APCIC - Vol 05 No 06 - 1980

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated June 1980, is published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER (A.P.C.I.C.) and is Volume 5, Number 6. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NEWS" alongside an illustration of a classic flying saucer.

Staff and Correspondents

The A.P.C.I.C. clipping service is headed by editor Harry R. Cohen, with S. Mac Williams as assistant editor. Ron Smotek handles photo analysis, and Richard Smotek contributes "supplement" research. The publication also lists foreign correspondents from Argentina (G. Roncoroni), Australia (Jeff Bell, George Hume), Denmark (H.C. Petersen), France (Jean Sider), Japan (M. Mori), Italy (Clypeus), Turkey (S. Gerceksever), West Germany (Werner Walter), and Canada (H. Gontovnick).

Featured Articles and Reports

UFO Sightings West of Mansfield, Washington

This article details a startling experience of Doug Tanneberg on Sunday night, March 23, 1980, near Mansfield, Washington. While driving home around 10:30 P.M., Tanneberg witnessed a blur of light that moved faster than any aircraft. The light stopped and hovered, described as "not any kind of aircraft" by Robert Gribble of the UFO Reporting Center in Seattle. Tanneberg, along with Linda and Larry Glessner, and his parents Jens and Shirley Tanneberg, corroborated the sighting of bright lights. The incident was also reported to the Sheriff's Deputy, Jerry Poole, but the lights had vanished by the time he arrived. Tanneberg admits he couldn't see an outline of an object, only a bright light. The report speculates on possibilities ranging from advanced army weapons like 'The Cobra' to meteors, but concludes the most incredible possibility is an unidentified flying object. The article notes recent UFO sightings around Mount Rainier and in Idaho. The editor, Doug Tanneberg, also recounts his own fear and heightened awareness after interviewing Tanneberg.

UFO Sighted in North Georgia

A report from the GAINESVILLE, GA. TRIBUNE on April 16, 1980, describes Civil Air Control planes searching in vain for an unidentified object spotted east of Cornelia, Georgia. Several people reported seeing the object, which consisted of burning objects falling from the sky during the night. A two-hour search by the CAP and a ground search by volunteers yielded no results.

Streaking Object Treated as a UFO in North Louisiana

An article from THE SHREVEPORT (LA.) TIMES on March 25, 1980, details a sighting classified as a UFO by the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Department. A bright white light with a 60 to 70-foot tail was observed traveling at high speed just after 8 P.M. by a deputy. The sighting was confirmed by employees at Shreveport Regional Airport and the National Weather Service. A Haughton woman described it as an airplane on fire. A controller at Monroe airport reported a "magnesium flame" streak across the sky, confirmed by a private pilot. A woman in Calhoun also reported a correlated sighting. Weather service officials suggested a weather balloon, but witnesses were skeptical due to the object's speed.

Michigan Cop Has Seen The Light

From the OCEANSIDE CALIF. BLADE TRIBUNE on March 13, 1980, this report features Gladstone, Michigan, police officer Mark Hager. He described tracking an unidentified flying object for half an hour, stating, "I didn't believe in 'em before, but I do now." He noted that such sightings usually turn out to be airplanes or planets, but this was different.

County Officer Reports UFO in Baltimore, MD

THE NEWS AMERICAN in Baltimore, MD, on April 7, 1980, reports on Patrolman George Henseler who saw an object streaking across the sky. In his report, Hensler described an "object moving in a northerly direction... at a high rate of speed" with no visible lights or noise. He described it as "oblong in shape, with a dim glow from both ends." His partner did not witness the object. Investigations with local airports found no explanation. The National UFO Center was contacted.

West Siders Dazzled by UFO Sightings in Syracuse, NY

An article from the HERALD JOURNAL, SYRACUSE on April 23, 1980, by Mike Fish, describes numerous UFO sightings by residents on the West Side of Syracuse. Over five nights, witnesses reported spotting at least 82 objects in 24 sightings. The objects were described as bright, fast-moving, and generally coming from the northern horizon. Many appeared to be self-luminous and shaped like arrows, manta rays, or pointed hearts. The sightings occurred between 1 A.M. and 4 A.M. The article quotes Gary O'Brien and Scott Harris, who have been hosting UFO gazing parties. Allen Hendry, a UFO investigator, noted the frequency of the sightings. The article debunks explanations like military exercises, radar blips, meteors, and reflections, with witnesses emphasizing the speed and lack of noise. Bob Raphael of WAQX radio is mentioned for his interest. Skeptics suggest geese, while others wonder if it's a government project. The article concludes with O'Brien's sentiment: "You try to make sense out of it... I don't know. How can you make sense out of something like this?"

U.S. Govt's Official UFO Drawings

This section, by Barry Hart, published in GLOBE, presents for the first time official drawings of 11 basic UFO shapes that government researchers could not explain. These drawings were created by artists at the Air Technical Intelligence Center near Dayton, Ohio, for the now defunct Project Blue Book. Dr. Leon Davidson, a UFO researcher, highlights the significance of these drawings, noting that they were produced by a government that officially denied UFO existence. The shapes were identified after analyzing the nine percent of 4,834 sightings that Project Blue Book scientists could not explain. Davidson suggests the government went to great pains to withhold details, even mixing drawings with accounts to obscure the information.

Several specific drawings and their associated accounts are presented:

• July 29, 1948: Two men saw a shiny, metallic object, 6-8 feet long and 2 feet wide, glide across the road about 30 feet above the ground.
• January 20, 1951: A winged object was spotted by a commercial plane crew, flying abreast, hovering, then disappearing.
• April 20, 1952: A naval aviation student, his wife, and others saw 20 groups of objects shaped like conventional aircraft flying in straight lines.
• July 24, 1948: The crew of a DC-3 spotted an object coming towards them, powered by rocket or jet motors shooting out a 50-foot-long streak of fire.
• December 22, 1952: An instrument technician saw a lighted object dart backwards and forwards, and roll three times.
• July 19, 1952: A farmer and hired hand spotted two cigar-shaped objects hovering overhead.
• July 31, 1948: An electrician saw an object in the western sky fly on a straight course.
• August 13, 1947: A farmer spotted an object near a river, about 30 feet away and 75 feet off the ground, following the contour of the ground and spitting flames.
• March 20, 1950: Crew members of a commercial flight saw a circular object, about 100 feet in diameter, with a rapidly blinking light on top and a soft purple light from its portholes.
• August 25, 1952: A radio station musician spotted an object hovering about 10 feet above a field, making a deep throbbing sound, and was 75 feet long.
• May 24, 1949: Employees of an aeronautical laboratory saw a saucer-shaped object reflecting sunlight before disappearing.

Six Witnesses Confirm UFOs Flew Over Cranford, NJ

This article from the CRANFORD N.J. CHRONICLE on April 10, 1980, reports that at least six people, in addition to Officer Ronald Coles, saw mysterious UFOs over Cranford on Palm Sunday. Witnesses Madeline Gormanly, Skip Nemeth, Bob Grimes, and Jim McClellan reported seeing "bright flashes of light" and "four brilliant things" between 12:55 P.M. and the time the objects dropped south. Mrs. Peg Campbell also saw similar objects. A woman reported seeing UFOs while traveling on the Garden State Parkway. Jim Fillow, a UFO investigator from the Scientific Bureau of Investigation Inc., considers the incident a "valid case" and discounted flares or meteor showers. The SBI is concentrating on locating an aircraft Coles reported seeing below the UFOs. Nemeth described himself as "in awe" and fascinated by the brightness, noting it changed his mental processes. The article mentions that police tend to get more involved with UFOs as they are often observing during late-night hours.

Local Man Spots UFO in Sauk Centre, MN

An article from the SAUK CENTRE, MINN. HERALD on April 24, 1980, features Duane "Skeeter" Weiner. While on his early morning newspaper delivery route at 2:30 A.M., Weiner heard an "energetic sound" and saw a glowing orange sphere about 100 feet off the ground. The sphere moved back and forth, rotated, and spewed bits of matter before moving off into space. The police department had received a report of an electrical pole smoldering around the same time, with a helium balloon and kite also spotted. Police Chief George Trierweiler vouches for Weiner's credibility.

Was That A Flying Saucer? in Cabool, MO

From the CABOOL MO. ENTERPRISE on April 24, 1980, this report details a sighting by Shirley Mitchell of Houston, MO, on April 21. Mitchell reported seeing an object shaped like a saucer that glowed red and then shot white flames from behind when it took off. The Texas County sheriff's office took the report but did not investigate. A deputy speculated it could have been an F-4 fighter plane.

Regional Magazine Writer Chases UFOs in Billings, MT

An article from the BILLINGS, MONT. GAZETTE on May 1, 1980, by Roger Clawson, introduces Terry Shorb, a Mont-Wyo News staffer named as the region's investigator for the Center for UFO Studies. Shorb is seeking Montanans with close encounters of several kinds, including potential alien activity, cattle mutilations, and stress-induced sightings. He explains the categorization of close encounters: first kind (sightings), second kind (physical evidence), and third kind (contact with occupants). Shorb notes the increasing social acceptability of discussing UFO experiences, with 80-90 percent of the population now believing. He expresses concern that people may be looking to superior beings for solutions to global problems. The Center has computerized files on 100,000 sightings, and both Shorb and Dr. J. Allen Hynek are determined to find answers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from various locations, emphasizing witness testimonies and the unexplained nature of these phenomena. There's a strong focus on presenting these accounts as credible, often citing corroborating witnesses and official reports. The inclusion of the "U.S. Govt's Official UFO Drawings" suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges the government's past involvement and interest in UFOs, even if officially denied. The magazine also touches upon the growing public acceptance of UFOs and the ongoing efforts by researchers to understand these events. The overall tone is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting a collection of evidence and personal experiences for the reader to consider.

This issue of The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, dated April 29, 1980, prominently features reports of UFO sightings across three counties. The main cover headline, "UFO Sightings Mystify Residents In 3 Counties," highlights the widespread nature of these unexplained aerial phenomena. The publication also includes articles from various other newspapers detailing UFO-related events and discussions from different regions.

UFO Sightings in North Carolina and South Carolina

The lead article by Wayne Nicholas reports on UFO sightings in Gaston, Lincoln, and Catawba counties in North Carolina. UFO expert George Fawcett, who has studied flying saucers for 37 years and teaches a course on UFOs at Gaston College, states that 12 to 15 people have reported UFOs in these areas since January. LeAnn Sain, a 22-year-old beautician, described seeing a round golden light, shrouded in a haze, flying in the distance while traveling from Hickory to Vale. She noted its unusual movement, including hovering and circling her car for about 30 miles. Another report comes from Chesterfield County, South Carolina, where four individuals told authorities they were followed by a UFO around 1 a.m. on April 18. Spokesmen from municipal airport control towers in Hickory and Charlotte could not explain the sightings. A Lincolnton businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing a round, red object flying about treetop level with a humming sound. Fawcett received two other reports on the same night.

UFO Information Program in Michigan

The Gladstone (Mich.) Delta Reporter, dated April 16, 1980, announces an information program on UFOs at Bay de Noc Community College. The program features Jim Fillow and Pete Mazzola, New York detectives who investigated UFO sightings in the Gladstone area. Mark Hager and Dave Mariin, local police officers who first sighted a UFO, will also be present. The program aims to investigate UFO sightings scientifically, collecting factual information and reconstructing incidents. Admission is $2.00, with students admitted free.

UFO Sightings in California

The Covina (Cal.) Inter-City Express, dated May 8, 1980, reports two UFO sightings over Monrovia, California. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated no such reports were made to their agency. One witness described a silent object hovering for about 15 seconds before tilting and speeding away. The sheriff's department also received a call about a UFO glowing with yellow and red lights, but deputies found nothing. A deputy quipped, "They've already gone back to Mars."

The Portola (Cal.) Reporter, dated April 30, 1980, details a Tuesday morning sighting of an "oval shaped", white object emitting a wavy white light over the Crescent Grade area. Deputy Richard Griffith reported the object, which cast a bright light on the ground, but could not determine its direction. Ruth Spear reported a similar sighting. Both observers reported their sightings to the UFO Center in Illinois, which indicated no other reports in the area.

UFOs and Satellites in Iowa

The Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gazette, dated May 3, 1980, features a story about three northeast-side boys who reported seeing an unidentified flying object on a Friday night. They described a light that flickered and moved quickly. A more experienced night-sky observer suggested they might have seen one of the thousands of satellites orbiting Earth. Matt Barth, one of the boys, was studying astronomy. J. Clayton Troeger, an instructor, confirmed that stars and planets can create unusual visual effects and that satellites are common. He suggested the boys likely saw a satellite.

UFOs in Maryland

The National Enquirer, dated July 1, 1980, presents an article titled "NEW EVIDENCE CONFIRMS UFOs really exist" by Harold Fiske. It details the claims of John Lutz, head of Baltimore's Odyssey Research, who says he has six metal fragments from an exploded alien craft from 1957. Lutz also reported a blue, cigar-shaped craft seen over Maryland in 1972 and a 'close encounter' between a Maryland couple and two short, silver-suited aliens in 1979. The article also mentions a mass UFO sighting near Oakland, Md., in 1972, which reportedly caused clocks to run backward and chickens to lay an unusual number of eggs.

Another article in the National Enquirer discusses a study by psychologist Dr. Leo Sprinkle of 200 persons involved in UFO abduction cases. Sprinkle concludes that these individuals believe they have a role in preparing humanity for contact with aliens and see themselves as "citizens of the universe."

UFOs in Texas

The Lindale Texas News, dated April 24, 1980, features a column by Amber Guy titled "'UFO' probably is satellite." Guy recounts a sighting by a "trustworthy lady" of a gleaming silver object in the sky that disappeared suddenly. She humorously speculates on reasons why an alien might leave Lindale, suggesting it might find human society too strange or lacking in entertainment.

UFOs in Connecticut

The Midnight Globe (Greenwich, Conn.), dated June 8, 1980, reports on William Francis Brinsley le Poer Trench, Earl of Clancarty, who is campaigning for governments to take unidentified flying objects seriously and expose alleged cover-ups. Clancarty, who has an observatory in London, collates UFO reports from around the world. He believes governments are deliberately concealing information to prevent public panic. He cites a French Minister of Defense's statement in 1974 that UFOs existed and were a serious problem, contrasting it with the British Ministry of Defence's claim of never having heard of it. Clancarty, with the backing of a House of Lords UFO Study Group, plans to alert politicians globally to the "UFO threat," asserting that cover-ups by the US and Soviet governments are proven. He also mentions that released Pentagon documents revealed UFOs visited sensitive nuclear missile launch sites and bomber bases in the US in 1975. Clancarty speculates that aliens might be friendly and planning to move humans to another planet to escape a foreseen disaster.

UFOs in Canada

The Toronto Star, dated February 23, 1980, features an article about Yurko Bondarchuk, author of "UFO Sightings, Landings and Abductions: The Documented Evidence." Bondarchuk believes that figures like U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Orson Welles, Marcello Mastroianni, and Muhammad Ali have experienced UFO sightings. He states that 57% of Americans and 46% of Canadians believe UFOs are real. Bondarchuk's research suggests that advanced extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth, possibly interested in Earth's power sources and technology. His book has also become popular in its French edition.

UFO Sightings in Scotland

The Dundee Courier & Advertiser, dated April 1, 1980, reports an "Another U.F.O. sighting over Forfar." An off-duty policeman, P.C. David Cathro, reported seeing a "strange orange glow" in the sky that faded and re-emerged as a bright glow with four lights. He and his wife, along with neighbors, were baffled. The object was described as shaped like a rugby ball with a white top and orange base and hovered for about an hour. The police station reported no aircraft in the area.

The Sunday Sun (UK), dated February 24, 1980, features a column by Henry Gordon titled "Debunking those ufology claims." Gordon, who attended a lecture by nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman, questions the validity of UFO evidence, including eyewitness testimony, radar identifications, and claims of alien abductions proven by regressive hypnosis. He argues that eyewitness testimony is often unreliable and that radar "angles" can be caused by atmospheric conditions. Gordon also critiques the circular logic often used by UFO proponents.

The Sunday Sun (UK), dated June 8, 1980, includes a letter to the editor from Robert Haines regarding a book by "Dr. N" who allegedly predicted an atomic war in 1970. Haines questions the accuracy of such predictions. Another letter from Robert N. Brown discusses UFOs, with Brown noting that he could have capitalized on the subject with dramatic presentations but chooses not to.

UFO Sightings in Ohio

The Youngstown Vindicator, dated June 6, 1980, reports on a UFO sighting over Shenango Reservoir near Sharpsville, Ohio. Police received a dozen calls about a red light drifting slowly across the sky. A policeman who watched it said it moved too slowly to be an airplane. The National Weather Service suggested it might be a weather balloon, but spokesmen noted that such objects wouldn't show up on radar. United Airlines and FAA personnel also saw the light but it did not appear on radar.

UFOs and Government Cover-ups

The Houston Post, dated June 8, 1980, reports on the 11th Annual UFO Symposium where investigators discussed theories about UFOs and alleged government recovery of alien craft and bodies. Leonard H. Stringfield announced he had obtained eight photographs purportedly showing alien beings in a glass enclosure, though he has not verified their authenticity. He also stated that debris from about a dozen UFO crashes since the late 1940s has allegedly been recovered by the government. William L. Moore, an author, believes many sightings stem from a 1947 crash in Roswell, N.M., where six to eight bodies and wreckage were recovered by the military and shipped to Langley Air Force Base. Walter H. Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network noted that despite campaign promises, the government has refused to release much of its UFO information, calling extraterrestrial visitors the "most exciting answer."

UFO Sightings in Arizona

The Mesa (Ariz.) Tribune, dated June 10, 1980, reports on "Space invaders" with Mesan reports of strange objects in the sky. Robert Navarra, a Mesa construction worker, reported seeing four luminous white lights traversing the sky in two different directions. Bill Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch is investigating, suspecting a military exercise. Navarra was skeptical, noting the objects moved in coordinated patterns and were not satellites. He contacted the FAA and Williams Air Force Base but received no confirmation. Ground Saucer Watch uses computers to evaluate evidence and contends UFOs exist but are manipulations of intelligence agencies, and is involved in a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the CIA.

UFO Sightings in Georgia

The Fayetteville (Ga.) News, dated May 21, 1980, reports that the Georgia State Patrol received three calls about an unidentified flying object seen in the Lake Cindy area. The object was described as round with different colored lights and making a beeping sound. The FAA Flight Control Center reported no radar contact.

UFO Sightings in the UK

The Sunday Sun (UK), dated June 8, 1980, mentions a report from RAF Staxton Wold investigating a detailed UFO sighting in the East Ayton area. Reports described a yellow object with a red dome hovering over the Forge Valley. Mr. George Rice and his wife Audrey spotted the object through binoculars for nearly 15 minutes. They said it moved up and down and swerved before disappearing behind trees.

The Strathern Herald, dated February 2, 1980, asks "WAS IT A U.F.O.?" regarding a suspected UFO sighting over Crieff. Miss Mary Ford reported seeing a huge light that rose higher and higher, convinced it was an Unidentified Flying Object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent public interest in UFOs, often contrasted with official skepticism or lack of confirmation from government agencies and aviation authorities. Many articles highlight eyewitness accounts, with some experts attempting to provide scientific explanations (e.g., satellites, weather balloons) while others, like John Lutz and Earl of Clancarty, advocate for the reality of UFOs and suggest government cover-ups. The articles collectively demonstrate a widespread fascination with the unexplained in the sky during this period, with a mix of detailed reports, expert opinions, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial visitors and potential government involvement. The editorial stance varies, with some publications presenting UFO reports straightforwardly, others offering debunking perspectives, and some leaning towards the belief in UFOs and alien intelligence.

This issue of the Fort Payne Ala. Times Journal, dated May 18, 1980, features a front-page article detailing a close encounter with a UFO. The main headline, "Close encounter seen by Geraldine man?", introduces the report by Dennis Benefield.

Article: Close encounter seen by Geraldine man?

The article recounts the experience of Steve Galloway, a 24-year-old man employed at Mueller Corp. in Albertville, who claims to have witnessed a UFO while plowing a field near Whitton and New Harmony on a recent evening, around dusk. Galloway described the object as a "glowing" and "reddish pink" entity, approximately the size of the moon, that hovered above nearby trees, causing them to glow from its reflection. He emphasized that the object made no noise and did not emit direct light. He described it as "round" and "pretty good sized."

After a few minutes, Galloway reported seeing "fire" seemingly fly from the object, after which it "slowly disappeared, as if someone had turned off the light." He expressed his bewilderment, stating, "I don't know what it was, but it was something weird." He also noted that he had "seen a lot of weird things" due to his military upbringing but had "never seen anything like this."

Galloway dismissed common explanations, stating it wasn't an airplane due to the lack of noise, and he did not believe his uncle's suggestion of a balloon or the possibility of it being a satellite. He found the experience "beyond my comprehension."

He mentioned that other people a couple of miles away also described a similar object, but he believed he was the closest to it. His wife works at the Geraldine Police station, and they were informed of his sighting. Corporal Ron Ogletree, an Alabama State Trooper, interviewed Galloway and stated that the witnesses were "very honest" and "saw something," but he could not identify the object.

The sighting was reported to the Center for UFO Studies in Ohio, run by Dr. Allen Hynek, via a toll-free number used by troopers for reporting unusual sightings. However, they had not yet contacted Galloway.

The following day, Galloway searched the area where he saw the object but found no unusual signs, attributing this to the dense underbrush.

Despite potential skepticism, Galloway stated he "doesn't care what they say" and is convinced he saw something. He personally "believes in UFO's" and that "there is something out there."

The article then briefly touches upon various explanations for UFOs, citing Professor Francoise le Lionnais (collective illusion), Astronomer Paul Muller (lens-shaped clouds), and historical statements from Dr. Herman Oberth (extraterrestrial origin) and General Douglas MacArthur (interplanetary war). It also references a 1965 Washington UFO study that reported the USA had no explanation for a significant number of detailed sightings, concluding that these phenomena were not conventional aircraft, balloons, or natural occurrences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article presents a straightforward report of a UFO sighting, giving credence to the witness's account and acknowledging the investigation by authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unexplained aerial phenomena, as evidenced by the inclusion of expert opinions and historical context regarding UFOs. The publication of this story on the front page suggests the newspaper considers such events newsworthy and of public interest. The themes explored include personal testimony, the search for explanations, and the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs.

This issue of the Manchester Evening News, dated April 11, 1980, with the cover headline "Are UFOs on the increase?", delves into a surge of reported unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings across the globe. The publication presents a collection of accounts from various regions, suggesting a significant uptick in aerial anomalies.

International Sightings

The magazine details several international incidents. In Saudi Arabia, "multi-coloured objects" were seen streaking across the sky near Al-Jahra. Norway reported strange blobs flashing on radar screens near Bodo. New Zealand witnessed red lights hovering and darting in front of aircraft, with some events captured on television. A particularly dramatic event occurred in Spain, where a Spanish Caravelle aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Valencia due to two piercing red lights in its flight path. The pilot, Captain Javier Lero Tejada, described the objects as intensely bright and fast-moving, claiming they were "on top of him" at 28,000 feet. Radar control in Barcelona saw nothing, but Madrid's radar centre detected the objects. The Spanish government's response was to announce that a Mirage interceptor was sent up, but they declined to comment on what it saw. Another incident in Spain involved hundreds of witnesses in Madrid claiming to have seen a circular object emitting intense blue light flashes.

France also reported a bizarre experience where M. Frank Fontaine became separated from two friends after spotting a light in the sky over Clergy, Pontoise. He described the object as being as large as a house.

UK Sightings and Investigations

Within the UK, the issue highlights numerous reports. In Manchester, UFO spotters were reportedly sent into a frenzy by flashing lights, though one theory suggested they were meteorites. The Aetherius Society, an international UFO-spotting organization, stated that UFOs are more in evidence than at any time in the past 10 years and accused governments of covering up information.

Several regional newspapers contributed reports:

• Bristol Evening Post (March 2, 1980): Ronald WJ Anstee, from Montreal, Canada, shared his lifelong interest in flying saucers, mentioning correspondence with George Adamski, who claimed contact with an extraterrestrial and photographed a flying saucer with faces in the portholes in December 1952. He also noted reports from seven astronomers in Norwich observing a similar craft.
• South Wales Evening Post (March 31, 1980): An UFO investigator, Mr. Randall Jones Pugh, was in Milford Haven investigating a sighting over the oil port. At least 10 people reported seeing an object for about half an hour on a Saturday night. One witness described it as a light in the sky with an orange or red light on top.
• Northampton Chronicle & Echo (April 23, 1980): Two UFOs were spotted over a village near Long Buckby. A round black object with a glass domed top was seen, initially mistaken for an aeroplane or weather balloon. A second sighting occurred a week later, with Mr. Peter James reporting two bright lights in the sky that appeared to be the size of street lights, pulsing on and off at an estimated height of 400-500 feet.
• Wigan Evening Post (April 21, 1980): Reports of "strange lights in the midnight sky" brought out local UFO hunters. The sightings were also reported by police officers, but nothing appeared on radar screens. The object was described as a bright white vessel with red flashing lights. Police in Rainford, Bold, Billinge, Rainhill, and Liverpool reported sightings. Radar operators at Liverpool's Speke airport and docks registered nothing, and RAF Burtonwood denied any relevant air traffic.
• Huddersfield Examiner (May 14, 1980): Four young men claimed they were chased by a UFO. Neil Holdsworth reported a brilliant oblong light following their van for over an hour. Police investigated but suggested the object might have been a brilliant star, with no radar explanation.
• Evening Express (March 20, 1980): Two musicians, Tug Wilson and Stuart Anderson, recounted a strange encounter where they saw a very bright cigar-shaped object hovering for half an hour, with a piece detaching itself. They had kept this experience secret for fear of ridicule. The report also mentioned sightings by a Fortrose couple and others in Fearn and Nairn.
• Northern Echo (April 17, 1980): Howard Miles, a leading member of the British Astronomical Society, was called in to investigate bright lights seen across Britain, potentially tracking meteorites. He noted the exceptional brightness of the lights and sought eyewitnesses to determine the trajectory of any fallen space debris. The North-East has become a focal point for astronomers and ufologists.
• Middle Sex Chronicle (March 14, 1980): A young couple in Teddington reported seeing a bright light that might have been a UFO, describing it as much brighter than any star and moving mysteriously. They had previously been sceptical but were convinced it was not a plane or helicopter.
• Northern Echo (March 14, 1980): Experts from the British UFO Society were to contact witnesses of a bright orange light seen hovering over Cleasby, near Darlington. Marilyn Shackleston described an oval, bright orange and white light that moved off and hovered. The society noted that UFO sightings tend to occur in waves and appealed for more witnesses.

Government and Official Responses

The issue touches upon government involvement and secrecy. A letter from R. E. Wood argues against dismissing UFO reports lightly, stating that cavalier treatment is illogical and unscientific. He suggests that if UFOs exist, they present a significant challenge to mankind. The article mentions that the US Pentagon, under the Freedom of Information Act, released documents in 1975 revealing that sensitive nuclear missile launch sites and bomber bases in the US had apparently been visited by UFOs. It also notes that the Ministry of Defence files from 1962 were destroyed as being of "no permanent interest."

Scientific and Investigative Perspectives

David B. Taylor, Chairman of the Dundee Astronomical Society, wrote a letter suggesting that while extraterrestrial travel is possible, any advanced intelligence would likely be detectable by modern radar and would not engage in "childish games." He implies that if they came, we would know about it.

The article also mentions the House of Lords debating UFOs under the auspices of the Earl of Clancarty, who had been studying the subject for 30 years. The "Courier" reporter noted that thousands of honest people have come forward with accounts of unexplained phenomena.

Specific Cases and Details

• US Pentagon Documents: Revealed that in 1975, sensitive US military installations were apparently visited by UFOs. Extensive Air Force attempts were made to trace and detain these objects.
• Iranian Air Force Encounter: In 1976, two Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom fighters encountered a brightly lit object over the Persian Gulf. The object was tracked by radar and seen by a commercial airliner. The F-4s allegedly experienced a breakdown of their electrical systems when nearing the object.
• Tayside Sightings: The Dundee area has seen numerous reports since early 1979, including "glints in the sky" and "cigar-shaped objects leaving a vapour trail." Many were explained, but a majority remained a mystery. One off-duty police officer reported a sighting lasting over 30 minutes, accompanied by strange "hollow metallic sounds."
• The "Courier" Reporter's Investigation: The reporter noted that while many sightings are explained, a hard core of reports from experienced observers (pilots, astronomers, astronauts) remain unexplained by current technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing frequency of UFO sightings, the mystery surrounding their origin and purpose, and the perceived reluctance of governments to openly acknowledge and investigate these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony from credible individuals and a call for more open investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious consideration for the subject, acknowledging the unexplained nature of many sightings and the potential implications for humanity, while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations like meteorites and atmospheric phenomena. The publication highlights the ongoing quest for knowledge about the unknown, framing it as a significant challenge for mankind.