APCIC - Vol 05 No 02 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 5, No. 2
Date: February 1980
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS focuses heavily on a series of unexplained aerial sightings reported in late 1979, particularly around December 9th. The magazine presents numerous witness accounts, primarily from the United States, detailing observations of strange lights and unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Area UFO Sightings Increase

The lead article, "Area UFO sightings increase," by Marilyn F. Cowherd, details multiple reports from residents in areas like Ringwood and West Milford, New Jersey, and surrounding counties. On the night of December 9th, several individuals reported seeing unusual patterns of lights, often described as five blinking red lights in a diamond or V-shaped formation. Witnesses emphasized that the objects were too low and moved too slowly to be conventional aircraft and that there was no accompanying noise. Gayle Schaeufele of Ringwood described the lights as looking like five red lights, two close together and one dropping back, and noted the "V" shaped pattern. Cindy Kopilak of West Milford reported seeing four red lights that scattered and were joined by a fifth. Rick Devore of Wanaque reported six red lights in a Big Dipper shape, stationary. Steve Drada and his parents also reported seeing four red dots with one trailing. The article notes that these reports bring the total number of people who have reported sightings to approximately 21, raising the question of whether such similar sightings could occur separately without a common cause.

Possible Solution to UFO Sightings Given

Another article, "Possible solution to UFO sightings given," discusses potential explanations for the phenomena. Dr. Marvin Glasser, head of the Kearney State physics department, suggested that temperature inversions could distort light, making planets appear to move and change colors, likening it to looking through distorted water. He also noted that sudden surface cooling on clear mornings can create a layer of warm air above, causing this inversion. A spokesman for the National Weather Service in Grand Island confirmed that a "heck of an inversion" occurred. The article also mentions that the Air Force offered an explanation that "during times of extreme temperature changes between day and night, the planets sometimes change color." However, the article points out that the timing of planetary visibility did not align with the reported sightings.

'There Are UFO Bases in America'

This section features a report about a Rhode Island woman, who calls herself "Goddess Irena," claiming telepathic contact with aliens. She asserts that fifteen secret UFO bases are hidden beneath the Earth's surface, with tunnels connecting them to oceans and lakes where craft land and take off. She provided sketches of alien leaders and claimed bases are located in various US cities, as well as in South America, Africa, and Europe. Irena stated that aliens have been studying Earth and that a large craft is currently circling the planet, with smaller craft sent to observe humans. She believes aliens are waiting for humans to accept them before sharing information to improve life on Earth.

Even Missouri Has Been Shown: UFOs For Real

This report highlights the work of Dr. Hartley Rutledge, a Missouri physics professor who claims his six-year study of flying saucer activity has documented 153 apparent sightings of UFOs. His group, "Project Identification," has recorded various colored lights and physical objects. Rutledge labels 34 sightings as "incredible" due to exhibited properties beyond known human technology. One case involved a girl being chased by a small disc flying at treetop level, which allegedly blinded her with a bright light. The professor's group of students, engineers, and amateur astronomers have meticulously kept records, with the 153 sightings witnessed by a total of 622 persons.

Area residents report 'close encounters'

This article from the Grand Island Independent details sightings in Hall and Adams Counties, Nebraska. A deputy from the Hall County Sheriff's Office reported seeing two objects with red and green lights moving west and northwest. The Grand Island Emergency Center and the National Weather Service also received calls. In Adams County, Sheriff Jake Thiel reported that his dispatcher saw lights, and a deputy also observed them. A 36-year-old woman reported seeing what she initially thought was a bright star that turned green, and her husband and neighbors also witnessed lights. The Adams County Sheriff's Office contacted the National Weather Service, which confirmed sighting the lights with binoculars but had no radar fix. The Air Force stated no military aircraft were in the area and suggested planets might change color due to temperature shifts. Dr. Marvin Glasser's explanation of temperature inversions is also mentioned.

UFO' reported sighted above Diablo

This report from the Hollister, Calif. Free Lance describes a sighting by a woman in San Benito County. She reported seeing a huge, oval, bright object hovering above a ridge, described as larger than a railroad car and lit up, except for the center. The object was seen for about two minutes before disappearing behind hills. Later, the same object reappeared, hovered, made a circle, and then vanished. The woman speculated that the object might have caused her pickup to stall.

Cascade:

This piece from the Idaho-Central Star reports on the Knapek family's experience near Banks, Idaho. They saw a 200 to 300-foot object in the sky with two diamond-shaped lights flashing like a police car's but faster. The object moved east rapidly and disappeared. The family reported experiencing shoulder pain and numb fingers after the sighting. Calls to local Air Force and aviation bases yielded no reports of unidentified objects.

UFO's sighted in area

By Jeff Hoyak in the West Milford, NJ. News reports on sightings in the Lindy's Lake area. Residents reported seeing four or five blinking red lights in a diamond pattern, moving very slowly, and much lower than airplanes. Air Traffic Control and the UFO Reporting Center in Washington received no confirmed reports for the December 9th sighting. A Ringwood woman reported seeing an orange disc-like object. A spokesman for the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome suggested the lights might have been old World War I biplanes, but their flying season was over.

Officers trail UFO

This article from Cadillac, Michigan, details law enforcement agencies in four counties observing an unidentified object with green and white lights, described as stationary or hovering. Reports indicated the lights were visible from the southeast section of Cadillac. The object's nature was unknown, with speculation ranging from a weather balloon to something else entirely.

Strange lights in sky may remain mystery

This article from Cadillac, Michigan, discusses a bright red and blue object sighted over northern Michigan that remained unexplained. The Federal Aviation Administration did not report seeing it, and the U.S. Air Force refused to investigate, citing their policy after Project Blue Book. Osceola County Commissioner Ed Kirkby described the object as unlike anything he had seen, not fitting the description of an airplane or balloon due to its prolonged stationary position. The object was confirmed by several area police agencies. Lt. Barry McQueen of the U.S. Air Force stated that the Air Force "no longer investigates UFO reports" and suggested contacting universities for scientific value. The article also references Philip J. Klass's theory that UFOs might be "freak atmospheric phenomena" rather than alien spacecraft, explaining their erratic behavior and appearance.

Lights baffle area sky watchers

This article from the Boonton, N.J. Times-Bulletin reiterates the December 9th sightings of four or five blinking red lights in a diamond or circular pattern, too low and slow for aircraft. Local airport officials reported no unusual activity. The UFO Reporting Center in Washington had received no reports concerning this sighting. The article mentions Major Donald E. Keyhoe and NICAP, suggesting that the Air Force and other agencies may have stonewalled UFO reports in the past. It also discusses Philip J. Klass's theory of atmospheric phenomena as a potential explanation for UFO sightings, noting that ionized nitrogen and oxygen could produce reddish-orange hues. The article concludes by inviting anyone with explanations to contact the publication.

Area UFO sightings increase (reprint)

This appears to be a reprint of the article from page 3, detailing the December 9th sightings in Ringwood and West Milford, with witness accounts from Gayle Schaeufele, Cindy Kopilak, Rick Devore, and Steve Drada. It reiterates the descriptions of the lights and the lack of noise, and poses the question of whether such similar sightings could be coincidental.

Oak Grove couple claim sighting of UFO

This report from the Blue Springs, Mo. Examiner details an Oak Grove couple's sighting of a low-flying, bright object that was definitely not a conventional aircraft. Described as oval-shaped, about the size of a helicopter's passenger compartment, with a mirror-like finish but no lights, it flew from northeast to southwest over the East Kansas City Airport. The couple noticed a "domelike structure over the top" of the object as it disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, particularly those involving strange lights, and the ongoing effort to document and understand these phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts without immediate dismissal, while also exploring various scientific and speculative explanations. There is an underlying skepticism towards official explanations that dismiss sightings outright, as evidenced by references to past investigations like Project Blue Book and the perceived stonewalling by authorities. The publication encourages readers to share their experiences and theories, positioning itself as a platform for UFO-related information and discussion. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the mystery and the persistent nature of UFO reports, even while presenting potential rationalizations.

This issue of the Hastings Tribune, dated December 20, 1979, focuses on numerous reports of unusual aerial phenomena, primarily questioning whether observed events were weather aberrations or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The publication compiles accounts from various locations, indicating a widespread interest in and reporting of such incidents.

Weather Aberration or UFO?

The lead article details a series of events in Adams and Hall County, Nebraska, on Wednesday. The stir began early Wednesday morning with a call to the Adams County Sheriff's office about lights in the southwest sky. Sheriff Jake Thiel reported that his dispatcher, Will Gingrich, also saw red, blue, and green lights. Deputy Gordon Sidlo confirmed the sighting. The National Weather Service in Grand Island confirmed seeing the lights with binoculars, but their radar could not get a fix. Meteorologist Dan Davis explained that the radar is not designed to track such phenomena. Two more sightings of flashing colored lights were reported in Adams County that evening in the eastern sky.

A deputy from Hall County, pleading anonymity, described seeing two objects with red and green lights moving northwest. The Grand Island Emergency Center received multiple calls, and the National Weather Service also reported calls. Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha was contacted but reported no military aircraft in the area and stated their radar did not reach that far. The Air Force offered an explanation that planets can sometimes change color during extreme temperature changes between day and night. Dr. Marvin Glasser, head of the Kearney State Physics Department, suggested that temperature inversions can distort lights, making planets appear to move and change colors, likening it to looking through water.

Glasser noted that sudden surface cooling on clear days can create a layer of warm air above, causing an inversion. A spokesman for the weather service confirmed a significant inversion on Tuesday night. Data from North Platte showed surface temperatures of 25 degrees, while 500 feet above, it was 56 degrees, indicating a strong inversion. This phenomenon can allow one to see beyond the horizon on clear mornings. Glasser also pointed out that the reported movement of lights from east to west corresponded with the movement of the night sky.

More UFO Sightings Reported (Suburban Saver, Wayne N.J., 12/30/79)

This section reports on two additional UFO sightings over the area on Sunday, December 9, between 7:30 and 9 p.m. A resident of Newfoundland reported seeing four non-blinking red lights flying in a pattern over West Milford. A Pompton Lakes woman reported that her children had seen the red lights, initially disbelieving them but later considering the possibility. At least a dozen residents from West Milford and Riverdale saw the lights, which they felt were moving too slowly to be conventional aircraft. Local airports and the Haydn Planetarium had received no reports or explanations for the phenomenon.

Strange amber lights sighted in sky over Lodi (Lodi Calif. News-Sentinel, 12/22/79)

Jeannie Echenique, a News-Sentinel staff writer, recounts her own sighting of two large, bright amber lights in the sky. She initially thought they might be related to the Happy Holme Company but later dismissed that. By 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, the lights had disappeared. A neighbor, Charlotte Bowers, and her husband Bill, reported seeing a third light join the first two, with a "hemisphere like a bubble" above the third one. They described the lights as golden or amber, with an intensity about four or five times that of a star. They estimated the lights were moving at about 300 miles per hour, possibly slower, in a northerly direction. They observed one light at 10,000 feet and another at 5,000 feet. A third light appeared lower, about 1,500 feet high, with a greyish hemisphere. This third light passed the other two, did a hairpin turn, and followed behind. The objects passed overhead in complete silence. The Bowers reported the lights were moving towards Sacramento when they left. A call to the Aereal Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) in Tucson, Arizona, suggested it was likely a UFO, but the organization could not explain where they came from. APRO collects data on UFOs and typically only contacts investigators for "extraordinary reports" like abduction cases, filing sighting reports by year and location.

Are UFOs visiting the Molalla area? (Molalla Ore. Pioneer, 1/2/80)

This article reports on a woman who preferred to remain anonymous and claimed to have seen five diamond-shaped objects flying approximately 200 feet off the ground in a westerly direction near Mulino. A check with the Clackamas County Sheriff's office revealed no record of such a sighting. The Portland airbase and the official UFO reporting service in Seattle also had no reports. The Oregon Air Guard office confirmed no unusual activity. The woman described the objects as bright and silvery. Another report mentions a man who saw an object hovering 50 feet above the railroad tracks west of Liberal, described as having a large dome on top, emitting greenish light, with a flat bottom, and making no sound before vanishing. Similar objects were reportedly sighted near Molalla and Canby within the past three years. The article notes that such reports are difficult to trace and that while thousands of sightings have occurred globally, no concrete physical evidence has been found. It also mentions that sightings are expected to increase during winter months.

Many Claim Possible UFO Sightings in Area (West Milford N.J. Independent, 12/21/79)

Several residents reported seeing an unusual light configuration on Sunday, December 9. Eight people claimed to have seen four or five red lights traveling slowly at a low altitude in a diamond or circular pattern, moving too slowly to be conventional aircraft. One witness described the lights as "nothing but red lights and it really scared me." Three Riverdale men, including a police officer, watched the lights move from Slater's Mill to Vancon. Thomas Fox spotted "bright red glows" and later contacted Officer John Schaub, who had also been observing the lights. Schaub noted that the four lights were eventually joined by a fifth. Steve Gosses confirmed the sighting. Local airport officials reported nothing unusual, and an air traffic controller at Stewart Air Force Base stated no UFO reports were made by pilots or base personnel on December 9, noting the night was cloudy. The paper asks anyone who saw the lights to contact them confidentially.

Woman reports unidentified flying object (Maryville, Tenn.-Alcoa Times, 12/26/79)

A Rockford couple, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Garner, were awakened by their dog barking and saw a large, round light moving down a ridge over Bays Mountain. They described the object in the field as having a dome at the top, kind of round, with orange-red lights inside windows and a dark bottom. It then "flicked out" and disappeared. Mrs. Garner stated she was scared. The Federal Aviation Agency reported no aircraft in the area at the time, and no unknown objects on radar. Mrs. Garner recalled a similar sighting four or five years prior near Walland. She noted that it makes one wonder what so many people see that they can't explain.

Scottish Man Nearly Nabbed By Space Ship (Aquarian-Montclair N.J., 12/19/79)

This brief report describes a resident of Scotland claiming that his barking dog prevented him from being abducted by two robot-like beings from a spaceship. Bob Taylor of Livingstone described the beings as looking like "wartime mines with legs," about four feet tall. He saw a "strange craft, about 30 feet in width, dark grey and with portholes." He later told police that "two creatures came towards me." He recalled thinking they were robots and that he "couldn't move." Police investigated and reportedly stated Taylor "definitely saw something."

Satellite saw flash, panel says (Milwaukee Journal, Wisc., 1/2/80)

An expert panel concluded that a US reconnaissance satellite functioning properly spotted a flash that could have been an atomic explosion near South Africa on September 22. However, there is no separate data to corroborate this. The satellite detected traces of what appeared to be an atomic explosion in the Indian Ocean and southern Atlantic, but no nation claimed responsibility.

5 watch tree-hovering UFO for 6 minutes, 'won't say it's from space' (Red Wing Minn. Republican Eagle, 1/15/80)

Six UFO sightings were reported to the R-E, three resulting from a previous story. The article details an experience of five employees of the Seminary Nursing Home who watched a triangle of lights hover about 50 feet above a parking lot for several minutes at 9 Sunday night. Brenda Simanski and Janine Mattson described the object as a triangle of lights, white in front, blue in the back corners, with a red light between the blue ones. They noted variations in the red light's position in their drawings. The object was described as flat and about the size of a room, possibly 15 feet wide and 20 feet long. It hovered for about 30 seconds before moving "slower than walking speed" over Highway 61 and disappearing. Brenda recalled seeing two "egg-shaped lights" on either side of the front white light, which were bright and glowing. The object was directly above them and stayed for 30 seconds. They heard no sound. Another worker reported seeing a similar phenomenon. The article also mentions other reports from that night around 7:30 p.m. involving a single moving light. Linda Goertzen, a receptionist, described a "huge turquoise ball" that moved across her window. She stated it was the "most brilliant light I've ever seen" and not a shooting star. She also heard a "rumbling, howling noise." Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Swanson reported seeing a "big star, like four stars put together," which later appeared as a bright light with an orange flame tipped with red, followed by a blue flame flecked with red. A resident of Pepin Woods mobile home park saw a bluish streak. Three other R-E employees reported seeing a bright meteor-like streak. Donna White described a bright light, bluish white at the center, blue at the edge, with a red tail. Dale Kullberg saw a white streak of light moving east to west. Randy Johnson described a "fluorescent green glowing light, a big chunk with a little chunk behind it."

Six more people report seeing strange lights (Red Wing Minn. Republican Eagle, 1/15/80)

This article continues the reporting on UFO sightings, noting that six more reports were received, three stemming from a previous story. It elaborates on the Seminary Nursing Home incident involving a triangle of lights. It also details other sightings from earlier that night around 7:30 p.m., involving a single moving light. Linda Goertzen described a "huge turquoise ball" moving across her window, calling it the "most brilliant light I've ever seen." She also heard a "rumbling, howling noise." Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Swanson reported seeing a "big star, like four stars put together," which later appeared as a bright light with an orange flame tipped with red, followed by a blue flame flecked with red. A resident of Pepin Woods mobile home park saw a bluish streak. Three other R-E employees reported seeing a bright meteor-like streak. Donna White described a bright light, bluish white at the center, blue at the edge, with a red tail. Dale Kullberg saw a white streak of light moving east to west. Randy Johnson described a "fluorescent green glowing light, a big chunk with a little chunk behind it."

UFO's: We've got 'em! (Two Harbors Minn. News Chronicle, 1/16/80)

This article reports on sightings around Two Harbors. Patricia Welborn describes seeing an orangish, flame-colored, oval-shaped light, about the size of the moon, on December 28. It flashed three times and seemed stationary, with no sound or vibration. Her husband also saw a flash. A resident near the Blough ore docks reported seeing several flashes of white light followed by loud explosive noises. This was attributed by some to Air Force planes on training flights, but the reporter prefers to call them UFOs. Another resident saw a bright light over the area while driving from Duluth, described as "a very bright light, like an explosion and lightning at the same time." Her husband also experienced a rapping on the door. Residents along the shore confirmed similar sightings and sounds. The article notes that while bright stars, comets, and meteors are common in winter, these events were different. It concludes by speculating about a possible space-shuttle base at Duluth Air Force Base.

Dorris Resident Cites 'UFO' (Dorris, Calif. - Butte-Valley Star, 1/11/80)

Otis Taylor, a long-time Dorris resident, reported being followed by a "giant, brightly-illuminated spaceship" while returning from Klamath Falls. He described the unidentified craft as first observed between Kingsley Field and Highway 97. When he stopped, it stopped; when he moved, it moved at his speed. He stated it rushed up on him from behind and then flew up and over his truck. He estimated its size as probably 35-40 feet across and perfectly round, with a light so bright he couldn't make out details. The light illuminated everything around him, making it "as bright as day." It followed him to Dorris Hill, where fog obscured it. He was afraid it would crash. He was unable to attract attention and now carries a camera. John Wachter recorded Taylor's experience.

Fireball results in several UFO calls at Delano (St. Cloud Minn. Times, 1/14/80)

Several UFO phone calls were prompted by a bright, low-flying white object spotted near Delano. Officers were unable to locate anything. A member of the University of Minnesota astronomy department suggested residents likely saw a "fireball." Bruce Clark described a very bright, white object that seemed to be burning up, appearing over a greenhouse. He estimated it was as large as a small plane and thought it would crash. The object disappeared quickly. Professor Vincent Icke stated that fireballs are common and likely caused by disintegrating comets, but they are usually not expected at this time of year. He explained that a fireball can appear large but is only the size of a marble, entering the atmosphere at about 30 miles a second.

UFOs Cited? (Ogdensburg N.Y. Journal, 1/14/80)

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department received at least three calls over the weekend reporting sightings of unidentified flying objects. Two calls were received Saturday, and on Sunday evening, a call reported an unidentified object in the Rensselaer Falls and Lisbon area. Objects with flashing lights, moving vertically and horizontally, and hovering were reportedly seen.

Elba woman claims she saw a UFO (Lapeer, Mich. Press, 1/16/80)

A 27-year-old Elba Township woman reported seeing a UFO on January 3 flying west over the M-21 expressway at a low altitude. She first noticed red lights moving toward her. She pulled over, turned off her radio and heater, and rolled down her window. She described the object as a big triangle silhouetted against the clouds. She stated it moved "real slow" and was close enough to see "white windows on the bottom," initially thinking it was a plane about to crash. She heard "a rumbling, howling noise - kind of a roar." She is certain it was a UFO but does not want her name in the paper for fear of being called crazy. Her father mentioned the incident to an acquaintance who had also heard a strange, low rumbling sound between 7 and 7:30 that evening. The woman hopes others who saw the object will come forward.

Something In The Sky... In Medway (Milford, Mass. News, 1/16/80)

Police and fire communications received a call about a UFO sighting in Medway. Patrolmen Nelson Pleau and Robert Rojee responded and reported an object in the sky giving off various colored lights. While not confirmed, one opinion was that it could have been a star, with the colored lights caused by gases in the atmosphere. Area police departments reported no other similar calls.

Call UFO hoax (Yankton S.D. Press-Dakotan, 1/14/80)

Youngsters called the Yankton Police Department and two radio stations to report UFO sightings on Sunday evening. These sightings were declared a hoax. Ted Blakey, Yankton County Civil Defense Director, stated that he had spoken with government sources, including the U.S. Weather Service, and they reported no records coinciding with the Yankton sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, often referred to as UFOs. Many witnesses express a strong conviction that what they saw was not conventional aircraft or a known natural phenomenon, despite official explanations often pointing to weather events (like temperature inversions), atmospheric conditions, or military exercises. There's a clear sense of public fascination and a desire for answers, coupled with a skepticism towards official explanations when they don't align with personal experiences. The articles themselves, while reporting the incidents, often lean towards presenting the witness accounts with a degree of seriousness, even when offering alternative explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these reports and exploring the possibilities, acknowledging the lack of definitive proof while recognizing the widespread nature of the sightings.

This issue of the GAZETTE TELEGRAPH, dated January 1, 1980, features a prominent cover story titled "Brothers say they saw flying saucer." The article details a UFO sighting by the Michalski brothers, Ronald and Don, and their family.

Brothers Say They Saw Flying Saucer

The article recounts the experience of Ronald and Don Michalski, who, along with their wives Linda and their three young daughters, were driving home from a Christmas visit when they encountered a strange object in the sky near Limon, Colorado, around 3:30 a.m. on January 1, 1980. Initially mistaken for a plane or a star, the object then careened towards their vehicle. They described it as a whiteish-green light, about the size of two cars, shaped like a flying saucer, hovering about treetop high. It darted occasionally, changed from ruby red to blue to yellow, flashed like a strobe light, and shot vertical lines from its base to the ground.

Ronald Michalski stopped the car to take photographs with an instant-developing camera, while Don used binoculars. Their daughters were frightened by the light. The photographs, however, turned out black, with only vague hints of horizontally striped lights, which Ron found puzzling as the first film pack taken on Christmas Day had developed normally.

After taking the pictures, the family headed to Limon to report the sighting to the Colorado State Patrol. A patrolman and a desk sergeant reportedly saw the lights but could not identify them. A spokesman for the Limon office stated there was no report on the police log of the sighting.

The family then contacted the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). NORAD Space Center authorities examined the photographs and determined that the object was not a satellite or a re-entering satellite, but they could not identify it. A NORAD spokesman noted that the state has no radar equipment to track possible UFO sightings and that NORAD does not investigate such reports.

The Michalski brothers, who previously did not believe in UFOs, are now convinced of their existence. Don stated, "If somebody told me a story like this, I'd laugh at them and tell them, 'You're crazy.'" Ron added, "I didn't believe in UFOs before, but I do now."

Other UFO Sightings Reported

While the main focus is on the Michalski sighting, the issue also includes brief mentions of other UFO reports from various locations:

• Wichita, Kansas (January 30, 1980): Three flashing red lights, described as being the size of three football fields, were seen by multiple Wichitans. Witnesses described the object as giving off the muffled roar of a single-engine airplane and moving slowly, possibly attached to a hot-air or weather balloon. The Wichita Police Department helicopter searched for the lights but found nothing.
• Estacada, Oregon (January 16, 1980): Five diamond-shaped objects were spotted flying about 200 feet above the ground on Mulino Road.
• Anchorage, Alaska (February 8, 1980): Residents reported seeing stationary objects in the sky for a half-hour or more, turning colors from green to red and flashing. The Trooper spokesman suggested it might be aircraft testing, but the Fort Richardson Military Police were unaware of any such testing.
• Chesapeake, Virginia (January 15, 1980): Dempsey Miller reported a large, round, saucer-shaped object hovering about treetop high, making a loud roaring sound. Several other residents reported seeing a bright light or hearing a loud noise. Residents along Land of Promise Road reported a bright white light hovering, described as four or five times larger than a star, with small pinpricks of colored lights visible with binoculars.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia (Late December): Residents reported flashes of light, loud explosions, and blue balls of light.
• Forest Glen Road, Virginia: Residents described explosions louder than fireworks and a blue light larger than a basketball.
• Bristol, England (December 24, 1979): Mr. Pat O'Brien of the British Flying Saucer Bureau reported an increase in sightings of triangular objects in the sky in the West Country, suggesting they might be "mother ships."
• Aberdeen, Scotland (January 5, 1980): A man saw a strange light or object over Aberdeen that moved upwards and then disappeared. Several friends and colleagues also reported seeing it. The Met Office and Air Traffic Control could not explain it.
• Aldershot, England (January 8, 1980): Mystery lights of a cigar-shaped UFO were spotted hovering over Aldershot on two consecutive evenings. Nick Marlow described it as cigar-shaped with a reddish glow, too bright to be a star, moving slowly.
• Hitchin, England (January 3, 1980): Mrs. Ruby Males reported seeing a stationary object over Hitchin that shone with a brilliant white light, brighter than any star. She had seen similar objects before.
• Worcester, England (January 2, 1980): Twelve-year-old James Cotterill reported seeing a white flashing light that he described as a flying saucer, estimating its speed at 40 mph. He drew a picture resembling Saturn with a metallic ring.
• Lichfield, England (December 21, 1979): Clive Bottrill reported seeing a round shimmering ball with greeny blue light over Chamberlin and Hill.
• Lichfield, England (December 14, 1979): Mr. Raymond Fletcher-Brown reported a square shape and yellow object moving at a slow pace. His ten-year-old son Miles also spotted the same object.
• Glasgow, Scotland (December 28, 1979): Susan Devenney reported seeing a "spaceship" with a red-and-amber light, and then a humanoid figure appearing from the pavement.
• Glasgow, Scotland (December 11, 1979): Workers at a new oil platform production yard in Ayrshire confirmed seeing a shining, bright flying object moving slowly.
• Glossop, England (December 21, 1979): Mrs. Dorothy Harrison reported seeing an object described as "like an old iron bedstead with bars or lines across it," with a lot of white lights.
• St. Helens, England (December 21, 1979): Mr. Kenneth Graham reported seeing a dull silver colored sphere moving quite slowly, which then sped off into the distance.
• Southbourne, England (December 13, 1979): Mr. T. Mc-Evoy, a former skeptic, reported seeing a strange light with a red center and an exhaust, which hovered and sank out of sight.

UFOs - C.R.O.A.P. Newsletter

A section on page 3 advertises the "UFO's - C.R.O.A.P. CHRISTIAN RESEARCH OF AERIAL PHENOMENA NEWS LETTER." It encourages readers to "Learn what the Bible has to say about UFO's, their occupants and the COMING EVENTS SOON TO TAKE PLACE ON EARTH." It also lists a membership card and certificate offer and provides a mailing address in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

This section also includes a list of "Errors in past UFO issues," correcting details from previous articles published in various newspapers regarding UFO sightings. These corrections span from April 1977 to December 1979 and highlight discrepancies in reporting, translations, and sources.

Star People - Real or Spoof?

An article on page 8 discusses the theory of "star people," beings with identifying symptoms such as low body temperature, ability to go long periods without sleep, keen hearing, and an aura that makes people feel good. Stephen Balon, a UFO specialist and member of the Manchester based Direct Investigation Group, believes this theory is a plausible explanation for many strange happenings and suggests that governments have been suppressing UFO evidence. He anticipates that the "star people" theory will gain support in America and eventually worldwide.

Home Movie Shots Put Spacemen in the Picture

Another article on page 8 reports on a cine film shot by Joe Duran near Adelaide, Australia. The film allegedly shows a humanoid figure, flesh-colored at one end and covered in a blue shroud, near a red-and-amber light. Microscopic examination by experts reportedly revealed two more humanoids in and around the strange craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The collection of articles showcases a widespread interest in UFO sightings across different regions, primarily in late 1979 and early 1980. The tone of the reporting varies from factual accounts of sightings and witness testimonies to attempts by authorities to provide rational explanations or dismiss the phenomena. Several articles highlight the skepticism of some individuals who later become convinced after witnessing events firsthand. The inclusion of the C.R.O.A.P. newsletter and the "Star People" theory suggests an exploration of more speculative and even religious interpretations of UFO phenomena alongside more conventional reporting. The overall stance appears to be one of documenting reported sightings and exploring various theories, while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof or official explanations for many of the events.

This issue of the Lichfield Mercury, dated July 12, 1979, features a prominent cover story titled "Is there space for UFOs?" accompanied by a photograph of a man's head and shoulders. The lead article on the cover, "Il a entendu un OVNI" (He heard a UFO), details a sighting in France, while other articles and reader reports from various English publications cover numerous UFO sightings across the UK.

Article: Il a entendu un OVNI (He heard a UFO)

This article, sourced from FRANCE-SOIR, Paris, November 29, 1979, reports on the testimony of Roland Varin, a 38-year-old car technician from Menucourt (Val-d'Oise), France. Varin was awakened around 4:00 a.m. by a strange noise and vibrations. He initially thought it was his son's stereo but realized the vibrations were coming from outside, near the RN 14 towards Cergy-Pontoise, lasting about ten minutes. Varin, who claims not to believe in flying saucers, admitted that this experience made him consider their existence, stating the noise was not like an airplane engine. He later learned that a young man, Frank Fontaine, aged 19, had disappeared at the same time, reportedly abducted by a UFO. Gendarmes investigating the case found no trace of Fontaine. The phenomenon caused a 'real psychosis' in the 'Justice mauve' area of Cergy-Pontoise, with residents reporting seeing 'something' from their balconies.

Article: UFO's over Hammerwich

This report from the Lichfield Mercury details concerns in a village household about a mysterious oval disc, black with orange lights, seen regularly in the sky. Mr. Jack Hayward and his wife, May, have seen the UFO about six times over the past couple of months, usually between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Mr. Hayward, 52, managed to get a close-up view using ex-Navy binoculars. He first saw the object when he was in his garden, and it disappeared before he could get a clear look. On its second appearance, his wife May also saw it. They initially waited to see if others reported it. The object follows a pattern: appearing from the Sutton Coldfield direction, hovering for a couple of minutes, then speeding off. Mr. Hayward, who has an interest in aircraft, states the object is unlike anything he has seen before and makes no noise. He ruled out it being from Whittington Barracks or a flare. The couple hopes more villagers will come forward. Mr. Hayward stated, "I've always thought these things didn't exist, but seeing this six times, now I really don't know." His wife added, "We really want to know what it is. We know people will think we have been imagining it, but we know what we saw."

Article: We have seen this thing six times now

This section features the testimony of Gerald Webb, a project engineer from Andrews House, Lichfield. In September, he spotted an object resembling two discs connected by a bridge section moving slowly across the sky. He saw it around 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning. The object stopped, then shot off at a 90-degree angle. He described himself as 'flabbergasted' and told his wife he saw a UFO. He stated, "I am not a fool. I know I saw a UFO." He noted there were no clouds or vapour trails to misinterpret. He decided to come forward after reading reports of similar sightings in the Mercury.

Article: The night UFOs held a Cambs village spellbound

This report by Paul Markillie from the Cambridge News (dated 12/6/79) describes how a Cambridgeshire village broke its silence about a night shocked by a swarm of unidentified flying objects. For about three hours, villagers in Harston and neighboring Hauxton and Foxton watched a "firework display" of lights. Some experienced fear when a massive UFO hovered low past homes. The regulars at the Old English Gentleman pub called the police. Baffled villagers, including sceptics, reported brilliant flashing stationary and moving configurations of coloured lights. The article notes that the villagers only spoke out after the events were described to the "News" by a passing motorist. The "News" artist Peter Froste's impression of the scene at Harston is included.

Article: White light

This section details how villagers sketched and described their sightings, with some remaining anonymous for fear of ridicule. The sightings are broadly divided into five main groups: a triangular formation of three red lights that split apart; a ball of brilliant white light that appears, drifts, and vanishes; a red light that pulses and dashes rapidly; a boomerang shape with various coloured lights and a white searchlight-type beam; and a massive object with white lights and illuminated windows, described as a "railway coach" and an "airship with windows."

During the evening of the Harston incident, laboratory technician David Flood and his girlfriend were driving when they spotted what appeared to be a large, low-lying aircraft. They stopped at the Old English Gentleman pub, where many people were outside observing the sky. Mr. Flood described the object as like a "large railway carriage with two lines of brilliant lights visible on its port side," but noted it had no wing lights or flashing tail lights, and no wings were visible. The pub's landlord, Michael Bradford, stated that the lights first appeared early in the evening and were watched by about 15 customers. He described it as "rather like a firework display." Later, an object shaped like an airship with a white light at each end and a yellowy glow from windows came from the back of the pub towards Cambridge. It was described as "eerie, as if floating along." Mr. Bradford called the police, but the object had gone by the time an officer arrived. He mentioned that unusual lights had been seen over the Christmas period the previous year and recently before the incident.

Article: Unexplained

This section discusses the official response to the Harston sightings. A spokesman for Cambridge police stated that there was no local flying that night and that the incident was unexplained. Dr. David Dewhirst, staff astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, acknowledged receiving reports of unusual lights but could not explain them. The British UFO Research Association was contacted and planned to send an investigator. Mr. Ken Mansfield also reported seeing something with his family, describing an orange glow followed by a red flash and then a second orange light that faded. He identified himself as a sceptic but stated the objects could not have been aircraft. He added, "I just do not know what it was, but it would be good to find out."

Article: Difficult

Solicitors' managing clerk, Jeremy Hooper, observed odd lights with his family, describing a "wedge or boomerang shape" moving slowly above rooftops. He found it alarming and felt dubious about reporting it. Mr. Bradford stated that he now knew of about 50 people in the village who had noticed the lights or objects that evening, emphasizing, "It definitely was not a hoax. I know what I saw with my own eyes, and so do so many other people."

Article: Mystery over strange lights deepens

This report from the Gloucester Citizen (dated 12/6/79) covers UFO reports from Stroud, ranging from the Forest of Dean to Gloucester. Mrs. Margaret Newcombe and her daughter Jackie, initially sceptics, reported seeing a UFO over Robinswood Hill. They felt compelled to report their sighting after reading a similar report in The Citizen. Mrs. Newcombe stated the description of the Stroud UFOs closely matched her sighting, except for an extra bright light. The Luther family of "Claverley," Church Alvington, watched mysterious lights hover and move for nearly an hour. They used binoculars and called neighbors. Mr. J. Luther, his wife, and two sons first spotted the lights around 5:50 p.m. They described two objects with red and white lights, slightly apart. Later, at their bungalow, they saw three objects, one directly above, one towards Alvington church, and another over the fields. These objects moved slowly or hovered, with a series of blue lights between the red and white ones. Mr. Luther mentioned that a colleague had also seen the lights. An RAF spokesman stated they had received no reports of lights over Alvington and that in most cases, there was a natural explanation for UFO reports.

Article: "News" artist Peter Froste's impression of the scene at Harston on the night of the UFOs

This caption refers to an artist's impression of the UFO sighting in Harston, created by Peter Froste for the "News."

Article: HAS Leiston amateur photographer Chris Whitewick snapped a space ship- or simply the victim to a prank?

This piece from the East Anglian Daily Times (dated 12/12/79) questions a photograph taken by Chris Whitewick, a 21-year-old steward, in his garden. He is puzzled by the black and white snapshot and is keeping an open mind about the object. He explained that he was taking photographs of "interesting cloud formations" at sunset, and the object "did not fully register" at the time. He insists he did not set out to create a hoax picture and doubts children could be behind it, as none lived nearby.

Article: UFO 'was a freak mirage'

This report from the Watford Evening Echo (dated 12/3/79) confirms sightings of a mysterious UFO by police officers, corroborated by Mrs. Jan Adams, who saw a "fascinating bright light" from her kitchen window. An astronomer, Mr. Wilfrid Santler, suggests the UFO might have been a mirage caused by cold air near the earth's surface and warmer air above, which could reflect light back to Earth. The report also details police sightings of a bright light, described as circular and moving slowly and noiselessly, which was not picked up on radar.

Article: Full moon brings out the U.F.O.s

This article from the Dundee Courier & Advertiser (dated 12/6/79) reports two sightings of unidentified flying objects over Scotland. Four office girls in Kirkcaldy reported seeing four flashing orange lights that moved and disappeared. In Whitfield, Dundee, James Harper reported a UFO with a big red light, a flashing red light, and flashing white lights, which stopped and hovered. An RAF spokesman at Leuchars confirmed no aircraft from their base were flying at the time, but suggested light aircraft or helicopters could not be ruled out.

Article: Lights in sky

This letter to the editor of Cambridge News (dated 12/12/79) from Keith Edkins of Cambridge discusses similar lights seen over Cambridge. Edkins believes the explanation is more mundane than celestial, suggesting they were conventional aircraft, possibly engaged in flight refuelling exercises. He describes seeing pairs of bright, flashing white lights, accompanied by a steady red one, which moved slowly and then split into two pairs. He heard faint aircraft engine noise on one occasion. He also mentions observing "pulsing, dashing red light" near the airport area.

Article: Have you had a close encounter?

This report from Police Review (London, England, dated 12/1/19) details two sightings by Hertfordshire officers of unidentified flying objects. PC Phillip Moorcroft and WPC Anne Louise Brown saw a UFO moving slowly and silently at about 450 feet above Rickmansworth. Later, PCs Mahoney and Crampton made separate sightings of a "long, cigar shape, with many lights, and with red lights underneath," also moving silently at about 300 feet. The RAF station at West Drayton confirmed no scheduled aircraft flights in the area. Police Review is seeking reports from readers. A spokesman for the United States Air Force noted that such reports are common in the US. Hertfordshire Police recovered a large weather balloon that could have been the "UFO."

Article: Not the only one!

This letter to the editor of Ellesmere Port Pioneer (dated 12/6/19) from Mr. D. Nolan of Capenhurst questions a statement by Mr. Bob Phillips, BNFL Public Relations Officer, regarding government regulations on aircraft flying near the plant. Nolan states that residents frequently see "UFOs" (which he believes are aircraft) flying over the plant and questions if other regulations are being ignored.

Article: Mystery in the sky

This report from Camberley News-Surrey Eng. (dated 12/1/79) follows up on a "silver cylindrical object" sighting. Patricia Butcher reported seeing a motionless object at a great height, appearing like a "floating ball of mercury" in a cloudless blue sky.

Article: I saw UFO, says pensioner

This article from North Wales Weekly News (Wales, dated 12/6/79) features Richard Vaughan, a retired post office engineer from Llandudno, who claims to have seen an unidentified flying object over Conwy Mountain. He described it as oval-shaped, white on top and black underneath, stopping and moving with a glow. He was puzzled by how it could remain still in strong winds and thought he might be imagining things. Police in Llandudno and Conwy had no other reports.

Article: Experts still baffled by Harston UFOs mystery

This follow-up report by Paul Markillie from Cambridge News (dated 12/10/79) reiterates that the Harston UFO sightings remain a mystery. Cambridge police ruled out local flying, and a Ministry of Defence spokesman suggested US Air Force exercises as a possibility, but noted their aircraft were unlikely to use unusual illumination. The RAF Honington Met Office suggested atmospheric disturbance affecting TV reception, but not visual phenomena. Mr. Colin Proctor reported seeing a similar banana-shaped object and lights, matching drawings from the Harston incident. His wife Sheila also saw stationary lights that moved away. They reported it to air traffic controllers, who confirmed it was not a conventional aircraft.

Article: Other UFOs sighted

This brief report from North Cheshire Herald-Hyde (dated 12/4/79) mentions other UFO sightings following a report over Glossop. Mrs. Philomena Robinson of Chisworth reported seeing up to a dozen UFOs in the past 12 months, describing them as having different colored lights and appearing to take photographs with flashing beams. She found the experiences frightening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this collection of articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions provided by witnesses (ranging from discs and cigar shapes to aircraft-like objects), and the persistent mystery surrounding these phenomena. Many articles highlight the skepticism of witnesses before their encounters, followed by their conviction that they saw something unexplainable. The editorial stance, as reflected in the headlines and the presentation of witness accounts, is one of reporting these events with a degree of seriousness, acknowledging the bafflement of experts and authorities, and encouraging public participation in sharing sightings. While some articles lean towards natural explanations or official investigations, the overall tone suggests an open-mindedness to the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena.