UFO or camera error?

SOME time back we ran an unusual story about a picture a reader has sent us.  The reader Pat Regan told us that he has snapped a picture of a UFO at an air show in Southport.  This week he contacted us saying he was no closer to finding out what it was.  Pat said that:- “The camera I used was quite new (under warrenty) and has had no problems before.  It is a sealed unit not a digital SLR that can hold dirt subsequent to opening.  I am quite sure it was not another jet as we took several pictures of the same thing and this was the only one to show the object.  The camera was in fact examined for accuracy and flaws shortly before this sighting by the UFO Hunters team from the States, during an interview with me.  There only appeared to be two jets in action at that time, in that air space, with the rest of the squad to our rear.  The CAA has also refused to investigate this matter further and referred us back to the MOD who are not interested.  I don't know what it was.” Pat also added that the camera was “Camera is a newish Canon PowerShot 720 IS with 8 mega pixels and 6 x optical lenses.  Sorry but not sure how zoomed in at the time it was but it was optically not digitally zoomed.” After a bit of digging we found out that the Canon PowerShot range does have a history of problem with high-contrast boundary areas on images, often resulting in "purple ghost images" This crops up often with the Canon Digital IXUS 900 Ti / Powershot SD900 and also the SD800 has had a lot of reported problems with ghost images.  Also a bit of research reveals that the Optical Image Stabilizer and High ISO Auto to combat image blur, might account for the image.  All in all this could be lots f things in our view.  So it is still open for debate….  Do you have a PowerShot 720 IS and if so do you know any problems that might get this image effect to appear? If so let us know to:- news24@southportreporter.com.

Pat went on to say that “Judging by the first shot on the link I have at quite a wider angle, as opposed to zoomed in, to get all the action in.  I also do not like to use digital zoom and always stick to the optical zoom for reasons of clarity. 

As far as I can recall I just cropped in on the image at home to get a better look at the thing on Photo Express.  The closer I hit the zoom button on PE the more dark and triangular it seems to become. 

I have not used this camera at air shows before and it was afternoon as I pointed towards the pier direction, which would have been northerly so the sun would have been to my left or behind I think and quite high.  I did not check any processing speed after the show.  I have not noticed any flaws in the Canon unit before or since this shot was taken.  If I had it would have gone back under warranty.  I like to use it for macro photography too being a fly angler.”

So if you have any ideas what this is please let us know!   We will pass the information on to Pat. 

If you think it is a UFO, please do let us know as well.   On top of all that did you get a picture or video with the same object on?   Do let us via emailing:- news24@southportreporter.com.

Non-executive director wanted - your chance to influence health decisions

IF you've gained senior level expertise in the private, public or voluntary sectors, Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust can offer an exceptional opportunity to put your talents to use by making a positive difference to the lives of people in your community. We are looking for someone to fill a Non-executive Director vacancy on their Board.

Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is particularly looking for someone with significant or senior level experience in marketing, ideally demonstrating strong local connections and/or networks.

The Appointments Commission, who is responsible for appointing Non-executive Directors, has identified a range of skills and experience required by the non-executive members of any local NHS board in order to make an effective team.

These include senior level experience in finance, governance with strategic planning, financial, risk and performance management, commercial and private sector, the voluntary sector or community service experience, or specific expertise relating to the work of the organisation such as consumer/customer focus, patient advocacy, market management, organisational development, commissioning, contract management, local government, economic analysis, change management, HR, education and training or legal expertise. Clearly candidates would not be expected to display expertise in all of these.

Preference will be given to candidates who live in the area served by the Trust. In the interests of geographical balance on the board, the Trust would particularly like to hear from candidates living in the Ormskirk area.

We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. We believe that the best board is one that that reflects the community we serve.

For an informal discussion with the Chairman, Sir Ron Watson, please contact 01704 704782 prior to the closing date for applications. This will play no part in the selection process.

The time commitment is typically just two and a half days each month and remuneration is £6,005 per annum.

This is a chance to influence and shape the NHS for the 21st century. The closing date for applications is 9 February 2009 and interviews will be held on 2 March 2009. For more information please visit our websites www.appointments.org.uk/vacancies or www.strictlyboardroom.co.uk or by calling:- 0870 240 3802 quoting the reference NW8691.

"Stand Up To Hatred" on Holocaust Memorial Day

JOIN The Lesbian and Gay Foundation and Keshet Manchester in Standing Up To Hatred. 2009 sees The UK's ninth annual Holocaust Memorial Day taking place on Tuesday, 27 January 2009. The commemoration coincides with the anniversary of the
liberation of the Nazi concentration camps, and presents a vital opportunity for us all to remember the victims of the Holocaust and stand up to present injustices. Britain today is not Nazi Germany, but the evils of prejudice, discrimination and intolerance are still with us. We categorise, stereotype, discriminate, exclude, bully, persecute, and attack - because of race, religion, disability, and sexuality. Acts of hatred always involve making a choice. We choose to attack, to abuse, to exclude, to stand back and do nothing - or we choose to resist, to respect, to protect. Holocaust Memorial Day 2009 challenges us all to "Stand Up to Hatred". The Lesbian and Gay Foundation along with Keshet Manchester have a series of events which aim to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, and promote discussion of how the LGB&T community can stand up to hatred and homophobia. For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day go to:- hmd.org.uk.