APCIC - Vol 11 No 04 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 11, No. 4
Date: April 1986
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena and related topics, featuring reports on alleged UFO sightings, historical theories, and unusual personal beliefs.

Prince Charles' Close Encounter

The lead story, originating from the SUNDAY MIRROR and NATIONAL ENQUIRER, details a close encounter experienced by Prince Charles during a flight from the U.S. to London on February 23, 1986. The pilot of his RAF VC-10 radioed air traffic control to report a 'glowing red object' in the sky. Incredibly, four other aircraft, including the one carrying Prince Charles, reported sighting the same 'UFO' over the Irish Sea. Experts have reportedly ruled out explanations such as meteors or satellite debris. Prince Charles is quoted as saying, 'I am convinced that what we saw was a monstrous craft. We were all shocked by this close encounter but at the same time we experienced an incredible thrill.' He also described the object's light as 'awesome' and stated it 'seemed to engulf our aircraft.' A royal insider mentioned that Charles was deeply affected by the experience. The Royal Greenwich Observatory confirmed no meteor or comet sightings in the area, and airport radar detected no unidentified craft. The incident reportedly sparked Charles' interest in UFOs, a subject long of interest to his father, Prince Philip.

UFO Snatch Crew of Blimp?

An article from the EXAMINER reports on the mysterious disappearance of two U.S. Navy aviators, Lieutenant Ernest Cody and Ensign Charles Adams, while on a routine patrol in their Navy L-8 blimp near the Farallon Islands, San Francisco. They reportedly radioed headquarters to investigate an apparent oil slick, but were never heard from again. A salvage crew found the blimp empty but in perfect operating condition, with two life preservers missing. Investigators at the Imperial Institute of Astronomy suggest the pilots may have been abducted by aliens after discovering a crashed UFO submerged in the water.

Eric Gairy Believes in Astral Travel, UFOs and Himself

This article from the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES profiles Eric Gairy, the former Prime Minister of Grenada. Gairy, who believes in flying saucers and astral travel, asserts that 'God is my constant companion.' The article touches on his turbulent political career, his overthrow in a 1979 coup, and his current efforts to regain power. Gairy claims to have a 'greatly developed mind' and attributes his unpopularity with the United States to other Caribbean leaders. He lists his achievements, including organizing a 'water extravaganza' and speaking at the 1st World Congress on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in Acapulco in 1975. He also proposed the formation of a UN committee to study flying saucers. Gairy explains astral traveling as going 'out of body with full consciousness' and believes 'the spirit of man can do a lot.'

UFO Vampires May Be Murdering Fishermen

An article from the EXAMINER details a bizarre case from Italy where the bodies of two fishermen, Antonio Gualno and Vittorio Gianfranco, were found on their sunken boats. Reports from the Centro Ufologico Nazionale indicate the men had puncture marks on their necks and their bodies were drained of blood. UFO experts suggest that 'vampires from outer space' may be responsible, noting the area has been a hotbed of UFO activity and the men died despite terrifying reports that kept other fishermen ashore.

Erich Von Daniken: Close Encounters of the First Kind

This GLOBE article discusses Erich von Daniken's theories, which claim that ancient gods were visitors from outer space. Von Daniken's book 'I Wasn't Wrong' presents new evidence from ancient Indian documents, specifically the Mahabharata, describing prehistoric 'star wars' and extraterrestrial beings. He interprets Sanskrit texts as describing close encounters with alien 'gods' and 'flying objects' that he believes were spacecraft. The article also mentions primitive cave paintings at Tassili and carvings from Guatemala and Mexico that resemble modern astronauts and space-suited figures. Von Daniken also points to the 'ghost airfield' at Nazca in Peru, comparing its markings to those used by NASA for the space shuttle, as evidence of ancient landing guides.

Calendars from Beyond the Stars

Another piece by Von Daniken suggests that visitors from outer space first landed on Earth on August 11, 3114 B.C., based on his calculations from Mayan calendars. He claims the Mayans' advanced astronomical knowledge came from 'heavenly teachers.'

Tottenham Survey on UFOs

A report from the HORNSEY JOURNAL details a survey conducted by New Era Publications in Tottenham, UK, asking people about UFOs and alien attacks. A spokesman stated that, on average, people in Tottenham were optimistic about Earth's defense systems and the possibility of life on other planets, with a majority believing mankind could survive an alien attack. The firm plans to share its findings with a House of Lords study group on UFOs.

Woman Spots Mystery Light in Sky

A brief report from the HARTLEPOOL MAIL describes a local woman, Pat Simmons, who changed her views on UFOs after sighting a shimmering red light above the town. She described it as unusual and unlike a plane or helicopter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the potential for extraterrestrial influence on human history and current events. The articles present various perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and expert investigations to historical theories and personal beliefs. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, giving credence to witness reports and exploring unconventional explanations, including those proposed by figures like Erich von Daniken and Eric Gairy. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in the more speculative and mysterious aspects of UFOlogy.

This issue of The Trentonian, dated February 27, 1986, features a prominent cover story titled "Space Visitors," accompanied by a photograph of Dave Neese. The issue delves into various UFO sightings and related investigations from across the globe, with a particular focus on reports from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The lead article introduces Mrs. Ruth Norman, a "Cosmic Visionary" associated with the Unarius Academy of Science in El Cajon, California. Mrs. Norman claims to have been in contact with extraterrestrials, referred to as "the space brothers," since the 1950s. She has dictated numerous books, with her husband, Dr. Ernest L. Norman, who passed away in 1971, having dictated 17 books and Mrs. Norman herself having transcribed 71 books. The most recent book, "Preparations For The Landing," is scheduled for release and reportedly reveals that a visit to Earth is imminent.

Mrs. Norman believes that a representative from each of the 32 worlds is coming to Earth, and that the year of their arrival has been set for 2001. This information is presented in the context of a recent UFO sighting reported in the pre-dawn sky between Philadelphia and Trenton. The article notes that scientists at various institutions, including the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, are actively searching for signs of extraterrestrial life, with NASA investing $1.5 million annually in such efforts, set to begin in 1988. The author suggests that these scientific efforts could have been streamlined by contacting individuals like Mrs. Norman.

International Reports

The issue also includes several reports from other publications:

• Mutual UFO Network in Seguin, Texas: A reader inquires about local UFO organizations, leading to information about the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and its national center. MUFON had previously held a convention in San Antonio in July 1984, attracting over 250 attendees.

• Western Times Exter (England): A report from Chagford details a sighting by a local farming family, whose description of a strange and terrifying phenomenon closely matched that of a local shopkeeper, Mr. Malcolm Rice, and his stepson. Mr. Rice has been appointed the official observer for the area by a regional UFO research group.

• Dundee Evening Telegraph (Scotland): A Dundee couple reported seeing a bright light, described as shaped like a comet with a long, tapering tail, which appeared to be falling and then disintegrated. Local authorities and the RAF could not explain the sighting.

• Easter Evening News (England): A report from Wymondham claims a girl was "followed" home by a bright light in the sky. A police spokesman confirmed multiple reports of bright lights in the area.

• Correspondent Lech Galicki (Poland): An account of a UFO observed over Łódź, Poland, by the crew of an An-24 airplane. The object, initially pale-red then rose-colored, was observed moving twice as fast as the airplane at an altitude of 1,800-3,000 meters. The crew calculated the UFO was 15-20 degrees above them and approximately 50 km away, appearing larger than stars.

• Stowo Ludu (Poland): A report from Bujnówka describes a resident's encounter with a vehicle resembling a spider, the size of a cottage, moving rapidly across his field without sound. The object flashed green, yellow, and red lights before moving towards the Pinczów Mountains. Identical lights were seen days later.

• Gazeta Krakowska (Poland): A reader from Wieliczka reported an event where four witnesses, aged 17 to 60, experienced sleepiness twice while driving from Częstochowa to Kraków. They observed a sphere four times larger than the full moon, shining and with two transversal brown stripes, at an altitude of several hundred meters. The Jagiellonian University's Astronomic Observatory reported no observations due to inadequate weather conditions.

UFOs Again--Florida Saucer Hunters Reports

This section from American Gold News Monthly (February 1986) profiles a group of five individuals in northwest Florida who investigate UFO reports in their spare time. Led by retired Air Force pilot Col. Donald Ware, the team includes Ralph Dalton, who underwent extensive training. The article notes a general decline in UFO sightings worldwide in recent years but highlights the dedication of these citizen investigators. It mentions the history of UFO reports, from "great airships" in 1896 to "foo fighters" in World War II, and the public's fascination with alleged abductions and government cover-ups.

The article also discusses the role of MUFON, with Raymond Fowler, chief investigator, stating that the organization can explain 90 percent of daily sightings. The investigative technique developed by Fowler is mentioned, along with the challenges investigators face in being taken seriously. The training for investigators includes knowledge of physics, optics, and conventional aircraft. The article references historical UFO-related events, such as Jimmy Carter's claimed sighting and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting that popularized the term "flying saucer."

Ware expresses the belief that "at least some UFOs are spaceships controlled by advanced intelligence" and has prepared a resolution urging that UFOs not be shot at, regardless of their appearance or the observer's fear.

Another UFO! by Royal Appointment

A report from the Sunday Mirror (London, March 9, 1986) details a mystery craft spotted over Windsor Castle. An oval-shaped UFO, described as red and glowing and the size of a Mini, was seen flying close to the battlements in broad daylight. This sighting follows a report by the pilot of an aircraft carrying Prince Charles of a similar object near his flightpath. The article questions why the Royals seem to be singled out for such encounters. Office manageress Tracey Wogan and housewife Sheila Goulden provided descriptions of the object, noting a bright yellow or white light in the center with a reddish color outside. Air traffic control and weather services had no explanation.

UFO claim (Worthing Gazette, Sussex)

A brief report from Worthing mentions an unidentified flying object hovering over a multi-storey car park. Mr. Croft reported his car sputtering as the triangular craft hung in the sky, noting no noise but strange lights at intervals.

Spotkania Dalekie - Spotkania Bliskie (Close Encounters)

This section, featuring reports from Poland, details several close encounters:

• Człuchów Area: Witnesses Zofia Z., Wiesław K., and Wanda Z. reported seeing an illuminated, rectangular object with pale-green light and three pale-orange discs in the center. The object was observed flying from the lake side to the south, initially slowly, then rapidly. The report speculates on the possibility of these beings having a "secret mission" on a nearby peninsula. It also discusses the lack of physical traces and the unusual behavior of dogs that reportedly became ill after the encounter.

• Looking After the Traces: This subsection further details the Człuchów incident, emphasizing the difficulty in finding physical evidence due to the terrain and the nature of the object's movement. The report notes that the beings were in constant motion and may not have touched the ground. The unusual behavior of the dogs, including their sudden silence and subsequent illness, is highlighted as a potential link to the encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear interest in documenting these phenomena, whether through official channels like MUFON or through personal accounts and the work of individuals like Ruth Norman. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from scientific inquiry to more esoteric beliefs about interdimensional beings and interplanetary confederations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the subject of UFOs, presenting various reports and theories without outright dismissal, and highlighting the ongoing human curiosity about life beyond Earth. The inclusion of international reports underscores the global nature of UFO phenomena and the shared human experience of encountering the unknown.

This document appears to be a collection of articles and reports related to UFO sightings and investigations, spanning different publications and dates. The primary focus is on detailed witness accounts, physical evidence, and expert analysis.

Człuchów Encounter (August 10, 1979)

The most detailed account describes a "Close Encounter of the Third Kind" that occurred on August 10, 1979, in Człuchów, Poland. The witness, referred to as 'Y', along with two other individuals (Wanda Z. and Wiesław K.), observed a UFO and its occupants. The UFO is described as cuboid-shaped with curved angles, measuring 8 x 3 x 2.5 meters. It moved in a non-typical manner.

Three unknown beings were observed. They were described as having a large hump on their backs and unusually shaped pressure suits on their heads and hips, which deformed their silhouettes. Their movement was exceptional; they were constantly moving as if sliding over an ideal smooth surface, suggesting they might not have touched the ground with their feet. This unusual movement is contrasted with the behavior of two dogs that accompanied the witness. When the dogs approached the beings, they became quiet and withdrew, which is considered unusual behavior. Significantly, both dogs later became sick with creeping paralysis of the legs and had to be euthaned.

The investigation of the landing site proved difficult due to a puddle and dense reeds. While 'Y' claimed to be able to read traces due to his profession, he noted that the traces were not clear, especially in the young tree growth. He questioned whether there were any traces of the UFO or its crew at all. The beings were also noted to have passed over water without a boat, and no boat was found at the site.

Southend Evening Echo Report (March 15, 1986)

A separate report from the Southend Evening Echo, dated March 15, 1986, details a UFO sighting by two men in Eastwood, UK. Firemen Ian Magrath and his girlfriend's brother John Knights saw a "long pencil-shaped object" that was unlike any aircraft they had ever seen, with Ian describing it as possibly a military missile. The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA) became involved, with Lesley Duncan of BUFORA taking up the case. A Defence Ministry spokesman stated it could not have been a missile due to their high speed. Lesley Duncan appealed for other witnesses and stated that while many people see strange things, they are often afraid to report them.

South Carolina Sightings (March 17, 1986)

An article from the Columbia State, dated March 17, 1986, discusses UFO sightings in South Carolina. USC professor Dr. John Safko attributes the increase in sightings to a rise in novice stargazers, many of whom are looking for Halley's comet. He suggests that most phenomena observed are actually meteorites and falling stars. These objects, composed of matter from the solar system's formation, enter Earth's orbit and travel at a slow velocity. The friction with the atmosphere causes them to heat up, become bright, and explode. Dr. LeConte Cathey, a USC physics professor, explains that the atmosphere acts as a braking fluid, causing the objects to burn white and explode with force. The stress from rapid heating on the outside and freezing on the inside causes them to shatter. These events are more visible in rural areas due to less light pollution. The article also mentions a sighting in Spartanburg County where a glowing ball exploded with enough force to shake homes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of documents are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the investigation of physical evidence (or lack thereof), witness testimony, and attempts to provide explanations, ranging from natural phenomena like meteorites to more speculative theories about unknown beings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and the possibility of conventional explanations. The contrast between the detailed, almost anecdotal reporting of the Człuchów incident and the more scientific, dismissive approach to South Carolina sightings highlights different journalistic and investigative styles.