APCIC - Vol 02 No 06 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING & INFORMATION CENTER, dated JUNE 1977, is Volume Two, Number Six. The publication, based in Cleveland, Ohio, focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics. The cover features the organization's logo and the date, with a note that direct reproduction is prohibited. The back cover provides subscription information and contact details for the center.

Book Reviews and Listings

The magazine includes extensive listings and brief reviews of books related to UFOs and paranormal subjects. These are categorized into "HARDCOVER BOOKS" and "NEW PAPERBACKS BOOKS."

Hardcover Books Reviewed:

• WITHOUT A TRACE by Charles Berlitz: A collection of material relating to the Bermuda Triangle, underwater ruins, and UFOs.
• SITUATION RED: THE UFO SIEGE by Leonard H. Stringfield: A long-time UFO investigator's account of his experiences during and following the 1973 UFO flap.
• PSYCHIC ARCHAEOLOGY by Jeffrey Goodman: A story about the use of psychic abilities in uncovering clues to the past.
• THEY CAME FROM SPACE by Elwood D. Baumann: A book for juvenile readers on the "ancient astronaut" topic.
• UFO by Rhoda Blumberg: Another book on UFOs for children, noted as potentially misleading and not recommended.

Paperback Books Reviewed:

• TIME TRAVEL: MYTH OR REALITY? by Richard Heffern: Covers prophecy, time warps, parallel universes, and UFOs.
• SECRETS OF THE GYPSIES by Pierre Derlon: An exposition of mysteries and psychic abilities of the Gypsies.
• THE UFO YEARBOOK by John Wallace Spencer: A rehash of UFO material from various sources like APRO, NICAP, MUFON, and the National Enquirer.
• SECRETS OF THE UFO by Don Elkins with Carla Rueckert: An interesting survey of ufology from the standpoint of contactee stories.
• THE VIEW OVER ATLANTIS by John Michell: Suggests ancient wisdom is incorporated in structures like the Great Pyramid and Stonehenge.
• UFO EXIST! by Paris Flammonde: A follow-up to the author's previous book, "THE AGE OF FLYING SAUCERS."

A notice indicates that the book section is supplied by Mr. Lou Farish of Plumerville, Arkansas, and further inquiries should be directed to him.

UFOPRESS - South American Publication

There is an advertisement for UFOPRESS, described as "THE BEST SOUTH AMERICAN PUBLICATION ON THE UFO PROBLEM!!!" It offers 4 issues and 2 special issues, each forty pages, with subscription rates for South America, USA & Canada, and Europe. It is edited by Servicio de Investigaciones Ufologicas, with remittances payable to Guillermo C. Roncoroni in Argentina.

News Reports of UFO Sightings

The issue contains several news clippings detailing UFO sightings:

• "There was this orange thing." (SOUTH MIDDLESEX DAILY NEWS, May 15, 1977): Reports on a creature described as "orange, shark-like skin; glowing eyes in a watermelon-shaped head" seen by four residents in Dover, Massachusetts. The description includes suction-like feet that "mold" to surfaces. One witness provided a sketch. Police were initially skeptical but acknowledged the reputation of the witnesses. A possible UFO sighting in Medfield the day before was also mentioned.

• "Over Kettering, Moraine UFO seen, 4 policemen say" (THE JOURNAL HERALD, May 23, 1977): Four area policemen reported seeing a large, round, blue and white object flying south. Lt. George Cochran described it as a "large ball of flame with a tail like a shower of sparks... bluish white, like an intense heat." Dennis Adkins described it as "green, then it turned red," and "at least as big as a plane," with flames streaming from its rear. The object made no sound and was not identified by South Dayton Airport or Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The report was forwarded to the Center for UFO Studies.

• "More Reports of UFOs" (MEMPHIS PRESS-SCIMITAR, May 19, 1977): Following a UFO sighting by five police officers, Memphis received about 20 calls regarding similar objects. The UFO was described as football field-sized and triangular, with flashing red and green lights. Radar at Memphis International Airport showed nothing unusual. Calls also came from citizens attending a baseball game.

• "UFO spotted at Kirksville" (THE QUINCY HERALD-WHIG, May 23, 1977): Law enforcement officers and a radio reporter in Kirksville, Missouri, observed a silvery, oblong disc with a fluttering tail moving through the air at dawn. Officer Robert Russell described it as "like a big comet, bright, silverish, with a long tail."

• "'Mystery Glow' Lights Region" (THE TIMES, Hammond, Ind., May 18, 1977): Police departments received numerous calls about glowing orbs. Highland police reported about 1,200 calls with varied descriptions, suggesting the object was a display plane used for car dealership advertising. Spokesmen at Griffith and Hammond-Lansing airports confirmed advertising planes were used. However, Merrillville police reported a "tri-plane with a sequential panel of lights," which was described as rare and highly maneuverable.

• "Airport explains UFO as planet" (THE DAILY DISPATCH, Moline, Ill., May 9, 1977): An object sighted over Rock Island was identified by the Quad-City Airport Control Tower as a planet. Air controllers also spotted it, but it did not appear on radar. Patrolman Darwin L. Terkelson described it as a "round bright white object stationary in the sky" that appeared to maintain its shape and was orange in color before moving northeast and disappearing.

• "Alitalia jet just misses crash with UFO" (NATIONAL SPOTLITE, July 1977): A UFO reportedly almost collided with an Alitalia DC-10 over Central India. Captain Franco de Rosa described intense, neon-like lights and a large, gondola-shaped object with four large windows. The object was seen descending and crossing the airliner's path at high speed. The co-pilot and backup pilot corroborated the sighting, stating it was not a man-made machine.

• "UFOs sighted over Alaska" (CALGARY HERALD, May 17, 1977): A Northwest Orient Airline crew and a radar approach controller at Anchorage International Airport reported seeing unidentified flying objects. One controller saw "four blips which gyrated on his radarscope" and moved rapidly. The airline pilot reported seeing a single bright object at 60,000 feet moving at high speed.

• "She Wonders If Other Folks Spotted UFO" (DAILY RECORD, May 11, 1977): A 24-year-old woman in Livingston Township, New Jersey, reported seeing an "oversized moon, glowing orange red" that moved quickly across the sky. She wonders if anyone else saw it.

• "Strange light in the sky..." (THE SUNDAY SUN, Canada, May 15, 1977): This report clarifies that a strange light seen early that morning was due to Venus and Mars passing close to the moon, not a flying saucer.

• "Five Law Officers Report UFO Over Shelby" (MEMPHIS PRESS-SCIMITAR, May 17, 1977): Four policemen and a Tennessee highway patrolman reported seeing a large, pyramidal-shaped object, estimated at 300 feet long, with red and green blinking lights. The object was seen three times and moved silently at high speed. Officers T. L. Todd and J. W. Jeter of the Police Tactical Squad described it as triangular and moving at an incredible speed, covering a distance of 30 miles in seconds.

• "More Than One Witnessed UFO" (MORRISTOWN, N.J., May 13, 1977): A woman reported seeing a "big glowing thing in the sky" that appeared motionless. She and her children later saw it move off. This sighting was linked to a similar report by Miss Leslie Hendricks, who described an "oversized moon, glowing orange red" that flashed across the sky. The local organization Vestiga is investigating.

• "Strange light in the sky..." (RIDGWAY, PA., May 5, 1977): A woman in an isolated area reported seeing a round craft ringed with blue lights hover at tree-top level. A white glow emanated from the craft, which then rose vertically at a high rate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings, the challenges in identifying them, and the skepticism and interest they generate. The publication appears to present these reports without overt bias, allowing the accounts of witnesses, including law enforcement officers and pilots, to speak for themselves. The inclusion of book reviews suggests an interest in broader paranormal and speculative topics beyond just UFOs. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and disseminating information on these phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and consider various explanations, from the mundane to the extraordinary.

This issue of the magazine, with the cover headline 'Like a ship suspended in air,' features a collection of reports and articles detailing numerous unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings from across the United States and Canada during May 1977. The publication focuses on witness testimonies, police encounters, and initial investigations into these phenomena.

Key Sightings and Reports

Pleasanton, California: A Family's Encounter

The lead story details the experience of the Robert Coffey family in Pleasanton, who reported a UFO hovering near Kottinger Reservoir at 1:50 a.m. on March 13. Robert Coffey described the object as having a bell-shaped outline with blinding lights, resembling 'strobe lights or flashes of lightning.' He estimated its length to be between 100 to 125 feet and its altitude at 300 to 400 feet. The object was silent and moved with a smooth, gliding effect. Robert felt the vehicle was under intelligent control. His wife, Charlene, shared his sense of wonder, while their son, Bobby, noted the object turned vertical, which he found astonishing. Three other Pleasanton residents later claimed to have seen the same UFO.

Indiana: Multiple Sightings Reported

In Portage, Indiana, over 40 residents reported seeing a UFO between 9:45 and 10 p.m. on a Monday. The object was described as circular, larger than an airplane, with square windows and rotating lights. Some witnesses heard a sound like whistling wind. Similar sightings were reported in Valparaiso, with one witness stating the object changed shape. Police and the Institute for Research of UFO Phenomena at Northwestern University were investigating.

New York: Lights Over Lake Secor

Residents in the Lake Secor area of New York reported seeing rounded objects with flashing red, green, blue, and amber lights late Sunday night. Mrs. Anna Amiano described the objects as hovering for extended periods before moving rapidly. Carmel police received several calls, with one officer suggesting the lights might be from Danbury Airport, a theory Mrs. Amiano disputed.

Kansas: Police Chief Spots UFO

Ron Orton, chief of the Wellsville Police Department, reported seeing a round, bright white object, about the size of an automobile, moving erratically about 50 miles east of Wellsville. A staff member from the UFO Reporting Center suggested the object might have been the planet Venus, which can appear larger and move due to atmospheric conditions or eye distortion. However, the explanation for a small red light seen with the object remained unclear.

Colombia: Pilot's Shocking Encounter

A Colombian pilot, Manuel Lopez, claimed he was blinded in the sky by an unidentified flying object near Bogota. He circled the city for two hours before being guided to a landing and taken to a hospital suffering from shock. His calls for help were broadcast by a local radio station.

Indiana: Advertising Gimmick or UFO?

In Marion, Indiana, residents reported an unusual flying object with flashing lights. Police initially suggested it might be an advertising gimmick, possibly for 'Villa North' or 'Southworth-Heiser Ford.' However, witnesses insisted the object's behavior and appearance were not consistent with an airplane.

Iowa: Schoolboys' Close Encounter

A group of young schoolboys in Davenport, Iowa, reported a UFO landing near them. Michael Webb and Phillip Rees described a silvery-yellow object with a shining light on top, from which a small, man-like figure in a spacesuit emerged. The figure walked around the field before returning to the craft, which then ascended at high speed. The boys' principal confirmed their consistent accounts. A teacher also reported seeing a glowing, saucer-like object.

Illinois: High-Altitude Balloon Theory

An investigator from the Center for UFO Studies suggested that a UFO sighted over the Quad-Cities area might have been a high-altitude balloon. Allen Hendry stated that when a logical natural explanation exists, UFO investigators do not attribute the sighting to extraterrestrial beings, even if the explanation cannot be definitively confirmed. He noted that many research balloons are released, making them difficult to track.

Pennsylvania: Message from Heaven?

Mrs. Roxie Wilt of Bradford, Pennsylvania, reported seeing a large, cylindrical object with a tail that appeared to explode. Initially, she thought it was a message from heaven regarding her grandson's critical condition, but he was still in a coma. The object was described as having rings of intense red light and left a strong, unusual sweet odor in the air after its disappearance. Local police and fire departments received no related calls.

Ontario, Canada: Car Hovered Over

In Napanee, Ontario, Canada, Sylvia Laidler and her daughter reported a UFO hovering over their car on Highway 401. They described a red streak with brilliant turquoise and flashing red lights, and a goldish light at the bottom. The object made no sound and then disappeared rapidly.

Ohio: Fiery Object Baffles Police

Four police officers from Moraine and Kettering, Ohio, reported sighting a 'big burning ball' in the sky that changed colors from green to red to blue. The object flew from northeast to southwest, lighting up the sky. One officer initially thought it was a plane on fire. Reports of UFO activity and Bigfoot sightings in the region were noted as potentially related.

Wisconsin: UFO Report

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department in Wisconsin received reports of bright flashing lights and a humming noise coming from a wooded area. Deputy Edward Gault reported seeing bright light flashes, but ground fog and low cloud conditions were noted in other recent UFO investigations.

Florida: TV Antenna Rattled

In Lake Helen, Florida, Mrs. Leonard Twidt reported her TV antenna shaking violently and observed bright lights. She saw a large, round object with flashing colored lights moving slowly at tree-top height. Her husband only caught a partial view as it disappeared.

Texas: UFO Over Deer Run Road

A UFO was reported on Center Road in Merrill, Wisconsin, described as an orange and yellow object hovering over a barn and heading east. The witness had observed a similar object three weeks prior on Deer Run Road.

California: UFO Line Hotline

A hotline for people who have seen Unidentified Flying Objects was established by the International U.F.O. Registry.

Pennsylvania: Object Seen in Sky

A citizen in Clarion, Pennsylvania, reported seeing a rapidly moving illuminated object with a silver-white light and a tadpole-like appearance that dipped and shot back up, moving much faster than an airplane.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the consistent descriptions of silent, fast-moving objects with unusual lights, and the difficulty witnesses face in being believed. The magazine presents these accounts with a tone that leans towards validating the experiences, often highlighting the credibility of the witnesses (e.g., police officers, pilots, families). While some articles mention potential conventional explanations like Venus or balloons, the overall presentation suggests a genuine phenomenon that remains largely unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, encouraging readers to consider the evidence presented.

This issue of the Sturgeon Bay Advocate, dated April 12, 1977, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO's nothing to sniff(le) at" by Gerry Walsh. The magazine also includes reports from various locations across the United States detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena.

UFO's Nothing to Sniff(le) at

By Gerry Walsh
Gerry Walsh recounts a personal encounter in Door County, Wisconsin, where he claims to have met an alien from a silver, cigar-shaped UFO. The alien, described as having large, penetrating eyes and wearing a silver suit, offered Walsh a 'cold cure can' that could heal all illnesses. Walsh expresses frustration with humanity's inability to cure the common cold despite advanced technology. The encounter was interrupted by the arrival of the sheriff and deputies, who began shooting at the UFO, causing it to depart.

UFO Viewed In Pinedale

This article from the Rock Springs, Wyo. - Rocket Miner, dated May 24, 1977, reports a sighting of a luminescent, oblong-shaped UFO over Fremont Lake in Pinedale. Dick Forsgren, a resident of Rock Springs, observed the object for over 40 minutes through binoculars and stated it was not a planet or weather balloon. He described it as looking like "two dinner plates stuck (together)" with lights at each end. Forsgren noted the object moved due east at a high speed without noise. Pinedale police officer Richard Kabe, however, identified the object as a weather balloon, attributing its dimming to sunset. Other Pinedale residents also reported seeing the UFO, with descriptions varying slightly but generally agreeing on its shape and lights. A similar object was reported in Kirksville, Missouri, the following Sunday morning.

Woman Spots Unusual Craft

By David Vendera, Era Staff Writer
This article from the Paducah, Ky. Sun-Democrat, dated May 24, 1977, details a sighting by a woman in an isolated area near Wilcox, Elk County, Pennsylvania. The 29-year-old woman, who requested anonymity, described a round, silver craft with blue lights hovering at tree-top level for about 10 minutes. She reported a white glow emanating from the object and that it ascended vertically at high speed. State police advised her to contact Mrs. Joan Jeffers of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research. Mrs. Jeffers found the woman's account credible and consistent. The object's description was compared to a missile seen in McKean County, which was tentatively identified as an exploding meteoroid. The woman described the craft as being "half again the size of the moon" and estimated its diameter to be between 75 and 100 feet. She felt the craft was manned and that it was looking at her. A beam of light was emitted from its midline. The craft vanished abruptly after accelerating rapidly upwards. The woman could not hear any sound due to a nearby train and her dogs howling.

Unidentified Flying Object (Paducah)

This brief report from the Paducah, Ky. Sun-Democrat, dated May 24, 1977, mentions Harry A. Yates finding a piece of "meteorite" behind his house. The rock was described as red with metallic gray streaks and broke into 16 pieces, weighing eight ounces.

From The News Desk

By Gene Prigge
This column from the Harvey, Ill. Herald, dated May 25, 1977, includes a personal account from the author, Gene Prigge, who claims to have seen a UFO. He describes the object as strange and moving too fast to be a satellite but too slow to be an airplane. His four-year-old daughter also witnessed it. Prigge mentions hearing about a UFO sighting in southern Illinois on the same day. He also includes a brief Mother's Day wish.

UFO Had Long Tail (Hollywood, Fla.)

This report from the Hollywood, Fla. Sun-Tattler, dated May 23, 1977, describes law enforcement officers and a radio station reporter witnessing an unidentified flying object over Kirksville, Missouri. The object was described as a silvery, oblong disc with a fluttering tail, moving slowly and twirling. Police officer Robert Russell, reporter Doug Mooney, and dispatcher Larry Biehl all observed the object.

It's Not a Bird, It's a Plane! But, What Kind? (Valparaiso, Ind.)

This article from the South Bend Tribune, dated May 11, 1977, discusses reports of an unidentified flying object over Valparaiso, Indiana. Cpl. Joe Taiclet of the Valparaiso Police Department stated that an airplane towing an advertising banner was responsible. Robert Laughery, Valparaiso Airport manager, confirmed that the plane did not originate from their airport. Authorities speculated it might be a homemade contraption, but the plane was eventually identified as an advertising gimmick.

Silent, Glowing UFO Astounds State Lawmen

By Bob Pratt, Madisonville, Tenn. Observer, dated May 4, 1977
This article reports on a UFO streaking across the night skies over eastern Tennessee, dazzling lawmen in at least four counties. Patrolman Kenneth Williams and Sgt. William Beason of Jefferson City described the object as having an oval shape with flashing red, white, and blue lights, and a steady amber light. They estimated its altitude at 1,500 feet and noted it made no noise. The object hovered for about 10 minutes before ascending rapidly. Other witnesses included John French and Harold Jordan, security guards. Possible explanations included a weather balloon or Air National Guard planes, but a U.S. Weather Service spokesman stated their balloons do not carry lights, and the Air National Guard reported no flights during that period.

Star Losing Sports Editor

This article from the Sauk-Prairie Star, Wisc., dated May 5, 1977, mentions Todd Zechel, the sports editor, taking a leave of absence to serve as a technical consultant on a film about UFOs. Zechel is the research director for Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) and is skeptical of claims of alien encounters, focusing on solid objects that cannot be identified.

UFO Sighted In Catskill Area

By James Carbone, Catskill, N.Y. News, dated May 5, 1977
Three teenagers reported seeing an unidentified flying object on Route 23A. They described a white glow descending to the earth, followed by a loud boom, sparks, smoke, and a pungent odor. Dr. Gary Levine, a UFO enthusiast, accompanied police to the site and took infrared pictures, but they did not turn up anything conclusive. The teenagers reported the odor was still present when they returned to the site.

Do UFOs Fly In Colorado?

By Dorothy Aldridge, GT Staff Writer, Gazette Telegraph, Colo. Springs, Colo., dated April 24, 1977
This article discusses reports of a "baby UFO" and its "Big Mama" in Logan County, Colorado. These objects have become focal points in the investigation into cattle mutilations. Sheriff Harry L. "Tex" Graves has been exchanging information with law enforcement officials in other states regarding cattle mutilations. Capt. Keith Wolverton of Montana reported observing "Big Mama" on radar at 21,000 feet, which then moved to 44,000 feet in 3½ seconds, a speed far exceeding known aircraft. The lights of "Big Mama" are described as brilliant and hover for extended periods. The "baby UFO" is described as a pencil eraser size with a single brilliant light. Witnesses have not heard any sound from the objects. Infrared binoculars and star scopes have been used to observe the objects, which can change shape and color. The article also details "pot marks" found at mutilation sites, described as triangular patterns and circular indentations. Reports of strange lights in the sky preceded the discovery of mutilated animals. The sheriff also noted strange skid marks and three cattle mutilations in the same feed lot in August 1976.

Evening Chat: UFOs Down Around Brookville Lake?

Compiled by The Editorial Staff, Connersville, Ind. News-Examiner, dated May 18, 1977
This column discusses a letter from a rural Martinsville man who, along with a fishing companion, witnessed two cigar-shaped objects, the size of helicopters, hovering near Brookville Lake. The objects were about 200 feet apart and appeared to be turning like a Ferris wheel. The writer initially dismissed it as the National Guard but later questioned it. No other similar reports have been received.

RI Policemen Report Another Sky Object

This article from the Davenport, Iowa - Quad-City Times, dated May 15, 1977, reports that Rock Island police officers saw a "glittering object" in the sky. Patrolmen Roy Shrake and Darwin Terkelsen observed the object. Shrake described it as being on the lower right corner of the moon, bright, and looking like a star. He noted that it was not an airplane. The object was observed for a few minutes before disappearing. Shrake planned to ask Dr. Harry Nelson of Augustana College for an explanation.

Base for UFOs: moon, not airport

This letter to the editor, from Carmel, dated May 12, 1977, argues that UFOs are real and not from outer space, suggesting they originate from the moon. The author, John Zueblin, criticizes NASA's focus on manned moon missions instead of using unmanned craft for observation.

The unsolved UFO kidnaping

This article from the National Spotlite, July 1977, details the alleged abduction of Travis Walton in Arizona on November 5, 1975. Six witnesses reported seeing a UFO and Travis Walton approaching it before a greenish-blue flash appeared. Travis was found days later, claiming to have been abducted and examined by aliens. The six witnesses passed lie detector tests, with five passing with flying colors. The sixth witness had inconclusive results. Travis refused a lie detector test, with a psychotherapist agreeing that the trauma of his experience would affect his stress levels.

Area UFO Just A Meteor?

This article from the Bradford, Pa. Journal, dated May 5, 1977, discusses a brilliant missile that streaked across the McKean County sky. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies, suggested it was likely a bolide (exploding meteoroid). He explained that such objects can change direction and evaporate, leaving no trace. Two area astronomers suggested it might have been a traveling electrical discharge. Mrs. Jeffers of the Pennsylvania UFO Center reported that police in Springdale, near Pittsburgh, saw a large orange object descend and apparently land near the Allegheny River. The nearby fire department found no trace of fire or a missile.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly in relation to cattle mutilations. There is a clear interest in documenting and reporting these events, with various individuals and organizations actively investigating them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the possibility of natural explanations or hoaxes. The articles highlight the public's fascination with UFOs and the ongoing search for answers to these mysteries.

This issue of MIDNIGHT MAGAZINE, dated June 28, 1977, features a prominent cover story about a family's terrifying encounter with a UFO. The magazine also includes reports from Texas, Portugal, France, Iran, Australia, and England, covering various UFO sightings and related phenomena.

UFO Follows Family: Mom And Daughters Spend A Terrifying Night Trying To Escape 'Great Big Blue Light'

The lead story, reported by Susan Bedrick, details an incident involving the Owens family at their rural home in eastern Tennessee. Eleven-year-old Donna Owens described a 'great big blue light' that hovered over their house and followed them. Her mother, Edna Owens, recounted how the light appeared after they returned from a grocery trip. The object, described as round with blue lights, moved over their property and hovered near a pond. The family went inside and turned off the lights. Edna described sensing something over the house and hearing a sound like 'cracking and popping like electricity.' Donna became hysterical and was hospitalized for a week. Regina, 16, reported being too scared to look but received a shock when she opened the car door. The UFO followed their car to a country store, where it stopped for about 10 minutes before vanishing.

Police Sight Dazzling UFO Over Texas

This article reports on a spectacular UFO sighting over central Texas that dazzled dozens of people, including policemen. San Saba police chief H.L. "Hub" Hubbard admitted it 'spooked' him. Patrolman Richard Alligood and eyewitness Donald Harrell described the object as a 'big ball of fire' that lit up the countryside. Harrell described it as shaped like a 'pie wedge,' while another eyewitness said it was egg-shaped. The object reportedly hovered and moved, appearing to swing. It had a light that changed colors. Patrolman Alligood heard motorists on the CB radio discussing the light and joined in the search. He and businessman Larry Hibler followed the object, which was directly above them and lit up the bottom of their car. Hibler described it as a 'big ball of fire.' The object would hover, then speed off. Police chief Hubbard also saw the object and called others out. He stated it was not a plane or a star and watched it for about five minutes before it disappeared, heading south and going up.

Airliner Pilots Claim UFO Sighting

This report from Pretoria News Bureau details a sighting by pilots of three airliners over Portugal. Captain Denis Wood of British Airways, who has been flying for 20 years, described the sighting as 'as big and solid as battleships.' The incident, which occurred on July 30, 1975, involved two cigar-shaped objects joining a bright light. The sighting was also made by the crew of a British Tri-Star and a Portuguese airliner, with all reports tallying. Captain Wood and his crew initially kept the sighting secret for fear of ridicule but later reported it. Experts considered it a significant case. Lionel Beer of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association called it an 'extremely interesting case' with ground and air radar confirmation.

The UFO sighting that scared a pilot..

This article from the SUNDAY TRIBUNE (South Africa) dated May 22, 1977, discusses the sighting by Captain Denis Wood of British Airways. The sighting involved a 'very bright headlamp' joined by two cigar-shaped objects. First officer Colin Thomas noted the objects 'materialised from nothing.' A British Airways Tri-Star and a Portuguese aircraft also witnessed the event. Captain Wood expressed a desire for an explanation, dismissing suggestions of balloons or satellites. Lionel Beer of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association stated that the case was unusual due to multiple confirmations and was not a random sighting.

ADELAIDE BOYS TELL OF UFO INCIDENT

This report from Australia describes a 15-year-old boy, Brenton Clark, who claims he was thrown backwards by a shock from a column of light in bushland near Adelaide. His companions witnessed a bluish-green, conical-shaped object rise from trees and make a 'vroom' noise. The beam of light caused the boys' bicycles to emit a metallic glow. Alex Medaras, 14, described the object's noise as similar to a muffled jet.

Un O.V.N.I. dans le Rhône...

This article from QUEST-FRANCE (France) dated June 1, 1977, reports on a UFO sighting in Belleville-sur-Saône, Rhône, on March 19, 1977. An inhabitant reported a yellow gleam that remained stationary for 20 minutes. The following evening, a gendarme saw an orange light that rose, stopped for 20 minutes, and then disappeared in an arc. The UFO was reportedly seen by about fifteen people in the region.

...et un autre à Angers

This section, also from QUEST-FRANCE, mentions sightings in Angers, France, where residents reported a blue gleam in the sky. Workers described it as 'electric welding blue.' Other witnesses heard dull rumbling and observed a sudden stopping of pumping engines and a dimming of streetlights.

OVNI au-dessus de Thann?

This report from L'ALSACE (France) dated March 17, 1977, states that a group of amateur astronomers in Mulhouse observed six UFOs above the Thann valley. One object was orange and cigar-shaped, while the others were cubic. The phenomenon was visible from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

BILL LANG'S LOOK

This column from Perth, WA, dated June 2, 1977, discusses the increased credibility of UFO reports due to President Carter's claims. George Hume, vice-president of the UFO Research Group (UFORG), states that many sightings are hoaxes or misidentifications but that at least 50-60% cannot be identified. He mentions that UFOs have been around for thousands of years and references their appearance in the Bible and the 1947 sightings in the United States. UFORG, formed 21 years ago, investigates reports in Western Australia. Hume notes that UFOs may use magnetic power or be electrically powered and that some cattle mutilations are attributed to them.

MYSTÈRE AUTOUR D'URANUS

This article from NOSTRA (Paris, France) dated May 11, 1977, discusses the mystery surrounding the planet Uranus. Recent observations have revealed 'opaque objects' near its surface, leading to speculation about whether they are additional moons, a ring system, or spaceships ('flying saucers').

FLYING SAUCER NEEDED

An advertisement from Adelaide, Australia, published in the SUNDAY INDEPENDENT (June 5, 1977), shows a man seeking to buy a flying saucer to travel to another planet. The advertiser, Mr. C.A. King, has received about 15 replies, some from genuine callers interested in the cost of interplanetary travel.

What's that I saw fly in the sky?

This article from THE WEST AUSTRALIAN (May 14, 1977) reiterates the sighting by Captain Denis Wood of British Airways over Portugal. It details how the extraordinary sighting involved two cigar-shaped objects and a bright light, witnessed by multiple crews and radar operators. The objects were tracked on radar and seen by hundreds of passengers. Captain Wood stated, 'I want an explanation,' dismissing conventional explanations. Mr. Omar Fowler of the Surrey investigation group called it the 'most important sighting in the 10 years we have existed.'

The red light flickered, almost beckoned to the two youths walking through the bush.

This article from the TASMANIA ADVOCATE (March 5, 1977) reports on a sighting at Bothwell, Tasmania. Two youths and their dog encountered a red light that reappeared as a sharp bright white light, skimming through the bush. This was the third time the light had been seen in the area. The Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre (T.U.F.O.I.C.) investigated 175 reports in 1976, with many attributed to astronomical misidentifications, aircraft, or other mundane explanations. However, some sightings remain unexplained, including a spectacular incident at Latrobe where a young couple was followed by a mysterious big light accompanied by a humming noise.

UFO.s not really so far fetched

This article, also from the TASMANIA ADVOCATE (March 5, 1977), discusses the possibility of alien intelligence and the implications of UFOs. It references a story about three American women who claimed to have been taken captive by a flying saucer and subjected to violent physical tests, a story believed by police, psychiatrists, and UFO experts. The article also describes instances of UFOs pacing cars, including an experience of two Tasmanian truck drivers who were followed for about two hours. Another sighting involved a powerful rectangular white light flanked by two red lights, which pulsed with various colors.

Et pourtant c'est vrai

This section from QUEST-FRANCE (France) dated June 1, 1977, discusses 'Religious UFOs.' It reports that eleven members of the British religious association, the 'AETHERIUS SOCIETY,' saw dozens of UFOs converging at high speed. The article notes that a mass had gathered at the same spot earlier, and the society's leader claimed to have met 'THE MASTER JESUS,' whom he identified as an extraterrestrial.

Air crews track 'incredible' UFOs

This report from DAILY NEWS (England) dated May 13, 1977, reiterates the sighting by Captain Denis Wood of British Airways over Portugal. It details the event, including the involvement of two cigar-shaped objects and a bright light, and the subsequent investigation by the Surrey investigation group of aerial phenomena. The article emphasizes the significance of the sighting and the desire for an explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and encounters, with a focus on credible witnesses such as pilots, police officers, and families. There's an underlying tone of seeking explanations for these phenomena, with a skepticism towards mundane explanations like balloons or satellites. The articles suggest that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation, and some even hint at the possibility of alien intelligence and its potential implications. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events with a degree of seriousness, encouraging further investigation and open-mindedness towards the subject.