APCIC - Vol 10 No 06 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 10, No. 6
Date: June 1985
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, features a variety of articles and reports on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The cover prominently displays the title "UFO NEWS" alongside an illustration of a flying saucer.

Key Articles and Reports

Hynek Gathers 1,000 UFO Encounters of 'Best' Kind

This article by Phillip J. O'Connor from the Chicago Sun-Times details the ongoing work of J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO enthusiast. Hynek, who coined the phrase "close encounter of the third kind," has moved his Center for UFO Research to Scottsdale, Arizona. He is currently compiling information on 1,000 of the "most unique" UFO sightings from his catalog of 80,000 cases collected over 37 years. Hynek's goal is to present this data in a scientific manner to gain more respect for UFO research from the scientific community, specifically mentioning plans to report to the American Association for the Advancement of Science and potentially publish in a scientific journal. He notes that interesting UFO cases are often found in rural areas at night. Hynek, a former astronomy professor at Northwestern University, previously housed his research center in Evanston, Illinois, and has established a Center for UFO Studies in Glenview, headed by Sherman Larsen, to maintain operations in the Chicago area. He has a wealthy benefactor funding his research, having previously sought $2 million for UFO research.

'Dozen in Texas see UFO'

This report from USA TODAY covers an incident in Rockport, Texas, where a dozen people, including Sheriff's Deputy Joe Veases, reported seeing a UFO. The object was described as "bright white with red rings," appearing to rotate and flashing its lights. One witness reported her car stalled when the UFO approached and restarted when it sped off. However, the National UFO Reporting Center suggested it might have been the planet Venus, a conclusion disputed by Deputy Veases.

'Stone circle 'linked to UFOs''

An article from the Derby Evening Telegraph in England reports on an investigation by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society into mysterious energy emissions around the ancient Arbor Low stone circle. Society president Dr. Robert Morrell stated that strange energy patterns were detected. Theories suggest a link to mineral content or "ley lines" used by UFOs for navigation. The society plans to investigate other ancient sites to trace any potential link.

'Mystery energy source prompts investigations'

This related article from the Derby Evening Telegraph discusses the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society's findings at Arbor Low. Dr. Morrell mentioned detecting strange energy patterns and suggested that ancient sites might be connected by "ley lines" used by UFOs. He also noted that some believe UFOs use these energy lines for navigation, though he personally doubts UFOs would need such primitive means.

'A close encounter of the Ashbourne kind'

Also from the Derby Evening Telegraph, this piece details a dramatic UFO sighting where a motorist and his son claim they were chased through dark country lanes by a high-speed saucer-shaped object. The incident is being investigated for possible links to the mysterious "Ashbourne Event" of 1980, which involved similar sightings. The object was described as saucer-shaped with numerous lights and made no noise.

UFO probably meteor

This report from the Kiamath Falls OR Herald News covers an incident where airline pilots and ground observers reported seeing an unidentified flying object in the western sky. Experts, including meteorologist John Lang, suggested it was likely the fiery entry of a meteor. Another object, possibly a second piece of the same meteor, was also reported. Lang mentioned that the object might have come down in two pieces at high speed, causing significant heat and light. There was also speculation it could be space debris.

Pilots, motorists saw it: Light in Georgia probably a meteor

This article from the Examiner reports on a bright flash in the Georgia sky that puzzled motorists and pilots. Experts, including meteorologist John Lang and astronomer David Wingert, suggested it was likely a meteor entering the atmosphere or possibly the planet Venus. Michael Opitz described seeing a "gigantic white flash bulb going off." The object was seen in the western sky and was possibly a piece of space debris.

Spinechillers: Gas lamp exploded when monster from a UFO touched it

This personal account, attributed to Randy Ford, describes an encounter in Wellington, Kansas. Ford claims to have seen a silver, saucer-shaped object hovering before encountering a creature described as "half human, half ape" with glowing red eyes and hairy hands. The creature reportedly touched a gas lamp, causing it to explode. Ford found a disturbed circular patch of ground, approximately 20 feet in diameter, which appeared to have been burned.

Floating silver balls trigger man's 40-year, $27,000 hunt

This Associated Press article from the Houston Chronicle focuses on George Fawcett of Lincolnton, North Carolina. Fawcett's 40-year interest in UFOs began in 1944 after reading about "silver balls" reportedly used by the Nazis. He has spent $27,000 of his own money investigating UFOs and has investigated about 1,000 sightings. Fawcett is the public relations director for the North Carolina chapter of MUFON. He has explained about 78 percent of sightings as natural phenomena, manmade objects, or hoaxes, but emphasizes thorough investigation. He has personally seen one UFO and faced ridicule and job discrimination due to his interest.

CLAIM BIGFOOT IS A SPACE ALIEN

This article from The Enquirer presents the theory by UFO experts Brad Steiger and Hayden Hewes that Bigfoot creatures are alien beings brought to Earth. They suggest Bigfoot appears for short periods and then vanishes, possibly being picked up by spacecraft. The article cites historical accounts, including one from 1888 involving a cattleman who described three manlike creatures flung from a "small moon" that landed and then departed. Another incident in 1973 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, involved sightings of Bigfoot-like creatures near a landed UFO. Steiger and Hewes speculate that these beings are placed on Earth to gather specimens.

UFOs: one of the rather-not-knows

This piece from the San Angelo TX Standard Times by Jack Cowan reflects on receiving letters from people who claim to have seen UFOs. Cowan expresses uncertainty about UFOs, not fully believing nor disbelieving, and is hesitant to form a definitive opinion. He outlines four possible reasons for UFO reports: jokes, mental problems, honest mistakes, or genuine sightings. He acknowledges the possibility of real sightings, especially after receiving descriptions of a specific UFO emblem from multiple witnesses.

CIA in charge of UFO cover-up, audience told

This article from the San Angelo TX Standard Times reports on a presentation by UFO researcher Robert Hastings at Central Washington University. Hastings claimed that the CIA has directed US study of UFOs and engineered a "debunking" of sightings to prevent public panic. He presented declassified government documents to support his claims, stating that UFOs exist and that there is significant government interest. Hastings began his research after a 1967 sighting of five UFOs at an Air Force base in Montana. He cited documents mentioning a UFO-F4 fighter dogfight near Tehran in 1976 and the recovery of a crashed UFO with alien bodies in New Mexico in 1950.

PSC Instructor in Nashua: Professor Describes UFOs

This article by Ed Roberts from the Sunday News Correspondent features Joseph Long, a Plymouth State College anthropology professor who now lectures on UFOs. Long, initially a skeptic, became a believer after spending nights spotting flying objects with his friend Betty Hill. He believes there are thousands, if not millions, of other life forms in the universe. Long describes average UFO sightings as flying saucer-type vessels that exhibit speeds and maneuvers beyond human technology. He also mentions physical evidence like burned patches in fields and states that people reporting abduction experiences have passed lie detector tests. Long suggests that artistic renditions of alien beings are influenced by ancient sightings.

Speaking plane English, college professor shoots down skepticism in a frying missive

This letter to the editor of the Los Angeles Times by Jack Smith addresses a previous interaction with Professor Alvin H. Lawson of Cal State Long Beach. Smith clarifies that he did not intend to imply Lawson believed in "Little Green Men" but rather in the phenomenon of UFOs. Lawson, who was researching UFOs for a course, wrote to Smith criticizing his column's use of "false analogy, fallacious logic, misuse of language and distortion and confusion." Lawson's research on "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" suggests these experiences are often "mental in origin" and related to birth memories, with aliens resembling human fetuses. Smith apologizes for misrepresenting Lawson's beliefs but maintains his focus on English rhetoric over UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS include the ongoing scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the potential extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and related entities like Bigfoot, alleged government cover-ups, and personal accounts of sightings. The publication appears to present a wide range of perspectives, from scientific inquiry and skepticism to belief in the reality of UFOs and alien visitation. The editorial stance, as represented by the A.P.C.I.C., seems to be one of documenting and disseminating information on UFO phenomena, encouraging further investigation and open-mindedness while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and critical analysis.

This issue features a collection of articles from various newspapers in April, May, and June 1985, primarily focusing on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The central theme is the differing perspectives on UFOs, ranging from official dismissals to detailed witness accounts and scientific investigations.

Strange lights in sky stir Soviet debate (Idaho Statesman, April 14, 1985)

This article reports on a debate within the Soviet press regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The trade union daily, Trud, published accounts of UFO sightings, including an Aeroflot plane's encounter with a bright beam of light near Minsk and other inexplicable bright lights over Latvia. This reporting surprised Muscovites, as it deviated from the typical socialist realism. In contrast, the Soviet military daily, Krasnaya Zvezda, debunked UFO myths, attributing them to inversions, refracted light, radio waves, or artificial space debris like discarded rocket boosters. The newspaper suggested that the Minsk incident could be explained by refracted light beams or falling space garbage, and the 1977 'Petrozavodsk miracle' was likely a booster rocket falling from the satellite Cosmos 955. This marked the first known occasion where Soviet news media explained UFO sightings as being caused by Soviet space activity. The article notes that despite official discouragement of belief in supernatural phenomena, UFO enthusiasts continue to circulate bulletins and give lectures. A special air force commission was established in 1967 to investigate UFO sightings, but few details were released.

'A ball of fire' - scientists say of blazing light (The Plain Dealer, March 26, 1985)

This Associated Press report details a massive fireball that blazed across the Southeast USA sky, changing colors. Scientists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History suggested it was likely a meteor and began seeking fragments. Air traffic controllers and numerous witnesses, including pilots, reported the phenomenon. Pilots described a streak of light changing from red to green to orange, a typical characteristic of meteors. The North American Air Defense Command ruled out satellite re-entry as the cause. Meteorologists estimated the object entered the atmosphere about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Starry-eyed Cowtown: Calgary cops are baffled by a late-night UFO (Alberta Report, May 27, 1985)

This article recounts a puzzling incident in Calgary, Canada, where dozens of police officers reported seeing a bright, tri-colored pinpoint of light hovering above the horizon for over four hours on the night of May 13. The object reportedly danced and twinkled with red, white, and blue lights. Officers described it as slightly larger than a star and appearing to spin diagonally when viewed through binoculars. RCMP officers in nearby towns and Canadian Forces Base Calgary also noted the light, though radar detected nothing. A physicist from the National Research Council in Ottawa was contacted but showed little interest, suggesting planets or stars low on the horizon can appear to dance due to atmospheric effects. The article concludes with an officer's reflection on human vulnerability.

Soviet UFOs (AL. Birmingham Post Herald, May 20, 1985)

This brief editorial comments on the Soviet debate surrounding UFOs, noting the contrasting reports from Trud and Krasnaya Zvezda. It commends the Soviets for their "admirable restraint" in not attempting to shoot down UFOs, viewing it as progress.

Island of Life? (The Hartford Courant, May 28, 1985)

Written by David H. Menke, executive director of the Copernican Space Science Center, this article explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It acknowledges the existence of unidentified objects in Earth's skies but questions whether spaceships from other worlds exist. Menke discusses the vastness of the universe, estimating potentially 1,000 civilizations in the Milky Way, but highlights the immense distances involved in interstellar travel. He questions the behavior of alleged alien visitors, suggesting that highly advanced beings would likely observe discreetly rather than engaging in disruptive actions. The article ponders the societal impact of proving extraterrestrial life exists, considering potential effects on peace, religion, and human unity.

I was kidnapped by space aliens! (World Weekly News, June 4, 1985)

This sensational article details the alleged abduction of a 17-year-old peasant girl, Indu Shah, in India. According to a "shocking top-secret report" from the Indian Ministry of Health, the girl was missing for three days and claimed to have been taken aboard a hovering UFO. She reportedly underwent a physical examination by "dwarf-like aliens" and experienced intense radioactivity in specific patches of her skin. The report, written by Dr. Adi Tarafdir, concluded that Indu Shah was indeed captured and examined by beings from another planet, with lie detector tests confirming her story.

UFOs have just drifted into space (Appleton Post Crescent, January 13, 1985)

This article by James P. Meyer discusses the apparent decline in public interest in UFOs since the mid-1970s. Bruce Hetzler, an associate professor of psychology at Lawrence University, suggests this waning interest is due to increased public sophistication about space travel, with routine space flights making space "much less of an unknown." He likens UFO sightings to Rorschach tests, where individuals can ascribe their own meanings. The article also mentions the work of Erich Von Daniken and the UFO Education Center. It notes that while some dismiss UFO evidence as "Fig Newtons of the imagination," the possibility of intelligent life on other planets is not excluded. Eugene Lundholm, a UFO investigator, believes that "something big" would be needed to reignite public interest. The article touches on the issue of charlatans in the UFO field, citing George Adamski as an example.

Keeping an eye on the sky: Woman's specialty is UFO Sightings (San Diego Evening Tribune, April 8, 1985)

This article profiles Jozaa Buist, who formed a non-profit group called UFO Sightings Unlimited to support people who have seen unusual things in the night sky. Buist's group has 62 members who are interested in learning more about UFOs. She checks with agencies like the National Weather Service and local airports when unusual sightings are reported. The article also includes a quote from Donna Oveson, who finds the controversy interesting and believes that if humans can travel to the moon, others could come here.

He dealt with E.T. long before Hollywood (null, April 22, 1985)

This article focuses on Bernard Oliver, former vice president of research and development at Hewlett-Packard and head of NASA's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project. The $1.5 million-a-year project aims to design automated systems to detect radio signals from other stars. Oliver suggests that "different galactic species might meet there, just as different terrestrial species have always met at more mundane water holes." The article mentions that the project faced criticism from Democratic Sen. William Proxmire, who awarded it a "Golden Fleece" award for alleged waste, but later softened his stance. The equipment is being developed at Stanford University and JPL, with a prototype tested in the Mojave Desert and planned for Arecibo Observatory. The article notes that even if no extraterrestrial signals are detected, the research may yield other valuable discoveries.

Man devoted to study of UFOs (null, null)

This piece profiles George Fawcett, a 15-year-old Boy Scout in 1944 who developed a 40-year interest in UFOs after reading a news story about "silver balls" allegedly used by Nazis. Fawcett has spent $27,000 of his own money, investigated about 1,000 reported UFO sightings, and filled over 20 file drawers with related documents. He is the public relations director for the North Carolina chapter of MUFON. Fawcett states that there has never been a "real scientific investigation" of UFOs. He has explained all but about 22 percent of the sightings he investigated as natural phenomena, man-made objects, or hoaxes.

UFO terrorizes Texas town (null, null)

This article describes a mysterious object that hovered over Athens, Texas, for about 15 minutes before shooting straight up into the air. Eugenia Pickford managed to photograph the object. Police confirmed the switchboard was overwhelmed with UFO reports, and a police sergeant noted the excitement it caused, stating, "We don't know what it was... But it certainly set off a lot of excitement."

The skies are full of UFOs (Globe, July 2, 1985)

This article reports on a secret dossier from the Italian Ministry of Defense detailing 400 UFO sightings over Italy in the past four years. Air Force pilots have reported sightings, with top officers admitting they are baffled. Gen. Giuseppe Sabatini explains that pilots are afraid to report sightings for fear of being considered unfit for duty. The dossier also includes eyewitness reports of alien creatures. Two university students near Pordenone reported seeing man-like creatures in silver-gray suits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles include the ongoing debate about the nature and reality of UFOs, the contrast between official skepticism and witness accounts, and the scientific investigation of potential extraterrestrial life. There is a general stance of reporting on these phenomena, with varying degrees of skepticism or credulity depending on the publication. Some articles lean towards debunking UFOs as natural phenomena or misidentifications, while others present witness testimonies and alleged evidence with more seriousness. The issue highlights the persistent public fascination with UFOs and the search for answers to the question of life beyond Earth.

This issue of GLOBE, dated July 2, 1985, features a prominent cover story detailing a pilot's encounter with a 'Fiery UFO' over the Canary Islands. The magazine also includes articles on a geological mystery in Washington State and a UFO sighting in Texas.

Jet Ordered Off Course to Track Fiery UFO

The lead article recounts an incident on February 12th involving a Boeing 727 airliner piloted by Capt. Adolfo Morales. While flying over the Canary Islands, the crew spotted a 'tremendously bright' UFO. The pilot was instructed by air traffic controller Antonio Perez at Arrecife to change course and investigate. Morales reported that the UFO followed their flight path for 22 minutes, moving up and down with the jet. It then rapidly moved to the right and stopped directly over the town of Santa Cruz on Tenerife, covering approximately 100 miles in less than 12 seconds. The object hovered, emitting an intense brilliant light, and then changed color to red and violet before descending and disappearing over the island, possibly into the sea.

All members of Morales' crew witnessed the object, and the stewardesses were also brought to the cabin to see it. Antonio Perez, the air traffic controller on duty, confirmed seeing a tremendously bright light that he had never seen before.

The incident was also witnessed by Arrecife Police Sgt. Jose Munoz, who, along with three other officers, saw a round ball of light hovering over a mountain north of Arrecife. They described it as too bright to discern any shape and unlike anything they had ever seen. The object then sped southwest and stopped dead over the town of Yaiza.

Mrs. Eusebia Ruano reported that the UFO returned the following night, according to the article. The Spanish Air Force stated that no air force planes were in the area at the time and that they were investigating the report.

UFO: Lighting up Texas skies

Another report details an incident in Rockport, Texas, on a Monday morning (May 29, 1985, according to the dateline). A dozen people, including Deputy Sheriff Joe Veases, reported seeing an unidentified flying object that was bright white with red rings and rotating. The object was not detected on radar at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. While the National UFO Reporting Center suggested it might have been the planet Venus, Deputy Veases insisted it was a UFO, located south of Venus. The object appeared at 4 a.m. and disappeared at 7 a.m. One woman driving across a causeway near Rockport experienced her headlights going out, her alternator light coming on, and her car stalling while the object was visible. Her car restarted once the light moved away.

What caused the hole in the ground?

This article, from the FL. CLEARWATER SUN dated May 23, 1985, investigates a peculiar event that occurred on October 18, 1984, on a ranch in north-central Washington. Brothers Rick and Pete Timms discovered an irregular hole, 10 feet long and 7 feet wide, from which a large fragment of earth had been removed. This earth fragment, estimated to weigh three tons, was found intact but rotated 20 degrees counterclockwise, approximately 73 feet away from the hole.

Investigators ruled out earth-moving equipment and tornadoes due to the lack of disturbance in the surrounding landscape and vegetation. A meteorite was also considered unlikely. The most plausible explanation offered by investigators was a small earthquake that had occurred nine days prior, measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter about 20 miles to the southwest. Geologist Greg Behrens suggested that bedrock might have focused the seismic waves, causing the displacement. However, another geologist noted that such focusing could not provide the necessary energy.

The article mentions that the hole and the earth fragment remained undisturbed, with some erosion occurring over time. Publications like Atlantic Monthly and Omni have written about the case, and a report appears in the February-March 1985 newsletter of the Center for UFO Studies. The area where the Timms farm is located is reportedly known for UFO sightings.

Other mysterious holes in the ground in South Africa, Idaho, and Ohio are mentioned, but none share the specific characteristics of the Washington case: a large piece of dirt neatly removed and deposited intact at a distance.

Columnist Bob Driver expresses fascination with the mystery, not because he believes in far-fetched theories, but because he acknowledges that much remains unknown. He intends to continue monitoring the case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and mysterious events. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these incidents with a degree of skepticism but also acknowledging the intriguing nature of the unexplained, as exemplified by Bob Driver's column. The articles present witness accounts and expert opinions, leaving the ultimate conclusions open to the reader.