APCIC - Vol 09 No 07 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 9, No. 7
Date: July 1984
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features news from various publications, including the New York Times Herald-Record, Chicago Tribune, The Globe and Mail, Irish Times, Halifax Evening Courier, Yorkshire Evening Press, Daily Telegraph, Southend Evening Echo, Aldershot News, and Derbyshire Times, indicating a broad scope of coverage.

Key Articles and Reports

Flying Saucer Theories Keep Taking Off (New York Times Herald-Record)

This article, by Beth Mullally, revisits the seminal 1947 sighting by Kenneth Arnold, noting that the objects were described more like 'flying boomerangs' than saucers. It introduces Dr. Gary Levine, director of the Mutual UFO Network, who defines a UFO as something unidentified. Levine shares his personal sighting in 1979 near the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. The article discusses various theories attempting to explain UFOs, from conventional explanations like misidentified aircraft to more speculative ideas such as extraterrestrial vehicles or manifestations of unknown cosmic forces. It also touches upon Arnold's own conclusion that UFOs represent an advance in mechanical science beyond any nation's capability, while dismissing claims of crashed disks with little men.

No Scarcity of Sightings in Area (New York Times Herald-Record)

This piece highlights that the mid-Hudson region has historically been a fertile ground for UFO sightings. It categorizes common UFO types and lists several substantial reports from the area, including a circular orange UFO in Poughkeepsie (1954), a saucer-shaped UFO in Hyde Park (1966), a mushroom-shaped UFO in New Paltz (1967), an ellipsoidal UFO in Kingston (1974), and small star-like objects in Saugerties (1975). Some of these reports include physical evidence like disturbed treetops or unusual electronic activity.

The Latest on UFOs and E.T.s (USA TODAY)

This report summarizes discussions from a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Experts addressed UFOs, psychic phenomena, and extraterrestrial intelligence. Regarding UFOs, James Oberg suggested most sightings are explained, with many 1960s reports traced to Russian spacecraft tests. However, J. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies noted that the properties of well-substantiated UFO sightings are 'totally inconsistent with those of everyday objects.' The consensus on psychic phenomena was 'still no proof, but we should keep looking.' For extraterrestrial intelligence, scientists estimate thousands of civilizations exist, posing the question of 'where are they?'

Soviets Set Sights on UFOs (Chicago Tribune, The Globe and Mail)

These articles report on the Soviet Union's establishment of a commission to investigate UFOs, prompted by a 'flying cigar' incident near Gorky in March 1983. The commission, headed by former cosmonaut Pavel Popovich, aims to examine all sightings. The 'cigar' object was described as steel-grey, about the size of an airliner, flying at 3,000 feet and 110-125 mph. While many Soviet UFO reports are explained away, the Gorky incident disturbed scientists. The articles also mention other Soviet sightings, including 'bright spheres' that were later identified as a satellite burning up. Professor Anatoly Logunov is quoted as saying most UFO reports lack sufficient information, but Soviet scientists take the subject seriously.

Scientist: UFO Observers Have Seen... Something (Syracuse Post-Standard)

This article features J. Allen Hynek, who stated that UFO observers have definitely seen 'something.' He argues that UFO reports, due to their 'strange consistency,' cannot be explained by ordinary means and constitute a phenomenon worth studying. Hynek's computer analysis of 400 cases revealed properties 'totally inconsistent with those of everyday objects and phenomena,' citing examples of silent hovering and rapid acceleration.

UFOs Discussed: Past Air Force Consultant Defends Existence of UFOs, Cites Cases (Ohio Dayton Daily News)

This report covers a talk by Dr. J. Allen Hynek in Dayton, where he playfully challenged the Air Force's past dismissals of UFO reports. Hynek, a former consultant to Project Blue Book, now believes UFOs are real and has monitored reports from 140 countries through the Center for UFO Studies. He recounted an incident involving an Italian airline pilot whose UFO sighting was officially reported as a balloon, but was corroborated by another pilot. Hynek emphasized that many reports come from credible individuals and cannot be dismissed.

'Flying Cigar' Prompts Soviets to Probe UFOs (Toronto Star)

This article reiterates the Soviet Union's formation of a commission to investigate UFOs following the 'flying cigar' incident near Gorky in March 1983. The object was described as steel-grey, cigar-shaped, and was tracked by radar for 40 minutes.

I Saw UFO, Says Stargazer (Leeds Evening Post)

A Leeds hairdresser, Mr. Julian Jay, reported seeing a bright object hurtling across the sky, which appeared and disappeared multiple times.

Mother Cops Ticket Running from a UFO (Examiner)

This story details Carolyn Green's claim that she was trying to escape an unidentified flying object when she was stopped for speeding in Texas. She alleged the object 'pulled her off the road' and controlled her car, forcing it into a ditch.

UFO Reported in Oroville Skies (Oroville Mercury-Register)

Reports of an unidentified flying object, described as a bright ball of white fire with a long tail, were received by sheriff's dispatchers in Oroville, California.

Staveley UFO Claim (Doncaster Star)

June Skinner, a housewife from North Derbyshire, reported seeing a mysterious flying object near her home in Staveley. The object had two bright lights and was not identified as an aircraft.

UFOs Came Under Soviet Surveillance (Irish Times)

This article elaborates on the Soviet commission investigating UFOs, noting that the Kremlin, once skeptical, has now succumbed to the 'unshakable Russian belief in close encounters.' It details the Gorky 'flying cigar' incident and mentions that the commission will focus on reliable reports, dismissing others as satellite burn-ups.

UFO seen (Halifax Evening Courier)

A 14-year-old girl, Tracy Smith, claims to have seen an unidentified flying object hovering near her home in Halifax.

Police Baffled by UFO Sighting (Yorkshire Evening Press)

York police confessed to being baffled by a reported UFO sighting of orange objects flying at a considerable height and exhibiting high mobility.

UFOs in Russia are 'tests of weapons' (Daily Telegraph)

James Oberg suggests that frequent UFO sightings in Russia are actually tests of illegal strategic weapons, disguised by the Soviet government to conceal the truth about their military programs, specifically the Fractional Orbital Bombardment System.

George Sparks UFO Alert (Southend Evening Echo)

A tanker driver, George Peear, reported seeing a black, cigar-shaped object with an angle-shaped tail and a blue plume of smoke near Basildon.

'Close Encounter' man at meeting (Aldershot News)

Mr. Alfred Burtoo, who claims to have been aboard an alien spacecraft, joined UFO expert Mr. Timothy Good for a public talk.

UFO lights up sky (Associated Press, Roseburg News-Review)

A bright object described as a 'ball of fire with streaks of blue and red' was seen over Louisville, Kentucky, prompting numerous calls to authorities. A forecaster suggested it was likely a meteor.

Bid to explain new UFO sighting (Derbyshire Times)

The Chesterfield UFO society is investigating a sighting by June Skinner, who reported seeing a strange object in the Staveley sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings globally, the ongoing efforts to explain these phenomena through scientific investigation and eyewitness accounts, and the varying stances of governments and institutions towards UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, acknowledging that while many sightings may have mundane explanations, a significant number remain unexplained and warrant further study. The publication provides a platform for diverse reports and expert opinions, reflecting a commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon without necessarily endorsing any single theory, while giving credence to credible witnesses and researchers like J. Allen Hynek.

Title: SUNDAY MIRROR
Issue Date: June 3, 1984
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Sunday Mirror delves into the persistent phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) with a collection of intriguing reports from various parts of the world, suggesting that the topic remains a significant point of public and official interest.

Cover Story: "LOOK COMRADE! IT'S A UFO-SKI"

The cover prominently features a dramatic headline and an illustration of a UFO, hinting at a major story within. The lead article, by Andrew Golden, reports on an official UFO probe initiated in Russia following sightings of a mysterious silver "flying cigar" object. This strange craft was reportedly spotted by air traffic controllers over Gorky, approximately 250 miles east of Moscow. The object allegedly made radio contact, circled the airfield, and then disappeared from radar screens. The article notes that while the Kremlin has previously dismissed UFO reports, a recent unexplained, airliner-sized sighting has apparently convinced authorities of their existence. Former Soviet cosmonaut Pavel Popovich is set to head a new Commission for the Investigation of Abnormal Atmospheric Phenomena. Jenny Randles, a director of the British UFO Research Association, welcomed this development, stating that UFOs have become a major defense problem, with planes being scrambled to chase them.

Did Anyone Else See That UFO?

This section, reported by Barry Post from Cardiff, features the account of surveyor Chris Doble, a 38-year-old who, along with his wife Jean, witnessed a strange object hovering over their home in Barry on Sunday, May 13. Doble, initially skeptical, described the craft as cylinder-shaped with a white light on each wing tip and the entire underside illuminated. He noted the absence of standard aircraft lights and that the object was completely silent. It traveled slowly before disappearing. Doble expressed his bafflement and invited others who might have seen it to come forward.

'Monster UFO' Shakes Farmer

Reporting from The Toronto Sun (May 17, 1984), this article details an incident in Brunkild, Manitoba, Canada, where farmer Karl Wroblewsky discovered a circle of 10 holes, the largest about 30 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep, with compressed grass covering a 100-foot diameter area. Wroblewsky recalled finding a large hole in the snow the previous winter after his dog howled, smelling sulphur, but dismissed it at the time. Upon the thaw, he discovered the other holes, with some ground appearing burned. Howard Bennett, publisher of the Carman Valley Leader and a UFO researcher, stated he had never seen such markings before and attributed it to a UFO, noting numerous UFO sightings in the area 15 years prior.

Family Saw UFO on Mt. Everest

This report from the SUN (May 29, 1984) details an extraordinary encounter experienced by the Doug Scott family, including his wife Jan and their three children, during a camping trip on Mt. Everest. The family reported spotting a stream of silver, dome-shaped UFOs with blue and orange lights hovering near their camp for several days. Jan Scott described the vehicles as flying in a V-shaped formation, often in groups of five, but sometimes as many as seven or just one. She stated that the craft never bothered them but were frightening due to their constant presence. After five days, the UFOs vanished as mysteriously as they appeared. Jan also claimed to have seen eerie, luminous creatures inside one of the hovering silver craft. The family, experienced travelers, noted this was the most unusual sky sighting they had ever encountered.

Military Alert as UFO Aliens Invade Britain

This article from the GLOBE (May 15, 1984) reports that Britain is on military alert due to a surge in UFO sightings and alleged encounters with menacing alien creatures in the Rossendale Valley, Lancashire. Top military officials have ordered investigators to collect eyewitness reports. The area has become known as "UFO Valley," with residents reportedly keeping doors and windows bolted. Lord Clancarty, a British UFO expert, suggests these sightings could provide dramatic evidence of aliens visiting Earth. The article recounts Tom Schofield's encounter with two silver-suited aliens, described as 8 ft. tall with smooth helmets and no faces, who approached him as he parked his car. He reported they carried a metal bar and emitted a brilliant light before disappearing. Schoolboy Andrew Phillips and his friend John Robinson reported a dome-shaped craft with orange and green lights hovering overhead, accompanied by a high-pitched ringing and mental disorientation. Student Mark Ashwood described encountering a tall, dark-cloaked figure with a strange face and large forehead.

The MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS (May 2, 1984) reports that the Government has denied official reports of alien landings in Lancashire, despite 32 recent sightings. Sir Patrick Wall, MP, questioned the Ministry of Defence, which stated there were no unusual radar traces or unauthorized landings.

Bright Lights in Sky Spark UFO Reports

Maxine L. Lynch's report in THE PLAIN DEALER (May 22, 1984) covers numerous reports of a strange stream of bright lights seen across the sky in Ohio, central and eastern Kentucky, and central Illinois. Professor Peter Pesch of Case Western Reserve University stated that while they couldn't confirm it was a UFO, the number of coherent callers suggested something significant occurred. Some witnesses initially suspected a nuclear attack. Pesch suggested it might have been a bright boloid (a meteor that breaks up into fragments), but acknowledged it could also be "some kind of spacecraft material breaking up." Fred Avalli and Nicholas P. Orlando described the lights as flying in formation, some with streaks, appearing about 3,000 to 4,000 feet above their car.

A subsequent report in THE PLAIN DEALER (May 23, 1984) identified the object seen over Ohio and surrounding states as Soviet space junk, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

UFO Reports to Be Probed

This section compiles several smaller reports from various regional newspapers:

• LINCOLNSHIRE DAILY ECHO (May 23, 1984): An unidentified flying object sighting over Saltfleet is under investigation. Several people reported seeing a domed object with multi-coloured lights hovering and moving over the sea. The British UFO Research Association is appealing for witnesses.
• EVENING POST, LEEDS (May 19, 1984): A Yorkshire policeman's photographs of a disc-shaped object taken near Bolton Abbey are being hailed as significant evidence for UFOs.
• FOCUS WATFORD (May 26, 1984): A letter from Gordon Creighton of the Flying Saucer Review discusses steady UFO activity worldwide and mentions that their journal has published numerous accounts of close encounters. He warns that there is a strict government-imposed blackout on UFO information.
• BURNLEY EXPRESS (May 25, 1984): The UFO NEWS, a newsletter launched by UFO expert Stephen Brown, aims to keep enthusiasts informed. His group, the Lancashire Centre for UFO Studies, is based in Burnley. Brown is organizing a lecture by a speaker on UFOs and hopes to exchange information internationally.
• NORTHAMPTONSHIRE EVENING TELEGRAPH (June 2, 1984): A national UFO group is seeking to recruit investigators in Kettering. Ken Phillips of the British UFO Research Association is looking for open-minded individuals to follow up on possible explanations for sightings in the county.

Spaced-Out Discussion

This piece from THE TORONTO SUN (June 4, 1984) humorously recounts a discussion at the Bosky Dell Debating Society about UFOs, sparked by the Karl Wroblewsky incident. Maurice Bannerman, a believer in the paranormal, shared the story. The discussion touches on the nature of UFOs, the possibility of alien life, and theological implications. The article concludes by suggesting that the mysterious holes in Wroblewsky's field might be the result of a local discussion on flying saucers.

Are Flying Saucers Old Hat?

Stan Morrison's commentary in the SAN DIEGO UNION (April 22, 1984) discusses the current state of the UFO phenomenon. He references Jerome Clark's observation that mass UFO sightings (flaps and waves) have evidently ceased since the major waves in 1979 and 1973. Morrison notes that while the term "flying saucers" became popular in 1947 after Kenneth Arnold's sighting, the objects themselves were described as "tadpole"-shaped and flew like saucers skipping over water. He also points out historical accounts of similar sightings predating Arnold. Morrison suggests that UFOs may have become less newsworthy as more scientists become involved, leading to a decline in major reported flaps.

UFO Expert Still Sees Big Question Buzzing Around

Jan Ziegler's report in the SAN DIEGO UNION (May 30, 1984) features J. Allen Hynek, head of the Center for UFO Studies. Hynek states that thousands of UFO reports, many from credible observers, display a "strange consistency" and cannot be explained by ordinary means, thus constituting a phenomenon worth studying. He suggests that the "UFO phenomenon" might tell us more about ourselves than about outer space. Arthur Clarke is quoted as saying the question should be ignored until hard physical evidence, like a landing, emerges. James E. Oberg believes most sightings can be explained by ordinary means, with only a residue of unsolved cases.

Hundreds Witness UFO Fleet

This EXAMINER (June 5, 1984) report describes a mass sighting of a UFO fleet over Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hundreds of witnesses, including a broadcast journalist for Radio Splendid, reported seeing a fleet of UFOs moving at incredible speed, faster than aircraft near the Ezziza airport. The objects were described as emitting brilliant green, yellow, and white rays of light and flying in formation. Despite reports that the Ezziza airport's radar screens picked up the UFOs, this was officially denied. Investigator Carlos Sanchez called it "one of the most provable sightings of UFOs in history."

Following Their Close Encounter, Coatesville Men Found UFO Unit

This article from the PA. READING EAGLE (May 13, 1984) profiles John Markward and John Freeland of Coatesville, who founded the Citizens Investigative Research Team (CIRT) after witnessing an unidentified flying object in August 1982. They described a fiery ball with an orange tail that sped overhead, then reappeared later as a bright headlight that moved in a controlled zig-zag pattern before disappearing behind trees. Markward, who has researched UFOs for years, believes the government is hiding information about UFOs, fearing public panic. CIRT aims to investigate sightings, gather information, and encourage UFO believers to come forward without fear of ridicule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings globally, the increasing involvement of scientific and official bodies in investigating these phenomena, and the ongoing debate about their origin and nature. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions without definitively concluding the nature of UFOs, while acknowledging the significance of the phenomenon and the need for continued study. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of obtaining official confirmation or explanation.

This issue of Current Science, dated May 18, 1984, features a cover story on "Mysterious Lights Glow In Texas Skies." The magazine also includes articles on a baseball player's UFO encounter, a physicist's views on extraterrestrials, and a Soviet UFO probe.

Mysterious Lights Glow In Texas Skies

The lead article reports on mysterious lights observed in southwest Texas, near Marfa, close to the U.S.-Mexico border. These lights are described as disks that zigzag and bound across fields, sometimes breaking into smaller parts. Sightings date back to 1883. Several explanations are discussed: glowing methane gas (swamp gas), Saint Elmo's fire (a luminous electrical discharge), and light from vehicle headlights or starlight bent by atmospheric conditions. Scientists point out that gas deposits or swamps are absent in the area, and question why such electrical discharges would be confined to this specific region. An astronomer suggests that light from vehicles or starlight, when bent by layers of air with sharply different densities, could appear as these mysterious disks, even explaining sightings before the invention of automobiles.

Baseball Slugger: How UFO Encounter Changed My Life

This article recounts the experience of baseball star Darrell Evans of the Detroit Tigers, who claims a UFO encounter in Pleasanton, California, in June 1982, changed his life and boosted his career. Evans and his wife Ladonna observed a strange, bright light moving slowly and silently. The object, described as a triangular shape with a rounded nose and a dome, hovered about 60 yards from their house. The light emanated from the back, with the front appearing dull gray. After about a minute, the object moved away, reappearing half a mile away before disappearing rapidly. Evans felt the UFO sensed his intention to take a picture. He noted that there were no radar sightings reported by the nearby airport. Evans believes the encounter made his personal problems seem less significant and gave him a more positive outlook, leading him to approach his ballplaying more intensely. Following this, he experienced a significant improvement in his performance, hitting five home runs in one month and later achieving 30 homers in a season.

Physicist says extraterrestrials will likely contact us

This article features Stan Friedman, a 49-year-old nuclear physicist who has lectured for 11 years on the existence of UFOs. Friedman posits that the likelihood of extraterrestrial contact is increasing for two main reasons. Firstly, the current generation, influenced by 'Star Trek' culture, is more receptive to the idea of space and aliens. He cites a 1978 Gallup Poll showing that 70% of people under 30 believed in UFOs, compared to only 10% of those over 50. Secondly, based on his work from 1956 to 1970 in nuclear physics and rocket development, Friedman believes humanity will be traveling to the stars within 100 years. He suggests that alien beings, observing Earth's technological progress, may soon communicate with us for the good of the universe, especially as humanity begins to venture beyond its solar system. Friedman claims overwhelming evidence supports UFO existence, citing over 2,000 landing trace cases and numerous reports of 'critter' encounters and abductions. He asserts that major governments, particularly the U.S., possess documented proof classified for national security, calling it a "Cosmic Watergate." Friedman also refers to a 1980 Federal Court ruling that upheld the National Security Agency's right to classify UFO-related documents due to national security concerns. He believes governments are motivated by technological advantage (the ability to dominate if they can replicate UFO technology), the need for defense against potential alien technology, and the political implications of verifying UFO existence, which would fundamentally alter humanity's self-perception from national identities to a global 'earthling' identity.

The article also includes a Q&A section addressing whether UFOs have been seen over Winnipeg. The answer confirms that, according to Project UFO Canada chairman Chris Rutkowski, there have been 499 sightings in Manitoba, with reports from 154 locations, including Winnipeg.

U.F.O. OFFICIAL PROBE!

This article by Michael Vinter, Science Correspondent, discusses an officially confirmed UFO landing in Rendlesham Forest, near Ipswich, UK. It suggests that American security agencies have been compelled to release formerly classified memoranda acknowledging the UFO problem's importance and the need for National Security Council cognizance. The incident involved TWO close encounters, one lasting three hours, where alien pilots allegedly conversed with a high-ranking American officer and made hasty repairs to their craft before departing. Traces of their presence were reportedly destroyed by authorities. The article notes that only one major British paper, apart from The Advertiser, appears to have published the story. Jenny Randles, co-author of 'Sky Crash,' is mentioned as discussing the Rendlesham contact on BBC Television. The article also hints at an ongoing investigation into over thirty sightings in Lancashire, with Chief Inspector Norman Collinson of CID Salford explaining some sightings might be misobservations or meteorological phenomena. However, Collinson himself reported witnessing a brilliantly lighted circular object making impossible maneuvers over Heywood, accelerating rapidly and crossing the horizon in under two seconds. Sir Patrick Wall, a prominent MP, is expected to table a question in the House of Commons regarding these events. The article concludes by promising future discussions on rare meteorology and a "startling possibility" supported by NASA evidence regarding the origin of "silver suited aliens."

Soviet UFO probe

This brief report from The Morning Star (May 30, 1984) states that the Soviet Union has established a commission to investigate unidentified flying objects (UFOs). This action follows an incident the previous year involving a "flying cigar" near Gorky. The commission, set up in February and headed by former cosmonaut Pavel Popovich, aims to review all sightings of moving objects or flashing lights. While Popovich acknowledges that most reports can be explained, scientists were disturbed by events in Gorky that defied rational analysis. The incident involved air traffic controllers at Gorky airport observing a steel-grey "cigar"-shaped craft, about the size of an airliner but without wings or a tail fin, approaching the airfield and not responding to radio signals. Anatoly Logunov, vice-president of the Academy of Sciences, noted that while many UFO reports lack sufficient information, Soviet scientists take the subject seriously and acknowledge well-documented sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial life. There is a clear focus on presenting various perspectives, from scientific explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena to personal accounts of encounters and the implications for humanity. The articles explore the possibility of government secrecy surrounding UFO evidence and the growing public interest and acceptance of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting different theories and evidence without outright dismissal, and highlighting the global nature of UFO reports and investigations.