APCIC - Vol 10 No 05 - 1985

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, published in May 1985 by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER in Cleveland, Ohio, is Volume 10, Number 5. The cover features a prominent illustration of a flying saucer, setting the theme for the content within.

Concord Class Offers UFO Info on Scientific Basis

This article profiles Daniel Ross, whose fascination with UFOs began in 1974 after witnessing a formation of six unidentified craft over Saratoga Lake, N.Y. The sighting, which lasted about two hours, involved objects exhibiting unusual light and color changes. Ross's experience inspired him to become a debunker of UFO myths, teaching a course titled "UFOs - The Truth About Space" through the Concord Leisure Services Department. He aims to present UFOs on a scientific basis, backed by space science, and has spent 11 years conducting research. Ross has documented 83 UFO landings and notes that NASA has viewed UFO films. His self-published book is expected in June. His research group, the Public Interest Space Sciences Center, gathers information globally.

Soviet Papers Disagree Over UFO Sighting

This report from Moscow details a disagreement between two Soviet newspapers regarding UFO sightings. The trade union daily, Trud, reported on an Aeroflot plane's encounter with a bright beam of light near Minsk and other sightings over Latvia. This reporting was unusual for Soviet media, which typically adheres to socialist realism. In contrast, the Soviet military daily, Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star), debunked UFO myths, attributing sightings to atmospheric phenomena, inversion, refracted light, or artificial space debris. The newspaper suggested that the "Petrozavodsk miracle" of 1977 was caused by a falling rocket from the Soviet satellite Cosmos 955. This marked the first known instance of Soviet media explaining UFOs as being caused by Soviet space activity.

UFO Startles Viewers

This news brief from Albuquerque, NM, reports on an unidentified flying object seen in Marietta, Georgia. Experts suggested the fiery entry of a meteor through the Earth's atmosphere. Meteorologist John Lang stated a meteor entered the atmosphere about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. Witnesses described a bright flash and a light moving near it. An astronomer suggested it could have been a meteor or the planet Venus.

UFOs Seminar Topic At Religious Science

This article from Oxnard, CA, announces a seminar titled "ET's and UFO's: Their Presence and Purpose." Virgil Armstrong, a retired Army officer with intelligence experience, was scheduled to discuss his participation in the "first known capture of a UFO" at White Sands Proving Grounds in 1948. The seminar was to cover topics such as mass UFO landings, the purpose of UFOs, and space colonies.

Red-faced Over UFOs: Disclosed Encounters Perplex Russians

This article, also referencing the Soviet disagreement, reiterates that the Soviet military daily Krasnaya Zvezda debunked UFO sightings, attributing them to natural phenomena or space debris. It mentions the Tass report from September 1977 about a large mass of light over Petrozavodsk. The article notes that despite official discouragement and documentaries disputing UFOs, enthusiasts continue to share information.

Encounter with Mysterious UFO Shocks Soviet Scientists

According to Britain's Sunday Times, a special commission of the Soviet Academy of Sciences admitted that a Soviet airliner had an encounter with "something that we call UFOs." The Aeroflot jet, en route from Tbilisi to Tallinn, reported seeing a huge, bright-yellow star beam a ray of light toward Earth. This ray widened into a cone, focusing on the ground. Subsequently, a green cloud descended and transformed into a giant, needle-nosed missile with animal-like lights. The UFO followed the jet to its destination before disappearing. The incident reportedly caused terror among passengers and stunned radar operators.

Couple Blasts Censorship Of UFO Sighting Reports

This article from Daytona Beach, FL, features Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Heiman, who have studied extraterrestrial anthropology and UFOs for 28 years. They shared their experiences and others' with an audience at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The Heimans believe life exists elsewhere in the universe and doubt humanity is alone. They claim that UFO sightings and contacts are censored globally, citing JANAP 146 as proof, which imposes severe penalties for releasing such information. Mrs. Heiman recounted a conversation with an Air Force officer who admitted his colleagues had seen strange objects but questioned what they could tell the public. Major Donald Keyhoe is quoted as stating that the CIA has held secret meetings on UFOs since the 1950s, calling it the "greatest public deception in American history."

The Heimans presented evidence, including lists of airline pilots and astronomers who reported sightings. They also recounted Florida's UFO history, including two air traffic controllers tracking a UFO in 1972 and a large, glowing object seen in 1975.

The Earth That Moved

This article from Lancaster, PA, discusses the "cookie-cutter" puzzle: a mysterious hole and a chunk of earth, weighing tons, that was uprooted from a wheat field on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state. The divot landed intact 73 feet away. Geologists and UFO investigators are interested, but explanations range from earthquakes and methane gas explosions to hoaxes. Geologists Bruce N. Kaliser and Greg Behrens are mentioned, with Kaliser examining a similar cross-shaped depression in Utah in 1978.

Incredible Things That Fall From the Sky

This article from Examiner, CA, explores the phenomenon of objects inexplicably falling from the sky, baffling scientists. Examples include fish falling in San Diego, California, into the driveway of A.D. Ellmers. A marine biologist identified the fish as herring, but the cause remains unknown. The article also mentions a 71/2-pound stone that crashed in France in 1768, which Antoine Lavoisier attributed to lightning. Another incident involved a mass of stone and ice falling in India in 1860, followed by rains of fish and red matter. Rains of blood have also been reported since ancient Greek times, with a recent instance in Calabria, Italy, identified as bird's blood.

Mass Panic as UFO Terrorizes Villages

This National Enquirer article from April 23, 1985, details a bizarre incident in Estonia on March 2, 1984. Thousands of people spent a night in fear as mysterious "cold" fires swept across dozens of villages. Firemen chasing the fires discovered that "the flames kept retreating ahead of them." Four fire trucks chased a huge UFO, described as an orange-colored sphere 400 feet in diameter, which retreated and then shot straight up. Professor Agar Volke, a Soviet astronomer, stated that the UFO was a "spaceship" and that when it hovered over a swamp, the fires in the entire region vanished. Prof. Vsevolod Troitsky, a Soviet astronomer, declared it was a "signal from space" from a "mother ship" that wanted to let humanity know they exist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, the scientific investigation of UFOs, and the alleged suppression of information by governments. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting evidence that supports the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, while also acknowledging scientific skepticism and official explanations. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of advanced technology and non-human intelligence, while also highlighting the challenges and controversies surrounding the topic.

This collection of articles from early 1985, primarily from the National Enquirer and other publications, explores the enduring mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The issue delves into eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs, alien abductions, and potential government cover-ups.

Key Articles and Reports

"Scientists baffled are UFOs to blame?"

This cover story from the National Enquirer (April 23, 1985) poses the question of whether UFOs are responsible for baffling phenomena. It highlights the work of UFO author-investigator Budd Hopkins, who documented 71 cases of alleged alien abductions. Hopkins' research suggests a consistent pattern in these encounters, involving small gray humanoids with distinctive physical features. The article also touches on the skepticism surrounding these claims, comparing it to historical resistance to accepting certain truths.

"UFOs: 40 years of debate can't cool controversy"

Published in The Sunday Star (March 17, 1985), this piece by David Vienneau Toronto Star examines the long-standing UFO phenomenon. It notes that while many sightings are explainable as aircraft or natural phenomena, a significant number remain unexplained. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFO researcher, suggests that UFOs are getting closer and may represent a significant development in human history. The article also contrasts the views of researchers with skeptics like Philip Klass, who dismisses UFOs as 'popular myth' and points to the lack of physical evidence.

"Wave of animal mutilations sweeps U.S."

This National Enquirer article (April 9, 1985) reports on a disturbing outbreak of animal mutilations across the U.S., with theories ranging from UFOs to devil worshipping cults. It details gruesome incidents involving cattle, horses, dogs, cats, and chickens, highlighting the fear and confusion among pet owners and farmers. The article notes that some attribute these events to UFOs, recalling similar incidents from a decade prior.

"Police & Border Guards Track Eerie UFO"

This National Enquirer report (April 9, 1985) details a sighting of a ball-shaped UFO by multiple witnesses, including police officers and border guards, in the Pyrenees mountains of France. Ski instructor Jean Luc Sedon photographed the object, which pulsed with red and green light and moved in a way inconsistent with aircraft. The French government's UFO investigative group, GEPAN, indicated that the sighting was likely a UFO.

"'We're in touch with a UFO'"

From the Banstead Herald Surrly (April 18, 1985), this article introduces BAORG (The British Astronomy Operational Group), a local group dedicated to studying objects from outer space. BAORG claims to pick up signals from unused frequencies, which they believe are from UFOs, and has reportedly witnessed a UFO landing.

"Family spots UFO"

This Oxford Times report (March 22, 1985) describes a UFO emitting rays of green and red light seen near an Oxfordshire village by the Walters family. While police dismissed it as a helicopter, the family insisted it was not an aircraft.

"Strange occurrences subject of 'sky show'"

A brief mention from the LA-BATON ROUGE MORNING ADVOCATE (March 30, 1985) about a local planetarium show focusing on historical 'sky oddities' from Baton Rouge.

"UFOs bring havoc -- to some"

This Sunday Star article (March 17, 1985) compiles various bizarre UFO-related reports from Canada. These include claims of UFOs killing livestock, sending thought waves, and exploring Mars. It also features accounts of individuals communicating with or boarding UFOs, and suspicions of government cover-ups regarding UFO information.

"Mass Panic as UFO Terrorizes Villages"

This National Enquirer article (April 23, 1985) describes a bizarre incident in Estonia where mysterious 'cold' fires swept across villages, allegedly caused by a giant UFO. Firemen attempting to extinguish the flames found them retreating ahead of them. The UFO, described as an orange-colored sphere, eventually shot straight up and vanished, after which the fires also disappeared.

"UFO Researcher: Information Is Available"

This Carlsbad Current-Argus article (February 17, 1985) features Robert Hastings, an independent UFO researcher who lectured on his efforts to uncover government information on UFOs. Hastings shared his experience of witnessing UFOs on military radar and discussed the impact of the Freedom of Information Act on UFO research. He noted that a significant percentage of Americans believe UFOs are real.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these articles include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the alleged involvement of extraterrestrial beings, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. There is a strong undercurrent of suspicion towards government agencies, with accusations of cover-ups and a lack of transparency regarding UFO information. The editorial stance, particularly in the National Enquirer, leans towards sensationalism and presenting UFO phenomena as a significant and often terrifying aspect of modern life, while other publications like The Sunday Star and The Oxford Times offer more balanced reporting on the subject.

This issue of the EXAMINER, dated May 7, 1985, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, government involvement, and international implications, particularly concerning the Soviet Union and the US 'Star Wars' defense program. The publication presents a mix of alleged government cover-ups, witness testimonies, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial involvement.

Cover Story: Aliens team with Soviets to crush U.S. Star Wars

The lead story on the cover, attributed to Western intelligence agents, claims that Russian scientists are collaborating with space aliens to thwart America's proposed Star Wars defense. This revelation follows the Kremlin's official acknowledgment that UFOs may exist, a significant shift from decades of skepticism. A special commission has been established to study the phenomenon, headed by former cosmonaut Pavel Popovich. Intelligence analyst Owen Plancher suggests this commission confirms the work with aliens, who are reportedly helping the Soviets develop a mobile force field to neutralize American missiles. This initiative, code-named 'Operation Boomerang,' is seen as an effort to maintain the balance of power, preventing the escalation of nuclear war. Noel d'Epargne, a former weapons consultant to NATO, speculates that the Soviets are using Earth's gravitational pull and electromagnetism to construct this force field, though he expresses concern that such manipulation could contribute to severe weather patterns.

UFO Researcher and Government Tactics

An article discusses how government agencies, particularly the CIA, have allegedly attempted to downplay UFO sightings to prevent public panic. Tactics reportedly included hiring scientists to offer natural explanations for sightings and using a public campaign to convince the public that UFOs are man-made objects or natural phenomena. Information has emerged through declassified documents, former military pilots, and lawsuits. A film offered a brief history of UFO sightings in America, starting in 1947, with a massive wave reported across the country, particularly near military installations. The Pentagon's initial response was to attribute sightings to meteors or cloud reflections, but a letter from an Army Air Force General stated the phenomena were real. A press release by Hastings noted an abundance of evidence for an ongoing cover-up, criticizing the government's shortsightedness in withholding vital information.

Soviet Union's Stance on UFOs

An article by Albert L. Weeks explores the Soviet Union's complex relationship with UFOs. While Marxism-Leninism's scientific materialism generally dismisses such phenomena, there have been instances of tacit belief. The Soviet press has sometimes questioned the prevalence of 'saucer' sightings and their characteristics. In 1976, an article claiming 300 UFOs were documented by Soviet authorities drew criticism from Komsomolskaya Pravda. However, Moscow officials approved the formation of a 'Commission on Anomalies.' Reports from Soviet citizens describe luminous balls, discs, and objects changing shapes, hovering at various altitudes. The article notes that Soviet publications often try to head off speculation by attributing sightings to natural causes or psychological factors, especially in the context of public anxiety about war.

UFOs and Public Fears

Military spokesmen have occasionally tried to calm public nervousness related to UFOs, which is sometimes linked to Soviet propaganda about 'imperialist preparations for a nuclear war.' Western analysts have suggested that public nervousness, potentially exacerbated by such propaganda, might have contributed to incidents like the shooting down of a KAL civilian passenger liner. Correlations have been drawn between the number of alleged UFO sightings and indices of 'public nervousness' about global tensions, with significant jumps in sightings during the Korean War, the Sputnik year, the U-2 incident, and the Vietnam War. Psychologist Carl Jung's theory that UFOs might be figments of a nervous public's imagination, aggravated by world tensions, is mentioned.

Materialist Origins and Shifting Views

Professor Carl Sagan, an astronomer, is mentioned as having supported the Marxist-Leninist view of the materialist origin of life and the probable existence of extraterrestrial life. However, Soviet astronomer I. S. Shklovsky, who co-authored a book with Sagan on 'Extraterrestrial Intelligence' (ETI), has reportedly changed his mind, accepting the possibility of Earth's uniqueness in spawning life and suggesting that no one should fear contemplating Earth's 'alone-ness.' The article contrasts this with the tendency of figures like Sagan and Asimov to play on common fears of cosmic loneliness. It also notes the prevalence of religious sentiments among Soviet scientists, despite the Communist Party's atheistic efforts.

Specific Sightings and Investigations

Ethiopian Refugees Fed by UFO: Reports from Japan suggest that starving Ethiopian refugees in Sudan were fed by food dropped from a UFO on Christmas Eve. The Japanese UFO Research Corps initiated a search for these refugees.

Soviet Aeroflot Incident: An Aeroflot pilot and ground controller reported sightings of a UFO near the end of a flight. The Soviet Academy of Sciences Commission on Anomalies reviewed the information and deemed the sighting factual, classifying it as a 'documented' UFO.

Finnish Explosion: Finnish villagers near the Soviet border heard a huge explosion that blew out the door of a house 10 km away. Local authorities could not speculate on the cause, though mining disaster was mentioned as a possibility.

'Ball of Fire' in US Sky: A 'ball of fire,' described as brighter and bigger than a shooting star, was seen streaking across the Southeastern US night sky. Authorities speculated it was a meteor or meteor shower. Sightings were reported from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Orlando, Florida.

Pennsylvania Football Field UFO: Melvin Morrissey, a hunter in western Pennsylvania, reported seeing a circular UFO, the size of a football field, with amber and red lights, hovering about 100 feet above the treetops. He described it as moving faster than a plane but not as fast as a jet. Three other people reportedly saw lights in the sky at the same time. John Bowser, a retired FAA accident investigator, believes Morrissey's account is credible.

Montreal UFO Sighting: Mildred, a resident of the Town of Mount Royal, Canada, reported seeing a fiery red ball low in the sky moving deliberately, accompanied by a noise like hundreds of firecrackers. Transport Canada at Dorval airport received two other similar sightings of a large oval object described as red or red and white.

UFO Clerk in Canada

Denise Cardinal serves as Canada's UFO clerk at the Herzberg Institute, filing approximately 100-150 reports annually. She states that many reports are explained as Venus or meteors and that she does not believe in UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as real and often suppressed by governments. There's a strong undercurrent suggesting that extraterrestrial intelligence is a significant factor in global events, including potential military applications like the 'Star Wars' defense. The editorial stance appears to be that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation, often challenging official explanations and highlighting the potential for a cover-up. The articles also explore the ideological conflicts, particularly within the Soviet Union, between scientific materialism and the acknowledgment of anomalous phenomena. The possibility of aliens influencing global power dynamics is a recurring theme.