UFO Mail - No 087 - 2007

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated May 15, 2007, presents excerpts from UFO-Nyt nr. 2, 2007, focusing on 'The British UFO Mystery.' The magazine is published by Danmarks UFO Forening and features articles by Nick Pope, Kim Møller Hansen, and others, exploring significant UFO events, the history of ufology, and related cultural phenomena.

The British UFO Mystery

The main article, authored by Nick Pope, details a series of UFO observations that occurred in the United Kingdom on March 30 and 31, 1993. Over a hundred observers, including police officers and military personnel, witnessed these events. Pope, who worked for the British Ministry of Defence from 1985 to 1994, investigating UFO phenomena, describes the unusual nature of these sightings.

Observations on March 30, 1993

The first observation took place around 8:30 PM in Somerset, followed by another at 9:00 PM in Quantock Hills. A police officer described seeing a craft as large as two Concorde-planes side-by-side. Reports flooded in the next morning, indicating a significant UFO event. One particularly interesting report came from Rugely, Staffordshire, where a witness estimated a UFO to be 200 meters in diameter. The witness and their family pursued the object in their car, believing it had landed, but found nothing upon arrival.

RAF Cosford and Shawbury Sightings

On the night of March 30-31, 1993, a military police patrol at RAF Cosford reported a UFO flying over the base at high speed and altitude (approximately 300 meters). The report described two white lights with a faint red glow, with no engine noise. The report also noted civilian UFO sightings reported by other military bases, civil airports, and local police.

Later that night, a meteorologist at RAF Shawbury observed a UFO moving slowly towards the base at a speed of 50-60 km/h. The object emitted a narrow beam of light towards the ground and produced a low-frequency humming sound that was felt by the observer. The meteorologist estimated the craft's size to be between a C-130 Hercules and a Boeing 747. He noted that the object accelerated unnaturally and flew towards the horizon at an extremely high speed, unlike anything he had seen before.

Radar and Investigations

Nick Pope initiated a detailed investigation, collaborating with the RAF, the Defence Intelligence Service, and staff at the RAF Fylingdales Ballistic Missile Early Warning System. He requested radar tapes, which showed unusual echoes but no definitive conclusions could be drawn, as radar is not an exact science and can produce false echoes. A secondary surveillance radar was used to map all air and helicopter activity to rule out conventional aircraft.

Cosmos 2238 and Potential Explanations

Investigations at RAF Fylingdales revealed that the Russian rocket carrying the Cosmos 2238 satellite had re-entered Earth's atmosphere around 1:10 AM on March 31. This was considered a potential explanation for the swarm of UFO sightings occurring at that time. However, some ufologists, like Jenny Randles, have suggested that UFOs might be interested in satellite re-entries.

Skeptics largely accepted the Cosmos 2238 explanation for the 1:10 AM sightings. However, the article notes that some observers who saw UFOs at different times were accused of misreading their watches. The article also mentions an inquiry made to US authorities regarding the Aurora project, a potential replacement for the SR-71 Blackbird, to see if a US prototype could have been involved.

Jodrell Bank Observatory's Input

Professor Ian Morrison, head of Jodrell Bank Observatory, expressed skepticism about conventional explanations for some sightings. He noted that some light patterns remained in formation for several minutes and were unlikely to be space debris burning up, suggesting they were objects that survived reentry and moved in a way that altered their relative positions.

Ministry of Defence Conclusion

Nick Pope's division chief, normally skeptical, agreed with Pope's conclusion that an unidentified object of unknown origin had operated in British airspace without being detected by radar. This was considered to have significant defence implications, and further investigation was recommended, possibly with US authorities. This statement is noted as the closest the Ministry of Defence came to acknowledging the UFO phenomenon as more than misinterpretations or hoaxes.

UFO DATA Magazine

The article also introduces the new British UFO magazine, 'UFO DATA Magazine,' which continues the work of the defunct 'UFO Magazine.' Russell Callaghan edits the new publication, which aims to maintain the legacy of its predecessor.

The CE3K Effect

Another article by Kim Møller Hansen explores the 'CE3K effect,' named after Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The article discusses how the film, released in 1977, significantly increased public interest in UFOs, leading to a rise in UFO organization membership and a surge in reported sightings. In the UK, the Ministry of Defence received a doubling of reports in 1978, the year the film premiered there. The 'CE3K effect' generated widespread public attention but resulted in only a temporary increase in active UFO group members.

Review: 'Flying Saucerers - A social history of UFOlogy'

Kim Møller Hansen also reviews the book 'Flying Saucerers - A social history of UFOlogy' by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. The book, published in April 2007, offers a British perspective on the development of ufology from 1947, examining how beliefs in extraterrestrial visitors evolved and influenced British society. It contrasts with many UFO books that focus on an American viewpoint, exploring the societal impact of UFO beliefs alongside historical events.

David Clarke is described as a folklorist and university lecturer with extensive experience in researching and writing about folklore and UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader cultural impact of the phenomenon. There's a clear interest in official investigations, particularly those conducted by the British government, and a willingness to explore both conventional and unconventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting findings from various sources, including official reports, witness testimonies, and academic research, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. The CE3K effect article suggests an awareness of how media and popular culture influence public perception of UFOs.

Title: UFO-Vision
Issue: 9
Date: November 2000

This issue of UFO-Vision features an article by Andy Roberts, Jenny Randles, and Paul Fuller, who are professional writers and researchers in the field of ufology and folklore. The cover image shows Roberts, Randles, and Fuller at a meeting in Sheffield in November 2000. Roberts is noted for having written eight books on UFOs and folklore and contributing to publications like "The Guardian" and "Fortean Times."

Key Articles and Content

The main article, likely based on their book "Flying Saucerers - A social history of UFOlogy," delves into the history of UFO phenomena, particularly in Britain. The authors aim to present a loyal and unbiased account of the subject. They highlight a wide array of individuals and events that have shaped the discourse around UFOs.

Notable Figures and Organizations Mentioned:

The article discusses numerous prominent figures and organizations associated with ufology, including:

• Early UFO Clubs: Such as the British Flying Saucer Bureau.
• Authors and Researchers: Desmond Leslie (co-author of "Flyings Saucers Have Landed"), Arthur Shuttlewood, Brinsley le Poer Trench, and Gordon Greighton (editor of "Flying Saucer Review" from 1982-2003).
• Prominent Personalities: Air Chief Marshal Lord Hugh Dowding, Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Sir Peter Horsley, Prince Philip, and Sir Patrick Moore (linked to the Cedric Allingham hoax).
• Religious/Spiritual Groups: George King, leader of the Aetherius Society, described as one of the world's oldest UFO religions.
• Historical Events: The UFO hearing in the House of Lords in 1979.
• Emerging Trends: The connection between the New Age movement and ufology.
• Specific Cases: The mass observation phenomena in Warminster, Wiltshire.

Authors' Skeptical Stance and the Impact of Belief:

Despite covering these topics, the authors express skepticism towards supernatural phenomena, stating they do not believe any UFO observation points to extraterrestrial life. However, they emphasize the profound impact that belief in UFOs can have on individuals, capable of strongly influencing and transforming lives across all societal strata. They suggest that the belief in UFOs is a powerful cultural force.

Public Perception and the Evolution of UFO Phenomena:

The article notes that belief in UFOs and the supernatural has become commonplace. A 1998 survey published in the "Daily Mail" revealed that half of the British population believes in life on other planets, and a third believes that "non-terrestrial beings have already visited Earth." The public's interest in UFOs has fluctuated over time, mirroring societal, economic, and religious shifts. For instance, interest surged during the World Wars due to the high number of casualties, and currently, there is a trend towards interest in angels and ghost hunting, reflected in television programs and magazines.

Ufology is described as a persistent and old interest, attracting those seeking answers to enigmatic phenomena. When empirical data fails to provide definitive proof of alien visitation, demons, or interdimensional beings, many lose interest in UFOs and turn to other subjects like the New Age movement. The history of UFO phenomena has evolved from simple post-war object sightings to a complex tapestry of elements, including crop circles, conspiracy theories, and alleged abductions.

The authors posit that each generation expresses its superstitions in unique ways, and the belief in flying saucers is a product of the modern era, akin to the belief in witches during the Middle Ages. In the 20th century, ufology represented humanity's solitary quest for answers to the fundamental question: "Are we alone?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical development of ufology, the psychology of belief in UFOs, and the cultural impact of these beliefs. The editorial stance, as presented by the authors of the featured article, is one of critical inquiry and skepticism regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while acknowledging the significant psychological and social influence of UFO beliefs. The magazine itself, through its publication of such articles, appears to cater to an audience interested in exploring these phenomena, even if from a critical perspective.

Additional Information

The issue also includes advertisements for "UFO-Vision nr. 9" and "UFOs: A Century of Sightings" on its third page, along with a call to action to share "ufo-mail" with family and friends, promising updates on Danish and foreign observations, photographs, celestial phenomena, and offers on UFO materials.