APCIC - Vol 08 No 02 - 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER in Cleveland, Ohio, is dated FEBRUARY 1983, Volume 8, No. 2. The cover prominently features a stylized silhouette of a flying saucer and the title 'UFO NEWS'. The publication includes reports from various newspapers across the UK detailing UFO sightings and related investigations.

Key Articles and Reports

South Wales Echo, Cardiff - January 20, 1983

"What Carole Saw Over Cardiff" reports on a giant triangular object hovering over South Wales, investigated by police. Mrs. Carole Griffiths of Llandaff, Cardiff, described seeing a triangular object with white lights along the border and a red light in the middle, which she believed to be a UFO. Her husband and a passenger corroborated the sighting. South Wales police confirmed receiving multiple calls reporting UFOs between 6pm and 7pm on January 19, 1983, and stated the reports would be treated seriously.

Western Daily Press, Bristol - January 17, 1983

"Experts check out 'ball of fire' landing" details an incident where Home Office scientists were to examine the charred remains of a 'ball of fire' that fell to earth on Saturday night, setting an area of wet grassland ablaze. The object was described as bright red, about a foot in diameter, and left a burned, cylindrical object with a wire attached. Witnesses, including Hedley Watkins and Mrs. Pamela Quelch, noted the unusual way it set fire to wet grass, leading to speculation about its nature.

Herald Express, Torquay, Devon - January 17, 1983

"BLUE UFO 'LANDS' IN SOUTH DEVON FIELD" recounts an encounter by two Torquay teenagers, Bruce Cowling and Andrew Jarvis, who saw a large, blue, white-tipped light heading towards the ground at 45 degrees, described as about 30 feet long and shaped like a rocket firework. They believed it landed in a field. A local milkman also reported seeing a similar object earlier that morning. The teenagers reported the incident to the police, who suggested it might have been a meteorite. The report also mentions the 'ball of fire' incident in Reading.

The Oxford Times - January 14, 1983

"Unidentified Flying Objects, with strings attached..." features a portrait and profile of Timothy Good, a violinist and an internationally recognized expert on UFOs. The article highlights his extensive research into UFO sightings, his interviews with witnesses, and his upcoming book, 'George Adamski, the Untold Story'. Good discusses his own sightings and his belief that extraterrestrial visitors are more likely to be humanoid. He also shares his experiences in the music industry, playing with various orchestras and in session work.

South Wales Echo, Cardiff - January 24, 1983

"That triangle is no 'plane-expert" features Joe Toland, a former RAF aircraft engineer, who witnessed a mysterious flying triangle over South Wales. Toland, who has 15 years of experience in aviation, stated the object could not be a known British aircraft due to its size (estimated 300 feet across) and its complete silence. He initially considered the possibility of mid-air refueling but dismissed it due to the noise factor. The article also mentions UFO expert Bill Rich, who believes the triangle is a visitor from space.

Coventry Evening Telegraph - January 21, 1983

"Looking inwards" presents the theory of Paul Devereaux, who suggests that UFOs emanate not from space but from beneath the Earth's surface. His theory links UFO activity to geological faults, mineral-rich areas, megalithic sites, and low thunderstorm activity. He proposes that UFOs and their 'occupants' are created from 'proto-entities' interacting with geological and electromagnetic events and human psycho-kinetic abilities.

South Wales Evening Post, Swansea - January 20, 1983

"Hundreds spot mystery lights over city" details numerous sightings of strange illuminated shapes over Swansea and South West Wales. Witnesses described objects as roughly triangular with flashing lights, moving slowly and silently. Explanations offered included meteorites, aircraft, and the descending Russian satellite Cosmos 1402. The article notes that air traffic controllers at RAF Brawdy and Cardiff-Wales Airport reported no unusual aircraft activity at the time. It also mentions a power cut in the Kittle and Bishopston area, possibly caused by a branch hitting an overhead power line.

"UFO: Cosmos or RAF Hercules?" presents two more theories for the Swansea sightings. Dr. Frederick Jenkins suggests it was the descending Russian satellite Cosmos 1402, based on its orbital path. Bank manager Michael Holliman suggests it was a formation of RAF Hercules planes conducting low-level refuelling exercises, citing a similar noise he heard previously.

South Wales Evening Post, Swansea - January 21, 1983

"Sky-watchers agree on mystery lights METEORS! NEVER SAY ALL THE UFO SPOTTERS" summarizes the consensus among sky-watchers in Swansea and other parts of South Wales regarding the recent sightings. They agreed the objects were roughly triangular with flashing lights and moved silently and slowly. Mrs. June Thomas provided a drawing of the objects. Witnesses like Mr. Peter Trotman and Mr. Kenneth Needles dismissed theories of meteorites or aircraft. An RAF spokesman stated that official reports would be investigated, with initial responses suggesting aircraft. Mr. John Owen dismissed the aircraft theory due to the object's slow speed and silence. The article also notes that electricity supplies were cut off in some areas, possibly due to a temporary fault.

"Was there close UFO encounter?" by Robert Lloyd discusses the excitement generated by the UFO sightings in Swansea, illustrating how the phenomenon concerns people. It defines 'close encounter of the first kind' (sighting of an alien object) and 'close encounter of the second kind' (meeting with something from another world). The article notes the regularity of UFO reports in South Wales and mentions books written on the subject. It highlights witness accounts of objects described as large, silver, and moving at speeds unattainable by aircraft. The article concludes by quoting Mr. Ian Mrzyglod, a regional co-ordinator for BUFORA, who states that in most cases there is a rational explanation, but in 10 percent of cases, one must draw their own conclusions, leaving the question of whether we are alone in our universe open.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the search for rational explanations. The magazine presents a range of sightings, from large triangular craft to mysterious lights, and includes expert opinions and official statements. While acknowledging conventional explanations like meteorites and aircraft, the publication also gives space to theories suggesting more extraordinary origins, such as extraterrestrial visitors or phenomena originating from beneath the Earth's surface. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena, often leaving the reader to ponder the possibilities.

Title: GLOBE
Issue: FEB 15
Volume: 1982
Date: February 15, 1982
Publisher: GLOBE
Country: USA
Language: English

Main Cover Story: UFOs Hold Nation in Grip of Fear

The cover of this GLOBE issue dramatically highlights the widespread fear gripping Norway due to a series of intense UFO sightings. The headline, "UFOS HOLD NATION IN GRIP OF FEAR," suggests a national crisis caused by an apparent extraterrestrial presence. A map of Norway is featured, indicating sighting locations, with Roeros, a town 200 miles north of Oslo, being a focal point. The article details how residents of this once-peaceful valley have been reporting strange flying objects streaking across the sky for several months, leading them to appeal to the nation's highest military authority, the Ministry of Defense, for assistance.

Officials are privately concerned that this "ominous saucer blitz" might be linked to a top-secret NATO military maneuver scheduled to occur in Norway the following month. Despite attempts by the Norwegian Air Force to track the unidentified objects using radar, they have failed. However, the Ministry of Defense has reportedly photographed intense "points of light" over the remote valley.

Witness accounts are detailed, including that of bus driver Olav Peterson, who described a "gray, metallic object with red lights" appearing directly in front of his bus. Another passenger, Margit Olesen, corroborated the sighting, adding that the object "hovered just in front of us as if to take a closer look before flying off as quickly as it had come." Bjarne Lillvold, a woodsman, reported seeing an "upside-down Christmas tree spinning in an aura of light" hovering 18 feet off the ground. Leif Havik, commander of Norway's UFO-Watch force, stated he had personally seen "30 flying saucers, perhaps more," since his first sighting in March.

UFOs Are Really Dragons, Says Prof

In a separate article, a university professor, Paul Johnsgard, a zoologist at the University of Nebraska, proposes a controversial theory that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are often flying dragons. He bases this on the observation that most UFO sightings occur in spring and fall, which he identifies as the seasons for dragon migration. Johnsgard and his daughter Karin have studied mythical creatures, including dragons and unicorns, and their findings are documented in their book, "A Natural History: Dragons and Unicorns." The article notes that dragons, like UFOs, are said to glow in the dark, possibly due to exhaling methane that can be ignited by lightning. The professor's research suggests that dragons have been victims of dragon slayers and that unicorns have been exploited for their supposed virgin-detecting abilities, leading to a decline in their populations. The article concludes that these creatures can still be found "anywhere that the heart and imagination are receptive."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of GLOBE heavily focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting a mix of eyewitness accounts, official investigations, and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one that takes UFO reports seriously, giving prominent coverage to sightings and the public's fear. The inclusion of the professor's dragon theory, while unusual, suggests an openness to exploring unconventional explanations for UFOs. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in mysteries, the unexplained, and potentially sensational topics, as evidenced by the dramatic cover headline and the inclusion of a zoological perspective on UFOs.

This issue of the National Enquirer, dated February 15, 1983, features a cover story titled "UFO Blitzes Town," detailing an official Argentine police report confirming a bizarre close encounter with a UFO in the town of Londres, Argentina. The magazine also includes articles discussing the ongoing nature of UFO sightings despite decreased media attention and a personal account of an alien abduction experienced by Martha Throne.

UFO Blitzes Town: Londres, Argentina Incident

The lead story details an event that occurred on August 12th in Londres, Argentina, where a blinding bright UFO terrorized the town. The UFO chased a police car, landed, and touched off a raging brush fire. Fierce winds accompanying the sighting tore the roof off a church and knocked down power lines and utility poles. Patrolman Andres Soria, one of two policemen in the car pursued by the UFO, stated, "I have no doubts that this was a UFO. It was a blinding light that you couldn't stare at because it hurt your eyes." His partner, Patrolman Ramon Carpio, described the event as "very, very strange."

Witnesses reported that the UFO, an egg-shaped light about 20 feet across, appeared around 3:50 a.m. It flew eastward, then sharply reversed direction. The police car followed it as it soared over the village and dipped low over an orchard. When the patrol car rounded a bend, it came face-to-face with the UFO. Patrolman Soria recounted, "We backed up quickly because it was very hot," but the object began chasing them.

The policemen woke up the town janitor, Javier Navarro, while the UFO landed on a hill. A "tongue of fire" lashed out from beneath the UFO, producing a tremendous fire that consumed the surrounding area. Navarro recalled seeing the church as the UFO passed over it, followed by a big blast of wind that caused the church roof to disappear.

An official statement from Lieut. Col. Mauro Walter Piccolo, chief of police in Catamarca Province, confirmed that at approximately 3:50 a.m. on August 12th, a UFO was seen traveling from west to east at a height of 23 feet, illuminating a 165-foot circle with yellow light. It later lowered itself in an orchard, took off to the northwest, landed again for two to three minutes, and then a very strong fire instantly started in the area.

UFOs Still in Sight But Out of Mind

This article, by Dennis Byrne of the Chicago Sun-Times, discusses the persistent nature of UFO sightings despite their diminished presence in media reports. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, notes that "several a week" are reported, but "no one pays any attention" unless a prominent person is involved. Hynek believes that recent reports are generally of higher quality, with two-thirds involving multiple witnesses.

Hynek mentioned a recent report from two deer hunters in upper Michigan who saw a light that answered their flashlight beams and made guided maneuvers, causing them to abandon their camp out of fear. He stated that "good" UFO reports often come from isolated rural areas or from people driving late at night. Contrary to popular belief, he found no increase in sightings on Halloween or April Fool's Day, with most sightings occurring on weekdays.

Hynek described most sightings as "close encounters of the first kind," involving tremendous concentrations of luminous energy with undefined forms that maneuver as if programmed. He expressed skepticism about UFOs being visitors from distant solar systems due to the vast distances involved. He also lamented the scientific community's reluctance to treat UFO phenomena as a serious area of scientific inquiry.

Hynek encourages those seeking reliable scientific information on UFOs or wishing to file reports to contact the Center for UFO Studies at P.O. Box 1402, Evanston, Ill. 60204.

An Encounter With Aliens: Martha Throne's Story

This article, by Betsy Wing, details the account of Martha Throne, who claims to have had an alien abduction experience in October 1977. The memories were recalled under hypnosis facilitated by Bay Area hypnotist Jean Richards. Throne, then 74, was driving on Highway 108 near Sonora, California, when a big cloud of bluish smoke enveloped her car, causing it to stop.

Her husband, Ernest Throne, who had been dozing, woke up and asked what was happening. Martha Throne said she didn't know and heard the engine start up. Her watch and her husband's stopped at shortly past 7, and could not be repaired. They were driving home from Oakdale when the event occurred.

Under hypnosis, Throne recounted being carried to a spaceship. She described being placed on an incredibly soft, snowy-white blanket. The aliens communicated without words, assuring her she would not be harmed. She was taken into a "terribly, terribly big" spacecraft on legs, with a shiny and bright interior, which she likened to "the belly of the fish." She felt safe and thought she might have "died and gone to heaven."

Inside, she was placed on a shining table. An alien, described as "the doctor," examined her head, while others stood on each side. She glimpsed the beings, who wore skin-tight suits covering their bodies, hands, and most of their heads. They had flat noses, smoky-looking complexions, and no eyebrows. The ship was filled with other creatures busy with their own tasks.

Throne also recalled seeing metal and white boxes that appeared to be powerful electronic equipment. She now recalls these events without hypnosis and believes she shared a spiritual experience with the aliens. She feels more at peace and confident that "there is more to life than events that can be easily sensed and explained." She stated that the aliens told her she would no longer be intimidated, and that while they did not speak, she understood them. She described the experience as "a wonderful experience."

Ernest Throne confirmed parts of his wife's story, particularly the stopping of the car and the subsequent events. UFO enthusiast Mark Taylor investigated the incident, checking weather and traffic reports, finding no fog or accidents at the location, supporting Throne's account.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as real and significant, with a focus on official reports and credible witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena and alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings. The articles highlight instances where authorities, like the Argentine police, have officially acknowledged UFO sightings, lending credence to the subject matter. The inclusion of expert opinions from figures like J. Allen Hynek and detailed personal accounts, such as Martha Throne's abduction, further reinforces the magazine's commitment to exploring UFOlogy. The overall tone suggests a belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and the importance of documenting such events.