APCIC - Vol 08 No 05 - 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO NEWS" from May 1983, published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER (A.P.C.I.C.) in Cleveland, Ohio, focuses on various reported sightings and investigations of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

ET phones Hurley? Area kids spot UFO (Kingston, N.Y. Freeman)

Thirteen youngsters from West Hurley, NY, reported seeing an unidentified flying object on a Thursday evening. David Bloch, 13, stated he never believed in UFOs until this incident. The object was described as a grayish-white, blimp-like craft with lights of different colors, hovering near their homes for several minutes. The Federal Aviation Administration suggested it might have been three planes in tandem, but the children disputed this, noting the object's size and altitude. Some adults, like Mimi Pagliaro, also glimpsed the object, noting its silence. Todd Hotaling and Tony Antonelli observed no fuel exhaust. The article lists other eyewitnesses, including Jennifer Pagliaro, Ryan Hotaling, Kevin Kapila, Tad Cranfield, Karin Schmitt, John Heins, Jennifer Hartman, and Nora Polinsky. The experience led all of them to believe in UFOs.

Aliens stalking U.S. Air Force base (West Palm Beach, FL. National Examiner)

Four women executives reported a close encounter with an alien spacecraft near a top-secret Air Force base. Air Force spokesmen remained tight-lipped, similar to their response during a famous UFO flyover at Pease AFB in New Hampshire a decade prior. UFO investigators, denied access to secret files, expressed frustration over a perceived government cover-up. Mary LaMontagne described a huge, brightly lighted UFO hovering feet above her car. The incident occurred on September 30th as the women were driving near Exeter, N.H. A police chief, formerly a guard at Pease, confirmed witnessing a UFO flyover and scrambling jets during an earlier incident at Exeter. Robert Mark, the police chief, stated he watched a brilliantly illuminated craft buzz the base, extinguishing lights along the route. Author John Fuller, who wrote "The Incident At Exeter," was unable to obtain information from base authorities. The women reported chasing the pulsating UFO until it disappeared behind trees. The article includes a photo of the UFO hovering near a car.

SH couple report sightings of UFO (Albany, Ore. Democrat-Herald)

John and Alice Stein of Sweet Home, Oregon, reported seeing a bright light bobbing in the western night sky for the third time in a week. They first noticed the object on a Monday. Using a police scanner, they heard about a similar sighting near Lebanon and went outside to observe. They described it as a bright light that changed colors when viewed through a telescope, moving up and down on the horizon and disappearing around 10 or 10:30 p.m. The police told them it was definitely not a star or aircraft. Sweet Home Police Lt. Dave Martin stated the department had no official interest, with officers being "just curious." Martin speculated it might have been the space shuttle, but noted it had been down for three days. Neighbors also reported seeing the light, which moved too fast to be a star.

What was it? (The Reporter Dispatch, White Plains, N.Y.)

This report describes a scene similar to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," where UFO enthusiasts gathered near Interstate 684 hoping to see a large, slow-moving, V-shaped set of lights reported by residents. However, only military helicopters appeared. Police departments reported quiet switchboards, but UFO experts were excited by the detail and reliability of the witnesses.

U.F.O. sighted(?) (Middleboro, MA Gazette)

The author, based on a personal experience years ago, sides with the doubters of UFOs. He described seeing a "saucer-shaped" object hovering over treetops while driving a truck at dusk in a wooded section of Kingston.

Close encounter on the A21 (Hastings Observer, Sussex)

A motorist, Ronald Thompson, traveling along the A21 to Robertsbridge, spotted an unidentified flying object that mysteriously vanished. He initially thought it was a cluster of balloons but upon closer inspection, it appeared to be one silver sphere with smaller spheres attached, about 100 feet up. When he looked for a camera, the object had disappeared. Police advised him to contact the Aeronautical Information Service at West Drayton, where it was accepted as a serious sighting. Thompson believes it was likely a man-made object and is interested in hearing from others who may have seen a similar object on March 26.

Nigel - the UFO detective (By Charles Branston)

This article introduces Nigel Mortimer, a UFO enthusiast from Addingham, who is establishing the West Yorkshire UFO Society to professionalize ufology. Mortimer, a hospital porter, became interested in UFOs in 1980 after seeing an orange metallic object from his bedroom window. He has investigated over 30 reported sightings, noting objects that stop mid-flight and change speed and color. He believes there is something unnatural about these phenomena. A new book, "The Pennine UFO Mystery" by Jenny Randles, is mentioned, focusing on sightings in the Bradford area, including unusual cases from Judy Woods. Mortimer is particularly excited about a sighting made by a youth in Judy Woods, involving a bright, round object descending into the woods, followed by a white fog apparition that floated about 12 inches above the ground and passed through trees. Mortimer estimates that ten percent of all sightings cannot be explained away and is convinced there is much we do not know.

A blinding light (Hull Daily Mail)

A Hull man and his girlfriend were mystified by a blinding white flash of light seen high in the sky over North Hull, followed by two more "happenings." Phil Wheldale described the flash as brighter than lightning, like a camera flash, lasting only a fraction of a second. He noted a dimmer light spreading across the sky afterwards. Wheldale, a skeptic, described the flashes as "most odd" and wondered if anyone else saw it. Police reported no sightings of such a phenomenon.

A sighting of ufologists (Yorkshire Post, Leeds)

This article covers the first annual meeting of the Yorkshire UFO Society, held at Centenary House, Leeds. Graham Birdsall, chairman of the society and a local government officer, stated that ufology is often met with wisecracks, but that Spain and France are treating the subject seriously with established research establishments. He emphasized that the society is an objective group trying to sort fact from fiction. The meeting included slide shows of bright lights and discussions on unexplained incidents, such as a Yorkshireman's disappearance and death, lights photographed over Rylstone, and red and blue lights following a woman. John Sears, chairman of the British branch of Contact International, defended the seriousness of their organization and the documented evidence they possess, drawing a parallel to how belief in moon landings might have been dismissed as cranky years ago.

UFOs: myth or reality? (The Cincinnati Post)

Charles Wilhelm, a UFO investigator and member of the Ohio UFO Investigator's League, discusses the importance of separating fact from fiction. He notes that many researchers are firm believers in extraterrestrial visits and gather evidence to support their beliefs. Wilhelm's group uses "forensic science techniques" to investigate UFOs. Their latest investigation involved a "landing" near Ross, Ohio, where two drivers and the landowner reported seeing a large, bright, oval object. The object reportedly rose slowly and took off like a jet. The landowner's car lights flickered, and his television's vertical hold rolled. The site showed a 50-foot circular indentation, 1/8 to 1/2 inches deep, with a 3-foot burnt spot. Preliminary tests indicated the burnt spot was not caused by gasoline or kerosene. Wilhelm has encountered three hoaxes and two landings of unknown craft, and has seen a similar circular pattern before in Goshen in 1973. He is not paid for his efforts and continues to investigate due to the mystery, stating he has no concrete evidence of visits from other worlds but wants to find out if something is there.

Area residents report UFOs (Bonham, Texas Favorite)

Several people in Fannin County reported seeing unidentified flying objects on a Friday night, with some believing they saw burning space debris. The Bonham Fire Department responded to a house fire, which was determined to be caused by a flue from a wood-burning stove, with an estimated $5,000 in damage. The article also mentions arrests for public intoxication and marijuana possession.

Man spots UFO (Pascagoula, Miss. Mississippi Press)

H.L. Holston, a 48-year-old engineer, attempted to follow a strange light he saw near his home. He described the light as large, bright, with red and blue flashing lights in the center, and no noise. He lost sight of it while following it in his car. Sgt. Jon Sigalas also spotted a bright light with a smaller red light at the bottom.

FLASHING 'UFO LIGHTS' SEEN IN S. AFRICA (Manchester Daily Telegraph)

Hundreds of South Africans reported sightings of a "flashing and exploding" unidentified flying object. While some described it as a "spacecraft," astronomical officials suggested it was likely a disintegrating meteorite or space debris. Pieter Truter of Pretoria described one object as "intelligently-constructed, very symmetrical spaceships."

UFO Sequel (High Point, N.C. Enterprise)

This report follows up on a previous "Sound Off" from a person who observed a UFO on March 13. Several people reported seeing an object with bright red lights descending in the northwest section of the city between 7 and 7:15 p.m. One family saw a red light illuminating an area around their house, initially thinking a plane was going to crash. They noted the absence of sound. A woman driving east on West Lexington Extension described the object as having a Delta shape, resembling the wings of a 737 without the fuselage, descending in controlled flight at about 40 to 50 feet per second. The object had seven large lights that alternated in color: royal blue and red with a pinkish hue. The Center for UFO Studies in Illinois is interested in these eyewitness reports. The article mentions a "Delta shape" which is not often reported, with the most common being a disc-shaped object.

UFO team probe sighting (Western Evening Herald, Plymouth)

Plymouth UFO investigators, equipped with geiger counters, are following up reports of three mystery craft landing in South Devon. They are investigating claims of a Paignton woman who says three UFOs landed in a field near her home. The team will report to the British UFO Research Association. The site is being kept secret. The witness saw three circular luminous objects. The investigators believe UFOs may leave traces of radioactivity that can be traced months afterwards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO NEWS" are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations (USA, UK, South Africa), the variety of descriptions for these objects (lights, blimp-like, saucer-shaped, Delta shape), and the consistent response of official bodies (military, FAA, police) to either dismiss or remain silent about these events. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts, particularly from ordinary citizens and sometimes children, contrasted with the lack of official acknowledgment or investigation. The publication appears to champion the idea that these phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, as evidenced by the efforts of groups like the Yorkshire UFO Society and the Ohio UFO Investigator's League, who are actively trying to professionalize the field and gather evidence. The editorial stance leans towards validating the experiences of witnesses and questioning the official narrative or lack thereof, suggesting a hidden truth or cover-up.

This issue of the Aberdeen Evening Express, dated April 9, 1983, features a prominent cover story titled "Mystery of the flying saucers," by Gordon Johnson, which delves into the history and nature of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Mystery of the Flying Saucers

The article by Gordon Johnson begins by referencing Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, where he described "nine disc-shaped flying objects moving in close formation at an estimated speed of 1700 miles per hour," likening them to "a saucer skipping over water." This event is credited with popularizing the term "flying saucers." Johnson notes that while people have observed unusual aerial phenomena for centuries, these were often regarded as omens. The primary challenge in studying UFOs is the lack of tangible physical evidence, which makes it difficult to convince scientists and leads to many sightings being dismissed as hoaxes or misinterpretations.

He cites "St. Elmo's fire" and "ball lightning" as examples of phenomena that were once dismissed but later recognized as electrical effects or plasma forms. Johnson suggests that many UFOs might be plasma phenomena that can appear solid, rounded, and move erratically. However, he acknowledges that even after accounting for hoaxes and misidentifications, a significant number of sightings remain inexplicable and do not fit known categories.

Explanations for these "unknowns" are vast, ranging from psychic phenomena and extraterrestrial visitors to secret experimental craft and time-travelers. The article also touches upon the amateur aspect of UFOlogy, where enthusiasts scan the skies hoping to spot something unusual, and the process of checking various possibilities like aircraft lights, stars, planets, weather balloons, and unusual clouds before classifying a sighting as a potential UFO.

SIGHTINGS

This section includes reports of specific sightings:

• Harlow Star, Essex, April 14, 1983: Reports of unidentified flying objects over Harlow, including a sighting by twelve-year-olds Sharon Poulter and Samantha Mott. They described a "cigar shaped" craft with "a lot of bright lights" and a "silver outline" that hovered briefly before disappearing.

UFO Panic! Europe, South America by Monster Spaceship

This article by Scott Turner details a massive UFO event that terrified thousands across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America two years prior. The object was described as a "reddish-orange horseshoe or crescent-shaped object," over 395 feet wide. The sighting caused panic in Moscow, with some interpreting it as a nuclear attack. The object was also seen over Argentina and near Morocco.

Eyewitnesses included airline pilots, photographers, and military officers. Photographs were taken, and a Russian scientist uncovered two close encounters: Lt. Col. Oleg Karyakin saw the saucer hovering outside his house, with a "human figure, quite small and dressed in a spacesuit" visible inside its cupola. Television director Aleksandr Koreshknov also reported seeing a "very small man" near a noisy object. His wife reported large red burn marks on her arms that vanished by morning.

Official Soviet government reports indicated that "a number of small craft" were released from the main UFO and landed in Moscow. South American reports, while less sensational, were widespread, with multiple cities in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay reporting similar UFOs, leading to the term "fleet of UFOs."

At Newberry Airport in Buenos Aires, pilots and controllers observed the object hovering and as a "mysterious dot" on radar. A "circular flying mass" chased a car, descending vertically before disappearing. Newsman Omar Valleine reported seeing the UFO hovering over the Prana River before it moved north and disappeared. Pilots described the object as looking like "a full moon, but fainter," surrounded by a "sort of halo."

The Day the UFO Crossed Portadown

This piece recounts a historical sighting from 1796 in Portadown, Ireland. George Blacker observed a "great light" in the sky that moved across the heavens. The event caused alarm, and tradition held that it was a sign from God to prevent Protestants from being attacked by their enemies. The article notes the lack of scientific understanding at the time and suggests that while modern technology is advanced, the origin of such phenomena remains mysterious.

UFO Reported (South Wales Argus, Newport)

A UFO shaped like a rugby ball was reported above Abbey Green, Cwmbran, by Mr. Paul Cook.

Wanted: Your fund of ghostly tales (Faversham Times)

This is a call for readers to submit stories of ghosts and other unexplained phenomena, including a mention of a UFO sighting where two people saw a mysterious light launch from the ground.

Expert says UFOs deserve serious study

This article by Don de Blasio features Sherman Larsen, director of the Center for UFO Studies, who argues that UFO research is a serious subject deserving of scientific analysis. The Center, founded in 1947, has investigated hundreds of cases and concluded that UFOs are real, citing the similarity of reports describing disc-shaped objects, as well as cigar-shaped, triangular, and glowing ball shapes.

Larsen notes that while many reports come from individuals, there are instances of hundreds of people seeing phenomena simultaneously. He mentions a case in High Point, N.C., where 19 people reported seeing an object. His office sends investigators to gather statements before stories can become elaborated. A compelling point for Larsen is the comparison of photographs from different sightings that show similar objects, despite the general fuzziness of UFO photos. He explains this is often due to people trying to be photographers rather than simply taking a quick picture. He also admits some photos are hoaxes, like hubcaps flung into the air.

UFO's In TV Spotlight (Wadesboro, NC)

A television special titled "The UFO Experience" was broadcast on Channel 36 in Charlotte, North Carolina, focusing on spottings in Locust, Indian Trail, and Anson County. The program was narrated by John Alexander and featured Punky Morton, chairman of a local citizens' committee investigating UFO sightings.

Extraterrestrial tourists sought to land in Mexico

Occultists in Oriental, Mexico, began building the first UFO airport in Latin America, aiming to entice extraterrestrial beings. Witches marked spots where they believe red lights would signal to spaceships. Antonio Vazquez Alva, president of the Mexican Futurology and Imagination group, stated that physical contact with aliens is expected by November 1983. The area is known for strange luminous phenomena.

We're the Slaves of Aliens — and historian warns that our masters may soon be coming back

This article by Bob Borino discusses the theories of Zecharia Sitchin, an expert in ancient Middle Eastern history, who claims humans were created by higher beings from outer space (aliens) to work in mines 300,000 years ago. Sitchin's theories, based on translations of ancient texts, suggest that these "gods" were actually aliens who settled Earth and that a rogue planet called Marduk is part of our solar system. He posits that the Annunaki (aliens) created humans as slaves and, fearing a global flood, fled Earth, leaving humans to drown. They later returned and taught humans agriculture and civilization. Sitchin suggests some aliens may have remained on Earth and that the recent epidemic of UFO sightings could indicate Marduk's return.

UFO Aliens Stalking Royalty

This article reports on a mysterious UFO landing on the palace lawn of King Carl Gustav in Sweden. Guardsman Per Torell described a "strange 'thing'" that approached slowly, without sound, and was "lighted at both ends" with a "green twinkling light" and a "pulsing reddish light." The craft was described as a "large cylinder" and "cigar-shaped and cylindrical." It hovered for about 20 seconds before accelerating away, causing a power outage. Officials from the Swedish Ministry of Defense were reluctant to comment, but other sightings have occurred at the royal family's former palace.

UFO Sightings (The Sunday Times, Australia)

• W. Barton, Cunninghan Terrace, Daglish: Refers to a UFO sighting on February 25, described by multiple witnesses as a "long object with three white lights spaced apart." The witness questions official explanations like meteor or temperature inversion.
• Perth Observatory: Received numerous calls after a meteorite passed over the eastern suburbs on February 26, 1983. More than 20 people reported seeing a "bright, blue-green light" that broke into three pieces and disintegrated.

UFOs real, says a NASA expert

This article features NASA scientist John Schuessler, who stated that "UFOs are real, solid things." He claims to have verified over 300 cases where people reported radiation injuries after contact with UFOs, including eye damage, burns, hair loss, and lowered resistance to infections. Schuessler hypothesizes that this physiological damage is connected to UFOs, even though individual symptoms can have other causes. He also believes that people who claim to have been kidnapped by aliens are not lying.

Duo still on trail of mysterious ‘U.F.O. landing’ in forest

Investigators Dot Street and Brenda Butler are probing claims of an extraterrestrial trio with a "faulty flying saucer" visiting Suffolk near the RAF Woodbridge base in late December 1980. A Ministry of Defence letter confirmed that "unusual lights" were seen, but no explanation was given. The key witness, a U.S. serviceman, described three "entities" in silver suits levitating in shafts of light near their landed spacecraft. The investigators feel hampered by a "top level hush-hush policy."

UFO LANDING IN FOREST

This section continues the story of the Suffolk investigation. A USAF spokesman stated that "some people on duty that night saw some lights in the sky," but denied hiding anything. Dot and Brenda are preparing a book and appealing for information. The article includes a drawing of the craft, estimated to be 30 feet wide.

After three decades, man tells about UFOs

Sandy Linker, a former bronc buster, shares his story after 31 years of silence. In 1952, while breaking horses in the Hualapai Mountains, Arizona, he and his ex-wife witnessed UFOs seemingly emerging from the mountainside. He claims to have been within 300 feet of a hovering UFO, about the size of a two-story house, which emitted a silvery-blue light that burned his eyes. He also describes an incident where their car was bathed in light, causing the engine to stop. Linker believes the government knows more than it reveals and suggests leading an expedition to the site.

Amazing Close Encounter: Space Alien Cured My Arthritis

This article details the case of Mrs. Maggie Hite, a 73-year-old widow in the Australian Outback, who claims aliens from a UFO cured her 40-year-old arthritis. Dr. Reuben Dinggaard, who studied her, is puzzled but amazed by her complete recovery and improved health. Mrs. Hite recounts encountering two small, "Aborigine-sized" beings in metallic suits who approached her. She lost consciousness and awoke feeling cured. She also mentions that a researcher from New Zealand suggested UFOs have been visiting the Outback for centuries and that Aboriginal people know about them.

Crippled 40 years, she now walks again

This is a continuation of Mrs. Maggie Hite's story, where she describes her encounter with the aliens. She recalls being around them, feeling wires being attached, and seeing flashing lights and hearing a throbbing sound, realizing she was in a "flying saucer." Upon waking, she found she could walk after 40 years of being crippled. She also describes finding a large circular area with scooped-out holes where the craft's legs might have been.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the historical context of these phenomena, the scientific and skeptical approaches to investigation, and the growing belief in the reality of UFOs and potential alien contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the challenges of proof and the possibility of hoaxes. There's a clear emphasis on historical cases and contemporary sightings, suggesting a broad interest in the UFO phenomenon across different regions and time periods.