APCIC - Vol 07 No 12 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 12
Date: December 1982
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, presents a collection of articles and reports concerning UFO sightings, theories, and investigations from late 1982. The cover features a classic flying saucer illustration and the bold title "UFO NEWS."

Staff and Correspondents

The publication lists its editorial staff, including Harry R. Cohen as editor and S. Mac Williams as assistant editor. It also features a network of foreign correspondents from various countries such as Argentina, Australia, Denmark, France, Japan, Italy, Turkey, West Germany, and Canada, indicating a global scope for UFO reporting.

Articles and Reports

New Light on UFO Mystery (Ashbourne News Telegraph, Nov 4, 1982) This article discusses a local resident, Mrs. Barbara Jones-Black, who offered an alternative explanation for lights seen by Mr. and Mrs. Maskery. Mrs. Jones-Black suggested the lights were from a powerful Army torch wielded by humans, possibly looking for animals or a camping spot, rather than an extraterrestrial craft. She acknowledged that the Maskerys' angle might have made it appear strange. Mr. Peter Ann of the Nottingham Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Society is investigating this theory.

Throwing Light on the UFOs (Leicester Mercury, Oct 29, 1982) Paul Devereux, an art teacher, proposes a theory that UFOs are a result of natural geological phenomena. His research in Leicestershire and Wales, areas known for geological instability, suggests a correlation between fault lines and UFO sightings. Devereux noted that the effects observed were bright lights, and cited American scientists who proved that crushing crystalline rocks can produce balls of light.

Engineer Will Probe Felixstowe UFOs (East Anglian Daily Times, Nov 10, 1982) Felixstowe engineer Mr. Paul Hermon has been appointed as the area investigator for the British Unidentified Flying Objects Society (BUFOS). He is seeking information from anyone who has witnessed strange sights in the skies above the town to contribute to a nationwide investigation.

New UFO Mystery (Whitby Gazette, Nov 5, 1982) Several people in the Whitby area reported seeing a baffling object in the evening sky. Witnesses described it as having a light at the front like a star and a cluster of lights at the back, with a yellow tinge. They noted its unusual size and speed, and the absence of sound. Some compared its outline to a large airship. Radar technician Mr. Peter Glover also observed the lights, describing them as white and steady, giving the impression of floating. RAF Fylingdales and coastguards reported no unusual activity.

Damien Encounters a Real 'Invader' (Stockport Express, Nov 4, 1982) An 11-year-old boy, Damien Hulme, reported seeing a mysterious object covered in lights while cycling home. He described it as being the size of two houses and about 10 feet above the trees. The incident occurred near Hazel Grove, and the police were involved, taking a sketch of the object. This sighting is part of a spate of reports in the south of Manchester and Cheshire.

Bell Over Birdlip (Gloucester Echo, Nov 8, 1982) Mr. F. W. Payne reported an unidentified flying object over Shab Hill Farm, Birdlip, in 1939. He described it as a large bell-shaped object that hovered motionless for about two minutes. He is seeking anyone else who might have witnessed a similar event in November 1939 to corroborate his story.

Town to be Centre of a Probe into the UFO's (Macclesfield Express Times + Courier Cheshire, Nov 11, 1982) Macclesfield is set to become a focus for a survey into UFO phenomena, with investigator Alan Bramhill of the British UFO Society leading the research. The society aims to prove people's beliefs and encourage unbiased investigation, stating that they want to address the ignorance and fear surrounding UFOs. They are collecting evidence and cooperating with other researchers.

Mystery Light (Grantham Journal, Lincs., Oct 29, 1982) The Grantham Aviation Society reported a bright light seen near Welby village, which was stationary at times and moved long distances. Descriptions included moving in straight or curved lines, sometimes veering, and appearing at high altitudes (10,000-12,000 ft). The light was described as bright and silent when stationary, with a rushing noise when moving at speed. Over three years, at least four people have seen this light.

Was It UFO? (North Devon Journal, Barnstaple, Oct 28, 1982) A letter describes a sighting by the writer's 14-year-old son and herself of a "bright yellow light moving very quickly and jumping about from one place to another" while traveling on a train. The object followed the train for some while before disappearing. They inquired with the train guard but no one else had seen it.

Appeal on 'Saucer' Sighting (Ilford Recorder, Nov 18, 1982) A driver in Loxford Lane, Ilford, reported spotting a strange yellowish object with a row of lights above Barking Park. Colin Sartorius of the Redbridge-based UFO Research Team is appealing for other witnesses to come forward, as they have received one other potentially connected report.

UFO Takes Shape (Whitby Gazette, Nov 12, 1982) A Whitby woman, Mrs. Rachel Morton, described a recent UFO sighting as a wide-based triangle shape with a domed covering. She first saw two small lights at the front, followed by three larger lights at the back. The object was seen gliding noiselessly over the area and then heading out to sea.

Mystery Red Glow Over City (Western Evening Herald, Plymouth, Nov 12, 1982) Several people in Plymouth reported seeing a strange red glow in the night sky. The Plymouth UFO Research Group is appealing for witnesses. One report described a circular object with red lights all around it and an arrow-head shape picked out in red lights, heading out to sea.

UFO Spotted (Western Mail, Nov 19, 1982) Mrs. Pauline Hooper of Cwmbran reported seeing a star-like object emitting a single light beam above her street on a Wednesday afternoon.

Ipswich UFO Sightings Investigated (Ipswich, MA, Oct 29, 1982) Marge Christensen, an investigator with the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), is investigating UFO sightings in the Ipswich, MA area, which appears to have more reports than other areas. Theories for this include a strong magnetic field or attraction to the Air Force installation and former radar site. Christensen believes UFOs are extraterrestrial and that MUFON possesses de-classified government documents related to UFOs.

A Reliable Source Tells His UFO Story (Vancouver Columbian, Nov 11, 1982) This article presents an eyewitness account from Jim A., a former county commissioner, who described seeing a large yellow light descending slowly towards the Columbia River. The object then ascended and descended multiple times before touching the water. It later ascended rapidly, made sharp right-angle movements, and then disappeared. Jim contacted the sheriff's office to report the sighting.

Did Any of You See That UFO? (Liberty News, Covington, TN, Oct 27, 1982) Willie Sue Craig recounts a personal sighting of an unidentified flying object, described as a "big gob of lights" that moved directly toward her. She heard a far-off whirring sound and watched it until it went out of sight behind trees. She hopes others have seen similar objects to validate her experience.

Six Sight UFO (Victoria, Texas Advocate, Nov 13, 1982) Six people in Victoria, Texas, reported seeing an unidentified flying object to the west of the city. Descriptions included a dark, oval to saucer-shaped object moving southerly, visible for several minutes. Witnesses described it as looking like a "flying saucer" and "weird," with no lights or noise. The National Weather Service confirmed launching a weather balloon around the same time but doubted it was their balloon.

They Don't Believe in Unidentified Flying Objects... (Brown White, Bethlehem, PA, Nov 9, 1982) This article discusses a lecture by aerospace engineer Clark McClelland, who investigates UFOs and claims the government is covering up information about potential alien visitors. McClelland presented evidence for UFOs and aliens, including alleged ancient cave drawings and cases of alleged UFO crashes and captures. He also described a possible alien anatomy based on scientific observations. The article suggests that widespread knowledge of such evidence could cause panic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and various theories attempting to explain these phenomena. There's a clear focus on collecting and disseminating information from diverse sources, including local newspapers and eyewitness accounts from around the world. The publication appears to maintain an open stance towards the possibility of UFOs being extraterrestrial in origin, while also presenting more conventional explanations and scientific investigations. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging investigation and challenging official explanations that dismiss UFOs as mere natural phenomena or misidentifications.

This issue of The Examiner, dated December 14, 1982, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring a prominent cover story about General Douglas MacArthur's belief in UFOs as a potential hostile threat. The magazine compiles various reports of sightings, alleged encounters, and related incidents from different locations, alongside discussions on the scientific and governmental perspectives on UFOs.

MacArthur Believed UFOs Exist

The lead article reveals the mind-boggling claim by ufologist John Keel that General Douglas MacArthur believed UFOs were the vanguard of a hostile invading force from outer space. Keel asserts that during World War II, MacArthur kept a close watch on UFO reports, establishing a group of intelligence officers to collect and study them. These reports, often stamped Top Secret, led the team to believe they were dealing with an unknown technology. By 1945, intelligence officers were convinced that these mysterious aerial objects were of extraterrestrial and hostile origin. In 1955, MacArthur reportedly expressed his deep concern over UFOs to columnist Henry J. Taylor, believing the American people should be informed. He voiced fears that UFOs were a hostile military force scouting for an invasion and called for a crash program to develop space-age weapons to counter this threat. Keel speculates that MacArthur may have discussed this with President Kennedy in 1962, potentially influencing Kennedy's subsequent push for a space program.

Close Encounter with Aliens in Pennsylvania

An article by Ann Lewnes details an experience of two University students, David Dowling and Greg Keller, who claim to have had a close encounter with aliens on October 17th at 1:30 a.m. While watching television, a bright light engulfed their room, and they found themselves inside a spaceship, looking down at Earth. They described the spaceship as being about half the size of a University snackbar, composed of laser beams, with an invisible interior. The aliens were also invisible but communicated through feeling and emotion. Six aliens were present, and the students felt they were being probed. They sensed the aliens were curious but did not want to get involved. The students did not report the incident to the police, fearing disbelief due to a lack of proof. Dowling expressed a desire for them to return.

UFOs and Automobile Accidents

Leonard Falcone, executive secretary for Pacific UFO Watch, warns that bored UFO pilots might be causing automobile accidents. He suggests that a recent spurt in UFO-related accidents could be UFOnauts "having a little fun." Falcone, an astro-engineer, theorizes that if UFOs have been observing Earth for a long time, some might find the job dull and engage in activities like scaring natives or shooting at animals, similar to what he did in the Army. The Center For UFO Studies reports 440 instances of UFO-related accidents globally. Dr. J. Allen Hynek acknowledges the spurt but knows no reason for it. Harold Gerson notes that such accidents are most common in the Midwest. Falcone also suggests that UFOs can cause electromagnetic disturbances that stall engines, cause drivers to lose control, or affect their bodies. Examples cited include teenage brothers in Missouri whose car zoomed off control, and incidents where New York and Wisconsin police officers were affected by blinding beams from UFOs, causing their vehicles to run off into ditches. No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported.

UFO Attack on an Argentinian Village

A report from the GLOBE describes a giant UFO, approximately 150 feet in diameter, devastating a South American village named Londres in northwestern Argentina on August 13th. The UFO unleashed a "wind-whipped holocaust" that demolished buildings and forced families to flee. Police officers first spotted the object hovering at an altitude of less than 20 feet. It then moved slowly, touched down, and lifted off multiple times. Raging fires, whipped by unprecedented winds, broke out where the UFO landed and spread rapidly. Witnesses reported being paralyzed by fear from a weird, orange-yellow light. Despite efforts to fight the flames, the village would have been destroyed if the wind hadn't disappeared as suddenly as it arrived. Military investigators from Buenos Aires clamped a lid of secrecy on the incident, and authorities reportedly do not wish the world to know what happened. Officials are studying landing sites and mysterious glass-like fragments found on rooftops.

UFO Sightings in the UK

Several reports from the UK detail UFO sightings:

• Skegness: A senior coastguard, Bernard O'Reilly, reported seeing a lit, triangular craft hover over Skegness for several minutes before travelling soundlessly across The Wash. Other witnesses, including a police constable, also reported seeing the craft. RAF checks showed no aircraft in the area, and radar detected nothing.
• Felixstowe: Engineer Paul Hermon, appointed as the area investigator for the British Unidentified Flying Objects Society (BUFOS), is seeking information from anyone who has seen strange sights in the skies above the town.
• Holbrook: Teachers and pupils at the Royal Hospital School spotted an unidentifiable orange ball of light floating silently above the school buildings. A teacher described it as radiating light and reflecting off clouds.
• Bollington and Macclesfield: Mrs. Marion Pritchard reported seeing an oval-shaped object with three bright lights hovering about 40 feet above houses. Her niece and a friend saw the same thing minutes later.
• Borwick: Mr. Edward Towers reported seeing a stationary object lit by 20 red, blue, and white lights high in the sky. He and his wife were unable to estimate its altitude or size.
• Cwmbran: Pauline Hooper reported seeing a star-like object emitting a light beam above her street, which then floated out of sight.

UFOs and Government Cover-ups

An article from NEWS OF THE WORLD (London, December 5, 1982) features William Francis Brinsley Le Poer Trench, the eighth Earl of Clancarty, who claims real extraterrestrials have already landed on Earth and that world powers are covering up this fact. He states that the governments of the USA, Russia, and Britain are involved in a cover-up plot. He suggests that UFOs are powered by electromagnetic energy, which financiers of oil and nuclear power do not want to be disrupted. He also mentions that the Pentagon has monitored thousands of UFO sightings near nuclear bases that could not be explained by natural causes. The Earl claims that Stephen Spielberg's movies "Close Encounters" and "E.T." were inspired by real-life meetings between UFOs and U.S. leaders, including President Eisenhower, who allegedly met aliens and decided the world was not ready for open contact. The aliens supposedly suggested an education program to prepare humanity.

UFO Bases on the Moon and Alien-Human Relations

Jill Frankham's report on the Earl of Clancarty's claims further elaborates on his views. He suggests that UFO bases exist on the Moon, with astronauts reporting seeing many UFOs there, but the facts were hushed up. He believes the Moon is used as a base to watch Earth. The Earl states that ten governments openly admit UFOs exist. He also mentions that Scotland Yard investigates UFO sightings and hands reports to the Ministry of Defence, though the government denies receiving them. He claims that "Close Encounters" was based on a real meeting between UFOs and a U.S. leader, and that aliens suggested an education program.

Gordon Creighton, editor of Flying Saucer Review, is presented as having a casebook of UFO sightings, including a close encounter between a Brazilian farmer and a beautiful alien girl. Creighton suggests that these space people might be related to humans, allowing for breeding, and that post-hypnotic suggestions are often used on kidnapped individuals. He speculates that aliens may want to salvage human stock in case of nuclear war or need human genes to revitalize their own stock.

UFOs in the Midwest and California

Reports from the Midwest and California detail further sightings:

• Arlington Heights, Illinois: Palatine Commander Michael McDonald reported seeing a bright white and red light in the sky, estimated to be 300-500 feet above the ground. Other officers independently saw the light, which made no noise and had no discernible shape due to its brightness. Palatine police contacted O'Hare Airport, but no aircraft were reported. The light disappeared behind Busse Woods after about nine minutes. Nearby police found nothing unusual.
• Coulterville, California: An unverified report of a UFO landing in Mariposa County involved two drivers whose vehicles suddenly stopped. They found a UFO landing on hilly terrain. The object made "unearthly sounds," and the drivers fled. The Sheriff's Department could not verify the report.
• Clarence, New York: An Amherst woman reported being forced into a car by two white males and taken to a plaza. A Clarence man reported seeing a UFO that looked like a wing of an airplane, blueish in color, near Greiner and Goodrich Roads. It disappeared after a short burn-out from its two engines. A Texas man reported an unknown object hit his truck windshield.

UFOs Keep Flowing Despite Skeptics

Dennis Byrne's report from Chicago highlights that despite a lack of media attention, UFO reports continue to flow into the Center for UFO Studies. J. Allen Hynek, director of the center, states that reports are generally of higher quality and often involve witnesses. He notes that most sightings are "close encounters of the first kind." Hynek does not believe UFOs are visitors from distant solar systems due to the vast distances involved. He expresses frustration with the scientific world's lack of interest and the unfair treatment he has received from media outlets like Nova, a public television science series, which he claims presented a biased view of UFO investigations. He also mentions the difficulty in financing the center due to the ridicule associated with the subject.

San Diego Sighting

A bright object was described by North Island Naval Air Station observers as a meteor, but reported to the Sheriff's Department as a "UFO." The object was sighted over the ocean south of Coronado. Lindbergh Field towers also saw the object. The Sheriff's office received several calls describing it as a "UFO."

Researcher Seeks Local UFO Information

Tom Kerin reports that James Leming, the newly appointed MUFON state section director for Cascade County, is seeking information on local UFO sightings, particularly a sighting near the Giant Springs area in Montana. Leming has a personal interest, having spotted a UFO himself in 1977 and taken photos. He notes that cattle mutilations in the West have sometimes been linked to UFO phenomena. Leming believes that UFO investigation is a serious endeavor and that a phenomena does exist in our skies. He encourages people to come forward with information without fear of ridicule.

East Canton UFO Sighting

An Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) was sighted at the Canton Local Bus Garage on November 17th. John Forte, Maintenance Supervisor, along with other employees, witnessed an oval-shaped object, silver in hue, with red and white lights, hovering on the horizon. The object traveled north and took about five minutes to traverse the sky. Checks with the Canton-Akron Airport and local media yielded no other reports. The article humorously suggests a possible explanation involving a "space pet" that escaped from a Christmas party.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various locations, the persistent belief in UFOs by some individuals (including historical figures like MacArthur), the alleged involvement of governments in cover-ups, and the scientific community's general skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting different perspectives from witnesses, investigators, and skeptics, and highlighting the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on documenting these events, even those that are unverified or met with disbelief.

This issue of the Flint, Mich. Journal from December 8, 1982, and the Wayne Independent from December 4, 1982, along with The Sunday Sun from September 26, 1982, and the Examiner from December 21, 1982, focus on UFO sightings and related phenomena across North America.

Flint, Mich. Journal - December 8, 1982

E.T. hunting help in area? Four report UFO over I-69

This article reports on four individuals who called the Flint post of the State Police between 1:50 and 2 a.m. on December 8, 1982, to report a UFO hovering above I-69. Initially dismissed as a prank, the calls became more serious after several reports. Witnesses described the craft as having five headlights pointing in different directions and hovering stationary about 25 feet above the ground over the Morrish Road overpass in Swartz Creek. Police sent officers to investigate, but the craft was gone by the time they arrived. Officials at the National Weather Service stated it was not a weather balloon. The incident was to be reported to the Mutual UFO Network.

Wayne Independent, Honesdale, PA - December 4, 1982

3 boys report UFO sighting near Lake Ariel

Written by Ellen Bradbury, this article details a UFO sighting by three boys: Charlie Termini, Chad Saprona, and Dean Donnoni, aged 10 to 12, near Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania. While playing at the Saprona home off Route 590, they observed an object in the sky that hovered briefly before flying away. Charlie described it as round with glowing white lights and intermittently-spaced blue lights. Chad and Dean reported a triangular shape with a bright blue light in each corner. They all agreed it was not an airplane. The sighting was confirmed by Chad's mother, Ramona Saprona, and Mrs. Termini, who saw a "tear-shaped object which appeared as though it was falling to the ground." Mrs. Donnini noted her son was not prone to fabricating stories. The report was filed with the Pennsylvania State Police and Dr. J. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies was notified. Dr. Hynek telephoned the boys and asked them to draw and send pictures of the object. Investigation was pending the availability of a volunteer investigator.

The Sunday Sun - September 26, 1982

You report it, Ottawa files it - CLOSE ENCOUNTER?

This article by Terry Collins, Ottawa Bureau, discusses the Canadian government's response to numerous UFO sightings reported to authorities. According to the National Research Council (NRC), while unusual sightings are acknowledged, flying saucers are dismissed. Reports are collected but no action is taken, ending up in the Public Archives. The article recounts the experience of Sherry Stewner and Theresa Klym, who reported a diamond-shaped, metallic object with bright white and red lights hovering silently over a country road near Winnipeg. The object disappeared towards the horizon. The report was taken by a sergeant who noted the witness was "coherent." The article also mentions Dr. Peter Millman, chairman of a secret committee in 1952-53 that studied unexplainable sightings. Millman concluded that there was no evidence of alien visitation. Lt.Cdr. Arthur Bray, a Canadian Navy air pilot, is quoted stating his belief that humanity is being observed by an advanced race that has no interest in making public contact.

Examiner - December 21, 1982

TEENS TERRORIZED BY SHINING UFO - three encounters at the same spot

By Leonard Sandler, this article details three separate UFO encounters that occurred in Escanaba, Michigan, within a two-month period. The first involved teenagers Angie Parrotta and Nancy Hanson, who reported a V-shaped UFO with two huge "headlights" hovering menacingly over their car. The object sped up with them at treetop level before veering away. The second incident involved Tim Miron, who saw an orange-reddish star-like object that grew larger and flashed red ray-like extensions. The object was shaped like a cone with a piece cut out and had red lights. It hovered over a neighbor's house and barn, about 10 feet off the ground, before disappearing. The third encounter involved Tammy Utt on February 10, 1982, with a similar sighting. An investigation by Dr. Kenneth Schelhase of the University of Northern Michigan and the International UFO Reporter concluded that the witnesses were normal, healthy young people who were open and frank, showing no suggestion of contrivance or hoax.

Key Incidents and Reports from Canada

Several other reports from Canada are highlighted:

• September 14: Four men in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, reported six to eight bright lights (amber, blue, white) that were stationary at times and then moved suddenly.
• August 16: A man in Suffield, Alberta, and a Transport Canada worker independently reported a bright green light flying south at high speed. The light stopped, flickered, and dropped silently to the ground.
• June 20: Over 30 people from Copper Cliff and Falconbridge, Ontario, reported seeing a "football field"-sized platform of yellow lights with a rounded top, lasting 15 minutes. Several people took photographs.
• February 3: Three Armed Forces officers at Gander, Newfoundland, filed a report of red and green flashing lights travelling across the horizon at an estimated 2,000 miles per hour.
• January 20: Between January 20 and February 3, more than three dozen sightings were made in the Gander area of an object with red, green, and yellow lights, which alternately hovered and darted in a complex flight path.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in these articles include the description of UFOs with distinct lights (white, blue, red, green, yellow), varied shapes (V-shaped, round, triangular, tear-shaped, cone-like), and unusual flight behaviors (hovering, rapid acceleration, silent movement). Witness accounts often emphasize the fear and bewilderment experienced. The editorial stance, particularly from Canadian authorities like the NRC, is one of skepticism towards the existence of extraterrestrial visitation, viewing reports as unusual but not necessarily evidence of alien craft. However, the detailed accounts and the involvement of organizations like the Center for UFO Studies and the International UFO Reporter suggest a continued interest and investigation into these phenomena, even if official government responses are often dismissive or file-based.