APCIC - Vol 10 No 10 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 10, No. 10
Date: October 1985
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

The Great Andover Flying Saucer Mystery

The lead story, "IT'S THE GREAT ANDOVER FLYING SAUCER MYSTERY," from the Andover Advertiser (August 9, 1985), details the discovery of strange circular 'landing' marks in a wheat field south of Andover, England. Mr. Omar Fowler of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena visited the site near Danebury Ring and concluded that the indentations were not caused by natural phenomena or a student prank due to their uniformity and symmetry. 'Busty' Taylor, a pilot, discovered the markings and, along with flying instructor Barry Dyke, filmed the circles from a helicopter. The center circle was 40-50 feet across, with four surrounding circles about 15 feet in diameter. Dyke noted the absence of footprints or burning marks, describing the circles as if 'punched out of the corn.' Further investigation by the Army Air Corps for the Ministry of Defence yielded no definitive explanation, with Lt-Col Edgecombe stating it was difficult to offer a reasonable explanation other than a 'very cleverly done spoof.' The article notes similar circles have appeared in Sussex, Wiltshire, and near Winchester.

International UFO Sightings

Several other articles report on UFO sightings from around the world:

• "28 UFOS OVER THE ADRIATIC" (Daily Telegraph, August 23, 1985) reports over 28 sightings of unidentified flying objects along Italy's Adriatic coast, with objects continuously changing color from gold to blue.
• "COULD THIS BE AN ALIEN INVASION?" (Sunday Express, August 25, 1985) compiles reports from Italy, Sweden, and Argentina. In Pavia, Italy, residents saw a circular object spinning with green and orange light. In Sweden, two girls and a policeman corroborated a sighting of a disc-shaped object. An Olympic Airways pilot reported a near-collision with a mystery object near the Swiss border, and 45 Argentinian journalists aboard a flight saw two 'flying saucers.'
• "Something in the sky' poser for UFO man" (Dewsbury Reporter, August 23, 1985) features Mrs. Audrey Brooke of Chickenley, England, who reported seeing a bright light coming towards her house late at night. Philip Mantle of the Yorkshire UFO Society noted it was unlikely to be an aircraft as Leeds and Bradford Airport were closed.

UFO Author Details Sightings in Lancashire

"UFO author details sightings" (Burnley Express, August 23, 1985) profiles Stephen Brown, a self-styled UFO expert and head of the Lancashire Centre for UFO Spotters. Brown has spent two years collecting information for his book, "UFOs Over Lancashire," detailing sightings dating back to 1869. He notes that the Ministry of Defence only investigates reports if they are a 'matter of concern from a defence standpoint.' The article lists several historical sightings in the Burnley and Pendle area, including:

• May 8, 1869: A 'fiery flying goose' with a comet-like trail.
• November/December 1953: 'Silvery objects' hovering at incredible speed.
• November 1958: Two silver, cylindrical objects moving silently.
• June 1977: Bizarre reports from Nelson Cemetery of objects with inverted portholes and a blue flashing light.
• A Nelson man claimed to have been chased by a silent, silver cigar-shaped object.
• May/June 1979: Reports of 'lights' over Pendle Hill and Towneley Park.
• September 1981: A housewife described a 'shooting star' that transformed into a horse-shoe shape of colored lights.
• 1983: Four sightings in Burnley and Nelson, including sets of lights and cigar-shaped objects.
• January 1984: Two sightings of a bright light moving slowly and disappearing silently.

Brown believes there are many more reports and hopes to publish a second volume. He acknowledges that many sightings have logical explanations but insists a significant portion remains unexplained.

Yorkshire UFO Society's 'Skywatch'

"UFO hunters click on Yorkshire moors" (Evening Post Leeds, August 21, 1985) reports on the Yorkshire UFO Society's nine-day 'skywatch' in North Yorkshire. The society's co-ordinator, Mark Birdsall, stated that while many people believe in frequent sightings, they are rare, and they were lucky to have one possible sighting during their vigil, which was hopefully photographed. Members also use astronomical telescopes to differentiate between known objects and potential UFOs. The article mentions the society hosts lectures and that their findings may be studied by Leeds and Sheffield Universities.

"Something bright was winking through a cloud, but it was only good old Jupiter, on the blink as usual" (Yorkshire Post Leeds, August 24, 1985) follows up on the Yorkshire UFO Society's 'Skywatch.' Graham Birdsall, president of the society, admits that despite 18 years of involvement, he has never seen a genuine UFO, a frustration shared by many investigators. He recounts his own childhood sighting of a ball of light, which he now accepts was likely a passing aircraft. The article highlights the dedication of UFO investigators who continue their search despite the lack of definitive proof, often facing ridicule.

Other Reports

• "New UFO mystery baffles experts" (Salisbury Journal, August 15, 1985) discusses mystery UFO holes appearing in Army Air Corps experts' areas in Middle Wallop, leading to an official report to the Ministry of Defence. Lt Col Greville Edgecombe was dumbfounded and dismissed an explanation involving a piece of string. The article notes five such reports in southern England this year and mentions that rings have appeared regularly since World War II. The hole investigated was 40ft in diameter with outer rings of 12ft. The explanation of a pole sweeping the ground was deemed impractical due to the lack of scuff marks and the required skill. A white jelly-like fluorescent substance was found in the center of one ring.
• "Bright light in the sky" (Croydon Advertiser, August 16, 1985) is a letter from Gary Smith describing seeing a large glowing object dancing between the clouds, which he initially mistook for the sun.
• "Mystery of the moving lights" (Salisbury Journal, August 22, 1985) is a letter from Mrs. W. M. Perrett describing seeing two large, brilliant white orbs of light merging at their inner edge, moving slowly from west to east before fading. She questions if this could be connected to the flattened corn circles reported nearby.
• "Space invaders" (Scotsman, August 30, 1985) speculates that the county of Smaaland in Sweden might be a target for extra-terrestrial invaders. It recounts a report from Ante Jonsson who claimed his Volvo station wagon was blocked by a 200ft wide 'mothership' topped by a pulsing red light, and he was being dragged out by six aliens when a timber truck intervened.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News are the persistent reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges in investigating and explaining these sightings, and the dedication of UFO enthusiasts and researchers. The magazine presents a variety of incidents, from crop circles and mysterious lights to alleged alien encounters, drawing from numerous newspaper clippings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, acknowledging that while many sightings have mundane explanations, a significant portion remains unexplained, warranting continued investigation. There is a clear interest in documenting these events and exploring the possibility of extra-terrestrial intelligence, while also recognizing the skepticism and the need for rigorous analysis.

This issue of the St. Petersburg Times, dated August 26, 1985, features a collection of articles exploring the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The cover story, "UFOS Enthusiasts keep looking up" by David Finkel, introduces Robert Gribble, a dedicated individual who runs the National UFO Reporting Center, emphasizing the serious pursuit of truth by UFO enthusiasts.

UFOs: Enthusiasts Keep Looking Up (David Finkel)

David Finkel's main article highlights the ongoing dedication of UFO enthusiasts, contrasting their serious approach with the public's waning interest and the dismissal by official channels like the Air Force and supermarket tabloids. Robert Gribble, operating the National UFO Reporting Center, diligently records sightings 24 hours a day. The article notes that while the public may have become desensitized, individuals like Gribble treat the subject with utmost seriousness.

It delves into the history of UFO sightings, beginning with Ken Arnold's 1947 encounter near Mount Rainier, which sparked a national obsession. The Air Force's involvement through "Project Blue Book" (1947-1969) is discussed, along with the fact that many reports came from "normal, responsible individuals," with 701 cases remaining unexplained.

Recent examples of unexplained sightings are presented, including Air Force jets tracking objects over missile facilities in 1975, a 1976 sighting over Tehran, a 1978 disappearance linked to a UFO pursuit, and a 1980 incident at Rendlesham Forest, England, involving a triangular object and ground depressions.

The article also introduces the Center for UFO Studies, an organization with 1,600 subscribers, whose board members include a librarian, a sociology graduate student, and a retired astronomer. Sherman Larsen, a co-founder, stresses the group's critical and skeptical approach, aiming for serious scrutiny rather than sensationalism. They note a current lull in UFO activity, possibly the lowest point ever, but remain committed to investigating.

UFOs: Looking Up Con't (David Finkel)

This continuation of Finkel's article addresses the decline in UFO sightings and the challenges faced by private organizations in their pursuit. It mentions the government's disengagement, with the FBI and CIA stating no awareness of UFO investigations. The burden has fallen on private organizations like MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), which has 1,300 members and investigators worldwide.

Walt Andrus, an international director of MUFON, discusses the cyclic nature of UFO activity, with 1965 and 1973 identified as peak years. He recounts a 1973 landing on a farm in Kansas, where the soil remained dehydrated 12 years later. MUFON cooperates with Dr. J. Allen Hynek and the Fund for UFO Research. The article also notes an upcoming HBO special on UFOs.

It highlights the difficulties faced by these organizations, such as limited funding and reliance on book sales. The article also includes a detailed description of alleged alien bodies recovered in New Mexico in the 1950s, as recounted by Walt Andrus.

UFOs: Looking Up Con't (David Finkel)

This section continues the discussion on the challenges and dedication of UFO investigators. It mentions the lack of resources like airplanes and radars for private organizations. The article touches upon the idea that the government might have been involved in controlling public perception through infiltration of private UFO groups.

UFO's Looking Up Con't (David Finkel)

The article discusses the decline in UFO reports, with explanations ranging from the influence of movies like E.T. to general public boredom. It notes that while activity is low, the Center for UFO Studies board members remain optimistic. Sherman Larsen's basement is described as a vast archive of UFO files, including Ken Arnold's original drawing. Larsen views this collection as "Evidence" and advises skeptics to "Stay tuned."

UFO's Looking Up (Page 5)

This page displays a grid of illustrations from a 1968 congressional hearing into UFOs, showing various shapes of reported objects. Some are explained as hoaxes (e.g., a heating unit for eggs, hub caps), while others represent incidents that remain unexplained.

Prof sees pattern in UFO sightings (Jeff Yocom)

Jeff Yocom reports on Dr. Burt Monroe, a biology professor at the University of Louisville, who believes that UFO sightings exhibit patterns related to time and space. Monroe has documented a 61-month cycle, with sightings moving eastward and increasing before a peak and then declining. He suggests that UFOs are real phenomena, though he doesn't claim to know their origin. Monroe criticizes the scientific community for not investigating UFOs more seriously and calls for evidence-based study.

ST. IVES TIMES - UFO spotted at Hayle (Cornwall)

This brief report from Cornwall, England, details a sighting by Mrs. Dilly Foster, a schoolteacher who observed a large, bright, egg-shaped object hovering over her home for an hour. Local authorities (Culdrose and RAF St. Mawgan) reported no aircraft or weather balloons in the area at the time.

UFO pursuit / Two Menasha women believe, plead for a ride (William D. Zaferos)

This article profiles Judie Woolcott and Bonnie Meyer, co-chairwomen of the Fox Valley UFO Discussion and Support Group. Woolcott recounts her first UFO sighting in 1958 and her lifelong pursuit of aliens, hoping to hitch a ride. Meyer joined her after her own sighting, and they have since become partners in their hobby, often facing skepticism and receiving gag gifts from their husbands. The group meets regularly to discuss sightings and help people cope with their experiences. They aim to make the public less skeptical and believe that as more people witness UFOs, acceptance will grow.

UFO sightings are cyclical: '65, '73 good years (IN. LAFAYETTE JOURNAL COURIER)

This article reiterates the cyclical nature of UFO activity, with 1965 and 1973 identified as peak years by Walt Andrus of MUFON. It mentions MUFON's ongoing investigations and cooperation with Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The article also touches on the government's quiet investigations and provides MUFON's contact information and membership details.

UFOs: Where's the beef? (ON. TORONTO STAR)

Geneticist David Suzuki's column addresses the question of belief in UFOs. He distinguishes between believing that UFOs are unidentified flying objects (which he does) and believing they represent alien intelligence. Suzuki recounts an experience where he initially mistook experimental helicopters for UFOs, highlighting the importance of thorough research. He argues that if aliens exist and can travel interstellar distances, they would be able to remain completely undetectable if they wished, suggesting that current UFO reports are unlikely to be evidence of alien contact. He concludes that UFO discussions have largely disappeared from scientific publications and are now confined to supermarket tabloids, indicating a slow fade to obscurity for the subject.

Flying saucers broken? ... Sky stays empty for UFO spotter (STEVE KINNEY)

This article focuses on Francis Ridge, a writer for the "red" (likely referring to a publication like The Red Star or similar) who uses a radio telephone and electromagnetic detection system to investigate UFOs. Ridge expresses frustration with the lack of tangible evidence and the public's tendency to dismiss sightings. He notes that while the Air Force has closed down its investigations, other agencies may still be involved. Ridge is a member of the National Investigation Committee of Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and has worked with MUFON. The article also mentions the Center for UFO Research and the Fund for UFO Research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent, albeit often dismissed, interest in UFOs. The articles collectively portray UFO enthusiasts as serious individuals dedicated to uncovering the truth, often in the face of skepticism from the public, media, and scientific establishment. There's a clear emphasis on the historical aspect of UFO sightings, the cyclical nature of reported activity, and the ongoing efforts of private organizations like MUFON and the Center for UFO Studies. The editorial stance appears to be one of acknowledging the reality of unexplained sightings while maintaining a critical and investigative approach, rather than outright acceptance of alien visitation as the sole explanation.

Title: NATIONAL ENQUIRER
Issue Date: September 10, 1985
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the National Enquirer delves into several high-profile UFO and extraterrestrial encounter reports, alongside coverage of UFOlogist activities and investigations.

Our Jet Chased 2 Glowing UFOs

This article details an extraordinary incident on August 18, 1985, where a Boeing 737 jetliner flying between two cities in Argentina was involved in a close encounter with two dazzling UFOs. The flight carried 40 stunned journalists and two airline pilots. Pilot Jorge Requiere reported seeing an object with a brilliant, metallic light at an altitude of about 30,000 feet. After receiving authorization from the control tower, the jet maneuvered to a position beneath the stationary object. A second, similar object was then observed to the right, moving rapidly downwards. Photographer Roberto Ruiz, from the Buenos Aires daily Clarin, was summoned to the cockpit and managed to capture photographs of the encounter using a telescopic lens. Ruiz described the first object as oval-shaped with a bright silvery tone, and the second as broader at the base, suggesting a triangle or cone, emitting flashing lights. Copilot Luis Marin stated they saw two bright objects he had never seen before, noting that "they couldn't have possibly been military aircraft." The encounter lasted about 20 minutes before the objects disappeared. Both the pilot and copilot filed a report, and Hilario Valinotti, an official with Aerolineas Argentinas, confirmed the report was under investigation. People on the ground in the area also reported seeing UFOs that night.

Russian Hikers Attacked by Vicious Lightning Ball

This report recounts a terrifying experience of five Russian mountain climbers in the Caucasus Mountains. One climber, Victor Kavunenko, described a bizarre night where a bright, yellow, floating blob attacked the group. Kavunenko awoke to a feeling of a stranger in the tent and saw the glowing object. He described an "unbearable pain, just as if I was being burned by a welding device" when the object attacked him. He fainted multiple times. The encounter left one climber dead and the other four injured, suffering serious burns and muscle injuries. Experts speculate this could have been a "deadly death ray attack by aliens from a UFO." The article notes that critics in the U.S. cannot explain the incident, but some UFO experts suggest the yellow blob was a form of death-dealing ray or energy force from extraterrestrials.

300 UFOlogists Unite in Search for the Truth

This article, by Steve Patterson, covers a conference in Beverly, Massachusetts, where approximately 300 UFOlogists gathered for a weeklong project to promote the idea that UFOs are real. Marge Christensen, Massachusetts director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), organized the event. Christensen, who had never personally seen a UFO, was inspired by a book on the subject. MUFON, with its 1,500 members, is described as the largest UFO-sighters' organization in the country. The conference aimed to draw thousands of believers and skeptics, emphasizing that they are not "fanatics." Support for the group's efforts came from experts like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and John Schuessler. Christensen highlighted that many investigators are scientists, and the group seeks to overcome the stigma associated with UFO research. MUFON members follow leads ignored by government agencies and finance research privately, as the U.S. government officially denies the existence of UFOs, despite information released through the Freedom of Information Act suggesting otherwise. The article notes the financial challenges faced by these volunteer researchers, who often pay for equipment and travel out of pocket. Support for their cause is reportedly growing, with Gallup polls showing an increase in belief in UFOs.

Leominster UFO Story to be Presented Tonight

This brief item announces a presentation on the "Andreasson Affair," one of the best-documented cases of contact with extraterrestrial beings, which originated in Leominster. Raymond E. Fowler, author of "The Andreasson Affair" and "The Andreasson Affair, Phase Two," was scheduled to host a 45-minute audio-visual show at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The presentation would feature tape-recorded excerpts from Betty Andreasson's hypnotic sessions. Fowler, a nationally known UFO expert, was also available to answer questions and speak with individuals who may have witnessed UFOs but were hesitant to come forward. The "Andreasson Affair" concerns Betty Andreasson's alleged alien encounters and abductions, starting with an incident in Leominster in 1944 and continuing with examinations and trips aboard alien craft. Andreasson is now 48 and lives in Connecticut. The event aimed to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Other Mentions

• Francis Ridge, a UFO investigator, uses a device called MADAR (Magnetic Anomaly Detector and Recorder) to detect "electromagnetic events" possibly related to UFOs. He has recorded 19 such events since 1970. His system includes a siren to alert him and a police scanner to capture emergency transmissions.
• The article mentions a witness seeing a nocturnal light near Monroe City, Indiana, described as an unexplained black triangle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The National Enquirer, in this issue, adopts a stance that is highly receptive to UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial encounters, presenting these events as credible and worthy of investigation. The publication highlights dramatic encounters, such as the jetliner chase and the Russian hikers' ordeal, with sensational headlines. It also gives a platform to organizations like MUFON that are actively researching UFOs, suggesting that government agencies are overlooking significant evidence. The editorial tone is one of validation for believers and a call for serious examination of these phenomena, contrasting with official denials. The magazine appears to be a strong advocate for the reality of UFOs and the possibility of alien visitation.