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do not have an open-minded approach to subjects which do not conform with present thinking or with currently accepted scientific theory. Adrian Berry, science correspondent of the Daily Telegraph for many years, has admitted that scientists in general are infuriated by paranormal events including UFOs. In an article in the newspaper in November 1990, he stated that these subjects are "resented because, if confirmed, the whole fabric of science would be threatened" . So now we know why most scientists do not wish to look honestly at reported events which do not fit the accepted pattern, but prefer to guard presently known theory for as long as possible. This seems a pity, as it does not help to advance knowledge into new areas which must surely exist. Scientists must, of course, exercise caution where reputations may be at stake. However, it would be unwise of them to feel satisfied that there are no major discoveries yet to be made in the natural world or in the universe around us. solar system was probably unique, but since around 1995 evidence has been found that there are many stars which seem to have planetary companions. The existence of these other solar systems is indicated mainly by the observed gravitational effects on the parent star. It would take a very powerful telescope to see any of these planets directly. It is quite possible, even assuming the most pessimistic chances, that intelligent life does exist elsewhere in the universe, but we are told that faster-than-light travel is impossible. Knowing how much has been discovered by and achieved in science, with manned flights and space research in the past century, how much more may be considered possible and achievable in the more distant future—or may already be available to any civilisations more advanced than ourselves? It should not be assumed that the origin of any UFOs must necessarily be extraterrestrial. Although it is of course a possibility to be considered, there is also intriguing evidence in many of the reports of links with other reported paranormal events, which may provide another explanation. For those who are prepared to study the evidence, it is apparent that genuine unexplained events exist. The scientific panel in 1997 was, for example, impressed in particular with UFO cases involving effects on electrical systems. Reported vehicle interference effects are a major part of the many "high strangeness" cases, and it is in these that the most significant clues will be found. Although many case reports remain unobtainable in spite of Freedom of Information legislation, there is ample material available to assist investigation of the subject. The search for evidence and for more definitive answers will continue. Where exactly UFOs come from may be neither here nor there and perhaps in a somewhat different direction—but if anyone says that astronomers never see UFOs, don't believe them. oo References ¢ Sturrock, Peter A., The UFO Enigma, Warner Books, New York, 2000 (Professor Peter Sturrock retired in 1998 as Director of the Center for Space Science and Astrophysics at Stanford University, California.) ¢ Sachs, Margaret (ed.), The UFO Encyclopedia, Corgi, London, 1981 ¢ Wilkins, H.P., Mysteries of Space and Time, Frederick Muller Ltd, London, 1955, ¢ Falla, G., "Vehicle Interference Report: UFO interference effect cases", British UFO Research Association, http:/$www.bufora.org.uk/Portals/0/ Research/vehicle_interference_report. pdf ¢ UFO Magazine, Nov/Dec 1996, Jan/Feb 2001, Quest Publications Int. ¢ Flying Saucer Review, 37(1):24 Speculation on intelligent life Given that UFOs may well exist as a truly unexplained phenomenon, as the evidence seems to confirm, what could they be and where do they come from? Not long ago it was thought that our eee & , ie | ( (( | br fli AO fNeafth About the Author: Astronomer Geoff Falla is the Facilities Officer of The Guernsey Society's Astronomy Section (see http:/Awww.astronomy.org.gg/about. ht m) and is an active member of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) (see http://www.bufora. org.uk). 60 ¢ NEXUS www.nexusmagazine.com FEBRUARY — MARCH 2009