UFO Brigantia issue 42

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MARCH 1990
Publisher: IUN. PUBLICATION.
Type: A JOURNAL OF UFO INVESTIGATION

This issue of UFO Brigantia, published by the Independent UFO Network (IUN), focuses heavily on the phenomenon of UFO abductions, drawing parallels with historical concepts of possession. The cover features a striking illustration of a UFO hovering over a landscape with a car in the foreground, setting the tone for the issue's content.

Articles and Content

"FLYING SAUCERS: Harbingers of Doom? Part 2 Abduction: a modern form of Possession" by D. & T.M. Barclay

This article posits that the UFO phenomenon, particularly flying saucer sightings, may not be extraterrestrial in origin but rather a modern manifestation of 'demonic' entities. The authors argue that late 20th-century intellectual skepticism, rooted in scientific dogma, prevents a full understanding of these phenomena. They suggest that 'demons' should be viewed as superior alien lifeforms with advanced science, and that the effects of their interactions are recognizable. The article draws a correlation between theological concepts of 'possession' and ufological 'abduction,' stating that both involve interaction with non-material intelligences and a loss of personal autonomy, often resulting in a peculiar self-determinism and de-humanization of the percipient. The authors note that these experiences can lead to individuals living in a world of their own, detached from social norms. They highlight that visionary experiences likely stem from a single source and cite the 'seers' of Fatima and a UFO percipient, Mona Stafford, as examples.

Editorial by Andy Roberts

The editorial addresses the limited space in the issue and the need to catch up on reviews and letters, noting an increase in advertisements due to promotion for the 'Phantoms Of The Sky' conference. It highlights the upcoming attendance of Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov, the MUFON representative for Russia, at the conference. The editorial also announces a joint afternoon of lectures by the IUN and BUFORA on abductions, featuring speakers Andy Roberts and John Spencer.

Roberts then recounts a strange experience he and Phil Mantle investigated. A couple reported being awoken by their baby's screams, only to see a 'craft' with bright lights in their garden and then two 'aliens' entering their home. The couple experienced missing time, with no memory of what happened after seeing the entities until the next morning. The article notes that the couple are ordinary suburban individuals with no visible problems and that they believe the event was real, despite the woman wishing it were a dream. The author questions how two people could dream the same event and mentions that the man had recently read about UFOs.

"ABDUCTION OF A HORROR AUTHOR: THE WHITLEY STRIEBER PHENOMENON" by Hakan Blomqvist

This article examines the phenomenon surrounding author Whitley Strieber, known for his horror novels and the non-fiction book 'Communion: A True Story'. Blomqvist notes that Strieber does not fit the typical 'contactee' profile, appearing more like a bureaucrat. Strieber, a well-known literary figure, gained significant attention with 'Communion', which details his alleged abduction experiences with 'gray' creatures. The book became a bestseller, selling millions of copies and making Strieber a media personality.

The article recounts Strieber's first alleged abduction on December 26, 1985, where he experienced a 'whooshing, swirling noise' and saw a figure in his doorway. He lost consciousness and later found himself in a clearing with entities, experiencing paralysis. His next memory is of being in a small circular chamber where entities performed an operation on his head, inserting a needle and taking samples. Strieber describes feeling terror and anger during the procedure.

Following these experiences, Strieber's personality deteriorated, leading him to seek help from Budd Hopkins, a specialist in abduction cases. Through hypnosis sessions with Dr. Donald Klein, Strieber recalled further contacts, including one at age twelve. The entities are described as having large, black, insect-like eyes, and one told him, "You are our chosen one." After these sessions, Strieber felt better and began studying UFO literature.

The article details a second physical contact on December 23, 1986, where Strieber met an entity resembling an earth woman who used a brass object to put his cat to sleep and then against his neck. His next memory is waking up normally. A third contact occurred in January 1988, where Strieber observed a large gray shape in the meadow with three gray figures. He also describes paranormal phenomena and 'missing time' experiences.

Blomqvist questions Strieber's reliability, labeling him a 'fantasy prone personality' and suggesting his experiences might be screen memories or products of his imagination, rather than factual accounts of UFO contact. He notes Strieber's background in occult groups and his comparison of abductions to initiation rites, which reduces his credibility.

"SIMILARITIES IN THE WOLFEN" (Page 8)

This section draws parallels between Strieber's horror novel 'The Wolfen' and his abduction accounts in 'Communion'. The werewolves in the novel are described as a 'hive' with a single mind, similar to the collective consciousness attributed to the UFO entities. The article mentions that Strieber's subconscious mind and past life history might be influencing his theories. It references psychiatrist Ernest H. Taves and skeptic Philip J. Klass, who have discussed Strieber's psychological peculiarities and occult background.

"OCCULT WORLD VIEW" (Page 8)

This part of the article analyzes Strieber's personal worldview as presented in his book, describing it as a mix of mysticism, occultism, symbolism, esotericism, religion, and myth. Strieber compares his abductions to initiation rites and emphasizes the symbolic importance of the number three and triangular shapes. The author concludes that while this doesn't dismiss his UFO claims, it reduces his credibility and raises doubts about the reliability of memories produced under hypnosis.

"SENSITIVE POINTS?" (Page 8)

The article touches upon sensitive topics discussed during an interview with Strieber in Stockholm. Strieber reacted defensively when a guest laughed at one of his statements and later excused himself, admitting he was touchy. He also discussed his connections with intelligence groups, mentioning friends in the NSA who analyzed Gulf Breeze UFO photographs and found them puzzling. Strieber became uncomfortable when the case of Howard Menger and the Pentagon's involvement was brought up.

"CONFIRMATIONS" (Page 9)

This section quotes philosopher Paul Kurtz of CSICOP on the need for extraordinary evidence to support extraordinary claims. It mentions that other witnesses have seen visitors at Strieber's cabin, including journalists. Journalist Ed Conroy, who wrote a book on Strieber, confirms occurrences where his girlfriend saw a black creature with a metal box.

"A FINE INTELLECT" (Page 9)

The article acknowledges Strieber's education and culture, describing him as having a fine intellect and an open mind, which sets him apart from other contactees. His favorite author is Rainer Maria Rilke, whose poems about higher entities bear resemblance to Strieber's abduction story. The author reflects on whether strangers come from outer space or if the stories originate from Strieber's subconscious mind, referencing Strieber's speculation that this might be "the central archetypal and mythological experience of the age."

"STRIEBER STUFF" (Page 9)

This brief section notes Whitley Strieber's recent appearances in UK publications, including his fictional book about the Roswell Incident. It mentions an interview in 'FEAR' magazine where Strieber criticized ufologists and suggested Jenny Randles implied he plagiarized her work. Strieber also spoke about the 'soul' and its future detection by science.

"TWINKLES" (Page 10)

• This section contains various short items:
• IUN/BUFORA Lectures: Announcement of an afternoon of UFO lectures on April 21st in Bradford Central Library, focusing on abductions, with speakers Andy Roberts and John Spencer. Tickets are £3.
• Fund For UFO Research: A bulletin mentions the analysis of a "tiny object implanted in an 'abductee'" held by a scientist at a northeastern university.
• New Videos: Promotion of a video titled "UFOs-What's going on?" featuring topics like Rendlesham, Cash Landrum, abductions, cover-ups, and Roswell.
• Dave Clarke Gets Fried: A comment from Jenny Randles' Northern UFO News by Margaret Fry criticizes David Clarke's "shuttered mind" regarding unusual natural phenomena and younger ufologists who dismiss the ETH. Fry emphasizes listening to witnesses and the difference between sincere reporting and the actual stimuli.
• PHANTOMS OF THE SKY: Promotion for a book of the same name by Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts, described as a mixture of case material, facts, and speculation, aiming to expose hoaxes and discuss cover-ups. It is presented as a potentially controversial addition to ufological literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the reinterpretation of UFO encounters, particularly abductions, through a lens that questions the conventional extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). The magazine leans towards a more psychological, possibly even spiritual or 'demonic' interpretation, as suggested by the lead article and the analysis of Whitley Strieber's work. The IUN's editorial stance is one of open investigation, promoting discussion and providing a platform for various theories, even controversial ones, to foster a better understanding of the UFO enigma. They express a personal prejudice against the ETH, based on an editor's past experience. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and criticisms.

UFO BRIGANTIA, March 1990, Volume 11, presents a diverse range of articles and reviews centered around UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the 'Orange Ball of Light' (BOL) and its potential connection to abductions. The issue features investigative reports, book reviews, and discussions on the psychological aspects of UFO experiences.

Articles

Edith Fiore Abduction Book

The issue opens with a reflection on Edith Fiore's abduction book, questioning how to approach such accounts. The author discusses the responsibility ufologists have when dealing with potentially disturbed individuals and the immense psychological burden of investigating bizarre experiences.

Reviews

• The UFO Debate: Edited by David Barclay, this 32-page A4 magazine aims to provide an arena for discussing all theories connected with UFOs. The review highlights articles like 'Do Ufonauts Do It?' and 'Alien Saucers On The Moon', and mentions a review of the Blackpool UFO conference that sheds light on the Ilkley Alien case. It also touches upon the influence of Ray Palmer and Richard Shaver stories on post-1947 ufology.
• Spheres Of Influence: A 48-page A5 booklet by Nigel Mortimer, which, while not strictly a UFO work, offers insight into subjects some ufologists explore, such as dowsing and 'earth power'. It includes an account of a 'multi-person psychic experience' titled 'Three Down The Line'.
• The British & Irish Skeptic: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this publication is described as covering anomalies skeptically and having connections with the US skeptics group CSICOP. However, the reviewer finds it lacking in depth and critical investigation, criticizing its treatment of topics like 'leylines' and alchemy, and its perceived attempt by the scientific establishment to mock anomalies.
• Mind Monsters: Invaders from Inner Space? By Jenny Randles, this paperback explores the broad range of anomalous phenomena and their connections. It posits that 'monsters' are bound by three key elements: the place of the event, the person involved, and the state of consciousness. The book discusses Earthlights, Persinger's ideas, and the mind's power to affect reality.

Across the Universe

By Ian Blake, this article explores how UFO imagery draws from the collective unconscious and dream symbolism. It discusses the desire for life to be 'better' elsewhere, citing examples like George Adamski and other contactees who portrayed idyllic life on other planets. The author suggests that for many witnesses, UFOs symbolize an escape from everyday responsibilities, referencing John Lennon's 1974 sighting as a case in point.

The Lives of John Lennon

This section delves into Albert Goldman's biography of John Lennon, highlighting his alleged psychological issues, including 'neurot' tendencies, anorexia, anti-Semitism, and megalomania. It suggests that Lennon's UFO experience may have represented an escape from his personal struggles and disintegrating personality. The article also touches upon Lennon's purported psychic abilities and his concept of 'objectified selves' and 'creating my own haunted house'. The author posits that 'active imagination' might be at play in some UFO contactee experiences, where entities are projected by the unconscious.

Great Balls of Fire!

This investigative piece, by Nigel Mortimer, focuses on the 'Orange Ball of Light' (BOL) phenomenon, which has seen a noticeable increase since the early 1980s. It discusses the work of UFO investigator Greg Long, who is compiling research for a book on BOLs. Long distinguishes BOLs from UAPs and Earthlight phenomena, emphasizing the need for hard research into their physical mechanics. The article details findings from THE NEW YORK UFO REPORT regarding a trend of close encounters and abductions involving Orange BOLs in the USA, including specific facts derived from hypnotically regressed experiences. These include occurrences between sunset and sunrise, the appearance of a BOL before abduction, lack of memory of the abduction itself, and the proximity of witnesses in the Queens, N.Y. area.

B.O.L. Update

Jenny Randles provides an update on BOL phenomena, noting parallels between US and UK reports from the 1980s. She describes how Orange BOLs may act as stimuli for abduction memory recall, sometimes taking years to surface. The article lists common characteristics of BOL sightings and their aftermath, including a feeling of dis-association and a desire to dismiss the event.

Random Listing of Leeds/Bradford Area Orange BOL Cases

This section provides a chronological list of specific Orange BOL sightings in the Leeds/Bradford region of the UK, dating from 1966 to 1980, including details like location, witness type, and apparent characteristics of the object.

Behind the Patterns

This article analyzes patterns emerging from Orange BOL sightings, noting that they often occur in localized areas on the same date and time, and that witnesses often feel a strong 'oneness' with the phenomenon, leading to a sense of 'loss' afterward. It describes the typical appearance of the BOL and the 'OZ Factor' symptoms experienced by witnesses.

Conclusions

The concluding section acknowledges that the true nature of the Orange BOL remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from Earthlights to spiritual emanations. However, it asserts that the phenomenon has a real effect on witnesses. The article highlights the statistical unlikelihood of such sightings occurring by chance and suggests that the 'OZ Factor' is intrinsically linked to the BOL phenomenon. Two promising possibilities are presented: that the BOL activates emotional feelings, or that it causes a 'real' change within the witness.

Connect UFO Investigations

Nigel Mortimer invites readers to submit reports of similar nature and viewpoints.

Queer Quote

A lengthy and controversial quote from Ivan Stang's 'The Book Of The SubGenius' is presented, attributing cattle mutilations and other paranormal phenomena to 'Elder Gods' for the purpose of confusing humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the more unusual and often controversial aspects of ufology, with a clear interest in unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and alleged abductions. There is an underlying theme of psychological interpretation, with articles examining the mental states of witnesses and the potential for the mind to influence or interpret experiences. While some reviews adopt a critical or skeptical stance (e.g., The British & Irish Skeptic), the overall editorial tone seems to lean towards investigating and presenting a wide spectrum of theories and experiences within the field of ufology, encouraging reader participation and discussion.

UFO BRIGANTIA, March 1990, Issue 39.

This issue delves into the intersection of folklore and UFO phenomena, featuring a skeptical examination of abduction claims, updates from the United States, and an extensive article comparing fairy lore to modern UFO encounters.

Book Review: Perspectives: A radical examination of the alien abduction phenomena by John Spencer

This review discusses John Spencer's book, which offers a highly skeptical look at the abduction phenomenon, positing that the Betty and Barney Hill case is the genesis of modern abductions. The reviewer notes Spencer's insightful analysis of the inconsistencies in abduction accounts and his critique of 'investigator driven' investigations, which he argues lead to standardized reports. While the reviewer doesn't always agree with Spencer, they find the book intelligently written and a fresh perspective from an informed outsider. The closing chapters, which explore solutions to the abduction enigma, are considered less relevant to the book's main thrust. The reviewer concludes that the book is perceptive, thought-provoking, and offers new ways of looking at the subject.

Letters to the Editor

Geoff Fulstone of Swansea expresses dissatisfaction with the magazine's content, criticizing its language, perceived criticism of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), and attacks on ufologists like Stanton Friedman and Henry Azadehdel. He questions the magazine's stance on the South African case and the Soccorro connection. The editor's response is brief and dismissive, defending the use of language and reiterating criticism of the ETH and Friedman.

Peter Rogerson of Manchester writes in support of an editorial regarding 'sick propaganda' from pre-Millenialist fundamentalists who use Christian belief to excuse intolerance. He argues that their attribution of societal ills to extraterrestrial intervention contradicts their belief in divine creation and denies Darwinian evolution. Rogerson suggests that such fundamentalists may view extraterrestrials as personifications of the Devil.

Anthony R. Brown of Beauly, Inverness-shire, wishes for a modern Thomas Chalmers who could balance evangelical enthusiasm with scientific credibility, incorporating extraterrestrials into his concept of God's Creation.

Editor's Note on Racism

The editor poses questions about why certain ethnic groups are not featured in abduction reports, suggesting possibilities ranging from abductions being a product of white culture, racist investigators, racist abductors, or a lack of reporting from these groups. The editor also makes a brief, personal remark about meeting the Devil.

Dateline America

This section, edited by Jim Melesciuc, provides updates from the United States. It covers the fallout from Bill Moore's suicide speech at the 1989 MUFON symposium and the September 1989 issue of 'Just Cause' which dissected Moore's paper, alleging the MJ-12 team was motivated by 'MONEY'. It also reports on a UFO special aired by KLASS-TV in Las Vegas, featuring Robert Lazar, a physicist who claimed to have worked on alien technology at Area 51. The report notes that Lazar's claims remain unconfirmed and that he is an associate of John Lear. The section also mentions Phil Klass's report suggesting the 'Harry Truman' signature on the MJ-12 memorandum is a forgery, based on a comparison with Truman's signature on a letter to Vannevar Bush.

The Fairy Rade by David Clarke

This extensive article draws parallels between historical folklore concerning fairies and modern UFO phenomena, particularly abductions and crop circles. Clarke begins by quoting descriptions of 'Fairy Rades' from 19th century Scotland and a 1911 account of fairies seen on the Isle of Man. He argues that ufologists have largely neglected the study of analogies found in folklore. The article cites a story from 'Notes & Queries' (1869) describing 'fairies' and rings on the grass in Yorkshire, and mentions Bob Rickard's exploration of folklore associations with crop circles. Clarke notes a Hampshire tradition from the 1940s where crop circles were avoided as 'devilish'. He suggests that modern interpretations of these phenomena are as much a product of the 20th century as attributing them to 'fairies' or 'devils' was to previous generations.

The article continues with more folklore examples: a story from Notes & Queries about a young man encountering fairies dancing in a ring; an account from the Highlands of Scotland about 'fairy hosts' who carried a man three miles; a Welsh belief that fairies carried men in mid-air; and an Irish legend of the 'Sluagh' who kidnapped humans and animals. Clarke also recounts a Welsh tradition of the 'Tylwyth Teg' who danced and plundered at night. He then details a story from 'Tales of Galloway' about a cowherd who witnessed a carriage drawn by white horses with elfin figures. Finally, he describes an account of a young mother whose baby was taken by 'fairies' on Halloween.

Clarke concludes by suggesting that these stories, with their interest in the human reproductive cycle and their 'effects', are not dissimilar to UFO abduction accounts. He posits that the 'fairies' of yesteryear are cousins to the entities in flying saucers today.

Television Analogy and Demonic Deception

This section discusses the 'television analogy' for apparitional experiences, comparing them to how a TV picture is formed by tones and intensities. It draws on the testimony of a 'percipient' describing an 'alien' as appearing 'like a television picture'. The article mentions the 'B.V.M. (Blessed Virgin Mary) apparitions' at Fatima, where the boy Francisco Marto could only see the Lady but not hear her words, suggesting a 'selective deafness'. The author speculates that all visionary experiences might derive from a modus operandi similar to television broadcasting, leading to the possibility that 'B.E.Ms. and B.V.Ms.' could be interchangeable and potentially demonic.

The article then examines how these entities, whether UFO-related or religious, seem to draw strength from the percipient's internal cosmology to isolate them from others and strengthen their hold. The Betty Andreasson case is cited as an example of a 'UFO related abduction' with religious undertones, causing confusion. The author questions why technologically advanced beings would use their hardware to promote human superstitions. The article also refers to the 'Solar Prodigy' at Fatima, where 'ufological hardware' was allegedly used to reinforce religious narratives, and notes the 'diabolism' inherent in both scenarios.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, as seen in the review of John Spencer's book and the 'Dateline America' section's debunking of the MJ-12 claims. The magazine also highlights the potential for misinterpretation and the influence of cultural narratives, as demonstrated in the 'Fairy Rade' article, which draws explicit parallels between folklore and UFO experiences. The editorial stance appears to challenge conventional ufological narratives, particularly those that uncritically accept extraterrestrial explanations, and encourages readers to consider alternative interpretations, including psychological and folkloric influences. The letters section reveals a diverse range of reader opinions, from staunch believers to critical skeptics, with the editor often taking a provocative and contrarian stance.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: March 1990
Publisher: Northern Arts Publishing
Country: England
Language: English

This issue of UFO Brigantia delves into the complex relationship between UFO phenomena and religious experiences, drawing parallels between seemingly disparate events. It also extensively promotes the upcoming 'Phantoms of the Sky' International UFO Conference.

UFOs and Religion: A Troubling Connection?

The lead article explores the uncanny similarities between descriptions of demonic entities in religious contexts and those encountered in UFO sightings. It highlights the Fatima apparitions, where entities were described as 'terrifying and repellent' and rained 'rose petals', and compares this to descriptions from Massachusetts in 1967, where similar entities were called 'halloween freaks'. The phenomenon of 'angel hair' observed falling from UFOs is also linked to the 'rose petals' at Fatima, suggesting a potential correlation between UFO evidence and theological counterparts.

The article questions the identity of 'ufonauts' who describe their 'spaceship' as named 'Michiel', referencing the Prince of Princes and Jesus Christ. It posits, following the investigator of the Andreasson Affair, that this might be a deliberate deception by aliens to create a UFO/Religion connection. The author further speculates, quoting Jacques Vallee, that 'someone, or something is playing a fantastic trick on us', referring to these entities as 'The little devils!'. The article concludes by stating that the discussion will continue in the next issue with 'THE SATANIC SOLUTION'.

References

A list of seven references is provided, including:
1. Fatima- A Close Encounter of the Worst Kind, by D. Barclay
2. Sherlock Holmes
3. Sorcery, by J. Finlay Hurley
4. UFO-UK, by Peter Paget
5. The Andreasson Affair, by Raymond E. Fowler
6. UFOs - Key to Earth's Destiny, ed. by W.S. Brownell
7. UFOs - The Psychic Solution, by Jacques Vallee

Contact International [U.K.] Promotion

The magazine features a promotion for CONTACT INTERNATIONAL [U.K.], described as a worldwide association of objective UFO researchers founded by Lord Clancarty (UFO author Brinsley Le Poer Trench) over twenty years ago. It claims to have the finest data bank of UFO sightings in the UK and has branches in several overseas countries. Contact International publishes the magazine 'AWARENESS' four times annually and a catalogue of UFO sightings called 'THE UFO REGISTER'. Membership is £6.00 per annum, which includes at least four magazines. Details for membership and further information can be obtained from:

CONTACT INTERNATIONAL, 11 OUSELEY CLOSE, NEW MARSTON, OXFORD, OX3 OJS, ENGLAND.

Phantoms of the Sky Conference Announcement

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to announcing the 'Phantoms of the Sky' 1st Annual International UFO Conference, organized by the Independent UFO Network. This event is presented as the only international UFO conference of 1990 held in the UK.

• Conference Details:
• Title: Phantoms Of The Sky - Ufology Into the '90s
• Dates: July 14th & 15th, 1990
• Venue: Sheffield Library Theatre, Sheffield, UK

• Speakers and Topics:
• 14th July (1-6 pm):
• Budd Hopkins (USA) - Abductions
• Peter Hough (UK) - The Ilkley Alien (Photo & CE4 case)
• Dave Clarke & Andy Roberts (UK) - Phantoms of the Sky
• 15th July (10-6 pm):
• John Keel (USA - provisional)
• Jenny Randles (UK) - 'The Death of Ufology'
• Paul Devereux (UK) - Earthlights & Ufology
• Budd Hopkins (USA) - Abductions- in depth
• Perry Petrakis (France) - The French UFO scene

Special Announcement: Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov, the MUFON representative for Russia, will be attending and giving an overview of ufology in the U.S.S.R. on Sunday.

Venue Information: The Sheffield Library Theatre is easily accessible by road and rail, with ample car parking. It seats 260 people and offers comfortable seating. A bar will be available selling alcohol, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

Additional Features: The conference will include a second-hand UFO bookstall, new and old books by the speakers, and conference proceedings. A special conference issue of UFO BRIGANTIA will also be available.

Ticket Prices: Saturday £4, Sunday £5, Special two-day ticket £8. Cheques should be made payable to 'Martin Dagless' and sent to 'Phantoms', 84 Elland Rd, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 2QR.

Contact for Details: Enquiries can be made to the address above or by phone at (0294) 444049 or (0484) 721993.

The conference is promoted as 'the event to be at in 1990'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential connection between UFO phenomena and religious experiences, the nature of alien intelligence, and the promotion of ufological research and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning the motives behind alien communications and exploring the deeper implications of UFO sightings. The magazine actively promotes ufological conferences and research groups, indicating a commitment to advancing the study of UFOs.