APCIC - Vol 05 No 01 - 1980

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated January 1980, Volume 5, No. 1, is published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover features a prominent illustration of a flying saucer and the bold headline "UFO NEWS."

Contents and Articles

Cover Story: UFO rumors abound, but very little else This article by Betty Butler discusses persistent rumors concerning unidentified flying objects, particularly one reported in the Elk River area on November 25th. Despite the rumors, no object has been found, and authorities like the Westport Police Department, Grays Harbor Sheriff's Department, and The Daily World have found no evidence of searches or cordoned-off areas. Sheriff Dennis Morrisette and Emergency Services Director Bill Langford stated they had no new information, and Army information officer Major Ralph Paduano confirmed no action was being taken regarding UFOs.

Peacock Sees Unexplained Flying UFO This front-page report by Neil Abeles details an encounter by Charles Peacock of Atlanta, Texas, on a late evening in November 1979. Peacock reported seeing three lights from a large object hovering over his parents' home, describing an unfamiliar "swirling and swishing noise." He observed a dome with pulsing lights and noted the object moved off with apparent speed. He contacted Barksdale Air Force Base and a center in Washington, speculating that the government might be testing new apparatus. Peacock expressed a desire for others who may have seen something similar to come forward.

Two See UFO in Potsdam Skies This article by James D. Philips from the Watertown Daily Times reports on a sighting by Judy Douglass and Lynn Fadden on November 16, 1979, in Potsdam, New York. They described an object with red and white blinking lights forming a "U" shape, hovering over a field. The object was described as silvery metallic, about the size of a 20-foot boat, and it moved off eastward after hovering at treetop level.

Alexandrian Reports Sighting UFO Joe Trussell of Alexandria, Louisiana, reported a sighting on November 17, 1979, to The Town Talk. He described a "fireball with fire breaking off the tail end and falling down," which moved without noise. Trussell, who is 54 years old, emphasized the reality of his experience and intended to report it to a UFO research center.

Three spot possible UFO here This report from the Corpus Christi Caller details a sighting by Stella Beener and two neighbors, Jim Smith and James Cade, on December 5, 1979. They observed an object larger and brighter than a star, which moved and then hovered. Initial thoughts ranged from a meteor to a weather balloon, but National Weather Service confirmed no balloons were released. The object moved fast and disappeared.

County couple, UFO in 'close encounter' This news report from Shelbyville, Indiana, dated November 26, 1979, describes a claim by Richard and wife Sweet of a "glowing egg-shaped object" that followed their car for about six miles and hovered near their home on September 11th. Richard Sweet contacted the sheriff's department, and Deputy Dennis Alyea related their story. The object was described as 10-12 feet tall and 25 feet long, noiseless, and pulsating with white light, with two dim yellow lights at the front. It hovered about 40-50 feet off the ground before shooting east.

UFO sketches Two girls from Fairfield, California, provided drawings to Sheriff Gary Jones describing an unidentified flying object seen on December 3rd. The gray metal object was estimated to be 20-30 feet in diameter with red, green, and white lights, hovering low above trees. The UFO Reporting Center in Seattle was notified.

Rutledge releases six-year study: 34 UFO sightings in region called 'incredible' by physicist This article from the Enterprise Courier highlights a six-year study by Dr. Harley Rutledge, former physics department chair at Southeast Missouri State University. Rutledge and his team logged 153 sightings of 174 UFOs, with 34 classified as "incredible" due to exhibiting properties beyond known technology. The study covered a large area of Southeast Missouri. Rutledge noted that UFOs sometimes reacted to his project members, suggesting a possible "game." He detailed various observations, including lights changing color, objects stopping and starting instantaneously, and the absence of sound in most cases. He also noted that 88 sightings were of "balls of light," and observed different colors and shapes, including discs and a bullet-shaped object.

UFO Sighted West Of Fairfield This report from Sutton, Nebraska, dated December 6, 1979, details a sighting by two unnamed residents of Fairfield on Monday night. The investigating officer noted their distress and the similarity of their drawings. The object hovered above trees and moved westward. It was described as 20-30 feet in diameter, metal gray, with irregular blinking red, white, and smaller white lights. The driver also reported seeing grating on the underside.

Ever See A UFO? This piece from the Fairfax, Minnesota, Standard invites readers to share their UFO experiences. It mentions an incident involving a Marshall County deputy's car near Warren, Minnesota, where laboratory tests could not explain damage attributed to a "highly-charged electrical thing or force."

Apple River couple sights UFO This report from Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, dated November 8, 1979, details a sighting by Richard and wife Breault on October 25th. They described a bright, shining light that descended and hovered near their car. The object was about 40 feet long, with a hump, a square end, and a sloped end. It moved at extreme speed, disappearing in seconds. The UFO was multi-colored, with the bottom two-thirds reddish and the top quarter a combination of red, green, yellow, and orange. The couple experienced jitters afterward.

Enroute to deer camp, couple sees 'object' This article, appearing in the New Richmond, Wisconsin News on November 15, 1979, reiterates the sighting by Richard Breault and his wife on October 25th. It provides similar details to the Balsam Lake report, including the object's description, speed, and the couple's reaction. They noted the object was constructed in section-like pieces and had no sound or odor.

Sussex UFO Sightings Are Being Investigated This report from Salisbury, Maryland, dated November 21, 1979, discusses investigations into UFO sightings in Sussex County, Delaware, particularly a daylight sighting in Millsboro by five residents on September 11th. The sightings preceded numerous night-time reports in October. Organizations like the National UFO Reporting Center and the Center for UFO Studies are investigating, but do not expect to offer definitive explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the investigation into these phenomena, and the scientific and public reaction to them. The magazine appears to present these reports factually, often quoting witnesses directly and noting the involvement of various research organizations and law enforcement agencies. There is an underlying implication that these sightings are significant and warrant serious attention, despite skepticism or lack of definitive explanations. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena.

Title: UFO Tales Spin
Issue: PAGE ONE
Date: November 19, 1979
Publisher: POST-INTELLIGENCER

This issue of 'UFO Tales Spin' compiles a series of UFO sightings reported in late November 1979 from various locations across the United States and England. The articles detail witness accounts, official responses, and potential explanations for these phenomena.

Dover, Delaware: 'Frantic Fran' and Air Base Disinterest

The lead story from Dover, Delaware, highlights the frustration of UFO witnesses like 'Frantic Fran' who are discouraged from contacting Dover Air Force Base with their sightings. Maj. Robert Groom stated that the base has not investigated UFOs since the 1960s and suggests reporting to the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle. Despite this, people continue to report flashing lights. One Dover man, Dan Emory, recounted seeing red and white lights rise from an orchard clearing, fly over the Blue Hen Mall, and hover near Dover Air Force Base. His girlfriend was frightened, and Emory himself reported being scared to sleep alone afterward. The object's size and shape were not discernible.

Paris, Tennessee: Sheriff and Residents Report Sightings

In Paris, Tennessee, the Henry County Sheriff's Department reported that multiple people saw an unexplained object in the sky on Friday and Saturday nights. Sheriff Richard Bomar and investigator Charlie Robertson both witnessed the object hovering. Robertson speculated it might have been a large, slow-moving jet. Kay Loines described a diamond-shaped object with four lights hovering silently, estimating it to be about 50 feet long and 1,000 feet off the ground. Most reports came from the Lakeway Village Shopping Center area. City police also received calls but could not confirm the sightings.

Dover, Delaware: Persistent Flashing Lights

Another report from Dover, Delaware, details ongoing sightings of strange, flashing lights. Residents, including Nolan Cooper and his wife Dorothy, reported seeing two flashing lights in the southeast skies, one appearing closer than the other. The lights alternated colors from blue-green to red to white. Lt. Joseph Saxon of Dover Air Force Base confirmed that no strange objects appeared on radar but noted that C-5A cargo planes have similar lights and can appear to hover if moving towards an observer. However, some objects reported did not appear to move.

Seattle, Washington: Triangular Bright Light

In northern Lewis and southern Thurston counties, Washington, residents reported sightings of a triangular bright light. Mrs. Melvin Butterfield described an object as bright as a star, triangular, with flashing lights, hovering over Chehalis for about five minutes before moving north silently.

Gastonia, North Carolina: Spooky Hovering Object

Steve Ford of Gastonia, North Carolina, reported seeing a UFO near Iron Station on Rt. 27. He described it as not a plane or helicopter, but something that 'just, sort of, hovered.' He and his family watched the 'starship-shaped craft' before it moved off with a low, droning noise. Ford expressed frustration at not being able to make people believe his experience.

Ashland, Massachusetts: UFO Believers

John Brune and Lynn White of Ashland, Massachusetts, became 'believers' after witnessing a large, round object with yellow-orangish lights hovering silently over their apartments. They described it as moving too fast for a helicopter and too slow for a jet, and making no sound. They believe it was not man-made and suggested the possibility of extraterrestrial life. They also mentioned a friend who saw something startling enough to pull her car over.

Norwich, Connecticut: Sighters Unite

Norwich, Connecticut, experienced a rash of UFO sightings, with many people coming forward to share their experiences. Unlike previous reports, callers were often willing to be identified. The Bulletin noted that some sightings are accompanied by a reluctance to be identified, possibly due to alcohol or embellishment. A UFO clearinghouse affiliated with Northwestern University is available for people to report their stories.

Kirksville, Missouri: Southwest City Sighting

Several individuals in Kirksville, Missouri, reported seeing a strange flying object hovering in the southwest part of the city. A woman and her child saw a star-shaped object with bright lights hover and then move west at an incredible speed. Later, two objects, one with green and red lights, intersected and hovered before moving west together at high speed. Another individual in LaPlata also reported similar sightings.

Aberdeen, Washington: More UFO Sightings

Reports of UFO sightings continued in Aberdeen, Washington, with a bright, slow-moving light in a triangular arrangement seen over the Elk River. Radio station KITI received numerous calls describing similar phenomena. The sightings occurred after a search for a possible UFO or aircraft wreckage on the Elk River mudflats ended with negative results. Explanations ranged from helicopters with landing lights to meteors.

Aberdeen, Washington: Search Called Off for UFO

The search for a fiery UFO that reportedly exploded and crashed into the Elk River mudflats was called off. Bill Langford, county emergency services director, stated there was no sign of aircraft wreckage. Civil Air Patrol suggested it might have been a jet helicopter with powerful landing lights and exhaust flame. Air Force and Navy officials accounted for all their aircraft, but the Air Force had requested the search continue.

Aberdeen, Washington: Air Force Interested in UFO

The U.S. Air Force requested local authorities continue the search for an unidentified flying object that streaked across the Grays Harbor horizon and exploded over Elk River. Bill Langford received the request from Scott Air Force Base due to numerous sightings in the area. A Westport man reported a trail of fire and an explosion, while Estella Kiussel saw a bright, mercury-light object that looked like a low-flying plane. Mrs. Ralph Case reported a strange sighting to air traffic control, and Ernest Hayes saw a 'green and white flash.'

Dover, Delaware: Sirius or UFO?

Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle suggests that many flashing red, green, and white lights seen in the Delmarva sky are likely the star Sirius, known as the 'Dog Star.' He explained that the blinking effect can be due to atmospheric pressure and gas, and Sirius is visible in the southeast. However, he could not explain stories of lights moving and hovering at low altitudes.

San Diego, California: Blazing Balls of Light Dazzle Deputies

In San Diego, California, deputies Ron Cottingham, Myron Porter, and Sgt. Michael Peltier witnessed bright balls of light in the southeastern sky for nearly two hours. They described them as red, blue, and white spotlights stacked on top of each other, brighter than stars and moving in a way that was not natural. Cottingham had previously responded to a call about two unidentified flying objects buzzing a home.

Norwich, Connecticut: UFO Sightings Continue

Following a previous story, five additional Norwich residents contacted the Bulletin about UFO sightings. Descriptions included 'long' and 'oval' objects, often far away and high in the sky. Mary Thompson described a round object with four blinking lights. William Tedeschi, a retired Air Force member, stated positively that what he saw was not an airplane, helicopter, glider, or cloud, but did not believe it was a UFO, stating, 'From my experience, there is nothing that cannot be explained.'

Liverpool Echo, England: Police in a Dawn Chase with UFO

In Hertfordshire, England, three police patrol cars chased a brilliantly lit, cigar-shaped UFO that hovered at 500 feet. Police officers filed genuine reports, describing the object as cylindrical with bright white lights and a red light underneath. The chase ended when the object disappeared. A police spokesman called it a 'complete mystery' and a 'close encounter.'

Gloucester Citizen, England: Two UFOs Sighted at Stroud

Two UFO sightings were reported in Stroud, England, within half an hour. One involved a mystery, noiseless object hovering 500 ft over Amberley. The second described white flashing lights, wide apart, traveling across the skyline, with red and green lights that appeared to hover.

Kent & Sussex Courier, England: Flaming UFO Sighted

An antique dealer in Sandhurst, England, spotted a strange object with a bright orange flaming tail. The UFO was of indeterminate shape and size, with a tail several yards long, visible for about 30 seconds. The sighting was reported to Cranbrook Police and RAF Manston.

Glenrothes Gazette, Scotland: Strange Sights Over Leslie

Several residents in Leslie, Scotland, claimed to have seen unidentified flying objects. A housewife described seeing three objects that were 'definitely not from this world.' She later saw a similar object, described as a 'vapour trail' that was orange in color, moving very slowly. Her husband also witnessed what appeared to be RAF fighter planes following the same flight path. Mr. James Mitchell described seeing three feet long, white/silver objects that moved through a cloud.

Glasgow Herald, Scotland: 'UFO' Spotted Over Town

In Airdrie, Scotland, householders reported seeing an object smaller than a helicopter, hovering over the town with four red and blue lights. The Scottish representative of UFO Research suggested it might be ball lightning, but noted the unusual aspect of multiple sightings.

Daily Telegraph, England: Madrid Has Long Look at UFO

Hundreds of people in Madrid watched an unidentified flying object hovering for several hours. The Spanish Air Force began an investigation. Earlier, an airline captain made an emergency landing after his Caravelle was followed by two UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and the consistent descriptions of certain characteristics, such as flashing lights, hovering behavior, and unusual shapes (cigar, oval, diamond). There is a clear pattern of official bodies like the Air Force and local police receiving and, in some cases, investigating these reports, though definitive explanations are often lacking. The articles highlight the public's fascination and sometimes fear regarding these phenomena, with some witnesses becoming firm believers in extraterrestrial life while others seek more conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events as they are witnessed and investigated, without definitively endorsing any single explanation, but acknowledging the persistence and credibility of many reports, especially those involving law enforcement or multiple witnesses.

This issue of the Daily Express, dated November 30, 1979, features a prominent cover story titled "The UFOs are coming," accompanied by a photograph of a man. The issue compiles numerous reports of UFO sightings from across the United Kingdom and Europe during November 1979, indicating a significant increase in public interest and reporting.

Key Articles and Reports

"Aim for the sky" - Bedford Record (November 27, 1979)

This article highlights a local initiative in Bedford to tackle the "UFO mystery." A £10 cash prize is being offered for genuine photographic evidence to explain a recent "spate of sightings" over the town. The news desk has received several calls from readers reporting "close encounters." Experts from the UFO research association have identified Bedford as a "UFO hot spot." The newspaper's photographic department will examine submissions for authenticity, with genuine pictures to be published.

"UFO over Capenhurst" - Ellesmere Port Pioneer (November 29, 1979)

Traffic on the Welsh Road near Ledsham was brought to a halt by a low-flying object observed for two minutes near BNFL at Capenhurst. A woman described the object as "a thing shaped like a flat sausage with two white lights on the front and a red and green light at each side." The object vanished as quickly as it appeared. Liverpool Airport had no record of aircraft in the vicinity, and BNFL stated the object had not been sighted by anyone at their facility. The article notes that aircraft are not allowed to fly within two miles of the plant, but a UFO would not respect such regulations.

"Police report UFO sightings" - Watford Evening Echo (November 29, 1979)

The Defence Ministry is investigating reports from police officers in Hertfordshire who claim to have twice sighted a mysterious object. The first sighting occurred at 3:25 am when a policeman and a woman on patrol in Rickmansworth saw a large, brightly-lit object hovering stationary at 400-500ft. Two hours later, at 5:30 am, four officers, including PC Phil Moorecroft and WPC Brown, saw a "cigar-shaped object illuminated by numerous lights along its length, with a single red light with two more lights underneath." The object moved off without noise.

"The UFOs are coming" - Daily Express (November 30, 1979)

This main article, by Leon Symons, suggests that "BEINGS from other worlds are about to drop in on dear old earth." It details UFO sightings across Europe, including a 19-year-old named Frank Fontaine who vanished in Pontoise, France, after chasing a UFO. In Rickmansworth, four police officers spotted a long, cigar-shaped object. Inspector George Freakes is handling inquiries. The Earl of Clancarty, chairman of the Lords' UFO Study Group, believes "we are on the verge of an official landing on earth" due to humanity's nuclear and pollution problems.

The article also mentions an airline captain forced to land in Valencia, Spain, after being "buzzed" by a UFO, and a forestry worker in Livingston, West Lothian, who claimed to be almost abducted by two beings from a strange craft. The Rickmansworth sighting involved two police officers who described the object as "too big and too bright to be a plane or a star." They expressed concern that colleagues might think they were "potty."

"GOLFER'S DAD GETS VISIT FROM THE SKY" - Daily Record (November 20, 1979)

Mr Barney Gallagher and his wife Millie, parents of golfer Bernard Gallagher, reported seeing a strange craft near their home in West Lothian. The sighting occurred three days after forestry worker Bob Taylor claimed he was attacked by aliens in a Livingston wood. Mr Gallagher initially felt embarrassed to report the sighting of a "round, coloured red with white lights that kept blinking on and off" craft. Mrs Gallagher confirmed seeing it circle before it sped off.

"UFO SPOTTER HOUSEWIFE 'SAW ITS RED DOME'" - Luton Evening Post (November 30, 1979)

Mrs Brenda Cummings of Luton claims to have seen strange lights in the night sky for the second time. On August 3, she and her family had reported seeing white lights like car headlamps. On this occasion, around 9:30 pm, she and her sons Raymond and Mark, and her mother, saw lights that "looked like a bright star" and shone strongly. The object flew up and down, turned towards the M1, then showed four lights and a red dome before disappearing. Mrs Cummings had reported the previous sighting to BUFORA (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association).

"Police chase a 'flying cigar'" - Manchester Evening News (November 28, 1979)

Four police officers in Hertfordshire chased a "brilliantly lit cigar-shaped UFO" across the county. The craft hovered over Rickmansworth at 500 feet. A police spokesman stated, "This is not a joke. We are convinced the officers did see something that can't immediately be explained." The chase began at 3:25 am when a patrol car crew spotted a large, brilliant light. The object moved silently towards Harefield. West Drayton Air Traffic Control reported no aircraft in the district. Another patrol officer also saw the craft. The object disappeared after a short time. Police officers around Hertfordshire and North London listened to the commentary, with one noting the officers sounded "quite scared."

"UFOS in the valleys" - Grimsby Evening Telegraph (November 30, 1979)

This article refers to a series of "bizarre occurrences" in Dyfed (formerly Pembrokeshire) about a year prior, which gained national attention. It mentions a book, "The Dyfed Enigma," by Randall Jones Pugh and F. W. Holiday, which documents UFO sightings, landings, and "extra-terrestrial" meetings. The article highlights specific cases, including schoolchildren witnessing a grounded UFO, a farmer's wife being chased by a "flying football," and a youth encountering a "silvery-suited humanoid."

"UFOS SPOTTED" - Glasgow Evening Times (November 20, 1979)

Two unidentified flying objects were spotted over Lanarkshire. Police in Motherwell received a report of a "white disc in the sky." In Airdrie, a second UFO was reported, described as the size of a small helicopter with red and blue flashing lights.

"Close encounter of a fantastic kind" - Glasgow Herald (November 10, 1979)

This article details the experience of Bob Taylor, a forestry worker in Livingston, West Lothian, who claims to have encountered a "spacecraft" and "creatures." He reported being attacked and dragged towards the machine, experiencing a strong smell and hearing a dog bark before passing out. Upon waking, he found marks on the ground consistent with a heavy object. His trousers were torn, and his thighs were scratched. His boss, Malcolm Drummond, and colleagues believe Taylor is a reliable witness. Stuart Campbell of the British UFO Research Association expressed skepticism about alien spacecraft but was intrigued by the case.

"More saw lights" - Scarborough Evening News (November 29, 1979)

This report addresses ongoing mystery surrounding sightings of lights in the Scarborough area. People are coming forward with accounts of unexplained lights seen on Monday night and Tuesday morning. Mrs Sandra Habberly described seeing "two yellow lights in the sky above Filey Road" that hovered and moved together. Mr Richard Bedford reported his sightings and noted that four other people had contacted him. One person heard a "low humming sound." A former RAF member suggested the lights could be aircraft, but others believe otherwise. Mr Ray Siddle reported seeing two white lights behaving erratically near Cayton Bay.

"White light in the sky" - Middleton & Blackley Guardian (November 23, 1979)

F. Butterworth writes a letter describing a sighting of a "white light moving silently across the town" over Slattocks bridge. The object was a white light with no definite shape, travelling from east to west. It stopped, bounced, and then disappeared. The writer notes that reflections from M62 headlights are not the cause and expresses reluctance to share the story due to public skepticism.

"WAS IT a moon man or was it an earth-bound magnetic force?" - Glasgow Evening Times (November 29, 1979)

This article revisits Bob Taylor's encounter, with UFO experts examining the evidence. Photographs taken at the scene show a double "H" mark and round indents. Stuart Campbell maintains his theory of ball lightning, suggesting the object's fading indicated low energy. He dismisses the idea of alien creatures, proposing that the tracks were caused by electrical discharges. Andy Collins, an investigator for "Strange Phenomena" magazine, found Taylor to be "down-to-earth and reliable" and not prone to hoaxes. The article contrasts Campbell's scientific explanation with Taylor's insistence on an alien craft.

"Is it a sign from space?" - Glasgow Evening Times (November 29, 1979)

This piece continues the discussion on Bob Taylor's encounter, presenting an artist's impression based on his description. The drawing depicts the craft and two self-propelled spheres. Stuart Campbell reiterates his ball lightning theory, explaining that the object's rim is due to centrifugal force and the ground marks could be from electrical shorts. He notes that similar markings have been found in other cases. The article also mentions sightings by Bathgate housewife Mrs Violet Connor and reports of numerous other sightings over the Lothian skies. It notes an upsurge in reports to the police, the Royal Observatory, and the UFO Research Association. Alan Pickup from the Royal Observatory suggests common explanations like satellites, planets, meteorites, or meteorological balloons. However, the article concludes by questioning if there's more to the story than these explanations.

"BOB KNEW HE SAW IT... BUT THE BIG QUESTION IS WHAT?" - Edinburgh Evening News (November 29, 1979)

This article focuses on Bob Taylor's credibility as a witness. His boss, colleagues, and neighbors attest to his character, describing him as quiet, straightforward, and not prone to exaggeration or telling tall tales. His wife's initial reaction was to call a doctor due to his distressed state. The article details his account of being attacked by "strange objects from a spaceship" in a forest clearing. He described a "stationary, grey, completely silent" craft with a rim. Two "mechanical devices" emerged and attempted to drag him into the machine. He recalls a strong smell and a dog barking before passing out. The article notes that the area has been cordoned off, and police are investigating the marks on the ground.

"FLYING SAUCER OVER CITY?" - Lichfield Mercury (November 23, 1979)

Three office workers in Lichfield claimed to have seen a "flying saucer shape" object moving slowly in the sky. They could not identify it as an airplane. They reported their findings to the police but found no other reported sightings for that day. They wonder if they were indeed seeing things.

"SILENT, DANCING LIGHT SPOTTED BY TEACHER AND THREE BOYS" - Wiltshire Times (November 23, 1979)

A schoolteacher, Miss Denise Macdonald, and three 16-year-old boys reported seeing UFOs within an hour of each other. Miss Macdonald saw a red light that turned green, then white, moving erratically. The boys saw a white light that grew in size and brightness before disappearing. They noted no sound. The trio had been UFO watching previously but this was their first significant sighting.

"The expert's theory on 'alien craft'" - Glasgow Herald (November 12, 1979)

This article revisits the Bob Taylor case, with Stuart Campbell of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association offering a theory that it may have been a natural phenomenon, specifically ball lightning. Campbell, the association's Scottish co-ordinator, was investigating the site of the encounter. He noted marks on the ground that could be from the object or pre-existing. He believes creatures from another planet are unlikely to be capable of coming here, suggesting instead atmospheric electrical phenomena. He describes ball lightning as varying in size, color, and behavior, sometimes emitting a humming noise and having a sulphurous smell.

"A BALL SONDE THE UFO OF OTHER EVENING?" - Corriere della Sera (July 15, 1979)

This article, dated earlier, discusses a luminous ball of light seen over Milan and other parts of Lombardia and Piemonte. The official explanation given is that it was a meteorological ball of light, possibly a weather balloon. The sighting lasted 40 minutes. The object was later sighted by radar at 20,000 meters. An Aeritalia pilot approached the object and described it as a "spheric shape and a metallic orange in color." The article notes that many citizens phoned the police and newspapers about the strange object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the increasing number of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions of these objects, and the attempts to explain them. There is a clear journalistic stance of reporting these events as they are presented by witnesses, often highlighting the credibility of the individuals involved (e.g., police officers, forestry workers, housewives). While some articles present scientific or natural explanations like ball lightning or meteorological balloons, others lean towards the possibility of extraterrestrial origins, particularly in the more sensational headlines and quotes. The overall tone suggests a growing public fascination and concern regarding UFO phenomena in late 1979.

This compilation of UFO reports, spanning issues 176-182 from late 1979, primarily features articles from French publications like 'Le Bien Public,' 'L'AURORE,' 'La Dépêche du Midi,' and 'La Voix du Nord,' alongside reports from British and Spanish newspapers. The magazine covers a wide range of UFO sightings and alleged encounters across Europe and Argentina, with a focus on the unexplained nature of these phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

UFOs in Saône-et-Loire (France)

An incident in Bruailles, Saône-et-Loire, on October 9, 1979, involved inhabitants witnessing a UFO. While official inquiries suggested it was a 'Puma' helicopter, UFO researchers Pierre Jaillet and Jean-Claude Boudier found evidence of magnetic force on the ground 12 days later, contradicting the official explanation. No radioactivity was detected, consistent with the object not landing.

Panic in the Balearic Skies

On October 10, 1979, a Caravelle aircraft carrying 119 Austrian and German passengers was pursued for four hours by four UFOs over the Balearic Islands. The pilot attempted to outdistance the objects, which followed the plane from Ibiza to Valence Airport. Upon landing, the UFOs scattered, with some hovering over the military base and the airport. The Spanish Air Force was alerted, but the objects disappeared before jets could intercept them. An investigation was launched.

Disturbing UFOs in Spain

On October 24, 1979, in Villacalabuey, Spain, street lights and house lights went out while UFOs were visible. The objects then 'turned off' and disappeared. This phenomenon was witnessed by several people.

Terror in Baleares Islands Sky

This section reiterates the 'Caravelle' incident, detailing how four UFOs pursued the aircraft from Palma de Majorque towards Tenerife. The objects remained behind the plane until its landing at Valence Airport, after which they dispersed. Spanish military authorities took the incident seriously, and an inquiry was held.

UFO on a road of Feignies (France)

On October 18, 1979, near Feignies, three individuals witnessed a bright, noiseless object moving in the sky, followed by a large, luminous, top-shaped mass with flashing lights. The object appeared on the road, covering its width and flying low before disappearing with a whirling motion and a flame-like trail.

Loud UFO in Argentine (With landing)

In Mendoza, Argentina, five children witnessed a UFO landing on September 26, 1979, accompanied by multi-colored lights and loud noises. Police found five holes, approximately 3cm in diameter, at the site. Touching the soil caused hand swelling, but no radioactivity was detected. The landing coincided with a local power outage, though police stated there was no link.

UFO over Gravelines (France)

On September 17, 1979, a witness in the Gravelines area reported seeing a white, oval-shaped object in the sky near the nuclear center. Gendarmes are seeking further witnesses.

Flying Saucer in Spain

Reports from Cadiz and San Fernando, Spain, describe a flying saucer seen on the night of September 19-20, 1979. Witnesses stated the object emitted red and white lights, moved at high speed, and sometimes hovered. It was last seen heading towards the Atlantic Ocean and the Canary Islands or Morocco.

Marsala: UFO flashes and disappears

An article from 'La Provincia' dated October 23, 1979, details a sighting in Marsala, Sicily. Giovambattista Li Causi and Rosaria Liuzza reported a luminous object with a diameter of about two meters that stopped 20 meters above the ground, emitted lights and sounds like an airplane, and then moved off.

Yorkshire Post: Policemen follow UFO

On September 22, 1979, three policemen in Dubai witnessed and photographed an unidentified flying object while on patrol. This was the second such report in Dubai within six months.

Evening Post: Mystery in the sky as Neil spots a UFO

On September 24, 1979, in Moortown, Leeds, England, an unidentified flying object was sighted. Mrs. Avril Davidson and her son Neil, along with neighbors, observed a round, grey object traveling from east to west without engine noise or a vapor trail. It disappeared from view in about three minutes. Air traffic control had no information about the sighting.

Luton News: Little green men dropping in for tea!

This article from September 13, 1979, discusses a survey by the British UFO Research Association and mentions a congress of 350 people with paranormal sightings. It includes anecdotal accounts, such as a lady feeding mince pies to three men with waxy white faces and deep black eyes.

Western Daily Press: Night of the UFOs at Station Road

By Graham Gardner, this report from September 14, 1979, details Gwent McGregor's sighting of four UFOs hovering over her home in Woodmancote, England. The objects displayed green, gold, and yellow flashing lights, and a qualified pilot son noted the lights were unidentifiable. The report was made after an appeal for information by the British UFO Society.

Glasgow Herald: Man tells of brush with alien robots

Published on November 13, 1979, this article recounts the experience of Bob Taylor, a 61-year-old forestry worker in Livingston, Scotland. He described seeing a camouflaged, dome-shaped craft and two grey, ball-shaped 'robots' with metal spikes. The encounter left him with ripped trousers and severe head pain, leading him to leave the hospital against medical advice. Police are treating the incident as suspicious.

Nuneaton Evening Tribune: Town UFO sightings

On November 28, 1979, several independent sightings of a large red saucer-shaped object were reported over Nuneaton, England. A police officer was among the witnesses. Mick Clarke described the object materializing and moving towards Stockingford. Another witness, Mr. Bartram, also reported it heading towards Mancetter.

Bournemouth Evening Echo: More UFOs seen over Ringwood

On October 6, 1979, two white lights were seen over Ringwood, England. Mrs. Joan Allen reported the lights, which sparkled and moved in different directions after appearing to rendezvous. Police had no reports, but the sighting followed a previous one involving three UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these reports are the visual descriptions of unidentified flying objects (shapes, lights, colors), their unusual behavior (speed, maneuverability, hovering), and the lack of conventional explanations. Many articles highlight the skepticism of official bodies versus the conviction of witnesses. There's a consistent emphasis on the unexplained nature of these phenomena, with investigations often yielding inconclusive results or official explanations that witnesses find unsatisfactory. The collection reflects a general interest in UFOs as a persistent mystery, with a stance that leans towards acknowledging the reality of unexplained sightings rather than dismissing them outright, as seen in the editorial commentary on the French approach to 'les OVNIS'.