APCIC - Vol 06 No 07 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 6, No. 7
Date: July 1981
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO News delves into various reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a particular focus on "balls of fire" and other strange sightings. The magazine, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.), aims to gather and disseminate information on these events.

Key Articles and Reports

"UFO Reporting Center is baffled by balls of fire" (The Birmingham News, June 11, 1981)

This article reports on a national UFO Reporting Center official, Robert Gribble, who stated that the center receives occasional reports of balls of light but has no definitive explanation. The report details a sighting by two Florence, Alabama, men on June 2, 1981, who described a "tumbling ball of fire" that was followed by a parachute and an explosion. Speculation ranged from a crashing crop-duster to a weather satellite, meteor, or ball of lightning. C.G. Stacy, one of the witnesses, described the object as looking like a "tumbling ball of fire" from which a parachute emerged.

The article also includes an account from Shirley Gean of Waterloo, Alabama, who reported seeing a "reddish pink" object with a "lighter shade of red inside a cylinder area" exactly one week prior to the June 2 sighting. Cissie Benson, a Lauderdale County highway department secretary, reported a similar stationary object a year prior, observed for 30 minutes with binoculars.

"UFO REPORT BALL'S OF FIRE" (Continuation from Page 3)

Mrs. Benson described the object she saw as "probably 50 feet in diameter, flat on the bottom and dome shaped with a red light on the bottom that would dim. Around the edge were rectangular windows." She noted the absence of noise and a distinct feeling of being watched.

Gribble mentioned that the UFO Reporting Center had only two prior UFO reports from Alabama that year: one on January 11 near Saraland, described as an "unknown object, with two large, bright white lights, moving across the sky at a high rate of speed," and another on April 13 near Cowarts, described as traveling in a "straight line, flight on a horizontal plane."

He also noted that the Southeast traditionally has fewer reported UFO sightings than other areas, with a notable surge in 1973. Currently, activity is described as quiet after a busy start to the year.

"UFO Seen Over Marysville Skies" (Marysville Calif. Appeal Democrat, June 9, 1981)

This report details an unidentified flying object sighted over Marysville skies, reported to Marysville police. Kevin McCormack, 1374 Val Drive, described the object as having "red, white and blue pulsating lights" that followed him before disappearing over a levee. Police logged the incident at 12:11 a.m. A spokesman for a UFO reporting center in Seattle stated they had received no other reports of UFO sightings in the Marysville area that night.

"UFO 'flightpath' rumours grow after sighting" (Beckenham Journal Kent, May 21, 1981)

This article speculates that Hayes and Keston could be on a regular "UFO flightpath" following a "strange sighting" by local schoolgirls. Joanne Baron, 16, and Caroline Johnston, 15, described an object with "neither animal nor human qualities" that moved slowly. They compared it to a "poltergeist that had illuminated the lower half of its body."

Mr. Timothy Good, an expert on UFOs, categorized the sighting as "interesting" and more akin to a "yeti" than a flying saucer. Mr. Ian Cheshire of Seismograph suggested a "meteorological" explanation. The incident is noted to have occurred almost 14 years after a similar sighting in May 1967, and the area is theorized to be a "ufocal" location that attracts UFOs, potentially on a "UFO alley" flightpath.

"UFO like a white ball" (Kent & Sussex Courier, May 29, 1981)

A bright white ball of light was seen over Tunbridge Wells on Bank Holiday Monday night, with similar sightings reported across the South East. Mr. Ben Scott described the object as descending diagonally on the horizon, visible for only a few seconds. He was convinced it was not a rocket or aircraft due to its slow movement. Mrs. Maureen Hall of the British UFO Research Association confirmed receiving calls about similar sightings. London's news radio station LBC also received about 50 calls.

"UFO MYSTERY" (Daily Star, London, June 18, 1981)

This brief report states that airlines were warned of a UFO sighted high over Southern England. The object, initially thought to be a weather balloon, could not be identified.

"Down-to-earth theory of UFO encounters" (Glasgow Herald, June 11, 1981)

Stuart Campbell, Scotland's investigation co-ordinator of UFO sightings, believes that many UFO encounters can be explained by ball lightning. Campbell, who does not believe in aliens or flying saucers, discussed his theories from his Edinburgh home. He cited the case of Bob Taylor, a forestry worker near Livingston, who encountered a craft with two robots emerging from it. Campbell inspected the site and ruled out a hoax. He believes ball lightning is a natural phenomenon caused by atmospheric electricity and finds it more interesting than investigating phenomena like spoon-bending.

Dr. William Charman, a physicist, confirmed that ball lightning is a "fairly well-established manifestation of atmospheric electricity," differing from ordinary lightning in its longevity. He noted that no one has a convincing explanation for its cause and it cannot be simulated in a laboratory. Charman believes ball lightning could explain some UFO sightings and may leave traces. He concludes that extra-terrestrial intelligence is the least likely explanation for UFOs.

"Mysterious Fireball Puzzles Authorities" (Florence, Ala. Times Tri-Cities, June 3, 1981)

This article details eyewitness accounts of a "ball of fire" that looked like a burning airplane or helicopter crossing Highway 20 near Florence during a thunderstorm. Officials searched for wreckage but found none. W.C. Kilpatrick described it as "on fire and it was smoking," while C.G. Stacy reported seeing a "big ball of fire" and a parachute. The possibility of ball lightning was mentioned, but authorities were unable to provide a definitive explanation. The report also notes that Florence Fire Chief Audie Hodges stated there was no evidence of a crashed plane.

"UFO reported burning as it crashed" (The Birmingham, Ala. News, June 3, 1981)

This article reiterates the Florence sighting, with authorities mystified by reports of an unidentified flying object burning during its descent. Speculation included a crashing crop-duster, weather satellite, meteor, or ball of lightning. C.G. Stacy reported seeing a "tumbling ball of fire," a parachute, and an explosion. W.C. Kilpatrick described it as a "plane or helicopter on fire" that went under a high tension power line.

"Lights, sounds in the sky draw myriad phone calls" (The Springfield Union, Springfield Mass., June 12, 1981)

Residents in Springfield and Agawam reported UFOs in the night sky. Theories included a plane advertising for a store, but witnesses found it too quiet and maneuverable. Another theory suggested the Connecticut Air National Guard was conducting night maneuvers with jet helicopters, which could explain the maneuverability and "whooshing" sounds described.

"Man who studies strange tales of the unexpected" (Glasgow Evening Times, June 1, 1981)

This profile features Malcolm Robinson, a 24-year-old who devotes his spare time to researching the paranormal, including UFOs. He has visited locations like Broadhaven, South Wales, and Livingston, Scotland, to investigate phenomena. Robinson believes that 95% of happenings can be explained, but the remaining 5% warrant serious research. He recounts the story of a woman awakened by a pulsating glow and two tall, thin figures in glowing rods at a hotel in Broadhaven. He also details Bob Taylor's encounter with a craft in the woods near Livingston, which emitted a powerful odor and left marks on the ground.

"Trio have close encounter with UFO" (Northern Echo Darlington, May 30, 1981)

Farmer Clark Stones, his wife Greta, and visitor Stan Watson reported seeing a small, shiny silver disc, about two feet across, hovering on their farm in Arkengarthdale. Greta described it as "a bit like the frisbees children play with, but very shiny." The object moved smoothly at about 5 mph before disappearing into the clouds without noise or smoke. Stan Watson, a scientific officer, drew a picture of the object and expressed bafflement.

"'UFO' riddle" (Hull Daily Mail, May 27, 1981)

A landlord in Hull reported seeing a spherical glow in the sky that split into three separate, similar-sized objects before disappearing. He described it as giving off a luminous glow similar to a good silver moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on "balls of fire" and unidentified flying objects. The magazine presents a variety of eyewitness accounts from different locations, highlighting the mystery and lack of definitive explanations for these events. Several articles explore potential explanations, with "ball lightning" being a prominent theory, particularly championed by Stuart Campbell. The publication also touches upon the broader paranormal field, with a profile on Malcolm Robinson's research into unexplained tales. The overall stance of the magazine appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, acknowledging that while many sightings may have rational explanations, a portion remains unexplained and warrants further research. The A.P.C.I.C. positions itself as a central hub for collecting and analyzing such reports.

The National Enquirer issue dated July 14, 1981, features a prominent cover story titled "Huge UFO Sends Russians Screaming Into the Streets," an exclusive report from behind the Iron Curtain. The magazine also includes several other articles detailing UFO sightings from various locations in the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside a report on alleged alien creatures.

Exclusive Report From Behind the Iron Curtain: Huge UFO Sends Russians Screaming Into the Streets

This lead article details a significant UFO event in the Soviet Union. The ENQUIRER sent a reporter to Russia to investigate claims of UFO sightings and encounters with strange phenomena. The report focuses on a spectacular UFO 'mothership' that launched smaller manned probes over Moscow, causing widespread panic among thousands of eyewitnesses. The incident, which occurred on the night of June 15, 1980, involved an 'orange-red and ball-shaped' spaceship estimated to be 300 feet across, trailing a glowing tail, and hovering over Moscow for about five minutes.

Dr. Felix Zigel, a Soviet astronomy professor and UFO investigator since 1958, provided exclusive and fascinating details. He described the event as causing a 'genuine panic,' with eyewitnesses running into the streets and even animals becoming scared. Dr. Zigel, a lecturer at the Moscow Aviation Institute, believes the larger object was a 'mother ship' and the smaller objects were probes.

One probe was described by Lieut. Col. Oleg Karyakin as saucer-shaped, 12 feet in diameter, emitting a pink glow and humming. He reported an invisible barrier prevented him from approaching it. A neighbor of his saw a small human shape in a space suit through the transparent dome of the vehicle. Another report to Dr. Zigel from Aleksandr Koreshkov, a Moscow television program director, stated that light from a probe shining through his bedroom window caused a burning sensation on his wife's arms, resulting in nasty red spots.

Despite the Soviet Air Force scrambling jet fighters, the Communist-controlled press remained silent the following day. Dr. Zigel noted that the 'mother ship' was visible for about 40 minutes, flying from west to east, and that it launched smaller bodies that scattered. He suggested that the Soviet air force's planes may have caused the mother ship and its probes to disappear.

UFOs Play Cat-and-Mouse With Russian Jets in Arctic

This article, also part of the exclusive report from behind the Iron Curtain, details a Soviet scientist's account of military confrontations with UFOs. Professor Felix Zigel is cited as the source, who has analyzed some 20,000 UFO sighting reports. The incident described occurred on October 22, 1980, when Capt. Vladimir Dubstov spotted a gigantic, circular UFO, 900 feet in diameter, hovering over the Arctic Ocean. The object had a cone of light protruding downward and showed no sign of life. As Dubstov approached, his instruments went haywire, and he began to lose altitude.

The UFO then accelerated at incredible speed. Professor Zigel believes the polar region is a gateway for extraterrestrial ships. He also mentioned that on June 14, 1980, a Soviet jet fighter engaged an alien craft of similar size, which played a 'cat-and-mouse' game before disappearing. Professor Zigel is convinced that these alien spaceships are under orders not to engage in battle. He also recounted the experience of Arkady Apraksin, a Soviet airman who encountered a cigar-shaped UFO. The craft fired a 'fan-shaped beam' that blinded Apraksin and killed his engine, forcing him to glide to a landing.

What Space Aliens Really Look Like

This section features Professor Felix Zigel's evaluation of space creatures and spacecraft visiting Russia. He describes three types of beings: one resembling humans with abnormally large heads, bulging eyes, and wrinkled faces; a second species, about six feet tall, difficult to distinguish from humans; and a third, about nine feet tall, rarely seen. He also mentions reports of mechanical humanoids or robots controlled by radio signals.

Professor Zigel states that some UFOs are only two feet wide, while others are as big as a football field. They can remain stationary, move noiselessly, and create a vacuum to protect themselves from atmospheric conditions. He notes that UFO activity seems to peak every 89 days, though he has no explanation for this pattern. The article includes a drawing of a humanoid creature with a large head and wide-set eyes.

Other UFO Sightings Reported

The magazine includes several shorter reports on UFO sightings from various locations:

• Burnley Evening Star (June 23, 1981): A couple and their neighbors in Brierfield watched two strange, dome-shaped objects in the sky for over an hour.
• Heswall & Neston News & Advertiser (June 12, 1981): A large UFO was sighted over Thingwall, Wirral, appearing as big as a football held at arm's length and traveling towards Liverpool.
• Daily Star (June 18, 1981): Three fishermen reported seeing a convoy of over 100 unidentified flying objects in the shape of triangles with lights over Leicester.
• Evening Post Leeds (May 29, 1981): A North Yorkshire farmer reported a mysterious two-foot metal disc floating on Pepper Hall farm.
• Levelland, Texas News Press (June 11, 1981): Several people in Traer, Iowa, reported seeing a bright, round, shiny object moving overhead, which dimmed as the sun set. It was suggested to be a research weather balloon.
• Winston-Salem Journal (July 17, 1981): An article about an upcoming UFO conference in Winston-Salem, mentioning a local sighting of a glowing triangular-shaped object and a round, bright object.
• Alice, Texas Echo News (June 21, 1981): A teacher reported seeing a round object coming directly at her car, causing it to stall, and described it as moving incredibly fast.
• Los Altos Town Crier (April 1981): A resident reported seeing an unidentified flying object hovering about 1,000 feet away, described as a group of lights attached to something.
• Bend, Oregon Bulletin (May 29, 1981): A possible unidentified flying object was found on the beach, described as glowing when kicked, but it had disappeared by daylight.
• Tasmania (April 13, 1981): The crew and passengers of an English cruise ship watched a gigantic, saucer-shaped craft hover above the deck in silence.
• Adelaide, Australia (April 1, 1981): RAAF officers reportedly seized film and tried to silence witnesses regarding UFO sightings over Broken Hill, NSW. Artist Pro Hart believes these are experimental military aircraft, while the reporter suggests forces beyond human understanding are at work.
• News Times (May 7, 1981): A report on the 'Min Min Light,' a mystery light that appeared again in far north-west Queensland, Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and potential government cover-ups. The National Enquirer adopts a stance of presenting these accounts as credible, often citing expert opinions from scientists and investigators like Dr. Felix Zigel. The editorial tone suggests a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, while also highlighting the skepticism and attempts at rationalization or suppression by authorities. The magazine aims to sensationalize these events, using dramatic headlines and detailed eyewitness accounts to engage its readership.

This issue of WEEKLY WORLD NEWS, dated June 30, 1981, features a dramatic cover story titled "He stumbled through the darkness and suddenly was ... Face-to-face with a space beast!". The magazine focuses on UFO sightings and alien encounters, presenting a collection of reports from various locations.

The Unworldly Monster Turned His Hands Green

The lead article details the experience of Arlin Gilpin, a 19-year-old from Casey County, Kentucky, who claims to have encountered a large alien with red-orange eyes. Arlin and his mother, Cathy, along with other witnesses, observed a glowing orange ball of light near their home. Arlin, investigating the phenomenon, described the alien as a large form, possibly seven feet tall, which touched his cheek, causing a shock that went through his body. This encounter left Arlin's hands green and resulted in a purple burn mark under his right eye, which miraculously vanished by the following morning. Arlin reported that the alien "wasn't anything of human form" and that bullets did not harm it. The incident occurred on the night of March 11.

UFOs May Be 'Black Holes'

This section explores a theory suggesting that some UFOs might be 'black holes' composed of light-resistant anti-matter. It references a sighting by David Jarman in Calen, Queensland, Australia, who described an enormous, circular, pitch-black object moving slowly and emitting no light. Another similar sighting is mentioned, where plumber Roy Manifold photographed a black disc over Bass Strait shortly before pilot Frederick Valentich vanished, reporting he was being buzzed by a UFO. The article also speculates that the 1908 Tunguska event might have involved a spacecraft made of 'black hole' material.

UFO Spotting in the Night Sky Over Chelmsford

This report focuses on UFO sightings in the Chelmsford, Essex, area, noting that researchers have had a 'bleak' experience with few confirmed sightings. Dan Boring, editor of 'Earthling' magazine, states that despite people looking, there have been few sightings. Bill Eden, who researches sightings for Dan's magazine, mentions a few reports, including three chevron-shaped winged craft seen by a woman in Hatfield Peverel and a policeman who sighted a round object that turned into a teardrop shape. Eden suggests these might have been hot air balloons but remains hopeful for more sightings.

It Was a UFO-really!

This article recounts an incident in Cardiff, UK, where three boys playing cricket in Greenway Park reported seeing a strange "plane without wings." Clayton Blight, Ian, and Stephen Scammell described the object as completely black, low-flying, and moving very fast with a whirring noise. They drew a picture of the object and reported it to the police. Clayton estimated it to be about 50 feet long and to have hovered for six to 10 seconds. The boys' mother, Mrs. Sandra Scammell, noted that her younger children also saw something.

UFO Makes Frank See Red!

Frank Westell of Accrington, UK, reported seeing a red flashing light hovering over the moors above Darwen for over half an hour. He and his family watched the object, which he was convinced was a UFO, as it was too high and stayed too long to be a plane or helicopter. His cousin also witnessed the same phenomenon.

New U.F.O. Alert For County

A Pembroke Dock family, the Horvaths, reported seeing a UFO on a Monday evening. Mrs. Val Horvath and her daughters described the object as saucer-like, shiny on top, dark underneath, with flashing red lights around the edge. They watched it for nine minutes before it disappeared towards Swansea. They found the experience fascinating but frightening.

What Did Walter See?

This brief report mentions that a Hinckley man, Walter Brown, claims to have seen an unidentified flying object near Higham-on-the-Hill. He described it as a bright light shaped like a rugby football that travelled alongside his car, emitting green beams for about five minutes before disappearing. Brown, who reportedly does not believe in UFOs, stated it was not a normal aircraft and suggested there must be a logical explanation.

Matthew Spots a UFO

Matthew Higgins, a 10-year-old from Chertsey, UK, claims to have seen a UFO while bird-watching. He described it as a round object in the sky and managed to take three photographs of it before it disappeared. He stated that people were skeptical until they saw the pictures.

Shieldhill Girls Sure They Saw a 'Flying Saucer'

Six frightened primary school girls from Shieldhill Primary in the UK claimed to have seen a flying saucer. They described a black-domed saucer with light beams that hovered above the ground, causing cows in a nearby field to stampede. The object then shot into the air, and after disappearing into a cloud, there was a shower of sparks as if it exploded. Their teacher confirmed the girls were hysterical and gave similar descriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the physical or psychological effects experienced by witnesses. The magazine presents these accounts as factual, often quoting witnesses directly and including photographs or drawings of the alleged objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting and exploration of unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own experiences. The inclusion of various regional reports from the UK and Australia suggests a global interest in UFOs during this period.