APCIC - Vol 10 No 08 - 1985

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, published in August 1985 by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, delves into various facets of UFO research and sightings. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NEWS" alongside a graphic of a flying saucer, with the main headline posing the question, "Do UFOs really exist?"

Key Articles and Features

"Do UFOs Really Exist?" by Abe Aamidor

This article introduces Ted Phillips, a researcher from Reed Springs, Missouri, who has documented physical evidence from approximately 2,500 alleged UFO landings in 65 countries since 1968. Phillips himself has not witnessed any UFOs but has investigated evidence such as scorched earth, circular impressions in fields, and even samples of mysterious coatings found on "ring soil." He collaborates with organizations like the Center for UFO Studies and MUFON. The article notes that UFO sightings often occur with cyclical certainty, particularly in rural areas during September and October evenings. Phillips is slated to be a featured speaker at the 16th annual MUFON Symposium.

The article also highlights a case from Barry County, Missouri, where a farm family reported seeing an object that ascended, made sharp turns, and then joined a larger cylindrical object before disappearing. The object was described as four feet in diameter with a wedge-shaped bottom.

"Investigators are on the trail. of evidence they say points to travelers from another world"

This piece continues the discussion on physical evidence, detailing Phillips' findings of scorched earth with no moisture content, and soil that no longer absorbs water. It references a study by a Nottingham University scientist who analyzed coatings from "ring soil" and found no conventional explanation. The article also introduces John Shuessler, an aerospace engineer and part-time UFO researcher, who focuses on collecting medical evidence of alien visits. Shuessler has gathered over 300 reports of injuries attributed to UFO encounters, citing a case in Houston, Texas, involving Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum, who reported being followed by a hot craft that caused burns and other radiation-like symptoms.

Another case detailed is that of Val Johnson, a sheriff's deputy in Northwest Minnesota, who was temporarily blinded by an object that fired a 'shot' at his patrol car, causing it to crash. The car sustained damage, and Johnson suffered corneal abrasion. A similar report came from a farmer in Iowa who managed to avoid a collision with a lighted object.

"UFO fans hold anniversary encounter" by Rolla J. Crick

This article covers the 24th annual "New Space Age Convention" organized by Wayne S. Aho of New Age Foundation Inc. in Tacoma, Washington. The convention commemorates the 38th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine "pie-pan shaped" objects near Mount Rainier. Aho criticizes the U.S. Air Force's "Project Blue Book" report, which dismissed evidence of alien spaceships, calling it a "cosmic Watergate." The convention also featured sessions on near-death experiences, alternate energy, and holistic health. The article mentions the story of "The Two" (Marshall Herf Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Trusdale Nettles), who gathered followers promising a new life and metamorphosis before boarding UFOs.

"Lights in the Sky Linked to Satellite" by Mark Zaloudek

This report discusses sightings of strange lights across Florida, with the official explanation being the disintegration of a Russian communications satellite. However, many residents remain skeptical, with some classifying the phenomenon as a UFO. The article mentions a laser light theory proposed by the FAA but dismissed by witnesses. Residents described objects as "balls of fire" or "cigar-shaped crafts" with lights and flames.

"The Thing goes on show"

This brief item from the Bath & Wilts Chronicle announces an exhibition in Warminster, UK, showcasing the town's UFO legend from 1965, when an unidentified flying object, dubbed "The Thing," was sighted. Journalist Ken Rogers is displaying a collection of reports, photographs, and documents related to the "Warminster invasion."

"Solutions sought for UFO mysteries" by Scott Simons

This article focuses on Leonard Sturm, the Illinois director for MUFON, who has been investigating UFOs since 1955. Sturm believes governments are concealing information about UFOs and their inhabitants, possibly due to the advanced technology of alien craft. He founded the Decatur UFO Research Committee and is involved in analyzing UFO data, including reports of 130 different vehicle shapes. Sturm's own sightings include a large, elliptical craft traveling at high speed in 1959, a self-illuminating object in 1967, and a silent, aluminum-colored craft in 1974.

"Seeing is not necessarily believing"

This piece features Terry Camfield of Argenta, who takes an agnostic approach to UFOs but recounts seeing a "white-looking light" in the Decatur area in 1982. The object, described as a horizontal bar of light, circled and flew in a vertical position. Camfield took 24 color shots of the object, though many were fogged. He estimated the object's size and speed. The article also mentions Leonard Sturm's own sightings, noting they were daytime encounters and "better than average."

"TX. FORT WORTH TELEGRAM UFO tale is fodder for movie" and "Aurora can brag of its own 'E.T.'" by Preston Lerner

These articles discuss the legend of a UFO crash in Aurora, Texas, in 1897, which is the basis for the feature film "The Aurora Encounter." The legend tells of an alien who survived the crash and lived among the town's residents. The articles explore the history of the legend, its resurrection in the mid-1960s and 1970s, and debunking efforts by historians like Etta Pegues, who found no evidence to support the alien burial story.

"UFO enthusiasts gather in St. Louis" by Bob Mills

This article reports on the 16th Annual MUFON Symposium in St. Louis. It highlights Marian Anderson's 1947 sighting of nine metallic objects. Marge Christensen, MUFON's National Director of Public Relations, stressed the need for government sponsorship of UFO research and transparency. Leonard Stringfield presented evidence suggesting the government holds the body of an alien creature. George Fawcett discussed common characteristics of UFO incidents, and attorney Peter Gersten raised the issue of liability for injuries sustained in UFO encounters, representing victims in a Houston case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS include the collection and analysis of physical evidence from alleged UFO landings, the importance of witness testimony, and the role of organizations like MUFON in researching these phenomena. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official government explanations and a belief that information is being withheld. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and a scientific approach to understanding UFOs, while acknowledging the mysterious and often unexplainable nature of the reported events. The magazine highlights both well-known cases and personal accounts, suggesting that UFOs are a persistent and significant phenomenon worthy of continued study.

This issue of Weekly World News, dated July 30, 1985, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena from around the globe. The cover story highlights an alleged secret UFO base in the Grand Canyon, with other articles detailing a legendary martian crash in Aurora, Texas, a spectacular aerial battle in Kenya, and the ongoing mystery of crop circles.

Secret UFO Base in Grand Canyon

The lead article, "SECRET UFO BASE IN GRAND CANYON," reports on an investigation by a team of UFO researchers led by Prof. Keiji Nakamura of the Imperial Academy in Tokyo. Using a helicopter equipped with sophisticated photographic, electronic, and radiation-recording equipment, they surveyed the Grand Canyon. Their findings included rock ledges cleverly concealed as doors to giant underground hangars, unusually high radiation levels, and unidentifiable, effective radio-jamming gear. Nakamura stated that they were forced to cut their flyover short due to UFOs buzzing them and causing their radio to fail. The article notes that the Southwest, particularly California, Arizona, and Nevada, is a hotspot for UFO sightings.

Aliens Stealing Our Minerals and Power

This section expands on the Grand Canyon UFO base theory, suggesting aliens are using it to access sources of power and minerals. Residents of Childs, Arizona, claim alien spaceships draw power from a nearby electrical generating station and conduct rock-gathering expeditions. An anonymous eyewitness described a UFO hovering over generators and shooting an energy beam at them, causing a buzz from the generators as the spaceship "gobbled up the power." The article also mentions that aliens may be monitoring U.S. military installations, citing a report from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations about unidentified lights seen over a Department of Defense Restricted Test Range near Kirtland Air Force Base, followed by a mysterious five-hour blackout of airbase and airport radar systems.

Did Martian Die? Debate Lives On in Aurora

This multi-page feature revisits the 1897 UFO incident in Aurora, Texas, where an alleged unidentified flying object crashed and its pilot, believed by some to be a "martian," was buried in Aurora Cemetery. The article notes that while many Aurora residents maintain the legend, others dismiss it as a hoax. A film producer, Phil Flora, is making a feature-length movie titled "The Aurora Encounter" based on the legend. The story details the original newspaper report by S.E. Hayden, which suggested the pilot was from Mars. It also presents debunking efforts by Etta Pegues, who found no evidence of a windmill, an astronomy expert named Weems, or an unrecorded grave. Despite these efforts, the mystery endures, with some residents claiming to know more but refusing to divulge it.

Starship Dogfight Seen by Hundreds

This article describes a spectacular aerial battle witnessed by over two hundred African villagers in Kenya. French aviation expert Louis Bujon, who led a research team to the scene, confirmed that three alien starships engaged in a dogfight and disintegrated in midair at precisely 10:17 p.m. The crafts were detected on military and civilian radar. Eyewitness accounts described the objects as round, brightly lit, and engaging in rapid maneuvers before exploding. Bujon dismissed explanations of meteor showers, suggesting it was an "interplanetary war."

Zimbabwe Air Force Goes UFO Hunting

Zimbabwean military authorities are investigating an unidentified flying object that was seen by experienced airmen, tracked on radar, and outflew pursuing jet fighters. Air Marshal Azim Daudpota stated that the object's existence was undeniable. Two Hawk jets were scrambled to investigate reports from Bulawayo and other urban centers. The object, described as orange, rounded, with a conical top, winged, and silent, hovered at about 7,000ft before shooting into the sky at "tremendous speed," reaching an altitude of about 70,000ft while the jets leveled off at 31,000ft.

UFO Mystery Baffles Paul

This brief report from Salisbury, Zimbabwe, mentions peculiar goings-on at Fonthill Bishop, where a large circle of flattened grass appeared in a field. Motorists stopped to inspect the circle, which was identical to others seen previously. A local radio presenter noted the precision and lack of tracks, suggesting it was not a prank. The article also mentions that no UFO sightings were reported to the police.

UFO Theory on Mystery Circles

This article from West Sussex County Times discusses the phenomenon of "mystery circles" appearing in crop fields, particularly in Hampshire, England. Farmers are reporting crops being wrecked by these giant, perfectly formed rings. Experts are baffled, and explanations like UFOs, helicopters, and local whirlwinds have been discounted. The Wessex Association for the Study of Unexplained Phenomena (WATSUP) notes the difficulty in explaining how such perfect circles could be created without leaving marks, especially in darkness. The circles have appeared in the same fields for years, though not in the same positions, ruling out simple geological causes. The article also mentions a police pursuit of a UFO near Stockbridge Down, where a "perfect circle" object was spotted.

'We Haven't Got a Clue'

This section compiles several smaller reports on UFO sightings. One describes a "huge circular thing" with bright lights seen by a couple near Bristol, which they reported to the police. Another mentions a "Warminster Thing" exhibition commemorating mysterious UFO sightings from 20 years ago in Wiltshire. A report from China details a Boeing 747 jet encountering a large, bright unidentified flying object over Gansu province. Finally, a letter to the editor from Worthing discusses a "U.F.O. hoax" in a wheat field, but the writer, Charles P.T. Walker, urges caution and further investigation due to the area's history of UFO sightings and unexplained phenomena.

Hole Story Continues

This article from Omak, WA Okanogan County Chronicle reports on the "Hole-In-The-Ground" phenomenon, also known as "Earth Cookie." The article references a previous report in "The Atlantic" and a new theory from "The Sun" tabloid, which claims aliens dug the hole. UFOlogist Bernard Fogler is quoted as believing the craft has been researching the area for years, capturing animals and taking samples. A letter from a reader expresses skepticism about such tabloid reports.

UFO's Seen Over the Methow

This report from Twisp, WA Methow Valley News details UFO sightings by local residents and tourists. Dick Chavey of Winthrop reported seeing objects with red, green, and white blinking lights that remained stationary. Other witnesses, including Jennifer Hurlen, Patty Yates, and Jim Gerlach, also reported similar sightings, describing the objects as sphere-like with red and green lights that moved erratically.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these reports as credible, often with sensational headlines and a focus on the mysterious and unexplained. The magazine seems to lean towards the belief in extraterrestrial activity as the cause for these events, often quoting UFOlogists and eyewitnesses who support this view, while also acknowledging the existence of skepticism and hoax theories. The overall tone is one of intrigue and wonder regarding the possibility of alien presence and advanced technology.

This issue of the COLORADO CHIEFTAIN, dated June 24, 1985, features a prominent cover story titled "Denver UFO Boricty awaits saucers' return." The issue also includes reports from other publications, such as the NEWS RECORD (Miami, Oklahoma, June 1, 1985) detailing Australian UFO sightings, the EXAMINER (August 20, 1985) about a UFO saving a fisherman, and the NATIONAL ENQUIRER (August 20, 1985) discussing ancient Egyptian writings about alien spaceships. Additionally, there is a piece from the GUARDIAN, LONDON (July 13, 1985) titled "Goodbye to little green men..." and a review of the book "The UFO Casebook" from the HERALD EXPRESS (Torquay, Devon, July 30, 1985).

Denver UFO Boricty awaits saucers' return

The main article reports on the Denver UFO Society, a group of about 30 members who have been interested in UFOs for 27 years. President Lorita Green joined in 1963 after seeing a UFO. The article notes that UFO sightings in the United States have declined significantly, down 50 to 75 percent since 1973, according to researcher Mark Rodeghier of the Center for UFO Studies. The Air Force officially closed its investigation into UFOs in 1969. Despite the decline, the society remains active. Green and her husband, Juan, believe UFOs are real and have moved to a rural area based on suggestions from "contactees." They anticipate more UFOs will appear soon.

J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer and former chief UFO debunker for the Air Force, estimates there have been 30,000 UFO reports, with about 1,000 from 140 countries meriting investigation. Hynek helped found the Center for UFO Studies and has a branch in Phoenix, Arizona, operating on donations. He hopes for a "mini-NASA" devoted to UFO research.

David M. Jacobs, a history professor at Temple University and author of "The UFO Controversy in America," argues that the long history of reliable claims makes it "plain crazy to say everybody is wrong."

However, Philip J. Klass, senior electronics editor for Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine and a prominent UFO debunker, suggests that UFO reports have declined because they have become too outlandish, particularly stories of alien abductions. He believes more believable stories are no longer considered interesting and that all UFOs have earthly explanations.

Australians report UFO

This report from Sydney, Australia, on June 1, 1985, describes hundreds of early risers reporting sightings of a UFO that emitted a "mysterious bright light" while hovering. Radio stations received numerous calls from people who saw a brightly colored object. Radio commentator Grant Goldman described it as a "very large and bright round object" with "steam coming off it."

UFO saves fisherman

An article from the Examiner dated August 20, 1985, details how Randy Morrison, a 34-year-old sailor lost at sea, was reportedly saved by a brilliant search-light that pierced the darkness. Experts from the Canadian Coast Guard have stated that such a light could not have been out in the water of Milbanke Sound, north of Vancouver Island. Experts suggest the light may have come from a flying saucer.

Visitor who wore sky blue scales

This piece from the Herald Express, Torquay, Devon, dated July 30, 1985, reviews the book "The UFO Casebook" by Judy Diss. The book contains numerous accounts of alleged UFO sightings and encounters. One story describes a motel proprietor in Argentina who saw a mysterious object with red lights, and his daughter reported an encounter with a tall, fair-haired man wearing a suit of shiny sky-blue scales. The book also includes a photograph from a 1952 film taken in Florida, showing a genuine object about 40 feet long, which was never returned to the photographer by the U.S. Airforce. The review notes the book's "hard-headed view" and mentions rumors that the U.S. Government has a UFO in secrecy. The review also highlights other books in the series, such as "Creatures from Elsewhere" and "Legends of the Lost."

Ancient Writings Reveal Egyptian Pharaoh Flew On An Alien Spaceship

This article from the National Enquirer, dated August 20, 1985, presents the claim by UFO expert Brad Steiger and author Zecharia Sitchin that ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics reveal Pharaoh Thutmose III witnessed a huge fleet of UFOs hovering over the desert sands more than 3,400 years ago and even boarded an alien spacecraft. The hieroglyphics reportedly describe the UFO as a "circle of fire" that emitted no sound. Steiger states the UFOs were extremely bright, about 16 feet in diameter, and possibly spacecraft from a larger mother ship. Sitchin claims Thutmose III was taken "up to the sky" and learned "mysterious ways in heaven," describing encounters with advanced aliens he called "gods." Steiger concludes that this proves ancient astronauts visited Earth long ago.

Goodbye to little green men...

This article from the Guardian, London, dated July 13, 1985, discusses the rarer types of UFO experiences, specifically "close encounters of the fourth kind," where individuals report alien contact. Jenny Randles, national director of investigations at the British UFO Research Association, states that these experiences are subjective and may be influenced by psychology or the collective unconscious, citing Carl Jung's theories. However, she also notes that multi-witness hallucinations are difficult to explain. Randles investigated the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980, where a "small triangular craft spewing fire" was seen. She obtained a MoD document describing it as a UFO encounter but suspects it was misinformation to disguise secret military device testing. She is determined to continue investigating.

...hello gushype

This short piece mentions Carol Hill, an author whose bestseller about sub-particle physics allegedly received inspiration "like radio waves from outer space." Her book, "The Eleven Million Mile High Dancer," has been successful, with film rights sold. The piece contrasts her with the fictional character Amanda, whom she wishes she could be more like.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the ongoing debate between believers and debunkers. There's a notable interest in historical accounts, from ancient Egypt to more recent decades, suggesting a long-standing human fascination with the unknown in the skies. The articles present a range of perspectives, from those who firmly believe in extraterrestrial visitation to those who seek rational, earthly explanations, often involving psychological phenomena or misidentified conventional objects. The inclusion of book reviews and expert opinions highlights the continued public and academic interest in the UFO phenomenon, even as mainstream media attention may have waned. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse claims and investigations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the persistent questions and controversies surrounding UFOs.