UFO Register - Vol 02 part 1 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFO REGISTER
Issue: Volume 2. Part 1.
Date: June, 1971
Publisher: Data Research
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The UFO Register, the official organ of Data Research CONTACT (U.K.), marks the completion of its first full year of publication. The journal aims to record and disseminate factual information relating to the UFO phenomenon. This particular issue focuses on detailed analyses of UFO reports from 1969 and 1970.

Editorial Comment

The editorial comment expresses gratitude for the encouragement and assistance received from organizations and individuals during the journal's first year. It acknowledges several correspondents and the significant contribution of the late Harold T. Wilkins's collection of UFO material. The editor notes with regret the winding-up of two British UFO study groups, the Tyneside UFO Society and the South Western Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Investigation Group (SWAPIG), while expressing hope for their successors. The comment also highlights mergers and ceased publications within the UFO magazine landscape, alongside the emergence of new publications and branches of UFO organizations.

A revival of interest in the maritime aspect of ufos is noted, linking it to other phenomena such as teleportations, celestial noises, poltergeist activity, and unexplained falls. The editor suggests that this new phase may lead to a re-examination of earlier UFO theories, some of which, like Arthur Constance's and Harold T. Wilkins's hypotheses, now appear prophetic or remarkably similar to recent concepts. The editor emphasizes the importance for UFO students to be conversant with all earlier published statements on the subject and calls for a re-examination of all data with an open mind, even regarding fantastic reports.

1969: General Analysis

This section provides a detailed breakdown of British and foreign UFO reports from 1969. It updates previous statistics and categorizes reports based on Data Research's established system (Categories A-P). The analysis reveals that while the number of well-documented landing cases was lower than in previous years, there was a definite increase in simultaneous sightings. The report details specific sightings of interest, including a large bird-like object over Durham County and UFO submergences in South America (Lake Huaypo, Lake Titicaca, Gulf of Santa Catarina). Extraordinary events near Pic Saint-Loup in France and luminous scarlet balls seen in Brazil are also highlighted, as is a spectacle of red globular lights over Fort Gibson Lake, Oklahoma.

A chronological catalogue of foreign reports for 1969 is presented, cross-referenced with UFO types and categories.

UFO Types during 1969

New UFO types reported in 1969, in addition to those previously catalogued, are described. These include various shaped objects such as rugbyball-shaped with lateral fins, oval with a bisecting bar, inverted mushroom-shaped, and tailed globular lights. Other descriptions include bi-globular, urn-shaped, skate-shaped, and slug-shaped forms.

Temporal Distribution

The analysis of UFO sightings during 1969 indicates that, similar to previous years, more sightings occurred between 6 pm and midnight than at any other time. The distribution is presented in a table categorizing sightings by time of day (Midnight to 6 am, 6 am to Noon, Noon to 6 pm, 6 pm to Midnight) and by UFO category (A, B, C).

Materializations & Dematerializations

This section notes the connection between UFO phenomena and materialization/dematerialization. A table summarizes observations of these feats in 1969, with Category A showing 4 materializations and 20 dematerializations, Category B with 2 materializations and 9 dematerializations, and Category C with 8 materializations and 8 dematerializations. Many UFOs were observed to suddenly "flip over" or "reorient" before dematerializing, with the process described as noiseless and often abrupt.

Motions and Speeds

A summary of UFO speeds and motions recorded in 1969 is provided. The speeds are estimates provided by witnesses and are classified into categories such as "Hovering or stationary," "Hovering and wobbly," "Hovering and spinning," "Slow," "Moderately fast," and "Fast." A detailed table lists various sequences of motion, such as "Hovering, then erratic, then fast" and "Fast, then hovering, then fast." The fastest speeds were described as "jet-speed," "terrific," and "colossal," often associated with white or green objects, while slower or hovering UFOs were frequently red or orange.

Colours, Colour-Sequences & Emissions

This section presents a table detailing the colors of UFOs reported in 1969, including single colors and color combinations. Fiery, glowing, or luminous descriptions were common, often compared to neon or fluorescent lights, with flickering and pulsating effects frequently reported, especially with globular lights. A separate table summarizes noiseless emissions, such as flashes, sparks, flames, smoke, and explosions, along with exhaust types. Noiseless explosions were also noted, including a "loud bang" and a brilliant aerial explosion over France.

Simultaneous UFO Occurrences

Reflecting a general increase noted in previous years, 1969 saw a rise in occasions where more than one UFO was observed simultaneously. A table lists the dates, localities, and UFO types involved in these occurrences, with types 8a and 46 being the most frequently sighted.

Disruptive Effects

This section details disruptive effects on terrestrial installations and mechanical equipment attributed to UFOs in 1969. Authenticated instances were uncommon, with tables showing effects on vehicles (engine failure), buildings and vehicles (light failure), and compasses (reorientation). Permanent effects such as scorching, melting, burning, damage to buildings, and vegetation damage were also noted, with Category A showing one instance of each.

Animal and Human Reactions

Reported animal reactions were mainly confined to dogs and sheep exhibiting fright, restlessness, or excitement. Human reactions varied considerably, including fright, fear, amazement, panic, flight, bewilderment, curiosity, and temporary immobilization, likely due to shock. A table details these reactions. The mysterious activation of car engines by a sphere-like UFO near Chillan, Chile, is highlighted as a particularly interesting case.

Observer Statistics

Observer statistics for 1969 indicate that approximately 500 UFO witnesses were identified. A table details the ages and sexes of eyewitnesses, with primary and secondary witnesses noted. Another table lists the occupations of UFO witnesses, showing a representative cross-section of the community, including government employees, military personnel, policemen, craftsmen, doctors, nurses, teachers, schoolchildren, and housewives. The use of optical aids like binoculars, telescopes, and radarscopes by observers is also mentioned, with 43 objects considered significant enough to warrant such aids.

1970: General Analysis

1970 is described as not being a particularly outstanding year for UFO activity, but it produced more observations and reports than commonly believed. The journal refutes claims that ufology was defunct. Two highly important UFO manifestations occurred: at Cowichan Hospital on January 1st and at Imjärvi on January 7th. Of passing interest were observations in the Alsace region and a tendency for UFOs to appear over many separate localities on the same day. Simultaneous appearances of more than one UFO at specific localities increased, though authenticated landings or encounters with ufonauts remained few. The report notes the appearance of "amazingly diminutive ufonauts" at Bukit Mertajam, Malaya. Special attention is given to intelligently controlled beams of non-dispersive light observed in Saskatchewan and Hertfordshire, recalling similar phenomena recorded by Charles Fort.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic cataloging and analysis of UFO phenomena. Data Research, through The UFO Register, aims to provide a factual and comprehensive record of sightings, characteristics, and effects. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the re-examination of older theories in light of new data and emphasizing the importance of thorough research and documentation. The journal actively seeks to counter the notion that UFO interest has waned, presenting data that demonstrates continued activity and reporting.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (vol.17, no:1, 1971) presents a comprehensive analysis of UFO reports received during 1970. The publication, based in the United Kingdom, details a significant number of sightings and their characteristics.

UFO Reports and Categorization

The magazine details 402 UFO reports received by Data Research in 1970, a slight decrease from the 465 reports in 1969. The data is presented as provisional, with the acknowledgment that some foreign and British sightings lacked details for inclusion. The publication uses a categorization system for UFOs, including new types reported in 1970 such as jelly-bean shaped, propeller-shaped, beams of concentrated light, bobbin-shaped, acorn-shaped, heart-shaped, circular central shape, hemispherical, inverted bowl- or pan-shaped, bottle-shaped, mouth-organ shaped, and disc-shaped objects. Several of these types, specifically 65, 71, 73a, and 74, were observed on more than one occasion.

Object Characteristics and Behavior

The issue provides extensive details on the characteristics of observed UFOs. Colors reported ranged from Bluish-white, White, Cream, Yellow, Golden, Orange, Orangy-red, Purple, Metallic, Dark Blue, Pale Blue, Turquoise, Pale Green, Black, Copper-hued, Pink, Red, Green, Blue, Orange, and Silver, to Yellowy-orange. The report notes that while many UFO photographs show objects of similar design, eyewitness descriptions frequently deal with identically or closely similarly shaped objects. The behavior of UFOs is described through sequences of motion, including hovering, spinning, ascending, descending, and erratic movements, with speeds estimated by eyewitnesses. Notable behaviors include materialization and dematerialization, with several instances of objects seemingly vanishing into 'thin air'. Some reports mentioned suffocating heat and intense cold associated with UFOs, and one instance of a 'scorched image' on a cloud was noted.

Temporal and Geographical Distribution

The temporal distribution of UFOs during 1970 indicates that more sightings occurred between 6 pm and midnight than at any other time of the day. The magazine includes extensive lists of reported UFO sightings with dates, times, localities, UFO types, and references, covering January through December 1970, with an addendum for April, August, September, October, November, and December.

Disruptive Effects and Reactions

The publication details various disruptive effects attributed to UFOs, including engine failure, light failure, compass interference, scorching, melting or burning, car windscreen brakeages, and excessive winds. Human reactions to UFO encounters varied considerably, ranging from fright, panic, and astonishment to awe and wonder, with some eyewitnesses suffering temporary skin discoloration. Animal reactions were also recorded, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and birds exhibiting fear, restlessness, or excitement.

Observer Statistics and Optical Aids

Statistics on UFO eyewitnesses are provided, indicating a broad cross-section of the community reported sightings, with policemen and housewives being the largest observer groups. The use of optical aids such as binoculars, telescopes, and radarscopes was noted, suggesting that observed objects were considered sufficiently interesting or abnormal to warrant magnification. Several additional UFOs were observed through camera viewfinders, with some photographs published in various magazines.

Key to References and Publications

A detailed 'Key to References' section lists the publications and sources consulted, including newspapers, magazines, and specific UFO journals like "Flying Saucer Review" and "Spacelink". This section also provides a 'Key to References in Addendum' for later-received reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the systematic cataloging and analysis of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival research, aiming to compile and present as much verifiable data as possible on UFO sightings. The publication emphasizes the importance of detailed investigation and publication of results, highlighting the need for further study of certain cases. The magazine also acknowledges the limitations of existing literature in providing sufficient case detail for adequate evaluation.