YUFOS Contact International vol 1 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: YUFOS CONTACT INTERNATIONAL
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: 1982 (inferred from article date 28/3/82)
Publisher: Yorkshire UFO Society (YUFOS)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of YUFOS Contact International, published by the Yorkshire UFO Society, focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics. It includes articles by members and contributors, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in the subject.

Editorial and Contents

The editor, M.I. Birdsall, welcomes readers and outlines the contents of this edition. He notes the inclusion of a diagrammatic display of UK internal flight paths, emphasizing that military routes are omitted for the editor's 'liberty'.

Articles and Features:

• Misinterpretations in the Cases of Identifiable Phenomenon by Stephen Hart: This article, based on a talk given to YUFOS on March 28, 1982, addresses the common issue of misidentifying ordinary phenomena as UFOs. Hart, a member of the Pudsey Astronomical Association, discusses how objects like the planet Venus, bright fireballs, meteors, artificial satellites, Aurorae, cometary bodies, and supernovae are often mistaken for UFOs. He highlights that Venus can be identified as a bright, starlike object visible shortly after sunset or before sunrise. Fireballs are described as small particles of solar system debris burning up at an altitude of 90kms, producing a flash of light. The article also mentions the importance of recording details of such events for astronomical science.

• U.F.O.s FOR AND AGAINST by Perry Green: Perry Green, a committee member of YUFOS and ex-RAF, tackles the question of what is known about Unidentified Flying Objects. He emphasizes the need to first determine what is *not* a UFO. Green discusses the 1947 Roswell Incident, stating that if reports are believed, it proves UFOs are real and pose a serious threat. He recounts the incident involving a 'Flying Disc', its transport to an Ohio airfield by the US Air Force, and its disappearance from public view. Evidence, including metal and wooden artifacts, was reportedly handled by the public and bore no resemblance to Earth-made materials. The article raises intriguing questions about the propulsion and sustenance of these craft, and the physical forces involved in their travel, suggesting that human astronauts might not withstand the G-forces experienced.

• YESTERDAYS EXPERIMENTS FOR TOMORROW'S CRAFTS by M.I. Birdsall: M.I. Birdsall explores the speeds of UFOs and compares them to known aircraft capabilities. He notes that while some UFOs are reported as motionless or slow-moving, others travel at incredible speeds with impressive maneuverability. The article highlights the difficulty in analyzing UFO speeds. It then details the North American X-15, an experimental aircraft developed over 12 years, which reached speeds unequaled by contemporary aircraft, achieving Mach 6 and a ceiling height of 354,108 feet. The X-15 project faced challenges, including loss of life due to the extreme speeds causing structural stress. The article also mentions the development of the Inconel X Nickel body and engines designed to reach Mach 6. Only three X-15s were built, with further development in the X series not matching its performance. A footnote mentions a radar detection in 1956 at Lakenheath and Bentwaters of an aircraft traveling at approximately 4000 mph, speculated to be an X-15 prototype or a UFO.

• INTERNAL AIR FLIGHT PATHS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM compiled by M.I. Birdsall and P. Redmore: This section provides a detailed index and maps (Maps 5 and 6) of major air routes within the UK, operated by airlines such as British Airways, British Caledonian, Air Lingus, Loganair, and Air UK. The compilers state that knowing these routes can be of great assistance in distinguishing them from potential UFO sightings, as aeroplane lights are a frequent cause of misidentification. The index lists numerous airports and their corresponding route codes.

Key Persons and Organizations

The issue mentions G.W. Birdsall (Co-ordinator of Yorkshire UFO Society), Stephen Hart (Fudsey Astronomical Association), Ferry Green (ex-RAF committee member), Neil Armstrong (astronaut), M.I. Birdsall (Editor), and P. Redmore (Compiler). Organizations include the Yorkshire UFO Society, Fudsey Astronomical Association, Leeds Astronomical Society, and various airlines.

Object Characteristics and Incidents

Descriptions of UFOs include 'Flying Disc' shape, and behaviors like 'motionless, slow moving, incredible speeds, impressive manoeuvrability, lightning changes, fast speeds, fast turns, rapid accelerations'. A speed estimate of 4000 mph is mentioned in relation to a 1956 incident. Physical trace evidence is noted as 'Metal and wooden artifacts' from the Roswell Incident. Key incidents detailed are the 1947 Roswell Incident and a 1956 radar detection near Lakenheath and Bentwaters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the identification and misidentification of UFOs, the investigation of specific UFO cases (like Roswell), and the comparison of UFO capabilities with advanced human technology, particularly experimental aircraft. The editorial stance, as expressed by M.I. Birdsall, is to provide information and encourage member participation, while maintaining a cautious approach to UFO claims and emphasizing the need for careful analysis. The journal aims to be a platform for members' views and opinions, though these are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editor. The publication also highlights its international reach, stating that 'Contact International has 37 Member Countries Throughout the World'.