APCIC - Vol 06 No 04 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue Date: April 1981
Volume: 6, No. 4
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

This issue of UFO News presents a collection of reports and investigations into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, drawing from various newspaper clippings and witness testimonies. The publication is produced by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, with Harry R. Cohen serving as editor and S. Mac Williams as assistant editor. It features foreign correspondents from several countries and details subscription rates.

Key Articles and Reports

Kite-like UFO Sighted Over City (Bucyrus, Ohio)

This article, originally from the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum (March 4, 1981), details a sighting by numerous south end Bucyrus residents of a brightly colored object hovering for over an hour at an altitude of about one mile. John Gebhardt, a local insurance agent, provided a description and sketch of the object, which he described as "kite-like" and having a green body with yellow ribbing and bright red accents. Tom Moore of WBCO radio also witnessed the event. While police noted no reports, observers suggested it could be a large, space-age kite. The object was described as cylindrical with molded edges and eerie bright hues.

Farmer Says He Saw UFO (St. John, Kansas)

This report from the Hutchinson Kans. News (March 9, 1981) features Colen Hoover, a 72-year-old farmer, who claims to have seen an unidentified flying object on February 20th. Awakened by his dog, Hoover observed a "strange meteoroid" traveling north at high speed, which he later determined was not a meteoroid due to its cruising travel. He described it as having a crystal white bright head followed by a turquoise blue tail, lasting about four seconds. Hoover, who considers himself a scientist of sorts and has training in weather observation, questioned his own experience and initially withdrew a letter to the editor. He speculated it could have been a military jet but also considered the possibility of a disturbed static electricity field. He noted an automobile accident in Cairo on the same night and wondered if the driver had also witnessed the UFO. Hoover believes in predestination and visions, recalling a past vision of a plane crash that later occurred. He also expressed a belief in the possibility of interplanetary travel and the vastness of the universe.

Investigators Eye 'Close Encounter' (New Caney, Texas)

This article from the Conroe Texas Courier (February 23, 1981) by Cathy Gordon details an investigation into a "Close Encounter" incident involving Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum near New Caney on December 29th. The two women experienced a blinding object hovering above treetops, accompanied by a throbbing headache and burning sensation. Bill English, an investigator with the Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization (APRO), described it as an "incredible yet unimpeachable case." English has been investigating the sighting in conjunction with NASA and has found corroborating witnesses. He noted that Betty Cash's symptoms are typical of radiation poisoning. While hesitant to label the object "extraterrestrial," English favors that possibility. He has checked with airbases near Houston and the Pentagon but found no record of 23 helicopters dispatched to the area, as reported by Cash. English speculates the helicopters might have been unmanned probes. He also mentioned that the object's shape was undefined due to a blinding light, a common description in UFO reports. Allen Menz, another APRO investigator, believes the government knows more than it reveals.

UFOs Linked to Quakes (San Jose, California)

This report from the Milpitas Cal. East San Jose Sun (February 25, 1981) connects recent UFO sightings at San Jose Airport with mysterious earthquake-related phenomena. County Geologist Jim Berkland suggests that earthquakes can cause quartz rocks to rub together, producing electricity that manifests as balls of light, a phenomenon known as triboluminescence. Berkland confirmed this theory, though he noted no quakes were reported at the time of the airport sighting. He also mentioned his "seismic window" theory, which links quakes to lunar cycles and planetary alignments. Berkland also considers animal behavior, like that of lost cats, as potential indicators of such electrical phenomena. Historical evidence suggests a correlation between UFO reports and earthquakes, citing numerous reports on June 29, 1947, during a period of several earthquakes.

Housewife Watches Calf Mutilation Aboard UFO

This article from the Weekly World News details an eyewitness account from Judy Doraty of suburban Houston, Texas, who, under hypnosis, recounted witnessing aliens mutilate a calf aboard a UFO in 1973. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a UFO expert, hypnotized Doraty to elicit the details. Doraty described a bright light and a calf being taken into a small, round chamber where it was cut apart. She then described two "little men" with funny hands, long claw nails, and large, hypnotic eyes. The aliens reportedly stated they were performing the examination for the good of mankind. Incredibly, Doraty's 5-year-old daughter, Cindy, was then examined briefly. Both mother and daughter were returned to their car, with no memory of the event. Dr. Sprinkle believes Doraty's account is truthful.

Flying Saucers Hover Over Elvis' Tomb

This report from Modern People (Franklin Park, Ill., April 1981) details multiple sightings of unidentified flying objects over Elvis Presley's grave at Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Security guards, employees, and late-night visitors have reported at least 13 sightings since the previous fall. Orange-lit saucers have reportedly hovered as close as 20 feet, shining laser-like lights onto the tomb. A night security guard described seeing a saucer-shaped object dip from the clouds and emit a light ray. Three suburban teenagers also reported seeing a flying saucer dart down and hover over the tomb. UFO researcher Dr. Victor Clausewitz speculates that aliens might be studying Elvis' body or attempting to steal it, possibly using their powers to study a man even in death, given Elvis' significant impact on Earth.

UFO Sighting at Delphos?

This clipping from the Belleville Kans. Telescope (March 5, 1981) reports two young women in Delphos encountering a light blue fog-like object with a humming noise. They contacted the sheriff, and several other people gathered to watch what they described as whirling discs. The discs appeared to revolve counter-clockwise and at times seemed to be playing tag. The lights were visible from different locations and would appear and disappear. The sheriff saw nothing unusual and suggested the lights might be reflections from beacons at Salina.

Heavenly Daze! More UFOs Seen (Beacon, New York)

This report from the Newburgh N.Y. News (March 10, 1981) mentions two calls received by Beacon police about unusual objects in the skies above Mt. Beacon. Lt. Richard L. Williams investigated but could not spot anything. A patrol unit also scanned the skies without success. The objects were described as flying saucers.

Gigantic UFO Spies on Metal Smelting Plant (Lantana, Florida)

This report from the Lantana Fla. World News (March 17, 1981) describes a massive UFO hovering over a copper smelting plant near Morenci, Arizona. Workers repairing a stack reported the object was as big as four football fields and beamed a light ray down the stacks. One worker described it as a "boomerang-shaped flying machine." The object appeared friendly and did not frighten them. Another report mentions the UFO appearing over a football field, startling a marching band. The object was described as having red and white lights and stayed in one place before shooting off at high speed.

UFO Sighting (Sunday Independent, UK)

This report from the Sunday Independent (November 13, 1980) features a letter from Mrs. Mary White of Trewithen, Cornwall, describing a brilliant white "blob" of light with a tail seen at dusk. She noted its size was far larger than any plane and it flew lower and faster than anything she had ever seen.

Did Soccer Boys See a Real UFO? (Bournemouth, UK)

This clipping from the Bournemouth Evening Echo (November 14, 1980) recounts a sighting by nine-year-old Anthony Rayment and five friends playing soccer. They saw a bizarre flying object changing color, described as round with lumps, a black ring, and a black pole with a light. It was reportedly only about 15 feet from them.

More UFOs Spotted (Worcestershire, UK)

This report from the Worchester Evening News (November 15, 1980) mentions continued reports of UFOs over the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire.

UFO Fan Tells of 'Black Spot' (Wakefield, UK)

This report from the Yorkshire Evening Post (November 22, 1980) features David Caines, a lifelong believer in UFOs, who reported seeing a "white flicker, irregular at first and then regular, and I could see a black spot above it." He initially thought it was a helicopter but noted there was no shape to it.

UFO May Have Been a Balloon (Worcester, UK)

This report from the Evening News (November 15, 1980) suggests that two eyewitnesses who saw a mysterious flying object on Worcester's skyline might have seen a balloon. The object was described as traveling slowly with psychedelic lights. The Ministry of Defence was unaware of any planes flying over the area.

They Saw a UFO... (South Devon, UK)

This report from the South Devon Times (November 13, 1980) details a sighting by a doctor and his wife who reported a silver, glowing, pencil-shaped object that appeared in the sky. Their car malfunctioned and stopped. The object was described as bright at its center, about a couple of hundred feet in the air, with blunted ends that vibrated. It hovered motionless before vanishing.

Fairfield UFOs Similar To Michigan Sighting

This article from the Fairfield N.J. Chronicle (March 11, 1981) discusses UFO sightings in Fairfield, New Jersey, from August and September 1980. Some sightings involved "inverted bowl" or "squashed bell" shapes with a dull orange light. Investigator Dan Wright of the Mutual UFO Network is interested in these sightings due to their similarity to an incident he investigated near Laingsburg, Michigan, on March 10, 1980, involving an "oval ball" glowing pale yellow-orange. Betty Carlisle, one of the Michigan witnesses, found details in the Fairfield reports that matched her experience.

UFO Sighting Claimed by 2 (Beacon, New York)

This report from the Beacon N.Y. News (March 4, 1981) states that two local residents returning home claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object hovering in the sky. They described the object as round with three spotlights underneath and two red lights in the back, generating a humming noise. The object glided away into the night. Beacon police received no calls regarding the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations (USA and UK), the variety of reported object shapes and behaviors, and the persistent efforts of investigators to gather and analyze evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and investigative findings without immediate dismissal. There is a clear interest in documenting these events, correlating them, and exploring potential explanations, ranging from misidentification (balloons, kites) to more extraordinary possibilities like extraterrestrial visitation or connections to natural phenomena like earthquakes. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by witnesses and investigators, including skepticism and difficulty in obtaining official information.

Title: HEADLAND, ALA, OBSERVER
Issue Date: March 5, 1981
Series: First of a series
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Headland, Ala. Observer, part of a series on UFOs, presents a collection of reported sightings and related phenomena from various locations, including the Wiregrass region, Brazil, and the American Midwest. The articles feature witness testimonies, expert opinions, and investigations into unusual aerial events.

UFOs Reported Sighted Over the Wiregrass

This lead article by Rick Thomason compiles accounts from several Houston County residents who claim to have seen UFOs. These witnesses requested anonymity due to potential teasing. The sightings are described as occurring at night, often accompanied by a loud whirring sound, though exceptions exist. One detailed account describes a young married couple's encounter with a UFO while on a picnic. The object, initially dismissed as a bird, later caught the woman's eye as it hovered near their car. The couple described it as silent and effortless in its movements, keeping pace with their speeding car before disappearing and reappearing near the road.

Farmer Terrified by UFO Pilots

A Brazilian farmer, Domingos Monteiro Brito, reported a terrifying encounter where a glowing flying saucer landed, and two strange beings emerged. These beings, described as human-like, questioned him about his village and nearby uninhabited areas. Brito was paralyzed with fear and unsure if he answered. The beings returned to their craft, which was saucer-shaped, made of greyish material, and made no sound. Brito initially saw the UFO as a small bright spot that rapidly grew larger as it approached at high speed.

UFO Authority to Probe Alexandria Sighting

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an Air Force adviser for Project Blue Book and technical adviser for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," announced his intention to investigate a UFO encounter reported in Alexandria. Speaking to about 200 residents, Hynek mentioned a family who claimed contact with a UFO during a picnic. The family reported hearing a low-frequency sound and seeing a large, disc-shaped object with a blue halo of haze that caused their bodies to glow. Hynek expressed particular interest in this aspect of the report.

Hynek also noted that nearly half the audience had witnessed UFO phenomena, referring to them as the "legion of the bewildered silent." He cautioned against sensationalism, stating that while many UFO witnesses are rational, some spread outlandish tales. He used a slide presentation to discuss alien depictions in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

UFOs Cross Hudson

Reports from Newburgh, N.Y., indicate UFO sightings in the Beacon area. Henry Schipp of Newburgh described a close encounter with an object about 20 feet wide with flashing blue lights that appeared over his house early one Saturday morning. He felt a momentary weakness after the object flew by very fast. Numerous other residents in the Beacon and Cold Spring areas have also reported similar sightings. Schipp contacted Stewart Airport, but officials reported nothing unusual on their radar screens, leading Schipp to believe information might be withheld.

UFO Seen At Delphos

Two young women driving near Delphos, Kansas, encountered a lighted object described as light blue fog that made a humming noise. They contacted the undersheriff, who returned with them to the scene. By then, several other people had gathered, observing what they described as whirling discs in the sky. Undersheriff Ann Sweezer observed two discs revolving counter-clockwise, sometimes close together and sometimes apart, like they were playing tag. The lights would appear and disappear. Ottawa County Sheriff Dean Dunham suggested the lights might have been reflections from beacons at Salina.

Expert Fears Aliens Set Up Midwest Base

Herbert Meadows, a prominent ufologist from Chicago, expressed concern that a recent wave of UFO sightings in America's agricultural heartland suggests aliens are establishing a base in the Midwest, which he believes could have ominous implications. Meadows cited an incident in Greenfield, Ind., where Cathy Wilfong and Cindy Bridges witnessed a cylindrical object with intense white and red lights hovering 50 feet above ground. The next day, a perfect circle, 44 feet in diameter, was found in the Wilfongs' wheat field, with every blade crushed. Meadows stated that at least 13 other people witnessed the same phenomenon. Another incident involved Curtis Olson, who found a 50-foot diameter circle of flattened corn near Lake City, Minn., described as if scorched. Matt Metz, a county agricultural agent, noted the presence of weird footprints in the area that were neither human nor animal. Harlan Berg of Lyon County, Iowa, reported an immense swath cut through his cornfield, with four indentations found where a craft had landed. Sheriff Craig Vinson of Lyon County is convinced aliens were responsible.

Meadows believes that if aliens are preparing to attack, destroying the food source would be a strategic move.

UFO Landed Here

This section details the incident in the Wilfongs' wheat field, where a perfect circle of crushed wheat was found after Cathy Wilfong and Cindy Bridges reported seeing a cylindrical object with lights.

UFO claim at airport linked to earthquakes

This article discusses a theory proposed by County Geologist Jim Berkland, linking recent UFO sightings at San Jose Airport and Interstate 80 to a mysterious earthquake-related phenomenon. Berkland suggests that quakes can cause quartz rocks to rub together, producing electricity that manifests as balls of light. He notes that while no quakes were reported at the time of the airport sighting, the theory is plausible. Berkland also mentioned historical evidence, such as numerous UFO reports in 1947 coinciding with earthquakes.

Two pilots have close encounter with UFO

Two pilots, Gary Rounds and Charles Shackleford, practicing landing exercises near San Jose Municipal Airport, reported a close encounter with a mysterious object. They described a pulsating red light that appeared to be a craft, about 10 feet in diameter, which maneuvered at high speed. Air traffic controllers Randy Blount and Rich Gutterud also witnessed the red light, though it did not appear on radar. Blount, a veteran air traffic controller, admitted he had no explanation for the phenomenon.

'Friendly' UFO Sighted Over Morenci

Residents of the Clifton-Morenci area, Arizona, reported sightings of a large, boomerang-shaped UFO described as friendly. Witnesses, including repairmen from Phelps-Dodge, a high school band, and Sheriff Ralph Gomez, described the object as "V-shaped with lights all around it" and possessing a "searchlight." Joe Nevarez, a repairman, recounted how the UFO stopped above the smelter and shined a bright light into the smokestacks. He described the object's departure as rapid and friendly. Larry Mortenson, another witness, called it a "strange experience" and expressed a wish for the UFO to return, feeling it was not aggressive. Radar technicians at Williams and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base reported no unusual aerial phenomena.

UFO seen by police

Two Grand County, Colorado, police officers, Deputy Sheriff Roger Vance and Patrolman Mike Edler, reported seeing an unidentified flying object on March 5. Vance observed an object with blue, red, and white lights moving slowly towards the Kremmling airport. Edler confirmed seeing the lights, which appeared to be hovering. The object later moved to the Gore Pass area before the lights went out.

Reports Sighting Of UFO Near LaPlata Saturday

Ray Phipps reported seeing a large, red, glowing object in the sky near LaPlata, Missouri. Officials observed the object but could not identify it. The sighting occurred around the same time a plane was flying at a high altitude, but officials doubted the two were related.

UFO seen nearby

This article reiterates the sighting by Deputy Sheriff Roger Vance and Patrolman Mike Edler in Kremmling, Colorado, on March 5. The object was described as having blue, red, and white lights and was observed hovering before disappearing.

UFO report east of Delpha

A Delphos, Ohio, resident reported an unidentified flying object sighting on Friday the 13th. His wife and four-year-old daughter saw a "two-foot long, glowing green" object that came to the ground and disappeared in a field. Police and law enforcement officers searched the field and found nothing but a yellow plastic bag of Morton salt crystals. The Allen County sheriff's department also reportedly received similar reports.

See UFO Over Westmoreland

A Calexico, California, man and wife reported seeing a bright, slashing "down...steady" light while driving north on Highway 86. An El Centro woman traveling behind them confirmed the sighting, describing it as a "beautiful, thrilling sight...fluorescent blue-green, shaped like a bucket turned upside down." She reported the sighting to a UFO tracking station in Seattle.

Pupil's UFO shock!

Three pupils from Goyt Bank School in Offerton, England, reported seeing a strange round object with orange lights hovering and swirling in the sky before it "suddenly disappeared." The sighting is being investigated by the Manchester Aerial Phenomena Investigation Team.

An ex-bobby spots flying object

A retired policeman, Mr. Ken Ettle, reported seeing a "mystery square-shaped spaceship" hovering over Harlow, England. He described it as having various colored lights and making no noise. Ettle, who served in the Royal Naval Air Service, stated he had never seen anything like it and was convinced it was not an aircraft or satellite.

They saw a UFO fly over their house

An Attica, Michigan, family reported seeing a strange flying object over their home. They described it as having red, green, white, and amber lights, moving slowly with little noise. The object was flat and triangular-shaped with rounded corners. The Lapeer County Sheriff's Department confirmed it was the only UFO report they had received.

Police, CBer report UFO

An investigator from the Center for UFO Studies in Chicago was dispatched to Portland, Oregon, to investigate a reported sighting of an unidentified flying object by an Oregon State Police trooper, a St. Helens police officer, and a citizens band radio operator. They claimed to have seen two large orange balls hovering over the Columbia River. The CB operator transmitted a unique sound made by the object, which is being analyzed by an acoustical expert.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and potential alien encounters. The articles present a mix of witness accounts, expert opinions, and official investigations, suggesting a widespread interest in the topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events, with some articles leaning towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and others highlighting the skepticism and investigative efforts involved. The inclusion of expert analysis from ufologists and geologists indicates an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the UFO phenomenon as perceived in early 1981.

This issue of Liberty, KY. News, dated March 19, 1981, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO is seen" with the subheading "Strange object frightens Chestnut Flat Ridge folks." The publication also includes articles from various other newspapers across the United States, all reporting on UFO sightings and related investigations during March 1981. The overall theme is the reporting and investigation of unidentified flying objects.

Main Cover Story: Chestnut Flat Ridge Encounter

The lead article by Charles Pearl details an extraordinary encounter experienced by five individuals on Chestnut Flat Ridge near the Rocky Ford area of Casey County, Kentucky. Kathy and Arlin Gilpin, Roy and Judy Kirkland, and Candy and Carroll Wethington reported seeing a large, bright orange light around midnight on the preceding Wednesday.

Arlin Gilpin and his mother, Kathy, first noticed a loud noise outside their home, described as similar to an electric drill or sump pump. Arlin saw a "big bright orange light" around the ridge. Kathy Gilpin, initially thinking it was a truck, drove towards the light. She realized it was just the light itself and experienced a "real weird sensation, like the light was pulling me toward it." She managed to turn her car around, fearing she might crash.

Meanwhile, Arlin had called his aunt and uncle, Candy and Carroll Wethington, to inform them. Arlin then went outside with a gun and saw "something, but I can't really say what it was. It was like two pairs of orange eyes glowing." He shot at it, and it vanished.

When Kathy returned, Arlin and his mother went to the Wethingtons' house, where the Kirklands were also staying. Arlin felt a strange urge to go outside again and saw the light in a pine tree thicket. This time, he heard a sound, "like it was trying to talk," but couldn't make anything out. The light moved closer, and Arlin felt paralyzed, unable to pull the trigger. He described a sensation of being touched, which sent a shock through his body, though he saw nothing touch him.

Upon returning to the house, the others noticed the right side of Arlin's face was "puffed out and reddish," and his hands were "green," described as similar to faded blue jean material. Arlin's father, Esker Gilpin, arrived later and confirmed Arlin was terrified. The family calmed down around 3:30 or 4 a.m., and Arlin's appearance returned to normal the next morning.

Arlin stated he wasn't scared of what he saw but felt uneasy, not wanting to get that close again, and described the object as "anything of bodily form." Kathy Gilpin added that something was trying to pull her mind and body. Carroll Wethington reported hearing a "racket" outside and a subsequent noise, but didn't investigate further, assuming anything wanting him could come into the bedroom. Esker Gilpin, however, expressed interest, believing the event was not over and could be from the U.S. government or outer space.

Other UFO Sightings Reported in March 1981

Bessemer, Alabama

Two Bessemer police officers, Tommy Bedford and Jimmy Bates, reported seeing a bright white light on the pavement near the old airport. The light passed over their patrol car, then went out, and they saw a dark vehicle fly away. Birmingham airport control tower supervisor Andre Diggs also spotted a blip on radar shortly after, tracking it for about a minute, though he speculated it could have been a low-flying plane.

Portland, Oregon Area

Multiple reports emerged from the Portland, Oregon area concerning a "big orange ball" seen over the Columbia River near St. Helens. Oregon State Police, St. Helens Police, and a CB operator named Donald Atkin reported the sighting. The object reportedly hovered, emitted a "whining noise," and then entered the river before emerging and flying away. The sound was tape-recorded and described as unlike any aircraft engine. The Federal Aviation Administration stated they would not investigate.

Spirit Lake, Washington

Several citizens in Spirit Lake reported seeing an unusual glowing object over Mt. Spokane. The object reportedly changed colors (twinkling, turning white when climbing, red when going left, and light blue when going right) and darted about the sky at high speed.

Antique Province, Philippines

A belated report detailed an unidentified flying object sighted on February 3rd in Antique province. Numerous people, including Enrique Cepe, reported seeing a bright object streaking northwest, leaving a trail of smoke and emitting greenish rays. Emigdio O. Beriong also sighted a similar object the following evening.

Uinta County, Wyoming

A ten-year-old girl reported seeing a large, flat, white object in the Yellow Creek area that made dogs bark.

Durham, North Carolina

Susan and Keith Hilliard reported seeing two "very bright white lights" in the sky, which then turned into a string of red lights.

Victoria, Texas

Mrs. Carroll Hartzog reported an encounter with a UFO during a trip to Atlanta. She described a "very large, brightly lighted object" with alternating red and white lights, which was round and emitted a loud humming noise.

Lowell, Massachusetts

Lowell police received numerous calls about a red, white, and blue object seen hovering in the sky, which witnesses and police confirmed was not the American flag.

Omaha, Nebraska

A Douglas County sheriff's dispatcher reported a sighting of an unidentified flying object in west-central Omaha.

Sonora, California

Jim Herburger reported seeing a "huge, brilliant tubular object" on O'Byrnes Ferry Road, followed by two white saucer-shaped UFOs. He described them as being at an altitude of no higher than 500 feet. Local UFO investigator Marv Taylor called this one of the most remarkable sightings ever reported, noting the close range and unusual link-up of the craft. Garland Henington, a neighbor, also saw a round object in the sky that was not a plane. The George Bedford family reported hearing a "whirling" sound.

UFO Research and Organizations

Several articles mention the involvement of UFO research organizations. Jean Fuller, a UFO researcher in Tyler, Texas, is a member of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). MUFON is described as a non-profit organization of scientists interested in UFO phenomena. Fuller investigates reports but does not interpret them, noting that about 90% of reports are explained as natural or man-made occurrences, with the remaining 10% being of interest.

The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in Evanston, Illinois, is also mentioned. J. Allen Hynek is the founder of this eight-year-old organization, which acts as a clearinghouse for information on UFO sightings. The Center for UFO Studies investigates reports and publishes articles on UFOs. The U.S. Air Force stopped investigating UFO sightings in 1969.

Advice for UFO Spotters

Jean Fuller offers advice for individuals who spot a UFO: Don't panic, safely observe the object, and if there are multiple witnesses, each should write down their version of events and draw a picture. She also advises against trying to outrun a UFO and suggests seeking medical attention if "sunburned" during an encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these articles are the reporting of unusual aerial phenomena, the attempts to find conventional explanations, and the involvement of amateur and professional UFO investigators. The editorial stance across these publications is generally one of reporting the accounts of witnesses and the findings of investigators, without definitively concluding the nature of the objects. There is an emphasis on the unexplained aspects of the sightings and the ongoing efforts to gather data and understand these events. The articles highlight the persistent public interest in UFOs and the challenges faced by both witnesses and investigators in resolving these mysteries.

This issue, dated February 25, 1981, from San Jose, CA, Santa Clara County, focuses on the intriguing possibility that UFO sightings might be linked to seismic activity. The main headline, "Airport UFO claim linked to quakes," sets the tone for the primary article.

Airport UFO Claim Linked to Quakes

The lead article, by Robert Hof, delves into the recent UFO sightings at San Jose Airport and along Interstate 80, exploring a connection suggested by County Geologist Jim Berkland. Berkland proposes that a mysterious earthquake-related phenomenon could be responsible. He explains a theory, which he first heard on a recent "20-20" television show, that large chunks of rock, particularly quartz, rubbing together during quakes can generate electricity, manifesting as balls of light. Berkland confirmed this was possible, though he admitted he hadn't heard the theory before and noted no quakes were reported at the time of the San Jose Airport sighting.

He elaborated that anyone can create a similar effect, called triboluminescence, by rubbing two pieces of quartz together in the dark, which produces electricity and the smell of ozone. Berkland highlighted that quartz is the most common mineral globally. He is known for his "seismic window theory," which suggests earthquakes are more frequent around the full moon or when celestial bodies are aligned. His prediction methods also incorporate reports of lost pets, speculating that animals might sense these electrical phenomena.

Berkland also pointed to historical parallels, citing numerous UFO reports coinciding with several earthquakes on June 29, 1947.

UFO Seen in Sky Over Lockerbie

This section, originating from the DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY STANDARD, SCOTLAND, dated February 20, 1981, reports on a UFO sighting in Lockerbie. Residents Mrs. Isobel Longmuir and Mr. Alex Oswald are certain they saw an object that was not an aircraft.

Mrs. Longmuir described seeing a stationary, hovering object shortly before 10 p.m. It initially emitted a bright yellow light, which later turned bright red before disappearing after about a quarter of an hour. Mr. Oswald, a regular night sky observer, watched the object through binoculars for about half an hour. He noted its stationary nature and a color that shifted from a not-too-bright yellow to a glowing red before returning to yellow. He was confident it was not a star or aircraft, and mentioned the lack of sound or blinking identification lights. He also noted the absence of a distinct shape. Mr. Oswald recounted calling his son in London, who suggested it might be a satellite, but he doubted he could have seen a satellite with binoculars, emphasizing the object's peculiarity and duration of observation.

Baffling Flashes Over the Bay

This article from the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, dated March 11, 1981, details reports of mysterious flashes seen along the East Bay shoreline in Southern Alameda County. Witnesses from Marin County to the South Bay reported the phenomena.

The lights, appearing as explosions near Fremont or Union City, were visible for miles around 11 p.m. Some witnesses reported seeing flames following the flashes, but others did not. Local and federal authorities, including dispatchers from Oakland, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, San Leandro police departments, and the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, were baffled and had no reports of fires or explosions. The Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic control center in Fremont also received calls about the flashes but had no reports of unusual air traffic or downed aircraft. Naval Air Stations at Moffet and Alameda, as well as the Coast Guard, reported no unusual activity. The National Weather Service stated there was no lightning or other electrical phenomena during the prevailing rain and wind storm.

Four Report Seeing UFO

This report from SAN CLEMENTE CALIF. (ORANGE CO), dated February 12, 1981, details a UFO encounter near San Jose Municipal Airport. Two Cupertino pilots, Gary Rounds and Charles Shackleford, reported a close encounter with an unidentified flying object.

The object was described as approximately 10 feet in diameter and emitted a bright, red, pulsating light. It was also seen by two airport tower controllers but was not detected on radar. The pilots stated the object appeared to head directly for their Cessna 150 during a landing and takeoff practice. Air controllers Rich Gutterud and Randy Blount confirmed the object was coming directly at the plane, forcing an upward climb. They described the light following the plane briefly, hovering, and then departing at an extremely high rate of speed. Shackleford described the encounter as "really wild."

UFO? (Klamath Falls, OR)

This article from the KLAMATH FALLS OR. HERALD NEWS, dated March 6, 1981, discusses a sighting by two Oregon State Police troopers and Kingsley Field Tower personnel.

The troopers sighted a light blue object moving through the sky. They searched the area but found nothing. While police records classify it as a "UFO Sighting," the troopers speculate that the Oly artesians (a local term, possibly referring to a specific group or phenomenon) might be responsible. The object reportedly had a long white or light yellow tail and seemed to fall to earth near the east crest of Hogsback Mountain.

Course on UFO's at West Valley

This brief item from LOS GATOS CA, TIMES OBSERVER, dated February 17, 1981, announces a new course on UFOs offered through the West Valley College District.

The non-credit course, titled "UFO's-Forward, Backward and Inside Out," is a six-week program beginning February 20. Instructor Thomas Gates will cover the history of UFO phenomena, ancient astronauts, societal effects, and scientific investigations. The course fee is $15 and will be held on the West Valley campus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and their potential connections to natural events, particularly earthquakes. There's a clear interest in exploring scientific and historical explanations for sightings, as evidenced by the inclusion of geologist Jim Berkland's theories and the announcement of a college course on the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. The inclusion of multiple sighting reports from different locations (San Jose, Lockerbie, East Bay, Oregon) suggests a broad scope of interest in the UFO phenomenon.