UFO NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 7, No. 7
Date: July 1982
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), with a particular focus on incidents in and around San Antonio, Texas. The magazine highlights eyewitness accounts, the challenges faced by investigators, and the public's perception of UFO phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

San Antonio Sightings: More Than Just Stars

The lead article, "Some folks are seeing more than just stars in the sky" by Dennis Stacy, details several compelling UFO encounters in the San Antonio area. Joe Estes reported a 'bright blue light' that paced his car on U.S. Highway 90 East, exhibiting intelligent control by matching his speed and stopping when he stopped, before shooting upwards. Herb van Gundy recounted an experience at Hamilton Pool where he and his companions witnessed a triangular, pie-shaped object with colored lights hovering about 100-150 feet above them, which then moved away and ascended rapidly. Van Gundy described the object as metallic and estimated its size to be about 60 feet long and 30 feet wide.

Ramon Martinez, a former college instructor, shared his experience of seeing a bell-shaped object, about half to two-thirds the size of his car, moving slowly at an intersection in San Antonio. He noted its shiny and pitch-black sides and its ability to make an abrupt 80-degree turn before shooting upwards. Martinez, like Estes and Van Gundy, cited fear of ridicule as a reason for initial reluctance to report his sighting.

UFO Investigations and Public Perception

Bob Morgan, a field investigator for the San Antonio chapter of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), discusses his work and the challenges of UFO investigation. He notes that while many sightings are misidentifications (IFOs), a significant number remain unexplained. Morgan points out the disparity between the estimated number of sightings and those actually reported, suggesting that only a fraction of experiences are made public, often due to fear of public reaction.

A 1974 Gallup Poll is cited, indicating that 11 percent of the U.S. adult population claimed to have seen a UFO, and 54 percent believed flying saucers were real. The poll also revealed high public awareness of the subject, with 94 percent having heard or read about UFOs.

Historical Context and Official Investigations

The issue touches upon the history of official UFO investigations, referencing the U.S. Air Force's Project Grudge, Project Sign, and Project Blue Book, which investigated over 13,000 reports between 1947 and 1969, classifying over 600 as unexplained.

James Oberg, a NASA Mission Control engineer and former 'UFO Update' columnist, offers a skeptical yet open perspective. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases, he attributes many to imperfect perception and memory, cautioning against jumping to extraterrestrial conclusions. He also mentions his work in solving astronaut sightings and his book, 'Outer Space Mysteries'.

International and Local Sightings

Beyond San Antonio, the magazine reports on various other incidents:

• Petersfield, UK: Mrs. Kathleen Koughan reported seeing four silver lights in a square formation, with one emitting a red light, on May 29, 1982.
• Denny, Scotland: This town has become a UFO 'hot spot' with numerous reports of strange objects, prompting a special investigation by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA).
• Olympia, Washington, USA: Dennis Bailey and Tracy Schey described a large, 'lighted oil derrick' object with multiple lights cruising east on June 15, 1982.
• Eugene, Oregon, USA: Wanda and her husband Johnson reported seeing a large, multi-colored object with a tail on June 10, 1982. Dave Lauinger and his friend also observed two bright orange lights hovering near Skinner Butte on the same night.
• Allagash region, Maine, USA: Fifteen people reported a fiery object traveling at low altitude on May 29, 1982, with some suggesting it was a comet.
• Gatwick to Corfu Flight: A Dan-Air Boeing 737 crew and passengers reported a black, doughnut-shaped object, about the size of a car, on June 22, 1982, coinciding with the royal birth of Prince William.

Explanations and Theories

One article from Witchaven News offers an explanation for some sightings, pointing to the planet Venus, which appears as a bright object due to its reflective clouds. It also details the harsh conditions on Venus. The article contrasts Venus's slow rotation with Earth's, highlighting the extreme day-night cycle on Venus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are eyewitness testimony, the challenges of UFO investigation, the public's skepticism and fear of ridicule, and the persistent mystery surrounding unidentified flying objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and perspectives while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof for many phenomena. The magazine aims to document these events and encourage further investigation, even while recognizing the possibility of misidentification and natural explanations.

This issue of the Falkirk Herald Stirling, dated June 11, 1982, focuses heavily on UFO sightings, particularly in the town of Denny, Scotland. The main cover story, "UFOS ABOUND IN DENNY!", highlights frequent reports of strange objects in the sky and the investigation being conducted by Malcolm Robinson of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). The issue also includes reports from various locations in the United States and the UK, discussing different types of sightings, theories, and investigations.

Denny UFO Sightings

The lead article details the unusual frequency of UFO sightings in Denny. Investigator Malcolm Robinson of BUFORA is interviewed, emphasizing that the witnesses are credible individuals from various professions, not just 'cranks'. He believes some people are more 'in tune' with psychic abilities that allow them to perceive these phenomena. Mrs Elsie Beveridge is presented as a prominent local UFO-spotter, having witnessed numerous objects since 1971, sometimes seeing up to ten at once. Her sightings have been corroborated by family members and neighbors. Other Denny residents, such as Terence Dempsey and John Walls, also report seeing strange lights and objects. Linda Beveridge describes a round shape with multiple lights and a large orange one, and later a large yellow object. James Currie reports a green object that remained stationary for eight minutes with an appendage that moved vertically. BUFORA is thoroughly investigating these cases, with Robinson confident in the genuineness of the information gathered.

UFO Investigations and Theories in the US

The issue features several articles detailing UFO investigations and related theories in the United States. The Texas City Texas Sun reports on VISIT (Vehicle Internal Systems Investigative Team), a group based in Friendswood that investigates UFO incidents, particularly those involving medical injury or human contact with UFOs. Don Tucker, a UFO investigator and commercial artist, is quoted suggesting that building a nuclear plant might attract UFOs. John Schuessler, a former space agency employee and UFO expert, explains VISIT's focus on abduction cases and notes that such incidents are not new, citing historical reports of burns, hair loss, and vomiting resulting from encounters. Recent sightings in Galveston, Michigan, Germany, and Argentina are also mentioned, with Schuessler cautioning to take some reports from Argentina with a grain of salt. VISIT maintains a 24-hour hotline for reporting sightings.

Another Texas City Texas Sun article, "UFO'S OVER GALVESTON?", details VISIT's investigation into dozens of calls reporting mysterious, pulsating lights over Galveston in October 1981. While some reports described a "big orange star" or red and green lights, VISIT concluded that many of the white lights were likely the planet Venus, and the clear weather allowed astronomical bodies to create a show. However, some sightings were deemed 'confirmed unknowns'. The article also mentions a December 1980 incident near Houston involving three women and a little boy who had a close encounter with a UFO, resulting in ongoing medical problems.

The Sunday Journal and Star (Lincoln, Nebr.) features "Offbeat" with Don Pieper, discussing Ray Boeche, state section director of MUFON. Boeche, who investigates strange lights and animal sightings, believes that while many phenomena can be explained naturally, the effect on witnesses is significant. He acknowledges the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft but suggests other explanations might exist. The article also touches on the Big Foot mystery.

A report from Canton, Ohio (UPI), details nearly 200 residents calling authorities about a large, red, luminous object hovering over their neighborhood for about 25 minutes before speeding off. The object was not detected by radar, and authorities were unsure if it was a hoax.

UFO Sightings in New York and UK

The Beacon, N.Y. News reports on "UFO's again?" with "cops say no." Residents who saw an unusual object with strange lights over Mt. Beacon Park on Thursday nights were told by authorities that it was likely professional pilots practicing formation flying. However, witnesses, including Mary McCarthy, insist the object was not a plane or helicopter, describing it as silent, V-shaped, and capable of hovering. Similar sightings were reported on other dates in the area.

The New York N.Y. News World covers "200 Ohio residents see large, red UFO" and a separate report from Beacon, N.Y., discussing the possibility of UFO sightings being hoaxes. Dennis Kip, a former Westchester County resident, claims he and friends created homemade UFOs using plastic bags, straws, and a special power source to cause sightings in 1974. He notes that these objects were usually launched from high places and were not picked up by radar. He suggests this could be one explanation for some sightings.

The Eugene (Oregon) Register Guard features two articles. "Some saw meteor, others saw...?" by Teresa Barker, discusses sightings of a bright orange fireball, likely a meteor, and two separate "bright, vivid orange lights" seen by Dave Lauinger and Twyla Sauers. The latter lights were described as moving slowly and steadily across the sky, not like an airplane. Bill Suggs, director of the Lane Education Service District Planetarium, suggests the fireball was a "very large meteor."

Another article in the Eugene Register Guard, "Eugene-area couples report UFOs," by Teresa Barker, details Wanda Johnson and her husband seeing a "biggest object we've ever seen" that shot out of the heavens. Dave Lauinger and his friend also reported seeing two "really brilliant bright orange lights" hovering in the sky. The newspaper contacted the national UFO hotline, which provided no specific information.

Historical UFO Accounts and Specific Encounters

Patrick Connolly's Associated Press report, "UFO 'pioneer' recalls 1935 sightings," revisits Kenneth Arnold, who reported seeing nine shiny, pulsating objects in 1947. Arnold speculates these could have been life forms from another planet or links between the living and the dead. He clarifies that he did not coin the term "flying saucer" and described the objects as crescent-shaped, not round.

The Brighton Evening Argus reports on "The UFO riddle at 23,000ft.," where two Sussex airline pilots on a Dan Air flight from Gatwick to Corfu spotted a black, shiny object, the size of a car, at 23,000ft. The object had no aerodynamic shape and appeared to have one window. The sighting was reported to the Ministry of Defence.

The Exeter Express & Echo features "Disbeliever who may have seen the light," detailing a brief glimpse of a bright, shiny light in the sky over Exeter by a colleague of the reporter. The object disappeared quickly, leaving the observer to wonder if he needed to visit an optician.

The Cumbernauld News reports on "New Town residents mystified by 'UFO'," describing a "bright pink flashing light" seen by residents. Mrs Vera Dofier and Mrs Joyce Younger reported the silent, glittering object. Mr. Tom O'Neill, a local research officer for ISTRA, expressed interest in gathering reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the credibility of UFO witnesses, with multiple articles emphasizing that sightings are reported by ordinary, respectable people, not just those considered eccentric. The distinction between meteors and unidentified aerial phenomena is also explored. The investigations by organizations like BUFORA and VISIT highlight the systematic approach to gathering and analyzing witness testimony. While some sightings are attributed to natural phenomena like Venus or misidentified aircraft, a significant number remain unexplained, fueling ongoing interest and speculation about extraterrestrial visitation or unknown aerial technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these phenomena, acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries while also being critical of hoaxes and misidentifications.

This issue of the Dundee Courier Advertiser, dated July 5, 1982, alongside reports from Oconto, Wisconsin, and Wolverhampton, England, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and alleged government cover-ups. The publication presents multiple accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and discusses the efforts of UFO research organizations to uncover hidden information.

UFO Sightings Reported

Lochee, Scotland

The Dundee Courier Advertiser reports on a UFO sighting in Lochee on July 5, 1982. Several residents, including George Fairfield, Kevin Grant, Harry Johnston, and Mrs. Helen Burke, reported seeing a 'saucer-shaped object' with flashing orange and yellow lights. Fairfield described it as being about the size of a large plane but round and moving very fast. Grant noted the light was sometimes bright orange and sometimes fading. Mrs. Burke's husband, Thomas, stated the object was visible for four or five minutes, heading towards the Camperdown area. R.A.F. Leuchars stated they had no aircraft in the area that could account for the object, suggesting it might be a communications satellite, though its description did not match typical satellite sightings.

Townsend, Wisconsin

The Oconto, Wisconsin reporter details an incident on May 14, 1982, where Tom Powers, his son Tony, Guy Lindstrom, and Barry Thomas, along with other witnesses, observed a 'strange object' hovering three to four feet above the ground. They described it as a 'round shiny thing' shaped like two pie pans glued together, approximately two and a half feet across. It was extremely bright and metallic, like chrome. The object reportedly moved erratically, crossing the highway and returning, and then rose to treetop level before zooming out of sight. Witnesses felt it was not a balloon due to its horizontal movement and speed, concluding it was a UFO.

Claims of Government Cover-up and Alien Landing

Author William L. Moore's Evidence

The Sunday News, July 4, 1982, features author William L. Moore, who claims the U.S. government is covering up evidence of an alien landing. Moore, author of 'The Roswell Incident,' told a Mutual UFO Network seminar that the government knows about a 30-foot circular craft that crashed near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, but is hiding the evidence. He presented what he called 'compelling evidence' of a national policy cover-up on UFOs. Witnesses described the craft as looking like an 'old-fashioned crumpled dish pan' with debris scattered around. Six to eight 'hairless creatures,' approximately 130 cm tall and weighing 40 kg, with large eyes and heads, two arms, and eight fingers, were reportedly thrown from the craft. Witnesses also described their internal organs and digestive tract. Moore also mentioned receiving anonymous letters about a doctor performing an autopsy on an alien in 1947, who was still receiving a monthly cheque from the U.S. Department of Justice. He believes the cover-up is to prevent national security risks or a public panic.

National Security Agency and UFO Reports

In December 1980, a U.S. District Court Judge upheld the National Security Agency's decision to keep 131 top-secret UFO reports classified, based on a top-secret affidavit. The judge did not review the documents themselves.

UFO Group Fights Secrecy

Wolverhampton Express & Star, June 19, 1982

British believers in unidentified flying objects have shifted their annual meeting to Birmingham. The national UFO Society, established in 1967, held its meeting at Digbeth Civic Hall to discuss the latest developments in the para-normal. A key focus was a campaign to open up Defense Ministry files on UFOs. Brian Everton, the new chairman, took over from Ken Rogers. Lord Clancarty was scheduled to speak about a recent House of Lords debate on UFOs and his role in pressing for defense files to be opened. Other speakers included Norman Oliver, director of investigations, discussing possible origins of UFOs, and Tony Pace, director of the Organisation for Scientific Evaluation of Aerial Phenomena. Films and slides of sightings were to be shown, with Everton emphasizing that research is being undertaken 'very seriously.'

World Governments Admit UFOs Exist

Globe, July 20

This article from Globe reports that governments on both sides of the Atlantic have admitted UFOs exist but are engaged in a massive cover-up. The Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., upheld the NSA's decision to refuse to release documents on close encounter reports in America. In London, the British House of Lords heard testimony that many UFO sightings cannot be explained scientifically. NSA officials admit to possessing top-secret documents on 135 UFO sightings, but claim releasing them would create a serious threat to national security. Eugene Yates, the agency's policy chief, stated that opening files would reveal operational details to foreign governments. Peter Gersten, lawyer for Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, argues the government is hiding evidence because it would prove they have been lying. Colman Von Keviczky, a former military photo expert, claims secret government UFO files reveal numerous incidents, including: government planes firing 1,400 rounds at objects over Los Angeles in 1942 without effect; General Eisenhower ordering pilots to shoot down strange fireballs over Germany in 1944; an Air Force jet shot down by a ray gun from a saucer over New York in 1952; Austrian authorities refusing to investigate a photographed UFO in 1971; American soldiers firing SAM missiles at an object over Hanoi in 1972 without effect; a disc-shaped craft photographed over Silkeborg, Denmark, in 1974, which the government refused to fully investigate; and a clear photograph of a UFO near Hamburg, Germany, in 1977, where government authorities refused to release investigation results. Von Keviczky asserts he has thousands of documents showing UFOs are carrying aliens. Dr. J. Allen Hynek suggests the government cover-up could trigger a 'cataclysmic alien invasion.'

UFOs Treated as Illegal Intruders

Lord Clancarty believes UFOs are treated as illegal intruders by the military, which could lead to an 'inter-galactic confrontation.' He has introduced a law to force Britain's Defense Ministry to release its secret UFO files. Government officials admit to having confidential reports on 1,500 sightings over three years, with 300 defying scientific explanation. Clancarty also recounted a story of a cigar-shaped object with bright red lights buzzing Big Ben in London. He also mentioned a Yorkshire policeman who saw a hovering saucer, heard an explosion, and found a burned body in a field where the ground was not scorched.

Blann Decries UFO Cover-up

The Lewisville News Advertiser, July 2, 1982

Staff writer Robin Engel reports on Tommy Roy Blann, a research scientist specializing in UFO investigations. Blann discussed a 1969 sighting in Lewisville, observed by a dozen men, including then-Governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter. Blann estimates that 92% of UFO reports are misidentifications of natural phenomena, aircraft, or hoaxes, with only about 8% being actual UFO sightings. He describes these bonafide UFOs as 'highly sophisticated, non-conventional craft powered by advanced nuclear techniques, capable of both atmospheric and under-water propulsion.' Blann believes the majority of these craft are manufactured on Earth, not extraterrestrial, and that the public is about 75 years behind the existing technology. He states that techniques used by scientists include analyzing vegetation, soil, and water from landing sites. Blann views the alleged cover-up of UFO existence as the most serious issue facing the nation, citing 'deceptive and corrupt practices' and 'political pressures from the intelligence communities.' He believes the executive branch has been powerless to break the silence, citing President Carter's unsuccessful attempt in 1977 to get NASA to reopen its probe of UFOs. Dave Williamson of NASA stated that without 'one little green man' or tangible evidence, a multimillion-dollar program was not feasible. Blann also references the termination of Project Blue Book in 1969 and the Condon Report, which he claims was responsible for the lack of scientific inquiry into UFOs. He believes that if civilian UFO researchers could have obtained a scientific study through the UN or government sponsorship, it would have revealed the cover-up. He notes that groups like the Center for UFO Studies struggle to get information, and that the government is researching UFOs at taxpayer expense while denying it. Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) waged a legal battle to obtain 131 secret documents, but the court ruled in favor of the NSA, citing national security threats. Blann is flying to Toronto for a UFO summit meeting to 'hammer out a unified approach for coding UFO information.' He contends that secret documents are just the 'tip of the iceberg.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across different locations and time periods, and the persistent allegation of a government cover-up regarding this phenomenon. The articles collectively suggest that UFOs are a real and significant issue, with governments worldwide possessing substantial, undisclosed information. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a strong advocacy for transparency and open investigation into UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, expert analysis, and the perceived suppression of evidence by intelligence agencies and military bodies.