UFO Times, Issue 45 - October 1997

This issue of UFO Times, the journal of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), dated September/October 1997, serves as a comprehensive compilation of news, research, and opinion regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). The editorial by Dave Newton introduces a new editorial direction, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining BUFORA's integrity while addressing criticisms regarding text size and the need for more regular publication. The issue features a significant focus on the 'earth lights' hypothesis, championed by Paul Devereux, who argues that many UFO reports, particularly those involving lights in the sky (LITS), can be explained by plasma phenomena rather than extraterrestrial craft. This perspective is contrasted with the more traditional Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The journal also covers NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission, noting the public interest and subsequent UFO-related speculation surrounding images from the Red Planet. A substantial portion of the document is dedicated to 'Investigations Diary' by Gloria Dixon, which details internal BUFORA business, including the introduction of new standard forms for witness profiling and a moratorium on the use of regressive hypnosis in investigations. Several specific sighting reports are documented, ranging from black triangles in the UK to light phenomena in Romania, Chile, and Canada. The issue also includes a series of articles on the 'Longdendale Lights' in the Derbyshire Peak District, identifying the area as a 'window area' for recurring light phenomena. Furthermore, the journal provides reviews of recent literature, including books on the Men in Black phenomenon and alien abductions, and includes a competition related to the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. The document concludes with an open letter of censure regarding the actions of certain BUFORA members who trespassed on Ministry of Defence land, highlighting the ongoing tension within the organization between those advocating for aggressive investigation tactics and those prioritizing legal and professional standards.