APCIC - Vol 07 No 11 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 7, No. 11
Date: November 1982
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (APCIC)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various UFO sightings and related investigations from late 1982. The cover prominently features an illustration of a flying saucer and the headline "Pioneers Volleyball Team Tells of UFO," indicating a lead story on a significant eyewitness account.

Key Articles and Reports

Pioneers Volleyball Team Tells of UFO

This article details an encounter experienced by the North Arkansas Community College volleyball team on their drive home from a series of matches. Around 8 p.m. on a Saturday, approximately 18 miles north of Springfield, Missouri, the team noticed a pair of bright lights. Initially rationalizing them as car headlights, they soon realized the object was much larger and closer. The craft, described as having a boomerang shape with a dome on top and a concave bottom, hovered silently at a distance of about a football field for 10-15 seconds before tilting and moving away to the southeast. The lights were described as "bright, bright...very intense...real white," with a row of white and yellow lights on the front, and red lights on the tail that blinked. The team reported "complete silence" from the object. Coach Sue McDonald contacted the UFO Locator Center and was referred to Dr. J. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies. Dr. Hynek inquired about weather conditions, the number of witnesses, and the object's proximity and size. He noted that there had been four or five sightings in the Springfield area in the preceding two months and requested independent written accounts from each witness. Dr. Hynek's wife, Mimi, who manages the center, stated that the Center for UFO Studies, established in 1973, aims to allow sightings to be reported without ridicule. She also mentioned that common sightings include "strange patterns of lights" and "disc shaped objects," and that UFOs can sometimes affect cars. The article also references historical reports of UFOs affecting vehicle lights dating back 30 years.

Other Reported Sightings

Several other UFO reports from various locations are included:

• Fostoria, Ohio (October 20, 1982): The Seneca County sheriff's office received a report of an unidentified flying object hovering at cloud level, described as hazy and arc or boomerang-shaped. It suddenly became brighter and vanished after two to three minutes. Sheriff H. Weldin Neff noted its similarity to an object sighted by deputies on September 22.
• Tiffin, Ohio (October 20, 1982): Stella Cliff reported seeing a "strange object in the sky," described as arc or boomerang-shaped, slightly hazed over, and stationary at cloud level. The object's lightness intensified before it vanished.
• Newburgh, N.Y. (October 13, 1982): Unidentified flying objects (UFOs) were reported in Highland Falls around 7 a.m. Calls were referred to a UFO Reporting Center in California, and air controllers at Stewart Airport reported no aircraft in the area.
• Sandpoint, Idaho (October 21, 1982): Chip Roos and his family reported an "impressive" flying object that sped out of vision at a 60-degree angle. Roos, a Bonner County Sheriff's deputy, calculated its speed at a conservative estimate of 1,950 miles per hour. The object was soundless, and the lights appeared to be separate from each other.
• Longview, Wash. (September 29, 1982): A letter to the Kennedy Space Center requested a space shuttle ride in exchange for photographs of UFOs, threatening to offer them to the Soviet Union if the request was denied. The writers claimed to have about 40 photographs of the lunar eclipse that supposedly showed UFOs.
• London (November 2, 1982) - National Enquirer: An article titled "Space Aliens Kidnap 6 Soviet Sailors" recounts a UFO encounter in the Black Sea where six Soviet merchant sailors were abducted by aliens. Two reportedly volunteered to stay with the aliens, while the other four were set adrift in a glowing, cigar-shaped lifeboat. One sailor went berserk and killed himself. The lifeboat, made of an unusual translucent material, was pulled aboard the alien vessel by a giant grappling hook. The men reported being held in a large room by silent, 4½-foot-tall beings. After five days, the three remaining sailors were rescued by the freighter Transport Maria, but the lifeboat broke apart and sank upon retrieval.
• Exeter, Devon (October 1982): Westcountry UFO investigators believe they may have firm evidence of a flying saucer landing in South Devon and a holidaymaker being taken aboard. The Plymouth UFO Investigation Centre team plans to hypnotize the individual to relive the encounter, which they believe could be "momentous" if confirmed.
• Bromley, Kent (October 14, 1982): The article "Tales of the unknown" suggests that the Bromley Common, Keston, and Hayes areas may be on a regular "flying saucer" flightpath, noting frequent sightings and mysterious disappearances of buses.
• North Devon Journal (October 14, 1982): A Bideford farmer, Patrick Horrells, claims to have seen a "yellow light moving quite quickly and jumping about" above Braunton.
• London (October 19, 1982) - Nottingham Evening Post: A review of the BBC-2 "Horizon" program "The Case of the UFOs" is discussed. The program questioned the motives of UFO spotters and presented cases, including one of a forestry worker who claimed to have met strange creatures in a spacecraft, which was later deemed a hoax based on a lie detector test. The review suggests that people often believe what they want to believe, preferring the mystery of flying saucers to scientific explanations.
• York (October 15, 1982) - Yorkshire Evening Press: An anonymous caller reported a "white cross with an orange glow" hovering above the Rowntree Mackintosh factory in York.
• Dundee (October 15, 1982): Early morning skywatchers in Tayside and Fife reported a "fiery unidentified flying object" moving east at a steady speed, slower than a jet plane and without sound. The object was reported to be grey, with flames coming from the rear, and the most likely theory is that it was a satellite or meteorite breaking up.
• Bristol (October 14, 1982) - Western Daily Press: Chief Inspector Keith Harris stated that the town's police station had become an information center for UFO societies worldwide following a sighting by two police officers in Monmouth. The officers reported a white light with blue and red flashes moving erratically over the town, and other people have confirmed the sightings. The British UFO Society plans an in-depth study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights eyewitness accounts of UFOs, often emphasizing the unusual nature of the sightings and the witnesses' sincerity. There is a clear interest in investigating these phenomena, as evidenced by the APCIC's role and the mention of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's work. The magazine also touches upon the skepticism surrounding UFOs, referencing cases that were later revealed as hoaxes, and the public's tendency to believe what they want to believe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO reports, presenting them to the readership for consideration, while also acknowledging the challenges in verifying such accounts and the possibility of conventional explanations. The inclusion of international reports suggests a global interest in the topic. The magazine also promotes its subscription service for "news releases" and a "Supplement Section."

This collection of newspaper clippings from October 1982, primarily from UK regional publications, focuses on numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United Kingdom and briefly touching on events in Russia. The articles feature witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and some expert commentary, reflecting a period of heightened public interest in unidentified flying objects.

Dundee Evening Telegraph (October 14, 1982)

The main article, "BLAZING AIRCRAFT ALARM ON TAYSIDE," reports on a massive UFO sighting on the morning of October 14, 1982. The object, described as a gigantic shuttlecock or doodlebug, was seen by multiple witnesses in locations across Tayside, including Almondbank and Brechin. Police received reports from a man in a Perthshire village and a similar object was seen over Brechin shortly after. One witness in Brechin described it as a blazing aircraft that moved too quickly to get a better view. Other sightings from Crail, Fife, and Charleston, Dundee, mentioned a long missile or rocket with a trail of flame or sparks, slower than a jet plane and without sound. Mr. William Stewart of Pitbladdo Farm reported the object and contacted the RAF. A Dundee man in Dunholm Road also witnessed it. The RAF Leuchars stated it was not one of their planes and they had no other reports. A spokesman for the Royal Observatory suggested it was likely a meteorite fireball. The object was reported to be breaking up and travelling at a height of between three and six thousand feet.

Another article, "The UFO kite is back!" from the Bromley Times (October 7, 1982), details a kite-shaped UFO sighted in the Godwin Road, Bromley Common, area. This sighting is compared to a similar event two weeks prior when a husband and wife saw a large, lit, kite-shaped object move silently. Mrs. W. E. Skillen also reported seeing a star-shaped flying object. Researcher Timothy Good noted that the triangle, kite, or pennant shape is common. The article also references a 1977 report of three women seeing a "bright, white triangular light" over Hayes, and a 1980 sighting of a similar object in Bromley Borough. Mr. Good suggests that Norman Park is a favourite location for sightings due to its open space. The Ministry of Defence stated they had not received any reports about the most recent sighting.

Biggleswade & Sandy Express (October 13, 1982)

This clipping features "Vic 72 spots UFO 313 in Sandy." Pensioner Vic Fensome claims he saw an Unidentified Flying Object over Sandy in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mr. Fensome described the object as having flashing lights, weaving about the sky, and then shooting off towards Potton. The article invites readers to share their own sightings and provides contact information.

Ashbourne News Telegraph (October 21, 1982)

"Close encounter with an alien flying machine?" details a report from Brassington, Derbyshire. Builder Mr. John H. Maskery and his wife Gertrude claim to have seen a strange machine land in a field about 500 yards from their home on the night of October 6-7. They described a brilliant light, a brown object with flashing lights, and a searchlight effect. The machine hovered, then settled in a field, moving up and down. They observed doors opening in the top section, revealing four figures silhouetted against a red background. The object remained for 45 minutes and disappeared at 1:15 am, moving in hops or bounces without sound. Mr. Harold Brittain, interested in UFOs since a sighting 18 years prior, confirmed the Maskerys are reliable witnesses. The Nottingham UFO Investigation Society was informed.

West Wales Guardian (October 15, 1982)

"UFO OVER THE BRIDGE" reports on two Pembroke Dock teenagers who saw an unidentified flying object above the Cleddau Bridge on Saturday night. Michela Rigden and Lloyd Johnson noticed a bright orange light that changed to white. It reappeared after going behind a cloud. A crowd of about nine people gathered to watch. Michela, initially a skeptic, now believes in UFOs, stating it wasn't a helicopter.

South Wales Argus (October 25, 1982)

"'Flying saucer' among Gwent UFO sightings" details two reports from Newport. A trained ex-military observer spotted a "flying saucer," 200 feet in diameter, over Bettws at 10:34 pm. Ten minutes later, a long "railway carriage" shape was reported over Cwmbran. Mr. John Clarke, who saw the saucer, described it as silent and unlike any aircraft he recognized. Mrs. Marion Gladys Mason saw the oblong shape over Cwmbran. The Ministry of Defence stated they would investigate if conventional explanations could not be found.

Evening Post Leeds (October 15, 1982)

"A visitor from Mars?" reports an anonymous UFO sighting at York. A caller reported a white cross in an orange glow over the Rowntree Mackintosh factory. Police checked the scene but saw nothing.

South Wales Evening Post Swansea (October 22, 1982)

"'Oval shape with flames' Snapped, mystery object over city" features a photograph by Loughor photographer Mr. John Ferris. He captured an oval object, about the size of a small house, with what looked like flames shooting from the top, over Swansea on a Wednesday afternoon. He used a 35mm camera with a zoom lens. Gower weatherman Mr. John Powell suggested conditions were right for a ball of lightning, but Mr. Ferris was mystified. The photograph was enlarged 170 times. Swansea police had no reports, but the image convinced staff at Morriston's DVLC that they had seen a genuine UFO.

South Wales Argus Newport (October 16, 1982)

"'Buzz off' plea from UFO spotters" describes a situation in Monmouth where patrolling constables saw strange flashing lights. This led to numerous calls from UFO societies and inquiries from American broadcasting companies. Chief Inspector Keith Harris expressed that police time could be used more valuably, but the British UFO Society intended to conduct a detailed study.

Indianola, IA Record Herald and Tribune (October 14, 1982)

"UFO? Milo woman isn't sure what she saw" by Debbie Miller reports on Darlene Cumings, who lives near Milo, Iowa. She heard a loud noise and saw something with red lights go down in a field. She called the Milo Fire Department, and authorities searched the area for nearly two hours with no findings. Other families verified an aircraft flying low, but couldn't confirm it landed. One family thought they heard an airplane crash. McNamara stated Des Moines Airport radar showed no aircraft. A low-flying aircraft, possibly a helicopter, was also reported in the area weeks prior.

South Wales Evening Post Swansea (October 23, 1982)

"City UFO witnessed" links the sighting over Swansea with an earlier event. Staff at Morriston's DVLC spotted a large, silver, house-sized object with sparkles landing in a field a few hours before Mr. Ferris took his photograph. Mrs. Rosalind Young described it similarly to Mr. Ferris's object.

Evening Post Leeds (October 23, 1982)

"'UFO' sighting a puzzler for Pat" features Mr. Patrick Coyne, who saw several bright lights hovering in a clear sky near Horsforth. Police, Leeds-Bradford Airport, and the UFO department at Manchester could not provide an explanation. Mr. Coyne believes it was a close encounter.

Wigan Evening Post, Lancs (October 28, 1982)

"UFOs: Do they really exist?" discusses the phenomenon, referencing a BBC Horizon program. It mentions Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of "unusual flying objects" over Mount Rainier, which popularized the term "Flying Saucers." The article notes Jenny Randle of the British UFO Research Association and Brian Inglis, who presented the first TV show on the subject.

Palmers Green & Southgate Gazette (October 27, 1982)

"Close Encounters of a Winchmore Hill kind" details Nigel Gray's experience during a late-night stroll. He and his brother Stephen saw a strange, eerie light with a high-pitched whining sound. The light travelled slowly overhead, possibly a few hundred feet up. Nigel hid, while his brother and a passer-by attempted to follow it. Nigel caught only glimpses through foliage as the light faded.

Nuneaton Evening Tribune (October 18, 1982)

"New light on UFOs" discusses the BBC's "Horizon" program "The Case of the UFOs." It explores the reasons for the phenomenon's fascination and mentions sightings by pilots, policemen, astronauts, and Jimmy Carter. The article notes that 90% of sightings can be dismissed, but highlights cases like Travis Walton's abduction and film footage of UFOs over New Zealand.

The Courier (April 1, 1982)

"WAS IT OR WASN'T IT?" features German businessman Gerhard Bruckhorst, a scientific instrument-maker, who claims to have seen a UFO land on a moor near Bodmin, Cornwall. He described it as saucer-shaped, initially long and thin like a cigar, then tilting to appear round with portholes. He followed it and saw it land. An "Official Comment" from a top government spokesman confirmed that officials were probing reports of UFOs over Cornwall, with RAF St. Mawgan receiving reports of bright lights and calls from the public. The spokesman cautioned against questions that could interfere with national security.

Western Mail (August 1, 1982)

"The night a UFO killed the grass" by Mike Gee tells the story of Noel Martin, who plans to search for a UFO he saw 25 years ago near Jervis Bay, Australia. He described a flaming ball that plunged into the ocean. The next day, a large strip of yellowing grass, about 100 metres long, was found where the object had taken its path. The grass died off and has not regenerated in 25 years. Mr. Martin hopes to raise funds for a documentary.

The Daily World (September 23, 1982)

"An unexplained object in the sky" by Ralph Flowers recounts an experience from April 1968. While observing deer, the author and a game agent saw a bright, pulsating star-like object. It was verified as pulsating with a bluish-green light and not a star. They observed it again later. The author also recalls an encounter in 1968 where he saw a dark, round object with a protuberance, rotating and losing altitude, which disappeared mysteriously.

UFOs Over Russia (Article Series)

This multi-part series details investigations into UFO phenomena in Russia. The first part, "Soviets tried to suppress evidence of aliens," focuses on a May 15, 1981, incident where the KGB reported a "huge" object violating Moscow's airspace. Astrophysicist Dr. Vladimir Azhazha headed a commission that compiled evidence, including astronomical calculations of a 600-meter diameter spherical object. Airforce planes were ordered not to engage. The article mentions a smaller vehicle emerging from the main object over Vnukovo airport. It also references previous events, such as the "Petrozavodsk Phenomenon" in 1977 (a giant 'jelly fish' object) and a 1980 spaceship sighting over Moscow. Dr. Azhazha believes these were attempts to communicate through optical effects and skywriting. The series notes that NASA keeps the Soviet Union under surveillance and that James Oberg confirmed large unidentified objects were seen over Central European Russia on specified dates. The second part, "UFOS OVER RUSSIA continued," discusses the object occasionally losing its tail and growing new ones. Dr. Azhazha's findings were confirmed by Americans interested in watching the airspace over Moscow. The article concludes by stating that next week's installment will cover "How aliens attack from bases on the ocean floor."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions provided by witnesses, and the persistent mystery surrounding these phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting these events, often with a tone that leans towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, while also acknowledging more conventional explanations like meteors or military activity. The articles generally present witness accounts without overt skepticism, often highlighting the reliability of the observers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and contributing to the ongoing public discourse on UFOs.

This issue of the Examiner, dated November 16, 1982, focuses heavily on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the ongoing investigation into these phenomena. The cover story details a dramatic chase of a UFO by a German instrument maker, Herr Bruckhorst, near Bodmin, UK, who also discovered physical evidence in the form of scorched grass.

Key Articles and Reports

'It took off very, very fast and I decided to chase it.'

This article recounts the experience of Herr Bruckhorst, a 42-year-old scientific instrument maker from Dusseldorf. He describes chasing a UFO at high speed, witnessing it land in a field, and later finding three circular patches of scorched grass, each about 20 feet apart. He managed to take a blurred photograph of the object.

Sighting gave a start

This piece features Flight Captain Bill Startup, who previously had no interest in UFOs. He recounts an experience in December 1978 in New Zealand where he saw a strange light through the window of his freight aircraft. The sighting was unique as it was witnessed and documented by a film crew aboard the flight, and the footage was screened worldwide. It is believed to be the first authentic footage of a UFO in motion, verified by ground radar.

4 claim close sight of UFO

Four men from Mt Barker, Australia, claim to have had a close encounter with a glowing object. Professional kangaroo shooters Ray Drage and three companions observed a yellow and red glowing object hovering for about 10 minutes before moving off. They described it as definitely not a helicopter or aeroplane and watched it hover above trees for some time.

YOU'RE GONNA THINK I'M CRAZY BUT....

Written by J. Kingston Pierce, this article explores the challenges faced by individuals who claim to have seen UFOs or had contact with aliens. It highlights the work of the UFO Contact Center in Seattle, founded by Dan and Aileen Edwards, which provides support for 'contacts' who often struggle with credibility and psychological distress. The article touches upon the history of UFO sightings in the Pacific Northwest, including the origin of the term 'flying saucer' from Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It discusses common experiences of contacts, such as 'missing time,' unusual dreams, and physical marks, and mentions the theory that contacts may be undergoing some form of 'education' by aliens. The Edwardses' move to Wyoming to establish a centralized center is also noted.

Space person to Earth: 'We come in peace'

This article introduces Aleuti Francesca, who claims to have been receiving 'telethought transmissions' from 'space people' since 1958. Francesca, a certified Doctor of Spiritual Science, relays messages from beings who call themselves 'brothers and sisters in Light' and communicate via a craft identified as XY7. These messages warn of global governmental collapse by the year 2000, leading to the open landing of extraterrestrials and the dawn of an 'Aquarian Age.' Francesca's purpose is to 'educate and inform' humanity. Despite skepticism, she insists on the authenticity of her communications, which include warnings against nuclear power, which the space people regard as the 'death principle.' The article notes that while Francesca has never seen a space person herself, her descriptions come from others who claim to have been picked up by alien spacecraft. The messages are monitored via radio and television transmissions.

Village blacksmith is attacked by 3-eyed aliens

This report details a terrifying attack on Juan Froche Jiaciola, a 63-year-old blacksmith in Libertad, Uruguay, on June 14, 1930. Jiaciola was roused by strange noises and encountered two tall, catlike beings with a third eye in the middle of their foreheads. When he grabbed one of the aliens' hands as they tried to force entry, his own hand throbbed with unbearable heat and pain. Medical examination revealed light burns on his palm. Editor Charles Bowen suggests such visitations might be timed to coincide with man-made space displays, like the Soviet Cosmos 1188, to cover up their real purpose.

I gave birth to a space alien's baby

This article presents the extraordinary claim of a woman named Mary, who, along with her husband Michael, reportedly had an encounter with aliens aboard a UFO in November 1980. Following the encounter, during which they were stripped naked and examined, Mary discovered she was pregnant. Doctors predicted a brain-damaged infant, but she delivered a surprisingly well-developed baby that has shown high intelligence and physical precocity. Michael, under hypnotic regression, drew pictures of the spacecraft and aliens, describing one as a 'nice guy' and others as 'emotionless robots.' He also reported gaining new knowledge that changed his life. UFO expert Richard Sigismond conducted the hypnotic regressions.

Woman dies waiting for UFO

This report from November 19, 1982, details the tragic case of Laverne Landis, a 48-year-old nurse, and Gerald Flach, a 38-year-old electrician. Driven by messages from a 'higher power,' they camped for over four weeks in the wilderness of northeastern Minnesota, waiting for a UFO. They ran out of food and gasoline, surviving on vitamins and lake water. Landis was found dead in their car from cold, dehydration, and starvation, while Flach was found semi-conscious. Flach stated they were conducting an 'experiment on hypothermia' and that he had become obsessed with UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the physical or psychological evidence associated with them. The magazine appears to present these accounts with a degree of seriousness, often quoting witnesses directly and including details of investigations or expert opinions. While not overtly endorsing the phenomena, the publication provides a platform for these often-unexplained events, suggesting a stance of open inquiry into the UFO subject. The variety of cases, from chases and physical evidence to alleged alien contact and even a 'space baby,' indicates a broad interest in the spectrum of UFO-related phenomena. The inclusion of a UFO contact support group and psychic communications further broadens the scope of the reported material.