APCIC - Vol 11 No 08 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 11, No. 8
Date: August 1986
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various reported sightings and phenomena related to unidentified flying objects, featuring reports from different regions and perspectives.

Front Lines: UFOs and the Search for Truth

The "Front Lines" section begins with a personal reflection on the rumors of UFO activity near Mt. Shasta, a location described as a staging area for UFOs, possibly linked to ancient legends of Nordic giants. The author notes the ongoing search for truth regarding these phenomena.

Cover Story: Roger's UFO Tumbles Over Torbay

A report from the HERALD EXPRESS (July 29, 1986) details a sighting over Torquay, Devon, by Roger Tibenham and Pam Pook. They described an unidentified flying object as a flat dish with bright lights, tumbling over and over, making no sound, and moving from Chelston to St Marychurch in about 10 seconds. Mr. Tibenham, initially a skeptic, now believes in the possibility of flying saucers.

Experts Puzzled by UFO Reports (The Derby Express, July 24, 1986)

This article highlights that experts are baffled by numerous cigar-shaped UFO sightings across Derbyshire. Reports include pulsating lights, bright white lights, and objects described as traveling slowly with a red light at the front and a white beam at the back. Estimates for object size range from 100-500 feet. The Derby Astronomical Society suggested that the brightness of Venus might account for some sightings, while Derbyshire Police confirmed receiving reports but offered no explanation.

Close Encounter: Chesterfield Motorist's Sighting

A Chesterfield motorist reported a strange orange glow in the sky on a Saturday night, described as an oval-shaped, unidentified flying object with a flashing blue light. Police humorously warned that the 'aliens' might be prosecuted for impersonating a panda car if they returned.

The Uneexplained (Stockport Times, July 4, 1986)

This article, featuring an interview with authoress and space expert Jenny Randles of the Manchester UFO Association, suggests that only about ten percent of reported unidentified flying objects are truly unexplained, with most being natural phenomena or aircraft. Randles emphasizes the association's role in helping witnesses with genuine encounters and notes that some have faced severe personal consequences for coming forward. The article also discusses common misidentifications, such as owls glowing due to bacteria, ball lightning, and earthquake lights.

Close Encounter: Hazel Grove Incident

An account from November 1982 describes an 11-year-old boy, Damien Hulme, who was treated for shock after a terrifying encounter with a UFO in Hazel Grove. He saw a craft the size of two houses hovering 10ft above trees, described as kite-shaped with blue and white beams, orange lights, and a band of flashing lights around the edge. It made no sound and did not look like any ordinary aircraft.

Close Encounter: Heaton Norris Sighting

In June of the previous year, Cheryl Kilcoyne and friends witnessed a silver sphere near a relative's home in Heaton Norris. The UFO moved across the sky, swooping and climbing. Kilcoyne had previously described a similar incident nine years prior.

UFO in Town? (Chesterfield Gazette, July 10, 1986)

Police in north Derbyshire are investigating a sighting of an unidentified flying object over Chesterfield. Melvyn Broadhurst reported seeing a bright yellow, oval-shaped object, about the size of a mini car, with a blue flashing light, hovering silently. He estimated it was about 20 minutes before it disappeared into the clouds. Broadhurst had previously reported a similar sighting during the Chesterfield by-election campaign.

A Bird? A Plane? A UFO? (The Berwickshire News and East Lothian Herald, July 17, 1986)

Residents in the Tweedmouth area reported a strong light in the sky that remained stationary for about 15 minutes before moving away at an angle. Police were unable to identify the cause of the light, with one witness suggesting it could have been a UFO.

Cottingham Family's UFO Mystery (Hull Daily Mail, July 30, 1986)

Mr. Derek Mason and his children reported seeing a long, tube-like object with a bright light moving across the sky over Hull. They described it as colored between grey and white with light patches, making no sound and having no visible wings.

'Boom Time' (Burton Daily Mail, June 20, 1986)

This brief report speculates that a mystery boom might be caused by a UFO pilot breaking the sound barrier.

The Coverup on UFO Research (Lanhan Prince George Journal, July 1, 1986)

This letter to the editor discusses the recent death of astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek and the ongoing "UFO problem." It suggests that a massive cover-up of UFO data has been perpetuated by federal agencies for decades. The author anticipates revelations and potential legal actions, such as a "Cosmic Watergate" lawsuit, to compel the government to release its UFO records.

'Wormy Things' Seen in Night Sky (Santa Rosa Press Democrat, July 12, 1986)

Residents in Santa Rosa reported seeing strange, "wormy looking" shiny objects floating in the night sky, described as changing shape and stopping around wires. Estimates of their length varied from 3 feet to about 8 feet. While some callers described them as "shiny," no lights were observed. Police departments reported similar calls but could offer no explanation.

And the Search Continues... (92D North Shore Monthly, August 1986)

Peter Bordwell of Evanston believes that the chance of unlocking UFO mysteries has diminished with the death of J. Allen Hynek, whom he describes as the "top UFO chaser." Bordwell, who worked with Hynek in the late 1970s, recalls him as a prototype of the absent-minded professor who separated legitimate investigations from "kooky stories." Bordwell himself, initially a skeptic, now believes there is a phenomenon that needs investigation.

B.C. UFO: The Fad May Be Over, But Sightings Continue

This section reports on UFO sightings in Squamish, B.C. An enigmatic amber light was witnessed dancing around Stawamus Chief mountain. Other sightings in the area include two small lights and a large one accelerating, and a "small spherical fireball" disappearing behind a mountain. Local RCMP reported these to the National Research Council, but the Department of National Defence no longer tracks such reports, with a University of B.C. observatory director dismissing a recent sighting as an unusually bright Venus.

Tell Me Why? (The Lorain Journal, July 1, 1986)

This column by Arkady Leokum addresses the question of whether UFOs really exist. It explains that while thousands claim to have seen them, reports vary widely in description. The U.S. Air Force's investigation found that people who reported flying saucers had indeed seen something, but often it was a misidentification of weather balloons, satellites, clouds, meteors, stars, birds, planets, or fireworks. The column concludes that scientists find no evidence of visitation by intelligent beings from other worlds.

From the Editor's Notebook... (96C-20P Rural Montana Monthly, July 1986)

The editor discusses Dr. Jacques Vallee's talk to young minds about UFOs, emphasizing the importance of expanding perception and understanding the "evidence of things unseen." Vallee's theory suggests that UFO sightings, which occur in clusters throughout history, might be a form of learning to protect humanity from immediate superior forces or a manipulative behavior modification to instill future expectations. The editor also touches on how UFO themes are often relegated to folklore and humor, shying away from serious discussion, despite their significant emotional impact.

A Flying Hot Dog? (NY-050 Ossining Citizen Register, July 11, 1986)

This report details multiple sightings of strange lights along the Hudson River in Westchester County and New Jersey. Initially described as "hot dogs" or "blimps" with numerous lights, these were later identified by officials at Teeterboro Airport as military helicopters flying in formation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings despite official skepticism and the challenges of scientific investigation. There's a strong undercurrent of potential government cover-ups and a desire for transparency, as highlighted by the letter to the editor. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts to expert analysis, acknowledging both the unexplained and the misidentified. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while maintaining a critical eye towards unsubstantiated claims and recognizing the need for rigorous investigation.

Title: NATIONAL ENQUIRER
Issue Date: July 29, 1986
Cover Headline: TV Newsmen Film Giant UFO

This issue of the National Enquirer focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, featuring a prominent cover story about a large UFO witnessed and filmed in Barcelona, Spain. The magazine presents a collection of reports from various locations, including the UK and USA, detailing eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and discussions about potential government cover-ups and the nature of UFO phenomena.

TV Newsmen Film Giant UFO

The lead article details a massive UFO event that occurred over Barcelona, Spain, on November 29. Eyewitnesses, including police officers and airport flight controllers, described a huge UFO hovering for nearly nine hours. The object was reportedly three times the size of a jumbo jet and was captured on videotape by a TV cameraman, Pep Ros, who aired the footage on local television. Flight controller Javier Hueto first spotted an unfamiliar brilliant light, estimating it to be about 10 miles away at an altitude of 3,000 feet. He described it as a round, intensely bright blue light with a smaller red light pulsing like a heart, appearing "unearthly." Radar operators at Barcelona airport also reported the UFO appearing on their screens before splitting into five smaller objects that sped off. The Spanish Air Ministry stated there were no military air operations in the area, though a mail flight captain reported seeing the UFO. Professor Antonio Ribera of Barcelona University noted this was the fourth similar sighting he had witnessed in the area, adding that no official explanation had been given.

Bournemouth Couple Saw UFO

This article from the Bournemouth Evening Echo (July 9, 1986) reports on a UFO sighting by Peter Charman, a coach driver from Bournemouth, UK. Charman spotted a strange flaring light in the sky on June 17. He has since received calls from others confirming similar sightings. One woman in Winton reported seeing the light on the following Wednesday night. The couple described the light as moving slowly and stationary, and it lasted for about two or three minutes at an altitude of 2,000-3,000 feet. Mr. Charman remains mystified about the origin of the light.

Ancient Romans Saw Glowing UFOs

This piece from the National Enquirer (August 19, 1986) discusses historical UFO sightings, citing UFO experts who claim that similar objects were observed during the Roman Empire. Hayden Hewes, director of the International UFO Bureau, stated that "mysterious lights, saucer-shaped objects and strange ships in the sky" were seen by Romans. The article references the Roman author Julius Obsequens, who reported "mysterious shiplike objects" in Italy in 216 B.C., describing them as familiar "ships." Other historical accounts include objects resembling "flaming torches" and a "round object shaped like a globe or circular shield" ascending into the sky. Brad Steiger, a UFO expert, agreed that UFOs were observed during the Roman Empire.

Plea for UFO Witnesses

An article from the Ashbourne News Telegraph (June 19, 1986) reports on a potential UFO sighting. Mr. Dennis Harriman of the National UFO Investigation Society is seeking witnesses to an event that occurred on Swinscoe Hill in early April. A man driving down the hill saw a cigar-shaped object in the sky with a red light at the front and searchlights towards the back. The object was observed by multiple witnesses who were outside their vehicles.

Did YOU see Peter's UFO?

This article from the Bournemouth Evening Echo (June 19, 1986) revisits the UFO sighting by Peter Charman. It reiterates that Charman is trying to confirm his sighting at West Howe, which he described as a strange light moving slowly and stationary, lasting for a few minutes at 2,000-3,000 feet. He clarified that a UFO is not necessarily synonymous with spaceships. He is appealing for anyone who saw the incident on June 17 to contact him.

Great ball of fire in sky is a puzzler

This Associated Press report describes a mysterious light show that flashed across the sky east of the Mississippi River on August 12, 1986. Descriptions ranged from a pinpoint to a moving spiral to a glowing cloud or "a big ball of fire." While astronomers suggested it was related to the annual Perseid meteor shower, residents described it as "the scariest thing I ever saw," with some noting it "started to get bigger and it had a tail" and spiraled before becoming a dim star. Workers at Cape Canaveral and NORAD confirmed no launches, and others speculated it might be a satellite breaking up. Professor Ronald Stoner suggested it could be caused by larger, icy pieces of comet dust from the Perseid shower vaporizing.

Zeppelin UFO spotted

This article from the Western Morning News (August 6, 1986) reports a UFO resembling a Zeppelin spotted over the Westcountry by a barbecue party in North Devon. Mr. John Garnsey, a local magistrate, described it as an "orange disc like object" that appeared to rise from behind a hill and remain stationary for about an hour. It seemed to discharge a rocket before disappearing. Seventeen witnesses observed the phenomenon, and Mr. Garnsey insisted they had not been drinking. His wife Jennifer described it as traveling slowly across the sky. A spokesman at RAF Chivenor stated their helicopters were not flying in the area, and RNAS Culdrose confirmed no aircraft from their unit were in the area.

I see no hoax, says Patrick

This Daily Star (London, July 28, 1986) article discusses Patrick Moore, a respected astronomer, who is accused of perpetrating a hoax involving flying saucers. The accusation stems from a magazine called Magonia, which claims that Cedric Allingham, author of the 1950s bestseller "Flying Saucer From Mars," never existed and that Patrick Moore wrote the book as a joke to upstage another author. Jenny Randles, director of investigation for the British UFO research association, believes Moore created the hoax. Moore himself dismisses the claims, stating, "I can't be bothered with these people. It's the closed season for nuts."

UFOS GET THE ROYAL SEAL

This Daily Star (London, July 28, 1986) piece reveals that Prince Charles has a strong interest in UFOs and paranormal matters. It mentions that he held a secret garden party to discuss UFOs with enthusiasts and experts. Jenny Randles states that the Prince's interest is very strong and dates back to a UFO landing at Broadlands, the home of the late Lord Mountbatten. The Prince is reportedly on the mailing list of "Flying Saucer Review" magazine.

Scoffers scathed by UFO disciples

This article from the Lansing State Journal (June 28, 1986) covers the 17th Annual UFO Symposium at Michigan State University. Attendees expressed frustration with public ridicule and alleged government secrecy regarding UFOs. Michael Swords, a professor, argued that skepticism curtails civilization's progress. Robert Bletchman, legal advisor for the Mutual UFO Network, called for a stronger media role in overseeing government actions on UFOs, accusing them of covering up evidence since 1947. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist, also contended that the government has been withholding UFO evidence, citing a supposed UFO crash in New Mexico in 1947. In contrast, Phillip J. Klass, who has written books refuting UFO evidence, believes all UFOs are explainable in earthly terms and dismisses the idea of a government cover-up. Symposium speakers strongly condemned Klass.

Lights in the sky

This article from the Midhurst Petworth Observer (July 3, 1986) questions whether a UFO passed over Stedham, UK. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop reported seeing three bright points of light hovering motionless in the sky for about five minutes. They ruled out fireworks and noted the silence until a plane flew overhead. The lights then moved away in a sweeping semi-circle.

There's nothing alien about UFO phone line

This Los Angeles Daily News article (July 12, 1986) introduces Paul Shepherd's UFO Contact Newsline, a 976 phone number service that shares stories of extraterrestrial visitations. Shepherd aims to educate people and spread information about aliens, using documented sightings from the UFO Reporting Center and firsthand investigations. He has traveled to Switzerland and plans to visit Brazil for his research. The service costs $2 per call, with Shepherd receiving a small revenue but losing $20,000 a month, viewing it as a "labor of love." Radio announcer Bill Jenkins is on the advisory board, aiming to ensure the information dispensed is valid.

Hesperia couple reports early morning UFO show

This Victorville, CA (Victor Valley Daily Press, June 8, 1986) article features Mel and Fonda Hardman, who reported seeing an X-shaped UFO over Hesperia. Mel described it as "two frankfurters crossed to make an X, both of them inside an oval-shaped 'soft-light' lightbulb." He emphasized it was not an airplane or weather balloon. His wife Fonda described it as moving with a wobbling or quivering motion, disappearing and reappearing, and moving much faster than any jet. They reported no sound or smoke. Maj. Lloyd Patterson from George Air Force Base stated their office had no recent UFO reports. The article also mentions a similar X-shaped UFO sighting in Northern California and multi-colored UFOs in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Yes, it was a UFO / Could it be a UFO?

These two articles from the Eastern Evening News, Norwich (August 24 and July 30, 1986) report on sightings in Norwich, UK. Bob Williams described seeing a large, bird-like object or glider diving between clouds, with two fighter planes appearing to investigate. Mrs. P. Fletcher confirmed seeing a UFO with the brightness of the sun, not spherical, diving between dark clouds. Both sightings occurred on the evening of Wednesday, July 23. The articles also include a general discussion on UFOs, noting that a "UFO" by definition remains unidentified and referencing historical explanations like "swamp gas."

Hyannis UFO has flare for the dramatic

This article reports on an incident in Hyannis, USA, where a bright light fell from the sky and landed in a backyard on the night of Monday, July 14. Deputy Fire Chief Lester Mason suspects it was a flare, but the object was unrecognizable, leaving only molten material. Firefighters found a white, powdery object about 12 inches in diameter. The fire department sent it for analysis.

A good night for UFO watchers

This Oakland, CA (Alameda Co) Tribune article (May 23, 1986) details a mysterious X-shaped craft with weird lights seen in the Bay Area skies. Observers described it as traveling at high speed with flashing orange and blue lights. The sightings occurred in the pre-dawn hours and were reported by nearly two dozen people, including a highway patrol officer. The article notes that local observatories and radar-watchers saw nothing, and NORAD confirmed no satellite or human-crafted spacecraft would have been visible. It also mentions a possible debris from the satellite Cosmos re-entering the atmosphere. The article reflects on the history of UFO investigations, including Project Blue Book, which concluded there was no evidence of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the National Enquirer consistently highlights UFO sightings as significant events, often presenting eyewitness accounts with a degree of validation. There is a recurring theme of skepticism from authorities and experts, contrasted with the conviction of witnesses. The magazine also touches upon the idea of government secrecy and the media's role in reporting such phenomena. The overall stance appears to be one of open reporting and exploration of the UFO topic, giving credence to eyewitness testimony while acknowledging the lack of definitive explanations and the presence of skepticism.

This document contains two articles from different publications, both detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena. The first article, from the GRASS VALLEY (NEVADA CO) UNION dated June 20, 1986, reports on a UFO sighting by the Short family. The second article, from the ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO TRIBUNE dated May 23, 1986, discusses a mysterious flash of light over New Mexico that baffled authorities.

GV family reports UFO sighting (Grass Valley, CA)

The article from the Grass Valley Union, written by Rod Boyce, details an incident on Friday morning where the Short family reported seeing a UFO. Jerry Short, 20, described a brightly lit object hovering just above treetop level outside his bedroom window around 1:30 a.m. He noted it had colored lights, possibly four on top and two on the bottom, and made soft "hovering noises." The object remained for nearly five minutes before moving slowly south. Jerry's sister, Kathy McMullen, also witnessed the event and contacted both Mather and Travis Air Force bases to inquire about aircraft in the vicinity. Neither base had aircraft in the area. Mather AFB does have a UFO siting information center. McMullen described the object as "kind of triangular and about 40 or 50 feet around," and that it "seemed to be made of light." She mentioned that she and her mother often look for falling stars, and it was during such an observation that they spotted the glowing object. Senior Dispatcher Sara Miller of the Grass Valley Police Department stated that the department had received only two or three such reports. She recalled that the police department used to provide phone numbers for people to report sightings and even had an 800 number for Beale AFB, but that this practice had ceased. The article notes that Project Bluebook, the Air Force's UFO record-keeping program, was discontinued in 1969. Captain Clem Gaines of Mather AFB confirmed they had no aircraft in the Grass Valley area that night and speculated that the sighting might have been a formation of aircraft, though he doubted it was related to the Stealth program. Ginny Krieg, Chief of Community Relations at Mather AFB, stated that the Short's sighting was only their second reported since January.

Was it a UFO? Flash in sky baffles authorities (New Mexico)

The article from the Albuquerque Tribune, written by Susan Lewis, describes an event on May 23, 1986, around 1:30 a.m., when a bright flash of light illuminated the sky over parts of New Mexico. This event led to numerous calls from alarmed citizens to police departments. A state police dispatcher in Albuquerque stated there were no known fires, plane crashes, or explosions, only a "great big flash of light." An officer from Santa Rosa advised callers to contact Kirtland Air Force Base. Kay Peterson, spokeswoman for Kirtland Air Force Base, confirmed that their base security police had also observed the event but could not identify its cause. Kirtland's public relations officers noted that several people called the base, including a man on Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque who claimed he saw the light move westward across the sky. A spokesman for the Sandoval County Sheriff's Department reported that an officer investigated but found nothing. The article then explores potential explanations for the phenomenon. Paul Bennewitz, an Albuquerque physicist who studies unidentified flying objects, suggested that a flying saucer could not be ruled out, stating that the flash could have been made when "space beings" accelerated and left the area. McAllister Hull, a professor of physics at the University of New Mexico, proposed that the flash could have been a meteor, but noted that this was not the typical season for meteor showers. He also speculated it could have been a distant bolt of lightning that glowed instead of streaking due to specific atmospheric conditions. However, Hull mentioned that UNM physicists were not observing astronomical activity that night due to cloud cover. Tom Wright at the National Weather Service doubted the lightning explanation, as conditions conducive to electrical activity were absent, and the area was covered by wispy clouds, not thunderheads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Both articles highlight the public's fascination and confusion surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena. The reporting focuses on witness testimony, official responses (or lack thereof), and expert speculation. The articles present a balanced view, acknowledging the possibility of conventional explanations like meteors or lightning while also giving credence to the UFO hypothesis through witness accounts and expert opinions. There is an underlying theme of official agencies being unable or unwilling to provide definitive answers, leaving the public to ponder the nature of these events. The inclusion of a physicist's quote suggesting a "flying saucer" indicates an openness to unconventional explanations within the reporting.