APCIC - Vol 10 No 04 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 10 NO. 4
Date: APRIL 1985
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: CLEVELAND, OHIO 44137, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, delves into the persistent and multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena. The cover boldly states "UFOs won't go away," setting the tone for an exploration of ongoing sightings, investigations, and the public's right to information.

Key Articles and Reports

"Close encounters of many kinds: UFOs won't go away" by L. Stuart Ditzen (PA-PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, MAR. 3 1985)

This article highlights the enduring mystery of UFOs, noting that thousands of new sightings are reported annually. While most reports are explainable, a significant percentage remain unexplained. J. Allen Hynek, a leading UFO researcher, observes a trend of UFOs getting closer, with reports evolving from simple sightings to "close encounters" involving hovering and landings, and increasingly, sightings of "humanoids." Philip Klass, a skeptic, dismisses UFOs as "popular myth" and demands physical evidence. The article notes the US government's cessation of official UFO research in 1969, leaving such investigations to private individuals and organizations. It details the phenomenon of "close encounters of the third kind," involving alleged encounters with human-like creatures, and discusses abduction experiences studied by Budd Hopkins. Hopkins' research, often involving hypnosis, suggests memory blocks and encounters with small, frail beings with large eyes. Psychological evaluations of witnesses by Elizabeth T. Slater concluded that their experiences could not be attributed to mental disorders.

"It's Boeche and Colborn, urging release of UFO data" (NE. LINCOLN JOURNAL, MAR. 3 1985)

This report focuses on Ray Boeche and Scott Colborn, who are advocating for the release of government information on unexplained phenomena. They are investigating a December 1980 incident near the Bentwaters and Woodbridge NATO bases in England, where they claim a craft landed, causing animal distress and leaving radiation. They have acquired US Air Force and British Ministry of Defence documents, as well as a tape recording of an on-site investigation. Boeche and Colborn believe there were 17 witnesses to the Bentwaters event and that it was filmed. They are pushing for congressional hearings and the disclosure of information, including a film they believe exists from the Bentwaters investigation. They also mention reports of "entities" seen near the craft. The article notes that British investigators have published a book on the incident, but US publicity has been minimal.

"Experts ponder Vegans' reports of tremors, lights in sky" by Ed Vogel (NV. LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, FEB 24 1985)

This article examines reports from Southern Nevada residents experiencing unexplained tremors and seeing strange lights in the sky. While some attribute these phenomena to tests at the Nevada Test Site or secret military aircraft, official sources like Nellis Air Force Base and the National Earthquake Information Center offer alternative explanations, such as sonic booms bouncing off atmospheric conditions or Venus appearing low in the sky. Astronomer Dale Etheridge suggests that some lights might be Venus, while others could be meteors. UNLV geologist Bill Fiero speculates that tremors might be caused by distant sonic booms. The article also touches upon the "Stealth" bomber and weather balloons, with officials denying that Nellis aircraft or weather balloons are responsible for the sightings in Las Vegas.

"The U.S. government's project to track UFOs" (IN. POST TRIBUNE GARY, MAR 23 1985)

This piece speculates that "Operation Starlight," ostensibly an electronic network for tracking space radio signals, is in fact a tracking station for Unidentified Flying Objects. The article questions whether this project is linked to a spectacular phenomenon observed over Lake Michigan in August 1981, and notes that Prof. J. Allen Hynek took a sabbatical around the same time without disclosing his location. The author concludes by encouraging believers and urging non-believers to remain vigilant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO phenomena, the lack of definitive explanations, and the perceived secrecy surrounding government information. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the articles and the publication's name, is one of serious inquiry into UFOs, advocating for transparency and acknowledging the validity of witness experiences. There is a clear emphasis on the ongoing nature of sightings, the increasing proximity and complexity of encounters, and the need for continued research and public awareness. The publication appears to support the view that UFOs represent a significant, unexplained aspect of reality that warrants serious investigation.

This issue of Weekly World News, dated March 12, 1985, features a sensational cover story titled "Huge UFO Appears as Thousands Flock to See Housewife in Religious Trance." The magazine delves into various UFO-related phenomena, including alleged government cover-ups, eyewitness accounts, and historical perspectives on unidentified flying objects.

Eyewitnesses Claim: Huge UFO Appears as Thousands Flock to See Housewife in Religious Trance

The lead article details an event in a Spanish town where thousands of pilgrims gathered to witness Amparo Cuevas, a mother of seven, enter a trance. During this trance, a massive, disc-shaped UFO reportedly hovered over the meadow for 20 minutes. Eyewitnesses, including a professor of philosophy, described the object as eerie and absolutely genuine, with a photograph even being declared authentic by a Kodak official. Mrs. Cuevas is known for experiencing stigmata, bleeding from her palms and forehead, which a local priest interprets as a sign from God. The event occurred during monthly prayer meetings that began in May 1981 after Mrs. Cuevas reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary.

UFOs and Government Cover-ups

Several articles explore the theme of government secrecy surrounding UFOs. Robert Hastings, a UFO researcher, is featured discussing his belief that the U.S. government has engaged in a cover-up, citing documents released by the FBI, CIA, and Air Force. He claims these documents refer to the recovery of flying saucers containing aliens and evidence of UFOs hovering over nuclear missile sites. Hastings advocates for the public to demand transparency from the government regarding UFO investigations and recovered alien bodies.

Historical UFO Incidents and Investigations

The magazine recounts several historical UFO incidents. One article discusses divers searching for a sunken UFO in Puget Sound, Washington, after witnesses reported seeing an orange fireball. Another details the "America's first star wars death" incident involving Capt. Thomas Mantell, who pursued a UFO in 1948 and whose plane crashed. The issue also highlights the work of Ted Phillips, a Reeds Spring photographer who has investigated over 550 UFO sightings in Missouri since the 1960s, noting that many reports are similar and often involve small beings.

International UFO Reports

Reports from outside the U.S. are also included. A story from Spain details a shootout between guards and a giant extraterrestrial outside an Air Force base. Another article discusses the possibility that "17th century elves were space aliens," citing parallels between folklore and modern UFO reports, as noted by anthropologist Ronald James.

Pilot Encounters and Canadian Sightings

A piece titled "The pilot and the playful UFO" recounts an astonishing picture of an unidentified flying object taken by helicopter pilot Ron Ellison in New Mexico. Ellison described a playful interaction with the saucer-shaped craft. Additionally, an article from the Toronto Star reports on Canadian beliefs about UFOs, including claims of livestock being killed, thought waves being sent, and government cover-ups. Astronomer Ian Halliday of the National Research Council suggests that most sightings are meteors or weather balloons, but acknowledges the public's fascination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and mystery of UFO sightings, the alleged efforts by governments to conceal information about them, and the human fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one that questions official explanations and leans towards the belief that UFOs are real phenomena, possibly involving alien visitors and government secrecy. The publication actively promotes these sensational accounts, encouraging readers to question official narratives and consider extraordinary possibilities.

This issue, dated February 28, 1985, from the Worcester Evening News, is titled "UFO riddle has experts baffled" and features a prominent cover story about "Now an even closer encounter with the ET kind." The magazine explores various UFO phenomena, including official Soviet acknowledgments, expert opinions on extraterrestrial presence, and numerous witness accounts from different locations.

Soviet Airliner Encounter

A special commission of the Soviet Academy of Sciences has officially acknowledged that the crew of an Aeroflot airliner encountered "something that we call UFOs." The incident, detailed in the trade-union newspaper Trud, involved flight 8852 from Tblisi to Tallinn. The co-pilot noticed a bright yellowish star that emitted a blinding cone of light. Passengers saw streets below bathed in bright lights. The object, described as a "cloud plane," followed the airliner over Riga and Vilnius, and ground control tracked it. The object eventually changed shape into a plum, then a square, and solidified as a giant, needle-nosed, wingless aircraft with a curious animal-like tail illuminated by green and yellow light.

James Oberg, a US space mission controller at Nasa, claims that UFO sightings are used by Russians to cover up tests of strategic weapons that violate the 1963 outer space treaty.

Experts and Government Awareness

Timothy Good, an internationally-known UFO researcher and adviser to the House of Lords, claimed in Leeds that extraterrestrials have bases on Earth and that Government intelligence agencies are aware of their presence. Good, a professional violinist, presented documents marked "top secret" from the American FBI and CIA, dating from the 1940s, which detailed mystery incidents involving the military and civilians. He also mentioned a highly-secret instruction to American Air Force pilots on how to approach UFOs and unidentified aircraft violating American airspace. Good stated that many animals found in deserted areas had surgical wounds and that there were 49 strong reports of landed UFOs in America, which had been covered up by authorities. He also presented a recent Russian Government report on UFOs.

Mr. Mark Birdsall, the Yorkshire society's research co-ordinator, reported 52 UFO sightings in Yorkshire in 1984, with 14 identified.

Anchorage Amber Lights

Reports from Anchorage, Alaska, detail recurring sightings of unexplained amber lights. On Monday, February 18, 1985, skies were dotted with a flock of bright and unexplained amber lights, similar to those seen the previous Sunday. Spectators and officials were at a loss to explain the source. Roger Carpenter, team supervisor at the Anchorage International Airport control tower, stated that no radar contact was made. Federal Aviation Administration reports that the Sunday lights were from hot air balloons were denied by balloonists. Mike Carnevale, owner of Balloon Central Station, stated that the number of lights seen made the balloon explanation unlikely. FAA spokesman Paul Steucke suggested hot air balloons with burners going on and off, but local balloonists dismissed this. Chris Hanson, who saw the lights, initially thought they might be flares or a child's trick but later felt it was "something else" and decided to research UFOs.

UFOs and Government Cover-ups

Robert Hastings, a researcher, claims UFOs exist and that the U.S. government is covering up this knowledge. His program is based on information obtained from previously classified CIA, FBI, and Air Force documents through the Freedom of Information Act. Hastings stated that UFOs do exist and the military is concerned about evidence such as instruments on military aircraft going haywire and objects out-maneuvering any aircraft. He claims that since 1947, government agencies have covered up thousands of sightings. Hastings noted that most sightings seem to be around sensitive military areas.

'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

J. Allen Hynek, a leading UFO researcher, notes a trend of UFOs getting closer. He describes reports of "flying saucers" in the 1950s and 60s, evolving to "close encounters" where UFOs hover and land, and increasingly, sightings of "humanoids." The term "close encounters of the third kind" was coined by Hynek to describe these cases, referring to encounters with beings. The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) has collected 2,300 reports of such encounters worldwide. Budd Hopkins, author of "Missing Time," has studied over 50 cases of abduction experiences, noting memory blocks in subjects. Through hypnosis, Hopkins and psychologist Aphrodite Clamar have uncovered patterns of confrontation with small human-like creatures, being taken inside UFOs, examined, and released. Hopkins suggests these experiences are real and not attributable to mental disorders, as concluded by psychologist Elizabeth T. Slater.

Other Sightings

John Velter and Sandra Schell reported seeing a shining silver object like a Frisbee descend from the sky and vanish near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. In San Francisco, reports of red, green, and blue UFOs streaking over the Bay Area were attributed by an airport official to "space debris," possibly a disintegrating satellite. However, no meteor showers were listed for that period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the alleged involvement and cover-up by government agencies, and the growing evidence of close encounters with potential extraterrestrial beings. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various accounts and expert opinions, acknowledging the baffling nature of the phenomenon while highlighting the seriousness with which some researchers and former government officials treat the subject. There is an underlying implication that UFOs are a real phenomenon that warrants further investigation, despite skepticism from some quarters.