UFO Mail - No 154 - 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 154
Date: January 9, 2013
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled "The Moore we are together..." by Ole Henningsen, focuses on the alleged hoax surrounding the book "Flying Saucer from Mars" by Cedric Allingham and its potential connection to the renowned British astronomer Patrick Moore.

The Passing of Patrick Moore

The issue begins by noting the death of Patrick Moore, a prominent British astronomer, author, and BBC television personality, on December 9, 2012, at the age of 89. His passing marked the end of an era for BBC's science programming. While Moore had initially distanced himself from the topic of flying saucers, he remained involved in the subject in his own way.

The Allingham Case: "Flying Saucer from Mars"

The central theme of the magazine is the examination of Cedric Allingham's 1954 book, "Flying Saucer from Mars." Allingham claimed to have photographed a Martian spaceship in Scotland in February 1954 and had contact with a crew member. The book became a classic in 'saucer literature,' following in the wake of George Adamski's "Flying Saucers Have Landed" (1953), where Adamski claimed contact with a Venusian named Orthon.

Allingham's story, however, was shrouded in mystery. He disappeared for a period after the book's publication, making it difficult to verify his background. The article highlights that in 1986, UFO researchers made a breakthrough, suggesting the entire story was a practical joke orchestrated by Patrick Moore.

Investigations and Revelations

Several sections detail the investigations into the Allingham case. Danish UFO enthusiasts and researchers, along with British counterparts like Christopher Allan and Steuart Campbell, have explored the story. Their research, published in the journal "Magonia," pointed towards Patrick Moore's involvement.

• Key findings include:
• Authorship Analysis: Stylometric analysis of Allingham's book and Moore's works did not definitively prove Moore as the author, but Arthur C. Clarke was also considered. However, Clarke vehemently denied any involvement.
• Peter Davies' Confession: British researchers eventually made contact with Peter Davies, who admitted to being involved in the "Flying Saucer from Mars" book. Davies confessed that his role was to revise the text and writing style to disguise the original author's identity. He admitted to being an old friend of Patrick Moore and even confessed that the photograph of "Cedric Allingham" in the book was actually himself, disguised, posing with a telescope.
• The Telescope Connection: A crucial piece of evidence emerged when it was discovered that the telescope depicted in photos of "Cedric Allingham" was identical to Patrick Moore's own telescope, a 12 1/2 inch altazimuth reflector. This telescope was also featured in Moore's astronomy books.
• The Charlton Incident: The magazine also briefly mentions the 1963 Charlton incident in Dorset, where a crater was found and attributed by some to a UFO landing. Army experts investigated, and a Dr. Robert J. Randall from the Woomera rocket base was quoted as saying it was a spaceship from Uranus. However, the article notes that the British defense force and Woomera rocket base had no record of a Dr. Randall, suggesting this was another potential fabrication.

Patrick Moore's Role and Skepticism

The article strongly implies that Patrick Moore was the mastermind behind the Allingham hoax. It notes that Moore, while a prolific writer on astronomy, also had a history of engaging in practical jokes and hoaxes, including a fabricated UFO sighting sent to a local newspaper. He was also known for his skepticism towards UFOs, often debunking claims.

Moore's involvement is further suggested by his own writings, where he mentions attending a UFO lecture in Turnbridge Wells where "Allingham" was present, and his known friendship with Desmond Leslie, co-author of "Flying Saucers Have Landed."

The "James Duncan" Witness

The case also involved a witness named James Duncan, a fisherman who allegedly saw the saucer land and the pilot emerge. Duncan provided a written statement, which was reproduced in Allingham's book. However, later reports indicated that Duncan had retracted his statement, and graphological analysis of his signature suggested it might have been constructed, further casting doubt on the authenticity of the case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly one of critical examination and skepticism towards sensational UFO claims. The recurring theme is the exposure of potential hoaxes and the critical analysis of evidence. The article highlights how easily people can be led to believe what they want to believe, a point illustrated by Moore's own admission about a fabricated UFO report he once sent to a newspaper. The editorial stance is to investigate and debunk, rather than to promote unsubstantiated claims, positioning Patrick Moore as a figure who, despite his scientific credentials, may have used his influence to create elaborate hoaxes within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated December 2012, is dedicated to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, with a particular focus on the legacy of British TV astronomer Patrick Moore and the intersection of UFOs with philately (stamp collecting).

Patrick Moore and the Flying Saucers

The issue begins by reflecting on the passing of Patrick Moore, highlighting his significant contribution to bringing astronomy to millions through television. Dr. David Clarke, an English UFO historian, notes that Moore's breakthrough in television was largely due to his involvement with 'flying saucers.' Moore himself, in his autobiography '80 Not Out,' stated that the BBC program 'Flying Saucers - Are They Real?' from 1956 marked the beginning of his career as Britain's preferred TV astronomer. He admitted that the idea for the program came from the BBC, and his career chain of events began with 'flying saucers.'

Clarke recounts that Moore's interest in ufology dates back to the 1950s when he interviewed Desmond Leslie and George Adamski for the BBC program 'Panorama.' Adamski had gained fame through his book with Leslie. Moore also admitted to Clarke in 2006 that he and Desmond Leslie enjoyed playing practical jokes. When asked about his involvement in the Cedric Allingham book 'Flying Saucer from Mars,' Moore reportedly dismissed flying saucers as nonsense and jokingly refused to autograph Clarke's copy.

Clarke's email correspondence in December 2012 indicated that while there was no direct confirmation from Moore about his involvement with the Allingham book, conclusions could be drawn from the available information. He suggested that more clarity might emerge once Moore's archives become accessible.

Moore's views on UFOs, when not dismissive, were in line with those of contemporaries like Sir Arthur C. Clarke and Sir Bernard Lovell. He believed that unusual aerial phenomena had sufficient mundane explanations and did not require the involvement of extraterrestrial visitors. In a 1977 Radio Times article, Moore humorously concluded his thoughts on the subject by stating that if he were to meet a Martian, Venusian, or an alien from Saturn or Sirius, his immediate impulse would be to invite them to participate in his BBC program 'Sky at Night.'

An 'Epilogue' section reveals that the author had personally requested Patrick Moore in 1987 to reveal his role in the Allingham case, a request he apparently declined. The author notes that this account, along with the work of two English investigators, adds to the collection of UFO curiosities.

Philately and UFOs

The magazine then transitions to the world of philately, with an article by Ole Jonny Brænne from UFO-Norge.

Stamps and UFOs

Brænne explains that combining stamp collecting and UFO interests is possible, with many Asian and African countries issuing stamps featuring UFO-related motifs. These stamps have become collector's items. He notes that these stamps are typically found online, primarily through platforms like eBay (Denmark, USA, UK) and specialized French dealers like www.espacelollini.com.

Grenada's UFO Stamps

The issue highlights four stamps issued in Grenada in 1978, which were widely covered in UFO magazines at the time. These stamps were supported by Grenada's controversial Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy, who in 1977 proposed that the UN form a group to research UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial life, leading to UN resolution 33/426 in 1978. Although little came of the UN initiative, Grenada issued these stamps. James Randi reportedly overheard Gairy dismiss UFOs, suggesting his interest was more in generating tourism for Grenada.

Turkmenistan and Tanzania Stamps

Stamps from Turkmenistan and Tanzania are presented, which, while not featuring explicit UFOs, include flying saucers and classic depictions of what people imagine UFOs to be. These often blend 'fake' images with illustrations of classic reports and myths.

Madagascar and Mali Stamps

More recent stamps from Madagascar (2011) and Mali (2012) are mentioned, commemorating the 65th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and paying tribute to French author Jimmy Guieu, known for his UFO books.

Antigua & Barbuda and Richard C. Hoagland

A stamp from Antigua & Barbuda, featuring Richard C. Hoagland, is presented with the theme 'The Future Isn't What It Used To Be - A Philatelic Look at Science Fiction.' The text references Hoagland's book 'The Monuments of Mars' and ancient Egyptian flying vehicles, suggesting possible ancient Indian or Atlantean origins for UFOs.

Russian and Maldivian Stamps

Stamps from Komi (Russia) and Maldives are shown, featuring various UFO and alien imagery, including the 'I Want to Believe' theme and depictions related to the Bermuda Triangle.

Sierra Leone and Kalmykia Stamps

Stamps from Sierra Leone, saluting the 'Coming Exploration of Mars,' and Kalmykia, featuring various UFO and space-related imagery, are displayed.

Festival of Britain Stamps

The issue notes that likely the very first stamps featuring a flying saucer motif were issued in England in 1951 in connection with the Festival of Britain. These were sold to benefit 'The Greater London Fund For The Blind' and featured a flying saucer design in five different colors.

UFO-Norge's Own Stamp

UFO-Norge has its own UFO stamp, created through Norway Post's personal stamp service, featuring the UFO-Norge logo. These stamps are valid for postage.

DUIST UFO Congress and First UFO Stamp

An account of the 7th DUIST UFO Congress in Mainz, West Germany, in November 1967 is detailed. A special post office was set up, issuing the world's first UFO postmark. The first stamp featuring a flying saucer as the motif was issued by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, depicting an Adamski-style flying saucer and the text 'Colaboracion Interplanetaria.'

SUFOI's 25th Anniversary

SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 17, 1982, with a special envelope and postmark from Gentofte, Denmark, featuring the 'Trindade-observation 1958.'

Meteorite Stamps

The magazine discusses stamps that incorporate actual meteorite material. Austria issued a stamp in 2006 with meteorite dust, and Norway released stamps in 2009 for the International Year of Astronomy containing dust from meteorites approximately 4.6 billion years old.

Astrophysicist's Enthusiasm

Astrophysicist Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard expresses excitement about the meteorite stamps, calling it a unique release and noting that the dust is older than the Earth.

Solar Explosions and Moon Images

Two Norwegian stamps are described: one showing a solar explosion and the other an image of the Moon, both taken by NASA.

Lost and Facts

Daniel Captures a Meteor

An article from Aftonbladet (December 27, 2012) reports on Daniel Högbacka, who captured an image of what he initially believed to be a meteor. Professor Claes-Ingvar Lagerkvist identified it as a shooting star or a burning piece of a falling satellite. However, journalist Clas Svahn of UFO-Sweden later identified it as an Airbus 340 passenger jet with contrails illuminated by a low sun.

Comment on Misidentifications

UFO-Mail has previously addressed similar misidentifications. SUFOI's opinion is that astronomers they are in contact with would readily identify such phenomena as contrails from aircraft.

Unmanned Drone Tests Over Fyn

Unmanned drone aircraft have been tested over Fyn, Denmark, with Odense Airport as a base. This collaboration between Boeing, the city of Odense, and Odense Airport aims to make Odense Airport a European test center for unmanned aircraft. The article notes that sightings of these drones could potentially be mistaken for UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of UFO phenomena with astronomy, historical figures in ufology, and the global dissemination of UFO interest through philately. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the public fascination with UFOs while also presenting scientific explanations and debunking misidentifications. The magazine encourages readers to explore the subject further through various avenues, including stamp collecting and historical research.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 153
Volume: 2012
Date: January 14, 2013
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Main Articles

Is Science a Religion?

The issue opens with a provocative question: "Is science a religion?" It explores the idea that some people may elevate scientific truths to the level of religious dogma, citing a reader's comment that likens belief in spacetime, light, and Einstein to a new religion. The magazine poses whether an excessive devotion to science could lead to the exclusion of other truths. To address this, Videnskab.dk journalist Irene Berg Petersen interviewed a biologist, a theologian, and two philosophy researchers for their perspectives.

The Hessdalen Phenomena

This section focuses on the mysterious light phenomena observed in Hessdalen, Norway. These events have been documented using various measuring instruments and photographs over the years and have been presented at scientific conferences, including the European Geosciences Union conference in Vienna in April 2012. Specific research interests for UFO enthusiasts mentioned include "Stimulating Interest in Natural Sciences and Training Observation. Skills: The UAP Observations Reporting Scheme," "Unknown radio emission at about 3 MHz recorded in Norway" by T. Farges, E. Blanc, and E. Strand, and "Existence of electric/magnetic signals related to unknown luminous lights observed in Hessdalen valley (Norway)?" by J. Zlotnicki, P. Yvetot, and F. Fauquet.

"Exciting Pictures for Debate"

An article by Bjørn Gitle Hauge, "Optical spectrum analysis of the Hessdalen phenomenon. Preliminary report June 2007," is highlighted. It presents photographs taken during the "Science Camp 2006" (September 18-22, 2006). The images were captured using a Canon A1 camera with an optical grating and 800 ASA film, with 30-second exposures. The article explains that optical gratings can help measure the elemental composition of light, provided the resolution is sufficient.

Doubt About Hessdalen Photos

Ole Jonny Brænne from UFO-Norway has critically examined the presented Hessdalen photographs. He has written an extensive article detailing what can be inferred from the image data and discusses the doubts that various researchers have raised about some of these images. The article "Tvil om Hessdalen-bilder" (Doubt about Hessdalen Pictures) by Ole Jonny Brænne notes that several researchers have expressed skepticism regarding certain famous images of light phenomena in Hessdalen, specifically those taken during Science Camps in 2004, 2006, and 2007, all in September. One image (nr. 10), taken between September 18 and 22, 2006, is suggested to potentially be a reflection in the camera lens.

A photograph taken on September 20, 2007, at 21:58 during Science Camp 2007, is described by Bjørn Gitle Hauge as the best Hessdalen phenomenon image ever. The camera, equipped with an optical grating, was pointed southwest from Rognefjell. The exposure was 30 seconds, with Finsåhøgda forming the background. However, some researchers suggest it might be an airplane, with the perceived movement of the light being a combination of the aircraft's motion and camera movement.

Links are provided for Ole Jonny Brænne's full article, general information on the Hessdalen phenomena, and further details on the topic.

Asteroid Far Past in 2040

This brief section addresses the asteroid 2011 AG5, which is 140 meters in diameter. It notes that last year, there was a 1:500 chance of a collision when it was projected to pass close to Earth in 2040. However, new studies and calculations have shown that the asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 890,000 km, debunking fears of a new doomsday event.

UFOs on TV

This segment announces a series of seven TV episodes produced by Pioneers Productions for the National Geographic Channel, titled "UFOS: THE UNTOLD STORIES." These episodes reconstruct European UFO observations and were scheduled to begin airing in Denmark on January 14, 2013, at 22:00. Episodes 3 and 4 feature Danish observations. Some episodes were already available on YouTube in English.

Read UFO Accounts on www.ufo.dk

Readers are directed to www.ufo.dk to read the latest UFO reports and experiences submitted to SUFOI under the "Observations" section.

Membership

Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle and Choose a Book in 2015

The article encourages readers to support the non-profit organization Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) with a contribution of 250 DKK or more. This support helps maintain ufo.dk and fund investigations into UFO experiences. Members can choose a free title (book) by using a specific payment method. Membership is valid for one year, with no further obligations.

Publisher Information

UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information. The copyright notice states that news media may quote from signed articles with proper attribution, but full reproduction requires written agreement. Printing and photocopying of UFO-Mail content are subject to Copydan fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of science and belief (questioning if science has become a religion), the detailed investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (specifically the Hessdalen lights), and the dissemination of UFO-related information through media and online platforms. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting scientific data and analysis alongside skepticism and public interest in UFOs, while also promoting the work of UFO research organizations like SUFOI.