UFO Brigantia issue 26

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 26
Date: May/August 1987
Publisher: The West Yorkshire UFO Research Group (WYUFORG)
Description: This issue of UFO Brigantia, a bi-monthly journal, delves into the 40-year history of UFO research and investigation, with a particular focus on the compilation of 'UFOs 1947-1987' by Hilary Evans and John Spencer for BUFORA. The journal explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including its connection to the paranormal, historical cases, and ongoing research efforts.

Editorial: The 40-Year Search

The editorial, by Andy Roberts, marks the 40th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, reflecting on the vast resources spent and the limited progress made in understanding the UFO phenomenon. Roberts notes that many sightings are misidentifications or hoaxes, and that even 'unidentifiable' UFOs may have prosaic origins. He suggests a radical rethinking of the approach to UFO study, advocating for common sense, rigorous case analysis, and the use of the term UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) instead of UFO. The editorial also touches upon the disarray within the UFO field, with renewed claims of crash retrievals and abductions, and the obsession with government files in the US. It highlights the neglect of potentially more relevant theories like Earthlights by mainstream ufologists.

UFOs 1947 - 1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation

This section introduces a significant publication compiled by Hilary Evans and John Spencer for BUFORA. It is described as an ambitious, international, state-of-the-art reference work that reviews achievements in UFO research since 1947. Over 40 ufologists contributed, covering disciplines such as psychology, sociology, physics, aviation science, folklore, mythology, parapsychology, and history. The book includes contributions on various UFO-related topics, from historical sightings to specific case studies and theoretical approaches. It is published by Fortean Tomes and priced at £10.95.

UFOs & The Paranormal by David Clarke

David Clarke's article explores the strong links between UFO literature and mysticism, mental telepathy, automatic writing, and psychic phenomena. He argues that serious ufology in Britain is maturing by integrating ideas from various paranormal fields. Clarke contends that while the public perceives UFOs as 'nuts and bolts' spaceships, field experience reveals their connection to paranormal aspects, behaving more like ghosts with an attachment to specific locations and exhibiting dreamlike qualities. He highlights the 'earthlight theory' as a potential explanation for lights observed, suggesting they are predominantly ball-shaped plasma-like energy phenomena often associated with geological faulting. The article cites examples like the 'Longendale Lights' and other strange lights reported in the Pennine Hills, linking them to ancient burial mounds and standing stones, and suggesting that these phenomena may have inspired folklore and legends.

Yorkshire UFO Network (YUFON)

This section introduces YUFON, a private organization founded in 1984, dedicated to objective research and investigation into the UFO phenomenon, primarily within Yorkshire. YUFON emphasizes flexibility, open-mindedness, and objectivity, and is not a cult with a fixed membership. They collect, collate, and investigate UFO reports, cross-referencing with various authorities and other research groups. YUFON shares its findings through lectures, media, and publications, and encourages cooperation with other researchers.

Archive Case: A Foo from the Files by Andy Roberts

Andy Roberts presents an account of a 'foo-fighter' encounter experienced by the crew of a Lancaster bomber (LM 477) on April 26, 1944, during a mission to Essen. The rear-gunner reported seeing several 'orange balls' with a fire-like glow following the aircraft. The pilot took evasive action for ten minutes, during which the phenomena duplicated their every move. The crew initially suspected a radio-controlled rocket, but the non-aggressive behavior and duplication of maneuvers suggested an unknown atmospheric phenomenon. This case is considered typical of foo-fighter encounters and is notable for the crew's lack of prior knowledge of the term 'foo-fighters'.

Current Investigations: Bradford

This section reports on a sighting of a 'group of between six and eight bright lights flying at high speed silently over Bradford' on December 23, 1986. Witnesses described the lights as being like planes in formation with no noise, and some noted an orange glow at the back. Airport staff confirmed the airspace was clear. The investigation involved contacting witnesses, and meteorological and astronomical societies were consulted. The initial conclusion suggested the sightings were attributable to the Ursids meteor shower, classifying them as an IFO/Astronomical phenomenon.

The First of '87!?

This case involves a 'flaming red ball of light' seen descending and appearing to land near Rawdon, Leeds, on May 5, 1987. Witnesses initially thought it was a crashed aircraft but dismissed this as the road was clear and the light had disappeared. The evaluation noted unusual weather conditions, including low dark clouds, sunny spells, thunder, and sheet lightning, leading to the conclusion that the phenomenon was likely ball lightning or a similar electrical event.

Reviews

The UFO Conspiracy: The First Forty Years by Jenny Randles: This book is reviewed as a concise history of the UFO phenomenon and government attitudes towards it, covering US projects, worldwide cases, and the 'UFO Proof'. It is recommended for novices and enthusiasts alike, though the reviewer suggests the 'cover-up' is more about government confusion and ignorance than a deliberate conspiracy.

Communion by Whitley Streiber: Described as a 'True Story', this book details Streiber's alleged abduction experiences. While it mixes personal accounts with hypnosis and thoughts on the nature of 'visitors', the reviewer finds the argument for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) weak, suggesting the phenomena might be aspects of the human mind or folklore. The book is noted for potentially making abduction experiences 'respectable'.

News, Events, and Help

The 'News' section includes a mention of Ladbrokes offering odds on aliens. It also announces a new book by Tim Good, 'Above Top Secret; The Worldwide UFO Cover-up'. 'Events' lists the BUFORA Congress and a Ley Hunter Moot. 'Help' requests information on foo-fighters and the Spitzbergen UFO crash/retrieval. 'Art!' promotes Iain Johnstone's artwork.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical overview of UFO research, the connection between UFOs and paranormal phenomena (particularly lights and geological anomalies), the critical examination of established theories like the ETH, and the promotion of rigorous, evidence-based investigation. The editorial stance, as expressed by Andy Roberts, is one of skepticism towards sensational claims and a call for a more scientific and open-minded approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena, emphasizing the need to consider all possibilities, including natural explanations and psychological factors, before resorting to extraterrestrial hypotheses.

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated May/August 1987, features a cover story titled "THE FLYING CROSS AFFAIR: A SECOND LOOK" by Robert Moore. The magazine explores various aspects of UFOlogy, including specific case studies, psychological interpretations of sightings, and theories about the nature of the phenomenon.

The Flying Cross Affair: A Second Look

Robert Moore's article re-examines the 'flying cross' affair, a significant UFO sighting in Britain in 1967. He details the account of two policemen, Villey and Vaycott, who observed a bright, star-like light near Holsworthy, Devon, on October 24th, 1967. The object appeared to maintain a constant distance and increase speed when pursued. Later, a witness named Mr. Garner described seeing a collection of pulsating lights that formed a cross. The sighting concluded around 04:00 GMT, with the object's final position due east and its altitude varying significantly.

Moore notes that this incident has been presented as an unexplained UFO case in numerous books. However, he presents an explanation proposed by the Plymouth Astronomical Society (PAS), which identified the object as the planets Venus and Jupiter, influenced by local meteorological conditions. Using the SKYCALC program, the article provides astronomical data for Venus and Jupiter on the night of the sighting, showing their positions in the sky consistent with the reported location of the 'flying cross'.

The article argues that the brilliance of Venus, being the brightest astronomical object that night (barring the Sun or Moon), could have led to a misperception of proximity. The perceived changes in altitude and speed are explained by cloud cover obscuring one planet while revealing the other, and the illusion of movement created by the police car's acceleration and changes in direction. The 'pulsating' lights are attributed to minor atmospheric instability, and the formation into a cross is explained by cloud movement creating a fused appearance. The 'star-spangled' look is attributed to viewing through the car window and the human eye's perception of point sources.

Moore concludes that the 'flying cross' sighting is explicable as a combined misperception of two bright planets, and questions why the PAS explanation was rejected by the UFO movement. He contrasts this with other 'flying crosses' like the Moigne Downs sighting, which he suggests might be explicable through psychological projection phenomena.

Letters Page

This section includes letters from readers. One letter, from Joel Biroco, discusses "UFOLOGY IN CHAOS?". Biroco expresses his belief that the UFO phenomenon is essentially a mind-phenomenon, possibly involving an intelligence interacting with our minds, rather than purely originating from our own subconscious. He criticizes some ufologists for being like "glorified stamp collectors" and for focusing on trivial matters.

Another letter, from Geoff Ambler, responds to a challenge regarding the "Cracoe" phenomenon. Ambler states that he and others visited the site and confirmed the phenomenon's appearance as described in previous reports, particularly when viewed through binoculars, looking like a UFO but like a patch of snow to the naked eye. A full report is promised for a future issue.

Objective or Subjective?

Ian S. Cresswell's article explores whether close encounter experiences are objective physical events or subjective manifestations. He highlights inconsistencies and distortions in witness testimony, suggesting they make little sense if interpreted as purely physical encounters. Cresswell likens some incidents to dream-like states, where objects appear and vanish, and occupants emerge from craft without leaving traces. He posits that these experiences might be more akin to a play with a script that is not entirely coherent.

Cresswell identifies several patterns in close encounter cases: they often occur in isolation, during darkness, when witnesses are engaged in automatic activities like driving, and frequently involve children or young people, or individuals from rural areas. He also notes that many cases come to light through hypnosis or dreams.

He argues that a lowering of sensory barriers, often occurring during darkness or automatic states, allows unconscious contents to surface. This shift from ego-consciousness to the unconscious creates a new reality. The article suggests that the conscious mind is dominated by unconscious contents, leading to a new reality that is subjectively real to the percipient. The dream-like nature of these events is attributed to the unconscious operating outside of linear time and logic, using symbolism and intuition.

Cresswell questions whether the widespread nature of close encounter reports, across different social groups and cultures, negates the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He considers the possibility of a global psychosis but finds no evidence for it. He also dismisses the idea that UFO phenomena are simply rumors, as they are self-perpetuating and have not died away.

He introduces concepts like hypnagogic and hypnopompic functioning (perceiving images before sleep or upon waking) and waking dreams, suggesting these states, which involve subjective imagery overriding objective perception, are similar to UFO experiences. He proposes that UFO phenomena might be a manifestation of intelligence, possibly not our own, that uses the human mind and collective unconscious to create belief systems and present baffling puzzles, acting as an "intelligence test."

The Halifax Slasher: An Urban Terror

A review of Michael Goss's booklet "The Halifax Slasher: An Urban Terror in the north of England" is presented. The booklet examines a panic in Halifax in late 1938, where people claimed to be slashed by a mysterious man. However, it was discovered that the victims had inflicted the injuries on themselves. Goss's work is recommended for ufologists interested in the social implications of rumor and panic.

The Strange Encounter of the Brazilian Farmer

Jain Johnston recounts the famous encounter of farmer Antonio Villas Boas in Brazil. The article details three stages: an initial sighting of an unidentifiable light on October 5th, 1957, followed by a similar sighting on October 14th, and culminating in a more detailed encounter on October 15th. In the final encounter, Villas Boas saw a red star-like object descend, transform into a large, luminous egg-shaped craft with purple lights and a searchlight, land, and deploy articulated legs. The craft hovered over his tractor, bathing the field in an unearthly glare.

Don't Hold Your Breath!: The UFO 'Education' Program

This article discusses the "UFO Education Program" (EPH) hypothesis, which suggests that governments are now subtly alerting the public to the existence of aliens and UFOs. The author notes that this is seen as a progression from visual sightings to entity encounters and close encounters. The EPH is linked to the release of information through Freedom of Information Act documents and hints from authors like William Moore. The article expresses skepticism about the EPH, particularly regarding the idea of "benign alien contact," citing abduction accounts that describe hostile aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the re-evaluation of well-known UFO cases, particularly the 'Flying Cross Affair', through scientific and psychological lenses. There is a strong emphasis on exploring subjective and psychological explanations for UFO phenomena, moving away from purely extraterrestrial interpretations. The magazine also touches upon the social aspects of UFO sightings, including the spread of panic and rumor, and the potential for a non-human intelligence to influence human consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the complexity and mystery of the UFO phenomenon. The issue advocates for a deeper understanding of the psychological and perhaps even existential dimensions of these experiences.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MAY/AUG '87
Volume: 87
Publisher: UFO BRIGANTIA
Country: Brazil
Language: English
Date: May/August 1987

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA focuses on the detailed account of the Antonio Villas Boas abduction case, a significant event in ufology that occurred in the 1950s. The magazine presents the narrative of Villas Boas's encounter with extraterrestrial beings, the investigation into his claims, and observations and conclusions drawn from the case.

The Antonio Villas Boas Case

The narrative begins with Antonio Villas Boas's experience on his farm. While working, his tractor engine cut out, and he was seized by a tall, helmeted alien. Despite struggling, he was overpowered by three similar creatures and taken towards their craft. Inside, he found himself in a cabin with metallic bulkheads illuminated by small lamps. He was then escorted to a larger oval cabin with a table and swivel chairs. The aliens, described as five small entities, conversed in barks and yelps. Villas Boas was divested of his clothing and rubbed down with a wet sponge saturated with a clear liquid, which left his skin without an oily residue.

Each alien was attired in a uniform suit with a broad helmet reinforced with metal strips. The suits had three tubes and boots with thick soles. A breast plate and a waist belt were also part of the attire.

Villas Boas was led into another cabin with an inscription above the door. A chalice adorned with blue tubes was attached to his chin, and a pumping action filled it with his blood. After this procedure, he sat on a small bunk. The five aliens left, and a noxious grey vapour was emitted from tubes in the bulkhead, causing him to panic and vomit.

A hatch opened, revealing a small, naked humanoid female, approximately 4'9" tall. She had white, centre-parted hair, large blue eyes, a small nose, a wide face tapering to a pointed chin, and very thin lips. Her description is noted to bear an uncanny resemblance to the elf women of Scandinavian and Celtic folklore. She had high, separated breasts, wide hips, and large thighs. Her body hair was scarlet. She copulated with Villas Boas, biting his chin gently and grunting. After the act, she appeared tired and would not repeat it. The other beings called her away, and she pointed to her stomach and then to the sky, which Villas Boas interpreted as her returning to the stars to have their baby.

Villas Boas was then ordered to dress and was shown around the craft. He attempted to steal a small instrument but was thwarted by an alien. After a tour, he was taken back outside the ship. The catwalk retracted, the craft rose, its legs shot back into the body, the cupola turned, and the visitor vanished upwards.

The experience, described as an "Edgar Rice Burroughs type romance," lasted four hours. Villas Boas returned home at 5:30 am, slept until 4:30 pm, and subsequently experienced recurring nightmares reliving the event.

Investigation and Conclusions

When the case was first investigated, it was deemed of such importance that the contactee was known only by the initials A. V. B. to protect his identity. J. Martins, a journalist, and Dr. Olavo Fontes conducted a thorough investigation. The case also reached Dr. Walter Buhler, who began his own inquiry. It was later published by Flying Saucer Review and included in Gordon Creighton's book, "The Humanoids."

Dr. Fontes medically examined Villas Boas and found two small scars on either side of his chin, along with other unusual scars on his body, leading to the conclusion that he had been exposed to some form of radiation.

Senor Martins was cleared to write about the case for the Brazilian press, and Villas Boas was subjected to extensive interrogation, but his story could not be disproved.

Observations & Conclusions:

The case is considered a CE4 (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind). The entities are deemed extraterrestrial. However, the story presents inconsistencies, such as the humanoids appearing to breathe Earth's air and the ability to breed with humans, raising questions about shared ancestry. The choice to abduct a human female for their mission is questioned, with the suggestion that a smaller male was chosen perhaps due to the humanoid's small stature.

Villas Boas's blood was likely tested for impurities. The description of the female humanoid is compared to the "elfish" characteristics and the Dropas tribe of Tibet, a small, structured people of alleged extraterrestrial origin.

The article questions why the other crew members did not remove their "supposed spacesuits," suggesting they might have been part of the creatures themselves, possibly biological robots.

The sign above the door is noted as potentially numerical rather than alphabetical. The incident, craft, and entities are compared to the "Hill" case, where the occupants were also prevented from removing "souvenirs."

The article concludes with a sense of anticipation for a sequel, suggesting that a quasi-human being might be waiting in the stellar void.

Comic Strips and Quotes

The issue includes comic strips with alien themes. One strip features a dialogue about the appearance of Martians and women, with one character exclaiming, "Say! why are all the men on Mars SMALL and Green with big heads. While the women are tall, Lovely, Scantily clad Blondes!!" Another character responds, "DOES IT MATTER WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN!."

A separate comic strip depicts aliens and a UFO, with a quote from one alien: "I don't know. All that way to Earth and they don't even have a decent MacDonalds!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the detailed exploration of a classic alien abduction case, the Antonio Villas Boas incident. The magazine presents the narrative in a straightforward manner, supported by investigative details and expert opinions. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious consideration of UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and analysis without overt skepticism. The inclusion of comic strips suggests an attempt to engage readers with lighter, albeit still alien-themed, content alongside the more serious case studies. The recurring themes include alien physiology, spacecraft technology, alien-human interaction (including sexual encounters), and the potential implications for human origins and future contact.