SUFOG Newsletter No 193-194

Magazine Overview

SUFOG, Issue 193 & 194, dated November/December 2006, is the publication of the Southampton UFO Group. The cover features a festive 'Merry Christmas' theme with UFOs and ghosts, hinting at the blend of the paranormal and the unexplained.

Editors Corner

The "Editors Corner" section addresses subscribers and members, starting with an apology for an incorrect statement regarding subscription price increases. The editor announces that as of January 1st, 2007, subscriptions will indeed rise, and apologizes for any confusion.

A significant change is announced: the magazine will no longer be published bi-monthly but quarterly, starting in March 2007. The publication dates will be March, June, September, and December, with article deadlines on the 15th of each preceding month. The magazine will also increase in size from 24 to 30 pages. This change is attributed to the time commitment required for printing and posting, which takes up the editor's only two days off, and also to the editor's health. The editor expresses concern that the workload is affecting the quality of the magazine and hopes for assistance to lighten the load, stating that "it is this, or no magazine."

The editor emphasizes that the magazine has had an effect on readers' outlooks on UFOlogy and the paranormal and expresses a desire to continue its publication. The quality and content are promised to remain high, aiming to be "up there with the best" in the UK.

Further apologies are made for a financial error in the previous issue regarding group funding for 2006/2007. The corrected figures show that the group will not have a deficit and will carry around £120.00 into 2007.

The editor expresses optimism for 2007, anticipating it to be a strong year for the group. Changes planned include a new treasurer, updated investigator handbooks, new ID cards for members, and new membership cards for subscribers. A large event is planned for the end of 2007, including an Avebury sky watch potentially attended by other UK groups. The group also plans to launch a new website, as the previous one has closed.

Contents

• The table of contents outlines the articles and reports within the issue:
• Goodwood revival this year (2006)
• Nick Pope resigns from ministry post
• 2 Hampshire UFO Reports
• UFO over Brighton
• UFO Groups details
• UK UFO Reports
• SUFOG 2007 Diary
• Hampshire UFO Catalogue... Part 3
• Vintage UFO case. With a twist...
• George's Photo's
• Newspaper Reviews
• Magazine Reviews
• World News & UFO Reports
• Bonnybridge 2006 visit Report
• SUFOG Southampton Central Library Exhibition 13th - 28th November
• The Paranormal has arrived in SUFOG
• Rogue car and cattle mutilations
• Mystery Park Closure
• Mirror Windows
• Roger Anderton lecture... 1st November 2006

Financial Review (2006/2007)

Page 3 presents an amended review of SUFOG funds for 2006/7, correcting mathematical errors from the previous issue. The total expenditure for 2006 is listed as £1,228.38, covering paper, envelopes, ink, postage, room hire, and website renewal. Total income for 2006 is £1,348.38, from meetings, other magazine sales, donations, subscriptions, and other income. This results in a carry-forward of £120.00 to 2006/7.

• The cost per magazine issue is calculated at £2.80, meaning subscriptions should ideally be £16.80 to cover this. As a result, subscription rates are set to rise from January 1st, 2007:
• UK: £15.00 per year
• Europe: £25.00 per year
• USA & Rest: £35.00 per year

UFO DATA Magazine Transition

A note from the UFODATA.co.uk website announces that from January 2007, UFO DATA Magazine will become a full-format, 68-page, professionally-printed, glossy magazine. This is in fulfillment of a wish by Graham for his wife, that Russel Callaghan should continue the magazine.

Nick Pope Resigns From MOD

An email from Nick Pope dated November 11th, 2006, explains his resignation from the Ministry of Defence. He clarifies that media coverage has been inaccurate. Pope decided to leave earlier in the year but formally submitted his resignation in September, with his last day in government service being October 31st. He states he enjoyed his 21 years in the MOD, particularly running the UFO project, but left to focus on his business interests. He issued a short press release stating his resignation and now explains the situation further. He maintains that the UFO phenomenon raises important defense and national security issues and that sightings should be investigated scientifically. He also notes that the MoD UFO project is now "virtually closed" down, leaving the UK "wide open" to aliens. He expresses concern that "highly credible" sightings are dismissed and that reporting a UFO now would likely result in a standard letter telling the reporter not to worry.

UK UFO Reports

Several reports of UFO sightings are detailed:

• Hampshire UFO Sightings:
• July 26, 2006 (Southampton): A white cross-shaped object was seen moving west for one minute without a trail.
• July 18, 2006 (Isle of Wight): Two greeny-blue lights in a triangular shape were observed about 50m off the ground, disappearing very fast. The witness, an engineer, struggled to find an explanation.

The author questions why people in Hampshire report sightings to American organizations instead of local UK groups like SUFOG, suggesting a need for better advertising in 2007.

• The Argus - Brighton - November 27th, 2006 - Mystery Of Orange UFOs:
• Bright orange lights baffled police and air-traffic controllers in Brighton. Witnesses reported thousands may have seen bizarre floating orbs. Air-traffic controllers at Shoreham Airport and Brighton police received inquiries. James Gordon-Johnson described seeing a "very big orange light" that was static, followed by two more appearing. Mark Sztopel saw seven lights moving slowly. Shoreham Airport stated they were closed at 7 pm. Police checked with Gatwick controllers, who reported no movement. A spokeswoman noted it was baffling but mentioned a meteor shower that weekend. UFO spotters linked the lights to previous hoaxes. Gordon-Johnson insisted they were not meteors, being too big, bright, and low, estimating their altitude at 3,000-4,000ft.

• The Spalding Guardian - November 6th, 2006 - Residents Transfixed By Unexplained Flying Objects:
• Residents in Spalding reported seeing orange lights in the sky. Stargazer Susan Sells captured video of bright orange spheres moving in formation. Martin Anderson stated there was no rational explanation, ruling out satellites, the ISS, and meteor showers. He expressed an open mind about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Other residents also saw lights, including a larger sphere that split and rejoined. Aircraft enthusiast Richard Shortland described lights moving with no sound. Wg Cdr Field from the Ministry of Defence acknowledged activity but was unaware of anything untoward, suggesting aircraft facing the observer might appear stationary. The article invites readers to watch video evidence.

• The Welwyn & Hatfield Times - November 15th, 2006 - UFOs Light Up The Sky:
• Dozens of residents in the Welwyn and Hatfield area reported seeing mysterious lights, described as bright orange lights in a triangular formation, performing manoeuvres beyond current aircraft capabilities. Witnesses initially feared a catastrophic air crash. Luton Airport confirmed no scheduled fly-pasts. Eye-witness reports include Lauren Sullivan, who captured footage on a video camera, describing the lights as "unbelievable." Jo and Frank McNally described the lights passing directly overhead with no noise. Sally Metcalfe reported her family had seen a UFO before. Anthony Hawkins saw lights in a V-formation about half a mile away and 100ft off the ground. Amateur astronomer Rob Bentley stated it was unlike anything he had witnessed. Christine and Alan Evans also saw the lights, with Christine noting her ex-policeman husband confirmed it wasn't a helicopter or firework.

Chris Augustin, an American UFO investigator, was asked if orange lights are a common occurrence in UFO sightings.

Vintage UFO Case: Snippy

This section details the case of Snippy, a horse that died mysteriously in Alamosa, Colorado, in 1967. Her owner, Nellie Lewis, claimed the 3-year-old Appaloosa mare was mutilated by space aliens, with no tracks or blood, and a strange odor. The horse's heart and brain were reportedly missing. The case resurfaced on eBay with a minimum bid of $50,000. Frank Duran, a marketing specialist, posted Snippy's skeleton on eBay after being asked by an attorney. However, the bidding was put on hold due to claims from the local chamber of commerce and a relative of Lewis. Dr. Wallace Leary, a veterinarian, reconstructed Snippy's skeleton in 1968 and debunked the alien theory, finding two .22-calibre bullet holes. Wildlife experts suggested coyotes could cause similar wounds. Lewis also reported marks on the ground forming a circle and that pieces of the horse's mane burned her hands and her boots became radioactive. Area residents reported no grass growing where the carcass was found, and the San Luis Valley became a destination for UFO enthusiasts. Duran believes the Snippy case initiated a trend of people being more open to UFOs and aliens.

George's Photos

Page 10 displays two photographs taken by George Warner in Portsmouth on November 26th and 28th, 2006, showing unidentified lights in the sky. The photos are captioned with the date, time, and photographer's name.

Magazine Reviews & Newspaper Reviews

These sections are listed in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

SUFOG Southampton Central Library Exhibition

An exhibition by SUFOG was held at Southampton Central Library from November 13th to 28th.

The Paranormal has arrived in SUFOG

This indicates a new focus or section within SUFOG dedicated to paranormal topics.

SUFOG Diary - 2007

• The diary lists scheduled SUFOG meetings and events for 2007:
• January 17th: Black Box UFO Secrets
• February 21st: UFOs & The Alien Presence
• March 21st: Paranormal Evening
• April 18th: UFOs - The Complete Truth: "Alien Interventions"
• May 16th: To Be Decided
• May 19th: SUFOG Open Day
• June 20th: To Be Decided
• July 18th: To Be Decided
• August 15th: Crop Circle Formations of 2006
• August 25th & 26th: Avebury Weekend
• September 19th: Paranormal Evening
• October 17th: To Be Decided
• November 21st: To Be Decided
• December 12th: Meeting (Christmas Party)

Meetings are held at the CIU Club, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey, Southampton, from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm, with a £3.00 charge for room hire. Attendees are advised to contact the editor before dates due to potential cancellations, especially for Sky Watch events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across the UK, the ongoing investigation and reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the personal experiences of witnesses. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of scientific investigation and the potential for government secrecy or dismissal of credible evidence, as highlighted by Nick Pope's contributions. The magazine also embraces paranormal topics, as indicated by the "Paranormal Evening" meetings and the statement "The Paranormal has arrived in SUFOG." The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to report their experiences while acknowledging the challenges and potential skepticism from official sources. The publication also aims to foster a sense of community among UFO and paranormal enthusiasts through its events and detailed diary.

SUFOG (Issue numbers 11-20, spanning October to December 2006) is a magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena, featuring a mix of investigative reports, witness testimonies, and reviews of related media. The publication appears to be UK-based, with a focus on both international and domestic UFO incidents.

Key Articles and Reports

JAL Pilot's UFO Story Surfaces After 20 Years

This section details the account of JAL pilot Terauchi, who reported a UFO encounter on November 17, 1986, while flying flight JAL 1628 over Alaska. He described seeing two belts of light below his Boeing-747 jumbo jet, which seemed to be toying with the plane by matching its speed. The lights became dazzlingly bright, and the object exhibited gravity-defying maneuvers. Later, a much larger object bathed in blue light appeared. Terauchi, an experienced ex-fighter pilot, was grounded by JAL for speaking to the press, but was later reinstated. The article also explores possible explanations, including astronomical phenomena and secret military operations.

Newspaper Reviews by Ernie Sears

Ernie Sears provides a column reviewing various newspaper and magazine articles related to UFOs. He discusses reports from The Daily Express about a 'UFO Armada' seen over Britain, The Times' coverage of new planets and potential life in space, and Psychic News' reporting on a former MOD chief's warnings about aliens. Sears also mentions a Channel 5 documentary and his own contributions to Psychic News. He notes the occasional UFO article in Psychic News and his own use of items from the publication.

OVNI Magazine Review

This review covers the magazine OVNI, noting its cover illustrations depicting common UFO archetypes like humanoids and flying triangles. The reviewer highlights a feeling of a 'dramatic shift' in comprehension regarding UFOs. It also mentions a review of a Channel 5 documentary as 'surprisingly' balanced. The review praises the work of David Clark and Gary Hesletine of UFO Monthly.com for their contributions to the Portsmouth Harbour UFO investigation.

UFO Incidents and Sightings

The magazine presents numerous individual UFO sighting reports from various locations:

• Heanor Gate Industrial Estate, Derbyshire: A strange light was reported to have 'split up' and made no noise.
• Mansfield: A 'very spectacular' and 'monstrous fireball' was featured in the local newspaper.
• Ilkeston, Derbyshire: A soundless pair of trio of 'burning' orbs were observed descending.
• Farnborough: Hilary Porter reported seeing a vast, partly invisible object that 'cloaked' itself and revealed a gleaming white futuristic triangle. An ex-RAF pilot was also a witness.
• Hawaii: Two girls reported a hovering saucer with lights and strange laser-like lights entering their room.
• Lake George, New York: Four observers witnessed a shiny rectangle-shaped craft hovering and drifting.
• Providence, Rhode Island: An egg-shaped craft with a glowing bottom was seen.
• Kefalonia, Greece: A fast-moving object changed colors and left a trail of light beams and sparks.
• San Carlos, Mexico: A triangular object with multiple yellow lights was observed hovering.
• Venezuela: Three people witnessed a triangular UFO over Caracas, described as white with luminous variations of blue, red, and green, moving in a 'zig-zagging' motion.
• Poland: A 'golden disc' was reported hovering soundlessly, described as 1/6 the size of the full Moon and disc-shaped.
• Denver: Two pilots reported a very bright, white light and four smaller lights behind it, maintaining altitude and speed, with Air Traffic Control having no record of the traffic.

World News & UFO Reports

• American Chronicle - Beverly Hills, California: An investigation uncovered a spy game surrounding a UFO mystery, involving secure vaults at Los Alamos National Laboratory and a USAF base. The report suggests a national security issue interpreted by an official under the Director of National Intelligence. Starstream Research is investigating this in a series titled "Exempt from Legal Recourse."
• Shanghai Daily - China: Reports of UFOs in Shanghai have been infrequent, with the last valid report in 1999. Four UFOs were reported in the city and its neighboring area in 1987, 1990, 1991, and 1999.
• The Resident - Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal: A UFO was spotted three times in one night, described as a rotating object emanating blue and red light.
• Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia: A 15-year-old student snapped a mysterious image of a small grey object resembling a flying saucer.

Bonnybridge 2006 Visit Report by Mark Easen

This report details a visit to Bonnybridge, Scotland, claimed to be Britain's UFO capital, averaging about 300 sightings a year. The author visited with friends and noted the area's connection to the Nuclear missile-equipped submarines based at HM Faslaine. A plan for an £850 million theme park based around extra-terrestrial interlopers was mentioned. Despite grey weather, the author explored the area, including the Faslaine Naval Base and a picnic spot called 'Whistlefield'.

UFO Nut Sells Spy Poison Online

This article reports on Noah Shachtman's findings that radioactive material (Polonium-210), capable of being used for industrial purposes or potentially as a weapon, can be bought online for $69 from United Nuclear Scientific Supplies. The company is run by Bob Lazar, who is known for his claims about working on alien spaceships at a secret military base.

SUFOG Southampton Central Library Exhibition

An exhibition organized by Roger Anderton was held at Southampton Central Library from November 13th to 28th, featuring displays that unfortunately were positioned amongst 'HORROR' books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the unexplained nature of many UFO sightings, often emphasizing witness credibility and the lack of conventional explanations. There's a recurring theme of potential government secrecy or cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena, with mentions of intelligence agencies and classified information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and a belief in the reality of UFOs, while acknowledging the need for critical analysis and distinguishing genuine sightings from mundane explanations. The publication encourages readers to share their own experiences and contributes to a broader understanding of the UFO enigma.

SUFOG (PAGE 21)

This issue of SUFOG magazine, dated November 12, 2006, from The Helena Independent Record, USA, focuses on paranormal phenomena, with the cover headline "THE PARANORMAL HAS ARRIVED IN SUFOG...". The issue features an illustration of an alien-like creature and promises explorations into "Supernatural Unexplained Flying Saucers, Open Minded Ghosts and Paranormal Investigations."

The Legend Of The Chupacabra!

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to the Chupacabra, a creature that has been widely reported in North, Central, and South American media. Discovery Science Centre in Santa Ana, California, hosted a "Spooky Science" exhibit from October 20 to November 5, 2006, that examined the Chupacabra. The creature is described as a half-man, half-beast, standing four to five feet tall on two powerful hind legs, capable of leaping up to 20 feet. It is said to have reptile-like skin that can change colors, spikes running from its head to its back, eerie red eyes, long fangs, and a slimy forked tongue. The name 'Chupacabra' translates from Spanish to 'goat sucker,' inspired by the creature's alleged prey.

Sightings of the Chupacabra reportedly began in Puerto Rico in 1975, with goats found dead, their blood completely drained, leaving only puncture wounds. Reports have since emerged from South America to Michigan. The article notes that, unlike the Loch Ness Monster or Sasquatch, the Chupacabra's details have not been extensively recorded in books.

Several theories attempt to explain the Chupacabra's origin, including it being a pet of aliens, a creature from another dimension, another time period, or one that has existed since the time of dinosaurs.

The "Spooky Science" exhibit at Discovery Science Centre aimed to be a fun and educational experience for families. It included a spooky ChromaDepth® 3D village, a bounce house for practicing leaps, and explorations of sanguinivorous creatures like leeches and mosquitoes, as well as diseases they can transmit, such as West Nile Disease. The exhibit also included a blood drive for the American Red Cross on October 27, 2006.

Discovery Science Centre's admission was $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children and seniors, with free admission for those aged 2 and under, and for Science Centre members. The centre is located at 2500 N. Main St. in Santa Ana, California, and features over 100 hands-on science exhibits in eight themed areas.

Rogue radar 'drove cars haywire'...

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in the UK admitted that a fault in a radar dome at Trimingham, Norfolk, was responsible for making dozens of cars go haywire. Motorists reported their electrics cutting out as they drove past the dome. An inquiry revealed that the Type 93 radar spinning inside the dome had been "out of alignment" between November of the previous year and February. The fault was attributed to "unserviceable phase shifters and drop-in wave guide air pressure." While the MoD stated there was no danger to the public, they would consider compensation claims. Neil Crayford, a local garage owner, reported dealing with 30 such calls over a couple of months, noting the problem was still occurring.

Cattle Mutilation Stuns Ranchers...

This section, dated November 12, 2006, from The Helena Independent Record in Montana, USA, details cattle mutilation cases. Rancher John Peterson discovered a cow on his property that had been mutilated with surgical precision: its udder, genitals, and rectum were removed, and the left side of its face was stripped to the bone. Peterson had encountered a similar mutilation on a neighbor's ranch five years prior. Since the 1970s, Montana ranchers have reported dozens of cattle carved up in similar, macabre ways. The first known incident was a mutilated steer near Sand Coulee in August 1974. By December 1977, 67 mutilation cases had been investigated in several Montana counties. The cuts were often in circular shapes. Similar cases have occurred in the Southwest since the 1970s, with a federal report concluding they were the work of natural predators. However, ranchers like Peterson dispute this, stating they know a predator kill when they see one, and grizzly bears, wolves, and coyotes are not suspects. Theories include pranksters, satanic cults, and space aliens.

Pondera County Sheriff Tom Kuka is investigating the case. Peterson's cow was valued at up to $1,200. A key characteristic of these mutilations is the complete absence of blood spills, footprints, or signs of a struggle, even when the ground was muddy or snow-covered. Predators typically do not leave carcasses untouched. A similar spate of mutilations occurred in the area in 2002, with at least 15 reported killings.

Closure Of Mystery Park Is No Enigma...

This article, dated November 19, 2006, discusses the closure of the Mystery Park in the Bernese Oberland resort of Interlaken, Switzerland. Experts attribute the closure to the static nature of the exhibition, slow involvement of local tourism, and the decline of the stock exchange between 2001 and 2003. The park, conceived by best-selling Swiss author Erich von Daniken, was intended to be a theme park devoted to unsolved extraterrestrial mysteries. Despite von Daniken's international reputation, the park's communications department reportedly did not correct the one-sided UFO image associated with him. Critics noted a lack of innovation and interaction, with one lecturer stating it seemed a "bad realisation of von Daniken's ideas" that "lacked life and interaction."

The park opened in May 2003, financed by private investors and public share purchases. However, it faced financial difficulties. Suggestions for improvement, such as making a third of the exhibition changeable, were not fully implemented. The park's marketing focused heavily on the UFO element rather than broader entertainment or education. The park's financing ran into difficulties, exacerbated by stock market falls and differing interests among shareholders. The fate of the Mystery Park lies with the liquidator, with insolvency proceedings due to end on January 10, after which the park may be auctioned.

Other Reports and Events

Pennsylvania Corn Was Flattened...: On October 28, 2006, a witness in Harrisburg reported finding a corn field flattened in an oval shape, with corn standing upright in the center, resembling a crop circle. No footprints or tire marks were found in the area.

Roger Anderton lecture...: On November 1, 2006, Roger Anderton, SUFOG Events Officer and Treasurer, held a lecture on "UFO's & Einstein's Unified Field Theory" in Southampton. The event was attended by about 50 people. The lecture covered the history of Einstein's theory and was considered interesting.

Apparition Pounds in Poundstretcher shop: Staff at a Poundstretcher shop in Gloucester reported seeing a ghost, identified as Eliza Johnson, a young Victorian actress. Security cameras recorded footage of a cloaked figure moving, knocking over boxes, and sitting or kneeling. Staff claimed to see the apparition of a woman in a high-neck dress, and an unseen force was said to move things at night, accompanied by strange noises and unexplained smells.

March 2007 Edition of the SUFOG Magazine: Upcoming features include a report by SUFOG Secretary Steve Rider on his talk to the Young Farmers Group about the Paranormal, and SUFOG Chairman Steve G's look at UFOlogy from a "stranger than fiction" angle, focusing on UFOs and postage stamps. More photos from George in Portsmouth are also being held over.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOG magazine are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, including cryptids like the Chupacabra, alleged alien encounters (UFOs), and paranormal events such as hauntings and unexplained animal mutilations. The magazine appears to present these topics with a degree of seriousness, reporting on exhibits, lectures, and news incidents related to these subjects. There is an emphasis on presenting witness accounts and official admissions where available, such as the MoD's acknowledgment of the radar fault. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these mysteries, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, as seen in the coverage of cattle mutilations and the Mystery Park's closure.