APCIC - Vol 02 No 01 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING & INFORMATION CENTER" (A.P.C.I.C.) is Volume Two, Number 1, dated January 1977. The center is located at P.O. Box 9073, Cleveland, Ohio 44137.

New Book Reviews

The issue features a comprehensive list of new hardcover and paperback books related to paranormal phenomena, ufology, and mysteries.

• Hardcover Books:
• THE SECRET COUNTRY by Janet & Colin Bord: A summary of British sites and legends, a sequel to "MYSTERIOUS BRITAIN."
• THE GHOST OF FLIGHT 401 by John G. Fuller: Discusses ghostly apparitions of a dead flight crew on a Tristar Jet.
• HYPERSENTIENCE by Marcia Moore: Explores Ms. Moore's technique for exploring alleged former incarnations.
• EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE: The First Encounter edited by James L. Christian: Features chapters by various authors on the first meeting with extraterrestrials.
• STRANGE MINDS compiled by William R. Corliss: Deals with parapsychology.

• Paperback Books:
• THE ATLANTIS CONSPIRACY by Dr. Maxine Asher: An account of the AMRA Atlantis expedition.
• ATLANTIS IN IRELAND by Henry O'Brien: A reprint of an 1834 book.
• THE LEVIATHANS by Tim Dinsdale: A revised edition of a 1966 book on water monsters.
• NESSIE by Frank Searle: Controversial photos and an account of a vigil at Loch Ness.
• THE SEARCH FOR SUPERMAN by John L. Wilhelm: An investigation of Uri Geller and psychic research.
• IN SEARCH OF NOAH'S ARK by Dave Balsiger and Charles E. Sellier Jr.: An update on "Ark-eology."
• SYBIL LEEK'S BOOK OF THE CURIOUS AND THE OCCULT by Sybil Leek: A collection of general oddities.
• MYSTERIOUS PYRAMID POWER edited by Martin Ebon: An anthology of material on pyramids.

Article: "Are we someone else's UFO?" by Bruce Kueck

This article explores theories presented by Brad Steiger, author of "Gods of Aquarius" and "Project Blue Book." Steiger suggests that UFOs might be from other space-time continuums or that humans could be the UFOs in another framework. He posits that beings, normally invisible, can become visible due to overlapping forces, similar to a "ghost image" phenomenon in television.

Steiger dismisses the idea that UFOs are simply imagination, citing radar tracking. He also suggests that UFOs are not intelligence-gathering vehicles of any country. He believes that UFOs may be trying to tell us that we need to change our ideas about space travel, focusing on avoiding space rather than traversing it, as they "aren't going through space. They're leaving it."

Steiger also touches on the idea that mankind's psychic needs might conjure up visions, including UFOs. He notes that intelligences can influence the human mind telepathically to project images based on preconceptions. He describes sightings of elves, fairies, and little green men as archetypal constructs that convey a message about humanity's denial of belief in the magical and wonderful, leading to an overemphasis on rationality.

Steiger believes that the current era is a transforming one, where the UFO may become a symbol guiding mankind into the future, potentially leading to humanity becoming "gods of a new age."

Article: "Fallen object creates A-pond" (Cleveland Press, Jan. 13, 1977)

This report details a mysterious incident in Wakefield, New Hampshire, where an object fell into a pond on the McCarthy farm. Witnesses reported instruments detecting high levels of radioactivity. Townspeople were reportedly ordered to keep quiet. State officials and the National Guard were involved, with plans to drain the pond. Initial readings of high radioactivity were dismissed by Governor Meldrim Thomson as likely due to faulty instruments in extreme cold. While some officials confirmed an object dropped into the pond, Thomson's office later stated investigators found no evidence of any foreign object. Later tests showed normal background radiation, with officials suggesting the mud and ice could have shielded any emissions.

Article: "UFO story leaves him starry-eyed" (The Journal-News, Dec. 19, 1976)

This article recounts a sighting by several Tappan residents who observed a round object hovering in the sky for several hours. The object was described as blinking red, white, and green. While police could not confirm the report, an officer did acknowledge writing a report of the incident, noting he saw "nothing but stars in the sky."

Article: "Visit by 'spacemen' gains more credence" (The Port Arthur News, Dec. 18, 1976)

This article discusses a special edition of "Astronomy" magazine that examines the "Zeta Reticuli Incident." It highlights the hypothesis that Zeta 1 and Zeta 2 Reticuli stars, located 220 trillion miles away, may be the home base of extraterrestrials who visited Earth in 1961. The case of Betty and Barney Hill, who claimed to have been abducted by four-foot-tall human-like spacemen, is central to this investigation. Betty Hill's "star map," drawn under hypnosis, is presented as evidence, with research by Marjorie Fish suggesting it accurately depicts a section of the sky and includes data not available in 1964. Scientists like Walter Mitchell and statistics expert David R. Saunders express serious interest, while others, like Dr. Carl Sagan, dismiss the similarities as coincidence.

Advice Column: "Have there been any reports of flying saucers spotted lately in the vicinity of this continent?"

A spokesman for the Center for UFO Studies states that an average of seven UFO sightings occur daily in the U.S. A Gallup Poll indicated 15 million Americans have sighted UFOs. While 95% of reports are attributed to atmospheric distortions or meteorologic phenomena, about 2% remain unidentified. The center, directed by J. Allen Hynek, investigates these phenomena, stating they do exist and involve a theory of extraterrestrial life.

Article: "Mirages can play strange tricks" (Cleveland Press, Jan. 3, 1977)

This article by David Dietz explains how mirages, caused by the refraction of light rays through layers of air with different temperatures and densities, can be mistaken for UFOs. It describes how hot air above the ground can act like a mirror, bending light upwards and making observers see the sky. Examples include seeing water on a road or lights in the sky appearing as moving objects. The article also mentions a famous mirage that cost the American Museum of Natural History $300,000 and sightings of upside-down panoramas over Rehoboth, Delaware.

Article: "A-pond is ruled 'clean' but confusion remains" (Cleveland Press, Jan. 14, 1977)

This follow-up report on the Wakefield, New Hampshire incident confirms that state officials found nothing radioactive in farmer William McCarthy's pond. Governor Thomson dismissed rumors of a radioactive object, attributing initial high readings to faulty instruments. While some officials confirmed an object dropped into the pond, Thomson's office later stated no foreign object was found. The confusion stems from the initial radioactivity readings and the strange phenomenon of thick ice turning to slush in freezing temperatures.

Article: "UFO Sighting Pleasant Valley" (New Glasgow News, Dec. 26, 1976)

This report details a UFO sighting by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. (Bud) MacLeod in Pleasant Valley, Pictou County, Canada. They described a banana-shaped, yellow object with white, green, and blue lights that headed southwest. Mr. MacLeod, a retired pilot, stated he had never seen anything like it in his extensive flying career.

Article: "I talk to angels who fly UFOs" (National Examiner, Jan. 18, 1977)

This article features Gianni Schmitt, Director of the Cosmic Center, who claims to be in constant telepathic contact with "angels" whom he calls "Extra-terrestrials." He states these beings are based on a "Black Moon," an artificial extraterrestrial satellite orbiting between Earth's moon and Venus, and that UFOs are created by spaceships taking off from this base. Schmitt wears a seven-pointed star with a ruby to maintain contact. He believes Jesus Christ was one of the earliest Extra-terrestrials. Schmitt and a few others consider themselves disciples of these beings, tasked with transmitting their message to humanity, which includes preparing the next generation, fostering respect for creation, and urging a change in the course of human lives.

Article: "100,000,000,000,000,000 Planets Could Have Intelligent Life" (National Enquirer, Jan. 18, 1977)

This brief article presents statistics on the vast number of stars and potential planets in the universe, suggesting a high probability of intelligent life existing beyond Earth.

Article: "Future no shock as any seer can see" (The Daily Journal, Jan. 3, 1977)

This article reviews predictions for the year 1977 from various psychics and seers. It mentions predictions about political figures, the Queen of England, a new Pope, epidemics, food scarcity, and even "petnapping for ransom." Some predictions are described as "far out" or dire, reflecting a general trend of negative forecasts from seers.

Article: "Flying saucer a la Francaise" (Boston Sunday Globe, Jan. 9, 1977)

This brief report from Valence, France, describes a French couple's encounter with a flying oval-shaped object that chased their car, landed in a field, and then took off rapidly.

Article: "Outer space water found" (The Cleveland Press, Jan. 19, 1977)

Astronomers have reportedly found the presence of water outside Earth's galaxy for the first time, indicating the possibility of life in outer space. This discovery suggests that other solar systems may exist with similar physical conditions to our own.

Article: "UFOs more science than fiction, says expert" (Northtown News, Jan. 5, 1977)

Sherman Larsen, an aide to Dr. J. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies, states that UFOs have moved from the realm of jokes to serious consideration by the public, scientists, and even the government. He clarifies that an "unidentified flying object" is one that remains unidentified after serious investigation and has actual solidity. Larsen dismisses "little green men" and "mysterious lights in the sky" that cannot be investigated. He notes that many sightings are hoaxes, debunked through careful examination of evidence. Larsen describes serious sightings as typically having a "Saturn shape" and traveling with the front end slightly tilted upward. The Center for UFO Studies has documented thousands of sightings. Larsen also criticizes some government agencies, particularly the Air Force, for their reluctance to address the UFO subject, often dismissing reports or attributing them to "secret craft."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the paranormal. The publication appears to take a serious, investigative stance on these topics, presenting theories, book reviews, and news reports of sightings from around the world. There is a clear interest in exploring the scientific and speculative aspects of UFO phenomena, moving beyond simple dismissal and encouraging further research and consideration. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and related subjects.

This issue, dated December 26, 1976, with a cover story titled "Issue of U.F.O.'s Irks Authorities In Soviet Union," explores various UFO and extraterrestrial-related topics.

UFOs in the Soviet Union

The lead article by David K. Shipler details a burgeoning flying-saucer craze in the Soviet Union. Despite the official press dismissing rumors of extraterrestrial visits, clandestine typed lectures attributed to F. Y. Zigel, an assistant professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, have circulated widely. These lectures claim hundreds of recorded sightings and mention a ban on UFO publications in the USSR, which enhances their credibility in a controlled society. The Soviet newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda denounced these stories, calling them 'mass culture' and flirting with superstitions, and suggested the Pentagon might be using the specter of flying saucers to fan the cold war. The article also touches on the Russian propensity for believing rumors, comparing it to an old custom of starting a rumor before casting a churchbell.

Several alleged UFO incidents in the Soviet Union are mentioned, including a UFO hovering over Nalchik for 36 hours, one trailing an airliner from Vorkuta to Omsk, and another hovering over Golytsino for 45 minutes, causing auto engines to stall.

Strange Sightings in Framingham

Two residents in Framingham, Massachusetts, reported seeing an "unusual object" in the sky near their homes on a Wednesday night. One described a "circular object with a lot of white lights, sometimes moving, sometimes hovering," while the other noted it moved horizontally before stopping.

New Film To Explore Phenomenon of UFOs

A forthcoming large-scale motion picture, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," produced by Columbia-EMI and directed by Steven Spielberg, is set to explore the UFO phenomenon and its impact on average people. The film stars Richard Dreyfuss and others, with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, professor of astronomy and founder-director of the Center for UFO Studies, serving as a technical advisor. The article notes that with millions of Americans claiming close encounters and believing in UFOs, the film could be seen as a documentary, though it is intended as entertainment.

Space Mystery: X-ray Signals

An article by Robert Cooke reports that scientists at MIT are puzzled by strange X-ray signals detected by the SAS-3 satellite. These signals, lasting 20 to 30 seconds, appear to blast through the spacecraft and are not easily identifiable. While initially thought to be X-ray bursts from stars, the scientists, including Dr. Walter H. G. Lewin and Dr. George Clark, now believe they may originate from Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere, as they are not detected from all orbital positions. The signals have a peculiar tendency to appear within 20 degrees of the South Atlantic Ocean. The article also mentions that the sun has been relatively quiet, ruling out solar activity as a cause.

From Outer Space: UFOs and Angels

This section includes several reports and speculations about UFOs.

Sir Martin Ryle's Concerns: Nobel laureate Sir Martin Ryle is concerned that powerful signals transmitted from Earth might attract hostile alien beings, leading to invasion or resource extraction. However, astronomers note that signals have already traveled far, and no attempts to send signals are currently underway, with the focus being on listening.

Carl Blackburn's Photograph: Carl Blackburn believes he may have photographed a UFO hovering over Caracas, Venezuela, from a bus window.

Billy Graham's Speculation: In an installment of his series, Billy Graham discusses the rising interest in the occult and speculates that UFOs could be a manifestation of God's angelic host. He references passages in Ezekiel that describe "Whirl-Wheels" and cherubim, drawing parallels to UFO descriptions.

Japanese Sightings: Reports from Japan describe squadrons of UFO-like objects resembling a celestial string of pearls, and a "huge cloud" with strange objects inside, observed by thousands.

German Astronomers Find Water in Distant Galaxy

Astronomers using a West German radio-telescope have confirmed the existence of water vapor in a nebula within the spiral galaxy M33, about 2.2 million light years from Earth. This discovery strengthens the possibility of Earth-like planets existing in other galaxies.

Air Force Jet Buzzed by 'Saucer'

Captain Randolph Jenkins, a U.S. Air Force pilot, reported being "buzzed" by a UFO near Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. He described a "brilliantly-lit circular object" that he felt was extraterrestrial and hostile, and claimed to have experienced mental "stirrings" from its crew. He described the object as a traditional saucer shape with a raised area and propulsion outlet.

Nurse Tells of Glowing UFO

A 25-year-old nurse near Sawyer's Valley, Western Australia, reported a sighting of a brightly lit, bell-like object that followed her car. The object, described as being made of a reflecting metal with portholes showing white light and colored lights underneath, caused her to become agitated and lose control of her car. The object reportedly hovered and then dipped into a gully.

Explanations for Sightings: Mr. Ross Vollprecht, a retired meteorologist, offered several explanations for UFO sightings, including lights on farm tractors, pigeons, reflections on windscreens, airborne metal foil, and the planet Venus.

UFOnauts Attacked Our Car

A middle-aged couple, Mrs. Joyce Bowles and Ted Pratt, reported a terrifying experience in Winchester, England, where their car was allegedly attacked by a glowing cigar-shaped object. A creature dressed in a silvery boiler suit emerged from the object and approached their stalled car. They described the creature as having pink, piercing eyes.

Was it a UFO or a Hoax?

This article investigates a report from the weekly tabloid Midnight concerning a pilot named Leon Senjanec who allegedly lost control of his plane after being menaced by a UFO near Martinsburg, West Virginia. The Morning Herald's investigation found no record of Leon Senjanec, a pilot's license, or any reported UFO sightings or plane crashes on the night in question. Officials at the Martinsburg airport and the FAA had no knowledge of the incident or the individuals mentioned. The editor of Midnight admitted they might have been "duped."

Maury County Sightings: In Maury County, Tennessee, police and over 50 townsfolk witnessed three sightings of UFOs, described as blue, green, red, and orange flashing lights, in one week.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the widespread interest in UFOs, the scientific investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, and the tension between official dismissals and public belief. The articles highlight a global phenomenon, with reports from the Soviet Union, the USA, Australia, and England. There's a clear division between those seeking scientific explanations and those who believe in extraterrestrial visitation, with some articles even linking UFOs to religious or spiritual interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse accounts and investigations, while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of hoaxes, as seen in the Martinsburg case.

This issue of GRIT, dated January 16, 1977, features a prominent cover story titled "Space Beings Will Land On Earth, Woman Says." The magazine delves into various UFO-related incidents and claims from around the world, alongside a smaller article detailing a personal encounter with a UFO.

Space Beings Will Land On Earth, Woman Says The lead article focuses on Ruth Norman, the 75-year-old founder and leader of the Unarius Life Science Center in El Cajon, California. Norman has placed a bet of over $4,000 with Ladbroke and Company, Ltd., in London, at 100-to-one odds, that beings from outer space will land on her property by March 30, 1977. She stands to make about half a million dollars if her prediction comes true. Norman's organization, Unarius, stands for Universal Articulate Interdimensional Understanding of Science. She and her late husband, Dr. Ernest L. Norman, wrote and published 45 books detailing 'an entire new way of life,' which she claims were 'channeled' through mental communication with beings on 32 alien planets. These books reportedly describe the appearance of otherworldly beings and the operation of their spacecraft. Norman believes that man's fear of alien beings has deterred them from landing, but the increasing number of UFO sightings has lessened these fears. She sees her role as a 'Spacecraft Coordinator' and a messenger to 'tell earthpeople not to fear and welcome the Space People.' Signs on her 65 acres in Lawson Valley, which she purchased three years ago, announce the future site of a 'Space City.' A model of this city is on display at the Unarius operations center.

The article also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors from the perspective of Evangelist Billy Graham, who believes that outer-space beings exist, can visit Earth, and worship God, a belief shared by many top scientists and astronauts. The odds on Ruth Norman's bet have been reduced to 33 to one due to followers also placing bets. The article concludes with a quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet: "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

"Rays from space ship burned me!" This smaller article details an alleged encounter by Eero Lammi in Helsinki, Finland. Lammi claims that he and two friends, Seppo Moilanen and Resto Partanen, were walking in the woods when they saw a UFO landing in a clump of trees. Lammi approached the glowing object and was struck by a flash of 'rays' from the UFO, which knocked him unconscious. His friends confirmed that the UFO then disappeared. The incident is substantiated by a mysterious burn on Lammi's chest, which a doctor could not explain. Lammi states he doesn't care if people believe him, but he learned not to get too close to a flying saucer.

UFOs and Science: The Invisible College This section reviews the book "The Invisible College" by Jacques Vallee, published by Dutton. The book is described as bringing together UFO evidence, drawing from Vallee's four-year association with the official U.S. Air Force advisory board and other literature. Vallee does not claim to be an eyewitness but has spent many hours listening to accounts. The review highlights Vallee's critical stance towards doubters, particularly within the Air Force advisory board. It mentions Vallee's exploration of what kind of societies might exist on other planets, referencing a government worker's account of a place called UMMO, a small 'planet' with advanced civilization and technology. The review notes that Vallee sees similarities between religious and secular 'miracles,' and suggests that a "psychic technology" might be at play, with applications in space and time. The author of the review expresses skepticism, with the cynical remark: "U.F.O. means 'you fooled me once,' from now on I'm eating from a different saucer."

Soviet Union: Saucers Infect Soviets This article, attributed to N.Y. TIMES and dated 1/3/77, reports on a growing 'flying saucer craze' in the Soviet Union. The phenomenon has infected conversations in classrooms, buses, and offices, sometimes dividing friends. The official press has dismissed rumors of extraterrestrial visits. The craze reportedly began with the circulation of a five-page typed 'lecture' attributed to F. Y. Zigel, an assistant professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute. This lecture claimed 300 recorded UFO sightings in the USSR and provided examples, such as a UFO hovering over Nalchik for 36 hours and another over a railroad crossing at Golitsyno. The lecture also mentioned a ban on UFO publications in the USSR, which, in a controlled society, enhances its credibility. The article notes that the Russian propensity for rumors has a long history. Yeremei Parnov, a Soviet science-fiction writer, publicly denounced the samizdat lecture.

French Couple Report Being Chased by 'Big Glowing Star' This brief report from LOS ANGELES TIMES (1/9/77) details an incident in Valence, France. Francois Perez and his wife reported that a flying oval-shaped object resembling "a big glowing star" chased their car, landed in a field, and then vanished. They described the object as being 30 to 40 yards in diameter, surrounded by a halo of white light. The craft's lights began flashing, and it zoomed off. Both individuals experienced eye discomfort for 48 hours, and Mr. Perez's wristwatch stopped working.

A UFO by Any Other Name (PHYSICS TODAY, DEC. 1976) This is a letter to the editor of Physics Today, responding to a previous letter by Bruce Maccabee. The author expresses amusement at the avoidance of the term UFO, arguing that the described observations fit the definition of unidentified flying objects. The letter notes that UFO literature is replete with similar descriptions, even after scrutiny by competent persons. It suggests that the phenomenon, whether called UFO or not, deserves study and that the Center for UFO Studies is available to provide information. The author points out that UFO reports have persisted for over a quarter of a century, are a worldwide phenomenon, and are often made by responsible persons, warranting serious academic attention.

NH natives 'saw' mystery object, state officials say they didn't This article from THE BOSTON HERALD AMERICAN (1/14/77) presents conflicting accounts of an incident in Wakefield, New Hampshire. Eyewitnesses, including William and Dorothy McCarthy, who own the farm, reported that an object fell into a pond behind their farmhouse, causing ice to melt despite near-zero temperatures. A geiger counter reportedly showed high radiation in the area, and state officials initially seemed to take the matter seriously, with a gag order issued. However, state officials, including Governor Meldrim Thomson and Asst. Atty. Gen. Gregory Smith, later announced that no unidentified object or radiation was found in the pond. They attributed the initial readings to "faulty" equipment and suggested that what appeared to be something in the pond was the result of "shadows of cracked ice." National Guard Adjutant Gen. John Blatsos stated that no government equipment had fallen from the sky. Despite the official denial, a college student named Charles Regan reportedly took a reading of the mud from the pond which registered high radioactivity.

Second UFO spotted (GREENVILLE PIEDMONT, 1/7/77) This article reports on Sarah Christopher's sighting of a round, glowing light over the WQOK radio broadcast towers in Greenville, South Carolina. The light followed her car for about half an hour. She described it as looking like a street light, a glow as big as a Gulf sign, and "huge." She initially thought it might be related to the towers but then realized it was following her. She also mentioned a similar sighting by M.E. Suttles. Christopher and her friend were frightened, with her friend initially thinking it was Jesus returning. The light disappeared when she reached her friend's trailer.

Local man reports UFO sighting: A real-life scene from 'The Invaders' (STOUGHTON CHRONICLE, 12/9/76) This article details a sighting by Warren Martin and four friends in Canton, Massachusetts. While stuck in the mud near railroad tracks, they heard a sound from the skies and saw a UFO. Martin described it as "shaped kind of like a top hat," with three diamond-shaped lights at the bottom, flashing occasionally. He noted colors of purple, orange, red, and blue. The craft performed "aerial games, dipping and swerving." Martin was the only one of the group to consent to be interviewed. He reported the sighting to the Air Force, which referred him to the Federal Aviation Administration. The article also mentions a nationwide UFO Center that people can contact.

Another UFO sighted (SOUTH MIDDLESEX DAILY NEWS, 12/24/76) This brief report from Framingham, Massachusetts, mentions two UFO sightings. One was a "red fireball" seen by Peter VanGel, described as egg-shaped with a tail, coming down slowly over treetops. Another resident reported seeing an object with bright, white lights. A possible explanation offered is that it might have been a bi-plane displaying advertising.

They blinked, they hovered, they vanished This report from NAPANEE BEAVER, ONT. CAN. (12/3/76) details two recent sightings. Howard Church reported seeing an object that looked like "a pair of inverted Christmas trees covered with different colored lights that blinked rapidly." His wife and daughter-in-law also saw it. Separately, Mrs. Mike Church saw a strange pulsating cluster of lights hovering over the Slash Rd. substation of Ontario Hydro, which appeared to be two objects and watched for 20 minutes until both disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien contact, and government responses to these phenomena. There is a clear presentation of eyewitness accounts alongside official denials or explanations, particularly evident in the New Hampshire incident. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting the claims and experiences of individuals who report UFO encounters, while also acknowledging the skepticism and official investigations that often follow. The inclusion of diverse reports from different countries suggests a broad interest in the UFO phenomenon. The overall stance seems to be one of reporting on these events, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also hinting at the possibility of unexplained phenomena and potential government secrecy or downplaying of incidents.