APCIC - Vol 02 No 05 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center, dated May 1977, is Volume Two, Number 5. The publication is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and focuses on reporting and investigating aerial phenomena, particularly UFO sightings. The cover features the organization's logo with the Earth and the acronym A.P.C.I.C., along with smaller depictions of what appear to be UFOs.

Book Reviews: New Hardcover Books

The issue begins with a section dedicated to new hardcover book releases. These include:

• PSYCHIC CHILDREN by Samuel H. Young (Doubleday & Co., Inc., $6.95): A collection of material on the psychic abilities of youngsters.
• VOICES FROM OTHER LIVES by Thorwald Dethlefsen (M. Evans & Co., Inc., $7.95): Explores the use of hypnotic regressions to probe past "incarnations" and alleviate present afflictions.
• WE CALLED THEM GODS by J.S. Hatem (Vantage Press, Inc., $6.95): Another "ancient astronauts" volume, largely culled from previous books.
• WHAT YOUR AURA TELLS ME by Ray Stanford (Doubleday & Co., Inc., $6.95): Stanford's personal views and claimed experiences regarding the human aura.
• THE UFO ENIGMA by Donald H. Menzel & Ernest H. Taves (Doubleday & Co., Inc., $8.95): Described as the final book of a trilogy by "arch anti-UFO writer Menzel," offering "inadequate arguments."
• EARTH MAGIC by Francis Hitching (William Morrow & Co., Inc., $10.00): Covers the world of megalithic man and mysterious monuments.
• VISITORS FROM OUTER SPACE by Roy Stemman (Doubleday & Co., Inc., $8.95): An illustrated review of the UFO subject, part of "A New Library of the Supernatural."
• THE COSMIC INFLUENCE by Francis King (Doubleday & Co., Inc., $8.95): A general summary of astrology, including a chapter on cosmic cataclysms, part of "A New Library of the Supernatural."
• CLOSEUP: NEW WORLDS edited by Ben Bova & Trudy E. Bell (St. Martin's Press, Inc., $15.00): Selections by various writers detailing findings of space probes.

Book Reviews: New Paperbacks

A section on new paperback releases follows:

• THE LIFE & DEATH OF PLANET EARTH by Tom Valentine (Pinnacle Books, $1.75): Discusses lost continents, former civilizations, and cataclysms.
• LOST CITIES AND FORGOTTEN TRIBES edited by Richard F. Dempewolff (Pocket Books, $1.95): A collection of articles on past civilizations and archaeological mysteries.
• THE CURSE OF THE PHARAOHS by Philipp Vandenberg (Pocket Books, $1.75): The story of the curse associated with the opening of King Tut's tomb.
• Quasars, Pulsars, and Black Holes by Frederic Golden (Pocket Books, $1.75): Explores astronomical mysteries and theories.
• THE LOCH NESS MONSTER by Wm. Akins (The New American Library, Inc., $1.50): The latest summary of Loch Ness evidence, including the Academy of Applied Science expedition.
• STRANGERS FROM SPACE by Susy Smith (Manor Books, Inc., $1.50): Described as a "rehash of UFO material from various books."
• MAZES AND LABYRINTHS OF THE WORLD by Janet Bord (E.P.Dutton & Co., Inc., $6.95): A large paperback format summary of maze/labyrinth material.
• CANADA'S MONSTERS by Betty Sanders Garner (Potlatch Publications, $4.95): Information on Canada's sea and lake monsters, Sasquatch, etc.

UFO Sightings Reports

The issue contains several reports of UFO sightings from different locations:

Pleasanton, California

• Did UFO stop here? (Pleasanton Times, March 29, 1977): Robert Coffey, a former U.S. Air Force weatherman, reported a UFO sighting on March 13 at 1:50 a.m. He and his family saw a huge bell-shaped UFO with white, red, and green lights hovering for eight minutes near a water tower. Information officers at Vandenberg Air Force Base confirmed no rocket launches occurred at that time. Another anonymous Pleasanton lady reported seeing "strange lights about two weeks ago" that were red, green, and white, moving like a mirrored globe. She also noted a slight decrease in her swimming pool's water level.
• Third claim on that UFO (Pleasanton Valley Herald, March 31, 1977): A third witness in Pleasanton reported seeing "three separate, strange red lights" on March 13 after 12:30 a.m. The lights moved rapidly and erratically. The witness felt a strange sensation and was willing to undergo hypnosis to recall more details.

Hawesville, Kentucky

• UFO reported (Hancock Clarion, March 24, 1977): David Brickey and Keith Pate reported seeing a circular, gray, smoke-colored object with two lights (green blinking on top, red steady below) hovering over trailers and a house. They described it as a huge frisbee, about 50 feet above the trailers and 100 feet from the ground. It made a slight hum and a whooshing sound. The object moved at speeds that made it climb suddenly, like a frisbee.

Manchester, Ohio

• Jenkins Spot Strange Object in the Sky (Manchester, Ohio Signal, April 14, 1977): Mr. and Mrs. Marion Jenkins reported seeing a "bright ball of fire" in the sky on Sunday evening. Similar sightings were reported in Mason County, Ky., and Dry Ridge. An attempt was being made to determine if the object was a meteorite.

Downey, California

• UFO or? Three report spotting streaking object in the sky (Downey, Cal. Southeast News, April 15, 1977): Three Downey men reported seeing a silver or white-colored object streaking across the sky from west to east. Steve Cox insisted he had seen the same object for three consecutive days. The object was described as looking like a bright star or satellite, moving fast without a trail. Southern California U.S. Air Force personnel requested the North American Defense Command to investigate.

Westfield, New York

• UFO Reported On Interstate 90 (Dunkirk, N.Y. Observer, March 28, 1977): Madeline Wolf reported seeing a strange object with red, white, and blue lights while on Interstate 90 in Pennsylvania and New York. The object was last seen in the Westfield area.

Erie, Pennsylvania

• Photos Show Something Up There (Erie Daily Times, April 3, 1977): Seventeen-year-olds Madeline Wolf and Jill Giacobello claimed they saw and were followed by a UFO a week prior. Madeline took eight photographs, two of which show a barely discernible object. They described the object as a glaring oval, blue, white, and red, which hovered over their car and followed them. They have received "strange" phone calls since their story was published. They were also contacted by magazines interested in their photos. Roger Hermann of the UFO Research Center was reportedly planning to stake out the area.

Pineville, Missouri

• Pineville, Mo., Sightings U.F.O.s Congregate (The Kansas City Star, April 16, 1977): Investigators from the North American U.F.O. Organization, Inc. (NAUFO) have been investigating over 100 sightings in Pineville, Mo., over the past three weeks. Witnesses described "spacecraft" emitting bright orange and blue lights, some reporting landings. A McDonald County sheriff's deputy noted an increase in sightings over the last six weeks, with some reports coming over CB radio. Witnesses described hovering machines with lights, some hovering for 20 minutes before heading northwest. Two couples reported seeing occupants of landed objects described as saucer-shaped, about 15 feet high and 20-30 feet in diameter, giving off a glow. The occupants were described as wearing green jump suits and one carried a basketball-sized light source. Five witnesses reported their cars stalling near hovering objects. The NAUFO has ruled out military aircraft activity. Monty Blue Skelton, president of NAUFO, has seen basketball-sized lights in the area.
• UFOs spotted in Riverside County (Corona, Calif. Independent, March 22, 1977): Several law enforcement officers and seven March Air Force Base airmen reported sighting two unidentified flying objects over Riverside County. The objects were described as diamond-shaped, glowing silver with a blue stream, traveling at high speed from south to north. They were seen for about 15 seconds. California Highway Patrol officers also reported similar sightings. Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura county law enforcement also reported seeing bright objects.

Coachella Valley, California

• Coachella Valley UFO may have been copter (Riverside, CA. Enterprise, April 7, 1977): An unidentified flying object reported by residents in Coachella Valley might have been a Marine Corps helicopter on a night-flying exercise. Cpl. Art Ruland, an air traffic controller, stated that 19 helicopters flew from Santa Ana and Camp Pendleton for operations. A tremor felt by residents might also have been from a helicopter. Frank Crandall described a "cylindrical or cigar shaped craft, about 60 feet long and 10 feet wide." Local radio station KDES received many calls about the UFO.

Byron, Illinois

• UFO spotted in Byron (Byron, Ill. Northern Ogle Tempo, March 23, 1977): Reports of unidentified flying objects in Byron were clarified as the "Star Sign," an aerial electronic billboard owned by Dana and Audrey Blobaum. The billboard, programmed to display messages, was flown by a licensed pilot. It resembles a flying saucer with a red light on top and flashing lights. It can be read for a quarter of a mile. Some residents mistook it for a UFO.

San Gabriel, California

• UFOs Mystify Fishermen (San Gabriel, Calif. Tribune, March 23, 1977): John Ganschow and three companions reported seeing two bright objects flash across the horizon at high speed, faster than anything man-made. They described them as "lit matchsticks in color" with long trails. The objects moved parallel to the horizon. Some astronomers speculated they might have been rare double meteors, but Ganschow was certain they were not falling stars. Two sheriff's deputies also reported seeing a bright orange light in the Whittier Hills area. Maj. Brian Daly at March AFB described them as diamond-shaped objects with a blue stream.

Rantoul, Illinois

• 'Platu Maraude Negu' said the alien sincerely (Rantoul, Ill. Press, March 30, 1977): Mrs. Gertrude Hoecks reported seeing a cigar-shaped object land in her backyard. A small robot named "Gort" emerged, introducing himself and causing sudden winds and rain. The robot then mumbled something translated as "sometimes your hot and sometimes your not," and returned to his craft. Mrs. Hoecks translated his oath as "Prilay Oolsfay."

Other Mentions

• Jimmy Carter's UFO Sighting: The article "What will it take to finally settle the controversy over whether or not UFOs exist?" mentions that Jimmy Carter, then governor of Georgia, admitted to seeing a UFO in Leary, Georgia, in 1973. He described it as a "very sober occasion" and "obviously unidentified." His press secretary, Jody Powell, confirmed Carter saw a strange light or object that did not appear to be a star or planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various regions of the United States, the detailed descriptions provided by witnesses, and the ongoing efforts by organizations like the North American U.F.O. Organization, Inc. to investigate these phenomena. The inclusion of book reviews suggests an editorial stance that supports the exploration of paranormal and unexplained topics. The publication appears to present witness accounts factually, while also acknowledging skepticism and offering potential explanations, such as misidentified aircraft or natural phenomena, as seen in the Byron "Star Sign" case. The inclusion of President Carter's admission highlights the growing mainstream interest and credibility given to UFO reports.

This issue, dated April 1977, focuses heavily on UFO sightings, with the cover headline proclaiming "Looking for UFOs? Yakima Valley's best place." The publication appears to be a collection of newspaper clippings and articles from various regional papers, compiled to highlight recent and historical UFO phenomena.

Yakima Valley: A UFO Hotspot

The lead article by DICK MOODY, Basin Editor, highlights the Yakima Valley as a prime location for UFO sightings. Over 29 years, the eight-county area has reported 107 unidentified flying objects. The U.S. Air Force's "Project Blue Book" (1948-1969) contained 44 reports from the Mid-Columbia region, with five listed as "unidentified." Since the project's discontinuation, private organizations like Phenomena Research of Seattle continue to document these reports. The article provides a breakdown of sightings by location, with Toppenish and Walla Walla leading with 11 reports each, followed by Kennewick (8), Kahlotus (7), and Larson Air Force Base, Richland, and Pasco (6 each).

Several specific "unidentified" cases from Project Blue Book are summarized:

• Yakima (3-22-52): A large, ball-of-fire-like object of indefinite shape and size, colored red, was observed south of Yakima. An Air Defense Command aircraft observed the light, which would appear brilliantly and then fade out at high altitudes.
• Moses Lake (5-1-52): Atomic Energy Commission employees at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation reported seeing a silver object with a slow air speed for about 90 seconds. It made no sound, left no trail or exhaust, and had no visible wings.
• Walla Walla (6-1-52): An Air Force reserve officer observed a small, oval object with a "definite airfoil" but no visible propulsion system, exhaust, or contrail. The object moved rapidly at an estimated speed exceeding 1,800 miles per hour.
• Larson AFB (1-18-53): Military personnel observed a green disc, the size of a weather balloon, traveling opposite to the wind direction. An F-94 aircraft was scrambled but could not intercept.
• Ephrata (4-21-67): Two businessmen and their wives reported a brilliantly lighted object that hovered, causing their car engine, lights, and radio to become inoperable until the object left.
• Harrah (11-19-75): Two farmers reported brightly lighted objects moving overhead, causing the alternator pins on their tractors' instrument panels to fluctuate.
• Toppenish (1-27-77): A 6-year-old boy observed a disc-shaped object and reported seeing humanoid creatures. Impressions remained in the ground for several days.

Local Sightings and International Reports

Atwood, Kansas

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Walters of Atwood reported seeing an unidentified flying object on Monday night, April 17, 1977. Described as a large object leaving a wide path of burning sparks, it was compared to a comet's tail. The Oberlin television news later reported the object was a Russian rocket breaking up.

Acapulco, Mexico

A Mexican engineer, Guillermo Jaimes Gonzalez, claims to have built a model of a flying saucer using a "completely new metal system" that flies when hit with a one million-volt electrical charge. He also claims to be in touch with alien beings. His model was shown at the International Congress on UFO Phenomena. Gonzalez stated that flying saucers from other worlds have visited Earth to observe magnetic changes and have caused earthquakes and other physical disasters.

Southern Virginia

1st Lt. David Perry, an Air Force Reserve pilot, reported being chased by a flying saucer over southern Virginia on October 3, 1975. He described creatures from another planet aboard the craft who were intent on doing him harm. Perry felt he was being "sized up" and that the creatures "didn't like me very much." He and his copilot, Sgt. Robert A. Harding, sensed telepathic communication. The UFO was described as dome-shaped with lighted enclosures. Officer James P. Birns of the Virginia State Police also observed a similar object. Military authorities reportedly told Perry and Harding that the Air Force brass wanted no report on their experience, as their official position is that UFOs do not carry visitors from out of space.

Frankford, Ontario, Canada

Residents of the Frankford area reported seeing a brightly-lit UFO with revolving colored lights on two consecutive nights, February 21-22. Gary Carson described the object as circular with a bright white light that would sometimes reduce to amber. He noted the revolving lights had a pattern and sometimes stopped.

California Sightings

Several sightings were reported in California in late April 1977. In Stockton, Sheriff's Deputies Ronald Krug and Richard Green reported seeing two large lights that hovered before accelerating rapidly. Other deputies and security personnel at March Air Force Base also reported seeing lights. In the Whittier Hills area, a pilot and observer saw two lights that looked like airplane landing lights but had no airplane attached. Law enforcement officers in Riverside and Ventura counties also reported seeing lights.

Tennessee

Lawmen in at least four counties in Tennessee reported seeing a mysterious, hovering object on January 11, 1977. Jefferson City patrolman Kenneth Williams and Sgt. William Beason described an oval-shaped object with flashing red, white, and blue lights and a steady amber light. It moved very fast, made no noise, and hovered for about 10 minutes before ascending straight up. John French and Harold Jordan, security guards at Carson-Newman College, also witnessed the object, describing it as glowing gold, blue, and red before fading.

Missouri

More than 100 sightings of unidentified flying objects were being investigated by the North American U.F.O. Organization, Inc. in the Pineville, Missouri area. Reports included objects emitting bright orange color and landing in a hilly area. One couple reported coming close to a landed vehicle that gave off a glow. Another report described occupants of a vehicle clad in green jumpsuits. Witnesses reported their cars stalling as they neared the objects.

Ohio

In Mentor, Ohio, residents reported seeing an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) on Tuesday night. Rick Aldridge described a V-shaped formation of five orange-yellow lights that made no sound and passed overhead in about seven minutes. A control tower operator at Lost Nation Airport disagreed, classifying it as an aircraft with unusual lights.

Iowa

Four students near Galva, Iowa, reported seeing a disc-shaped, lighted saucer. Kevin King described being less than three feet away from the object. He stated the UFO had two pairs of lights on top and flipped over, coming towards him. The object passed over Kevin's car, moving very slowly.

Illinois

In Kankakee, Illinois, three flying objects that bore no resemblance to any familiar aircraft appeared in the skies. Eyewitnesses described the objects as emitting an ear-splitting sound, like a locomotive but with a high-pitched tone. Two of the craft appeared to be chasing the third, which wobbled erratically before all three rose vertically into the clouds. A spokesman at Chanute Air Force Base suggested they might be weather balloons or swamp gas.

Kentucky

Kenny Ray Leach and his friends in Cynthiana, Kentucky, reported seeing a strange object traveling east to west with four bright lights evenly spaced in a straight line. The object turned 90 degrees, revealing a mass described as "lengthy, like a cigar." Leach speculated it might be a meteorite but suggested it was some sort of craft.

Scientific and Government Perspectives

The article "UFOs Not Just for Kooks" discusses the changing attitudes towards UFOs, noting that numerous astronomers now favor inquiry into the subject. It contrasts this with the skepticism of 30 years prior. The piece suggests that while it doesn't necessarily mean UFOs are spaceships, it enhances respect for scientific inquiry.

Another article, "Seeks UFO Probe," discusses renewed interest in UFO sightings, particularly in California, where Air Force airmen, sheriff's deputies, and highway patrolmen reported seeing "diamond-shaped objects trailing streams of blue." The article criticizes the government's failure to adequately investigate these occurrences and suggests an open examination might allay public fears.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in specific geographical areas (Yakima Valley, Mid-Columbia), the variety of reported object characteristics (shape, color, behavior, speed, electromagnetic effects), and the ongoing debate between official explanations (weather balloons, aircraft, hoaxes) and the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon worthy of investigation, moving beyond the realm of mere speculation or "kook" theories, as evidenced by the inclusion of scientific opinions and calls for government probes.

This issue of THE TORONTO STAR, dated April 22, 1977, features a prominent cover story about the Prime Minister of Grenada's strong stance on flying saucers. The magazine also includes numerous reports of UFO sightings from various locations in Canada and the United States, alongside discussions on the scientific community's view of UFO phenomena and alleged government secrecy.

Grenada's Prime Minister on UFOs

Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, is quoted as believing in flying saucers and urging the United Nations to establish a special agency to monitor 'alien activity from outer space.' He stated that many national agencies have withheld information and that the world is ready to accept the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Gairy believes the universe is inhabited by 'other men, other forms' and that the world is surrounded by superior forces. He also suggested that UFOs are piloted by intelligent aliens, possibly hostile or seeking to share technology.

UFO Sightings Across North America

The magazine compiles several reports of UFO sightings:

• Vancouver, Canada: Two weather office employees, George Thrupp and Margaret Mancor, reported seeing a UFO described as orange on top, blue underneath, cigar-shaped, with portholes, larger than a jumbo jet, and moving faster than a fighter. They described it as having a 'blue flash' and making no sound.
• Cynthiana, Kentucky: A dispatcher reported a UFO shaped with red, white, and green lights, with no consensus on its direction. Prior to the UFO call, 'hazy green' shooting stars were reported, and the object was not detected by Greater Cincinnati Airport radar.
• Ashton, Michigan: Herbert Zimmerman reported seeing a 'strange' object, and reliable sources corroborated similar sightings on the same night, March 20.
• McNatt, Missouri: An eyewitness reported seeing a bright light that appeared to be a brush fire, but it moved. A man in green coveralls and cap was seen waving them down, and beside a water-tank-like object with red lights, another person was seen walking away.
• Inland Empire, California: Seven security officers at March Air Force Base, two Riverside County sheriff's deputies, and two California Highway Patrolmen reported seeing unidentified flying objects (UFOs) described as diamond, cigar, or oval shaped, glowing silver, and leaving a blue trail.
• Panama City, Florida: Margaret King reported seeing a bright silver light that appeared to be a fisherman's lantern, which later transformed into a brilliant red light described as a 'red mist' with sparkling elements. She later observed an object with a cross-hair-like intersection.
• Colusa, California: Greg and Pat Dowden reported seeing a UFO approximately one mile west of Colusa, described as giving off a 'gold solid large light' and flying slowly.
• Crete, Nebraska: Several citizens reported a brilliant blue-white light that turned orange and sputtered as it moved across the sky, later identified by NORAD as a booster rocket from a Russian Cosmos Satellite reentering the atmosphere.
• Hillsdale, Michigan: The upcoming movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is mentioned in relation to past UFO sightings in the area, including one behind a Hillsdale College dormitory.
• Downey, California: A nine-year-old boy reported seeing a UFO with no wings, flat and white-colored, traveling as high as a plane.

Astronomers Demand 'Serious' UFO Study

A survey of 1,356 astronomers polled by the American Astronomical Society revealed that 80 percent believe UFOs deserve further scientific study. Sixty-two of the professional astronomers reported having made sightings themselves. The survey suggests that the UFO question is far from dead and that scientists and the public demand a full-scale investigation.

UFOs and Alleged Government Secrecy

The article 'UFO HEX?' features an interview with international science writer and UFO investigator Jimmy Guieu, who claims that individuals who learn too much about UFOs 'disappear.' He cites the cases of James MacDonald, a researcher for the Condon Report who allegedly found a secret memorandum instructing Condon to downplay UFO evidence, and James Forrestal, former US Defense Secretary, who reportedly died mysteriously after setting up a commission to study unidentified celestial bodies.

Chilean Soldier's Time Warp Experience

In Chile, six members of an army patrol reported seeing two bright objects descend from the sky. Cpl. Armando Valdes, the patrol leader, went to investigate and vanished for fifteen minutes, reappearing with his watch showing an earlier time and a beard growth of about a week. Skeptics suggest it may have been a desert mirage.

UFOs in the Mediterranean

An article titled 'U.S. Army nightmare UFO RAY DESTROYS MISSILE' reports that UFOs were spying on a top-secret U.S. NATO base in Sardinia and were fired upon by U.S. missiles. The UFOs reportedly disintegrated the missiles with a laser beam. The incident was allegedly filmed and shown on Italian TV.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the growing interest and demand for scientific investigation into the phenomenon, and the persistent suspicion of government cover-ups or suppression of information related to UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and claims, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, while acknowledging the skepticism that often surrounds the topic. The inclusion of quotes from astronomers and investigators suggests an openness to the possibility of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "Lurking UFO's" from the Courant-Citizen, dated April 27, 1977, focuses on a series of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings reported by residents, primarily in Howard, Kansas, but also extending to other locations.

UFO Sightings in Howard, Kansas

The main article details multiple accounts from students and other residents of Howard, Kansas, who reported seeing strange objects in the skies. Donna Roebuck (junior) described a "real big, bright red-orange thing" seen near a rock quarry that looked like it was sitting on the ground. Carol Wilnerd (junior) and Lauri Wilnerd (freshman) reported seeing an orangish-white object that didn't blink and seemed to follow them. Cindee Miller (sophomore) noted an object that changed from orange to white, moved down at an angle, and then reappeared. Sheryl Wunderlich (junior) and friends described a "great big light" that backed off and turned red, blue, and white. Kelly Crum (senior) recounted seeing an object for two hours in January or February that "fell." Lori Hedrick (junior) and others saw a "big orange glowing disc" near the Cresco Cemetary that rose and dropped, which they were convinced was a UFO. Teachers Mr. Ward and Mr. Blair also reported seeing a light doing "strange things" with rapid movements.

UFO Incident in East Cleveland

A separate article details an incident in East Cleveland, Ohio, where a police captain, George Williams, witnessed a UFO over Lost Nation Airport. Williams, a licensed private pilot, described the object as having "four orangish lights" and moving at an estimated 50 miles per hour. He noted that it wasn't like a military jet and didn't report in to airports. Cleveland approach control radar tracked a target at 24,000 feet moving at the speed of a large jet, but had no radio communication. Another witness, George Beam, reported seeing a similar object moving in the opposite direction, with the right side changing to a reddish color. He also mentioned neighbors seeing two military jets "snooping around."

UFO Reports in Coachella Valley

Reports from the Coachella Valley indicate a significant number of UFO sightings. Residents described seeing three odd red lights in the sky, with Indio police receiving numerous calls. Witnesses reported seeing separate objects moving slowly, hovering, then moving. These sightings occurred throughout Southern California, including the Coachella Valley, and followed a similar incident two weeks prior.

Police Watch UFOs in Southern California

An article from the National Enquirer describes police officers in Southern California witnessing UFOs traveling at estimated speeds up to 12,000 m.p.h. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies Ray Davis and Ted Roach spotted a "bright light with an orange tinge" that accelerated at tremendous speed and disappeared. Other deputies, Lonnie Hicks and Robert Carr, described "bright circular objects" traveling in tandem. Highway patrolman Lorin Orchard also reported seeing a "cylinder-shaped object leaving a trail behind." Air Force security guard Guy Wilson estimated speeds of 50 miles in 15 seconds, equating to about 12,000 m.p.h. Mark O. Hogan and Paul R. Till also witnessed two orange lights moving at high speed over the airport.

UFO Researchers Seek Government Files

This section discusses UFO researchers who are pressing the U.S. government to open its files on the subject. They claim that the CIA and the U.S. armed forces are suppressing information. William H. Spaulding, director of Ground Saucer Watch, expressed frustration with the government's lack of transparency and called for congressional hearings. Dr. Allen Hynek, a consultant on the Air Force's Project Blue Book, criticized the project for being a "cover-up" and lacking a scientific approach.

International UFO Sightings

Reports from other countries include sightings in Lucey, France, where several people observed bright, star-like objects moving erratically and disappearing. In Japan, citizens reported a "strange glowing object" over Nagasaki City, described as a "red round jellyfish" that hovered and emitted streams of fire. An unknown object was also reported over Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture, chased by police cars but never identified.

UFO Centre Official's Stance

Mr. J. Bigwood, president of the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre, criticized the "fringe element" of UFO researchers who, he claims, are sensationalizing the phenomenon and jeopardizing the credibility of serious investigations. He stated that the UFO is a separate study and that there are no quick answers.

Flashing Lights and Ghost-like Figure in Tasmania

An account from Tasmania describes a "STRANGE electronic music" and an "apparition on the highway." A man reported seeing a yellow light source and a figure in profile. Another report details a "ghost-like figure" seen near a caravan ceiling in Tasmania. Additionally, sightings of "flashing lights and a ghost-like figure" were reported near Lake Sorell, with objects hovering and leaving indentations in the ground.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and the involvement of ordinary citizens, law enforcement, and even military personnel as witnesses. There is a clear undercurrent of skepticism from some, contrasted with the conviction of others who have personally witnessed these phenomena. The issue also touches upon the debate surrounding government transparency and the potential for a cover-up of UFO-related information. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events, presenting various perspectives, and acknowledging the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs, while also highlighting the efforts of researchers and the criticisms leveled against sensationalism within the field.

This issue of France-Soir, dated April 16, 1977, focuses on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from various locations, including France, England, Colombia, and Mexico. The magazine presents these sightings as potential contributions to the study of UFOs.

"Une « soucoupe » chez Poulidor" (A 'Saucer' near Poulidor's Country)

This article, translated from France-Soir, reports on a UFO sighting in the Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat district of France, near the Vienne Valley and the farm of Raymond Poulidor. One witness, Mr. Faucher, managed to take a photograph of the object. The collected statements and the photograph are intended to augment the file compiled by the National Gendarmerie (Police) on 'Extra-terrestrials'.

"Étrange Phénomène dans le Ciel de Verdun" (Strange Phenomenon in the Sky of Verdun)

Written by J.J. from Meuse, this account describes an observation on March 12th around 9:30 p.m. near Verdun. The witness, along with three family members, saw a large, brilliant 'star' that twinkled and emitted a green gleam. The object's brightness varied, almost disappearing at times. It moved towards the north and the phenomenon lasted for about 20 minutes. The witness also notes that his wife had previously seen a UFO in the south of the Meuse department the previous year, which emitted multiple colors. This earlier sighting was also reported by FR3 Lorraine and seen by several other people.

"One "Flying-Saucer in Poulidor's Country" (English Translation)

This section provides an English translation of the lead story, confirming the sighting near Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat and the witness Mr. Faucher's photograph. It poses the question of whether the Limousin region will contribute to UFO study.

"The Local News - England"

This section reports on two individuals, John and Maureen Rowston, from Warminster, England. Maureen, a 29-year-old, expresses her belief that with millions of planets around other suns, it's unlikely Earth is unique and that more advanced planets capable of sending probes must exist. She states that she and her husband saw five UFOs in one evening in Warminster. One was described as a 'lovely, big, bright orange thing' that moved in jerks. Maureen believes these craft are operated by superior beings and suggests they might be trying to warn humanity about self-destruction through nuclear bombs.

"TRANSLATION: "NOSTRA" - PARIS, FRANCE APRIL 27, 1977 STRANGE PHENOMENON IN SKY OF VERDUN" (English Translation)

This is an English translation of the Verdun sighting, corroborating the details provided in the French original, including the date, time, visual characteristics, duration, and the witness's wife's prior sighting.

"AVEUGLÉ PAR UN O.V.N.I." (Blinded by a UFO)

This article, originating from Colombia, details an incident involving a pilot, Mr. Manuel Lopez, who encountered a UFO. The pilot was suddenly blinded by the object's light, forcing him to fly over Bogota for two hours while calling the airport tower, stating he had lost his sight and didn't know what to do. Four airplanes were dispatched to assist him in landing safely at the Bogota airport.

"MEXICO, (UPI) - Nueva invasión de Ovnis en México" (New Invasion of UFOs in Mexico)

This report from Mexico City, attributed to UPI and El Mañana, details hundreds of residents reporting sightings of two unidentified flying objects over the Aztec Stadium shortly before dawn on a Monday. Authorities initially speculated a drunken watchman might have caused the phenomenon by manipulating stadium lights. Over a thousand calls were received by the police. Dr. Roberto Oliveira reported seeing two oval objects emitting orange and violet light rays, moving in parallel formation. Two police officers who investigated also saw what appeared to be two soccer balls surrounded by disks. The article notes that this sighting occurred shortly before the First International Conference on UFOs, scheduled for April 17-24 in Acapulco.

"BLINDED BY A UFO" (English Translation)

This section provides an English translation of the Colombian pilot's encounter, confirming the blinding light from the UFO and the subsequent assistance required for landing in Bogota.

"NEW INVASION OF UFO'S IN MEXICO" (English Translation)

This is an English translation of the Mexico City report, detailing the sightings over the Aztec Stadium and the upcoming UFO conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting of UFO sightings from around the world, presented as factual accounts. The magazine appears to take a neutral stance, relaying witness testimonies and official reports without overt skepticism or endorsement, aiming to inform readers about these phenomena and their potential implications. The inclusion of translations suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of international UFO-related news.