APCIC - Vol 07 No 08 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 7, No. 8
Date: August 1982
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.), Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO News, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, focuses on various aspects of UFO sightings, government involvement, and potential alien encounters. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NEWS" alongside a graphic of a flying saucer, with the August 1982 date and volume information.

Key Articles and Reports

'Top Secret' Report Suggests UFO Belief An article by Tim Harper in the Sunday Star (July 4, 1982) reveals a 1950 document written by Wilbur Smith, a Canadian department of transport bureaucrat. This "Top Secret" report, released by UFO-watchers, indicated that the U.S. administration under President Harry Truman firmly believed flying saucers existed and considered the matter "of tremendous significance," rating it higher than the H-bomb. Smith's study, Project Magnet, aimed at tapping energy from the earth's magnetic field. The document suggested a "concentrated effort" was underway to understand the modus operandi of these otherworldly visitors. Dr. Omond Solandt, then chairman of the Defence Research Board, recalled Smith as being determined but stated his department found "nothing significant" in his theories.

UFOs and National Security Concerns Sherman Larsen, president of the U.S.-based investigative committee on aerial phenomenon, speaking at the Mutual UFO Network symposium in Toronto, stated that "Extra-terrestrials and UFOs are real and could be a threat to national security." He urged caution in judging information and seeking evidence of control over people or equipment. Larsen presented evidence of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs detected within the security perimeter of bases along the Canada-U.S. border in 1975. He also detailed a 1976 incident where an Iranian jet lost control of its instruments near a bright light, and a 1979 report of a MiG jet being attacked and disintegrated by a UFO over Cuba.

The Roswell Incident and Alien Bodies Lawrence Fenwick, a UFO witness, discussed the reported crash of a 40-foot-wide flying saucer in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. He claimed U.S. military intelligence sources indicated that the bodies inside were 4 1/2 feet tall, greyish-white, with four fingers, and unique internal organ arrangements. Fenwick also described seeing a UFO travelling at 38,000 miles an hour outside his Toronto home. He believes government agencies are hiding information about UFO sightings.

UFO Believer Hopes for Scientific Study John P. Timmerman, treasurer and chairman of the board of directors for the Center for UFO Studies, is raising funds for a scientific UFO study to counter public disbelief and ridicule. He manages the "International UFO Reporter" magazine, which documents UFO sightings and related information. The Center has over 1,500 members and a budget of $75,000. Timmerman emphasizes that the magazine defines a UFO as an abnormal aerial phenomenon not attributable to conventional causes, and they do not examine "little green men" or support specific theories.

Witness Accounts and Sightings Several other sightings are reported: * Mid Wales: A housewife, Mrs. Tegwyn Jones, reported seeing a UFO that changed to an orange color with a black line around its center. * Ozark, Arkansas: Local police officers sighted a mysterious object that changed color from white to green to red and moved rapidly. * Linden, New Jersey: Seven people, including Police Capt. Peter Bartus, reported seeing two helicopter-like objects that disappeared into thin air. * Ripon, Wisconsin: Law enforcement personnel sighted a "big blue ball in the sky." * Whitley City, Kentucky: Ray Foster and his mother, Emma, reported seeing a red and orange lights hovering over their garden plot. * Duarte, California: Two women reported seeing a bright light with a bubble on it, gliding alongside their car. The National Weather Service suggested a weather balloon, but the witnesses were unconvinced.

Alien Space Probe and Communication An article details the claim by Scottish astronomer Duncan Lunan that scientists have found an alien space probe circling Earth. Lunan reportedly decoded echoes from space, suggesting the probe has been present for over 60 years and is sending signals that represent a map of its home star, Epsilon Bootes, 103 light years away. The British Interplanetary Society is investigating and plans to contact the alien craft.

Encounters with Small Beings * Pascagoula, Mississippi: Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker reported being taken aboard a UFO by three figures and given a medical examination. * Brazil: Mechanic Jose Camilho encountered two small individuals with brown skin, shriveled faces, and large heads, carrying instruments and a cylinder. * Las Vegas: Country music star Johnny Sands reported his car stalling as a UFO landed nearby, and two spacemen about 5-foot-7 approached him. * Friuli, Italy: Professor R.L. Johannis encountered two "dwarfs" about 20 inches high, clothed in dark blue coveralls, with large heads and green skin, who shot something at him. * Venezuela: Two truck drivers reported seeing a luminous sphere and a small creature with glowing eyes and fur.

Other Reports * Mrs. F.'s Poltergeist Incident: A story about a poltergeist demanding a Catholic priest, which was resolved after a mass was performed. * Patrolman Herbert Schirmer: A Nebraska patrolman reported being taken aboard a UFO by strange creatures after his truck took to the air.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News include the persistent belief in the existence of UFOs and alien life, the alleged government cover-ups and secrecy surrounding the phenomena, and the detailed accounts of personal encounters and sightings. The magazine appears to present these reports without explicit endorsement but provides a platform for witnesses and researchers to share their experiences and findings. The editorial stance, as suggested by the involvement of the Center for UFO Studies, leans towards a serious investigation of UFO phenomena, aiming to counter public skepticism and encourage a more open-minded approach to the subject.

This issue of the Liverpool Echo, dated July 21, 1982, features a prominent cover story titled "TRACKING THE UFO HUNTRESS," with the headline "Aliens from another world or is there more earthly explanation...?" The magazine delves into various UFO sightings, investigations, and alleged alien encounters, presenting a mix of personal testimonies, expert analysis, and reports on government involvement.

Jenny Ranles: The UFO Huntress

The lead article introduces Jenny Ranles, a former schoolteacher from Warrington who has become a full-time writer and UFO investigator. As an investigation co-ordinator for ASSAP (The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena), her role is to scientifically evaluate evidence and find rational explanations for UFO sightings. While she can explain most cases, the remaining few unsolved ones, particularly a "three balls of light" sighting over Wiltshire, continue to puzzle her. The article highlights her investigation into a Yorkshire policeman's encounter at Todmorden.

The Alan Godfrey Case

Police Constable Alan Godfrey reported an encounter with a UFO that blocked his path. He attempted to radio his headquarters but could not make contact. He sketched the object, described as about 20 feet wide with a dome-shaped top. Later, a 15-minute gap in his memory was discovered. Under hypnosis, Godfrey recounted being taken into the craft and meeting aliens. Jenny Ranles believes this was a genuine experience, noting that four other police officers from Halifax were chasing a stolen motor-cycle at the time and saw a bright object in the direction of Todmorden.

UFO Investigations and Reports

British Sightings

Jenny Ranles estimates that only one-tenth of UFO sightings are ever reported, with many people afraid of ridicule or professional repercussions. She herself has had nine sightings, dismissing eight. The article mentions a case involving a family from Aveley, Essex, who experienced a three-hour gap in their memory after seeing a green mist, during which they were taken aboard a UFO. Their personalities changed afterward, and they began dreaming of strange figures.

Photographic Evidence

Ranles is skeptical of most "flying saucer" photographs, considering many to be hoaxes. However, she notes one or two that are difficult to ignore, including a photograph taken by an American farming couple in Oregon showing a structured disc with a turret, measuring 100 feet in diameter and photographed a mile away.

Traces of Radiation

An incident in Suffolk involved a UFO that reportedly landed in a forest, which was subsequently burned down. Traces of radiation were found in the area. Attempts to get information from the base commander and the Defence Ministry were met with refusal to discuss the matter.

UFO Experts and Data Collection

Dennis Piaquadio's Work

Dennis Piaquadio, a UFO investigator associated with NICAP (National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomenon), seeks reports of strange lights over southern Dutchess County. NICAP, a non-profit organization of civilian volunteers, has collected over 10,000 signed reports of UFOs. Piaquadio emphasizes the importance of people coming forward, assuring confidentiality and protection from ridicule. He has a degree in electronics and supervises security systems. He believes that while many sightings can be explained by conventional aircraft or atmospheric conditions, a significant number remain unexplained, possibly pointing to psychological or psychic explanations.

Case Classifications and Explanations

Piaquadio classifies UFOs similarly to Dr. J. Alan Hynek, into "nocturnal light" or "daylight disc." Close encounters are further categorized: CE-1 (UFOs seen close to the observer), CE-2 (UFOs leaving physical evidence), and CE-3 (UFOs with occupants). He notes that CE-1 sightings often cause anxiety and mental strain for witnesses. He also mentions a case that turned out to be an "ultra light" airplane.

Specific Sightings and Theories

Piaquadio investigated sightings in Beacon, NY, which he classified as "nocturnal lights." While aircraft are a probable explanation, he is disturbed by reports of objects moving at tremendous speeds. He believes that 99% of people he interviews are telling the truth and that more cases would come to light if people weren't afraid of ridicule. He points out the lack of official government organizations collecting UFO data since the Air Force closed Project Blue Book in 1969, leaving 17% of cases unexplained.

The 'Top Secret' Report

A 1950 "Top Secret" document released by UFO-watchers suggests that the U.S. administration under President Harry Truman firmly believed in the existence of flying saucers, considering it a highly classified subject. The document was written by Wilbur Smith, a bureaucrat who was convinced of the existence of flying saucers. Dr. Omond Solandt, who knew Smith, stated that while Smith was determined, his department found nothing significant in their investigations.

William L. Moore and the Roswell Cover-up

Author William L. Moore claims that the U.S. government is covering up evidence of a 1947 UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico. He presents "compelling evidence" of a cover-up, citing witness testimonies about a "crumpled dish pan"-like craft and "hairless creatures" approximately 130 cm tall with large eyes and heads. Moore believes the aliens' existence could jeopardize national security or cause a national panic.

The 'Hairless Creatures'

Moore describes the alien beings as being 130 cm (4 feet 3 inches) tall, weighing 40 kg (88 lbs.), with large eyes and heads, two arms with four fingers, and bumps for a nose and ears. A source indicated they had a single heart, lung, kidney, and bladder, with a digestive tract suited for soft food.

Government Secrecy

Moore mentions that U.S. District Court Judge Gerhard Gessell ordered top-secret UFO reports held by the National Security Agency to remain classified in 1980. The reason cited for the cover-up is the potential to jeopardize national security or cause a national panic due to the unknown nature of these aliens.

Kenneth Arnold and the First UFO Sighting

Kenneth Arnold, who reported seeing the first modern-day "flying saucer" on June 24, 1947, near Mount Rainier, Washington, continues to be a subject of new theories. He described the nine shiny, pulsating objects as moving in a funny diagonal line, like geese. Arnold speculates they might be life forms from another planet or links between the living and the dead. He has reported seeing unidentified flying objects at least eight times, with the last sighting in 1952 over the Nevada desert where objects appeared to change density.

Washington Update: Still No Proof on UFOs

Fred Whiting of the private, non-profit Fund for UFO Research notes that while many unexplained sightings turn out to be known objects, about one-tenth remain unidentified. The fund has raised and spent about $15,000 on research and has obtained thousands of government documents, but so far, no proof of extraterrestrial spacecraft has been found.

Dick Case Investigates a Syracuse Sighting

Journalist Dick Case investigates a sighting by a Syracuse businessman named Pete, who claims to have seen a "saucer-shaped flying machine" with two large headlights and blinking colored lights. Pete and his family reportedly saw the craft multiple times over a week. Case contacted the Air Force at Hancock, but they reported no unusual activity. He also spoke to pilots and experts, with some suggesting it could be a "visual effect" or a new military aircraft being tested. Pete is determined to get an explanation and plans to take pictures.

UFOs are 'in the world of faith'

Henry Gordon, an author and member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, suggests that believing in UFOs as vehicles from another world is entering the realm of faith. He notes that UFO photographs can be faked and eyewitness testimony is often unreliable. Gordon believes that many UFOlogists are sincere but their credulity borders on the religious. He also points out that UFOs have become a major industry, with believers as consumers. He likens many modern UFO cults to religious groups with charismatic leaders.

Charles Hickson's Close Encounter

Charles Hickson of Gautier, Mississippi, claims to have had physical and mental contact with alien beings. He predicts that these beings will change the self-destructive course of the planet within the next twelve months, coming "down in force" to alter human minds and prevent war. Hickson believes he has been chosen as one of 12 liaisons between aliens and Earth. He recounts an experience in Pascagoula in 1973 with a co-worker, Calvin Parker, where they were taken aboard a UFO by three robot-like beings. Hickson states that his and Parker's lives have been significantly impacted by this encounter.

Alien Predictions

Hickson states that aliens told him an "energy" will be released on Earth in early 1983, and by the end of that year, the beings will arrive. He believes this will soften humanity and change their ways, preventing them from taking up arms. He emphasizes that the aliens are not monsters and possess great knowledge. Hickson, a religious man, receives messages from them and feels compelled to share this information.

Woman Reports UFO Sighting at Lock Haven

Mrs. Vada Bruno reported seeing an "unidentified flying object" over Lock Haven with three friends. They described it as a "cluster of lights traveling southward at a fast rate of speed." The object appeared to be shaped like a disc with wheels underneath, and the setting sun reflected off it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the possibility of government cover-ups. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from detailed investigative reports by organizations like ASSAP and NICAP to personal testimonies and skeptical analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and witness accounts while acknowledging the need for scientific explanation and the prevalence of hoaxes. There's a clear interest in the psychological and societal impact of these phenomena, as well as the potential for deliberate obfuscation by authorities. The issue highlights the ongoing debate and the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs.

This issue of the Sheffield Morning Telegraph, dated July 30, 1982, features a prominent cover story titled "Close encounters with alien beings." The magazine delves into various alleged UFO sightings and encounters, presenting them through the lens of investigators and witnesses.

Jenny Randles: UFO Investigator

The lead article introduces Jenny Randles, a former schoolteacher turned full-time writer and UFO investigator. As a co-ordinator for the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP), her role involves scientifically evaluating evidence to find rational explanations for UFO phenomena. While she can explain most cases, the remaining few unsolved ones concern her.

Randles herself has experienced nine sightings, dismissing eight and remaining puzzled by the ninth, involving three balls of light over Wiltshire. She highlights a significant case involving a Yorkshire policeman, Pc Alan Godfrey, who encountered a UFO that blocked his road near Todmorden. Godfrey experienced a 15-minute gap in his memory, later recounting under hypnosis that he was taken into the craft and met aliens. The article corroborates this with other witnesses who saw a similar object in the vicinity around the same time.

Jenny Randles explains that in Britain alone, about 500 UFO cases are reported annually, with an estimated one in ten sightings actually being reported due to public fear of ridicule and negative reactions. She notes that some individuals have even been sacked for reporting such experiences.

Randles, now 29 and living in Warrington, originally intended to teach geology but became deeply involved in UFO research after a wave of sightings in her village prompted her to give a talk to children. The children's sincere accounts inspired her to help others who had witnessed similar phenomena.

Despite her scientific training, Randles maintains an open mind about UFOs, emphasizing that it is wrong to dismiss them as lies or delusions. She believes there are multiple explanations but cautions against accepting everything at face value.

Unexplained Cases and Evidence

The magazine explores several intriguing cases. One involves a family from Aveley, Essex, who experienced a three-hour memory gap while driving, after which their personalities changed significantly. Under hypnosis, they recounted being taken aboard a UFO and given a guided tour, with their descriptions of the aliens and the craft aligning.

Another case from Suffolk involves an American airman who was reportedly sent back to the U.S. for threatening to talk about a UFO incident. The object allegedly landed in a forest, which was later found to be burned down with traces of radiation. Military personnel were involved, but officials declined to discuss the matter.

Randles theorizes that there is a deliberate effort to discredit ufology by making UFO stories appear ridiculous, thereby deterring scientific investigation.

She also discusses photographs of UFOs, finding most to be hoaxes. However, she points to a photograph taken by an American farming couple in Oregon 30 years ago, showing a structured disc with a turret, as being difficult to ignore. Investigations concluded the object measured 100 feet in diameter, leading to questions about whether it was a sophisticated fake or something else.

UFO Corridor in New York

A separate section details a "terrifying rash of UFO sightings" in a 30-mile corridor of the Hudson Highlands in upstate New York over the past four years. These include:

• A local reporter spotting a triangular object with misty green-blue lights.
• An 18-year-old college student seeing a "V" shape of lights hovering over Beacon.
• A Walker Valley couple whose home was drenched in brilliant white light.
• A young couple in Walden being followed by a silent, circular object with maneuvering abilities.
• A musician being chased for 20 minutes by a massive rectangular object near Maybrook and Walden.
• A group of children in New Windsor sighting a diamond-shaped object, followed by footprints found in a nearby swamp.

Specific accounts from this region include reporter Dick Shea's experience of a triangular object with bright green-blue lights over Interstate 84, and Mary McCarthy's sighting of a V-shaped object with many green and red lights moving slowly and silently across the sky.

Air traffic controllers at Stewart Airport also received reports of sightings, with one controller recalling a pilot asking if he was seeing "four planes flying up the river."

Other Encounters

Jeffrey Greene, a musician from Walden, recounts a terrifying incident in February 1978 where a large object, about three-quarters the size of a football field, followed his car for 30 mph. He described bright lights and a beam that lit up his car. He also noted that at the same time, police were finding skinned dog carcasses in the area.

On April 10, 1980, five youngsters in New Windsor sighted a diamond-shaped object that drenched the area in rainbow colors. Later, large, barefoot footprints approximately 18.5 inches long with four toes were found in a swampy area.

'Aliens are peaceful,' says man

Donald Shallcross, a construction worker, shares his "amazing confrontation" with an alien near Romney, West Virginia. He describes the alien as 5'3" tall, slender, wearing a silvery suit, with a visor covering its face. Communication was telepathic, and the alien conveyed that aliens are friendly and possess valuable knowledge, including information about UFOs being powered by atomic energy and devices to eliminate nuclear waste. Shallcross believes he has located a secret UFO base and hopes to lead a team of investigators there.

Mini UFO spotted at pool

Housewife Elizabeth Isaacs reported seeing a "mini-UFO" twice the size of a tennis ball hovering above the Peterborough Regional Swimming Pool. She described it as a sphere-shaped object that emitted a red glow, then flattened into a disc and shot away at high speed.

Great Balls Of Fire

A brief report mentions multiple sightings of a large, bright fireball striking the earth in Klamath County, Oregon, on Monday evening, June 22, 1982. No official explanation has been established.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the mysterious nature of UFO sightings and the challenges in investigating them. A recurring theme is the public's reluctance to report encounters due to fear of ridicule and disbelief, with Jenny Randles advocating for a more open and scientific approach. The magazine presents a range of cases, from unexplained memory gaps and physical traces to direct encounters with alleged alien beings, suggesting that while many sightings have conventional explanations, a significant number remain anomalous and intriguing. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts seriously, encouraging investigation, and challenging skepticism, particularly in the case of Donald Shallcross, who claims aliens are peaceful and possess beneficial knowledge.