APCIC - Vol 06 No 02 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 6, No. 2
Date: February 1981
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (APCI C), Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO NEWS presents a collection of recent and historical UFO sightings, featuring witness testimonies, official statements, and speculative analysis. The publication aims to document and explore aerial phenomena, often highlighting cases where conventional explanations are met with skepticism by observers.

Key Articles and Reports

UFOs Reported Over Tahoe

This lead article details numerous sightings of UFOs over the Stateline area of Lake Tahoe in early January 1981. While authorities, including Douglas County Sheriff's officials, suggested the phenomena were likely reflections from casino floodlights on low-hanging clouds, many witnesses, such as Albert Fiori and Patrick Bagwell, disagreed. Fiori described a "bright blue object" that streaked across the lake, while Bagwell, who took photographs, described the object as "bizarre, triangular in shape with three points to it," and noted the absence of any visible beam from the casinos. Deborah Cody also witnessed a triangular object with lights. Firefighters from Tahoe-Douglas also noted that their emergency lights reflected off low clouds, which, when turned off, made the lights vanish, and when turned back on, they reappeared, adding to the mystery for some.

Witnesses Observe UFOs Over Payson

This report from the Payson, Arizona, Rim Country News on January 9, 1981, recounts a sighting by Deputy Loyce Hamlin and two others of four unidentified flying objects over Payson. Hamlin described them as round silver disks flying in "diamond formation" for about two minutes, moving too fast to be jet airplanes and lacking wings or engine pods. The objects executed three turns, appearing clearly when the sun hit them and disappearing when turning right. Slim Anderson, a County Health Inspector, corroborated Hamlin's account, noting the objects were "really travelling." They also observed that the objects made no noise. Hamlin, who has had previous UFO sightings, admitted to being hesitant to report them previously due to potential ridicule.

Man Says He Saw UFO at 309 Bypass

A brief report from Quakertown, PA, Free Press on January 16, 1981, details a sighting by an unidentified man in West Rockhill Township. He claims to have seen an oval-shaped object, about 35 feet in diameter and blue-green in color, hovering about 25 feet above ground near the 309 bypass. He described colored lights on the bottom and what appeared to be a trap door. The object hovered for about 20 minutes before flying away.

Most Amazing UFO Visit in History Remains a Mystery After 84 Years

This article revisits a historical event from November 17, 1896, when an enormous spaceship reportedly flew over Sacramento, California. The San Francisco Call newspaper reported that scores of citizens witnessed an "egg-shaped" craft with a brilliant searchlight suspended beneath it. The object was described as moving slowly and leaving a volume of smoke. Frank Ross, quoted in the article, stated he was convinced it was "something out of the ordinary." Dr. Tom Crouch, curator of the Smithsonian Institution, is cited as being certain the object was a UFO, noting that dirigibles were not capable of such flight at that time and highlighting the "brilliant shining lights" as particularly difficult to achieve then.

Strange Tribe Says It Came From Space

This piece, dated December 2, 1980, from World Weekly News, reports on the Torajas tribe in Indonesia. Explorer Lawrence Blair discovered that the natives believe their ancestors came from the Pleiades constellation via starships. Their homes are built in the shape of flying saucers, and they bury their dead in spaceship replicas to send them to their ancestral home. The tribe's religious ceremonies focus on this extraterrestrial heritage. Dr. Blair, an anthropologist, notes that the tribe's sacred site is where they believe their ancestors first landed.

Flying Object Baffles Forest River Woman

A report from the Grafton, N.D., Record on January 10, 1981, details a sighting by a Forest River woman who saw an object speeding over her farm. She described it as leaving a thin white vapor trail and appearing to be moving erratically, possibly in a nosedive, and making no noise. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration and Grand Forks Air Force Base had no reports of unusual activity, though they offered possible explanations involving aircraft, including a tanker from a B-52 formation. The woman expressed doubt about it being an airplane and stated she would no longer scoff at UFO claims.

UFO Spotted Near Eustis

This report from the North Platte, Neb., Telegraph on January 17, 1981, describes a sighting by Mrs. Steve Frazier and others near Eustis. They observed a blue and white alternating light that changed shape, hovering soundlessly for about an hour before disappearing into the southern sky. The phenomenon was witnessed by 10 people, including a deputy sheriff.

Twin Tales of Strange Sight

This article from the Hartford, Ky., Times on January 8, 1981, focuses on the accounts of two six-year-old twin boys, Jason and Jesse Williams, who reported seeing "silver things" and "little triangle things" in the sky on December 28. Jesse described one object looking like a bomb or missile. While their mother initially dismissed their story, a newspaper article prompted her to give it more attention. Reports of strange lights over the Olaton area had come from several residents, including a police officer.

Woman Says Flying Saucer Hovered Over W-G Plant

This report from The Evening Gazette on January 8, 1981, details Florence L. Dion's sighting of a flying saucer hovering over the Wyman-Gordon Co. plant in Worcester, Massachusetts. She described it as circular with a hood and flickering silver-white lights on the rim. She had previously seen flying saucers in the area. Airport officials stated they had no radar capable of detecting such objects, and a U.S. Weather Service meteorologist confirmed no objects were recorded on radar. The article also lists several national organizations that investigate UFO sightings.

UFO Spotted in Edwall Area

This report from the Spokane, Wash., Daily Chronicle on January 22, 1981, covers a sighting by Arlie Eaton near Edwall. Eaton reported seeing a very bright light that seemed to light up the ground and remained stationary before moving northerly, leaving two streams of red light behind. He intended to report the sighting to the UFO Research Center in Seattle.

3 Youngsters' Sight 'UFO' in Seymour

This report from the Ansonia, Conn., Sentinel on January 12, 1981, details a sighting by three Seymour youngsters who claimed to have spotted a "flying saucer" hovering over Great Hill. They described it as round and dark-colored with a long tail, making a "low roaring sound." The object reportedly disappeared and reappeared for about half an hour. The boys were frightened but noted that nothing happened.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects and the discrepancies between witness accounts and official explanations. The magazine consistently highlights cases where ordinary explanations like aircraft or atmospheric phenomena are insufficient to satisfy the observers. There's an emphasis on detailed witness testimony, often presenting it as credible evidence of anomalous aerial activity. The historical context, particularly the 1896 Sacramento event, suggests a long-standing pattern of such phenomena. The inclusion of reports from various geographical locations and the mention of UFO reporting organizations indicate a broad interest in documenting and investigating these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, giving voice to witnesses and exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown aerial craft, while acknowledging the challenges in definitively proving such claims.

This issue of the NATIONAL ENQUIRER, dated February 3, 1981, features a prominent cover story detailing a mass UFO sighting that occurred on November 18, 1980, over northern Missouri and Kansas. The magazine is identified by its volume number '18' and includes a price of $0.50.

Main Cover Story: Hundreds Spot Gigantic UFO As It Cruises Over 2 States

The lead article reports on a massive UFO sighting that spanned over northern Missouri and Kansas for more than four hours on November 18, 1980. Hundreds of people, including several police officers, witnessed the event. One man, Rick Hull, managed to photograph what appeared to be 'windows to a cockpit' on the object. People in at least 22 towns reported seeing the UFO, which was described as triangular or bullet-shaped with one red and two very bright white lights, resembling headlights.

The UFO was observed to criss-cross slowly between the two states and was tracked on radar. At one point, it ejected several glowing objects described as 'satellites,' which were round and had a bluish glow. Observers were particularly awed by the object's spectacular size, with one witness, Don Leslie, a welder, stating it was 'at least as big as a football field.' Roger Bennett compared its size to a B-52 bomber looking like a Piper Cub, and described it as bullet-shaped, 'like a big fat cigar.'

Bennett also reported hearing a faint rumbling when the object passed directly overhead and noted that it was traveling from east to west. Before disappearing above some clouds, the object ejected about six smaller, fan-shaped objects.

Rick Hull, who is taking a photography class, managed to capture a photograph of the object. He described the UFO as having lights that appeared like 'cabin lights, like lights coming out of the windows of an airplane.' His wife, Karla, also observed the object through binoculars, describing it as delta or triangular-shaped with two bright lights and a red beacon light on the underside. She noted that it passed directly over their house.

Buddy Hannaford, a music teacher, also saw the 'cockpit' with lights.

An ENQUIRER check with military bases in the area revealed no air activity that could account for the sightings. Franklin West, a technician at a Federal Aviation Administration installation near Kirksville, Mo., saw the object on his radar scope. He estimated its speed at about 45 miles per hour and stated, 'I am saying it was an unidentified flying object (UFO) because I couldn't identify it.'

Local newspaper reporter Hank Janssen of Kirksville confirmed that 'hundreds of people saw the object' and that it was flying so slowly it was visible to anyone.

Adair County Sheriff's Deputy Charles Cooper expressed amazement at the object's movement, noting it 'went in the opposite direction without turning around.' Missouri Highway Patrolman Bob Lober initially thought it was a helicopter until it flew backward, stating, 'I don't know of any helicopter that will fly backwards.' Another Highway Patrolman, Mike Leavene, added, 'I've never seen anything like it before.'

Other Articles and Content

The issue also contains several other articles related to UFO sightings from different locations and time periods:

• "Mountman's strange sightings over bay" (The Cornishman, September 18, 1980): This article details sightings by Mr. John Mathew, an 81-year-old man who has observed strange lights over Mounts Bay over several years, starting in July 1977. He describes the lights as being in the shape of a round-bottomed cone with a larger light at the tip and on the rounded bottom. His wife has also seen the lights. He notes the object moved in an easterly direction, unlike a star.

• "UFO sighted on top of mountain" (Weekly Argus, September 25, 1980): This piece reports on over twenty workers at a Rogerstone factory who saw a UFO resting on Twm Barlwm mountain. Arthur Moore described it as a 'massive, white, oblong object' like a 'double-decker bus.' It glowed white and seemed to blend into the background before getting bigger. Other employees, Les Brown, described it as a 'silver, oval dome made of aluminium.'

• "Did Kirton brothers see UFO?" (Scunthorpe Star, September 26, 1980): John and Mark Eccles reported seeing a bright orange light in the sky near Kirton. They described it as similar to a sodium street light, appearing above trees and then disappearing. It reappeared later, seeming to swivel and move slowly towards them before vanishing. They were mystified and stated it was not a propelled aircraft.

• "Ashford sightings involved - Scientist has new UFO twist" (Eatan Ville Wash Dispatch, November 26, 1980): This article introduces a new theory from Dr. M.A. Persinger, a professor of Neuroscience at Laurentian University, who suggests that unusual lights, termed 'earthquake lightning,' may be an explanation for UFO sightings. These lights are caused by electromagnetic fields produced by the earth's crustal strain preceding earthquakes. Persinger's theory links these phenomena to increased reports of flu, irritability, lethargy, and animal deformities in areas associated with UFO reports and earthquake activity.

• "CON'T UFO TWIST" (Continued from page 3): This section elaborates on Persinger's theory, noting that UFO reports become more frequent one to six months before increased earthquake activity. The multi-colored lights often appear along river beds, fault lines, or near high tension wires. Persinger states that about 50 percent of non-hoax UFO reports are associated with increased earthquake activity. He also mentions that these phenomena have been observed for centuries and called by various names.

• "Was this UFO from another world?" (Wigan Observer, November 13, 1980): A letter from Miss A. E. J. Wright describes seeing stationary lights from her home on October 29/30, which she initially thought was a plane but realized it was not due to its prolonged stationary position and gradual shrinking to the appearance of a bright star. The lights were blue with the top one changing to red, possibly revolving. She questions if a plane could remain visible for so long or rise so high without being from an airport. She also mentions a large aircraft passing in front of the object.

• "UFOs haunt town" (National Examiner, December 16, 1980): This article reports on over 60 UFO sightings in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, over four years. Residents believe there is 'something going on' and that the sightings are too credible to be dismissed. Mysterious red lights and brightly colored cylindrical objects have been seen, with some landing on lonely mountain roads. A couple reported seeing a yellowish-blue saucer hovering at treetop level. Police and authorities have also witnessed these phenomena, and one resident, Robert Giglio, claims to have taken authentic photos of a strange light.

• "Residents sight three more UFOs" (Payson Ariz. Rim Country News, January 16, 1981): This article details three more UFO sightings in the Payson area. Deputy Loyce Hamlin reported seeing 'four shiny disks.' Painter Bud Farmer saw a 'fireball' that moved erratically and then disappeared. Diana Iles, a student, saw 'lights and stuff' appearing in various places in the sky near the Verde River Bridge. Tommie Woolwine reported seeing two objects flying one on top of the other.

• "AS I SEE IT" (Saxton Pa. Broad Top Bulletin, January 21, 1981): The editor discusses rumors of UFO sightings in the Broad Top area and encourages residents to share their experiences. The article references a story about a strange flying object that followed a car and another tale of a landing in a field with burned grass, suggesting that these phenomena, when seen by many people, are worth investigating.

• "UFOs are sent by God to save mankind, say experts" (Weekly World News, December 16, 1980): This article presents a theory by scientist John Paul Oswald and UFO investigator Thomas Norvin that angels are piloting UFOs with the mission to save humanity from nuclear war. Oswald, a chemist and former NICAP investigator, spent four years developing a thesis to prove the angelic nature of UFOs. Dr. Barry Downing, pastor and author, agrees with Oswald, stating that angels will impose God's peace and justice. Ferwerda suggests UFOs will invade Earth by 1982. The article also references biblical accounts of angelic intervention.

• "U.F.O. sighted in Clifton area by many" (Willcox Ariz. Arizona Range News, December 25, 1980): This report details sightings of an unidentified flying object in Clifton, Arizona. Witnesses described it as triangular with several rows of lights, reddish in color, and appearing to circle the area before heading toward New Mexico and then returning. It was described as large, low, and quiet, with a soft, dull jetlike sound. The object's lights changed configuration, and it was seen moving 'sideways' and shaped like a kite or diamond.

• "Space creature's dazzling visit bewilders farm couple" (World of the Unusual, Lantana Fla., January 20, 1981): This brief report describes an incident where a farm couple in rural Waukomia, Okla., were terrified by a visitor from outer space who disappeared in a blinding flash aboard a UFO. The couple experienced identical dreams of a strange man standing over their bed. Police and Air Force officials were unable to explain the event.

• "LET'S HAVE TRUTH ABOUT UFO'S" (Barnsley Chronicle, October 31, 1980): This article, part of a series, discusses the phenomenon of UFO sightings in Barnsley. It mentions a specific incident 15 years prior where four men saw a dome-shaped object land on a golf course. The article also lists more recent sightings in Wortley, Wath, Darton, and Kendray. The Aetherius Society believes some sightings are of intelligently guided craft here to help humanity and suggests an official cover-up. The article lists common explanations for flying saucers and criticizes the explanations for a New Zealand sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles include the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions for the objects (shapes, lights, sizes), the involvement of multiple witnesses including credible individuals like police officers and technicians, and the ongoing mystery surrounding their origin and purpose. Several articles touch upon the scientific investigation of UFOs, with one presenting a theory linking sightings to earthquake activity and another suggesting an angelic origin. The general stance of the publications appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, often with a sense of wonder and a desire for explanation, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for credible evidence. The National Enquirer's cover story, in particular, emphasizes the scale and impact of a single, significant sighting.

This issue of the Las Vegas Nevada Sun, dated December 19, 1980, features a prominent cover story titled "LV Airplane Downed By UFO." The magazine also includes articles from various other publications, primarily focusing on UFO sightings and related phenomena from late 1980 and early 1981.

LV Airplane Downed By UFO

The main cover story details an incident on Thursday where a Las Vegas pilot, Ronnie Freeman, and his teenage passenger narrowly escaped injury after their Cessna 172 collided with an unidentified object. The object, described as "just a stick," ripped off part of the right wing, causing the plane to spin uncontrollably from 5,000 feet. Freeman managed an emergency landing at North Las Vegas Airport. Air traffic controllers at McCarran International and North Las Vegas airports were baffled, and a formal investigation was announced. A Nellis Air Force Base spokesman stated no Nellis-based aircraft or missiles were in the area. Freeman, a pilot for Omni Airlines, was on a pleasure flight when the accident occurred two miles west of Lone Mountain. He described the impact as severe, stating, "God just didn't want me to die." The North Las Vegas Airport lacks radar, but controllers contacted Palmdale for emergency response. No other airborne incidents were reported.

UFO County, USA

This article from the Examiner, dated January 27, 1981, highlights Anderson County in western South Carolina, which has earned the nickname "Flying Saucer County" due to numerous UFO sightings. The article presents several eyewitness reports from the region:

• October 1975, Seneca, S.C.: Alvin and Brenda Land reported seeing three glowing objects flying in formation, which separated and regrouped at lightning speed.
• November 1975, Williamtown, S.C.: Janice Mullnax spotted a glowing UFO that disappeared into a nearby forest.
• January 1976, Junction of I-85 and S.C. Route 24: Three people witnessed a zigzagging, flashing UFO that rose straight up.
• January 1976, Norris, S.C.: Two policemen observed a rapidly moving red UFO flying 150 feet above the ground.
• August 1977, near S.C. Route 287: Four residents saw a brightly lit "saucer" traveling across the night sky.

The article notes that these objects travel slowly, quickly, up, down, and hover.

Strange Craft Sighted in Culpeper

This report from The Progress (Charlottesville, VA), dated January 17, 1981, details a sighting in Raccoon Ford, Culpeper County, Virginia. Witnesses Ronnie Norman, Wanda Deese, and Robert Lane described seeing "damn lights" that flooded down, appearing as "big, red glowing torches." The lights glowed for a while, then went black for about 45 minutes before reappearing. They were described as "balls of floating fire" that moved without a clear pattern and seemed to disappear rather than take off. John DeVivi, a photographer, identified a 14-foot-in-diameter circular patch of field that appeared burned, suggesting it was where the craft touched down. DeVivi believed it warranted further investigation.

2 pilots report UFO menaced their plane

This UPI report from The Cleveland Press, dated February 13, 1981, describes an encounter over San Jose Municipal Airport, California. Pilots Gary Rounds and Charles Shackleford reported a close encounter with an unidentified flying object about 10 feet in diameter, emitting a bright red, pulsating light. The object was also seen by two airport controllers but was not detected on radar. The object reportedly headed straight for their plane during landing and takeoff practice, prompting the pilots to climb. It then appeared behind them before speeding away at an extremely high rate of speed.

'Nuff Sed

This column by Sam, from the Safford Arizona Eastern Arizona Courier, dated January 14, 1981, discusses the concept of delayed reaction to news, particularly UFO reports. The author shares a letter from a rancher in the San Simon area who, after reading a December story about a UFO sighting in Clifton, decided to report a similar experience from 1978. The rancher and his wife saw a craft over their ranch but did not report it. They provided a sketch, which was forwarded to the Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization in Tucson. The author expresses a desire for concrete evidence and encourages readers to share their experiences.

Plane...2...or what?

This article from the Willcox Arizona Arizona Range Nelos, dated January 1, 1981, recounts a sighting by Lucy Catano and her family. On December 19, they observed lights moving slowly across the sky, described as white lights in the back and red lights in the front, which did not blink like airplane lights. Catano's husband initially suggested it might be two airplanes fueling, but after reading about the Clifton UFO sighting, they reconsidered. They saw the lights moving across the sky with no sound.

UFO spotted near Edwall

From the Wenatchee Wash. World, dated January 22, 1981, this report details Arlie Eaton's sighting of a bright white light near Edwall, Washington. The light stood still before speeding away in a trail of red lights. Eaton initially thought it was a low-flying plane but became uneasy and observed it for several minutes. He contacted the Grant County sheriff's office and was advised to contact the FAA.

Two lights 'hovered' in the sky

This article from the Kent Evening Post Maidstone, dated January 26, 1981, introduces Maureen Hall, the National Investigative Co-ordinator of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). Hall, who became involved with UFOs in her teens after seeing two objects, describes her progression to investigator. She recounts a sighting four years prior while on duty as a part-time police officer, where she and another officer observed two orange lights maneuvering at treetop height. Hall emphasizes that investigators must remain open-minded and not assume UFOs are extraterrestrial visitors. She notes that 95% of sightings can be attributed to man-made objects or natural phenomena, leaving 5% for more unusual cases. Hall has issued a challenge to authorities to disclose information, suggesting that if UFOs are military devices, investigations would cease, but otherwise, the possibility of visitors from other places in space or time remains.

The Janos encounter

Published in the Sunday Mercury Birmingham on January 18, 1981, this article details a "close encounter of the fourth kind" experienced by the John and Gloria Mann family in Gloucestershire. While driving home, they encountered a brilliant white light that loomed ahead, revealing a massive saucer-shaped object with colored lights. They later discovered they had taken an unfamiliar route and arrived home an hour late. Odd bruise marks and heat rashes were found on their legs. John and his sister later dreamed of being taken up into a spaceship and examined by beings from a planet called Janos, who had fled their home after an atomic disaster and were seeking a new one. A book titled "The Janos People" by Frank Johnson is mentioned.

I saw blue 'football' in sky

This report from the Sunday Mercury Birmingham, dated January 11, 1980, features a sighting by James Bromley in Ladywood, Birmingham. He described seeing a large, perfectly round, brilliant electric blue object, like a "football," glowing in the sky. It remained stationary for about four minutes before shooting off at terrific speed towards Birmingham, leaving a yellowish tail.

Mark sees UFO over Broomhill

This article from the Keighley News Yorkshire, dated November 28, 1980, reports on 13-year-old Mark Adams spotting "strange lights" over Broomhill, Keighley. He described them as red, green, and white lights traveling from southwest to northeast at great speed, without sound. He questioned if anyone else saw the object.

UFO reports cause a stir

From the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, dated December 27, 1980, this brief report mentions strange lights seen on Christmas night. British UFO Research Association Officer Tony Pace suggested they were "almost certainly a meteor."

Mystery of the lights on the 18th

This report from the Hereford Times, dated January 2, 1981, details a sighting by a golfing party at Kington Golf Club. They reported seeing five bright car headlights (two above, three underneath) in the sky about ten or 12 miles away. The lights were stationary for about ten minutes before vanishing. Other witnesses included Dennis Bird, Ken Bole, and Louis Avenin.

MYSTERY LIGHTS IN THE SKY

From the Isle of Thanet Gazette, dated January 3, 1981, this article describes several Thanet residents viewing what may have been satellites breaking up on Christmas Eve. Amateur astronomer John Stanley saw four objects with fairly long trails that disappeared.

Mystery of UFO

This report from the Rhyl Journal Advertiser, dated December 18, 1980, mentions Phill Williams of Llysfaen observing a large white star over Prestatyn that changed to deep orange before disappearing. He thought it might be a UFO.

Riddle of lights in the sky

This Oxford Mail (Evening) article from January 13, 1981, discusses puzzling bright lights over Oxfordshire. Reports from Witney and Abingdon supported a sighting over Benson. Dave and Jane Storer saw an object that flashed and changed color. A teenage couple saw a multi-colored object that became oval-shaped and emitted a yellow jet.

UFOs – JUST METEORITES

This Western Morning News Plymouth article from December 30, 1980, concludes that moving lights seen in Devon and Cornwall were a meteorite shower, not UFOs, based on observations from the British Astronomical Society and the Institute of UFO Studies.

UFO sighting from the past

This Western Telegraph Haverfordwest article from January 8, 1981, features Mrs. Nellie Thomas defending UFOs against accusations of being dangerous. She recounts her late husband's 1952 encounter near Castlemartin, where he spoke with spacecraft inhabitants who expressed concern about Earth's self-destruction. She believes they were friendly and that her husband's account is "Untarnished truth."

FIREBALLS IN SUSSEX NIGHT

This Adur Herald, Sussex article from January 2, 1981, reports on a brilliant fireball seen on Christmas night. Experts identified it as a Russian rocket used to launch the satellite Cosmos 749.

Mystery remains

This Nottingham Evening Post article from January 6, 1981, discusses an interim report from the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society on sightings in the Ashbourne area of Derbyshire in August 1980. Witnesses described a large, oval-shaped object moving horizontally, or as the size of a medium-sized aircraft at 1,500 ft. Another sighting at Shirley, Derbyshire, was described as a "big jumbo jet" with lights.

Witness is sought after UFO sighting

From the Nottingham Evening Post, January 5, 1981, this article reports a motorist claiming to have seen a "red oval light" move towards his vehicle near Hartshorne, Derbyshire. The Nottingham UFO Investigation Society is seeking a second witness.

Couple's star turn

This Oxford Mail article from January 12, 1981, describes a Berinsfield couple, Stuart and Denise Pledge, who spotted a UFO flashing brightly over Benson. They described the light as stationary for almost an hour, changing color from blue, pink, orange, and white. They contacted Abingdon police, who in turn contacted RAF Benson.

Yellow light ruled out as UFO sighting

This Southern Evening Echo Southampton article from January 7, 1981, states that a mysterious yellow light seen near Basingstoke was likely an ordinary aircraft, according to RAF Odiham. A witness, however, was convinced it was not an aircraft.

UFO SIGHTINGS WILL BE UNDER REVIEW

This Nottingham Evening Post article from January 2, 1981, announces that a report on recent UFO sightings in the East Midlands will be discussed at a meeting of the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society. The report covers sightings in the Ashbourne area and has been collated into an 80-page review with contributions from 37 independent witnesses.

UFO seen over Forest?

This Gloucester Citizen article from January 7, 1981, reports a Cinderford man, Albert Chamberlain, believing he saw a UFO in the sky on his way to work. He described the object as not a plane or helicopter and wondered if anyone else saw it.

Another woman also saw UFO

This Hertfordshire Mercury article from January 23, 1981, details a HODDESDON woman, Mrs. Marion Phelps, claiming to have seen an unidentified flying object hovering over Hertford Heath on January 5. She described it as a "cigar shaped" object with a red light and a white light that disappeared. She noted the lights did not stay the same distance apart as plane tail-lights would.

FLARE THEORY ON UFO

This Nottingham Evening Post article from January 20, 1981, discusses a UFO seen over Eastwood by two witnesses, which the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society identified as a possible red distress flare. The object was described as a "red-orange sphere" that was round and had the brightness of the sun, "dropping from view in a controlled manner." Three other witnesses came forward, one of whom saw the object apparently land in a field. The police were notified of the society's findings.

Riddle of the strange UFOs

This Oxford Mail article from January 17, 1981, reports on star-gazers being puzzled by strange bright lights in the sky over Oxfordshire. Mrs. Nancy Burnage and her son Nigel reported seeing a "very bright dome-shaped object" that emitted a "searchlight beam." It was moving very fast and vanished within a minute or two.

'SPINNING TOPS' OVER GEDLING...

This Nottingham Evening Post article from November 25, 1980, reports five people in Gedling claiming to have seen two "spinning top" UFOs hovering over the village. The multi-colored objects were described as "twice as big as the biggest star" and had been seen on three previous occasions.

Bignall End UFO sighting

This Staffordshire Evening Sentinel article from January 15, 1981, describes Jim Sharples seeing a "brilliant white light" revolving in the sky in Bignall End. He described it as being like a searchlight that kept sending flashes and seemed to be inside a semi-circular craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the persistent reports of unidentified flying objects and strange lights in the sky, often accompanied by eyewitness accounts and attempts at investigation by local or specialized groups. The editorial stance across these publications appears to be one of reporting these phenomena, often with a degree of skepticism or by offering conventional explanations (meteorites, aircraft, flares), but also acknowledging the unexplained nature of some sightings and the public's fascination with them. There is a clear effort to document these events, even if definitive answers are not always provided. The articles often highlight the difficulty in obtaining concrete evidence and the challenges faced by investigators.

This issue of the Evening Chronicle, dated December 31, 1980, focuses on reports of unusual aerial phenomena. The cover story details "Strange lights seen over Tyneside," with a secondary headline posing the question, "The greatest news story of the century?" referencing the Roswell Incident and dated January 15, 1981, suggesting a broader scope of UFO-related content.

Strange Lights Over Tyneside

The main article on the cover reports sightings of "blue-white lights" over Tyneside and Wearside on the evening of December 31, 1980. Sales representative Reg Chapman of Gosforth described a group of lights appearing from behind clouds, moving fast in a straight line in an "arrow head-type formation." He counted 12 or 13 lights, which moved faster than any jet fighter but faded away. His wife, son, and sister-in-law also witnessed the event. Constable Keith Bottomley of Hexham police reported seeing eight to ten bright lights high in the sky, travelling very fast and leaving a fluorescent trail. An RAF spokesman suggested that two or three meteorites were expected to enter the Earth's atmosphere around that time, implying these lights were likely meteorites, though some witnesses expressed doubt.

The Greatest News Story of the Century? The Roswell Incident

A significant portion of the magazine delves into the Roswell Incident of July 1947. The article recounts how an unknown object was seen flying at high speed and low altitude near Roswell, New Mexico, followed by an explosion during an electric storm. Wreckage was found on the ground, and the craft reportedly flew on before crashing. Six humanoids, described as being between 2ft and 4ft tall, were found in the wreckage, with one surviving briefly. The story claims that the US Air Force initially stated it was a weather balloon, and the wreckage and bodies were subsequently "whisked off" and kept secret. It is alleged that the saucer and occupants' bodies are under high security at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

The article highlights the controversy surrounding the Roswell Incident, noting the arguments generated in scientific, government, and legal circles. It mentions ongoing civil actions by two UFO groups in America seeking to release documents related to this and other incidents under the Freedom of Information Act. These actions include charges of media suppression, withholding files, muzzling witnesses, and hiding information under outdated security classifications.

The book "The Roswell Incident" by Charles Berlitz and William Moore (Granada Publishing, £5.95) is cited as piecing together the story from various sources, acknowledging that many details are lost due to the 34-year gap since the event.

USAF Attempts to Replicate Saucer Technology

The article suggests that the USAF attempted to copy the saucer technology. Between 1954 and 1959, approximately ten million dollars were spent to develop the AV-9 AVRO craft. This project was described as a "monumental flop," with the craft barely getting off the ground and exhibiting unstable flight characteristics.

'Intelligence' and Legal Battles

A prestigious Washington D.C. law firm is handling the Air Force suit at a reduced fee for the "public interest." The CIA case is being managed by a New York law firm that has reportedly secured information that the CIA possesses 57 secret files "to protect intelligence sources," but suspects there are at least 200 more. The article notes that, according to the Air Force, the AV-9 AVRO craft project was the furthest anyone had gotten in attempting to force saucer shapes to conform to aerodynamic principles.

Other UFO Sightings and Reports

Beyond the Tyneside lights and the Roswell Incident, the magazine includes several other brief reports of UFO sightings from various regional newspapers:

• Worcester Evening News (Nov 15, 1980): Reports of "strange flying objects" over the Vale of Evesham, described as circular silver objects hovering at 200-300 feet and then shooting off quickly.
• Yorkshire Evening Post (Nov 22, 1980): Bus driver David Caines reported seeing a white flicker, irregular then regular, with a black spot above it, near South Hiendley.
• Bournemouth Evening Echo (Nov 14, 1980): Nine-year-old Anthony Rayment and his friends reported seeing a bizarre flying object while playing soccer. It was described as round with lumps, a black ring, and changing colors (red, yellow, blue), with a black pole and light emerging from it. They claimed it was about 19 feet from them.
• Sunday Independent (Nov 23, 1980): Mrs. Mary White reported seeing a brilliant white "blob" of light with a tail at dusk, which was far larger than any plane and flew lower and faster than anything she had ever seen.
• South Devon Times (Nov 13, 1980): Mr. Erie Maurice, leader of the Plymouth Pet U.F.O. Organisation, reported a doctor and his wife who saw a "silver, glowing, pencil-shaped object" between Halwell and Harbertonford. The object appeared in front of them, caused their car to malfunction and stop, and hovered motionless about a couple of hundred feet in the air without noise.
• Sheffield Morning Telegraph (Jan 15, 1981): This article, likely a review or related piece, highlights the frustration in UFO accounts and suggests that if the Roswell crash story is true, it represents the "greatest news story of the century," comparable to Columbus' discovery of America.
• Peterborough Advertiser (Dec 31, 1980): Reports of "strange lights" on Christmas night over Peterborough and Northampton, described as UFO-like shapes resembling cigars or rockets. Photographer David Lowndes saw a long streak of light but believed it was a shooting star, though many others reported sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the enduring mystery surrounding the Roswell Incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena and the controversies they generate, while also presenting official explanations like meteorites. The inclusion of multiple newspaper clippings from different regions suggests a broad interest in UFO reports across the UK. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting the Roswell Incident as a potentially significant, yet suppressed, historical event, as indicated by the headline and the detailed account provided. There is an underlying tone of skepticism from official sources contrasted with the persistent reports from witnesses and the legal efforts to uncover more information.