APCIC - Vol 02 No 02 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of the A.P.C.I.C. (Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center) newsletter, dated February 1977, Volume Two - No. 2, focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across North America. The publication serves as a clearinghouse for information on these events, compiling reports from various sources.

Book Reviews

The newsletter includes extensive listings and brief descriptions of hardcover and paperback books related to UFOs, ancient astronauts, the supernatural, and other unexplained phenomena. These include:

• Hardcover Books:
• UFOS: THE EXTRAUNIVERSAL CONNECTION by Roy C. Jarnagin: A collection of speculations and alleged "space messages" concerning UFOs and the Bermuda Triangle.
• UFOS OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE by Michael Hervey: A revised edition focusing on sightings in Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.
• THE 12TH PLANET by Zecharia Sitchin: A volume purporting to explain the origin of man through "ancient astronauts."
• THEY CAME BEFORE COLUMBUS by Ivan Van Sertima: Contends that Black Africans established trade routes to the New World before Columbus.
• HEALING WITHOUT MEDICINE by Jeremy Kingston: A history of "unorthodox" healing methods.
• MINDS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES by Sturat Holroyd: An examination of telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and precognition.
• STRANGE STORIES, AMAZING FACTS by the Editors of READER'S DIGEST: A compilation of strange and incredible material.
• INCREDIBLE by Kevin McFarland: A collection of material reminiscent of Ripley's "Believe It or Not."

• New Paperbacks:
• THE FLYING SAUCERERS by Arthur Shuttlewood: The latest book by a chronicler of UFO events around Warminster, England.
• THE EDUCATION OF OVERSOUL #7 by Jane Roberts: A novel based on "Seth" teachings.
• MOON MADNESS by E. L. Abel: Discusses the supposed effects of the Moon on man and other organisms.
• THE PSYCHIC POWER OF ANIMALS by Bill Schul: Evidence of animals possessing ESP and communication powers.
• THE PSYCHIC POWER OF PYRAMIDS by Bill Schul & Ed Pettit: A sequel on pyramid phenomena.
• OUR MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE by Daniel Quinn: A set of booklets on Forteana.
• AN OCCULT GUIDE TO SOUTH AMERICA by John Wilcock: A guidebook to the occult in South America.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The issue features several detailed reports of UFO sightings:

Astoria, Oregon Sighting

Steve Lickar, a student, photographed a dome-shaped object with a halo near Astoria on January 13, 1977. He described it as a bright speck seen high in the air. Lickar speculated that the Air Force might be involved with UFOs, questioning why extraterrestrial life would visit Earth if they were more intelligent.

Oregon Coast Sightings

Following Lickar's report, more sightings occurred on the Oregon coast. The U.S. Coast Guard received reports of an object with revolving red, green, and white lights. A search for a distressed helicopter yielded no results. Two women in Astoria also reported seeing a similar object hovering over the interstate bridge between 4:40 and 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Yscloskey, Louisiana Incident

Erwin Menesses and Robert Melerine, two off-duty firemen, reported a "mysterious hovering light" on the Dyke Canal on January 21, 1977. They described it as a bright, round globe, about 15 feet in diameter, hovering about 75 feet off the ground. The object made no wind or noise and bathed them in a warm light. It hovered over the Fire Station and then the Shell Oil Plant before disappearing. The incident caused them to experience chills and high fever, and Melerine reported a loss of time. Dr. Ted Peters, an associate professor of religious studies and MUFON representative, began an investigation, noting that engines shutting off is common in UFO incidents, but this case was unusual because the boat's motor was running but the boat wouldn't move. The report also mentions that many people in Yscloskey have seen similar things but are reluctant to admit it for fear of ridicule.

Other Reports:

• Mrs. Myrtle DiGangi and her family reported seeing three bright lights hovering near a water tower in St. Bernard Parish on January 15, 1977. Her daughter later saw a similar bright light on January 18.
• Arthur Shuttlewood's latest book, "The Flying Saucerers," is mentioned, focusing on UFO events around Warminster, England.
• A sighting in Cape Breton, Canada, on January 7, 1977, involved a couple reporting six bright red lights moving quickly and veering into woods. Military radar found no trace of the object.
• Flora, Mississippi, reported a UFO sighting on January 12, 1977, where a deputy observed an unidentified object hovering over his patrol car. The Madison County Sheriff Department received numerous calls about the incident.
• Hillcrest, New York, saw a reappearance of a bright, flame-like UFO on January 21 and 22, 1977, observed by witnesses and Ramapo police officers.
• Everett, Washington, reported a sighting on October 18, 1977, where Ann Gates and Diane Gregory described a large, disk-shaped object with flashing lights hovering over a parking lot. Ann Gates photographed the object.
• Petersham, Massachusetts, reported a sighting on January 13, 1977, by a couple who saw an object with an orange glow and two bright white lights.
• Rockwood, Tennessee, reported a "brilliantly lighted unidentified flying object" hovering over the community on January 11, 1977, before rising vertically. The object was seen by people in several surrounding counties.

Expert Opinions and Investigations

Dr. Ted Peters, investigating the Yscloskey incident, noted its unusual characteristics and the reluctance of witnesses to come forward. He also contacted various government agencies (DEA, FBI, Secret Service, Customs, Weather Service) regarding the sightings, all of whom reported no surveillance craft or weather balloons in the areas at the times of the incidents. Dr. A.G. McNamara of the National Research Council suggested that some Yukon sightings might be due to meteorite activity or the prominence of planets Venus and Jupiter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and the challenges faced by witnesses in reporting their experiences due to fear of ridicule or disbelief. The publication's stance appears to be one of serious documentation and investigation of these phenomena, providing a platform for witness accounts and expert analysis. The inclusion of numerous book reviews suggests an interest in exploring various facets of the unexplained, from extraterrestrial encounters to paranormal abilities and historical mysteries.

This issue, primarily from January 1977 with some articles dated December 1976 and earlier, focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related theories. The cover story, "that dark October night?", details a sighting by Ann Gates and Diane Gregory, with commentary from UFO debunker Philip J. Klass. Other articles cover UFO investigator Tom Grey's call for public tips, a NASA project to detect extraterrestrial life, and astronomer George H. Leonard's claims about alien activity on the moon.

Key Articles and Reports

"that dark October night?"

This piece recounts Ann Gates' experience of seeing a UFO on a dark October night. She provided an unopened cartridge of film and a clay model of the object. Philip J. Klass, an editor for "Aviation Week and Space Technology" and a debunker of UFO reports, commented that estimating the size of an object in the sky is difficult and suggested the Gateses might have seen a weather balloon or even an airplane. Despite Klass's skepticism, the Gateses remain convinced of what they saw, with Bob Gates stating, "If people scoff, they scoff. I know what I saw."

UFO investigator awaits your call

UFO sleuth Tom Grey expresses frustration that people do not call him when they witness strange phenomena in the sky. He mentions a sighting by John Walton and six neighbors over the Credit River and a similar report from Agincourt. Grey, one of three UFO detectives in the city, emphasizes the importance of timely reports for investigations and notes that sightings tend to increase in winter months.

Who's calling, please?

This section introduces Alvin Despain, an associate professor of computer science at the University of California, who is participating in a NASA project to discover extraterrestrial life. Despain's role is to build a computer that will analyze radio beams, theorizing that radio waves are the most efficient form of communication. He believes a message from another intelligent life form will eventually be received.

URI man thinks we'll hear from somebody out there

Howard Smukler, coordinator of occult studies at the University of Rhode Island Extension School, spends his time reading letters from people who believe they have seen UFOs or are from outer space. Smukler believes it's highly probable that humanity is not alone in the universe and that communication from extraterrestrials is a matter of time. He studies "flying saucer fragments" sent to the Extension, subjecting them to scientific analysis. He recounts an instance where a fragment was identified as iron pyrite, likely from a meteor, but maintains the possibility of genuine extraterrestrial objects.

UFOs on nuclear waste site

This report from Ottawa discusses a constituent's concern that a UFO sighting over Hastings might be related to a "government plot" to dump nuclear wastes. Discussions are ongoing about a dumping site for nuclear waste north of Highway 7. Local residents have formed an association to fight the plan. MP Jack Ellis is concerned about job opportunities and the potential economic benefit of the project, which would involve packing waste material into zirconium tubes and cementing them into holes drilled into a ski hill. The waste would remain radioactive for at least 100,000 years.

Flying low...

This brief report mentions Sqn-Leader Roly Parsons' upcoming attempt to fly an underground flight in New Zealand's biggest cave, primarily for research purposes.

SAY SAUCER LANDED ON ROOF OF HOME

This article from Sunday Express-Montreal details a sighting by Mrs. Florida Malboeuf of Montreal, who saw an unidentified flying object, described as oyster-shaped and about 15 feet across, hover over the roof of a neighboring three-storey building. She initially did not report it but later informed her son. The object left a 15-foot circle of melted snow.

UFOs Get Priority

According to a NASA technician, Allen Hynek, President Carter has seen flying saucers himself, and his administration will prioritize the study of UFO phenomena. Hynek was in Mexico to plan for the first International Congress on Unidentified Flying Objects.

AUSTRIAN WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO A 14-LB. BABY - CLAIMS ITS FATHER WAS A MARTIAN-SCIENTISTS SCOFF!

This article from Man's Magazine (December 1976) reports on Frau Hannah Morgenfeld of Kiernantz, Austria, who claims her 14 lb. daughter's father was a Martian. The baby is described as having three lungs and weighing significantly more per cubic inch than a normal infant. Scientists, like Professor Liutpold Kramer, dismiss the claim as a fraud, attributing it to a desire for publicity or a delusion. Neighbors are also skeptical. The article notes that the baby's existence is certain and its differences from normal infants make the story, however improbable, a possibility.

She won't laugh at UFO reports

Kathy Squadrito, an assistant professor of philosophy at Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, is a serious investigator of UFO sightings. She is on the board of consultants for the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). Squadrito believes that people who report sightings should not be dismissed as foolish and recounts how people were ostracized for reporting UFOs in the past. She offers a course on UFOs and notes that while 70% of sightings are explained as natural phenomena, 20% remain unexplained. She is convinced "there is something out there" but is open to possibilities beyond extraterrestrial visitors, including "aeroforms" or laser projections.

Was light a UFO?

This report from The Sunday Sun (Toronto) details John Walton's eyewitness account of a strange "thing" seen in the sky over the Credit River. He described it as a "white light, flashing on and off." Several neighbors also witnessed the object.

What to do until little green men arrive

This editorial reflects on the prevalence of UFO sightings in the early 1950s and the newspaper's stance of not publishing such stories until a "little green man" appeared. The author notes that the Center for UFO Study, headed by Sherman J. Larsen, has trained volunteers worldwide and has cataloged 70,000 UFO sightings. The article mentions that 15 million Americans claim to have seen UFOs, and 100 million believe they exist. It forecasts a rash of new appearances, mostly over Russia.

Is Orange Glow a UFO?

Reports from Phillipston, Massachusetts, describe an eerie orange glow in the skies, returning weeks after an orange fireball was sighted. Authorities noted sightings of "hovering objects" and lights. An Athol policeman expressed uncertainty about what people are seeing.

U.F.O. Fo Sho'

A brief personal account from Philadelphia describes seeing a "great fireworks display dying out and and a couple seconds later this eerie blue greenish object appeared going toward the west at tremendous speed."

Researcher Ponders UFO's 'Grand Scheme'

Dr. Jacques Vallee, a UFO researcher and information scientist, speculates that UFOs may be part of a control system designed to change society's collective behavior and mankind's concepts of the universe. He notes that UFO sightings occur in waves and that while most can be explained, thousands remain unexplained. Vallee has studied psychic changes in people who claim UFO contact. He previously worked with Dr. J. Allen Hynek on government-funded UFO investigations that ended after the Condon Committee's negative report.

Others See 'Something' In Sky Over Phillipston

This article compiles reports of strange lights and an orange fireball seen over Phillipston and surrounding areas. Jules Vaillancourt, a UFO field investigator, witnessed the orange fireball and later saw three red lights rise in the sky, which were identified as C-130 transport planes. He is collecting data to correlate with other reports.

Sparkling, Flashing Light In SE Sky Termed a Star

An incident in Auburn, Maine, involved police investigating a report of a sparkling light. It was determined to be a star, similar to an incident reported the previous year.

That Glow in the Sky Spotted Once Again in Athol Area

This report from Evening Gazette (Worcester, MA) details the return of a mysterious orange glow in the sky over Athol and Phillipston. Witnesses described a disc-like object that changed color and moved erratically. State Police also reported a similar sighting.

After fireball, UFO sightings

This article from Eagle-Times-Claremont, NH, discusses the reappearance of an eerie orange glow in the skies near Athol and Phillipston, following an earlier orange fireball sighting. Reports included "hovering objects" and lights. An Athol policeman expressed uncertainty about the sightings.

TFHS students 'see something'

Two seniors from Turners Falls High School reported seeing a "saucer shaped object" flying in the vicinity of the school. They described a bright flash followed by a loud humming noise and a UFO hovering overhead. The object was photographed and described as resembling a large trash can cover in flight.

Who's Digging Up The Moon?

Astronomer George H. Leonard claims that alien beings have been discovered on the moon and that their machines are visible in official NASA photographs. He believes the U.S. government suspended its moon exploration program to avoid confrontation with these "beings." Leonard states that "top people around the world" have been briefed and that the moon is a UFO base, citing markings on observed objects similar to those on a landed UFO seen in New Mexico. He describes alien activity, including giant machines leveling crater walls and vehicles crossing the surface. Leonard believes the aliens live underground and are mining the surface for elements. He also suggests NASA is lying to the American public about UFOs and speculates that the aliens might be waiting to take over after an ultimate catastrophe on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear interest in documenting witness accounts, analyzing evidence, and exploring scientific and speculative theories. The articles highlight a tension between skepticism and belief, with some individuals and authorities dismissing sightings while others, like UFO investigators and certain scientists, take them seriously. The issue also touches upon the idea of government secrecy surrounding UFOs and the possibility of a larger, unexplained "grand scheme" behind these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions.

This issue of The Enquirer, dated February 8, 1977, features a prominent cover story detailing the results of a poll of 88 major airline pilots, 10 of whom claim to have personally seen UFOs. The magazine also includes articles on scientific efforts to detect extraterrestrial signals, various UFO sightings from different locations, and personal beliefs about UFOs.

Key Articles and Features

10 of 88 Major Airline Pilots in Enquirer Poll Say They've Seen a UFO

This lead article presents the findings of an exclusive Enquirer poll of 88 pilots from major airlines. Key revelations include:

• Personal Sightings: 10 pilots reported personally encountering or seeing a UFO.
• Belief in Extraterrestrial Life: 62 pilots believe intelligent life exists in outer space.
• UFOs as Spacecraft: 46 pilots believe UFOs may be spacecraft from another planet.
• Government Monitoring: 26 pilots believe the Defense Department is doing an inadequate job of monitoring UFO sightings.

Four pilots detailed their sightings:

• Kenneth Duncan (Piedmont Airlines): In November 1970, flying at 24,000 feet, he and his crew saw a bizarre, pale blue light that stabilized at their speed and altitude before accelerating and making a 90-degree turn across their front and disappearing over the ocean. The UFO's speed was estimated to be eight times greater than their 480 knots.
• Kenneth Kievman (Charter Airline Pilot/Flight Instructor): In December 1975, around 2 a.m., he saw two unusually bright objects over Long Island that appeared to be hovering. They emitted a bluish color and their intensity was beyond that of any aircraft.
• H.F. De Jonghe (United Airlines Captain): While flying over the Pacific, he and his crew observed two lights that separated and moved closer together, described as egg-shaped and much brighter than other clouds, about 30 miles away.
• P.K. Herrick (United Airlines Captain): He spotted a bright light rising rapidly in the Virginia countryside, which slowed down and then began an erratic wandering. He described it as having the intensity of a star but acting like nothing he had ever seen.

The pilots admitted to keeping quiet about their sightings due to fear of ridicule and potential job loss.

Grenada Accepts UFOs

This article reports on Prime Minister Eric Gairy of Grenada's public stance on flying saucers and extraterrestrial visitors. Gairy announced that Grenada is ready to accept the phenomenon and believes people from other planets have been visiting Earth. He planned to attend an international conference on flying saucers in Acapulco, Mexico, and advocated for governments to make UFO information public.

Ansonian Spots UFO

This brief report from Ansonia, Connecticut, details a sighting of a large, flaming-red, barrel-shaped object flying low in the sky. Percy M. Cohen reported the sighting, describing it as beautiful.

Is Anybody Out There? Scientists to Listen For Space Messages

This article discusses NASA's plan to initiate a five-year project within two years to listen for possible radio messages from other worlds. Bob Edelson of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) explained that this technique would complement visual methods of spotting UFOs. The project aims to detect "narrow-band" carrier beams capable of carrying messages over deep space. Edelson emphasized that life could exist anywhere and might be very different from what we know. He also noted that the necessary equipment already exists and would be coordinated with existing antennas. Regarding potential alien signals, Edelson stated that natural phenomena are unlikely to produce such signals, and any message would likely have a decipherable pattern. He also addressed the implications of receiving a message, suggesting that a reply would be a political matter and that the discovery of extraterrestrial life would radically change human culture, religion, and philosophy. The Ames Research Center will also participate in the search, focusing on areas likely to harbor life.

Earthling Welcomes Visitors

This article, from St. Georges, Grenada, reiterates Prime Minister Eric Gairy's belief in UFOs and his desire to boost Grenada's tourism by welcoming visitors from other planets. He stated that governments should share information on UFOs.

Students Learn About UFOs

This piece describes how students at St. Joseph School learned about UFOs and the search for extraterrestrial life through a presentation by Sherman J. Larsen, an associate of astronomer J. Allen Hynek. The students were taught to distinguish between authentic sightings and hoaxes. Science instructor Dick Meyers commented that the existence of UFOs is a given, but their origin (extraterrestrial or Earth-based) remains a question.

An Earthling and His Heavenly Hobby

This profile focuses on Dick Ruhl, a 46-year-old photo retoucher from Massapequa who is a "field investigator" of UFOs. Ruhl is a member of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) and is considered the group's most active investigator on Long Island. He approaches cases with skepticism, meticulously taping interviews, filling out reports, and checking with various institutions for explanations. Ruhl notes that many people are afraid to report UFOs for fear of being called "wackos." He has investigated cases involving lights chasing cars and objects hovering. Ruhl believes that if UFOs are related to scriptures, it will radically change human culture, religion, and philosophy.

'Strange flying object' sighted

This report from Fort St. James, Canada, details a sighting by an acquaintance of Sandy Kovacs. The man described a "strange flying object" that appeared before his car, emitting a bright red light that flooded the interior. The object swooped down, causing the man to black out. His truck radio and motor also went dead. The object was described as saucer-shaped with a pedestal base, oblong main portion, and an egg-yoke-like top. Kovacs notes that UFO sightings are frequent in the Fort St. James district.

Why I Believe in UFOs

Leonard Nimoy, known for his TV series "In Search Of...", shares his belief in UFOs, citing credible observers and personal interviews, including one with Travis Walton, who claimed to have been taken aboard a UFO. Nimoy believes the government is hesitant to publicize UFO information, as it would raise questions about what to do about it. He states that while he has never seen a UFO himself, he believes in life on other planets and that Earth may have been visited.

UFO Sightings in Winchendon Add to List

This article from Worcester, MA, reports a rash of recent UFO sightings in Winchendon. Francis J. Gauthier and friends saw three "flying saucers" hovering over a lake. Mrs. Louise Joy may have seen four UFOs. John W. Sibley, owner of Lost Lake campgrounds, confirms seeing UFOs on several occasions, describing them as dull battleship gray, shaped like a top, and about 20 feet across. He notes they make no sound until they suddenly leave. Sibley conjectures that the U.S. Air Force knows what these objects are. Many people interviewed expressed opinions that the government knows about UFOs but does not share all information.

Moscow Abuzz Over UFO Report

This report details a circulated, top-secret Soviet report on UFOs, allegedly prepared by a member of the Moscow Aviation Institute. The transcript, titled "The Present Status of UFO Problems," describes visitors from outer space as withdrawn creatures who can read minds. It claims humanoids have landed on Earth several times, with some being short with large heads and tiny bodies, while others resemble Europeans. The report states that 15 million Americans claim to have seen UFOs since 1961, with 300 sightings in the Soviet Union. A case from 15 years prior involved a flying saucer causing a traffic jam and stalling cars due to microwave interference.

'It wasn't meteor,' motorist swears

Felix McCollom of Malta, Montana, reported seeing a "washtub-sized" object with a cone-shaped tail that lit up the countryside near Big Sandy. He described it as brilliant and expanding before disappearing. McCollom, who has seen meteors before, stated this was not one.

Greenish UFO Just Balloon, Say Deputies

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the sheriff's office speculated that a greenish flying object seen over the Comite Drive-Plank Road area was a weather balloon, despite various descriptions from callers.

UFO flashes at ambulance light

This report from Whitehorse, Yukon, describes two ambulance attendants, Tom Banks and Ken Schofield, who claim a UFO followed their vehicle for about 20 minutes. The object hovered, darted, and interrupted their electrical system. It appeared to hover close to the ambulance before skipping off. They described it as oval-shaped with an intense white light. Similar sightings by truck drivers and an elderly gentleman in Carcross were also mentioned.

UFO mystery may be in bag

A report from Victoria, British Columbia, describes a cylindrical object with a bright light seen over Oak Bay. Police received calls about the object, and one officer suggested it might be a plastic dry-cleaning bag with a candle.

FOREIGN CLIPPINGS

This section compiles brief reports from international newspapers:

• OVNI EN BRASIL (Rio de Janeiro): Witnesses reported "flying saucers" emitting blue and orange lights and maneuvering in ways impossible for normal aircraft.
• Vuelven los OVNI (Posadas, Argentina): Photos were taken of a red-orange object moving at great speed and height. The local airport control tower reported an Argentine Air Force Canberra aircraft flying at a height of 9950 meters, with the UFO flying in the opposite direction.
• Viedma (Argentina): Two unidentified flying objects hovered over the city for two hours, emitting colored lights and zig-zagging.
• Bahia Blanca (Argentina): Strange objects were seen hovering over several parts of the city, speeding across the sky and leaving streaks of multi-colored lights.
• In search of a UFO (San Juan de Manapiare, Venezuela): Primitive Indians joined a hunt for a UFO that had been seen flying over the town for several nights, casting a strong light.

Space blonde is 1000 years old!

This article profiles Eduard Maier, a 38-year-old ex-truck driver from Switzerland, who claims to have met a "blonde girl-friend" named Semjase from a planet called Erra in the Pleiades star group, 500 light years from Earth. Maier claims Semjase's people are 13,000 years more advanced and can make time stand still. He has produced 1000 pages of advice from the stars and has photos of Semjase and her spaceship. His neighbors reportedly avoid him, and he claims to have been shot at.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, pilot testimonies, and the growing public and scientific interest in extraterrestrial life. The magazine appears to present a range of perspectives, from pilot accounts and witness reports to scientific investigations and even personal claims of contact with aliens. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting these phenomena as subjects worthy of investigation and discussion, while also acknowledging the skepticism and potential ridicule associated with them. There's a clear emphasis on the idea that UFOs are a widespread phenomenon, with reports coming from various locations and countries, and that the scientific community is beginning to take the search for extraterrestrial intelligence more seriously.

This issue of the Daily Mirror, dated January 31, 1977, features a prominent cover story titled "THE HELLICAR REPORT on IS SOMEONE UP THERE WATCHING US?" by Michael Hellicar. The article delves into the resurgence of UFO sightings in Britain, presenting evidence from pilots, policemen, coastguards, and other observers. It poses the question of whether UFOs are flights of fantasy or if there is a genuine phenomenon occurring, exploring a 30-year controversy.

The Suffolk Incident

The lead article details an encounter on the night of Wednesday, January 5, 1977, involving Mr. and Mrs. S. and their dog, Flop, near their cottage in Suffolk. While walking their dog, they observed a huge, grey, saucer-shaped object hovering low over a field. They described its size as overwhelming, comparable to a double-decker bus in height and approximately 50 feet in diameter. The object made no noise, which they found particularly eerie. They noted the absence of lights, windows, or doors, and the underside was partly in shadow, but they were certain there were no wheels or legs. The sighting lasted for twenty minutes, during which the object took off incredibly fast without any discernible noise or jet stream. The experience left them in a state of sheer terror. Adding to the mystery, their son, who was watching TV indoors, reported significant electrical interference on his screen during the time of the sighting, which returned to normal only after his parents entered the house. The incident was further compounded when, the following night, the TV picture again broke into zig-zag lines, and Mr. S. saw the saucer again in the same location and height before it vanished.

Other Sightings and Evidence

The report includes a graphic by Terry Dickie illustrating the phenomenon. It also mentions an ATV crew filming at Enstone village, Oxfordshire, who captured footage of an orange and yellow disc UFO. TV man Noel Smart described its speed as amazing and too fast for a plane, noting it hovered for 20 seconds. The article questions whether the picture strip shows a comet, meteor, or a real UFO.

Radar and Official Responses

The article notes that neither ground radar scanners nor the Royal Air Force and US Air Force, who have bases nearby, detected any unusual aircraft movement over the Suffolk area on the night of the S. sighting. This lack of official detection is a recurring theme in UFO reports.

The Humanoid Encounter

A significant section details an encounter between Joyce Bowles and Ted Pratt on the A272 in Hampshire on November 14. Their Mini car allegedly began to shake violently, forcing them to the side of the road. They reported seeing a 15ft. glowing orange cigar hovering in the road, with three figures watching from its window. One figure then materialized by the car and peered through the window. Mrs. Bowles described the figure as 6ft. 6ft. tall, slim, with long blond hair and a dark beard, wearing a silver boiler suit. Mr. Pratt stated he felt peace and tranquility despite his fear. The article notes that such 'humanoid occupant encounters' and low-level UFO events are rare in Britain. It also points out a curious sidelight: on the same day and the previous day, there were eight UFO sightings in the Winchester-Southampton area, with seven people reporting a glowing orange cigar and one person reporting a 'strange-looking man in a silver suit'.

Regional UFO Hotspots

The magazine provides a map of Britain highlighting areas with frequent UFO sightings, including:

• Wales: Snowdonia to Fishguard, with cigars and high-speed flashing balls.
• PENNINE RUN: Bordering Manchester, Blackburn, and Halifax, known for a 'mystery helicopter' that hovers and lands but has fast acceleration.
• BANBURY: Described as Britain's busiest UFO route with over 300 sightings since 1971, featuring saucers, cigars, hoverlights, and high-speed flashing objects.
• WARMINSTER: A known UFO hotspot ('Warminster Thing') with numerous sightings in the late 1960s, mainly saucers, cigars, and objects bumping rooftops.
• DARTMOOR and CORNWALL: Sightings of huge saucers and hoverlights.
• SOLENT LOOP: Following a line from the Isle of Wight to Southampton and Winchester, with cigars and high-speed flashing balls.
• EAST COAST: Between Southend, King's Lynn, Cromer, and Ipswich, with saucers and skylights, particularly near US Air Force bases.
• KENT TRIANGLE: Dover, Sheerness, and Canterbury, noted for sightings by trained observers, including saucers and a pulsating light.

The 'Light Bulb' Sighting

One of the clearest sightings in the Kentish Triangle involved a British Air Ferries pilot, Captain Philps, on February 25, 1976. While passing over Dover at 4,000ft, he saw a white flashing light mixed with a steady red glow. The object swiftly gained height and speed, appearing to switch off like a light bulb. Ten minutes later, over Sheerness, the object was seen again by Captain Philps, his co-pilot, and engineer. Despite radio reports to ground control at Manston and Southend, neither radar could detect the UFO. Barry Powling, a Southend Aero Club pilot, also observed the UFO flashing ahead of him for thirty seconds before it went out.

Flying Dinner Plates

In Redruth, Cornwall, two teachers and nearly 100 school children witnessed a slow-moving UFO described as "like two white dinner plates flying face to face." The UFO had an aura or halo, displayed yellow and silver flashes, and changed from white to green as it moved across the sky for over five minutes before flying away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the unexplained nature of UFO sightings, often noting the lack of radar detection and the baffling behavior of the objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness testimony and photographic evidence (though some are questioned as potentially being natural phenomena like comets or meteors) without outright dismissal. The recurring themes include the variety of UFO shapes and behaviors, the impact on witnesses and animals (like Flop the dog), and the persistent mystery surrounding their origin and purpose. The magazine aims to inform the public about the ongoing UFO phenomenon and encourage further investigation.