UFO Brigantia issue 37

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 37
Date: March 1989
Publisher: The Independent UFO Network (I.U.N.)
Type: A Journal of UFO Investigation.

Editorial

The editorial for this issue, dated January 18th, 1989, reflects on the process of filling the magazine's pages. The editor, Andy Roberts, expresses a desire for a compelling, unfolding case but notes the scarcity of such events. He recounts a phone call from a witness named Rodney in Lancashire who reported a UFO landing in the same quarry where Mike Sachs had previously reported a sighting. The initial excitement of a potential 'big one' is tempered by further details suggesting the event might have been 'just a light' and not a solid object. The editorial highlights the inherent skepticism and the need for careful investigation, even when dealing with seemingly credible witnesses. It also touches upon the possibility of mundane explanations and the ongoing mystery surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly in areas like the Rossendale Valley, which has a history of sightings.

Key Articles and Features

UFO fright for Ron (By Mark Christy)

This article reports on Ronald Reagan's alleged UFO sighting during his presidency. It details an incident where Reagan, then on a plane, ordered the pilot to follow a mysterious object that appeared to accelerate rapidly. The article connects this to Reagan's previous statements about a potential extraterrestrial threat uniting humanity and speculates about a possible 'Education Program' or controlled information leaks. It also mentions Bill Paynter, the pilot at the controls, who confirmed the object was not another plane. The piece concludes by anticipating potential future announcements from President Bush regarding UFOs, given his past role as CIA head.

Hessdalen Update (By Mentz Kaarbo)

This comprehensive update details the history and status of the Project Hessdalen investigation in Norway. The project, which gained international fame for its instrumented on-site investigations into strange light phenomena in the Hessdalen valley between 1984 and 1985, had become inactive regarding direct research due to a decline in activity and a lack of funding. The article outlines the project's initial support from scientific institutions like the Universities of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE). It highlights the project's establishment in 1983 and its subsequent field investigations in 1984 and 1985. The report notes that while financial support was limited, professional consultation and equipment were provided. The article also mentions the visit of Dr. J. Allen Hynek in 1985 and the project's subsequent restructuring to support research across Scandinavia. It summarizes observations from 1985-1988, noting a low level of activity and a lack of thorough investigations due to resource limitations. Several selected cases from 1985 are presented, including sightings of lights and a 'wingless plane'.

GEPAN FOLDS (By Perry Petrakis)

This article announces the end of GEPAN (Association d'etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes), a prominent French UFO study group founded in 1977. GEPAN was known for its technical reports on significant French UFO cases, such as the Cergy-Pontoise abduction and the Trans-en-Provence trace case. The article states that GEPAN has been replaced by SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phenomenes de Rentree Atmospherique), a move that occurred after a Paris sighting was attributed to a satellite re-entry. While the former director, Jean-Jaques Velasco, assured that tasks would remain the same, the article suggests that SEPRA will likely offer less public access to publications and enquiries. The author speculates that CNES (the French space agency), which had never been fully supportive of GEPAN, may have influenced this change, especially after the departure of Poher, who had been instrumental in GEPAN's creation during a period of high public interest in UFOs.

Editorial - Computer Viruses and UFO Hoaxes

This section of the editorial discusses the concept of 'UFO viruses' as a metaphor for how disinformation and hoaxes are introduced into the UFO community. The author draws a parallel between computer viruses that replicate and spread, and the way false information about UFOs is disseminated through literature, media, and leaked documents. It suggests that a new breed of hoaxer, analogous to a computer virus designer, intentionally introduces fabricated information to manipulate beliefs and potentially discredit genuine research. The article references the recent 'MJ-12' documents and their potential connection to this phenomenon, proposing that such activities are driven by the 'sheer hell of it' and the enjoyment of manipulating people.

UFO Lecture News, Updates From The States, Reviews, Lincolnshire Lights, News, Letters, Nazi UFOs

These sections represent shorter contributions and news items within the magazine, covering various aspects of ufology, including lectures, international updates, book reviews, specific sighting reports (Lincolnshire Lights), general news, and reader correspondence. The mention of 'Nazi UFOs' suggests a topic explored within the letters or news sections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the theme of UFO investigation, emphasizing the need for rigorous research, critical analysis, and the pursuit of evidence, even when faced with mundane explanations or potential disinformation. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet skeptical, encouraging the submission of bizarre or controversial topics while maintaining a critical perspective. There's a recurring concern about the spread of hoaxes and 'controlled experiments' within the UFO community, with the 'UFO virus' analogy highlighting the perceived deliberate manipulation of information. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by UFO research groups, such as funding issues and institutional skepticism, as seen in the case of GEPAN and Project Hessdalen. The overall tone suggests a dedication to uncovering the truth behind UFO phenomena, acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls of the field.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MARCH '89
Date: March 1989
Publisher: UFO BRIGANTIA
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring detailed accounts of sightings, investigations, and debates within the ufological community.

Hessdalen Sightings and Project Updates

The magazine presents a series of UFO sightings, primarily from Norway, spanning from October 1985 to October 1987. These include observations of illuminated 'things' and 'orange' objects, a spherical yellow-white object with unusual behavior, an oval yellow-white object performing maneuvers, and an oblong object with distinct light and dark portions. Several witnesses reported unusual sensations, such as pressure in their heads.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Project Hessdalen Fund. Established in June 1983, its initial aim was to finance the entire Hessdalen Project. Despite efforts to secure funding from private firms and institutions, the project largely became a private venture. An invitation to a workshop in Oslo in August 1985 received a limited response, leading to an alternative meeting with members from UFO NORWAY and UFO SWEDEN. The scope of UFO research was subsequently extended to cover all of Scandinavia, with plans to gradually acquire funds over several years. The current state of the project is described as inactive due to limited resources, but there are no plans to abandon it.

Philip Mantle recounts his visit to the Hessdalen valley in December 1988, noting that sightings of light phenomena were at a low level. He highlights the presence of a seismic measuring instrument at Leif Havik's house, intended to monitor earth movements and potentially link them to the light phenomena. Mantle also draws parallels with the 'Project Pennine' in northern England, suggesting a similar initiative could be established there.

Debates on Ufology and Scientific Validity

A substantial article by Jenny Randles critically examines the relationship between ufology and the scientific community, particularly focusing on the magazine 'New Scientist'. Randles argues that the scientific press often fails to approach UFO topics with objectivity, citing an instance where 'New Scientist' commissioned a review of a book by a noted debunker, Ian Ridpath, who allegedly made unsubstantiated claims and misrepresented the book's content. The article details a debate initiated by Peter Warrington and Randles, challenging Ridpath to a public debate on the scientific study of UFOs, which Ridpath ultimately declined.

The article criticizes the tendency of some scientists and debunkers to dismiss UFO phenomena by focusing on perceived flaws in individual cases or by equating UFOs solely with extraterrestrial spacecraft, thereby dismissing the entire field. Randles expresses concern that reputable science journals could publish biased critiques that misrepresent ufology.

Other UFO-Related Topics

'Alternative 3' Hoax

The issue addresses the 'Alternative 3' phenomenon, a TV program and book from 1977 that purported to reveal a secret plan to colonize space. The magazine presents letters from Canadian ufologist Les Cherni and Christopher Miles, a co-author of the book, who confirm that 'Alternative 3' was a deliberate hoax designed to lead the public astray, with hints of its unauthenticity present throughout the film and book.

'Face on Mars' and MJ-12

Briefly, the magazine mentions the 'Face on Mars' image from the Viking 1 orbiter, noting the ongoing debate about its extraterrestrial origins. It also reports on a fundraising effort by the Fund for UFO Research, proposed by physicist Stanton Friedman, to investigate the activities and associations of MJ-12 members.

Abduction Phenomena and Mystery Objects

An article by Jim Melesciuc from 'Updates From The States' touches upon the inclusion of pictures of alleged alien implant devices in abduction lectures. Separately, a letter from the Department of Medical Genetics at Churchill Hospital describes a tiny, fragmented crossword-like object found in prenatal diagnostic samples, posing a mystery about its origin, though it was later identified as a Diatom skeleton.

Legal and Obituary Notices

A petition calling for congressional hearings on UFOs, initiated by MUFON Deputy Director John Schuessler, is mentioned. The issue also notes the passing of Donald Keyhoe, former director of NICAP, known for his stance against alleged government cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA strongly advocates for the serious scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. It highlights the challenges faced by ufologists in gaining credibility within the scientific community and criticizes media outlets and publications that promote debunking without proper evidence. The magazine champions the efforts of researchers in Hessdalen and elsewhere, emphasizing the need for continued research despite limited resources and skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly pro-ufology, encouraging open-minded inquiry and critical analysis of both sightings and the broader UFO field.

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated March 1989, features a 'Reviews' section on the cover, with the main headline being 'REVIEWS'. The issue includes articles on channeling, anomalous lights in Lincolnshire, and news and reports related to UFO phenomena. The confidence score for legibility is 4 out of 5, indicating good but not perfect clarity.

Reviews

'Channeling' by Jon Klimo

Reviewed by Philip Foster, this book is described as an interesting development in alternative psychology and cosmology, aiming to be a textbook for the phenomenon of channeling. Klimo's three aims are to define and categorize channeling, assess the implications of communication with transcendent beings, and expand our conceptions of ourselves and reality. Foster notes that the book covers historical and present-day manifestations of channeling, including a surprising mention of Merlin in the twelfth century. While acknowledging the book's comprehensiveness as an introduction, Foster finds the content of the messages from the sources to be 'pretty banal'. He finds the subjective aspect of contact and 'inspiration', and its impact on people's lives, to be the most genuinely interesting areas, comparing their importance to ET contacts. The review concludes that the book is an indispensable companion for anyone interested in channeling and suggests that dedicated ET enthusiasts might also benefit from it.

'Lincolnshire Lights' by David Clarke

This article by David Clarke details his ongoing research into anomalous light phenomena in the British Isles, building on his previous work 'SPOOKLIGHTS'. He aims to assemble a database to identify common variables in the origin of these phenomena. Clarke discusses 'Earthlights', as regarded by Dr. Michael Persinger and Paul Devereux, and notes that while the Eastern Counties of England might not seem ideal geologically, sedimentary material overlies older rocks, and seismic stress zones exist, as evidenced by the 1884 Colchester earthquake.

The article focuses on a recurring light phenomenon in the Lincolnshire region, specifically an undulating countryside north of Lincoln, in an area with interesting geology along the limestone ridge of Middle Street. Ethel Rudkin, a collector of folklore, is cited regarding a stretch of road called Old Leys Lane, where a light resembling a bicycle lamp was seen nightly in the early 20th century. Mrs. Rudkin also describes similar lights at Blyton Carr, characterized as 'reddish in colour', keeping close to the ground, 'dancing', and moving quickly.

Further east, near The Cliff sandstone escarpment, a string of villages along Ermine Street are mentioned, including Cammeringham. G.F. Garner, writing in 'Lincolnshire Life', recounts a mystery from the 1920s concerning the 'Cammeringham Light'. This phenomenon was described as an 'emanation, appearance, apparition, phantom, phenomenon' that haunted the area, particularly near a wood below The Cliff and outbuildings of Cammeringham Farm. It was mobile and was observed to speed along country lanes.

An account from September 1931 describes a local carrier seeing a weird light on Cammeringham Top that moved erratically and vanished. In the 1930s, the 'Light' was considered an established fact in the area, with older residents having seen it performing various aerial maneuvers. The article connects this to traditional beliefs in inexplicable lights in isolated communities across Britain, suggesting that ignorance and disbelief from outsiders contribute to the persistence of these phenomena.

Clarke posits that the existence of numerous independent witnesses suggests a connection to unknown topographical and geological factors rather than socio-psychological aberrations. He quotes G.F. Garner's father, who believed the ability to see the light depended on the hour of birth, hinting at psychic abilities. This is compared to contemporary UFO sightings where brilliant lights are seen by only one individual or a small group.

The article mentions the Revival Lights of Wales (1904-5), where a blood-red light was visible to some but not others. Journalist Beriah G. Evans reported seeing such a light. Mrs. Jones claimed to receive guidance from these lights, similar to modern UFO contactees. The theory that belief itself can create objective phenomena is discussed, referencing Tibetan beliefs about shamans manipulating invisible energies into 'thought projections' called tulpas.

Various theories about the Cammeringham Light are presented, including a connection to a 19th-century murder. However, Garner notes the absence of ships, sea storms, or marshes, ruling out St. Elmo's Fire. The widespread 'explanation' of Will o'the Wisps due to marsh gas is dismissed as not scientifically founded, as these lights have not been artificially reproduced.

Joan Forman's work on East Anglian ghostlore is cited, stating the Cammeringham Light had been seen over centuries, particularly in the late 19th century, leading to 'skywatches'. The association of the light with local belief and its proximity to the Roman Road is noted. An experience of Mr. Lucas in the early 20th century is recounted: while walking to work at dawn, he saw a chariot driven by a woman with two horses emerge from a mist, adorned with jewelry, before vanishing back into the mist. Lucas believed he saw the ghost of Queen Boadicea, though the experience is also framed within the context of perception, expectation, and cultural conditioning.

An experience from 1950 involving an ex-RAF observer and a colleague describes seeing 6 or 7 orange lights in the sky near Ingham. These lights accompanied their car, performing aerobatics, dividing, multiplying, and eventually diminishing to the size of an orange before disappearing at high speed. The three witnesses agreed they had observed something 'just a little out of the ordinary'.

The article concludes by discussing the behavior of these lights, suggesting they are not necessarily extraterrestrial spaceships. It criticizes 'ufologists' for distorting eyewitness accounts to fit preconceived theories, citing the 'abduction' fad as an example. The author highlights researchers like Dr. Michael Persinger and Paul Devereux who are exploring connections between geophysical light phenomena and the human brain, working outside the mainstream UFO community, which is described as stagnant and focused on 'paranoid fantasy worlds'. The author anticipates being labeled a heretic for suggesting 'The Truth' might be stranger than fiction.

News, News, News...

This section contains several short items:

• Book Review Snippets: A brief, aggressive review of Bud Hopkins' 'Intruders' and Whitley Streiber's 'Communion', dismissing them as 'total mental' and 'shite', and comparing the authors' claims to those skeptical of Hitler's Holocaust. The reviewer uses strong language, calling the books 'non-fiction' with a 'flying pig off' and the authors 'scumbags'.
• 'Do They Mean Us?': An excerpt from the New Musical Express (18/2/89) by Steven Wells, which is critical of UFO material, calling it 'crap books' but acknowledging they might have some basis in reality.
• Circles: Ralph Noyes is mentioned for compiling a comprehensive bibliography of major sources on anomalous 'cornfield circles' worldwide. It is available by sending an SAE to his address in London.
• Wanted: Ron West is seeking copies of specific books: 'Passport To Magonia', 'Invisible College' by Jaques Vallee, 'Secret of the Ages' by Brinsley le Poer Trench, and any books on 'Agharti' and underground cities.
• Competition Results: No one won the competition, and the answers to a crossword puzzle are provided, listing terms related to exobiology, UFOs, and names of individuals and organizations.
• IUN Reports: Information is given on three reports available from the editorial address: 'The AUGUST REPORT' (sightings during August '87), 'The HULL REPORT' (UFO flap over Hull on 9th December 1987), and 'FLY-BY-NIGHT' (a major UFO wave in 1988). The latter is a comprehensive report available in three A5 booklets.

Letters to the Editor

The French Correction

Perry Petrakis from Aix-en-Provence writes to correct an error in a previous issue regarding French scientific institutions. He clarifies that CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) is the equivalent of NASA, not CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), which is a scientific research center. Petrakis also disputes the claim that CNRS distributed a dossier to French UFO groups, suggesting it might refer to a Lear paper obtained by Jean-Francois Gille.

The editors reply that several people wrote in about this, and George Andrews clarified that the 'dossier' was a translation of the Lear statement. They express skepticism about such claims and thank Perry and others for helping to 'nip in the bud' an 'ufological myth'.

If You Believe This You'll Believe Anything!

Alan Staithes of Preston writes to thank the magazine for printing his previous letter about a crashed UFO. He claims to have further confirmatory evidence and more information on the US government's involvement, including code names like 'JASON', 'EXCALIBUR', 'MERLIN', and 'WIZARD'. He states he has seen documents related to the last code name but will not reveal their content. Staithes questions the magazine's motives for seeking information and implies they are 'amateurish', refusing to pass on any further details.

The editors respond dismissively, questioning why people are so fixated on 'code' words and paper documents. They use the analogy of a classified document dealing with the 'two sandwiches short of a picnic' end of the UFO researcher spectrum, with the code word 'Pillock', and ask for more sensible letters.

Thickening the Plot

This article discusses a newspaper cutting from The Times about a German-built UFO crashing on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. The article notes that the 'Spitsbergen UFO crash' is often thought to be a hoax but reappears in ufological literature. It mentions the 'Nazi Connection' revival and its potential to confuse matters. The magazine states it is researching a major article on the Spitsbergen crash.

The article then details an interview with German engineer Herr Klein, who worked in Speer's Ministry of Munitions during the Third Reich and was involved in the production of 'Hitler's secret weapons', including a 'flying saucer'. Klein claims to have been present when a flying saucer was released from Prague in 1945, reaching 30,700ft in three minutes. The pilotless, ray-guided disc was begun in 1942, with the first experimental flight occurring less than two years later. Klein claims the model was built at Peenemünde, where the V1 and V2 were produced. He states that two types of flying disks were being produced: one with a 52ft diameter and another with a 138ft diameter. He also did not disbelieve stories of flying saucers remaining stationary or turning at 90-degree angles, attributing stability to a gyroscopic device.

The article notes that Klein may have been involved in German flying disc work and possibly with Schriever, but casts doubt on the date of Klein's claimed test flight (14/2/45) due to extremely bad weather, making test flights unconducive. Schriever himself denies that the test ever took place. Further doubt is cast by Renato Vesco's book 'INTERCEPT UFO', which fails to mention the Schriever disc. American intelligence agencies, however, circulated memos at the end of WWII suggesting Klein and Schriever should be brought in for questioning. Later reports from 1954 are less certain, stating that Klein and others are not known to have produced any significant information pertaining to flying saucers, suggesting this may have led to speculation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of anomalous phenomena such as channeling and unexplained lights ('Earthlights', 'Lincolnshire Lights', 'Cammeringham Light'), often drawing on folklore and historical accounts. There is a critical stance towards mainstream ufology, particularly regarding the 'abduction' fad and what the magazine perceives as a stagnant, fantasy-driven community. The editors express skepticism towards sensational claims and encourage more grounded, sensible reporting. The issue also touches upon the historical context of UFO development, particularly the 'Nazi Connection' and alleged German flying disc experiments, while maintaining a critical perspective on the veracity of these accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, seeking to separate fact from speculation and myth, while also being dismissive of overly credulous or sensationalist approaches to the subject.