APCIC - Vol 09 No 10 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 9, No. 10
Date: October 1984
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into a significant increase in reported UFO sightings, particularly in the northeastern United States, and explores the growing efforts to treat the subject of UFOs with scientific seriousness.

Key Articles and Reports

Hundreds in the East Swear UFOs are Hovering Overhead (Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 9, 1984)

This article details a symposium in Brewster, N.Y., attended by over 700 people concerned about numerous sightings of V-shaped objects, described as "the Thing," in the skies of southeastern New York and western Connecticut over the past two years. Witnesses describe the objects as colossal, noiseless, and outlined in brilliant lights. The article notes the unusual credibility of many witnesses and the significant media attention the phenomenon has garnered, including coverage from respectable news organizations. The New York state police suggest a hoax involving small planes, but many witnesses insist the objects exhibited abilities beyond conventional aircraft, such as hovering motionless and shooting straight up. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies, commented on the uniqueness of the situation due to the large number of credible witnesses.

Eugene Bauer's Testimony

Eugene Bauer, a fiber-optics technician, shared his experience of seeing "the Thing" float silently above his car in March 1983, stating, "I don't know what it was, but I know it didn't come from this Earth."

Richard Blasberg's Experience

Richard Blasberg, a school board member, reported seeing the object twice, once with about 10 neighbors, describing a "spiritual feeling."

The New York Times and Hoax Theories

The article mentions that the New York Times published an account attributing the sightings to a hoax by five or six small planes flying in tight formation. However, witnesses who saw the objects themselves uniformly rejected this explanation due to the objects' anomalous flight characteristics and silence.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Perspective

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a retired astronomy professor and director of the Center for UFO Studies, described the situation as unique, with many believable witnesses. He noted that the phenomena are not illusions and that science is faced with new empirical evidence that doesn't fit current scientific pictures.

Has There Been a Close Encounter of Third Kind? (Irish Independent, Aug. 21, 1984)

This piece highlights the "hysteria" of sightings in New York counties like Westchester, Putnam, and Duchess, and southwestern Connecticut, involving giant V-shaped objects and boomerang-shaped UFOs with flashing lights. It touches upon the belief among some Americans that past administrations have covered up UFO information. The article introduces two UFO experts, Peter Gersten, who sued the CIA for UFO documents, and Philip Imbrogno, a science teacher. Both use advertisements to gather reports, and they found a high frequency of sightings in the New York-Connecticut area. The article questions whether the Pentagon has secretly continued its UFO research since the Air Force officially concluded UFOs didn't exist in 1969.

The Marfa Lights and Sam Whatley

The article mentions the mysterious flickering lights near Marfa, Texas, seen for over 100 years. It also recounts the experience of Sam Whatley, who, ten years prior, witnessed a large globe of orange-red light hover near his pickup truck.

Geologists Investigate Marfa Lights

Geologists John Kenney and Elwood Wright observed two balls of light, described as half the size of a basketball, hovering and then disappearing near Marfa.

The Crashed Ship from Outer Space (FL-DS Today, Aug. 19, 1984)

Ray Fowler, director of investigations for the Mutual UFO Network of Illinois, believes the U.S. Government has suppressed UFO information. He recounts an incident from May 1953, where a security official assessed damage to a crashed aircraft, describing a "super-secret aircraft" that looked like two inverted cereal bowls, partially buried, with wires leading to a hatch. The official also thought he saw small silver-clad figures in a nearby tent. Fowler's attempts to obtain information through the Freedom of Information Act have been unsuccessful.

$20 Million Law Suit Over UFO Damage (Dateline not specified, but context suggests around Aug 1984)

This section details a lawsuit filed by Betty Cash (54), Vicki Landrum (60), and her 10-year-old grandson Colby, who claim they sustained health damages, including burns, hair loss, and cataracts, from a UFO incident on December 29, 1980, near Dayton, Texas. They allege the UFO was surrounded by 23 military helicopters. The government denies responsibility, citing contributory negligence by the plaintiffs. Attorney Peter Gersten is pursuing the case, seeking information on military helicopter pilots and their medical records. Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum continue to suffer from sun exposure.

Flying Objects ARE Identified (Dayton-Daily News, Sept. 1, 1984)

This article critiques the term "Unidentified Flying Objects," suggesting that given the consistent descriptions of shape, silence, and flight characteristics, they should be called "Those Flying Things" or "TFTs." It notes that people immediately identify them as UFOs, questioning the "unidentified" aspect.

Rash of UFO Sightings Draws Crowd to Upstate Conference (NY- New York Tribune, Aug. 28, 1984)

Over 1,000 people attended a Public UFO Conference in Brewster, N.Y., organized by attorney Peter Gersten and astronomer Philip Imbrogno. Dr. J. Allen Hynek addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need to move UFO study from the "crackpot era" to respectable science. He highlighted the vast number of reports (80,000 from 140 countries) and the consistent patterns observed. The conference aimed to prove the U.S. Government's misleading of the public regarding UFOs and to demonstrate the existence of strange, unusual objects. Hynek noted that while the "supermarket press" has damaged ufology's reputation, serious scientists are beginning to pay attention.

UFOs Were Tracked Continuously

This section notes that UFOs were tracked continuously from one area to another, similar to how airplanes are tracked.

Hynek's Skepticism and Acceptance

Dr. Hynek initially approached UFOs as a skeptic while consulting for the Air Force but came to accept the phenomena as real after being unable to explain about 20 percent of the "Project Blue Book" sightings.

UFO Expert Out to Kill the Crackpot Tag (Shropshire Star, Aug. 24, 1984)

This article reiterates Dr. J. Allen Hynek's goal to elevate UFO study to a respectable scientific field. He plans to move the Center for UFO Studies from Evanston, Illinois, to Phoenix, Arizona, citing Arizona's astronomical research facilities, high-tech industry, and open-minded population. Hynek believes the time is ripe for massive research and that breakthroughs come from evidence that doesn't fit current scientific pictures. He acknowledges the difficulty in explaining how beings could travel from the nearest star but uses an analogy of a man from 200 years ago trying to comprehend a helicopter.

Mystery UFO: More Reports (Oxford Mail, Aug. 17, 1984)

This report details a sighting in Wantage, UK, where security officer Leonard Bowers and his wife saw a bright "searchlight" that turned north, burst into flames, and appeared to burn up before reaching the ground. They observed this for about five minutes.

Wantage 'UFO' Mystery Deepens (The Oxford Times, Aug. 24, 1984)

This article expands on the Wantage sightings, mentioning Mrs. June Bourton and her husband Ronald witnessing a "big ball" with an outline, moving very fast and brightly. They initially thought it might be a balloon. The report also references former Wantage mayor Mr. Peter Rolls, who saw a bright light and took inconclusive photos. Mrs. Bourton's son, Robert, also took photos a week later.

UFO? No, I Don't Think So (Eastbourne & District Advertiser, Aug. 16, 1984)

Philip Taylor, a regional investigator for the British UFO Research Association, dismisses marks found in a cornfield near Seaford as an elaborate hoax, suggesting they could be made by two or three people in under an hour using chains.

Co. Louth Farmer Spies UFO (Dublin Evening Press, Aug. 31, 1984)

Farmer Damien Duffy of Co. Louth, Ireland, reported seeing a "large round object with flashing yellow lights" hovering over his house. The object reportedly moved towards an old castle and woods before disappearing. Police stated it was their first UFO report, and they were treating the farmer's account seriously.

UFO study: 'drop crackpot tag' (Evening Herald, Dublin, Aug. 21, 1984)

This article summarizes Dr. J. Allen Hynek's plan to move his research headquarters to Phoenix, Arizona, to shift UFO study from the "crackpot era" to respectable science. He plans to spend £2 million annually on studying the best reported sightings. Hynek, who headed the Lunar Surveillance Project during the Apollo program, believes the time is right for massive research and that the subject needs to be made respectable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing number of UFO sightings, the desire to legitimize UFO research as a scientific discipline, and the skepticism from official sources versus the conviction of witnesses. The magazine's stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, presenting witness testimonies and expert opinions while also acknowledging skepticism and potential hoaxes. There is a clear effort to present UFOs as a subject worthy of scientific investigation, moving away from sensationalism.

This issue of the NY Ossining Citizen Register, dated August 28, 1984, with volume identifier 1381, focuses on a significant increase in UFO sightings, particularly in the upstate New York region. The cover headline boldly states "Mass UFO sightings reported," and the main article delves into the details of these events, featuring expert analysis and eyewitness accounts.

Key Articles and Reports

"Mass UFO sightings reported" (Page 1)

This article introduces the phenomenon of increased UFO sightings in areas like Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties in New York, and nearby Connecticut. Dr. J. Allen Hynek's classification system (CE1, CE2, CE3) is mentioned. Philip Imbrogno, a UFO investigator, notes that since 1982, sightings have increased but were not widely reported in the media. He highlights that these sightings are unusual because the objects are tracked continuously and involve a higher caliber of witnesses than typical past events. Imbrogno also recounts a specific case in Newtown, Connecticut, where a UFO responded to porch lights by flashing its own lights.

The article details a major UFO flap on March 24, 1983, and particularly on July 12, 1984, which drew people into the streets. Imbrogno estimates that on these two nights, thousands of people may have witnessed the phenomena, describing it as a "series of sightings of this magnitude" unprecedented in UFO history.

"Case called a 'classic'" (Page 1)

This section elaborates on the July 12, 1984, sightings, describing a boomerang-shaped UFO seen over towns in Connecticut and New York. Imbrogno estimates that 6,000 to 7,000 people may have seen UFOs in a 1,400-square mile area on that night. He emphasizes the scale and consistency of these reports.

"Group charges 'UFO' cover-up" (Page 7)

This article from the Middletown Times Herald-Record (August 30, 1984) reports on a group of Hudson Valley UFO researchers, led by attorney Peter A. Gersten, who allege that pilots flying in formations are part of a government-backed scheme to discredit legitimate UFO sightings. Gersten offers a $1,000 reward for the names of these pilots. He describes a "true object" as huge, triangular, with lights and a low whirring sound, distinct from the alleged hoaxes. Robert Gribble from the National UFO Reporting Center supports the idea of government "diversion" tactics. State police and FAA controllers, however, dismiss these claims, attributing the sightings to small planes flying in formation.

"Lawyer offers $1,000 for 'UFO' pilots' names" (Page 4)

This article from the NY-D56 Poughkeepsie Journal (August 31, 1984) reiterates Peter Gersten's offer of a $1,000 reward for information identifying pilots he claims are creating false UFO reports. Gersten believes these pilots are part of a scheme to impede serious investigation. He also mentions daytime sightings of a disc-shaped object and a photograph taken over Croton Reservoir.

"Sky lights: 'Are we really alone?'" (Page 3)

This piece features an account from Eleanor Dodge of White Plains, who recounts a sighting from her time in the Ground Observation Corps after World War II. She describes a strange flying object with a circle of lights that hovered and then shot straight up. This experience leads her to question humanity's place in the universe.

"Pals see UFO 'like a car in the sky'" (Page 10)

This report from the Milton Keynes Gazette (September 1, 1984) details a sighting by five teenagers in Woburn Sands, UK. They described a circular UFO with white, green, and red lights, moving slowly and making a distant roar. The object was later linked to the work of Mrs. Dot Street, who is involved in investigating UFO claims and has co-authored a book titled "Sky Crash" about a Rendlesham Forest encounter.

"Dot's close encounter" (Page 10)

This section further discusses Mrs. Dot Street's involvement in UFO research, particularly concerning the Rendlesham Forest incident. Her new book, "Sky Crash," is highlighted as the "world's first officially confirmed close encounter." Street expresses conviction that something significant happened in Rendlesham, based on witness testimony.

"Several claim to see UFO near TRF" (Page 5)

This article from the Grand Forks Herald (August 28, 1984) reports on sightings in the Thief River Falls, Minnesota area. Deputy Sheriff Leslie Arlt and other residents reported seeing unusual airborne objects with green and white lights. The Grand Forks Air Force Base confirmed a brief radar blip but could not confirm it as a UFO sighting, attributing it to ground clutter or temperature inversion.

"Town Dazed as UFOs Suck Up Tons of Water From Swimming Pools" (Page 9)

This National Enquirer article (August 21, 1984) reports on a bizarre incident in Olavarria, Argentina, where UFOs allegedly drained thousands of gallons of water from swimming pools. Eyewitnesses, including a police sergeant and an electrician, described illuminated oval objects and beams of light that appeared to suck water upwards. The event is compared to the TV miniseries "V: The Final Battle."

"A weather eye kept on UFOs" (Page 8)

This piece from the Hereford Evening News (August 13, 1984) mentions Worcester weatherman Paul Damari planning to link up with the UFO investigation group Skyscan to explain sightings. Damari's center records astronomical and meteorological data, and he hopes to use these records to explain reported UFO phenomena, noting that fireballs are common during certain times of the year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing frequency and credibility of UFO sightings, the potential for government cover-ups or disinformation campaigns, and the enduring human fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from investigators, eyewitnesses, and official sources, while also acknowledging the skepticism and attempts to debunk sightings. The articles encourage readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life and to participate in the ongoing investigation of these phenomena. The overall tone suggests a belief that UFOs are a real phenomenon, even if their nature and origin remain mysterious.

Title: OXFORD STAR
Issue Date: September 7, 1984
Content: This issue of the Oxford Star focuses heavily on a surge of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings reported across Oxfordshire, UK, and also touches upon similar phenomena occurring in New Jersey, USA. The magazine presents these sightings as a 'boom' in aerial anomalies, suggesting a potential peak in activity.

UFO Boom in Skies Over Oxon

The lead story details an "incredible series of sightings in the skies over Oxfordshire." These mysterious UFOs, which reportedly increased their activity through August, are suggested by experts to be heading for a new peak. The sightings span a wide geographical area, including Wheatley, Oxford, Faringdon, Wantage, Finstock, and Chipping Norton. Witnesses have included ordinary citizens, managers, and even a fireman.

Derek Mansell, manager of the UFO Data Research Centre in Wheatley, describes the situation as "quite a build up." He personally witnessed a strange object at the end of July, which he described as a "silver metallic disc flying east from Wheatley." He noted that it "tilted on its side, but carried on in the same direction and at the same speed, which was about the speed of an airliner."

Since Mansell's sighting, members of the public have reported 14 other sightings in the Oxfordshire area. Many of these reports were directed to the UFO Data Research Centre after individuals contacted the police about strange lights in the sky. Mr. Mansell is compiling a catalogue of these sightings, with detailed cases slated for further investigation.

Following the initial reports, nearly two weeks later, in the early hours of July 26, there were over eight separate reports of coloured lights in the sky. These were observed as far afield as Swindon, Reading, and Worcester. The reports varied in colour, with witnesses describing lights as red and blue, red and green, or green and blue. A common observation was that the lights were stationary, exhibiting only a slight wobble, before moving slowly off to the south.

• Several other specific sightings are mentioned:
• A spherical object was seen over Wheatley one morning.
• A large red light, resembling a small full moon, was observed over Oxford, moving slowly towards the north-east.
• Flashes in the sky over Headington were reported by a "very frightened woman."
• "Exploding searchlights" were seen in the sky over Wantage.
• A round object with revolving sides was reported moving over Finstock.

The "strangest sighting" occurred at the end of the previous month, when an elongated shape was observed over Chipping Norton. This object had a yellow light at each end and a long red light in the middle. Remarkably, it disappeared and then reappeared in the same location a few minutes later, according to Mr. Mansell.

The Unidentified Flying Saucer Data Research Centre can be contacted at Wheatley 2071.

The UFOs are Back: New Sightings Relieve Late Summer's Tedium (Page 2)

This section, from the NJ-DI Asbury Park Press, dated September 13, 1984, reports on UFO sightings occurring in New Jersey.

On the morning of Wednesday, August 29, the Press news desk received multiple phone calls about a large, round flying object with spinning yellow lights. These sightings were reported in the Elberon section of Long Branch, Ocean Township, and Asbury Park. Some callers reported that a loud, whirring sound emitted by the object awoke them from their sleep.

One witness driving on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch described the object as "big and bright and strange sounding." Another motorist found the experience "really scary," noting that the object "went straight up in the air and disappeared." An Asbury Park woman called it "the most unusual thing I ever saw," stating it was "just hanging in the air."

Robert Warth, who leads the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SIU) in Little Silver, was not surprised by these sightings. He stated that his group has received hundreds of UFO reports, with a high percentage originating from the Jersey Shore. Warth speculates that the visitors might be using the ocean to refuel their spacecraft, suggesting that pollution off the coast could have fouled their engines, causing the noise that disturbed residents.

In contrast to the noisy New Jersey sightings, UFOs reported over southern New York State and western Connecticut during the summer were described as classic and silent.

In recent weeks, thousands of people in New York's Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam counties have reported seeing strange objects. These were typically described as being about the size of a football field, V-shaped or circular, and outlined in white, red, or green lights. In all cases, the objects were noiseless. One woman reported hearing crickets while watching an object hover over a pond, and also observed an L-shaped structure suspended beneath the craft. Witnesses generally described the objects as remaining stationary for a period before rising straight up at great speed.

The New York State police offer an explanation: a group of five or six small planes flying in formation as a hoax to excite local residents. However, the article notes that this explanation doesn't account for all sightings.

The article references a formal U.S. government investigation into UFO phenomena years ago, which concluded that people were often "just seeing things," and the Air Force no longer pays attention to such reports. Despite this, the article acknowledges that the thousands of reports must have some basis in fact, and the question remains what witnesses have actually seen. Even the federal investigation conceded that not all sightings could be attributed to natural phenomena.

The article concludes by noting that believers in extraterrestrial origins will continue to hold their convictions, while skeptics will dismiss the reports. It poses the question of whether it's beyond the realm of possibility that other civilizations, with a significant technological lead, could traverse the galaxies. Finally, it suggests that UFO sightings serve a useful purpose by relieving late-summer tedium and diverting attention from real-world worries, while also enlivening social conversations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the increased frequency and variety of UFO sightings, prompting speculation about their origin and nature. The Oxford Star presents these reports with a degree of seriousness, highlighting the efforts of local researchers like Derek Mansell. The NJ-DI Asbury Park Press article adopts a more balanced tone, presenting witness accounts alongside official explanations and skeptical viewpoints, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery and public fascination with UFOs. Both publications suggest that these sightings, regardless of their origin, capture public attention and provide a topic of discussion.