
• Pewsey, Wiltshire
• Rest of the world:
• Kansas City, Missouri (USA)
• Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico (May 1, 2005)
• Italy (22 May)

'Saucer Down - Monster Seen'

This article, from the Nottingham Evening News, dated 15th September 1952, reports on an incident in Sutton, West Virginia. Seven people claimed to have seen a monster, described as man-shaped with a blood-red face and a green glowing body, after reports of a 'flying saucer' landing. Mrs. Kathleen May described the monster as about 10ft tall, waddling, and emitting a metallic smell that made her and others sick. Several men armed with shovels investigated but found no monster, only a sickening smell still present. Local police attributed the reports to mass hysteria, noting that descriptions of the monster had grown in size from 7 to 17ft. Mr. Lee Stewart, co-publisher of the 'Braxton County Democrat', reported finding two areas, six to eight feet in diameter, where the brush was trampled down. The article also notes that a dossier on Frank Searle's work convinced many that his 'monsters' were constructed from everyday materials.

Orb's - The Final Answer?

This section discusses 'orbs', phenomena often associated with digital photography. Latest controlled testing by the Seattle Museum of the Mysteries suggests that orbs are linked to digital photography and are likely cellulose particles or small water droplets reflecting camera flash. Bill Beaty of WIERD SCIENCE proposed that orbs take on the shape of the camera iris. The museum encourages further independent testing.

Erniie's Anecdotes

This section features personal accounts related to the paranormal. One anecdote recounts DJ Sarah Kennedy's feeling of being 'abducted by aliens' after a disturbing night. The author also shares an experience of having two red marks on their knee, photographed by 'Steve', and recalls an abductee's description of a double syringe. The editor invites readers to submit ghost stories, unusual news items, or anything out of the ordinary, and offers to add interested individuals to a distribution list for news flashes via email.

Paranormal Photography

This section presents an image and discusses its 'origin'. The image, shown in colour, negative, and black & white formats, appears to show a body in a coffin. The author explains that the coffin and body were laid out in the room pictured in the top image, but the 'body' in the coffin only appeared in the photograph later and was not present when the picture was taken. The author finds the image fascinating and is unable to explain its appearance, questioning if it's a reflection. The connection to the death of the photographer's brother is noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, the debunking of hoaxes, and the exploration of personal paranormal experiences. The magazine appears to present a balanced approach, reporting on alleged sightings and events while also providing explanations for some phenomena, such as crop circles and orbs, and acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes. The editorial stance encourages reader participation and further investigation into paranormal topics.