APCIC - Vol 03 No 10 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.) is dated October 1978, Volume Three, No. 10. The cover prominently displays the title "AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER" along with its P.O. Box and Cleveland, Ohio address. The cover art features a collage of newspapers from various international locations (London Times, San Francisco Examiner, Argentina, Tokyo, Cleveland Press, Washington Star, Canada, New York Times, Nostra Paris France, Daily News Perth Australia) all bearing headlines related to UFOs, suggesting a global interest in the phenomenon. The issue is published by A.P.C.I.C. and is priced at $5.00 a month.

Key Articles and Reports

New UFO Sighting Claimed In Freeport (Journal-Standard, Sept. 2, 1978)

This article details a UFO sighting by Roderick Simenson and his wife, Joyce, along with neighbors Bill Martin and Barb Atherton, in Freeport, Illinois. Simenson, who teaches stars to his scouts, described the object as glowing red, yellow, and green, stationary at times, and then drifting north and south. The object was observed for over an hour. The report notes that this was the second UFO sighting in the area within 10 days. Law officers in Stockton, Warren, and the surrounding area had reported a similar UFO with red, yellow, green, white, and orange lights hovering for about an hour on a previous occasion. Allan Hendry, chief investigator for the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, expressed interest in speaking with witnesses and noted that nine out of ten UFO reports he investigates are solved. He also mentioned a radar-contact UFO sighting near Madison, Wisconsin, on June 22, described as an oval white light surrounded by five red lights. Hendry also commented on the common misconception of UFOs involving 'little green men' and stated that calls about objects in the sky had become a nightly occurrence.

UFO Sighting Reported; Just Skimming Tree Tops, Some Say (Sedan, Kans. Times Star, Aug. 30, 1978)

This report from Chautauqua County, Kansas, describes sightings of a kite-shaped object with a low humming sound. Jauanita Thomas reported her son and his friend saw it traveling from northwest to southeast at a low speed. Mrs. Russel Wemmer described the object as diamond-shaped with three steady white lights and a red blinking light. The sightings were mostly reported between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m., with some observers claiming it barely cleared treetops. No close encounters with occupants were reported.

UFO sightings baffle viewers, authorities (La Crosse, Wis. Tribune, Sept. 7, 1978)

Authorities in McGregor, Iowa, and surrounding areas were investigating numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects. Described as white with stationary green lights and red lights revolving around them, some objects also had flashing yellow lights. Eight to ten objects were seen, some stationary, others moving. While some suggested atmospheric conditions causing stars to appear to shimmer, others were convinced they were UFOs. Maurice Ohler, a physics teacher, suggested campfires, farm lights, or distorted stars due to convection currents as possible explanations.

New UFO sighting at Army base where MPs had a terrifying close encounter (New York, N.Y. Star, Aug. 29, 1978)

This article details two incidents at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The first, on September 8, 1973, involved two military policemen, Bart Burns and Randy Shade, who reported a UFO ramming their jeep into a ditch. The object was described as round or oval, 35-75 ft. across, silent, with flashing blue, white, and amber lights. It reappeared later, hovering and following their jeep. The second incident involved youngsters reporting strange lights at a golf course near Fort Stewart. The report was forwarded to Washington and became significant evidence for UFO watchers.

'Close encounters' or false alarms? (Shelby, Mich. Oceana Herald, Aug. 24, 1978)

Several reports of unidentified flying objects were made in the Oceana area. The most recent involved an unknown light over a generation plant and Lake Michigan. Earlier reports of orange lights were explained as a Coast Guard helicopter. The article notes that while many sightings are investigated, they are often explained as conventional phenomena.

Glowing object in area sky may be star (Henderson, Ky. Gleaner, Aug. 19, 1978)

Residents of Ernest Lane reported seeing an unidentified flying object with red and green flashing lights. The National UFO Reporting Center suggested it was likely a bright star. Evansville police received three reports, but Henderson police received none. The object was described as kite-shaped, hovering, and flashing lights in no set pattern. The Evansville Weather Bureau confirmed no weather balloons or planes were reported. A spokesman for the UFO center stated that the object's recurrence strengthened the possibility of it being a star.

Taking hay samples? (Idaho Falls, Idaho Post Register, Aug. 29, 1978)

Aaron Staley, a young boy, is pictured with his toy near a large flattened area in a hay field in Mud Lake, Idaho. Farmer Nile Wilding believes an unidentified flying object landed there, leaving a 24 by 234 foot oval-shaped space with four circular indentations. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department investigated but found no proof it was a UFO.

Possible UFO landing pad in Mud Lake field (Idaho Falls, Idaho Post Register, Aug. 29, 1978)

This article reiterates the report from Mud Lake, Idaho, where farmer Nile Wilding discovered a flattened area in his hay field, suggesting a UFO landing. The area measured 24 by 234 feet and had four circular indentations. The hay was pressed in a northeasterly direction. The Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff investigated but stated there was no proof it was a UFO.

UFO photos may explain Illinois sightings (Evansville Courier, Aug. 19, 1978)

Allan Hendry, chief investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, suggested that photos taken by Michael Gott, a jailer at the White County Jail, might explain some bright 'starlike' light sightings in Southeastern Illinois. Gott's time-exposure color film showed several objects, some streaked and one stationary. Hendry initially suggested bright stars as an explanation but acknowledged that the photos could change his mind. He also mentioned Perseid meteors and airplane lights as possible contributing factors.

'Two white lights and a red light' report sighters (Conroe, Texas Courier, Aug. 3, 1978)

This article compiles several reports of unexplained lights in Montgomery County, Texas. One witness described two bright white lights and a small red one on the left, sounding like a jet but not behaving like one. Another report involved an object seen between 9:30 and 9:40 p.m. that was hanging still, with lights too close together to be a helicopter. Other witnesses reported similar sightings, with variations in the lights and behavior. The Goodyear Blimp was mentioned as a possible explanation, but it had been out of Texas since May.

A close encounter: Wonder Woman and lib (Skokie, Ill. News, Aug. 24, 1978)

This is a fictionalized account of an encounter with a UFO piloted by 'Wonder Woman' and her 'clones.' The narrative explores themes of matriarchal society, cloning, and the Earth's readiness for advanced technology. The encounter serves as a humorous commentary on societal issues like the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and the persistent public fascination with the phenomenon. There's a clear editorial stance favoring the collection and dissemination of such reports, as evidenced by the publication's name and its detailed coverage. While acknowledging the possibility of conventional explanations for many sightings (stars, aircraft, atmospheric conditions), the publication also highlights cases that remain unexplained or are particularly intriguing, such as the Fort Stewart incident and the Mud Lake landing site. The inclusion of a fictionalized 'Wonder Woman' encounter suggests a willingness to explore the topic from various angles, including speculative and imaginative ones. The overall tone is one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, balanced with an awareness of skepticism and the need for evidence.

This issue of the BURKESVILLE, KY. - NEWS, dated August 24, 1978, features a prominent cover story detailing a UFO sighting by a Glasgow couple.

Glasgow Couple Claim They Saw UFO

The main article, written by Debbie Harvey for the Daily Times Staff Writer, recounts the experience of Rev. Elisabeth and Rev. Stephen Stephenson, ministers from Glasgow, Kentucky. On Thursday, July 13, 1978, at approximately 9:30 p.m., while traveling from Louisville to Glasgow on I-65, they encountered an object they described as an "airplane on fire" in the western sky. The object appeared to be approximately four to five miles away and lit up the entire western sky.

They pulled over to the trouble lane and observed the object. Within seconds, it appeared within 100 yards of the highway and hovered about 30 feet above the ground for a short time. The couple described the unidentified flying object (UFO) as rectangular in shape, about 15 to 20 feet high and 30 to 40 feet long. In the distance, it appeared yellow, but as it hovered closer, it emitted a steady, glowing white light, which Rev. Elisabeth described as "dazzling, almost blinding" and unlike anything she had ever seen.

Rev. Stephen Stephenson was amazed by the amount of light surrounding the object, stating, "I never really saw a shape, just light." He also noted that it was "soundless in flight and moved with terrific speed." The object reminded them of a large house burning, but without flames.

The couple were speechless and sat in awe. They described the light as "brilliance which lighted the ground and surrounding area." A "giant oblong shape of light" encircled the UFO and penetrated the fog and darkness.

Suddenly, the object moved quickly to the west and then "blacked out" as if someone had turned off the lights. Another car slowed down as if to stop but then continued on. The Stephensons believe other drivers may have seen the UFO but were too afraid to stop.

As they continued their journey to Glasgow, about seven miles down the highway, Rev. Elisabeth noticed a bright glow like a sunrise. They stopped again, turned off the car, and viewed the object, which appeared to be a blazing airplane. They watched it for approximately 15 minutes as it played over a hillside, going up and down, sideways, and zig-zagging atop a tree-studded hill about 3 miles away.

During this time, the object shot forth ribbon-like flares. The Stephensons initially thought a plane was fighting it, and they saw a plane circle the object but did not see what happened to it.

Rev. Stephen said the glowing light engulfed an area about a mile wide, making trees and clouds easily visible despite the dark night. The light varied in intensity, from bright to dim, before disappearing.

The couple concluded that no known aircraft could move with such speed and therefore the object was not a natural phenomenon. Rev. Elisabeth suggested it could have been supernatural or from outer space, while Rev. Stephen stated, "It was not an earthly thing."

As ministers, they wondered if the brilliant light could resemble a Heavenly light and if it were a supernatural craft. They expressed a desire for another encounter to observe the object more closely.

The Stephensons reported the sighting to the Kentucky State Police and stated that, to their knowledge, no one else had reported seeing the UFO. They also reported it to the "National Enquirer." They eventually told members of the Salmon Tabernacle Church and then the "Daily Times." They acknowledged that some people might not believe them or might think they were seeking publicity, but they felt it was important to let others know what they saw, stating, "People need to know about these things."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the reporting of UFO sightings, with multiple accounts from different locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these reports as credible accounts from witnesses, including law enforcement officers and ministers, without overt skepticism, but acknowledging the potential for disbelief from the public. The inclusion of multiple sightings from various locations suggests a pattern of reported phenomena in the region during that period.

Title: THE STAR MAGAZINE
Issue Date: September 26, 1978
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Top Air Force Brass Confirm Coast Guard UFO Sightings

This article, written by John Latta, details a series of significant UFO sightings that were documented by three separate U.S. Coast Guard stations in northern states and subsequently confirmed by America's top defense nerve center, North American Air Defense Command (NORAD).

Ludington and Two Rivers Sighting

One of the most startling and detailed sightings occurred late on a clear evening when a cigar-shaped object, easily spotted, moved at speeds up to 1,200 mph over a Coast Guard base in Ludington, Michigan. Subsequently, a second base at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, picked up the object, based on information relayed from Ludington.

Base technicians later computed the time between these two sightings and estimated the UFO's speed. Seaman Gary Randall, off duty at the Two Rivers base, recalled seeing the object. He described it as having no distinct shape initially but being larger than a jumbo jet or a B-52 bomber. It reportedly hovered for about 30 minutes before moving away quickly, only to return from a different direction. Technicians calculated its speed between two sighting points at 831.4 mph. Randall also noted that the object moved up and down, sometimes stopping dead and hovering. The object then shot away from Two Rivers, disappearing from sight.

Cleveland Sighting

The final sighting in this series occurred at the Cleveland Coast Guard base. This event followed alerts sent to bases throughout the Great Lakes area to watch for the object. The UFO was first sighted by civilians who alerted the Coast Guard at St. Joseph, Michigan. The object was described as a long cylinder-shaped object hovering at 6000 ft over Lake Michigan. It departed northward at a high rate. St. Joseph then contacted the Ludington station.

Investigation and Evaluation

Each Coast Guard base involved made a report, and the area command post of the Coast Guard in Columbus compiled its own report. NORAD headquarters in Colorado made the final appraisal, confirming that some sort of object had indeed been seen over the three bases.

UFO investigators, including Robert Todd from the International UFO Investigative Bureau, worked closely with the Coast Guard in evaluating these reports. Todd is noted as an investigator for the International UFO Investigative Bureau. Investigators emphasize that the most valuable sightings are those made by groups of people, particularly scientists and individuals with technical training, such as servicemen.

Key Personnel and Organizations

Key individuals mentioned include Chief Petty Officer Richard Whelchel, who took the call from Ludington at the Two Rivers base, and Seaman Gary Randall. The organizations involved are the U.S. Coast Guard, NORAD, and the International UFO Investigative Bureau.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the confirmation of UFO sightings by official military and governmental bodies, suggesting these events are not merely misidentifications of conventional aircraft or natural phenomena. The article presents the information factually, relaying the details of the sightings and the subsequent investigations, implying a serious approach to the subject matter.

Title: The Sun Post
Issue Date: August 24, 1978
Cover Headline: Are close encounters really coming closer?

This issue of The Sun Post focuses on a recent increase in UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings, exploring eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and potential explanations. The surge in reports appears to be partly influenced by the release of the movie "Close Encounters of a Third Kind."

Article: Are close encounters really coming closer?

By Ken Kaye, the main article details several recent UFO sightings. It begins by mentioning a reported hoax in Brecksville Metropark where two men were seen photographing a toy, which was initially mistaken for a UFO. However, the article highlights more serious sightings, particularly from families in northern Parma near West 45th Street who have been observing a series of lights night after night, typically between 8:45 and 9:45 p.m. These lights are described as small balls, similar to airplane lights, but they jump all over the place. Four families have been observing these lights, expressing a desire to understand what they are.

Earl Neff, head of the Cleveland Ufology Project, confirms that the Parma families are not alone in their experiences, stating that his project has been receiving many reports from different areas. He notes that the recent sightings have led to a flurry of reports, similar to the wave that occurred after the movie "Close Encounters of a Third Kind" was released. Sightings were also reported from Willoughby, Euclid, and Sheffield Lake. Additionally, patrons of a Mentor drive-in theater reported seeing lights descend.

Neff emphasizes that people should not feel apologetic for reporting sightings, stating, "We're in a period today where people don't have to be apologetic for seeing something in the sky. It's only the people who are totally ignorant who take that view."

Letter to the Editor

Derek Mahin of Sarasota, Florida, writes to express his objection to the government's handling of UFO sightings. He notes that reports from the previous year were handled casually and that individuals attempting to report sightings have encountered difficulties in finding the correct agency to contact. Mahin proposes the establishment of a dedicated agency with a twenty-four-hour telephone service to handle UFO reports and asks for comments from anyone who has had similar experiences.

UFO Sighting Reported (Sarasota, Fla. Journal)

This section reports on a sighting by the Stanley Gomiela family in Port Charlotte, Florida. They observed a mysterious light looping through the sky, lighting up the clouds, which they determined was not a star or plane. Local police, the Federal Aviation Administration tower in Fort Myers, Bishop Planetarium, and a UFO Research Center in Washington were unable to explain the sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the increased public interest and reporting of UFO sightings in the summer of 1978, particularly following the release of the movie "Close Encounters of a Third Kind." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions without definitively dismissing or confirming the phenomena. There is an emphasis on the legitimacy of witness reports and a critique of official handling of such events. The inclusion of scientific explanations alongside anecdotal evidence suggests a balanced approach to the topic.

This issue of OVNIS, published by 'LA MONTAGNE' on May 15, 1978, with a cover headline 'OVNIS SUR LA CORDILLERE DES ANDES', presents a collection of UFO sightings and related news from various parts of the world.

South America: Andes Sightings

In San Juan, Argentina, five soldiers and one non-commissioned officer from the Argentine Army reported witnessing two UFO flights at night from the terrace of their barracks. They described an intense gleam from the Andes Cordillera, followed by fifteen luminous spots of similar size flying at a very high altitude. The military personnel stated that these spots were shaped like flying saucers and were flying in a triangular formation before disappearing towards the southwest. They also noted that another similar flight appeared shortly after, following the same path.

The article notes a recent trend of UFOs seemingly making South America, particularly Argentina, their base of operations. It mentions a UFO sighting in Ecuador the previous Thursday and a formation of about thirty UFOs reported twice west of Argentina in recent days.

France: Hautes-Pyrénées and Gironde Encounters

In the Hautes-Pyrénées department, specialists from the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) in Toulouse investigated statements from several youths who reported observing a veritable ballet of approximately twenty UFOs in the sky over the Bearn province area for more than three hours, between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on the night of July 9-10. The youths, Pierre Berriau (17), Alain Dieumegard (16), Armelle Sauneuf (16), and Jean-Marie Guery (16), described seeing a small object emitting a dazzling yellow light near the ground, followed by a larger object (about 10 meters in diameter) with multiple bright and multicolored sources, which took on a saucer shape before heading towards the Pyrenees. For the next two hours, they observed a general formation of objects engaged in an aerial battle, projecting flashing multicolored lights. The CNES experts found the youths' report interesting due to its concordance and the observers' seriousness.

Separately, in Arcachon, two young men from Gujan-Mestras reported seeing a UFO at night. Franck Pavia (18) and Jean-Marc Guitard (17) were forced to stop their car due to mechanical trouble around 1:30 a.m. They described lights around the town hall suddenly switching off, followed by an oval object, larger than a conventional aircraft, with a red-phosphorescent color and white flames, flying at an altitude of about 200 meters. The object moved towards them, then deviated from its trajectory and disappeared, rising into the night sky. A report from the Gujan gendarmes indicated a similar object was sighted six months prior near Biganos, in Gironde.

United Kingdom: Diverse Sightings

Maldon, England: The Maldon and Burnham Standard reported on 'Close encounters of the Maldon kind,' detailing several sightings. In February 1976, pilot Barry Powling and his pupil observed two spherical red flashing lights flying at 2,000ft, which disappeared. In August 1973, two young girls playing near Maldon's disused railway line reported seeing a UFO on the ground, described as a dome-shaped building with portholes emitting a yellow light. In August 1953, a woman saw what she initially thought was a shooting star transform into a rotating, dish-shaped object with a dome and portholes, of a creamy silver metallic color. In September 1974, a woman and her daughter saw a bright red stationary light over a nearby house, which later displayed two smaller red lights before merging and moving off. Andy Collins is identified as the local UFO contact.

Cove, England: Albert and Jennifer Pearce reported seeing a brilliant yellow object with 'sputnik type rays' traveling across the sky over the RAE. Mr. Pearce was adamant it was not a flare and described it as marvelous.

Tenterden, England: Two teenagers, Richard West (19) and Saul Towers (15), reported seeing a mysterious object, described as flat and round with a shimmering blue aura, flying fast across the sky. They observed it for about six seconds before it disappeared. They were stunned by the experience and decided to report it to the police.

Bradford, England: Two boys, Andrew Hurst (16) and John Robertson (13), claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object at 9:20 p.m. They described it as being about twice the size of a star and very white, moving very fast and appearing to be landing near a golf course.

Southampton, England: An AA patrolman and two Hampshire policemen reported seeing a large black object moving across the face of the sun. Simultaneously, radio channels in the operations room at the county's police headquarters in Winchester were blacked out. Officers from the Wessex UFO Society were contacted. However, the Royal Greenwich Observatory identified the object as a large sun spot, which can cause radio interference.

Bromley, England: A 'flying cushion' incident was reported where a diesel locomotive ran into a discarded seat cushion on the line, causing a giant flash and sparks, mistaken for a UFO.

Canada: UFO Landing Pad

The Globe and Mail reported on August 3, 1978, that the Queen and Prince Philip toured Eastern Alberta and saw the world's first flying saucer landing pad in St. Paul. The pad, built 12 years prior, is made of elevated poured concrete and resembles a small bandstand, but has not been used since its construction.

Australia: The Year of the UFOs

The Sunday Times in Perth, Australia, reported on August 27, 1978, that 1978 was being called 'the year the UFOs came.' President Carter authorized a million-dollar American research program into unidentified flying objects, and the United Nations was urged to designate 1978 as International UFO Year. The number of alleged sightings was running at an unprecedented 400 a week, including reports of motorists being attacked by mysterious objects. Mr. Gabriel Green, president of the Flying Saucers Clubs of America, stated that it is a mathematical probability that extraterrestrial life exists. The article also mentions that NASA was re-opening a UFO study shelved 10 years ago, following pressure from scientists like Dr. Hyneck. The US Scientific Advisory Board's 1967 investigation, led by Dr. Edward Condon, concluded there was no totally convincing direct evidence, but research continued.

International Cooperation

The Sunday Times also reported on August 20, 1978, that a US group, the Centre for UFO Studies, created by UFO expert Dr. J. Allen Hynek, was collaborating with scholars in the Soviet Union to investigate unidentified flying objects. Evidence on UFO cases was being swapped, with a theory that a 'flap' of UFOs would sweep over the Soviet Ural Mountains in December 1977.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different continents and the increasing interest in the phenomena, partly driven by popular culture like the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation, with reports from credible witnesses like military personnel, pilots, and ordinary citizens being presented. The articles highlight the efforts of various organizations and individuals dedicated to researching and documenting these events, suggesting a growing acceptance and scientific approach to the study of UFOs. The issue also touches upon the potential for extraterrestrial life and the ongoing search for truth about these mysterious objects.