APCIC - Vol 11 No 02 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 11, No. 2
Date: February 1986
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center in Cleveland, Ohio, focuses on recent developments and investigations into UFO phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of multiple flying saucers and the bold headline "New UFO facts revealed."

Key Articles and Features

UFO Abduction Study

The lead article, "New UFO facts revealed," by Anita Lewis of News American Staff, discusses a new study of nine UFO "abductees" funded by the Fund for UFO Research Inc. The study, conducted by psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Slater, found no evidence of mental disorders among the participants. Their psychological profiles were consistent with those who had experienced a traumatic event, such as a kidnapping or abduction. The article highlights the experiences of Steve Kilburn and Virginia Horton, who recounted their alleged abductions under hypnosis. Dr. Aphrodite Clamar and UFO researchers Ted Bloecher and Budd Hopkins were involved in the project. Budd Hopkins, author of "Missing Time," is quoted extensively, detailing common abduction patterns, alien descriptions (4.5 to 5.5 feet tall, slender, with large heads, whitish-gray skin, and black eyes), and the possibility of genetic sampling by aliens across generations.

Expert Opinions on Alien Visits

Dr. Richard Henry, an astronomer and board member of the Fund for UFO Research, expresses a cautious openness to the possibility of alien visitation, stating, "If they are out there, they are far ahead of us." He notes the vastness of the universe and the relative youth of human technological society. He also acknowledges that while experts are still being defined in this field, the Fund is a close approximation. The article touches upon the "zoo hypothesis" as a potential explanation for the lack of direct contact.

Rendlesham Forest Incident

Another significant feature covers the Rendlesham Forest incident in Suffolk, UK, from December 1980. The East Anglian Daily Times reports on a dramatic 20-minute audio recording allegedly made by panic-stricken American servicemen during a close encounter. Former base commander Col. Sam Morgan exclusively told the EADT that he believes the recording is authentic and not a hoax. The recording is part of the evidence gathered by UFO investigators probing the alleged incidents. The book "Sky Crash - A Cosmic Conspiracy" by Dot Street, Brenda Butler, and Jenny Rendles is being launched, which details the events, including a alleged double landing and a "red, sun-like light" that exploded into multiple colored lights. The authors claim there has been a conspiracy to cover up the truth. Col. Morgan stated that the men were frightened by what they saw and heard, including excited conversations and references to frightening strange lights. The book suggests alternative explanations, such as the UFO story being a blind for failed weaponry tests or the recovery of a Russian satellite.

Other Sightings and Investigations

Several other UFO sightings and investigations are reported:

• Bolton UFO Mystery: The Bolton Evening News reports on a couple who claimed a UFO followed them at speeds of up to 50 mph. A local farmer in Edgworth also reported being held under virtual siege for three hours by a mysterious white glow. UFO expert Steve Balon dismisses the explanation of the object being the planet Venus, calling it "rubbish."
• Malcolm Robinson's Investigations: The Dundee Courier Advertiser features Malcolm Robinson, an investigator of strange phenomena and president of the Scottish U.F.O. Network. He is fascinated by UFOs and the paranormal, traveling Britain to collect stories. Robinson notes that 95% of sightings are identifiable objects, but a small number remain unexplained. He recounts a personal experience of seeing a half-moon shaped, orange object rise and fall above hills near Loch Ness in 1979, which was throwing out light but which he wouldn't definitively call a UFO.
• Olivia Newton-John's Sighting: The Examiner reports that superstar Olivia Newton-John had a UFO experience when she was sixteen and a struggling singer in Australia. While driving near Melbourne, she and a friend saw a brilliant silver object that changed shape from triangular to a ball with a glowing halo, capable of sudden stops and hovering. She now finds the subject fascinating and agrees with the sentiment of "Close Encounters" that "we are not alone."
• Police Investigate UFO Sighting: The West Lothian Courier reports that local police were investigating a UFO sighting by two of their own officers, Sergeant Jimmy Begg and P.C. Tommy Murphy. They described the object as a "luminous flying clothes pole" traveling at about 60 mph, falling to the ground, and then disappearing into a housing estate. The object was described as six inches in diameter and three feet long.
• Stan Hebson's Encounter: The Cumberland Evening News reports on a close encounter by 71-year-old Stan Hebson, who saw a large, cigar-shaped UFO facing over the Solway towards the Scottish side. He watched it for three minutes before it vanished.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the psychological impact of alleged alien abductions, and the possibility of government cover-ups. The publication, UFO NEWS, through its various reports and expert contributions, maintains a stance of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and research findings without outright dismissal. There is a clear emphasis on the need for further inquiry and a skepticism towards simplistic explanations for unexplained aerial events. The inclusion of diverse cases, from the detailed abduction study to the Rendlesham Forest incident and everyday sightings, suggests a commitment to exploring the breadth of UFO-related experiences.

This issue of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Blackburn, dated January 8, 1986, features a prominent cover story titled "Terror hovers in the sky," focusing on UFO sightings over East Lancashire. The issue also includes reports from other publications, detailing UFO encounters and related phenomena across the UK, USA, and Canada.

UFOs over East Lancs

The main article, by Tony Donnelly, recounts a comforting message for a businessman from Darwen who spotted a UFO. The businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, reported a terrifying three-hour encounter with a UFO at his remote farmhouse in Edgworth on December 28. Following publicity, a couple from Bolton also claimed to have seen a white glow in the sky that evening, which they said seemed to follow their car at about 50 mph.

The Edgworth encounter is presented as the latest in a series of sightings in East Lancashire. The article recalls the 1980 incident where Todmorden policeman Alan Godfrey "lost" 15 minutes of his life after encountering a bright, luminous glow. Under hypnosis, he claimed to have been "interrogated" on board a spaceship. In the same year, Zygmunt Adamski was found dead on a coal heap in Todmorden with burns. Eighteen months prior, a spate of sightings in the Rossendale Valley led to questions in the House of Commons. The report notes dozens of other reports of mystery lights over the years, leading to the formation of two local UFO investigation groups.

One group investigated the case of an Accrington woman who claimed to have made love to an alien by telepathy. Stephen Brown, director of the Lancashire centre for UFO studies, expressed interest in the Edgworth sighting and acknowledged the reluctance of witnesses to come forward due to fear of ridicule. He stated that his organization takes reports seriously and that many sightings are made by genuine people.

Brown highlighted convincing cases from the Burnley area in January of the previous year, where witnesses saw an object heading over from Nelson, with independent reports from people along its path.

'Sober' witness describes UFO (Madison, Wis. CAPITAL TIMES, Nov. 21, 1985)

A 29-year-old Madison woman, described by police as "sober, rational and stable," reported seeing an unidentified flying object hovering 12 to 15 feet above a house on the city's east side on November 19. She described the object as black and triangular, with saucer edges and a silver streak, illuminated by three bright white lights.

'Like the one that got away...' (EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES IPSWICH, OCT 25 1984)

This article discusses the Rendlesham Forest "Sky Crash" incident, which USAF and Ministry of Defence officials deemed "unexplained." Capt. Victor Warzinski of the USAF public affairs department stated that something happened which could not be explained. However, he clarified that off-base incidents were not under USAF jurisdiction and were sent to the Ministry of Defence. He dismissed speculation of a cover-up.

Mr. Dermod Hill of the Ministry's DS8 department confirmed that the incidents were investigated and found to have no defence or military significance, leading to no further action. He described the case as similar to a fisherman's tale of the one that got away, growing with each telling.

Close encounter? (REGINA LEADER POST, JAN 20 86)

A greenish ball of fire streaked across the sky and struck the ground in central Newfoundland on Sunday, startling people. An RCMP spokesman suggested it was a meteorite, but search and rescue officials and various RCMP detachments received numerous calls from southern Labrador, central Newfoundland, and northern Nova Scotia. Several witnesses reported hearing a rumbling explosion.

These close encounters of the absurd kind (THE TIMES, LONDON, DEC 24 1985)

Dr. David Whitehouse critically examines the public fascination with UFOs, suggesting that while ancient astronomers scanned the sky for the Star of David, today's focus should be on scientific exploration like Voyager 2. He argues that evidence for alien starships and ancient astronauts is thin, and that the appeal of these ideas lies in their romanticism. Whitehouse questions the validity of UFO photographs and "close encounters," suggesting that many beliefs stem from a tendency to believe what one wants to believe, or from deliberate deception. He contrasts the scientific exploration of space with the "hazy science" promoted by cults and organizations that exploit public interest in deep scientific questions with prejudice and sloppy scholarship.

He highlights the Voyager mission to Uranus as an example of real scientific endeavor, contrasting it with the lack of concrete evidence for alien visitation. Whitehouse concludes that while finding extraterrestrial life would be significant, the possibility of humanity being alone is also a truth worth knowing.

'Sun' spooks readers with Wales' tale (THE LAKELAND LEDGER, JAN.9 1986)

This article reports on a story in "The Sun" tabloid about "Florida's tiny Devil's Triangle" in Lake Wales, where gravity is said to be distorted and UFOs are routinely seen. City officials did not recall the events, but Police Chief John Busbee did not refute the story, stating it had been at least 15 years since UFO calls were received, which were later attributed to flares from a bombing range. The article mentions Spook Hill, where cars appear to roll uphill, as an unusual phenomenon that draws psychic investigators and the curious.

Spook Hill makes 'Sun' (THE LAKELAND LEDGER, JAN.9 1986)

This continuation discusses the "Sun" article's claims about Lake Wales, including the phenomenon of Spook Hill. It quotes residents who attribute the hill's effect to an optical illusion. The article also mentions a resident who regularly sees round UFOs with flashing lights and windows. Lake Wales residents are said to accept these phenomena as natural.

UFO Sighting Sends Theories Flying (HARTFORD COURANT, JAN 11 1986)

Over 200 people in Torrington, Connecticut, reported seeing a hovering object over Highland Lake on Thursday night. Descriptions varied, but witnesses agreed it did not look like airplanes. Joanne Williams, a building inspector, drew a sketch of a "cigar with square windows" and dismissed the theory of aircraft flying in formation. Philip Imbrogno, a field investigator for the Center for UFO Research, noted similar sightings reported on the East Coast since 1983. The Torrington Police Department received over 200 calls. An unidentified police officer described seeing a V-formation like a bat. Paul Johnston, control tower chief at Bradley International Airport, stated there were no radar indications of anything unusual. Explanations included formations of small planes, possibly from Dutchess County Airport, and a club that flies in formation.

Was strange light Sunday a plane, comet or UFO? (WI-DIO MADISON CAPITAL TIMES, JAN 7 1986)

Several people in Iowa County, Wisconsin, reported seeing a strange light in the sky on Sunday night. Sheriff Nick Basting suggested it might have been an airplane landing light, possibly searching for a lost skier. However, witnesses Jean and Bob Ellarson described it as a "big bright star" that moved very fast and swung off toward Highway 14, concluding it had to be a UFO. The Federal Aviation Administration could not confirm any airplane involved in a search.

UFO, man tells police (CRAWLEY + DISTRICT OBSERVER, SUSSEX, ENGLAND, JAN 8 1986)

A Furnace Green resident reported seeing an unidentified flying object over Tilgate Park on Sunday night. He described it as a big red star that turned white, became smaller, and then disappeared. Police could not investigate as the report was made the following day.

National Review BI Weekly (JAN 31 1986)

This section discusses the prevalence of UFO sightings in Italy, with 450 recorded instances since 1947. A congress of ufologists reviewed current circumstances and a chronology of sightings. While most sightings are explained by rational settings, some remain "mysteries." Dr. Massimo Cantoni, a ufologist, stated that claims of contact with extraterrestrial beings indicate a "psychic disturbance."

Family in U.F.O. mystery (WEST LOTHIAN COURIER BATHGATE, ENGLAND, JAN 17 1986)

Retired newsagent Jack Kramer and his family reported seeing an unidentified flying object sinking to the ground over the Grayfields area in Hartlepool. They described it as a circle of white lights that disappeared from sight. Police had not received similar sightings.

UFOs: Is Michigan a prime landing site for travelers from other worlds? (ANN ARBOR NEWS, JAN 5 1986)

Charles Silva, described as a psychic and spiritual mentor to actress Shirley MacLaine, explained that a base for extraterrestrial craft may be located near Saline, Michigan. Silva believes extraterrestrials gravitate to the Great Lakes region, possibly due to water. He claims to have received confirmation of Michigan's receptivity to ETI through communication on the "astral plane." The article notes that the U.S. government no longer officially investigates UFOs and cites private organizations like MUFON for UFO statistics. Bob Marsland of MUFON stated that they are more interested in the content of sightings than the numbers. Dan Wright of MUFON observes that Michigan has a relatively heavy number of reported sightings compared to the Eastern Hemisphere. Ron Westrum, a professor of sociology, compares Michigan's UFO phenomena favorably to the Bermuda Triangle.

Wright is investigating a correlation between UFOs and Michigan topography, while Robert Flower is writing a book on energy meridians. The article details the Frank Mannor farm incident in 1966, where a brown sphere was seen hovering and reappeared. This sighting was corroborated by sheriff's deputies and police. Six days prior, deputies reported four UFOs in tight formation over Lima Township. Air Force personnel at Selfridge Air Force Base also reported a cluster of four UFOs, though the base spokesperson stated no Air Force craft were involved. William Van Horn reported an object flashing by his window. The article also mentions the Project Blue Book study, which concluded that no UFOs provided evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles, though 710 of 12,618 sightings remained unexplained. Despite the project's termination, ufology organizations have obtained government documents suggesting continued classified investigations.

Silva believes the focus should be on the "message" from UFOs, not their origin. He relays a message from an alien named "Maya" about living in a world of turmoil and the importance of looking inward and loving fellow human beings. Silva also discussed distinguishing between the physical and spiritual bodies and the ability of ETI to transcend normal space-time constraints. He mentioned his own role as a guest of the Gilchrist Group and his contemplation of retirement from the lecture circuit due to being shy.

'UFO' SIGHTINGS EXPLAINED (WEST LOTHIAN COURIER BATHGATE, ENGLAND, JAN 17 1986)

This article suggests that a "UFO" sighted by two Armadale policemen was likely a meteorite. Mr. Russell Eberst from the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh explained that gases from a fireball entering the atmosphere can create a bright orange image. He also noted that man-made satellites falling back to Earth can produce similar impressions. The article also mentions similar sightings reported by a teenager and a couple, with one witness, Fraser Mitchell, taking a snapshot of a bright orange object. Mr. Eberst emphasized the importance of recording exact times, details, and direction of travel for such incidents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different regions and time periods, the variety of descriptions and experiences reported by witnesses, and the ongoing debate between official explanations (meteorites, aircraft, atmospheric phenomena) and the belief in extraterrestrial visitation. There is a clear tension between skepticism, often voiced by authorities and some scientists, and the persistent reports from the public and dedicated ufologists. The editorial stance, particularly evident in "These close encounters of the absurd kind," leans towards scientific skepticism, urging critical analysis and caution against unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown and the possibility of genuine scientific discovery in space exploration.

This issue of the Bolton Evening News, dated January 4, 1986, alongside accompanying articles from the Wisconsin State Journal and National Enquirer, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The cover story, "UFO Was it Venus?", features insights from British UFO expert Neal Keeling, who suggests that a recent "white glow" mystery in Edgworth could be explained by astronomical phenomena like the planet Venus or a bright star. The article highlights Jenny Randles' view that such sightings are often optical illusions and that the chances of a genuine UFO sighting remaining for three hours are remote.

City/state: UFO sighting reports aren't so far-fetched (Wisconsin State Journal, December 1, 1985)

This article by George Hesselberg details a UFO sighting by a woman in Madison, Wisconsin. The woman, described as a serious and credible individual, reported seeing a triangular, black craft with a light in the nose and a silver streak, hovering silently and performing a sharp turn. She contacted the Madison Police Department, and an officer recalled a similar sighting years prior. The craft was not detected by radar at the Dane County Airport. A subsequent sighting by another individual in the same general area described a similar triangular craft. Sgt. Ray Warner, a self-proclaimed skeptic, confirmed the woman was rational and definitely saw something.

Strange sightings? UFO believers ban together (Newport News Daily Press, January 19, 1986)

This article by Patrick Peterson profiles Barbara Neilsen, a UFO believer from Virginia Beach who feels a connection to extraterrestrials. She is part of the UFO Contact Center International, an organization founded by Dan and Aileen Edwards to support individuals who have experienced UFO encounters and often face ridicule. Mrs. Neilsen describes her own experiences, including a sighting in 1975 where two hours disappeared, and minor wounds on her body. She also recounts a close encounter in November 1975 with a bell-shaped object. The article includes a sketch of an alien being that her children reportedly saw on TV, which she later painted.

Secret Govt. Reports Reveal: Top U.S. Senator Saw Two UFOs (National Enquirer, February 11, 1986)

This article reveals declassified CIA, FBI, and Air Force reports detailing Senator Richard B. Russell Jr.'s (D.-Ga.) eyewitness account of two UFOs in Russia in 1955. The reports, obtained by The ENQUIRER through the Fund for UFO Research, state that the Senator, along with his interpreter Ruben Efron and military aide Col. E.U. Hathaway, saw disc-shaped aircraft ascend near their train. The Air Force Intelligence report described one disc ascending vertically at a relatively slow speed before increasing speed and heading north. The CIA report noted the object had a slight dome on top and a white light, with its edge glowing pinkish-white. An FBI memo suggested Col. Hathaway's testimony would support the existence of a flying saucer. The article implies the government kept these sightings secret for over three decades.

Checking out close encounters of an alien kind (Reading Evening Post, January 11, 1986)

This article by Chris Eary features Stephen Chetwynd, a UFO researcher from Old Windsor, who has investigated two close encounters in the Reading and Bracknell areas. One witness reported being approached by beings, taken to a ship, examined, and losing two hours of time. Chetwynd, who has investigated UFO sightings for ten years, believes that while most sightings (95-97%) can be explained, a small percentage remain mysterious. He suggests a potential overlap between UFO phenomena and psychic experiences. The article also mentions a separate report from Glasgow Herald about three recent UFO sightings in West Lothian likely being falling meteorites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the search for explanations (both astronomical and potentially extraterrestrial), the challenges faced by witnesses in being believed, and the role of government secrecy in UFO-related events. The editorial stance, as presented through the selection of these articles, appears to be one of open-minded investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting both skeptical explanations and credible witness accounts, while also highlighting official reports and the efforts of UFO research organizations.