APCIC - Vol 03 No 01 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, dated January 1978, is Volume Three, Number One. The publication, based in Cleveland, Ohio, serves as a clipping service for UFO and related phenomena, with foreign correspondents contributing from various countries.

Key Articles and Reports

Air Force Brass Feared Claims of Space 'Creatures,' Says UFO Expert

This lead article features insights from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO expert and former consultant to the USAF's Project Blue Book. Hynek states that the Air Force debunked reports of alien 'creatures' due to fears of the implications of admitting the existence of alien beings, as well as basic fears of competition and hostility. He emphasizes that witnesses' accounts of UFO sightings are often credible, as hallucinations are typically transitory and lack detailed descriptions, unlike many UFO encounters.

The article highlights the Kelly-Hopkinsville sighting of August 21, 1965, where seven adults reported seeing creatures between two and a half to three and a half feet tall with bald, oblong heads. These creatures were shot at by witnesses, causing them to float or fall and scurry away. Hynek notes that the creatures appeared 'weightless' and moved without sound.

Another case mentioned is that of a radio announcer in 1965 who encountered a rocket-shaped object and three little 'creatures' near Long Prairie, Minnesota. The encounter lasted about three minutes before the object ascended.

Internationally, the issue references a sighting at the Boaianai mission in New Guinea in June 1959, where Father William Melchior Gill and natives witnessed a glowing disc descend, with figures emerging.

A UFO photographed in Central Brazil in 1969 is also mentioned, with Dr. Hynek and his team having investigated hundreds of similar sightings.

Ordinary People See Extraordinary Things

This article from The Lexington Leader interviews Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who draws a parallel between learning about UFOs from 'bad magazines' and learning about sex as a boy. Hynek, director of the National Center for UFO Studies, served as technical consultant for the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' He discusses a Kentucky UFO encounter in 1976 involving three women who, under hypnosis, reported being abducted and subjected to examinations by creatures with luminous blue eyes and wing-like hands. Hynek considers this case one of the best due to the number and veracity of witnesses, who passed lie detector tests.

Hynek notes that the notion of UFO abductions only happening to 'kooks or crackpots' is outdated. His data bank contains 75,000 UFO cases. He campaigns for more scientific study of UFOs and admits he was once a skeptic but was compelled to take the phenomenon seriously due to mounting evidence of ordinary people seeing extraordinary things. He is currently analyzing declassified Air Force 'Blue Book' files and suggests that the UFO experience requires expanding our concept of 'reality.'

'The most striking I've seen'

This piece focuses on Terry Joe Kirby, a 15-year-old from Irvine, Kentucky, who photographed a glowing saucer shape above snow-covered trees in his backyard. The photograph, taken with a Polaroid camera, is described by J.C. Mahr, an astronomy and physics professor, as 'the most striking (if real) photo that I have seen.' Mahr vouches for its authenticity after examination by three professional photographers.

The article also notes a coincidence: Walter Tevis, author of 'The Man Who Fell To Earth,' wrote a novel about an alien landing in Irvine, Kentucky, ten years before the UFO sightings began there. Tevis, now an English professor, stated his book was 'entirely made-up science fiction' and used Irvine as a setting because it was 'out-of-the-way.' He expressed surprise at the number of UFO sightings in the area after his novel was published.

Kirby believes the object was a spaceship and that life exists on other planets. He attempted to interest a UFO club in his photo but received no response. He reports that most people he showed the photo to believe it is real.

Other Reports and Notices

• Spectacular UFO Sighting: Close Encounter! describes an incident on November 20th involving two Staten Island girls, Toni Corbo and Diane Diaz, who claim a mysterious airborne orange, egg-shaped object drove them off the road. They described it as being 'as big as the moon.' The object was also witnessed by two police officers.
• Saw orange UFO in pre-dawn sky details a sighting by a woman and her husband near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, who reported seeing a bright orange disc-like object on multiple occasions.
• Halloween UFO reports three boys in Girard, Pennsylvania, spotting a yellow-white light over a lake, described as a ball of light with a ring around it.
• UFO's Spotted Over Cemetery details multiple sightings of unidentified flying objects in Catskill, New York, described as blinking lights.
• The issue also includes a section on "NEW HARDCOVER BOOKS" and "NEW PAPERBACK BOOKS", listing titles and publishers related to UFOs, ancient mysteries, and other fortean topics. Examples include "ALIENS ON EARTH!", "THE UFO CONNECTIONS OF JESUS CHRIST", "ANCIENT HYSTERIES", and "THE WORLD ALMANAC BOOK OF THE STRANGE."
• A section on "ENCOUNTER CASES FROM FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" lists various books on UFO encounters and related phenomena.
• A "NOTICES" section solicits feedback from interested readers about the possibility of publishing a quarterly index of their news releases, detailing sightings, theories, and geographical regions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the broader spectrum of fortean phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the involvement of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, leans towards a serious, albeit sometimes skeptical, investigation of these phenomena. There is an emphasis on credible witness testimony and the need for scientific study, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained. The publication aims to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO events and related topics through clippings from various sources and original reports.

This issue, dated December 4, 1977, from the Cincinnati Enquirer, is titled "If You're English, Irish Or Cherokee-Watch Out" and features a cover story about UFOs. The magazine delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United States.

OUFOIL and the Wilhelm Family Encounter

The lead article introduces Charles and Geri Wilhelm, founders of OUFOIL (Ohio UFO Investigators League Inc.), a group dedicated to tracking the unknown. Their credibility was enhanced when their daughter, Angel, described an encounter with a "silver-suited man" who she claimed was from a UFO. The man, described as six feet two inches tall with white hair and a silver suit, spoke to Angel, but not to her mother. Mrs. Wilhelm believed the figure might be a laser-projected image or hologram. She also recounted other unusual experiences, such as her glasses warping and an electric range that appeared unplugged but worked. Charles Wilhelm suggested that certain people, particularly those of Cherokee, English, or Irish heritage, might be targeted for observation. The OUFOIL group, with 22 qualified investigators, meets for continuing education, and their recent focus has expanded to include sightings of "big-foot" creatures.

Bigfoot and Other Phenomena

Ron Schaffner, introduced as OUFOIL's "big-foot director," discussed recent "animal" sightings in the Aurora, Ill., Rabbit Hash, Ky., and Eaton, Ohio areas. He described a seven-to-eight-foot-tall creature covered in brown hair, which emitted a screech. Schaffner noted that these creatures seem to frequent areas near covered bridges, caves, cemeteries, schools, airports, and power lines. Footprints found in Eaton were 16 inches long with a six-and-a-half-foot stride. The group is interested in investigating the origins of these creatures, with Wilhelm speculating they might come from underground or a parallel universe. The article also mentions sightings of saber-tooth tigers. The group hopes for a federal grant to hire investigators and purchase a computer for data correlation.

UFO Sightings Across the US

Seattle, Washington: A 32-year-old housewife reported seeing a large, hovering object with multiple lights over a field near her farmhouse. Robert Gribble of Phenomena Research deemed her account authentic. The object was described as a huge mass of light forming a cone, moving upward and then northwest, with three lights on the bottom. It emitted a faint electrical hum.

Cagliari, Sardinia: Italian Air Force pilots Maj. Francesco Zoppi and Sgt. Corrade Giannella tracked a glowing orange UFO with a violet ring. The object moved erratically, turned 180 degrees, and accelerated at high speed, described as "something out of the ordinary, not normal."

Missouri: Dozens of people in the Ozark Mountains reported seeing dazzling and terrifying alien-looking airborne objects. Lonnie and Debbie Stites encountered a craft that hovered over their truck, and a green-suited figure approached them. Lawrence McCool reported a similar object that caused his truck's electrical system to fail, described as 18 to 20 feet across and copper-colored. Glenn C. Coonfield described a large, silvery object with a glowing light and flames.

Wisconsin: Several residents in the Neillsville area reported seeing strange lights in the sky, described as moving erratically. Mr. and Mrs. Doug Larsen and eight youngsters witnessed an object with red warning lights that changed color. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Froze saw two unidentified flying objects hovering low and at a distance.

California: Ed Dula reported seeing two round, saucer-shaped objects hovering near Interstate 15. Sandra Simms and her son had a similar experience. The objects moved quickly and seemed to be over the highway.

Plymouth, New York: Residents reported an "extremely loud rumbling noise" and a "huge, low-flying plane" with a large spotlight that aviation officials could not identify, officially labeling it an unidentified flying object.

Aztec, New Mexico: Several residents reported seeing strange lights in the sky, described as star-like lights that moved in unstar-like patterns. Some lights were red, blue, green, and white, appearing as large stars or planets. One account described a red light that followed a vehicle, and another mentioned a white light that moved like a spotlight.

Rapid City, South Dakota: A resident reported seeing two unidentified flying objects flying over the city for over an hour. The objects appeared to be between her house and Skyline Drive.

North Berwick, Maine: Chairman of the Board Ward Allen reported seeing large lights hovering over Pine Hill that resembled headlights but were unmoving.

Miracles or UFOs: The Fatima Connection

Dr. Jacques Vallee, a computer specialist, suggests that the miraculous events at Fatima in 1917 share similarities with many UFO experiences. He points out that witnesses at Fatima reported seeing a bright spinning disc, zig-zag paths, bright light effects, and strange sounds, all of which are commonly reported in UFO close encounters.

UFO Center in State Probed

An investigation has been initiated into the operations of the UFO Education Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, due to questions raised by former members. The center has been accused of being a religious cult, a claim denied by a spokeswoman who stated that the center was contemplating its own investigation into the practices of a deprogramer named Ted Patrick.

UFOs and Government Secrecy

An article from the MIDNIGHT/GLOBE newspaper discusses a lawsuit against the CIA demanding the release of documents related to UFO phenomena, including the Robertson Panel report and cases involving Marine Corps photographer Ralph Mayher. The suit suggests the CIA is collecting information about UFOs and has foreign reports, which they deem a threat to national security.

Professor Says UFOs Are Real

Dr. Harley D. Rutledge, head of the physics department at Southeast Missouri State University, initially a skeptic, has become convinced of the reality of UFOs after investigating hundreds of sightings. He states that "there really is something up there that cannot be explained by conventional logic" and has made over 140 sightings himself.

President Carter and UFOs

President Carter, who once reported seeing an unidentified flying object, discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial life with scientist Carl Sagan, author and director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. Carter reportedly requested a White House showing of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings across the United States, the attempts to investigate and explain these phenomena, and the potential for government secrecy surrounding the topic. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts to expert analysis and skepticism, suggesting that while many sightings may have mundane explanations, a significant number remain unexplained and warrant further investigation. The overall stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both the possibility of hoaxes and the potential for genuine, extraordinary events.

This issue of "Close Encounters of the Third World" from December 1977, published by the Cleve. Plain Dealer - Ohio, delves into a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena and related scientific and cultural topics. The cover story, "COP'S RACE WITH A UFO," details an encounter by police officer Billy Stevens in Richmond, VA. Other articles explore sightings in various locations, scientific theories about the universe and life, and the persistent mystery of unexplained sonic booms.

Key Articles and Reports

"COP'S RACE WITH A UFO"

Police officer Billy Stevens, initially a skeptic, recounts his experience of seeing a string of green and yellow lights that formed a dirigible-shaped craft enveloped in mist. He pursued the object, noting that it maintained a consistent speed relative to his patrol car. The craft, estimated to be 300 feet long and 30-40 feet high, disappeared with incredible speed. Stevens consulted with experts from NICAP, who suggested it might be from another solar system. His radio transmissions during the event inexplicably repeated three times.

"Boy, 11, Sights UFO" (Hartford Courant)

An 11-year-old boy, Mark Charette, from Granby, CT, reported seeing an unidentified flying object on November 18, 1977. He described it as an inverted saucer with a long neck and a box, which crossed slowly in front of the moon, performed an about-face, and moved away rapidly. The object was unlighted and made no sound. His mother hoped reporting the sighting might lead to confirmation.

"Stranger than fiction" (South Middlesex Sunday News)

This article recounts an experience of two young hunters in Maine who observed a red light on the horizon. The light darted upwards, plummeted, and oscillated before moving towards them and causing a field to glow. They described the object's speed as faster than any jet. Later, the object flew over them, causing another area to glow, and then disappeared. They reported the incident to the local police chief, who shared stories of similar strange occurrences in the Wesley area.

"Astronomers Prove Life Put On Earth By Comets"

This piece discusses the theory proposed by astronomers Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe, suggesting that the building blocks of life, and even organisms responsible for plagues, may have come to Earth from outer space via comets. They cite evidence from meteorite remains and the composition of comet tails, linking it to phenomena like the 1918-1919 influenza epidemic.

"Unidentified Peeping Toms" (Robert H. Forister)

This column expresses frustration with the persistent presence of UFOs in the local news, questioning their motives for hovering in the skies without clear interaction. The author humorously invites UFOs to make contact and share information, suggesting a more open approach.

"Physics Prof. Says He Has Proof"

Dr. Harley Rutledge, a physics professor at Southeast Missouri State University, claims to have proof of UFO existence, supported by over 700 photographs. He began his investigation in 1973, initially aiming to debunk UFOs but became a believer after finding evidence. He has documented numerous sightings and is seeking financial aid for his continued research.

"Missouri, Iowa rank high in UFO visits"

UFO researcher Ted Phillips discusses reported UFO sightings and landings, noting that Missouri and Iowa have a high number of reports, possibly due to their rural nature. He categorizes UFO encounters into five types: nocturnal sightings, daylight discs, radar-tracked objects, close encounters of the first kind (sightings from a distance), second kind (physical traces left), and third kind (sightings of beings emerging from craft). He also mentions a developing category, the fourth kind (being taken aboard UFOs).

"Women and UFOs" (Alice Lindhjem)

This letter to the editor draws a parallel between historical movements for women's rights and early reports of "round objects in the sky" from as far back as 1860, suggesting a recurring theme of societal change and the emergence of new phenomena.

"THE BOOMS!"

This section covers the ongoing mystery of unexplained high-altitude explosions, referred to as "booms," heard along the East Coast from Connecticut to South Carolina. Scientists are baffled, and various theories, including sonic booms, earthquakes, and exploding gases, have been proposed and largely discounted. The White House has requested federal agencies to investigate.

"More Explosive Noises in Jersey"

This brief report notes a continuation of the mysterious explosion-type noises along the New Jersey shore, ruling out sonic booms.

"Big bang theory blasted"

Californian scientists Richard Muller and George Smoot propose a revised "big bang" theory for the universe's origin, suggesting a more orderly event than previously imagined, with matter expanding at a constant rate. This theory challenges the idea of a chaotic explosion.

"Sighting of UFO Over Cragsmoor Reported"

Several residents and two policemen in Cragsmoor, NY, reported seeing two unidentified flying objects described as cigar-shaped with rotating green lights. Similar sightings had occurred in the area previously. One witness described the objects' lights as pulsating and in various colors.

"MORE UFOS SEEN, THANKS TO MOVIE"

This article suggests that the upcoming movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is expected to trigger a surge in UFO sighting reports, as similar phenomena have been amplified by cultural interest in the past. NASA is considering how to handle the increased public inquiry.

"A Streak Through the Night"

Jack Bertrem, a retired house painter from Arroyo Grande, CA, reported seeing a cigar-shaped ball of fire speeding across the night sky. He described it as glowing like a red taillight and moving at a high speed. Bertrem, a former non-believer, was struck by the experience.

"UFO's still sighted, Dr. Rutledge says"

This report revisits Dr. Harley Rutledge's ongoing UFO investigation in southeastern Missouri. It details a recent sighting involving a bright white object being chased by a military fighter plane. Rutledge classifies 25 of his over 140 UFO sightings since 1973 as "incredible."

"Reflections of that Man Friday" (William A. Caldwell)

This column reflects on the cultural perception of UFOs, noting how sightings have become more commonplace and less frightening, with some viewing them as benevolent entities coming to save humanity. The author expresses skepticism about this hopeful interpretation, suggesting it might be a form of despair.

"The Question"

This section presents opinions from moviegoers after seeing "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," discussing how the film affected their views on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Some felt it validated their existing beliefs, while others were disappointed by the depiction of the aliens.

"Pentagon admits that it still keeps top secret files on sighting of UFOs"

This article reveals that the U.S. government continues to keep classified UFO reports, despite official denials. It details a declassified Iranian Air Force report of a UFO sighting over Tehran in 1976, which involved multiple objects, loss of instrumentation, and communication failures.

"A Demand for Evidence"

Russell Houle argues that the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFO origins is complex and relies heavily on witness reliability. He maintains that there are no cases with multiple, reliable witnesses and that space vehicles would likely avoid large cities. Houle advocates for skepticism until indisputable evidence is presented, suggesting that most sightings can be explained by hoaxes, mistakes, or alternate explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a stance of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, featuring reports of sightings, scientific investigations, and theoretical discussions. While some articles express skepticism or offer conventional explanations, the overall tone suggests a belief in the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena and a desire for further investigation. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and the human fascination with the unknown, often amplified by cultural events like movies. The publication seems to encourage the reporting of sightings and the exploration of various hypotheses, from scientific to extraterrestrial.

This issue of The Daily Mail, dated December 7, 1977, focuses on the persistent mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and the ongoing debate about their reality. The cover headline, "Was 'Monster' A Hoax? Are UFOs For Real?", sets the tone for an exploration of famous cases, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.

The Braxton County Monster: Hoax or Reality?

The lead article by Adrian Gwin revisits the 1952 Braxton County Monster incident in Flatwoods, West Virginia. The event involved sightings of a 'man-like thing' and a 'spaceship'. While some attributed it to extraterrestrial visitors, a man named Bill Steorts later claimed to have invented the story as a hoax, fabricating details for personal gain. However, J. Ralph Jarrett, a prominent UFO investigator from St. Albans, West Virginia, remains unconvinced by the hoax confession. Jarrett, a mechanical engineer, is a firm believer in UFOs, citing evidence of craft unlike anything known and suggesting they are vehicles from other worlds. He discusses the cyclical nature of UFO sightings, referring to them as 'flaps' that occur every seven to nine years, and expresses hope for official recognition and investigation of UFO phenomena by government agencies.

Debunking and Unexplained Cases

Mike Flynn's "Editor's Notebook" discusses how many UFO sightings have been explained away by the Air Force as natural phenomena or hoaxes. However, he highlights a little-noted sighting in Northern Idaho in 1965 that has never been satisfactorily explained. A telephone call from a radio newsman described a cigar-shaped object with blinking green lights hovering over the Cottonwood Radar Station. Airmen confirmed the object, which was pursued by jets but escaped at high speed.

UFO Sightings Continue in SEMo

An article reports on ongoing UFO sightings in southeastern Missouri, investigated by Dr. Harley Rutledge. Recent sightings include a bright white object chased by a military fighter plane near Jackson, and a disc-shaped object observed by Rutledge himself. Rutledge, a physics professor, has initiated a scientific UFO field investigation program called Project Identification.

Types of UFOs Commonly Reported

A visual chart illustrates various commonly reported UFO shapes, categorized from I to IV and including 'Planform' views. Shapes range from saucer-like and cigar-shaped to spherical and amorphous, with descriptions of their characteristics and flight patterns.

Satellite Interference and UFOs

This section explores the possibility that extraterrestrial forces might be manipulating or interfering with Earth's satellites. It mentions the unexplained failures of satellites like Anna and Telstar II, and the peculiar infrared signals detected over the Bermuda Triangle, suggesting a connection to unknown phenomena.

Brimfield Sighting and Prankster Theories

Sandy Bradley reports on a UFO sighting in Brimfield, Ohio, where residents saw a large orange object circling their home. While some witnesses described an object as tall as a 30-story building, the article also explores the prankster theory, with information suggesting that plastic dry-cleaning bags inflated and launched might explain some sightings. A. E. 'Mark' Candusso, a UFO investigator, acknowledges the prankster theory but finds it difficult to reconcile with all aspects of the Brimfield case.

Central Florida UFO Sightings

A compilation lists several UFO sightings in Central Florida from 1955 to 1968, including reports of circular objects with flashing lights, hovering objects near malls, and a saucer-shaped object sighted by a pilot and his wife.

Ashby Woman's 'Close Encounter'

Leah Lamson details an encounter by Mrs. Robert Loughlin in Ashby, Massachusetts, who reported seeing a large red light near the Fitchburg Reservoir. The Loughlins have since made a habit of UFO watching, reporting multiple sightings of various shapes and colors, though they have not captured any on film.

UFOs Reported Near Aurora, Texas

This article recounts historical UFO reports from Aurora, Texas, dating back to 1897, when a 'flying ship' was said to have crashed. It also includes a recent account from Mrs. Florence Currie, who reported seeing unidentified flying objects in her pasture in September 1977.

International UFO Reports

Several brief reports from international locations are included:

• Oléron, France: Two inhabitants reported seeing a bright, oblong flying object with two jets, skirted by an airplane.
• Dijon, France: Mysterious bright objects, one oblong and one round, were seen by numerous inhabitants and staff of the Longvic Air Base.
• Argentina: An unidentified flying object reportedly upset a Portuguese trawler's electrical system near Southwest Africa.
• Huesca, Spain: Multiple witnesses reported seeing three, then four, strange bright lights shaped like spheres that moved at high speed.
• Perth, Australia: Two separate reports described unusual flying objects, one as a low-flying ball of light and another as a round, colorless object with a flame tail.
• North Pole: The United States Air Force confirmed an unidentified flying object was sighted making several 'touch and go' landings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the dichotomy between unexplained phenomena and rational explanations, often involving hoaxes or natural occurrences. There's a recurring theme of skepticism from the scientific community versus the persistent belief and eyewitness accounts of UFO enthusiasts. The editorial stance, particularly in George Richardson's piece, advocates for keeping an open mind, acknowledging that despite advancements in science and space exploration, much remains unknown. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from those who believe UFOs are extraterrestrial craft to those who attribute sightings to misidentification or pranks, ultimately leaving the reader to ponder the reality of these mysterious phenomena.

Title: ÉCHOS UFOLOGIQUES
Issue Date: November 11, 1977
Publisher: NOSTRA
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Échos Ufologiques, a French publication focusing on UFO phenomena, presents a collection of international news items and reports from late 1977. The content spans sightings, official investigations, and public reactions to unexplained aerial phenomena.

UFOLOGIC NEWS ITEMS

French Sighting

A luminous orange disc-shaped UFO was observed in the sky near Coulommiers, France, by multiple witnesses, including a gendarme. The object remained stationary for about five minutes before moving off in a curved trajectory at considerable speed. Observers noted it appeared smaller than previously described UFOs.

Manchester Incident

Police Inspector Norman Collinson of Manchester, England, reported an extraordinary UFO sighting on April 2, 1977. A UFO flew over his car for a few moments, then ascended. Despite the increasing altitude, it appeared to remain the same size. Collinson filed a precise report with police authorities and the English Air Ministry, but no official explanation was offered.

Dutch and Belgian Reports

Reports from the Netherlands and Belgium indicate that between June and December 1976, their airspace was frequently traversed by strange visitors, with some sightings occurring in "genuine waves." The testimonies are described as numerous and precise, with many coming from military personnel and radar observers, making them difficult to dismiss.

UN Proposal for a "UFO Year"

Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, proposed to the United Nations that the controversial phenomenon of UFOs be researched. He suggested the formation of a dedicated UN department or division for the global treatment of the issue. Gairy submitted a draft resolution to the UN's Second Political Committee, proposing that 1978 be declared the "UFO Year." Grenada hopes this research could lead to the discovery of technologies beyond current human comprehension. The proposal also suggests that the US, with President Carter's interest in UFOs, could head a research center. However, it is anticipated that the US government and many UN members might vote against the suggestion for unspecified reasons.

German Sightings and Reactions

In NW Germany, three individuals reported UFO sightings on July 8th, involving a "robot-like creature." A Hamburg harbor worker, Klaus Hartmann, described a "red-glowing disc" racing across the sky. Other residents reported similar phenomena, with one witness describing a disc landing and its occupants quickly extinguishing the lights. A Hamburg newspaper attempted to calm public fears, advising readers not to panic if they saw unusual things in the sky. The article notes that UFOs had previously been observed over Gran Canaria before appearing in Northern Germany. A specific incident on June 25th involved a UFO landing in Las Palmas, with two giants with winglike hands reportedly steering it, based on the accounts of 70 witnesses.

Argentinian Encounter

In Mendoza, Argentina, in 1968, two casino employees observed beings from their car. These beings were described as 1.40 meters tall, with large, bald, egg-shaped heads. This sighting is contrasted with other descriptions of UFO occupants, some of whom are described as two meters tall and wearing phosphorescent suits.

Fernando Sesma's Prediction

Fernando Sesma, head of a Spanish society of friends of space visitors, had predicted a UFO invasion of Argentina in 1968, with a global conquest by 1970. The article speculates that perhaps the extraterrestrials found Argentina's climate unfavorable and are now focusing on Central Europe.

US Air Force UFO Data

A special department of the US Air Force has registered approximately 14,000 UFO reports since 1947. About 95% of these have been explained as terrestrial phenomena, such as light reflections, gas clouds, flocks of birds, fireworks, aircraft, satellites, shooting stars, or simply imagination. The remaining unexplained cases are noted.

Hamburg Observatory's Perspective

Scientists at the Hamburg-Bergedorf Observatory react mildly to UFO reports, explaining that clear nights allow for frequent celestial observations. They attribute many sightings to meteorites, high-flying aircraft, satellites, and occasionally comets. The "Hamburger Abendblatt" newspaper advises its readers to "Let the Martians be Martians."

MORE STRANGE SPACE BLASTS (Perth, Australia - Dec 23, 1977)

American scientists are baffled by mysterious "space blasts" occurring for the eighth time in three weeks. These rumbling explosions, detected about 70 km over the Atlantic, shook coastal towns and ships south of New York on Wednesday night. Columbia University researcher William Donn stated that the blasts did not appear to be caused by meteorites or other natural phenomena. He also ruled out sonic booms or nuclear explosions. Pentagon, aviation, and nuclear authorities have no explanation, with spokesmen pleading ignorance. Donn theorized it might be a top-secret experiment by a federal agency. The explosions shook buildings and broke windows over hundreds of kilometers from Connecticut to South Carolina. The blasts on December 2nd led to the evacuation of a nuclear plant in southern New Jersey due to fears of an earthquake.

'INVADER' CUT INTO TV NEWS (The Sunday Times, Australia - Dec 4, 1977)

Experts are investigating a "spaceman" who interrupted a Southern TV news bulletin in London. The voice, claiming to be "Gillon the Gallactic," warned of an "intergalactic invasion unless Earth puts down its weapons of destruction." The interruption lasted about four minutes and was traced to a transmitter in Hannington, near Newbury. Highly sophisticated machinery was used to block the TV signal. The Independent Broadcasting Authority stated they did not know what happened and that efforts were underway to find the culprits. Investigators believe the broadcast was the work of skilled individuals with advanced TV technology, not extraterrestrials.

'UFO's are here without a doubt' (Perth, Australia - Dec 31, 1977)

This section features letters to the editor in response to a previous article questioning UFO beliefs. Keith Rewell agrees that UFOs are definitely present, even if not from outer space. He shares his own experiences of seeing hundreds of lights in the sky over 40 years in the Mukinbudin, Mt Magnet, and Coolgardie areas. Mrs I. Hammett argues that P. C. Kenny missed the point about UFOs, describing fast-moving lights making sharp, right-angle turns, suggesting a noiseless, pollution-free transportation system. She encourages public support for inventors of super-powered vehicles. She also suggests welcoming "little green men" to explain their systems.

Why record UFO reports this year? (Daily News, Perth, Australia - Dec 15, 1977)

The UFO Research Group in Western Australia has recorded 190 separate sightings of objects in the sky since March, indicating a significantly busier year for UFO reports than usual. Ted Roza, the coordinator of investigators, stated this trend appears to be mirrored in the Eastern States. A notable phenomenon in Western Australia occurred in mid-October near Meekatharra-Mt Magnet, where many people reported seeing lighted objects flying overhead. Another intriguing report from October 18th described a contraption of two saucer-like objects joined by tubes seen over the WACA Ground. The UFO Research Group has been active in WA for about 25 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of UFO phenomena globally, the efforts to investigate and understand them (ranging from official government channels to civilian research groups), and the varying public and official reactions, from skepticism to serious concern. There's a clear editorial stance favoring the reporting of these phenomena, presenting various accounts and perspectives, and highlighting the ongoing mystery and the potential significance of UFOs, particularly with the UN proposal for a dedicated research year. The publication seems to lean towards acknowledging the reality of UFOs, even if their origin and purpose remain unknown, as suggested by the title "'UFO's are here without a doubt'.