APCIC - Vol 02 No 10 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, dated October 1977, is Volume Two, Number 10. The cover prominently features the headline "LIFE IN SPACE: ODDS AND UFOS FAVOR IT" and the A.P.C.I.C. logo. The magazine is published by the A.P.C.I.C. and is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Article: LIFE IN SPACE: ODDS AND UFOS FAVOR IT

Authored by Walter Szykitka and Robert J. Durant, this article, the eighth in a series on the unexplained, explores the growing scientific acceptance of the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life. It contrasts the historical skepticism with current scientific recommendations, such as building a large radio antenna to listen for alien signals, and the US sending its own message into space. The article traces the shift in scientific thought, influenced by advancements in understanding life's evolution on Earth and new data about outer space. It references the "Green Bank Formula" which suggested millions of potential civilizations, and the historical observations of Mars, including Giovanni Schiaparelli's 'canals' and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of disc-shaped objects traveling at high speeds. The piece delves into the evolutionary theory, positing that life may have arisen spontaneously from basic chemical elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon, which are abundant in both Earth's atmosphere and living organisms. It highlights Earth's ideal conditions for life, with 70% of its surface covered in water and a suitable temperature due to its distance from the sun. The article suggests that if life evolved faster elsewhere, advanced civilizations might exist, raising the question of communication and the potential benefits of learning from them, particularly regarding peace, sustenance, and healing.

Article: UFOs Linked to Weird Animal Mutilations in Colorado

This article from the National Enquirer, dated October 11, 1977, reports on a series of bizarre animal mutilations in northeast Colorado, where 77 animals (cows, a steer, a bull, and a horse) have been found with body parts surgically removed. Logan County Sheriff Harry Graves and Undersheriff Jerry Wolever link these incidents to repeated sightings of UFOs, referred to as 'Big Mama' and 'Baby UFOs'. The sheriff states there's a definite connection, as lights were seen each time a mutilation occurred. Veterinarians are baffled, as there are no signs of predator activity, no signs of bleeding, and no blade marks on the skin. The article describes the UFOs as brilliant, sometimes pear-shaped objects that can disappear and reappear. It also mentions strange pod-like marks found at some of the sites. Rancher Frank Zink reports losing 11 animals to mutilations over two years, and Dr. L.L. Rieke, a veterinarian, describes a cow autopsy where the uterus was removed from behind, leaving him perplexed.

Article: Expert says yes to UFOs

This special news report from Evanston, Illinois, dated August 24, 1977, features Ted Phillips, an investigator of UFO landing sites and associate of the Center for UFO Studies at Northwestern University. Phillips asserts that evidence proves UFOs come from outer space and that Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial beings. He believes UFOs can weigh up to 10 tons and have a diameter of 35 feet. Having studied over 1,100 reported UFO landings in the US and sightings in 57 other countries, Phillips notes a consistent pattern in authentic reports. He predicts that the US government will soon abandon its skeptical stance on UFOs due to public pressure and President Carter's admission of having seen a UFO. Phillips anticipates startling information proving the existence of UFOs as outer space vehicles before the end of the year.

Article: UFO 'Angels' Helped Israel Win The War

This article, published in Midnight/Globe on October 11, 1977, presents a controversial claim by Robert D. Barry, national director of the 20th Century UFO Bureau. Barry asserts that UFOs were instrumental in Israel's victory in the Six Day War in 1967. He describes 'angel pilots' in UFOs that blew up Egyptian land mines and induced visions of an invincible Israeli army, leading to thousands of Arab surrenders. Barry compares these UFOs to the 'wheeling objects' described by the prophet Ezekiel in the Bible, suggesting they were angelic beings. He cites instances such as 5,000 Egyptian soldiers surrendering to 100 lightly-armed Israelis, and a sudden windstorm revealing hidden minefields. Barry believes God supports Israel and that these UFOs were sent by God, though he acknowledges the possibility they could be from Satan.

Article: At 70, aviation pioneer's head still up in the clouds

This article by Nick Borgert from the Times, dated September 2, 1977, profiles Henri Keyzer-Andre, a 70-year-old aviation pioneer. Andre, who has taught atomic energy and philosophy, and lectured on UFOs and the sun's influence on weather, is planning to write books and start an aviation consulting business in retirement. He recounts his early passion for aviation, sparked in 1929, and his work with notable figures like Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes. Andre claims to have had 30 sightings of UFOs over the years, stating that governments often suppress such information to avoid frightening the public. He describes being followed by an orange flying saucer for two hours in 1947. Andre also discusses the sun's magnetic field shift in 1958 and its potential link to increased hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, as well as animals' unusual behavior prior to natural disasters, attributing this to a 'sixth sense given them by God'.

Book Reviews and Notices

The issue includes a section listing 'HARDCOVER BOOKS' and 'NEW PAPERBACKS' related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena. Titles include 'UFOS, THE EYE AND THE CAMERA', 'EUREKA', 'WONDERS FROM THE HEAVENS', 'UNDER THE SAUCER'S SHADOW', 'STRANGE STORIES OF UFOs', and 'BRITISH FOLKTALES'. New paperbacks reviewed are 'A MATTER OF IMMORTALITY', 'FUTURE SCIENCE', and 'THE MEANING OF THE LOCH NESS MONSTER'. A publication titled 'UFO PHENOMENA (Vol. 1, No. 1)' edited by Roberto Farabone from Italy is also mentioned.

Notices include information on contacting Mr. Dennis Pilichis at PAGE RESEARCH LIBRARY for UFO books, and a thank you to Mr. Lou Farish for his contributions to the 'book section'. The addition of Mr. Ron Smotek to the staff, heading the Photo Analysis Department, is announced. The issue also highlights two new Canadian UFO publications: 'UFO-UPDATE' and 'UFO CANADA'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and related unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of UFOs being extraterrestrial in origin and actively investigating such claims, as evidenced by the Photo Analysis Department and the inclusion of various UFO-related books and publications. There is a clear interest in presenting evidence and theories that support the existence of UFOs and intelligent life beyond Earth, even when such claims are controversial or challenge conventional scientific or governmental views. The inclusion of articles linking UFOs to historical events like the Six Day War and to religious interpretations suggests a broad scope of inquiry into the subject. The magazine also seems to encourage reader participation by soliciting information and photos.

This issue of the North Platte Telegraph, dated August 24, 1977, features a prominent front-page story detailing a "flying saucer" sighting by two ranch women in Arthur County, Nebraska. The magazine also includes articles on alleged government secrecy regarding UFOs, numerous other UFO sightings across the United States, and the ongoing phenomenon of cattle mutilations.

'Flying Saucer' Sighting Still Haunts Ranch Women

The lead story, by Wayne Jacobsen, recounts the experience of Janet Magnuson and her cousin, Barb Mendenhall, who claim to have seen a large, red, rounded object hovering over a road on the night of August 17, 1977. Mrs. Magnuson described the object as "real huge...maybe as long as a football field" with vertical oval-shaped windows emitting a "spectacular red." The object hovered silently for several seconds before shooting off at high speed. Both women were deeply affected, with Mrs. Magnuson reporting sleepless nights and recurring dreams. She also mentioned that other residents in the Arthur area had reported similar sightings over the years, though they were reluctant to speak on record. One rancher reportedly saw a UFO hovering over his alfalfa field, leaving a burned area that did not grow crops the following year.

President Went Back on His UFO Pledge - Scientists

An article by Bob Abborino reports that three prominent scientists—astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek, psychologist Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, and nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman—claimed President Carter was withholding government information about UFOs, thus breaking a campaign promise. Dr. Hynek suggested the President was overwhelmed by the amount of information. Dr. Sprinkle warned that conclusive proof of UFOs could cause widespread panic, leading to the collapse of governments and economic systems, and an epidemic of suicides and insanity. The scientists blamed political and military pressure for the lack of disclosure.

UFO Sighting Described

This section includes a photograph of Janet Magnuson holding a drawing of the UFO she and her cousin reportedly saw. The caption reiterates that the object hovered over the road and then sped away.

Ball of Light Puzzles

This brief report from Moscow, via UPI and Tass, describes a strange "star-like ball of light" that showered shafts of light over Petrozavodsk in Soviet Karelia, described as spreading "like a jellyfish." The phenomenon was also seen over neighboring Finland. Tass offered no explanation, noting the object moved slowly, hovered, and then resumed its movement.

Are Cow Killers From Outer Space?

This article by Verna Slane is the third in a series on cattle mutilations. It explores the alleged connection between these incidents and UFOs. The report details several cases: a resident in Grande Ronde Valley, Oregon, reported seeing a bright white light in the sky that reappeared as oval-shaped, around the time a heifer was mutilated. In Logan County, Colorado, Sheriff Tex Graves stated that about 50% of documented cattle mutilations were accompanied by UFO sightings. Deputy Leroy Howard investigated a steer mutilation in Union County, New Mexico, after the owner's brother saw a bright light. Fritz Thompson, investigating mutilations in Colorado and New Mexico, suggested a possible link. The article also mentions a case investigated by Gabe Valdez in New Mexico, where a cow was mutilated, and tracks indicated an object landed on tripods. The report notes that the area around these tracks was dead grass. A separate brief mentions unexplained sightings of UFOs over northwest Florida, with sheriff's deputies reporting hovering objects resembling inverted cones.

Policemen Sight UFO In City

This article by Clay Bailey describes an incident where two police officers, P. C. Burnham and R. D. Canterbury, reported seeing a triangular object with blinking colored lights in the sky over Jackson, Mississippi. They described it as much larger than stars and blinking blue, red, pink, and green. They contacted the National Weather Service, which denied it was a weather balloon, and no radar indication was found.

Family Sees UFO Over Healdsburg

Another article by Clay Bailey reports on a Healdsburg, California family who investigated "huge, bright-colored lights" and encountered a 50-foot-long, grey craft with windows that hovered over their car. The object reportedly moved silently and then "zoomed" away. The Healdsburg Police Department received a similar report. Richard Drager from Travis Air Force Base stated he had no knowledge of unusual airborne activity. Radio station KSRO received calls about strange lights, with the Air National Guard suggesting possible night maneuvers.

Witnesses Report Sighting 3 UFOs

This San Diego Union article by Leigh Fenly details an incident where Kathleen Canterino and neighbors reported seeing three UFOs over Grossmont, California. Canterino described one object as a "completely white and had an outline like a saucer" that was pulsating and seemed to be draining energy from nearby lights. Animals reportedly became agitated. A security guard also reported a red light and humming noise. Robert Garis, a field investigator for the Center For UFO Studies, called it an "interesting UFO sighting" due to the number of witnesses and animal disturbance.

UFO Sightings, State by State

This section presents data from the Center for UFO Studies, a nonprofit organization, showing the number of UFO sightings reported in the U.S. over a five-year period ending April 1977. A map illustrates the total number of sightings by state, and a table lists "occupant reports" (where beings were sighted) and "other close encounters" (incidents with very close views of UFOs). The organization's catalog, UFOCAT, contains 83,000 entries covering about 55,000 individual encounters.

Bugs out of Voyager

A brief report from Pasadena, California, via AP, explains that space scientists figured out a mystery with the Jupiter-bound Voyager II spacecraft. A computer malfunction caused it to not send a signal about its data-gathering boom being in place. The spacecraft is carrying human artifacts, including music and literature.

It Wasn't a UFO After All

This article from Michigan City, Indiana, debunks a sighting where strange nine-foot circles were found in a yard. A chemist determined the marks were "slime mold" and not the result of a UFO landing.

Psychic Seeks New Mexico's Help - or Else?

An article by Lena Schreiber from Albuquerque, New Mexico, introduces Ted Owens, a mentalist who claims UFOs (referred to as "SI" or Space Intelligence) altered his brain, enabling him to communicate with them. Owens seeks $100,000 to establish a communications base in Oregon, claiming it is required by the UFOs to help end a drought. He implies that California suffered disasters because it refused his requests. Owens also claims to have duplicated "most of Moses' feats" and that UFOs are referred to as "angels" in the Bible, controlling nature and weather. He distributes red plastic discs with healing properties and claims to have documented 340 miracles. He also mentions an encounter with three "big-foot creatures" in California.

Russians Baffled by 'Jellyfish' of Hovering Lights

This report from Moscow, via AP, states that Soviet scientists are baffled by a large mass of light that appeared over Petrozavodsk, Soviet Karelia, described as a "jellyfish" sending down beams of light. The phenomenon was confirmed by eyewitnesses and Tass quoted experts speculating it might have been a meteor.

Enid Residents Report Seeing UFO Thursday

This report from Enid, Oklahoma, details three residents who identified a "bright white light" over the city as an unidentified flying object. Descriptions included it moving up and down, stopping, and then moving in another direction, with no noise. One witness described it as cigar-shaped with light all around it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the unexplained phenomenon of cattle mutilations. The magazine appears to present these topics with a degree of seriousness, giving voice to witnesses and researchers in the field, while also including a debunking story and a report on a scientific space mission. The editorial stance leans towards exploring the possibility of UFOs and their implications, without definitively concluding their existence or origin, but rather presenting various accounts and expert opinions. The inclusion of the "Psychic seeks New Mexico's help" article suggests an openness to a broader range of paranormal and extraterrestrial claims.

Title: STAR HERALD
Issue Date: September 15, 1977
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the STAR HERALD, dated September 15, 1977, is primarily dedicated to reporting numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena that occurred across the United States during the summer of 1977. The publication features a collection of articles detailing witness accounts, official responses, and speculative theories surrounding these events.

Key Articles and Reports

Stranger Than Fiction: UFO Mystery in Orland

This multi-part series details the experiences of Harrison E. Bailey, who claims to have encountered a UFO southwest of Orland Park, Illinois, in September 1951. Bailey, a 24-year-old steelworker at the time, was rolling his advertising wheel when he saw a "gray whirlwind" and later a craft that appeared to be a "gray water tower." He described two occupants with green-tinted transparent shields who spoke to him. Bailey initially believed it was a Russian spy craft but later connected it to a "flying saucer disease" that caused him physical ailments, including a severely deteriorated gall bladder. He kept his story secret for years, fearing ridicule and job repercussions, but began sharing it in 1968. Ann Druffel, an investigator for MUFON, has been studying his case. The article also speculates on the location's proximity to the Andrew corporation and a Nike missile base.

Space Men May Hold Hoffa

This article, by Glenn Eberhardt, Managing Editor, recounts a bizarre UFO incident reported in "The Pellham Journal" from Mitchell County, Georgia. Bob Osteen brought the story to the STAR HERALD's attention. According to the "Journal's" account, Tom Dawson, a retired automobile dealer, witnessed a circular space ship land in a local trailer park on August 6, 1977. Dawson described five occupants (two women, three men) with white skin, sharp noses, pointed ears, and heads sitting directly on their shoulders. Some were nude and hairless. The occupants allegedly performed a medical examination on Dawson, placing a "skullcap sort of thing" on his head. During the examination, a loud voice from the ship repeatedly stated, "I am Jimmy Hoffa." The occupants then conferred and left in the ship. The local hospital examined Dawson and reported no signs of mental illness, lapse, drugs, or alcohol. The article humorously speculates on the implications if Jimmy Hoffa were indeed abducted by aliens.

UFO Mystery in Orland: What were those lights in the sky?

This report by Rob Meachum details sightings in the Tallahassee, Florida area. Rivers Buford III reported seeing four star-like objects with flashing red, blue, and amber lights hovering over the city. He was questioned by an investigator from the Center for Unidentified Flying Object Studies. Separately, in Panama City, Florida, Lt. Norman Davis, Sgt. Ken Burdeshaw, and other deputies reported seeing five lights in a V-shaped formation hovering over Callaway. Officials at Tyndall and Eglin Air Force Bases stated they had no planes in the air at that time. The lights were described as resembling inverted cones and flashing with changing colors.

New UFO Sightings Reported In Area

This section compiles several brief reports of UFO sightings:

• Winsted, Connecticut: Mrs. Connie Barber, Mrs. Thomas Travaglin, and her daughter Diane reported seeing lights hovering at treetop level over Winsted on Wednesday, August 3, 1977. Patrolman Gerald J. Peters also saw the object leaving the scene. Valerie Ransom and her brother Richard, along with Kathy Moringo, reported seeing a red flashing light with white beams near Riverton.
• Lebanon, Tennessee: Officers of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Metro Police reported seeing an unidentified flying object with a 200-foot wingspan and red lights east of Nashville near I-40 on August 31, 1977. The Metro Airport and FAA reported no aircraft in the area.

UFO's still haunt village of Aurora in Wise County

This article by Frank Tolbert discusses the history of UFO reports in Aurora, Texas. A local woman claimed to have been visited twice by a "space ship" that landed in her yard. The article references a story from the Dallas News on April 19, 1897, about an "airship" that collided with a windmill, scattering metal and destroying a garden, with a "pilot" whose body was disfigured. Tolbert believes this 1897 story was a spoof, but notes that some locals still give it credence, referencing a "spaceman's grave" in the Aurora cemetery.

UFO sighting (Gaylord, Michigan)

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dowker II reported seeing a yellowish to greenish disc flying from the west and departing northerly on September 1, 1977, while watching for meteor showers.

Montgomery County high in UFO sightings

By Lee Elmore, this article reports on Richard Hoffman, State Section Director for MUFON, who spoke to the Trotwood Rotary Club. Hoffman stated that Montgomery County ranks high in UFO sightings, with four out of five sightings being explainable, but questioning the unexplained ones. He mentioned a 1976 incident in Drexel where Venus was mistaken for a UFO and a 1947 report of nine objects spotted near Mt. Rainier traveling at 1700 m.p.h.

Silver UFO wings way to Gratiot County

This report from Ithaca, Michigan, details a sighting on August 13, 1977, of a round, silver, unidentified flying object with red flashing lights seen flying at "mid-sky" over US-27. Deputies searched but found nothing. The report also mentions other incidents in Gratiot County, including auto accidents and a motorcycle larceny.

UFO sited near Moran

Four witnesses in Moran, Indiana, reported seeing a huge round circle of light on July 27, 1977, that changed colors and hovered near a car. The object was heard to make a humming sound.

Saucer-shaped, silvery object spotted by, spotlights officers

This article from Allegan, Michigan, describes a sighting on August 11, 1977, by four local law enforcement officers of a large, round, silver object with two white lights beaming from the bottom. The object hovered over Allegan and later Casco Township. The officers described it as having two large spotlights mounted underneath and a red light on the bottom. They estimated its speed and size and concluded it was not a helicopter or any familiar vehicle. The sheriff's department closed the case due to lack of further information and the embarrassment the reports caused.

Air Force, NASA in radio dispute

This article by Thomas O'Toole discusses a conflict between the Air Force and NASA over the use of microwave frequencies in the "Waterhole" band. NASA believes this band is crucial for contacting alien intelligences, while the Air Force wants to use it for navigation signals. Scientists believe that advanced civilizations might use these frequencies for broadcasting. The Air Force plans to launch Global Positioning Satellites that could interfere with potential alien signals.

People Are Saying

This section includes quotes from John Schuessler, a technical manager for McDonnell Douglas Corp., who advocates for aerospace engineers to investigate UFO phenomena, stating they are "very tantalizing" and "just as real as the world of engineering." He also mentions extensive sightings by airline pilots.

City full of webs: Baby spiders tangle Frisco

This article from San Francisco describes a "cobweb phenomenon" caused by newly hatched spiders "ballooning" or "parachuting" on gossamer threads to escape crowded breeding areas. While not a UFO report, it is included in the issue, likely as a point of interest or contrast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the ongoing mystery surrounding them. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, ranging from ordinary citizens to law enforcement officers and even pilots. The publication also touches upon the official responses, or lack thereof, from government agencies and military branches, hinting at potential secrecy or disbelief. The articles often highlight the skepticism faced by witnesses and the challenges in investigating such claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, presenting the reports without outright dismissal, and encouraging further investigation and discussion, as evidenced by the inclusion of MUFON and other investigative bodies. The humorous tone in some articles, particularly the Hoffa piece, suggests a desire to engage readers while still taking the subject matter seriously.

Title: SPACE VISITORS
Issue Date: September 11, 1977
Publisher: SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, PERTH, AUSTRALIA

This issue of 'SPACE VISITORS' delves into a variety of UFO sightings and paranormal claims from around the globe, with a significant focus on reports originating from or concerning Australia.

'WARN PERTH'

The lead story details Joseph Gay, a 47-year-old Hungarian-born truck driver from Dianella, Perth, who heads a group called the 'Heralds of the New Age'. Gay claims to have received telepathic messages from outer space beings warning him of a major earthquake set to hit Western Australia on August 19th. He also states that these beings have warned him about a series of other major catastrophes about to occur. Gay contacted the Mundaring seismic observatory to inquire about unusual activity, and a spokesman confirmed receiving a 'crank call' on the matter. The 'Heralds of the New Age' group, consisting of about 20 people, meets in North Perth or Dianella for faith healing, claiming success without charge. Gay receives daily messages from these 'super intelligences' on planets like Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune, which he says are increasing in urgency. He describes a prophecy that the planet Earth will right itself by 23 degrees, shifting true north and south, leading to devastating earthquakes and tsunamis that will devastate eastern seaboards globally. The sun will be blotted out by dust and vapor for six days, and nuclear reactors will cause havoc, bursting major dams. Western Australia, he predicts, will become a high plateau.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Illinois, USA: A couple near Elgin reported seeing a large, dark "wingspan" with red and white lights following their car for two miles. The object was estimated to be 200 feet across and flew at a slow speed, sometimes appearing to be stationary. Police and airport towers in the area had no reports of unusual activity.

New Jersey, USA: In Parsippany, Mrs. Virginia Tedesco and her 8-year-old son reported seeing an oval-shaped, hazy silver machine with flames shooting from the rear. The object made a roaring noise and moved at a high rate of speed. Police Lieutenant John Walsh noted a similar sighting in the area in July 1975.

Kentucky, USA: Ernest Masterson and his family in Patesville reported seeing a large, bright object, roughly the size of a 5-gallon bucket, that appeared to be a falling star but then moved upward from treetop level. It was ringed with small lights and winked out. A neighbor's son also witnessed the event. The report was sent to NICAP investigator Ernest Jahns.

Connecticut, USA: In Winsted, at least four people, including a local policeman, reported seeing a hovering UFO near the town's sewage treatment plant. The object had a red light on top and two yellowish-white beams shining toward the ground. It was seen at treetop level and later rose into the sky and disappeared. A national UFO study facility in Chicago noted similarities to a sighting in Arlington, Massachusetts, on the same night.

Italy: Reports from Lake Maggiore describe a mystery object flying westwards, which split into two parts before rejoining and disappearing into clouds, leaving a light trail. Similar reports came from Ghiffa and Luino. Another report from Cannobio described a bright, jerking object emitting orange flashes.

Mexico: The newspaper 'Mexico Sun' reported that a "flying saucer" exploded in the Mexican sky near Acapulco after being pursued by two other unidentified aircraft. Eyewitnesses described the object as a great, bright mass that split into four smaller objects which disappeared.

Italy: A 17-year-old pizza maker in Cuasso al Monte reported seeing a bright, luminous object moving jerkily through the sky. He believes it may have been over the newly opened UFO base in Lombardy. A restaurant customer also reported seeing a similar object.

France: A doctor from Houettenville, Normandy, reported seeing an unidentified flying object land in fields twice in August 1977.

Australia:

• Mt Barker: A farmer, Mr. Philip Drage, discovered a circular patch of bare ground with a central hole and three indentations on his isolated paddock, suspecting a UFO landing. Soil samples were sent for testing.
• York: A family reported being woken by a noise and seeing a bright object moving low in the sky. Another report from the area described a bright light hovering over a paddock, and later, an orange light seen by a farmer and his daughter.

Scientific Investigations and Concerns

The Paranormal in America: The magazine highlights a growing belief in the paranormal in America, with an estimated one in five Americans believing in it. Dr. Paul Kurz, co-chairman of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, expresses concern about this trend, calling it a "very serious crisis" and an "abandonment of reason and logic." Scientists are reportedly horrified by the acceptance of "pernicious doctrines" and "dangerous sects." Complaints have been lodged against a major TV network and a national magazine for presenting paranormal subjects as credible.

UFO Research Group: The UFO Research Group, coordinated by Mr. E. Roza, is actively investigating reports. They are testing soil samples from the Mt Barker patch and have found similar circular patches with indentations reported in other locations.

RAAF: The RAAF air base at Pearce uses the term "Unusual Aerial Sightings" (UAS) and explains that ninety-eight percent of these can be explained, with the remaining two percent lacking sufficient data. They have a special form for people reporting unusual sightings.

Project Blue Book: The US Air Force Project Blue Book is mentioned as documenting inconclusive findings on flying saucers.

Other Phenomena: The article touches on other pseudoscientific beliefs, such as "aura photographs," psychokinesis, and radionics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and the growing acceptance of paranormal beliefs. The magazine presents a range of witness accounts, from detailed descriptions of objects to more vague reports. There is an underlying tension between the anecdotal evidence presented and the scientific skepticism expressed by some of the individuals and organizations mentioned. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, while also acknowledging the scientific community's concerns about the uncritical embrace of the paranormal.

FAQ

• What is the 'Heralds of the New Age' group? The Heralds of the New Age is a group of about 20 people in Perth, Australia, led by Joseph Gay, who believe they receive messages from outer space and practice faith healing.

• What unusual phenomenon was reported in Mt Barker, Western Australia? A farmer reported finding a circular patch of bare ground with a central hole and three indentations, which he suspected was caused by a UFO landing.

• What is the scientific community's stance on the paranormal? A group of 186 eminent scientists, including Dr. Paul Kurz, are concerned about the rising tide of uncritical belief in the paranormal, calling it a "very serious crisis" and an "abandonment of reason and logic."

• What did a doctor in France report seeing? A doctor from Houettenville, Normandy, France, reported seeing an unidentified flying object land in fields twice in August 1977.

Title: IL GIORNALE NUOVO
Issue Date: August 12, 1977
Country of Publication: Italy
Language: Italian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Il Giornale Nuovo" from August 12, 1977, prominently features a report on a luminous object sighted in the sky over Monza, Italy. The headline, "Un altro oggetto luminoso ripreso nel cielo di Monza" (Another luminous object sighted in the sky of Monza), signals the main focus of the publication.

Main Article: Luminous Object Over Monza

The primary article details the sighting of a luminous object in the Monza sky for the fifth time in eight days, occurring shortly after 2:30 AM. The "flying saucers" were observed and photographed by electrician Cesare Bisesti and photographer Erminio Ferranti. The object, similar to others seen recently, remained motionless in the sky for about an hour before disappearing very quickly.

Photographs accompanying the article, separated by a dashed line, show the mysterious luminous object and the contrail it left in the sky over a period of 7 minutes. Despite the sightings, local airport radar systems in Lombardy did not detect the phenomenon. However, many people, including workers from Falck and some walkers, reported seeing the object.

Erminio Ferranti, when asked about the nature of the object, stated, "I'm not telling they're flying saucers or extraterrestrial objects. I'm just telling they're strange objects, surely not planes or meteors. It's specialists who have to find the origin." This quote highlights the uncertainty and the need for expert analysis.

UFO Groups and Statistics

The article mentions that according to statistics from the Aif Force, 94% of UFO sightings typically have a scientific explanation. However, the flying objects seen in the Monza skies during this period could not be readily explained.

It also introduces Giuliano Teruzzi, a 19-year-old member of the Gruppo Ufologico Brugherio (GUB), who is studying the photos. Teruzzi believes the objects are extraterrestrial, citing their shape and flight patterns as proof. The GUB was founded in Brugherio six years prior by a group of students, and there are approximately 500 similar groups across Italy. These groups often send photos and documents to the "base" of UFO-Centers in California.

Historical Context and Public Reaction

The article contrasts the current reaction in Monza with the panic caused in America in October 1938 by Orson Welles' radio program, "The War of the Worlds," which announced a Martian invasion. In Monza, Ferranti's photos generated only curiosity.

Related Sighting in La Spezia

A separate report, sourced from "Il Resto del Carlino" dated August 9, 1977, details a new sighting at La Spezia. This account comes from the GORU (Gruppo Osservazioni e Ricerche Ufologiche) group. GORU leader Stelio Asso reported that on the night between Saturday and Sunday, several witnesses, including members of a UFO research group from Genoa and four other individuals, observed a luminous source in the sky.

The event occurred in two stages, at 10:56 PM and 11:10 PM. The GORU members had been observing the sky for some time and counted at least 25 unidentified flying objects between 9:30 PM and 11:55 PM on the same evening.

During the sighting, the GORU members sent five signals, which were answered by the vehicle. The object moved south-southeast, then arced towards the west. The last three signals sent from the ground received only one light emission in response, after which the object was gone.

Ferranti and Bisesti reportedly remained at the sighting location until dawn, around 5:15 AM. They observed that the lights began to turn off one by one, with two still visible when they retired for the night.

The article concludes by noting that while flying saucers have given rise to "ufology" with many followers in America and a growing interest in Italy, the publication chooses not to comment on these events, deeming them material for "in charge people."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the ongoing mystery of unidentified luminous objects sighted in Italian skies. The magazine presents witness accounts and photographic evidence, particularly focusing on the Monza sightings. While acknowledging the existence of UFO research groups and the scientific study of these phenomena, the editorial stance appears to be one of cautious observation rather than definitive pronouncements, as indicated by the concluding remark about not commenting on the events.

The issue also touches upon the historical impact of UFO-related media and the public's reaction to such phenomena, contrasting past panic with present-day curiosity.