The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, March 1988, Volume 5, No. 2

This document is the March 1988 issue (Volume 5, No. 2) of The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena, published by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA). The editorial, written by Director of Research Steve Gamble, advocates for a shift in ufology from the traditional 'single case' legalistic approach toward the application of statistical methods and recursive analysis. Gamble argues that combining multiple observations helps minimize errors and provides a more accurate understanding of UFO phenomena. The issue includes a significant status report by Paul Fuller on 'Mystery Circles' (crop circles), which details their physical characteristics, such as swirl patterns and precise edges, and argues that while some are proven hoaxes, the majority require a more plausible explanation than simple human-made deception. The journal also contains a report by Paul Edwards on an airship sighting in Northamptonshire that was misidentified as a UFO, demonstrating the importance of thorough investigation. Additionally, the issue features correspondence debating the 'Todmorden UFO Report' and the validity of Steuart Campbell's research methods, highlighting internal disagreements within the ufology community regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis and scientific rigor. The journal serves as a platform for BUFORA to promote scientific standards in the study of aerial phenomena, including the use of psychological testing on witnesses and the systematic evaluation of case reports.