APCIC - Vol 01 No 12 - 1976

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.) is dated December 1976, Volume One, No. 12. The publication, based in Cleveland, Ohio, aims to provide 'Total Press Coverage Monthly' on topics including UFOs, monsters, and cattle mutilation, utilizing a national clipping service for extensive coverage across the U.S. and Canada.

Editorial and Content

The editorial staff, including Editor H. R. Cohen and Assistant Editor S. McWilliams, express gratitude to subscribers for making the publication possible. They outline the content to be expected, including comprehensive coverage of sightings and a feature on current UFO books and magazines supplied by UFO authority Lou Farish. Plans for expansion into foreign clippings and articles are also mentioned.

Book Reviews and Listings

The issue includes extensive lists of hardcover and paperback books related to UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and related mysteries. Titles range from "Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence" and "The World Before" to "UFOs: The American Scene," "The Space-Gods Revealed," and "Project Blue Book." Prices and publishers are provided for each listing. Lou Farish is credited for making this section possible, and subscribers interested in more information are directed to send a self-addressed stamped envelope to him.

Key Articles and Reports

'UFO Rushed My Plane And Forced Me To Crash'

This article details the experience of Leon Senjanec, a 31-year-old pilot from Martinsburg, West Virginia, who claims a UFO caused him to crash his Cessna 150. Senjanec described the object as a bright, almost blinding, red-hot, pie-shaped craft with smooth surfaces and a window at the front. He stated the UFO was under intelligent control and was only feet away, performing maneuvers impossible for any airplane. The incident occurred on September 7th, and local authorities, including a state trooper, reportedly confirmed seeing a strange craft. Senjanec's friends and neighbors do not consider him a 'kook,' and a local citizens group is demanding a congressional investigation into UFOs.

'UFO sighting reported in Norton'

This report from the Sun Chronicle covers a sighting by James Thibodeau of Norton, Massachusetts, who claims to have seen a metallic gray flying saucer over the Roger Eddy Dump. Thibodeau, initially a skeptic, described the object as shaped like an inverted pie plate, approximately 200 feet in diameter and 50 feet high. Another resident, Richard Owen, also reported seeing the object. The sighting occurred at 2:45 p.m. on a stark wintery afternoon. The article also mentions previous reports of UFOs in the area and a report of interference on citizen band radios and police radios.

'UFO - flying billboard'

This article from the Colorado Springs Sun clarifies the mystery of an unidentified flying object hovering over Colorado Springs. It reveals that the 'UFO' was actually a 'billboard in the sky' operated by Allan Kevles of Mountain Aero Ads. The 44-foot by 10-foot sign, attached to an airplane, displayed advertising messages using 315 lights. While the sign was intended to be seen as advertising, the plane's appearance at night led to numerous calls from UFO-watchers, with authorities confirming it was a human-operated advertising vehicle.

Ex-Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, Now U.S. Senator-Elect, Says: 'I Believe There's Life in Space—And I'll Urge Govt. to Reveal What it Knows About UFOs'

This article features Dr. Harrison Schmitt, a former astronaut and newly elected U.S. Senator from New Mexico. Schmitt expresses his belief in extraterrestrial life, stating it would be 'egotistical' to assume humans are alone. He suggests that UFOs might be spacecraft piloted by extraterrestrial beings who are cautious about contact due to the risk of disease, drawing parallels to historical instances of disease transmission between populations. Schmitt plans to urge the government to open its UFO files to the public, barring information that might affect national security, and advocates for a search for evidence of extraterrestrial spacecraft.

'Is Fascinated By Mysteries' - Leonard Nimoy

This piece discusses actor Leonard Nimoy's role as host and narrator for the series "In Search of....." Nimoy expresses his fascination with mysteries, including plants, the Bermuda Triangle, and UFOs. He confirms his belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, stating, "I believe there is extraterrestrial life. I definitely believe there is an interplanetary capability."

'UFOs Frequent Visitors In Essex, England'

This report details frequent UFO sightings in Essex County, England, with residents reportedly seeing about 230 such objects per year. Barry King, chief investigator for the British UFO Association, describes a triangular craft with a round section and flashing lights that hovered and dropped to the ground. King and his companion, Jack Grant, observed 'strange figures' that resembled ghosts disembarking from the craft. The article notes that the British government has not officially acknowledged such phenomena.

'Primitive Indians Drew Pictures of Spacemen & UFOs In North America 1,000 Years Ago'

This article presents claims by researchers, including Canadian expert Alan Jay and archeologist Doris Lundy, that ancient rock paintings in British Columbia depict spacemen, flying saucers, and aircraft. These drawings, dated to over 1,000 years ago, are compared to primitive paintings found in the Sahara, Italy, and Syria, which Erich von Daniken suggests are evidence of alien visits. Josef Blumrich, former head of future spacecraft design at NASA, is convinced these drawings were made by Indians who witnessed extraterrestrial visitors, citing the similarity of such figures across different cultures and locations.

'Woman spots strange object in the sky'

This report from New Britain, Connecticut, features Mrs. Janice Colby's account of seeing a large, oval, bright object with glowing tentacles in the sky. She described it as looking like a street light looming low between trees and noted it was not the moon or an aircraft due to the absence of motor noise. The object reportedly soared across the sky, took on a flat shape, and then displayed five tentacles. Mrs. Colby was frightened and believed it to be an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO).

'UFO-Search'

This brief item mentions that the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) admitted tracking an Unidentified Flying Object on radar and scrambling fighter jets to intercept it. Although the jets failed to make contact, other mysterious objects were spotted from the ground in Ontario, Canada, with one UFO picked up on radar. The sightings were witnessed by police officers, military personnel, and civilians.

'Something weird out there'

This article from the Sunday Newsday reports on a sighting of a 'cerie white and yellow light' over Ronkonkoma, New York, by Ann Parillo and her daughter. The light was described as flatter than oval and performing revolutions. While Suffolk police and the airport suggested it was a searchlight used for guiding pilots, Joseph Giglietta, a pharmacist, expressed uncertainty, stating, "There's something weird going on and no one is telling us."

'3 Bright Objects in Evening Sky Are Venus, Jupiter and Saturn'

This article from the Arkansas Gazette addresses public concern over bright objects seen in the evening sky. Clay Sherrod of the Mid-South Astronomical Research Society identifies these objects as the planets Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, explaining their visibility through November and early December. He clarifies that these are natural celestial bodies and not unidentified flying objects.

'Flying saucers'

This brief report from the Dayton Daily News mentions that two scientists in California have theorized how to build a flying saucer. Their theory involves creating lift by generating a magnetic field under the saucer and propelling it with a plasma stream produced by bombarding it with lasers. They suggest this technology could allow for high-speed atmospheric travel and rapid directional changes by 1990.

'People Are Saying...'

This section compiles various UFO sightings and opinions from New York State. Reports include sightings of 'enormous upside-down soup bowls' in the sky near Suffern, N.Y., described as red-orange with silvery metallic bodies. Warren Berbit, a lawyer with engineering degrees, dismisses explanations like stars or planes, suggesting the objects are extraterrestrial. Dan Cetrone theorizes that UFOs are drawn to the area by nuclear plants and are part of a cycle that peaks every 61 months.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The publication appears to adopt a stance of presenting various accounts and theories related to UFOs, from eyewitness testimonies and expert opinions to ancient evidence and scientific speculation. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings and encouraging further investigation, as evidenced by the call for government transparency and the detailed reporting of incidents. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, providing a platform for diverse perspectives and reports.

This issue of "Astronomer" magazine, dated February 1977, features a cover story titled "UFO's Invade New York State!" and explores various UFO sightings, astronomical observations, and theories about extraterrestrial life and ancient civilizations.

Articles and Features

Interview with Amateur Astronomer Bill Warren

The issue begins with an excerpt from the Syracuse Herald American, interviewing amateur astronomer Wm. Warren. Warren, 52, uses his telescope to observe celestial bodies like Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus. He has also witnessed unusual aerial phenomena, including a triangular shaped object with lights that disappeared below the horizon. He is a fan of "Star Trek" and discusses the show's blend of realism and fantasy. His workshop is filled with astronomy books and memorabilia. His daughter, Debbie, also participates in the interview.

UFO Sighting Stirs CB'ers

This article from The Florida Times-Union reports on a bright, whirling unidentified object sighted in the sky near Palatka, Florida, during the early morning hours. Citizen Band (CB) radio channels buzzed with reports of the sighting, which lasted from shortly after midnight until 5:30 a.m. Witnesses described the object as having a flashing light at the top with blue and green lights at the bottom. A former Air Force serviceman described it as whirling with bright lights of blue, green, amber, and white.

UFOs Invade New York State!

Written by Ivan Zogg, this article details a series of UFO sightings in Putnam and Rockland Counties, New York. Attorney Warren Berbit describes seeing two UFOs hovering over the Ramapo Mountains, one horizontal and one vertical, appearing metallic and shiny. He estimates their distance at one to one and a half miles. Dan Cetrone, publisher of the Rockland County Almanac, suggests the UFOs are observing nuclear power plants in the area. The article also mentions a friend of Berbit's who saw a rotating beacon and experienced radio interference while flying over Harriman State Park.

We're Not Earthlings Says Scholar

Authored by Rachel Robson, this piece introduces the theories of scientist Zacharia Sitchin. Sitchin, based on his study of ancient tablets, proposes that human life was created by an alien race from a planet called "Marduk" approximately 450,000 years ago. These aliens, known as "nefilim," landed on Earth to mine for gold. They allegedly created humans as slaves through artificial insemination of ape-women. Sitchin's theories will be detailed in his upcoming book, "The Twelfth Planet." He suggests the "nefilim" left Earth when they foresaw the great floods, leaving humanity to survive.

Mysterious Alien Being Scientist Takes Picture

This article reports on a UFO sighting in Northern Italy where an alien being was allegedly photographed. Ufologist Stellio Asso, along with his daughter Maria Grazia and artist Roberto Molino, claims to have seen and photographed a "small man" under four feet tall, wearing black overalls with slanted eye slits. They described the being as having a knapsack and a round, shiny object. The lower part of the alien's arms was longer than an average human's. Asso believes the aliens had "good intentions."

Scientists to Speak on UFOs

This brief article announces that J. Allen Hynek and Frank Drake, leading authorities on unidentified flying objects, will be speaking at Seneca College. The event is part of a series called "The Human Kaleidoscope."

Veteran Pilot and Air Traffic Controllers Spot UFO Hovering Near Airport in Japan

Written by Shelley Ross, this report details a sighting of a "brilliant golden UFO" over northern Japan, observed by airport personnel and a veteran airline pilot. Kenichi Waga, a telecommunications officer at Akita Airport, described the object as disk-shaped, larger than a car but smaller than an airplane, very bright, and golden with white lights. Air traffic controller Tazawa Takumi described it as an unusually shaped flying object resembling two plates placed together. Pilot Capt. Masaru Saito also witnessed the object. The UFO disappeared after about five minutes.

Lake Scugog UFO is Sighted

This report from the Port Perry Star describes a sighting by Mr. and Mrs. McBrien on Lake Scugog in Canada. Mr. McBrien noticed an unusually bright light reflected in the water, which turned out to be a bright "star-like" light hovering over the lake, with one side red and the other green. They woke their son, and all three watched the object for about 15 minutes before it moved slowly on a southerly course.

Soviets Debate Life in Space

This article from the Niagara Falls Gazette discusses the Soviet Union's interest in flying saucers and extraterrestrial beings. Professor Alexei Zolotov has reportedly theorized that the 1908 Tunguska explosion was caused by a crashed nuclear-powered spaceship. The article also mentions a debate on whether intelligent beings exist in space, with some scientists believing it motivates exploration.

Woman Spots Strange Object in the Sky

From the New Britain Herald, this piece reports on Mrs. Janice Colby of Plainville, Connecticut, who saw a "large, very bright street light" with "glowing tentacles" and blue, green, and red lights. She believed it was an unidentified flying object (UFO) and that it was photographing her.

More Spaceship Sightings Reported

This article from the Bangor Daily News compiles several UFO sighting reports. Miss Susan Nasiatka of Union, Connecticut, reported seeing two spaceships hovering near her car. Mrs. Carol Robbins of Worcester, Massachusetts, reported seeing a similar spacecraft. The Putnam Police received several calls about sightings. The article also mentions UFO Central, a nationwide hotline for reporting sightings.

Another UFO Is Reported By Motorist in Charlton

This report from the Norwich Bulletin details a sighting by Miss Gail R. Davis in Charlton, Massachusetts. She reported seeing a strange bright light that caused chipping on her car. Her mother also noted similar chipped paint on the rear of the car. A similar incident was reported in Sturbridge.

Union Woman Spots UFO's Flying Over West Woodstock

By Ed Mahony, this article from the Norwich Bulletin recounts Miss Susan Nasiatka's experience in West Woodstock, Connecticut. She claims to have seen two sets of red and blue lights that revealed large, saucer-shaped spacecraft. She described one object as giant and top-shaped, approximately 50 yards in diameter, with ring-shaped window lights. She fled to the police station, appearing "pale and frightened" but articulate.

Tuesday Sighting Woman Saw UFO for 30 minutes

Written by Phyllis Hough, this article from the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports on Terry Cunningim of Amherst, Massachusetts, who claims to have seen a UFO for 30 minutes. She described it as shaped like a bullet, pointed at both ends, with red and white lights. She believes she may have been taken aboard, with her memory blanked out afterwards. Professor William A. Dent of the University of Massachusetts is quoted as questioning the account due to the lack of a second observer and the subjective nature of distance and size estimations.

Woman Sights UFO Which Sights Her

This article from the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports on a woman in North Amherst, Massachusetts, who claimed a UFO appeared to be taking pictures of her. She described the object as gray, the size of two cars, with red lights on top and mirrors on the bottom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the intersection of these topics with astronomy and ancient history. The magazine presents a variety of witness accounts, from amateur astronomers to pilots and ordinary citizens, alongside scientific speculation and theories from researchers like Zacharia Sitchin and J. Allen Hynek. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these phenomena, presenting different perspectives and encouraging further investigation, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The inclusion of articles on ancient civilizations and alien creation theories suggests a broader interest in the origins of humanity and its place in the cosmos.

This issue of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, dated December 18, 1976, features a prominent cover story about a "New Mexico Saucer Sighter" and a secondary report on an "Identified Flying Object Sighted Over Fairfield." The publication also includes articles on UFO sightings in other locations, scientific theories about the Tunguska event, and a piece discussing UFO intelligences and their potential role in human evolution.

New Mexico Saucer Sighter Says 'Something' Here, Too

This article by Jeff South introduces Russell, a man from New Mexico who claims to have seen and photographed numerous flying saucers and spaceships. Russell states he would have dismissed such stories two years prior but now believes these objects are real, whether they are alien or secret government projects. He recounts his first sighting a year ago while hunting in New Mexico and has spent two weeks in Lubbock seeking advice. Gary R. Johnson, a self-described "UFO buff" and finance director at Texas Tech University, was consulted by Russell. Johnson expressed intrigue, noting that if Russell is a hoaxer, he has done extensive homework. Johnson found the photographs startling but could not definitively confirm their authenticity, suggesting they might be faked with considerable effort. He believes the story is worth pursuing.

Russell provided 15 color photographs, developed by a commercial firm, which he claims show a variety of UFOs he has observed. These include a large "mother ship" (100-200 feet in diameter), a smaller flying saucer (six feet in diameter) that emerges from the mother ship to probe the ground with an antenna, and an "observatory craft" the size of the mother ship. He also described a cigar-shaped object with flashing green-red-silver lights. Russell declined to show all his photographs or reveal his full name and background, fearing it would lead to unwanted attention and exploitation. He stated he is not ready to go public until he can uncover the "secret of this thing."

Identified Flying Object Sighted Over Fairfield

This report by Helen Jankoski details an incident on November 20, 1976, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A "Identified Flying Object" (IFO) was observed flying through the area skies. The object, described as a 44 by 9 foot spread of lights, was identified as a piloted aircraft, a Cessna 150, operated by Morgan Kaolian, superintendent of operations at Sikorsky Memorial airport. Kaolian was flying the "IFO" from Stratford to Norwalk between 6 and 7 p.m. The lights were linked to a computer and spelled out messages of 70 to 90 characters, similar to the Goodyear blimp or Times Square displays. This advertising venture, called "Starcast," is a project by Kaolian and his partner Mark S. Caliguri, a Pilgrim Airlines pilot. The message seen was "Starcast A New Dimension in Advertising" with a phone listing.

UFOs-Still Around

This section, written by Allen Spraggett, presents two reports from the United States from the past year, focusing on sightings involving police officers to maximize credibility. The first report, from January 20, 1976, describes a "silent, crystal-white object surrounded by a greenish haze" observed by a policeman and a journalist driving in a patrol car toward Atlantic City from Ventnor, New Jersey. The object appeared spherical and traveled parallel to their car. Upon reaching the boardwalk, they observed the UFO more closely, and it blinked when illuminated by the patrol car's spotlight. The object then moved closer to the beach, prompting the officers to radio for assistance. Seven cruisers and about 16 officers responded, all of whom saw a greenish, globular light receding over the dark waters. The original pair later saw the UFO again, appearing to follow their car over the ocean shoreline before vanishing. These events occurred within a half-hour period ending around 6 p.m.

The second report, from April 22, 1976, occurred in Elmwood, Wisconsin. A police officer on duty noticed a glow at the top of a nearby hill and radioed headquarters that he was going to investigate. Upon reaching the hill, he reported seeing a UFO, but his radio then went dead. Another officer was dispatched and found the first officer slumped in his patrol car, with the car's lights off and motor running. The officer, in a state of shock, was admitted to the hospital. Released four days later, he described the object as "huge," appearing as high as a two-story house and about 250 feet across, hovering about 100 feet above the ground. He noted an orange-white light at the top and six bluish-white lights on the side, with visible shadows suggesting movement inside. He also observed what appeared to be legs or landing gear. As the object rose straight up extremely fast, there was a brilliant flash, his car lights went out, and the motor stopped. He remembered nothing else until someone asked him what was wrong.

These accounts are from the files of the Center for UFO Studies, headed by Northwestern University astronomy professor Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

'They Are Showing Us Many Things' - Knowledge of UFOs Called Bridge to Future

This article by Midge Yearley presents the hypotheses of UFO researcher Brad Steiger, who has been researching the subject since the 1950s. Steiger believes humanity is in a transitional period, moving towards the "Age of Aquarius," where UFO intelligences are guiding us into a new evolutionary stage. He suggests this new age will involve a "giant superbrain" linking species, leading to universal insight and identity, thus eliminating tension. Steiger posits that around 1985, things will accelerate or decelerate towards the end of the century. He believes that by blending with technology, humanity can survive and become part of this sixth stage of evolution, making a "quantum leap." He states that UFOs are showing us how to materialize and dematerialize to avoid space travel and are leading us from "homo sapiens to homo spiritus."

Steiger distinguishes his views from mere belief, calling them hypotheses or a synthesis of his research. He has personally witnessed UFOs eight or ten times, describing their movements as inexplicable, involving sudden stops, starts, and right-angle turns. He recounts a childhood contact experience with an "elf-form humanoid" which he believes showed him that humanity is not alone and is part of a larger community of intelligences. He likens the reason for existence to orthodox religion, describing it as a "spiritual incubator." Steiger also shared an experience of leaving his physical body after a farm accident at age 11, becoming one with all life before returning.

He asserts that contacting a UFO is a physical and non-physical experience, operating on different "channels." Steiger emphasizes that UFOs do not appear only to specific types of people, citing sightings by military officers, scientists, and physicists from all walks of life. He notes that those who report sightings are usually well-educated, earn above-average wages, and hold responsible community positions. In his book, "Gods of Aquarius," Steiger relates various accounts of people who have seen or been contacted by UFOs. He explains that the perceived form of the entity depends on the observer's beliefs, with people in the past seeing angels and modern individuals seeing "space persons from Venus." He concludes that we should not seek these experiences but acknowledge that they happen.

Black hole idea discarded - Soviets thought UFO caused blast

This excerpt from the book "The Fire Came By" by John Baxter and Thomas Atkins discusses the 1908 Siberian explosion. Scientists have proposed antimatter or a black hole as possible causes, but these explanations are deemed unsatisfactory. The overwhelming evidence of an atomic explosion prompted scientists to look to theoretical physics. The Tunguska cosmic body could not have been a comet or a normal meteorite, suggesting a more complex phenomenon. The possibility of antimatter, where particles have reversed electrical charges, is discussed, but Soviet scientists rejected this, arguing it couldn't explain the physical effects. A 1969 U.S. committee report also examined this theory and reached similar conclusions.

A more bizarre suggestion is that the explosion resulted from a collision with a "black hole." J. Robert Oppenheimer had speculated about stars collapsing into dense "black holes." Walter Sullivan examined the notion that a tiny black hole might have hit Siberia and passed through the Earth. A. A. Jackson and Michael P. Ryan proposed this idea in 1973 to explain the Tunguska blast. However, Soviet experts rejected these theories because they did not match the eyewitness testimony and physical findings. Witnesses described an "elongated flaming object" with a "bluish-white" radiance, brighter than the sun, leaving a trail of smoke. The article suggests this object could have been a "spacecraft."

Early aerial photographs and ground surveys revealed an oval or elliptical contour of the blast region. Calculations by A. Y. Manotskov and Michael P. Ryan suggested the object arrived at a velocity much slower than a natural cosmic body, behaving like a supersonic craft. Felix Zigel, an aerodynamics professor, concluded that the Tunguska body performed a "maneuver" over a 375-mile arc, which no natural object could do. Therefore, Zigel, along with other Soviet experts, believed the object was an "artificial flying craft from some other planet."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, and the scientific and speculative investigations into their nature and origin. There is a consistent focus on witness testimony, often involving credible individuals like police officers, and the attempts to reconcile these accounts with scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced technology. The articles explore both the immediate impact of sightings and broader philosophical implications, such as humanity's place in the cosmos and potential future evolution guided by unknown intelligences.