Declassified UFO / UAP Document
BUFORA BULLETIN No. 20, January 1986
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AI-Generated Summary
This BUFORA Bulletin from January 1986 provides an overview of the association's research activities, theoretical debates on UFO phenomena, and internal organizational updates. It highlights the tension between scientific research methodologies and the belief-based aspects of Ufology.
This document is the January 1986 issue (No. 20) of the BUFORA Bulletin, the official publication of the British UFO Research Association. The bulletin serves as a forum for the association's members to discuss UFO phenomena, research methodologies, and internal organizational matters. A significant portion of the content is dedicated to theoretical discussions regarding the nature of UFO encounters. Jenny Randles contributes an article on the 'QC State' (Quasi-Conscious State), proposing that many 'exotic' UFO encounters are experiences occurring in an altered state of consciousness, rather than purely external physical events. She links this to the 'OZ Factor' and suggests that the 'doorman' of the mind filters external data, leading to symbolic or dream-like interpretations of reality. Other articles explore the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), with Paul Whitehead discussing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the potential for radio contact. Steuart Campbell provides a critical perspective in 'The UFO Myth,' arguing that Ufology is a belief system rather than a scientific discipline, and that many reports are misperceptions or hoaxes. The bulletin also includes detailed reports on specific investigations, such as the 'Peter Day film,' which was analyzed by various experts and eventually linked to a military F-111 crash, though this conclusion remained a subject of debate among investigators. Internal organizational updates are provided, including a list of the 1985-86 Council members, details on the upcoming two-day conference in August 1986, and a section for member letters. These letters reveal ongoing internal debates within BUFORA regarding research standards, the use of data-bases, and the validity of specific cases like the Rendlesham Forest incident. The bulletin reflects a period of transition for the organization, as it attempts to balance its role as a research body with the diverse and often conflicting views of its membership, while also addressing external criticisms of the field of Ufology.
The fundamental difference between the UAP and the EXOTIC can be summarised quite simply. Anyone who happens to be in the right place at the right time will observe a UAP and tangible evidence thereof is perfectly achievable. However, an EXOTIC is witness-centred and may well be imperceptible to someone else not sharing the encounter.
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Official Assessment
The bulletin explores various theories regarding UFOs, including the 'QC State' (Quasi-Conscious) theory proposed by Jenny Randles, the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), and the sociological 'UFO Myth'. It also contains internal association business, letters from members, and reports on specific investigations like the Peter Day film.
Key Persons
- Jenny RandlesDirector of Investigations
- John E. BarrettDirector of Publications and Editor
- Stephen GambleDirector of Research
- Arnold WestCouncil Chairman
- Dr. Frank DrakeAstronomer
- Professor Archibald FryAstronomer