UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 5 no 5

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Australia newsletter, Volume 5, Number 5, dated September-October 1984, is published bi-monthly and presents the work of UFO researchers. It is independent of any UFO organization, and the material presented does not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine. The cover features a stylized atomic symbol with a silhouette of Australia and a flying saucer within it, set against a pinkish-brown background, with the title prominently displayed.

Editorial

The guest editorial, "RESEARCH IS THE KEY" by Keith Basterfield, reflects on the shift in UFOlogy from the late 1960s, when sightings by astronauts, 'angel hair,' and spectacular photographs were common, to the present day where such observations are often dismissed, and the focus is on psychological bases for close encounters. Basterfield attributes this change to in-depth, critical research. He notes that astronaut observations researched by James Oberg have crumbled under rational analysis, and computer enhancement of photos reveals few genuine cases. He also mentions that physical trace cases and hypotheses like Lawson's birth trauma, Persinger and Devereux's earth hypotheses, and Randles' UAPs have been debated. The editorial concludes by stressing the importance of continued research and encourages readers to contribute their own well-researched ideas through the newsletter.

Contents and Articles

Editorial

• "RESEARCH IS THE KEY" by Keith Basterfield (Page 2)

Western Australia

• "A MYSTERIOUS EXPERIENCE" by Joan Johnston (Page 3)
• This article details an event experienced by a 56-year-old signwriter during August 1984 school holidays near Mt Newman. While going to the ablution block at 3 a.m., he was surrounded by an immense purple, red to pink glow with a whistling, whishing noise. The phenomenon pulsated, became more intense, and moved south before ceasing. The witness was petrified. The next morning, he met a 'Comet' transport driver who had a similar experience.

• "A CLOSE ENCOUNTER AT SEA" by Joan Johnston (Page 3)
• During November 1984, a fishing trawler off Fremantle experienced strange weather. After midnight, the skipper and a deckhand observed a large, soundless, saucer-shaped craft with a white-orange to white-blue haze and protuberances. The object, described as enormous, caused the lights of three anchored ships to go out as it passed overhead. The lights returned after the object departed. The witness likened the object's departure to turning off a television.

Russia Investigates UFOs

• "Russia Investigates UFOs" by John F. Schuessler (Page 4)
• This article reports that the Soviet Union has established a commission to investigate unidentified flying objects, headed by former astronaut Pavel Popovich. The Russian newspaper TRUD stated that while most sightings are explainable, some involve technically trained observers. An event near Gorky on March 27, 1983, involved air traffic controllers observing a steel-gray, cigar-shaped craft, the size of an airliner, flying at 3,000 feet and 125 mph. The object was tracked for 40 minutes. Anatoly Logunov, vice-president of the Academy of Sciences, is quoted as saying Soviet scientists take the subject seriously, suggesting that the selection of an astronaut to lead the program indicates belief in extraterrestrial origins for some objects.

Stop Press

• "Stop Press" by Joan Johnston (Page 5)
• This section details four preliminary UFO reports from Western Australia, currently under investigation by Joan Johnston.

• January 10, 1985, 2100 HOURS: A large UFO, described as the size of a football field and compared to the mother-ship in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' was sighted over Perth by a motorcyclist, pillion passenger, and residents. It was saucer-shaped with a red light on top and yellow-white encircling lights. It was observed for 15 minutes before taking off vertically.

• January 11, 1985, 2100 HOURS: A taxi driver and two passengers saw a huge UFO spanning a six-lane highway towards Perth. It was observed for two minutes before disappearing behind buildings.

• January 12, 1985, 2100 HOURS: A lady driving towards Perth from Freemantle saw an enormous UFO circling Perth, described as solid like the side of a cylinder.

• January 13, 1985, 0149 HOURS: A 33-year-old woman and a male friend saw a cigar-shaped object, the size of a local shopping centre, come inland. It emitted a brilliant explosion of light and a whirring noise. The gale winds stopped, and the air became hot. The woman took four photographs.

Preliminary Investigations Todate: Joan Johnston contacted Pearce Air Force Base and the Department of Aviation, who suggested it might be a small advertising aircraft with 1,000 globes underneath. On January 12, the motorcyclist who witnessed the UFO again saw the advertising aircraft after the UFO departed.

The Jindabyne UFO Abduction Case

• "THE JINDABYNE UFO ABDUCTION CASE" by Mark Moravec (Pages 6-10)
• This extensive article details a possible UFO abduction experience reported by a 21-year-old man, referred to UFO Research (NSW) by Penrith Air Force Base. The events began with the sighting of a nocturnal light on September 27, 1974, near Jindabyne, New South Wales, by the percipient (then 11 years old) and a 19-year-old friend. They spotted a bright white spherical light, about 3 meters across, for about half an hour.

The following evening, the light was seen again by the same individuals and other friends for one to two hours.

About nine years later, the percipient began to have vivid memories of the abduction. He recalled a time lapse of two hours during the initial sighting. He described floating in a blue light into a complex room with tubes and benches, where he and his friend were laid on a table. Tall, thin beings with smooth grey skin, eyeless bulges, slit-like mouths, and long fingers examined them, using instruments and hooking up wires to their skin. The percipient interpreted this as gauging electromagnetic fields. His friend briefly resisted but was returned. The experience was described as not frightening but not fully conscious.

The room was grey-blue with a bluish light emanating from the corners. The beings were over two meters tall, hairless, and moved with a flexible gait. Communication was through gestures. The percipient felt they were warmer than humans. The beings touched him and seemed to be pulling his clothes open without tearing them.

He remembers his friend trying to resist but being taken away and returned, pale and with sunken eyes.

After the tests, they were put back where they were first seen. Two hours had passed since their walk.

The Dream: In early 1983, the percipient had a vivid dream involving flying a spacecraft to an ice landing pad, entering a control room, and then being a fox in a snowy environment before being pulled out by a large, faceless being.

The Percipient: The percipient experienced powerful emotions of fear and resentment, feeling like he had been 'raped' and used as a specimen. These feelings were alleviated by meditation. He believes his memories were triggered by transcendental meditation, which he started about two years prior to the interview. The experience stimulated his interest in maths, physics, time, space, and UFOs. He has read books by Bruce Cathie, seen 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' and is familiar with the work of Von Daniken and shows like 'In Search Of.' He has also had an interest in occult phenomena since childhood.

Invisible Forces

• "Invisible Forces" by Keith Roberts (Page 11)
• This article is listed in the contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Imagery Updated

• "Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Imagery Updated" by Keith Basterfield (Page 15)
• This article is listed in the contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

Apparition at Fatima - Religious Vision or UFO?

• "Apparition at Fatima - Religious Vision or UFO?" by Joaquim Fernandes (Page 20)
• This article is listed in the contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

UFO Visions: The Scrying Hypothesis

• "UFO Visions: The Scrying Hypothesis" by Mike Hough (Page 26)
• This article is listed in the contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

New Correspondent

• "New Correspondent" (Page 30)
• This item is listed in the contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

Reference Library

• "Reference Library" (Page 31)
• This item is listed in the contents but not provided in the scanned pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, close encounters, and the investigation of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by Keith Basterfield, strongly advocates for rigorous, in-depth research as the primary method for understanding UFOs, moving away from anecdotal evidence and speculative theories towards a more scientific approach. The newsletter serves as a platform for presenting such research and fostering informed debate among its readers.

This issue of the magazine, identified by page numbers and content, focuses on the "The Jindabyne UFO Abduction Case" and "Invisible Forces," alongside an article titled "Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Imagery Updated." The content appears to be from the late 1970s or early 1980s, given the dates of the case studies and publication references.

The Jindabyne UFO Abduction Case

The article details an interview with a percipient who claims to have experienced a UFO abduction. The percipient describes physical sensations and visual details of the encounter, including the presence of a 'boot' and 'suction pad' on the object, and internal features like 'cupboards & shelves with tools.' The percipient is described as a stable, intuitive person working as a professional musician, who is willing to undergo hypnotic regression for validation. The evaluation notes an initial discrepancy in the reported age of the experience, which was later corrected. The nocturnal light sightings were allegedly witnessed by others, but these witnesses had not yet been contacted. No physical evidence accompanies the sightings, and the percipient believes the vividness of the recalled abduction experiences indicates they actually happened.

Evaluation of the Jindabyne Case

The percipient presented as sincere and stable, with no obvious signs of hoaxing or psychological issues. However, an initial discrepancy regarding the age at which the UFO experience occurred was noted and later corrected by the percipient. The nocturnal light sightings were reportedly witnessed by others, but these individuals had not yet been located or questioned. The article states there is no physical evidence to support the abduction claim. The psychological hypothesis suggests the experience might be a vivid, hallucinatory event, possibly influenced by the percipient's meditation activities and prior beliefs, rather than a literal physical event. The case is presented as typical of UFO abduction claims reported globally.

Invisible Forces

This section, authored by Keith Roberts, explores a phenomenon where invisible forces, often associated with UFOs, affect motor vehicles and their occupants. Several case studies from Tasmania are presented:

• CASE 1: TA74026 (July 27, 1974): Two witnesses reported a bright white light that evolved into a triangular shape. The object kept pace with their car, and at one point, the witness felt a 'pulling force' that made the car difficult to steer, causing it to wander towards the object. After the object disappeared, the witnesses experienced aching shoulders and arms.
• CASE 2: TA74052 (September 1974): Two witnesses at Lake Echo observed a luminous yellow dome-shaped object above a hill. The object floated down and rested on or just above the water, causing the lake level to rise by approximately 3 meters. The object then accelerated rapidly and vanished. The following day, numerous logs had floated to the surface and were lying on the shore, an event attributed to the object's influence, as the Hydro-Electric Commission's lake level alterations typically take days.
• CASE 3: TA78061 (July 1975): A witness driving on a highland road experienced the car's steering becoming erratic, causing it to veer sharply. A bright orange light was observed, and the car again had steering trouble. Upon stopping, the witness saw a helicopter-like object. The car then stopped normally after the object moved away.
• CASE 4: TA79112 (August 20, 1979): A witness driving on the Murchison Highway experienced the car's interior being lit by a green light, with a similar light visible outside. The car lost speed, and the engine failed to respond to acceleration, gear changes, or braking. The light followed the car for several kilometers before disappearing, at which point the car resumed normal function. Notably, the witness's watch and car clock had stopped during the event, and the petrol gauge showed empty despite the trip usually using half a tank.
• CASE 5: TA84013 (November 1983): A witness driving home experienced the area around their car being lit by a brilliant circle of blue-white lights. The car's brakes and engine failed to respond, and the ignition keys were ineffective. The car sped along a twisty road, with the witness feeling no control. The object, described as a bright circle of blue-white lights, was visible. The car stopped normally after the light disappeared. The witness noted that the journey, which normally took longer, was completed in an unusually short time.

Additional cases (Cases 6, 7, and 8) are mentioned without lights or objects, involving loss of car power, a car rolling uphill without the engine running, and a car being pulled backward by an unseen force.

Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Imagery Updated

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this article delves into the psychological phenomena of hypnagogic and hypnopompic imagery. The author's 1981 book, "UFOs: the Image Hypothesis," proposed that much of the residue from UFO reports, after removing identified flying objects (IFOs), could be explained by human brain-generated imagery.

Defining Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Imagery

• Hypnagogic imagery: Defined by Warren (1934) as imagery of any sense modality, frequently of an almost hallucinatory character, experienced in the drowsy state preceding deep sleep.
• Hypnopompic imagery: Similar to hypnagogic imagery but occurs on the sleep/awake interface, generally in the morning.

The article describes the sleep cycle, noting that REM sleep (dream state) occurs in approximately 90-minute intervals. Hypnagogic imagery occurs in the initial stages of sleep, while hypnopompic imagery occurs upon awakening.

Characteristics and Examples

Examples of hypnagogic imagery include seeing a bar of light, purple blobs of light, or vivid scenes of animals and people. Hypnagogic imagery was first named by Alfred Maury in 1848. F.W.H. Myers distinguished imagery that persists into the first minutes of waking as hypnopompic, which is considered rarer.

McKellar (1972) reported individuals experiencing similar imagery while fully awake. The content can be visual, auditory, or involve sensations of heat/cold, smell, or touch, and may reproduce daily events or be bizarre. Examples include a beer disappearing from a bedside table and a perceived monster that was later understood to be shadows.

Imagery can be confused with reality, with subjects sometimes reporting simultaneous perceptions, such as continuing a conversation while viewing images. Other examples include hearing one's name called when no one is there, or mistaking a wife in the hallway for a telephone call.

Visual imagery can range from simple colored patterns to complex, moving landscapes. Objects in imagery can appear strangely angled or have extreme clarity. The duration can range from seconds to minutes.

Research and Incidence

Research into hypnagogic imagery began in the 1940s. Studies by McKellar and Simpson (1954) found that 61% of Scottish university students reported hypnagogic imagery, which they described as more vivid and realistic than dreams. The content may be derived from reorganizing past perceptual experiences or from interaction with internal sensory stimulation.

Foulkes and Vogel (1965) noted that REM periods do not occur at the onset of sleep, but considerable mental activity occurs, resembling REM dreams. They argued that hypnagogic 'dreams' could indeed be dreams, blurring the distinction. However, some differences were found, such as compressed time sense and shorter imagery periods compared to dreams.

Foulkes et al. (1966) found that hypnagogic dreamers tended to have greater social poise, self-acceptance, and were more adept at producing voluntary waking fantasy.

The article discusses the differences between hypnagogic and hypnopompic imagery, with hypnopompic being less frequent due to the circumstances of awakening. Studies showed incidences of 51% hypnopompic and 77% hypnagogic (Owens, 1963), and 21% hypnopompic and 63% hypnagogic (McKellar).

Hypnopompic speech oddities, resembling schizophrenic utterances, are also mentioned, with examples like "Light the towel!" instead of "Raise the window shade."

Potential Link to UFO Experiences

The author suggests that some UFO literature cases involving incredibly detailed, illuminated spaceships and entities could be explained by imagery, particularly hypnagogic and hypnopompic imagery. The article concludes by noting that the incidence of imagery among the population ranges from 50-70%, with some researchers estimating that about one-third of the general population experiences this imagery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and alleged encounters, with a focus on witness testimony and detailed case studies. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting both the accounts of experiencers and potential psychological or physical explanations. The inclusion of research into imagery suggests an interest in the psychological underpinnings of reported experiences, particularly in relation to UFO abduction claims. The publication aims to document and analyze these events, providing a platform for discussion and further research.

This issue of the magazine, dated July-August 1984, focuses on the interpretation of UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on psychological and sensory explanations. The main articles explore the 'scrying hypothesis' for UFO visions and propose a link between the 1917 Fatima apparitions and microwave technology.

Apparition at Fatima - Religious Vision or UFO?

By Joaquim Fernandes, this article examines the paranormal events at Cova da Iria, Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. While traditionally viewed as religious, Fernandes suggests a ufological implication. He highlights the 'humming or buzzing of bees' sound reported by witnesses, linking it to UFO-contact cases and suggesting the involvement of the Locus Coeruleus in the brain. The author recommends further investigation into these phenomena. The article details the 'solar phenomenon' of October 15, 1917, describing a luminous object, heat, drying of clothing, and 'miraculous cures'. It posits that microwaves might have been the communication method between the radiant entity and the percipients, citing experiments on the 'Microwave Auditive Phenomenon' by Canadian researchers.

UFO Visions: The Scrying Hypothesis

By Michael Hough, this article questions why witnesses report UFOs in exaggerated forms. It examines UFO reports based on external stimuli like lights or reflective objects, suggesting that these account for about 90% of reports. Hough proposes that perception is complex, influenced by external factors, physiological conditions of the eye, and psychological factors such as belief systems and susceptibility to hallucinations. He focuses on the role of altered states of consciousness (ASCs) and introduces the 'scrying hypothesis' as a more applicable model than hypnagogic imagery. Scrying, a practice involving looking at a bright surface to induce visual hallucinations, is presented as a general term for techniques like crystal-ball gazing. Hough notes that scrying visions are vivid, detailed, and perceived as external. He compares scrying to other ASCs like hypnagogic imagery, eidetic imagery, and autoscopic hallucinations, arguing that scrying is unique in being projected externally in response to an external stimulus. The article suggests that the scrying model needs to be tested against actual UFO reports and could be useful in laboratory research on ASCs and psychic phenomena.

Imagery Updated

This section presents a brief overview of research related to imagery, particularly hypnagogic imagery. It references studies by Horwitz (1964) on hallucinations, suggesting that basic forms in imagery may arise from the retinal ganglionic network. The summary states that hypnagogic and hypnopompic imagery can provide a range of effects, with interpretation depending on context. A list of references is provided, including works by Antrobus, Basterfield, Foulkes, Horwitz, McKellar, Magoun, Reed, Richardson, and Warren.

Disclaimer

A disclaimer is included regarding an entry in the July-August 1984 edition of the Yorkshire UFO Society's publication "Quest". It clarifies that while "Quest" mentioned a liaison with UFO Research Australia (UFORA), no such liaison was sought or agreed upon, and UFORA and its newsletter are not involved with the "Quest" publication or the Yorkshire UFO Society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and sensory aspects of UFO sightings, challenging purely literal interpretations. The magazine explores the idea that subjective experiences, altered states of consciousness, and potential technological influences (like microwaves) play significant roles in how UFO phenomena are perceived and reported. The editorial stance appears to favor a more analytical and research-oriented approach to UFO studies, encouraging further investigation and the application of scientific methodologies to understand these complex events. The issue highlights the potential for misinterpretation of common phenomena and the importance of considering psychological factors in witness accounts.

Title: UFORAN
Issue: 29
Volume: 10
Date: December 1984
Publisher: UFORAN
Country: Australia
Cover Headline: THE SCRYING HYPOTHESIS

This issue of UFORAN delves into the complex topic of 'The Scrying Hypothesis' and features a comprehensive review of the book "Sky Crash: A Cosmic Conspiracy" by Brenda Butler, Dot Street, and Jenny Randles. The magazine also introduces Joaquim Fernandes as a new correspondent from Portugal and includes a table comparing personality traits of believers and skeptics in relation to hypnotic induction.

The Scrying Hypothesis

The issue begins by exploring 'The Scrying Hypothesis,' presenting a detailed table (Table 1) that simplifies the characteristics of 'believer' and 'skeptic' personalities, adapted from Spiegel & Spiegel's work on the Hypnotic Induction Profile (HIP). The table contrasts individuals with HIP scores of 4-5 (believers) and 0-2 (skeptics) across several categories:

• Spatial Awareness: Believers concentrate intensely on tasks, ignoring surroundings, while skeptics are constantly aware of their surroundings.
• Time Perception: Believers experience time as 'telescoped,' living for the present and losing sight of past and future. Skeptics consider actions in terms of past and future, weighing alternatives.
• Beliefs:
• Interpersonal: Believers are sensitive to the feelings and actions of others. Skeptics are more interested in others' thoughts than their actions or feelings.
• Trust: Believers often trust others naively and uncritically. Skeptics are very critical of external input and wary of new activities, cross-examining everything.
• Learning: Believers rapidly absorb new concepts. Skeptics accept new concepts only after detailed examination.
• Responsibility: Believers tend to forget responsibilities and look to others for guidance. Skeptics regard themselves as extremely responsible.
• Contact: Believers prefer touching a new object. Skeptics prefer to see a new object.
• Processing: Believers like dreaming up new ideas, often without implementing them. Skeptics like to implement ideas and only believe what is in print.
• Decision-Making: Believers are intuitive. Skeptics are methodological and reductionist.
• Psychoses: Believers are described as religious/mystical, possibly schizophrenic. Skeptics are described as humanist/rationalist, possibly manic-depressive or hysteric.

The issue also references several academic works related to autoscopic phenomena, divided consciousness, and altered states of consciousness, including works by Hilgard, Ludwig, Peters, Price-Williams, and Spiegel.

Book Review: "Sky Crash - A Cosmic Conspiracy"

This section provides a book review and update by Bill Chalker on "Sky Crash" by Brenda Butler, Dot Street, and Jenny Randles. The book focuses on the extraordinary events that transpired in Rendlesham Forest in late December 1980, involving alleged UFO sightings, landings, and possible contact.

• The Event: The incident involved rumors of a UFO event monitored by radar, a landing or crash in the forest, and suggestions of contact between RAF and USAF personnel and alleged occupants.
• Investigation: Local investigators Brenda Butler and Dot Street, along with leading UFO researcher Jenny Randles, pursued the facts behind the rumors. The book details their struggle to uncover the nature of the events.
• Dismissals and Evidence: Initially, other research groups dismissed the affair, but later evidence suggested these dismissals were premature. The book presents fascinating evidence but does not definitively prove a bona fide UFO nature.
• Authors' Approach: The authors' approach is described as pursuing facts without concern for the final explanation, whether prosaic or otherwise.
• Ethical Questions and Military Machinations: The review raises ethical questions about the investigation, particularly the use of Lt. Col. Halt's son as a source. It notes the involvement of arrests and threats, suggesting military machinations.
• Possible Scenarios: The final analysis in "Sky Crash" concludes that it's impossible to say precisely what transpired. Provocative pointers suggest various scenarios: a genuine UFO event with contact, Russian satellite debris ('brown-bears'), a cover story for missile machinations (Cruise missile controversy), an experiment gone wrong (space warfare hardware), or even prosaic stimuli like searchlights leading to misinterpretations.
• Disinformation: The review highlights the 'spectre of disinformation' and quotes Anthony Cave Brown's observation that "truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies."
• Key Figures: The review mentions testimonies from military eye-witnesses, including "James Archer," John Burroughs, Adrian Bustinza, "Steve Roberts," "Art Wallace" (Larry Warren), and Lt. Col. Charles Halt. "Art Wallace's" story, which broke in the News of the World, involved alleged time loss and seeing a UFO entity.
• Lt. Col. Halt's Role: Lt. Col. Halt's role is described as enigmatic, playing a "strange game." The release of the Halt memo confirmed an ostensibly UFO event with physical traces, but its contents created more mystery. A controversial Halt tape, allegedly recorded during his field investigation, also seems to document a UFO event, with Halt's statement, "you can assume from that, can't you, that I knew what was going on and no one else did." The resolution of Halt's game is suggested as potentially holding the answer to the Rendlesham Forest affair.
• Ralph Noyes's Stance: Ralph Noyes, former head of the MOD's 'UFO section,' stated that his Ministry of Defence had lied and covered up the incident. He views the UFO phenomenon as "the 21st century equivalent of lightning."
• Conflicting Accounts: Henry Porter, in "Lies, Damn Lies & Some Exclusives," is cited as charging that the Rendlesham affair was a "fiction" invented by the News of the World. Meanwhile, "Sky Crash" was reportedly unavailable in major UK bookstores.
• Jenny Randles's Doubt: Jenny Randles herself, as of December 1984, doubted it was a UFO event, suggesting the UFO story might be a cover for "something rather naughty that went on" (possibly American space warfare research).
• Cash-Landrum Case Connection: The review notes a potential connection between the Rendlesham incident and the Cash-Landrum case in Texas (December 29, 1980), where civilians witnessed a UFO with military helicopters and experienced physiological effects. The timing of the Halt tape's timecheck is contemporary with the Cash-Landrum case.
• Conclusion: The review concludes that "Sky Crash" has much to say to UFO researchers and should be read. It expresses hope for a follow-up book, "Sky Crash: Two," and suggests that even if the Rendlesham affair is not part of the "real UFO" mystery, the book can be embraced as a "spy thriller." The reviewer remains confused, stating the "truth" has yet to emerge.

New Correspondent

Joaquim Fernandes is welcomed as the UFORA Representative for Portugal and a correspondent for UFORAN. He is also a representative for MUFON and a member of the national research team CNIFO in Portugal. CNIFO collaborates with local institutes and universities and has a relationship with the Air Force. Fernandes is a journalist for "Jornal de Noticias" and an editor of scientific subjects. He became interested in UFO phenomena ten years prior, published a book on Portuguese UFO cases in 1978, and co-authored a major work on the Fatima Apparitions in 1982.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The review of "Sky Crash" highlights the importance of pursuing facts, acknowledging the potential for disinformation, and considering multiple explanations beyond simple UFO sightings. The comparison of believer and skeptic personalities suggests an interest in the psychological aspects of belief in extraordinary phenomena. The introduction of a new correspondent from Portugal indicates an expanding scope of international UFO reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexity and often elusive nature of the truth behind UFO events, as exemplified by the Rendlesham Forest case.