UFOdata Magazine - Issue 07 - jan-feb-2007

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO DATA MAGAZINE
Issue: Vol. 1, Issue 6
Date: January-February 2007
Price: £3.95 UK / £4.75 Overseas
Publisher: UFO DATA MAGAZINE
Country: UK
Format: New format, 68 pages, professionally printed, exclusive to subscribers.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine marks the relaunch of the publication, aiming to continue the legacy of Graham W. Birdsall. Editor Russel Callaghan welcomes readers and expresses gratitude for the community's support. The magazine is dedicated to the subject of UFOs and aliens, emphasizing its role in bringing these topics to the forefront.

Contents Overview

The magazine features several key articles and topics:

• Livingston 1979: 'A Classic Encounter' (Page 5): An in-depth study by Malcolm Robinson on the Robert Taylor incident in Dechmont Woods, Scotland.
• Nick Pope Interview (Page 26): An interview with Nick Pope, former head of the UK's official UFO desk, who believed in UFOs.
• Dr Roger Leir and Alien Implants (Page 12): A report on Dr. Roger Leir's work with alleged alien implants and his team's funding for procedures.
• 'REMEMBER, REMEMBER, It's the 5th NOVEMBER...' (Page 3): An article discussing recent sightings of mysterious lights and fireballs, including accounts from local residents.
• Floating Lanterns vs. UFOs (Page 4): An examination of how floating lanterns are often mistaken for UFOs and the dangers associated with them.

The Robert Taylor Incident: Dechmont Woods, Livingston (November 9th 1979)

This extensive feature article by Malcolm Robinson delves into one of Scotland's most puzzling UFO cases. The incident involved Robert Taylor, a 61-year-old forestry worker, who reported encountering a large, dome-shaped object hovering above a clearing in Dechmont Woods. He described the object as dark grey, roughly textured, with a flange and spikes. Parts of the object seemed to disappear, revealing the trees behind it. Suddenly, two objects resembling sea mines descended and approached him, causing him to lose consciousness.

Upon regaining consciousness, Taylor found he could not speak and had lost the power of his legs. He experienced a dry throat, headache, and nausea. His clothes were torn, and his wife initially thought he had been assaulted. His boss, Malcolm Drummond, and other forestry workers investigated the scene, finding approximately 40 holes in the grass and two 'track-like marks'.

Police and Forensic Investigation

Livingston Police were notified, and the scene was roped off for forensic investigation. Police scientist L. Knibb examined Taylor's torn trousers and undergarment, concluding the tears were caused by a 'strong mechanical pull upwards' or by jumping downwards, rather than by burning or a pointed object. Soil samples from the holes showed some variations in mineral concentration but no significant anomalies. The police remained convinced Taylor was telling the truth.

Mixed Opinions and Hypotheses

Researchers offered various explanations for the incident:

• Steuart Campbell's Hypothesis One: 'Black ball lightning' followed by a hallucination induced by an epileptic fit.
• Steuart Campbell's Hypothesis Two (1986): A 'mirage of Venus' combined with Mercury, which could have stimulated an epileptic seizure. Campbell suggested that atmospheric distortions and temperature inversions could create such mirages, making astronomical objects appear to rush towards the observer. He also noted that the Livingston Development Corporation had been doing drainage work nearby, though this work had ceased before the encounter.

Campbell believed the ground marks and torn trousers were unrelated to Taylor's visual experience.

• Malcolm Robinson's View: Robinson, the author, believes Taylor saw a 'machine' or 'spherical shaped craft' and is not convinced by the mirage or epileptic seizure explanations. He highlights Taylor's consistent testimony over the years, including a letter stating, "I can still see everything that happened that morning just as if it were yesterday, so there is no way that any silly stories of Ball Lightning or Venus peeping over Deer Hill can change my mind."

Hypnosis and Trousers

Robert Taylor underwent hypnotic regression by stage hypnotist Robert Halpern. However, this session only yielded recall of being pulled by the spikey balls, after which his mind went blank. The trousers worn by Taylor were later kept by BUFORA and eventually returned to Scotland, ending up with Malcolm Robinson.

Other Articles and Features

• 'REMEMBER, REMEMBER, It's the 5th NOVEMBER...' (Page 3): This section discusses recent sightings of unusual lights and fireballs, particularly around Bonfire Night. It notes that many such reports might be explained by fireworks or, more recently, by the widespread use of floating lanterns.

• Floating Lanterns (Page 4): The article critically examines the popularity of floating lanterns, often mistaken for UFOs. It describes how these lanterns can appear as formations of lights and how their duration and lack of debris can be misleading. The author expresses concern about the fire hazards and potential for damage caused by these devices, advocating for stricter regulations and legal consequences for those who launch them irresponsibly.

• Nick Pope Interview (Page 26): The magazine features an interview with Nick Pope, who led the UK's official UFO desk for three years and believed in UFOs. He left the Ministry in November.

• Dr Roger Leir (Page 12): This section mentions Dr. Roger Leir, known for his association with alleged alien implants and their removal from human victims. His team has secured funding for their twelfth such procedure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFO DATA Magazine maintains a strong focus on eyewitness testimony and detailed case investigations, particularly concerning the Robert Taylor incident. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of genuine UFO encounters, as evidenced by the author's personal belief in Taylor's account, while also critically examining alternative explanations and debunking common misidentifications, such as floating lanterns. The magazine encourages readers to consider all evidence and perspectives, acknowledging the complexity of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear dedication to continuing the work of previous UFO researchers and publications in the UK.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine, identified as issue number 11, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, from surgical investigations into alleged alien implants to reports of radar interference and encounters with unusual creatures. The cover prominently features the headline "Surgical team carry out 12th 'implant' operation..." accompanied by a striking image of two men in surgical attire superimposed on an X-ray of feet, hinting at the medical and scientific focus of some articles.

Dechmont Woods Incident Revisited

The issue begins with a personal account from Malcolm Robinson, a Scottish researcher, detailing his return to the site of the famous Dechmont Woods UFO incident in 1979. Robinson recounts his experience of revisiting the location, noting the changes that had occurred over the years, including new housing and pathways. He humorously recounts his initial difficulty in finding the exact spot and his interaction with young golfers, which he admits could have been misinterpreted. The article touches upon the lighter side of ufology and the ongoing efforts to commemorate the event, referencing a conversation with Philip Mantle that sparked the idea for a monument. The article also directs readers to page 55 for further research on this case, highlighting it as one of Scotland's most famous.

Alien Implant Surgery

Pages 2, 3, and 4 focus on the surgical removal of suspected alien implants. The lead article details the twelfth such surgery performed by Dr. Roger Leir and his team from A&S Research on September 23, 2006. Dr. Leir is presented as a leading authority on alien implant research, with endorsements from figures like Whitley Strieber and Art Bell. The case involves a female abductee in her forties who suspected an implant in her toe. The process involved X-rays, which revealed a radio-opaque object measuring approximately 6 mm. The surgery, performed under local anesthetic, successfully removed a metallic object broken into three segments, along with surrounding soft tissue for analysis. Preliminary pathology reports indicated no adverse reaction from the body. The object exhibited magnetic properties, tilting upright on a magnet. The article notes the financial challenges in such research and the involvement of medical professionals and UFO researchers as witnesses.

Faulty MoD Radar and UFO Connections

Pages 5 and 9 discuss the incident involving a faulty Ministry of Defence (MoD) Type-93 radar dome at Trimingham, Norfolk, which admitted to causing electrical failures in passing cars in late 2006. Dozens of vehicles reportedly suffered engine cut-outs and electrical problems. Neil Crayford, a local garage owner, reported dealing with over thirty affected cars between November 2005 and February 2006. The article draws a parallel between these electrical disturbances and experiences reported by UFO witnesses, questioning if there's a connection. It also mentions that the Trimingham site is linked to RAF Neatishead, which reportedly detected the object in the famous Rendlesham Forest Incident, raising further questions about potential UFO activity and radar capabilities in the area.

International Space Station (ISS) Sighting?

Page 9 also features a report from York Press about a witness, A. Jones, who saw a brilliant white, circular light in the sky, described as being larger than a car and flying at a high altitude. The witness speculates it could be a UFO. The article suggests checking NASA's website for ISS sighting opportunities, providing a table of potential sightings over Leeds. It acknowledges that while the sighting might be the ISS, other explanations are possible, and it touches upon claims that East Yorkshire is considered a UFO hotspot.

Pilotless Planes and Future Military Aircraft

Page 8 discusses the development of Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The British Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a £200 million contract to develop an autonomous fighter jet, aiming to remove human pilots from military aircraft within thirty years. The article highlights BAE's existing Herti UAV, which costs £5 million, compared to the more sophisticated Northrop Grumman Global Hawk used by the US. It notes that the Herti uses a BMW motorcycle engine and chassis, while the Global Hawk uses a Rolls-Royce turbofan. The focus is on advanced automated systems for collision avoidance and stable flight.

Creature Encounters

Pages 10 and 23 present the story of William Bartlett and the 'Dover Demon'. Bartlett, an artist born in 1960, reported seeing an eerie, human-like creature about 4 feet tall with glowing orange eyes and a watermelon-shaped head on Farm Street, Dover, Massachusetts, in April 1977. The sighting was corroborated by John Baxter and Abby Brabham. The article notes that the 'Dover Demon' has gained worldwide attention, with internet pages and even a video game dedicated to it. Bartlett expresses that the story has followed him for years. A subsequent strange experience a year later left him wondering if he had had a return visit from the creature.

UFO Reports from Around the World

Page 6 features a report about Brad Luker, a former naval intelligence crypto-tech, who witnessed strange, bright lights in the sky above Industry, Maine. Initially dismissing it as a helicopter or small plane, Luker became mystified when the object, about 300 feet above him, emitted a quiet jet engine sound. He speculated it could be a secret military aircraft. Leland Bechtel, former director of MUFON Maine, suggested it could be a UFO, noting past activity in the area. The report also mentions that dispatchers in several Maine counties received no calls about strange objects that night. Luker ultimately believes it was likely a military plane, though he finds the low altitude and location unusual.

Book Review: The High Strangeness of Dimensions, Densities and the Process of Alien Abduction

Pages 7 and 18 feature a review by Steve Johnson of Laura Knight-Jadczyk's book, "The High Strangeness of Dimensions, Densities and the Process of Alien Abduction." The reviewer describes the book as an intriguing story about the author's contacts with beings called The Cassiopaeans, initiated through a Ouija board. Despite initial skepticism about channeling, Johnson found the book entertaining and the messages interesting. The book explores the origins of the human race and future events, with some messages feeling almost too perfect. The reviewer notes that even if one doesn't subscribe to the book's ideas, it is a worthwhile read with surprising moments. An official website for the book is provided: www.cassiopaea.org.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine maintains a consistent focus on unexplained phenomena, presenting a mix of eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and speculative connections. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations while also grounding reports in verifiable details where possible. The magazine bridges the gap between the seemingly fringe topic of UFOs and more mainstream concerns, such as military technology (UAVs) and even potential misinterpretations of natural or man-made phenomena (ISS sightings, radar interference). The inclusion of personal anecdotes, like Malcolm Robinson's humorous account and William Bartlett's enduring encounter, adds a human element to the often-abstract subject matter. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether it be extraterrestrial contact, anomalous aerial phenomena, or unexplained biological encounters, often highlighting the challenges of research, including financial constraints and the skepticism of the public and scientific community.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine, dated November 2007 (Issue 24), focuses on various unexplained phenomena, including the Dover Demon, the UK Ministry of Defence's UFO investigations, scientific predictions for extraterrestrial life, and international UFO sightings.

The Dover Demon Case

The magazine revisits the legend of the Dover Demon, a creature reportedly sighted in Dover, USA, since at least the 17th century. Frank Smith's 1914 town history mentions a legend of a man seeing Satanic Majesty on horseback near a 'Polka rock' on Farm Street, a location associated with strange occurrences and hidden treasures. Loren Coleman, a cryptozoologist, coined the name 'Dover Demon' and led investigations into the 1977 sightings. He noted the area's tradition of unexplained activity, including devil apparitions and treasure tales, suggesting certain areas 'collect' sightings. Coleman theorized the 'Polka stone' might be named after Celtic fairy folk. The article also mentions earlier potential sightings, such as Mark Sennott's account of seeing a 'demon' or animal-like figure near Channing Pond in 1972. The most prominent sighting occurred in 1977 when Bill Bartlett and two friends saw a creature on a wall with glowing eyes, described as having an egg-shaped head, no tail, and a human-like form with long, thin fingers, resembling 'kids with distended bellies'. Bartlett insisted it was not a prank. Coleman considers this a credible case with multiple witnesses, unique and not matching other known phenomena.

Alternative Explanations and Local Reactions

Alternative explanations for the Dover Demon sighting are explored, including the possibility of a foal or moose calf. However, local horse owners reported no missing horses, and it was not foaling season. The moose theory is further dismissed due to the size and appearance discrepancies. Local residents and officials express varying views. Former Police Chief Carl Sheridan stated the case 'haunted him for 29 years' and affirmed the reliability of the kids involved, noting the case 'will not die'. Town Clerk Barrie Clough mentioned a file on the Dover Demon case is kept in municipal reports. Scott Bielski, a student at Dover-Sherborn High, humorously noted the 'demon' gives the town fame. Other residents, like Jimmy and Ed Tourtellotte, remain skeptical or find the story amusing.

Nick Pope and MoD UFO Investigations

The magazine features an interview with Nick Pope, a former official from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) who investigated UFO reports. Pope worked in Secretariat (Air Staff) 2a (Sec (AS) 2a) for three years in the early Nineties, assessing the defence significance of UFOs penetrating UK airspace. He describes his role as an administrator who could call upon specialists for investigations. Pope states that his time on the UFO project was among the most fascinating of his 21-year career, though he cannot discuss most of it. After leaving the UFO Desk, he moved to financial policy and security roles. Pope reports that the 'UFO Desk' has essentially closed down, with investigations now primarily focused on responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. He predicted this would happen years ago, emphasizing his belief in open government while also stressing the need to withhold information that could endanger lives or national security. Pope believes the FOIA has hindered official UFO investigations by consuming staff time. He clarifies that he never predicted an imminent alien invasion but stated that UFO phenomena raise serious defence and security issues requiring scientific study, which is currently lacking. He dismisses claims of being a 'government stooge' or disinformation agent, stating he is used to being 'demonised' and that people's minds are often already made up.

Scientific Predictions for 2056

This section explores predictions from scientists about the world in 2056, particularly concerning alien life. Leading science magazine 'The New Scientist' polled experts. Freeman Dyson expects that once alien life is discovered, advances will follow quickly, questioning humanity's place in the universe. Carolyn Porco believes evidence of past or present life will be found within our solar system. Paul Davies suggests alien life, possibly microbial, could be found on Earth or have evolved independently on Mars. Chris McKay also points to Martian life and life on Europa, Titan, and Enceladus. Monica Grady expresses confidence in discovering extraterrestrial biology by 2056. Seth Shostak of SETI predicts finding evidence of ET intelligence by 2025. The section also touches upon the possibility of intelligent life already being present, referencing a Brazilian researcher's claim of imminent mass UFO sightings.

International UFO Sightings

Polish UFO Mystery

Robert K. Lesniakiewic investigates a Polish UFO mystery dating back to the late 1960s. The narrator recalls seeing a white triangle-shaped UFO on the western coastline in 1967, observed by himself and nearly 100 schoolmates. The object was later seen again over Jezioro Dabie lake. A similar sighting of a bright-white triangle UFO moving slowly over the High Tatras was reported in 1973. The article notes that this UFO was also observed by Polish astronomers Prof. Dr. Kazimierz Kordylewski and Mgr. Zbigniew Dworak.

Exhall UFO Event

UFOData Magazine was alerted to a YouTube video of a UFO sighting in Exhall, UK, in mid-November 2006. Darren Gordon and Trevor Naylor witnessed two lights that appeared to be moving stars. They later spotted two more lights that followed the same path. One stopped while the other caught up, and they then moved upwards at an 'impossibly rapid speed', illuminating the clouds. They ruled out fireworks, aircraft, Chinese lanterns, and satellites due to the objects' silent, controlled movement against the wind and their rapid ascent. A conventional aircraft was later seen circling the area. The footage appeared on Central TV News.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges and complexities of official investigations (particularly in light of government transparency policies like FOIA), and the ongoing scientific and public interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and scientific perspectives without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to engage with the evidence and form their own opinions. The magazine also highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony and the role of researchers in documenting and analyzing these events.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated November 24th, 2006, features a collection of articles exploring various UFO phenomena, military investigations, and space exploration. The content ranges from personal accounts and historical sightings to scientific analysis and reviews of television programs.

The Cracow and Eastern European Sightings

The issue begins with an account from an individual who witnessed a balloon-shaped UFO over Cracow, Poland, which was also observed by other astronomical observatories. This sighting occurred during a symposium on extraterrestrial life at the Jagiellonian University. The author notes that similar UFOs were reported in Hungary and Bulgaria in the late 1960s, with the Polish Press Agency reporting a UFO over Hungary flying at an altitude above 100 km, described as a white-silver, stratospheric balloon emitting blue-green sparks. These sightings are also mentioned in the book 'NOL - Goscie z Kosmosu'. Hungarian ufologist Istvan Nemere suggested these 'UFO-waves' might have been American operations, with the balloons carrying propaganda leaflets. The Soviet press and Bulgarian astronomer Dr. Bogomil Kovachev attributed these sightings to NATO weather balloons. Further 'weather-balloon' sightings were reported in Bokhot, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia in 1968. The author concludes that these UFOs were likely Soviet and NATO/USA weather and spy balloons used during the Cold War, or possibly early attempts to launch satellites or ICBMs.

Shopping Centre UFO Stops Traffic

This section reports on two separate UFO sightings in the Welwyn & Hatfield Times newspaper. On Friday evening, drivers stopped to stare at a "spacecraft" hanging in the air near the Galleria in Hatfield, described as lit with blue lights and resembling a space craft. On Sunday night, teenagers reported seeing three bright red lights moving slowly over a housing estate in Welwyn Garden City, noting that it was not a plane or helicopter due to the lack of engine noise and not fireworks because they stayed too long.

The British UFO Mystery - Channel 5 Review

Steve Johnson reviews the Channel 5 documentary 'The British UFO Mystery,' which covered a series of UFO sightings on the night of March 30th-31st, 1993, and the investigation by Nick Pope of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Pope, who investigated UFO reports for the MoD, found that the department took the subject seriously and had collected over ten thousand reports since the 1950s. The documentary also touched upon the Rendlesham Forest Incident. Pope's investigation into the 1993 sightings revealed hundreds of reports of a huge, triangular craft with lights over Wales and Southern England, many from police officers and military personnel. The sightings involved an object heading from the west over the Welsh coast and later over RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford. Descriptions included a craft likened to two Concorde airliners pasted together. Reports from Devon and Cornwall suggested speeds of Mach 2. Pope noted two distinct phases: a low-altitude object in the evening and a high-altitude object in the early hours of the morning. While some suggested the sightings could be explained by space junk, specifically a spent booster rocket from the Russian Cosmos 2238 launch, this explanation was deemed insufficient for the earlier evening sightings.

'An Officer's Story' by Group Captain Gordon Burgess CBE

This section features a lecture by Group Captain Gordon Burgess CBE, recounting his experiences and perspective on UFOs. Burgess emphasizes that his statements are based on his own experience and knowledge, not visual aids. He shares his background, including his desire to fly military aircraft and his service in the Royal Air Force. He recounts witnessing the Gloster Whittle aeroplane, which he realized had no propellers, a significant event in aviation history. Burgess then details a specific UFO encounter on August 15th, 1958, while flying a Shackleton aircraft over the Mediterranean. He describes seeing a cylindrical object, similar to a long cigar, with a red light on its nose, diffused in a ghost-like cloud. The object was moving fast and appeared to be searching the sea. He reported this sighting to headquarters as a 'Flash - Highest Priority' message. He also mentions an encounter with a similar object while flying over the Mediterranean, which was described as a 'cigarette' or 'cigar' shape, emitting a red light and moving at high speed.

Mars Global Surveyor 'Contact Lost'

This article reports on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor orbiter losing communication with Earth. The orbiter, which had served for nine years and been highly productive, likely finished its operational career. Preliminary indications suggest a solar panel issue may have prevented it from generating enough power. The article highlights key discoveries from the mission, including evidence of liquid water on the Martian surface, the identification of hematite, a global topographic map, remnant magnetic fields, and evidence of an ancient river delta. Efforts to regain contact and determine the spacecraft's status are ongoing, with NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter pointing its cameras towards the lost orbiter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, government and military involvement in UFO investigations, and the intersection of these topics with technological advancements and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and investigations while acknowledging the complexities and potential explanations, including both mundane and extraordinary hypotheses. The inclusion of a quote suggesting that UFO disclosure is imminent indicates an optimistic outlook on the subject's future and the pursuit of definitive answers.

This issue of UFO DATA Magazine, dated July 29, 2004, features a cover story titled "Aliens, UFOs Don't make me laugh..." and includes a variety of articles exploring UFO sightings, investigations, and cultural portrayals.

Personal Encounters and Military Investigations

The magazine opens with a detailed account from a Group Captain who describes a significant UFO encounter in 1958. While flying a Shackleton aircraft near Malta, he and his crew observed an object exhibiting extraordinary speed and maneuverability, exceeding Mach 2 and climbing rapidly. The object was tracked by radar at extreme altitudes and speeds, prompting a scramble of Javelin interceptors. The narrator emphasizes the reality of the object, noting its physical impact (slipstream) and the lasting impression it made.

He recounts his career progression, including his time lecturing on communist countries and Marxism, which led to discussions with the Foreign Office about Russian concerns regarding UFOs. This led to an encounter with a Russian general, highlighting the international interest and concern surrounding the phenomenon.

The narrator also shares experiences from his postings, including his involvement in the development of the Nimrod aircraft and his work in 'Special Operations' at the Ministry of Defence, where he liaised with intelligence agencies and Number 10 Downing Street during Harold Wilson's premiership. He notes the political will within Labour governments to address defense matters.

Further personal accounts include observations of unusual lights in the Arctic Circle, possibly auroras, and a description of a cigar-shaped object seen by a Norwegian tanker crew off the coast of Venezuela in 1965, which ascended rapidly and appeared metallic. Another incident involved a naval pilot in Argentina reporting a similar object diving into the sea in 1966.

In the United States, the narrator discovered two organizations investigating UFOs: NICAP, chaired by Major Donald Keyhoe, and the Air Force's 'Blue Book' project, chaired by Professor Condon. He notes that the CIA and FBI have been involved since 1952, following an incident involving the Secretary of the Navy.

UFOs and Physics

The issue touches upon the physics of UFOs, referencing Einstein's E=mc² and the impossibility of reaching the speed of light due to mass increase. It suggests that only light and other waves without intrinsic mass can travel at or above light speed, posing a question about how beings from outside our solar system could reach Earth.

Psychometry and the Livingston Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the concept of psychometry, or 'object reading', and its potential application to UFO cases, specifically the Livingston Case. The author recounts a committee meeting in 1988 where a psychic, John Williamson, was asked to 'psychometrise' Robert Taylor's trousers from the Livingston Incident. Williamson produced a drawing of a disc-shaped object emitting 'pulsed' rays and reported a 'burnt smell' and feeling 'hot'. The article discusses the challenges of using psychic evidence and the planned avenues of investigation, including psychometrising photographs and visiting the incident scene, though these plans ultimately fell through.

UFOs in Popular Culture

The magazine explores the comedic portrayal of UFOs in film and television. It highlights films like 'Mars Attacks!' and 'Evil Aliens', and TV shows such as 'My Favourite Martian', 'Mork & Mindy', and the blockbuster 'Men In Black' franchise. The article discusses how these productions have often used UFOs as a source of humor or to explore conspiracy theories, sometimes drawing inspiration from real-life cases and books.

Comedy and UFOs

Stand-up comedians are also featured, with Frank Skinner recounting the 'Mince Pie Martians' incident and Bill Hicks using UFO sightings in his act, humorously exploring themes of abduction and alien encounters. The article notes that while comedians often poke fun at ufologists, their work can sometimes be flattering by providing material for popular entertainment.

Editorial and Conclusion

The "Editors Choice" section highlights 'Galaxy Quest' as a favorite film, praising its satirical take on science fiction. The issue concludes with a reflection on the nature of our universe, the place of humanity within it, and the ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding of phenomena beyond our current comprehension. The author expresses hope that humanity will find salvation and a future beyond Earth, possibly through contact with advanced beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include personal UFO encounters, official military and governmental investigations into the phenomenon, the scientific and physical challenges posed by potential alien technology, and the cultural impact of UFOs, particularly their portrayal in comedy and media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the reality of unexplained sightings while also critically examining evidence and cultural representations. There is a clear emphasis on the need for continued investigation and a belief in the possibility of higher intelligence operating beyond our current understanding.

This issue of "The British UFO Mystery" (Issue 5, Volume 1, November 2006) focuses on a significant wave of UFO sightings that occurred in the UK on March 30-31, 1993. The article is written by Nick Pope, a former MoD official who was involved in the official investigation.

The British UFO Mystery of March 1993

The issue details the events of March 30-31, 1993, when a series of UFO sightings were reported across the UK, involving over a hundred witnesses, many of whom were police officers and military personnel. The sightings reportedly involved objects flying directly over two RAF bases. Nick Pope recounts his experience of receiving a steady stream of reports upon arriving at work the morning after the first sightings.

Overview of Sightings

The first sighting occurred on March 30th around 8:30 pm in Somerset, followed by another at 9 pm in the Quantock Hills. A police officer described one craft as looking "like two Concordes flying side by side and joined together." Another report came from Rugely, Staffordshire, describing a UFO estimated to be 200 meters in diameter, which witnesses chased and believed had landed.

Many descriptions related to triangular-shaped craft or lights perceived on the underside of such craft. Coincidentally, these sightings occurred three years after the famous wave of sightings in Belgium that led to F-16 fighters being scrambled.

RAF Cosford and Shawbury Reports

At RAF Cosford, a patrol of RAF Police reported a UFO passing over the base at approximately 1000 feet, moving at "great velocity." They described two white lights with a faint red glow at the rear and no engine noise. Their official report also noted civilian sightings that had been made aware of.

Later that night, the Meteorological Officer at RAF Shawbury observed a UFO moving slowly across the countryside towards the base at 30-40 mph. He saw the UFO fire a narrow beam of light at the ground, sweeping back and forth as if looking for something. He heard an unpleasant, low-frequency humming sound and felt it, comparing it to standing in front of a bass speaker. He estimated the craft's size to be midway between a C-130 Hercules and a Boeing 747. The light beam retracted unnaturally, and the craft then accelerated away at a speed far exceeding that of a military aircraft. This witness, an experienced RAF officer, described it as unlike anything he had ever seen.

How Many Reports?

The article discusses why UFOs are notoriously under-reported, citing fear of disbelief and not knowing who to contact as primary reasons. While standing instructions mandated that UFO reports sent to military bases, civil airports, and police stations should be forwarded to the MoD, this system did not always work. The casefile for the March 1993 incident indicated many more sightings than reached the MoD, with a mention of police officers in Liskeard, Cornwall, seeing a UFO that was also observed by other police officers in Devon and Cornwall.

Radar Investigation

Nick Pope launched a detailed investigation, working with the RAF and colleagues in the Defence Intelligence Staff and at the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System at RAF Fylingdales. Radar tapes were impounded and analyzed. The radar data revealed a few "odd radar returns," but these were deemed inconclusive, as radar is not an exact science and can generate false returns.

Aircraft Analysis

A formal assessment of the radar data was made. Unfortunately, one radar head was not working on primary radar during the reporting period, meaning only aircraft using Secondary Surveillance Radar could be seen. This data, along with other checks, helped build a picture of all aircraft and helicopter activity over the UK to factor into the investigation and eliminate conventional aircraft.

RAF Fylingdales and Cosmos 2238

The powerful radars at RAF Fylingdales alerted Pope to a re-entry into Earth's atmosphere of a Russian rocket carrying a communications satellite, Cosmos 2238. This was postulated as a possible explanation for a cluster of UFO sightings that occurred around 1:10 am on March 31st. Ufologists like Jenny Randles had previously suggested that some UFOs might be interested in re-entries.

Ufologists' Perspectives

Nick Pope notes that many ufologists had not heard of this case until he wrote about it in 1996. He worked closely with ufologist Doug Cooper, who had also concluded that the Cosmos 2238 re-entry was the probable explanation for the 1:10 am sightings. Cooper's report included an account of UFO sightings unnerving cattle in a field, where cows were observed standing in a circular formation, completely silent.

Some ufologists, however, viewed Pope as a "sinister Man-in-Black" and refused to cooperate with the MoD, believing it was part of a cover-up.

Sceptics' Viewpoint

Sceptics seized upon the Cosmos 2238 explanation, which the MoD had known about, to explain the 1:10 am sightings. They attempted to fit all other sightings into this explanation, suggesting that witnesses who saw the UFOs at other times had simply got the time wrong.

Black Projects and US Involvement

A theory often proposed for spectacular UFO sightings is that they are prototype aircraft or UAVs. The article explains that while such things are tested, they are usually done in specific areas to differentiate them from UFOs. In the case of the March 1993 sightings, the issue of Aurora, an alleged hypersonic replacement for the SR-71 Blackbird, was raised with US authorities via the British Embassy in Washington. The question was whether a US prototype might have gone wrong and caused the sightings.

The response from the US was extraordinary: they were having their own sightings of large, triangular-shaped UFOs and wanted to know if the RAF possessed a craft capable of rapid acceleration. This indicated that the US was still taking an interest in UFOs, despite the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969. A letter to the US Embassy about Aurora was the only document missing from the casefile released to the production company Steel Spyda.

Jodrell Bank Observatory's Input

Professor Ian Morrison, Director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory and described as "hardly a believer in UFOs," commented on the sightings. He noted that sometimes people see patterns of lights that stay in formation for several minutes, and he did not believe this could be space junk or anything else, as those phenomena are short-lived and leave streaks, with relative positions changing as they travel.

Conclusion and MoD Stance

Given the MoD's usual conclusion of 'no defence significance' for UFOs, the article presents quotes from MoD documents that contradict this stance. In a briefing prepared for his Head of Division on April 16, 1993, Pope wrote: "It seems that an unidentified object of unknown origin was operating in the UK Air Defence Region without being detected on radar; this would appear to be of considerable defence significance, and I recommend that we investigate further, within MoD or with the US authorities."

Pope's Head of Division, normally sceptical, agreed with this conclusion. A brief from April 22, 1993, to the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff stated: "In summary, there would seem to be some evidence on this occasion that an unidentified object (or objects) of unknown origin was operating over the UK."

The article concludes that these statements represent the closest the MoD would get to admitting that there is more to UFOs than misidentifications or hoaxes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena by official bodies, the challenges of under-reporting and scepticism, and the potential for unidentified aerial phenomena to pose a defence significance. The editorial stance, as presented through Nick Pope's account and the quoted MoD documents, suggests a serious consideration of UFOs as potentially significant, unknown objects, moving beyond simple explanations like weather balloons or misidentified aircraft. The article highlights the tension between official dismissals and internal MoD assessments that acknowledge the unexplained nature of certain sightings.