UFO Register - Vol 02 part 2 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFO REGISTER
Issue: Volume 2. Part 2.
Date: 1971 (December)
Publisher: Data Research
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of THE UFO REGISTER, published by Data Research in Oxford, marks a shift in editorial policy. While previous issues focused on summarizing ufological data for specific years, this edition aims to introduce more generalized information and a wider range of topics to encourage broader research within the ufology community. The journal is described as a bi-annual publication for recording and disseminating factual information relating to the UFO phenomenon.

Editorial Comment

The editorial section, penned by 'The Editor', begins by acknowledging the recent tragic passing of Dr. James E. McDonald, a prominent figure in ufology. It expresses sincere tribute to his work and accomplishments. The editorial also notes a significant change within Data Research itself: the resignation of Adrian Turner from its research team. Turner is commended for his diligent and cheerful execution of vital tasks. However, the phrase "as soon as one door closes another opens" is invoked with the addition of John House, specializing in biology, and Richard Woodwards, specializing in electrics and electronics, to the Data Research team.

Other recent changes in the ufological field mentioned include the merging of Gray Barker's "Saucer News" with Ray Palmer's "Flying Saucers" magazine, and the amalgamation of "Ufolog" with BUFORA's journal. On a positive note, A. J. Callow of Worcester has launched a new magazine, "Flying Saucers Old and New". The editorial also highlights a rare occurrence of national newspapers, the "Daily Express" and "The Sun", reporting on UFO sightings, specifically an observation by five police patrolmen over Aldridge, Staffordshire, for two hours. This is contrasted with the general silence of British national newspapers on UFOs since the "flap" of 1967, a silence attributed to the findings of the Condon Committee in 1968. The editor expresses a cautious hope that this silence may be ending.

UFO Sightings of the Past: First Series

This section delves into historical accounts that may represent early UFO visitations. It references mediaeval and classical literature, traditions, legends, and rock drawings that suggest ancient encounters with beings from the sky. The article highlights prominent ufologists who have explored this area, including Erich von Daniken, Raymond W. Drake, Desmond Leslie, Paul Thomas, Jacques Vallée, and Harold T. Wilkins, noting their conviction that a significant body of material suggests past visits by alien craft.

The article states that Data Research has unearthed several accounts from early literature that resemble modern UFO reports, many of which have not been published since their original printing and are believed to be unknown to most ufologists. These are presented as the first in a series designed to record such instances.

Key historical cases detailed include:

• A.D. 353: A cross in the form of a column of light seen over Antioch.
• A.D. 584: A great column of fire and a star-like object seen over France, accompanied by an earthquake.
• A.D. 585: A fiery column suspended in the sky for two hours, with a star-like object above it.
• A.D. 741: Three columns of fire and flame appeared in the sky over Byzantium.
• A.D. 769: An object described as a brushwood broom appeared in the eastern sky, rising dark and then vanishing.
• A.D. 819: A column of white light projected beams towards a thorn tree.
• A.D. 937: Two lightning pillars seen in the sky of Ireland for a week, illuminating the region.
• A.D. 1138: Flesh fell from the sky over Verona, which was on fire, accompanied by thunder-like noises.
• A.D. 1671: A perpendicular column of light seen in the sky after sunset in France, with similar observations in later years.
• A.D. 1718: A fiery globe fell on the islands of Leti, leaving a gelatinous substance.
• A.D. 1719: A brilliant light was observed, followed by a rain of sand, and a strange column of fire was seen from Paris.
• A.D. 1796: A gelatine-like substance fell with a fire-ball at Lusace.
• A.D. 1811: A fiery body exploded near Antwerp, and a gelatinous substance fell.
• A.D. 1819: A strange substance fell at Amherst, Massachusetts, accompanied by a brilliant "thing" in the sky.
• A.D. 1833: Falls of gelatinous matter occurred when a fiery meteor passed over several US states.

The article notes that a high percentage of these events involved strange gelatinous matter and fiery columns, and suggests that the early 1700s were a period of significant activity.

UFO Shapes: Series One

This section begins a series examining UFO shapes, challenging the notion that no two ufos are identical. It acknowledges the bewildering variety of shapes but suggests that many are variations of a smaller number of basic designs. The article discusses factors that make precise determination of external UFO shapes difficult, including the unexpectedness and short duration of sightings, the lack of eyewitness preparedness with recording equipment, and the psychological impact on observers (astoundment, fear, awe). It also considers the possibility of different races of ufonauts, varying origins in space/time/dimensions, and the idea that not all ufos are new, potentially being older machines.

The article presents numerous drawings and photographs of UFOs, categorized by shape, with accompanying dates and locations. These include:

• Disc-like forms with domes: Examples from Oakland, New Jersey (1957), Nash, Ohio (Mar. 1952), Bournemouth, Hants (Apr. 1969), Gander, Newfoundland (1956), Kidsgrove, Staffs (Aug. 1967), Nr. Maiquetia, Venezuela (1965), Pilar de Goias, Brazil (Aug. 1967), Bentilee, Staffs (Aug. 1967), NE. of Detroit, USA (Jan. 1967), Ivinghoe, Beds (Feb. 1962), Hanley, Staffs (Aug. 1967), Jansen, USA (Jul. 1952), Negresse, Brazil (Jan. 1958), Manila, Philippines (Nov. 1954), Dorking, Surrey (Mar. 1971), Montreal, Quebec (Nov. 1967), San Pedro, California (Dec. 1957), Nr. Yungay, Peru (Mar. 1967), Courbevoie, Senlis, France (Jun. 1971), Passaic, New Jersey (Jul. 1952), McMinnville, Oregon (May 1950), Quipapa, Brazil (Feb. 1966), Redmond, Oregon (Sep. 1959).
• Egg-shaped, football-, dirigible-, and cigar-shaped forms: Examples from Stranraer, Scotland (Oct. 1969), Bergen, Norway (Nov. 1957), Dexter, Michigan, USA (Mar. 1965), Helleland, Norway (Oct. 1970), Parr, Lancashire (Jul. 1963), Bridgenorth, Shropshire (Apr. 1969), Pirassununga, Brazil (Nov. 1969), New Mexico, USA (1963), M6, Holmeschapel, Cheshire (Oct. 1967), Edmonton, Alberta (May 1967), Saude, Brazil (Apr. 1958), Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sep. 1965), Frome, Somerset (Jul. 1969), Fort Lamy, Chad (Mar. 1955), Bolvice, Czechoslovakia (Feb. 1967), Socorro, New Mexico (1944), New Plymouth, New Zealand (Nov. 1957), Heywood, Lancashire (Jul. 1971), Perry Barr, Birmingham (Dec. 1967), Hardyston, New Jersey, USA (Apr. 1966), Bridport, Dorset (Jun. 1969), Sunnyvale, California, USA (Jun. 1964), Rebouillon, Var, France (Jul. 1966), Giwa, New Guinea (Jun. 1959), Guadalajara, Spain (Jul. 1938), Oslo, Norway (Dec. 1968), Nuneaton, Warwickshire (Jun. 1969), Susanville, California, USA (Sep. 1963), Pittsburg, Kansas, USA (Aug. 1952), Puy de Dôme, France (Spring 1960), Réunion Island (Aug. 1968), Fort Staffordshire (Jul. 1967), Cirencester, Gloucestershire (Jul. 1970), Cranmore, Nr. Yarmouth, IOW (Feb. 1969), Sauvigny-le-Bois, France (Feb. 1969).
• Spherical or globular types: Examples from Cam, Gloucestershire (Mar. 1969), Nr. Recife, Brazil (1952), Kågsund, Norway (Aug. 1963), Trent, USA (Nov. 1950), Matlock, Derbyshire (Nov. 1970), Évillers, France (May 1967), Hawke Bay, New Zealand (Jan. 1969), Hanley, Staffs (Aug. 1967), Nr. São Paulo, Brazil (Jun. 1969), Santa Anna, California (Aug. 1965), Cam, Gloucestershire (Feb. 1969), Wilmslow, Staffs (Jan. 1966), Queve, Angola (Mar. 1954), Majorca (Apr. 1950), Los Monegros, Saragoza, Spain (Nov. 1968), Lawrenceville, Illinois (Jun. 1964), Trindade Is. (Jan. 1954).

The article also discusses similarities between previously published UFO drawings and those from Data Research's archives, suggesting that similar UFO types were observed on different occasions. It highlights instances where identical objects were seen simultaneously, refuting the idea that no two ufos are identical.

A Preliminary Catalogue of Sources for Studying UFO "Nests" and "Circles"

This section, appearing on page 16, is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text excerpts. It likely serves as a resource for further research into UFO-related phenomena such as crop circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings and the classification and description of UFO shapes. The editorial stance appears to be one of expanding the scope of ufological research beyond mere year-by-year data summarization, encouraging a more interdisciplinary and historical approach. There is a clear effort to present previously unpublished or obscure data to the ufological community. The tone is informative and analytical, with a cautious optimism regarding potential shifts in media and public perception of UFOs.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, identified as Volume 16, Number 4, published in 1970, focuses on the classification of UFO shapes and provides a preliminary catalogue of sources for studying UFO 'nests' and 'circles.' The magazine is published in English and originates from the United Kingdom.

UFO Shapes and Classification

The article "Particular forms" discusses the classification of UFO shapes, suggesting that many UFOs, despite apparent differences, can be grouped into several distinct basic designs. The author posits that variations in observed shapes are not necessarily real but can be attributed to a combination of factors, including sighting duration, meteorological conditions, the observational ability of the eyewitness, and the distance and angle of observation. It is also suggested that UFOs may originate from multiple sources, leading to a variety of shapes and designs. Emissions from UFOs, such as smoke, vapor, or light-rays, are indicated by broken lines in drawings to distinguish them from the object itself. The article notes that various shapes, including cone-shaped, pyramidal, triangular, crescentiform, and ring-shaped UFOs, will be treated similarly in future presentations.

Several examples of UFO sightings are cited to illustrate these points:

• The series of associated UFOs over Homer, New York, on April 11th, 1964.
• A large cigar-shaped object with rotating discoidal UFOs below it seen over Denmark on September 29th, 1952.
• A cigar-shaped object with disc-like UFOs over Lens and Oleron, France, on October 14th, 1952.
• An unpublished case from Melbury, Dorset, on November 3rd, 1949, involving a cylindrical object that despatched and received smaller rod-like objects.
• Events in Aveyron, France, in early 1967.

The article emphasizes that identically shaped UFOs are occasionally seen, and that the possibility of multiple sources for UFOs accounts for design variety.

Comparison of UFO Drawings and Sightings

The text highlights striking similarities between previously published UFO drawings and those accompanying hitherto undescribed reports in the Data Research collection. These similarities are so close that they strongly suggest the same UFO types were observed at different dates. The differences observed are attributed to factors such as distance, angle of observation, sighting duration, local meteorological conditions, the presence or absence of luminous emissions from the UFOs, and the observational abilities of the percipients. A table is presented comparing previously published drawings with previously unpublished ones, listing examples such as:

• Stranraer, Oct. 1969 (published) vs. Perry Barr, Birmingham, Dec. 1967 (unpublished).
• Oslo, Dec. 1968 (published) vs. Chingford, June 1964 (unpublished).
• Cowichan, Jan. 1970 (published) vs. Burghfield, May 1967 (unpublished).
• Santa Anna, Aug. 1965 (published) vs. Burton-Dasset Hills, July 1967 (unpublished).
• Trindade Is., Jan. 1954 (published) vs. Near Glamis, Angus, July 1967 (unpublished).
• Chevigny-Fenay, July 1969 (published) vs. Bedworth, May 1967 (unpublished).
• Attigneville, May 1955 (published) vs. Longhenton, July 1967 (unpublished).

Further similarities are noted between a dirigible-shaped object seen near Monroe, Louisiana, in May 1956, and one seen over Eshwinning, County Durham, in July 1967. Similarities are also found in early Data Research records, such as a globular form seen over Durban in 1958, which was also seen over the Suez Canal in 1952 and near Greer, Idaho, in 1910. The size of the latter object was estimated to be nearly half a mile in diameter.

Collectively, these similarities suggest that UFOs belong to a few basic designs and may even be the same individual machines observed on different occasions. The article refutes the idea that no two UFOs are identical by citing instances where two or more identical objects were seen simultaneously. It also mentions formations of unidentified flying lights, such as the 'Lubbock Lights.'

A Preliminary Catalogue of Sources for Studying UFO Nests & Circles

This section provides a list of references for students of the UFO phenomenon interested in 'UFO nests' and 'circles.' These are described as unusual circular areas of calcined or discoloured earth, gravel, or tarred surfaces, or similarly shaped areas of crushed or withered vegetation, believed to result from actual UFO landings. The catalogue aims to serve as a preliminary guide for investigation and includes records from:

• Australia: Ufolog, no:58, 1969; Flying Saucer Review, vol.16, no: 4, 1970; M. Hervey: "Ufos Over the Southern Hemisphere", 1969.
• Brazil: Flying Saucer Review, vol.16, no: 1, 1970.
• Canada: Saucers, Space, and Science, no: 59, 1970.
• New Zealand: Flying Saucer Review, vol. 16, no: 2, 1970.
• Spain: Flying Saucer Review, vol.16, no:1, 1970.
• U.S.A. (Iowa): Flying Saucer Review, vol.17, no:1, 1971.
• U.S.A. (Colorado): Saucers, Space, and Science, no: 61, 1971; J. Lorenzen, and C. Lorenzen: "Ufos Over the Americas", 1968.

The article notes that many further records exist for other localities and suggests plotting them on a map.

Availability and Pricing

Information is provided regarding the availability of current and back numbers of the magazine, with prices quoted for single copies (37p excluding postage for UK and overseas surface/airmail). Contact is invited for ex-stock applications to the Senior Research Officer at 75, Norreys Road, Cumnor, OX2 9PU. Overseas correspondents are advised to specify their preferred postal route. Members of the publication receive copies free.

Additionally, blank duplicate maps of Britain and the world for plotting UFO data are available for 3p each or three for 5p (postage excluded). Monthly frequency charts are also available at 5p per set (postage excluded).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic study and classification of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis of sightings, shapes, and physical evidence like 'nests' and 'circles.' The magazine promotes the idea that UFOs can be categorized and that apparent variations are often explainable through scientific and observational considerations. There is a clear effort to compile and disseminate information, providing resources for researchers and encouraging further study. The publication also actively seeks to compare and contrast different reports and findings, aiming to build a comprehensive understanding of the UFO phenomenon.