APCIC - Vol 08 No 10 - 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER in Cleveland, Ohio, is dated October 1983, Volume 8, No. 10. The cover prominently features a headline about a "6-HOUR CHASE" involving police and a UFO, alongside an illustration of a classic flying saucer.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO LEADS COPS ON 6-HOUR CHASE (Page 3)

This lead story details a dramatic incident in Melbourne, Australia, where police pursued a mysterious UFO for six hours. The object, described as having "two headlights like a car with high beams on and red tail lights," was initially spotted hovering over a freeway. It led officers on a chase through roads, a freeway, and a shopping center. Officer Peter Ferguson described the UFO as having no noise and disappearing when spotlights were shone on it. The incident evoked memories of the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in 1978, who had reported a similar cigar-shaped object. Officer Ray Ellens noted the difficulty of staying focused on the chase due to the Valentich case, but also expressed annoyance at the UFO's speed and evasiveness. The object reportedly landed with its lights off at one point. Civil Aviation authorities detected the UFO on radar, but Australian military authorities denied any aerial operations at that time. Police Inspector Paul Hickman described the UFO as "gray, about 30 feet long and 20 feet wide shaped like a cigar," and unlike any aircraft he had seen.

Stunned army officer witnesses... AMAZING UFO RESCUE (Page 4)

This article, by Len Stone, reports on an alleged UFO crash in Sweden that prompted a search-and-rescue mission by multiple alien ships. Swedish Army Capt. Lennart Bergstrom witnessed a huge, silent "flying bus" descend into a forest clearing, followed by two smaller objects. Another witness, Marie Bosund, saw a "huge lighted shape" rise from the forest. Rev. Karl-Erik Dalsgaard described a large object, about 100 feet long, with a glowing base that lifted off with speed, followed by three other objects. Swedish military authorities found no evidence at the site. UFO experts suggest the large UFO was a mothership involved in a rescue following an unprecedented UFO crash.

Man claims UFOs sighted (Page 4)

This brief report from Ashtabula, Ohio, details a claim by Brian Dixon, who saw two unidentified flying objects. The first was diamond-shaped with white lights and a red center, and the second appeared as a "ball of fire" streaking across the sky with no sound.

UFO Sighted In Pike Area (Page 5)

This report from Pikeville, Kentucky, describes a strange sighting over the Pikeville Cubs' ballgame. Spectators and restaurant patrons observed an object with bright lights moving slowly, appearing triangular. Descriptions varied slightly, with some noting rectangular shapes and different light configurations. The object reportedly circled, went up Coon Creek, and then disappeared. A notable aspect mentioned by witnesses was the complete lack of sound.

Area UFO sightings reported (Page 5)

Stan Gordon, director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained, reported ongoing UFO sightings in the Latrobe, PA, area, including reports between New Alexandria and Latrobe. He is seeking information from anyone who has noted unusual activity.

Boynton Beach UFO (Page 5)

A reader, Mary Frances Owen, inquired about a winged object seen above Boynton Beach, Florida, described as about the size of a Piper Cub and moving with a swooping motion. The response indicates no police reports were filed for such an object.

UFO buzzes woman's home (Page 5)

This report from Bridgwater, England, details a housewife's account of a massive, silent spaceship flying over her home. Mrs. Patricia Stark described parts of the object glowing and darkening, with no exhaust. The sighting is being investigated by the Royal Navy.

Human Loses Suit for Space Hostages (Page 6)

This article from The Washington Post reports on a federal judge dismissing a lawsuit filed by Larry Bryant, head of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy. Bryant demanded the Air Force reveal alleged alien hostages from crash-landed UFOs, citing government memorandums from 1950 that mentioned recovered flying saucers with three-foot-tall occupants. Assistant U.S. Attorney Royce Lamberth argued the court lacked jurisdiction, and the judge dismissed the case, stating "there are no bodies."

Beacon UFO strikes (Page 6)

A report from Beacon, New York, describes a "triangular shaped thing" with blue and green lights seen gliding across the sky. The object went black as it headed east, with no sound. Similar sightings have been reported on Thursday evenings, with one explanation being pilots flying in formation from Stormville Airport.

WHY 80% OF AMERICANS BELIEVE IN UFOS (Page 7-8)

This feature article discusses the rising public belief in UFOs, citing a Gallup survey that showed belief increasing from 40% in 1966 to 80% by 1983. Psychologist Dr. Leonard Gallaway attributes this to scientific advancements making "virtually anything is possible." The article presents chilling examples of close encounters:

• Houston, Texas Encounter (Page 7): Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby reported seeing a bright, luminous object on a country road, experiencing intense heat, and later suffering from radiation poisoning, hair loss, and cataracts. Veteran UFO investigator Bill English believes the accompanying "helicopters" were unmanned probes.
• Papua, New Guinea Encounter (Page 7-8): Rev. William Booth Gill and 38 others witnessed a "sparkling object" descend, followed by a mothership and four humanoids emerging. The humanoids reportedly waved back at the witnesses.

The astounding close encounters that have convinced millions (Page 8)

This section continues the theme of convincing encounters:

• Kentucky Encounter (Page 8): Cathy Gilpin and her son Arlin reported seeing a bright orange light and two glowing pairs of orange eyes in a pine thicket. Arlin experienced a strange sensation and a shock, and his face and hands turned reddish and green, respectively.
• New Zealand Stalking (Page 8): David Crockett, a photographer, recounts being stalked by a UFO for 20 minutes after taking off in a plane from Wellington. He describes a "blur of light" alongside the plane, calling it the "most frightening experience of my life."

3 weird creatures appeared and then they floated to the ground (Page 9)

This article details the 1973 Pascagoula River incident involving Calvin Parker and Charles Hickson. They reported an object with a flashing blue light, from which three "weird-looking creatures" emerged. The creatures were described as about five feet tall, with gray, wrinkled skin, long arms, lobster-like claws, cone-shaped appendages for eyes and ears, and a slit for a mouth. The witnesses were immobilized and floated into the craft. Hickson claims the aliens are still in touch with him.

COP WHO LOOKED LIKE NOTHING ON EARTH (Page 9)

This section highlights the use of hypnosis and voice-stress analysis in UFO witness testimony. Dr. Henry Keller, a Chicago psychologist, is mentioned for his work with hypnotic regression. The case of Christine Bryant is presented, where hypnosis revealed she was abducted by aliens and examined aboard their spaceship by an entity named "Oron" and three others. Investigator Robert Morgan is convinced of her abduction.

UFOs: Are they real or just pie in the sky? (Page 10)

This article features Canadian nuclear physicist Dr. Stanton Friedman, who believes some UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and supports the story of a UFO crash in New Mexico in 1947. It also mentions the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and its upcoming international conference. Mr. Charles Lockwood of BUFORA notes a recent "distinct lack of sightings" in his local area, contrasting with reports from Norway where numerous UFO photographs were taken.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as real and significant, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, often highlighting cases that defy conventional explanation and suggesting government secrecy or lack of disclosure. Recurring themes include close encounters, alleged alien abductions, physical evidence (or lack thereof), and the growing public acceptance of UFOs as a genuine phenomenon. The publication seems to lean towards the belief that many UFO sightings are indeed of non-human origin.

This issue of the Evening Post, Leeds, dated August 22, 1983, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO over Yorks," highlighting a photograph taken by two North Yorkshire policemen that is being hailed as the most conclusive evidence of a UFO in Britain. The magazine includes various articles detailing UFO sightings and investigations from across the United Kingdom.

UFO Over Yorks: The Grassington Sighting

The lead article details a photograph taken by two off-duty North Yorkshire policemen of three bright, glowing balls of light hovering near a sheer cliff face at Cracoe Fell, between Grassington and Skipton. The image, exclusively published by the Yorkshire Evening Post, has been investigated by Graham and Mark Birdsall of the Yorkshire UFO Society. They have concluded that the experience could be one of the most conclusive sightings ever. The Birdsall brothers have also contacted top American UFO photograph analysts, Ground Saucer Watch, for verification. The sighting occurred in broad daylight on March 16, 1983, and the object hovered for about 50 minutes. Two American tourists also witnessed the phenomenon. Mark Birdsall stated that the photograph had been analyzed by British photo experts who were "astonished" and found no evidence of tampering. He described it as the "most dramatic photo" and the "best photographic evidence in this country ever of a UFO."

During the time of the sighting, a large NATO exercise was underway, but police inquiries revealed that NATO forces were unaware of the object. The police also noted that it would be impossible to place markers on the fell face. The object had reportedly been seen at the bottom of the fell seven days earlier by the same officers. Mr. Birdsall described the main glowing object as about 60 feet in diameter and a brilliant light, with a red glow. The lights were hovering about 30-40 feet below the cliff top. The officers took the photograph using a 35mm camera due to the object's brilliance.

Brothers Who Keep a Check on UFOs

This article, by Chris Child, delves deeper into the work of Graham and Mark Birdsall, who are dedicated researchers of UFO sightings in Yorkshire. They have amassed over 300 reports and believe the east Pennines area is a prime location for UFO activity, noting a regularity of sightings in this sparsely populated region. They describe the objects as "definite shapes, solid objects which don't bear any similarity to flying craft." The brothers are hoping to meet any phenomena head-on, suggesting the conclusion could be "quite staggering."

The article lists several specific sightings in North Yorkshire from earlier in 1983, including:

• February 11: Grassington, large oval with three flashing bulbs.
• March 23: Bolton Abbey, circular yellow object moving northwest of Grassington.
• March 23: Grassington, orange glow in an area of trees, with one tree found badly scorched.
• March 30: Rylstone Fell, yellow object seen in the sky.
• March 31: Grassington, yellow light maneuvering from a stationary position.
• April 13: Hebden Bridge, object 300 feet above Simon's Seat.
• April 13: Grassington, white light, large and stationary, which moved away at high speed.
• May 1: Halifax, a woman saw a white light moving from a valley towards her bedroom window, which came close before disappearing. A blue object with two red arms then appeared.
• Another woman reported colored lights overtaking her car on a narrow road in North Yorkshire.

The Birdsall brothers are part of the Yorkshire UFO Society, which meets monthly in Leeds and offers membership for £5 a year, providing access to journals, newsletters, and sky watches. They are seeking more field researchers in the east Pennines.

Truth and Constant Attitudes

Mark Birdsall states that if even a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of UFO reports worldwide are true, then "something is there." He emphasizes that the Yorkshire UFO Society is open to anyone interested, regardless of belief. Graham Birdsall discusses the process of investigating sightings, which involves interviewing witnesses, contacting civilian authorities (police, electricity board, etc.), and seeking expert opinions, including analysis from Leeds University and photographic experts. He notes that only about 10% of people who see strange things report them, often due to fear of ridicule.

Graham also comments on the public's long-standing attitude towards UFOs, which often dismisses such notions as the product of "cranks or head cases." He points out that many witnesses come from credible backgrounds, including police officers and company directors.

Other UFO Reports and Events

Belfast News Letter (August 23, 1983): Reports that a policeman's photograph of strange bright lights near a cliff face in the Yorkshire Dales has been claimed as "one of the most conclusive sightings ever." The picture, published in the Yorkshire Evening Post, shows three points of light. Police Sergeant Tony Dodd confirmed it was taken by an off-duty policeman and his wife saw the object from their home.

The Times, London (August 27, 1983): "Vigil for UFO" reports that about 100 observers were to gather on Cradle Hill, near Warminster, on August 27, hoping to see a craft that reportedly appears every other year on that date. The British Unidentified Flying Objects Society had previously studied local sightings and identified August 27 as a significant date. 1981 was noted as a good year for UFOs, with soldiers at Battlesbury Barracks reporting a large, glowing rugby-ball-shaped object. Strange circles in cornfields in the Westbury and Warminster areas were also mentioned.

Whitehaven News Cumberland (August 18, 1983): A letter from Sylvia Strong asks if anyone saw a UFO on Wednesday night, August 10, around 11 p.m. Her son reported seeing an enormous UFO, about 150ft above roof level and 200ft long, with a white light at the bottom and green flashing lights along the side, hovering near the Boonwood area. It emitted a faint hum and swerved away towards Wasdale. Another witness reported seeing green flashing lights in the distance near Calderbridge.

Midweek, St. Albans (August 23, 1983): "Brief encounter with space" announces the third International UFO Congress to be held at the Lorch Foundation centre in Lane End. Organizers from the British UFO Research Association aim to present "startling evidence" from researchers, including Canadian nuclear physicist Dr. Stanton Friedman, who believes some UFOs are spaceships from other worlds. The event will also feature photographs of UFO sightings from Norway. The congress runs from August 27-29.

Oldham Evening Chronicle (August 24, 1983): An article titled "An old UFO" recounts a sighting from many years ago by workers at the Larch MIH in Bleasdale Street, Royton, who saw a silvery disc, about 18 inches in diameter, travelling towards Shaw. The disc was described as plainly visible, travelling at 30mph, and fitted the description of a disc that entered a Flying Fortress. A subsequent report in the Chronicle mentioned a flying saucer seen over Shaw.

Craven Herald, Skipton (August 26, 1983): "U.F.O. siting confirmed" reports that experts claim the phenomenon witnessed by two Craven police officers at Cracoe two years prior was a UFO, calling the photograph "the most conclusive proof ever obtained in Britain of an alien visitor from space." Graham and Mark Birdsall of the Yorkshire UFO Society state that Craven is a favorite haunt for UFOs, with 60 sightings reported in the Skipton area in 18 months. They are encouraging people with similar experiences to contact them. They are certain the object captured on film is a UFO, noting its size (about 60 ft. in length) and the impossibility of reaching the fell face without specialized equipment. They believe the object was solid and controlled, requiring "pretty good intelligence" to construct.

Evening Gazette, Teesside (September 19, 1983): "Weird object reported over coast" details a sighting by Ernest Tucker of Poole, who saw a "huge bright light" beaming down over the coast. He described it as roughly spherical, about a quarter the size of the moon, and not an aircraft or a star. Dorset police also received a report from a woman who described an object with lights and a tail-like appearance. Officers investigated but found nothing.

Bristol Evening Post (August 18, 1983): "Spot the saucers" announces the annual skywatch at Cradle Hill, near Warminster, on August 27, attended by over 100 UFO spotters. The article reiterates the significance of August 27 for UFO visits and mentions the 1981 sightings by soldiers and strange circles in cornfields.

Westmorland Gazette, Kendal (September 16, 1983): "'Cigars' in sky start UFO mystery" reports on families at School Knott who witnessed shapes like "fat cigars" lit by bright flashing lights. Witness Jim Palmer described it as "definitely wasn't a plane or helicopter." The objects, about 8,000 feet up, had red and green lights and a large blue-white flashing light. About 10 people saw the objects, which appeared to have windows. Inspector Mike Stephens of Windermere Police stated that Mr. Palmer was the only person to report the incident.

Bromley Times, Kent (September 1, 1983): "UFO sighted" notes another sighting by Mrs. Linda Waterhouse of Chislehurst, who saw "two orange traffic lights floating in the sky."

Gravesend Report, Kent (September 2, 1983): A letter from Michael Hudson asks if anyone remembers seeing something strange in the sky over towards the River Thames, Essex direction, from Gravesend on May 14, at about 11 p.m. He received a report of an orange/red object changing to a clear blue color that night and is awaiting further details.

Shropshire Star (August 27, 1983): "Telford UFO spotter fears cover-up" features Pat Judson, who is compiling a book on UFOs and believes The Wrekin has become a focal point for mysterious aerial activity, with 16 sightings reported since August 12. He claims to have received information from RAF Shawbury, which reportedly denied releasing any UFO reports, leading him to suspect a "cover-up." He mentions sightings of objects in diamond patterns and flights of four objects. Judson is appealing for people in the area to contact him with their experiences, noting that many people are hesitant to report sightings for fear of being labeled "cranks." He also mentions reports of people experiencing "lost" time after hearing strange sounds.

Sheffield Morning Telegraph (September 2, 1983): "Getting the wind up over balloon UFOs" discusses how three hot air balloons flying in convoy were thought to be responsible for a major UFO flap in Britain. A three-year inquiry by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society found no explanation for objects seen by 50 people in Derbyshire. During an alert in August 1980, people reported seeing a string of bright lights and hearing roaring noises, while animals were distressed.

Daily Star, London (September 2, 1983): "Boffins Crack The UFO Riddle" reports on a new study by scientists Paul Devereux, Paul McCartney, and Don Robins, who spent five years investigating UFO sightings. They propose that "flying saucers" are caused by exploding rocks that burst under pressure, sending out balls of light. They found that alleged UFOs appeared over faults in the Earth's crust. While not entirely ruling out extraterrestrial visitors, they suggest this explanation "makes a lot more sense than all the nonsense about little green men."

South Wales Echo, Cardiff (September 2, 1983): "Pc Spots UFO Over Newport" details a policeman, Pc Philip Spokes, spotting an unidentified flying object trailing a long flame over Newport. He described it as a round, white light at the front with a long flame at the back, moving rapidly from west to east.

Bucks Free Press, High Wycombe (September 6, 1983): "Midweek mail: The mystery of the missing UFOs!" questions why there are virtually no UFO sightings in the Chiltern area, despite its proximity to civil and military air bases. The author, an UFO researcher, contrasts this with the prevalence of other unexplained phenomena like ghosts and legends in the area.

Examiner (September 27, 1983): "Shining UFOs panic drive-in movie crowd as alien craft swoop" recounts an incident where a late-evening crowd at a drive-in theater fled in panic after UFOs buzzed the screen during a movie about an alien invasion. Witnesses described "huge, luminous balls with colored lights." The incident occurred in June near the Gulf Coast of Alabama. Investigators note that Mobile, Alabama, and nearby areas have been centers of intense UFO activity. The article also mentions the famous Parker and Hickson UFO kidnapping case and the "Kali-Oka Light."

Somerset, PA. Daily American (September 13, 1983): "Garrett family watching, logging UFO for 6 years" reports on a family in Somerset, Pennsylvania, who have witnessed a brightly lit object hovering over a nearby hill on four occasions since 1977. They described it as an oval object with two bright spotlights, which moved without sound. On a later sighting, they observed a delta-winged object surrounded by a green haze with lights, described as "enormous" and "about the size of a football field." They also reported a sound like a "rush of air" on the last occasion. The family believes many people have seen similar objects but are not reporting them.

Bedford, PA. Gazette (September 7, 1983): Reports an unidentified flying object (UFO) seen on the outskirts of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, before dawn on July 27. The craft was described as elongated, about 250 to 300 feet long, and hovered above trees, shining a light. High-pitched sounds were heard, and animal disturbances were reported in the area. A similar craft was reported in Jeannette about two hours later. The article notes a "rash of unexplained phenomena" in southwest Pennsylvania since late July.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the presentation of photographic and witness evidence, and the ongoing efforts by individuals and groups to investigate and understand these sightings. There is a clear emphasis on credible witnesses, such as police officers and ordinary citizens, and the challenges faced in gaining public acceptance and official acknowledgment of UFOs. The articles highlight specific geographical areas known for UFO activity, such as Yorkshire and Pennsylvania, and showcase the work of dedicated researchers like the Birdsall brothers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting and investigation, presenting the information and witness accounts without overt skepticism, while also including scientific explanations and official responses where available.

This issue of the Guardian, dated September 10, 1983, features a prominent article titled "Why the Faults Must Take the Blame," which presents a scientific approach to the UFO mystery. The cover also includes a photograph of a stone circle, suggesting a connection between ancient sites and unexplained phenomena.

Why the Faults Must Take the Blame

The article, reported by Susan Thomas, introduces a theory proposed by Don Robins, scientific adviser to the Dragon Project, and Paul Devereux, researcher and coordinator of the project. They suggest that the answer to the UFO mystery may lie not in the sky, but in the rocks beneath our feet. Their research, aided by geochemist Paul McCartney, posits that UFOs are natural geophysical manifestations, termed 'Earthlights,' rather than extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Robins and Devereux's theory is based on the observation that many UFO sightings are associated with megalithic sites and geophysical faults – areas in the earth's structure where different types of rock abut. They discovered that megaliths are often situated near these faults and that the sites themselves, rather than the stones, appear to be crucial factors.

Their research involved crushing granite samples, which, under pressure, produced tiny coloured balls of light that behaved like miniature, captive UFOs. This phenomenon is explained as 'Earthlights,' electrostatic balls of light created by the disruption of matter when rock is crushed, possibly through a process called triboluminescence. These lights can appear as dazzling balls of white, red, green, or yellow that can spin, pulse, hover, or coalesce and disappear silently.

The article notes that this explanation is likely to be more acceptable to the scientific fraternity than to some ufologists who prefer the mystery of alien encounters. Dr. John Green, Head of Atmospheric Physics at London's Imperial College, confirms that UFOs are still observed, with about 10 percent of sightings remaining unexplained after common explanations like weather balloons and aircraft lights are ruled out. He finds the 'Earthlights' explanation sensible and natural.

The phenomenon is linked to seismic activity and tends to occur in waves or 'flaps,' concentrating in areas of natural faulting. The book 'Earthlights' by Devereux is mentioned, which maps reported UFO sightings, earthquake epicentres, and magnetic anomalies, showing a remarkable correlation.

Several documented cases are presented to support the theory:

• Moel Ty Uchaf stone circle, Gwynedd: This circle is close to the Bala Fault and was near Barmouth, the scene of an outbreak of aerial lights in 1905. It was also the centre of a geophysical display in January 1974 involving tremors and multiple fireball events.
• St Bride's Bay, 1977: A major UFO scare occurred in an area riddled with faults and folds, with many people reporting sightings of fires, distress flares, and UFOs landing or crashing.
• Warminster: Although renowned as a 'window area' for UFOs, geological maps show it lies close to the Longleat fault.
• Mary Jones of Egryn: In the early 20th century, this revivalist preacher was accompanied by balls of light, which occurred on the Mochras Fault.

The article also discusses the Hessdalien area in Norway, which has experienced a significant 'UFO flap' with thousands of sightings logged and hundreds of pictures taken. The 'Earthlights' group sees this as strengthening their case.

Animals are reported to be affected by the increased electromagnetic field associated with these phenomena, exhibiting distress such as howling or running in circles. Humans may experience hallucinations or 'visions.'

The Ancients and Earthlights

The article speculates on what ancient peoples might have done with these lights, suggesting they may have taken refuge from them, worshipped them, or used them. It is proposed that the ancients might have had the thought power to influence or even 'put on light shows' with these phenomena, similar to how witnesses in Hessdalien reported that attempts to signal or photograph the lights resulted in their disappearance. This suggests a possible connection to psychokinesis, with the lights being responsive to thought power, a phenomenon also noted by pilots during World War Two.

Mendoza Incident

A separate report details an incident in Mendoza, Argentina, where a policeman, Sgt. Antonio Pinto, and two technicians from Argentina's Atomic Energy Commission witnessed a UFO split in half and explode in a blinding flash of orange light. The object emitted incandescent particles. The Atomic Energy Commission refused to comment, but UFO expert Pedro Romaniuk confirmed the account, stating that research indicated the object was a flying saucer.

This report from Mendoza also mentions ongoing UFO activity since April, including motorists being chased, objects zooming low over houses, and mysterious power outages. Taxi driver Juan Lopez reported being blinded by a bright orange light from a huge egg-shaped object, which caused his car to die. Residents in Mendoza live in fear, with some establishing curfews due to the constant sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the reinterpretation of UFO phenomena through a scientific, naturalistic lens, specifically linking them to geological activity and 'Earthlights.' The editorial stance appears to favour this scientific explanation over more speculative extraterrestrial theories, presenting evidence from research and documented cases to support the 'faults' hypothesis. The article aims to provide a rational explanation for a phenomenon that has long captured public imagination.