APCIC - Vol 11 No 09 - 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 11, No. 9
Date: September 1986
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring reports on sightings, investigations, and theories from different regions. The magazine highlights the work of UFO research organizations and individuals dedicated to understanding these unexplained events.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Watcher Seeks Closer Encounters of the 'Weird' Kind

This article profiles Donald Ware, a 50-year-old UFO enthusiast and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. Ware has been researching UFOs since 1952 and believes Earth is being watched by extraterrestrial life. He is the Florida state and section president for MUFON (Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network), a 17-year-old organization that researches UFO sightings. Ware serves as a field investigator and gives lectures on the UFO phenomenon. He describes some sightings as "absolutely weird" and difficult to explain. Ware's specialty is the strange writings associated with UFOs, a project he expects to take 10 years to analyze. He notes that many sightings in Florida go uninvestigated and is working to recruit and train investigators for the organization, which has 54 members in Florida.

Sky Sights: State UFO Group to Take Part in National Information Week

This piece reports on the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU), a Greensburg-based group that acts as a statewide clearinghouse for UFO sightings. PASU will participate in the second annual National UFO Information Week, sponsored by MUFON. The association will present an exhibit featuring UFO detection equipment, government documents, and plaster casts. Stan Gordon, founder of PASU, states that while many sightings are explainable as planets or satellites, about 10 percent remain unexplained. He emphasizes the need for public awareness and offers confidentiality to those reporting sightings.

Light in Sky Baffles Stargazers

This report from the Detroit Free Press details a mysterious light seen by sky-watchers in eastern United States on a Tuesday night. The light was described as corkscrewing toward the ground and leaving a vapor trail. A University of Michigan astronomer suggested it might be part of the annual Perseid meteor shower, but witnesses found it unlike anything they had seen before. Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center received over 100 calls about the phenomenon, which was also reported in eastern Kentucky with a boom that shook houses.

'UFO Seekers Seek Others'

This article from the Teignmouth Post & Gazette highlights the efforts of the Exeter UFO Group in Dartmoor, UK, who are searching the sky for unidentified flying objects. Their leader, Jeffrey James, is writing a book on UFO sightings in the West Country and has records of nearly 400 unexplained objects seen since 1967. James notes that watchers learn to distinguish natural phenomena from UFOs, describing the predominant color of extraterrestrial objects as orange. He mentions that 1978 was a significant year for sightings in Devon and invites interested individuals to contact him.

Unexplained Light Awes Area Residents, Scientists

This Dayton Daily News article describes an unexplained small point of light with a misty cloud observed by residents in several eastern states. Art Goss, curator of astronomy at the Dayton Museum of Natural History, expressed his mystification but was convinced of its unusual nature due to numerous calls received. The object moved slowly for 10-15 minutes, and its description was compared to a "barium release experiment" from an orbiting satellite, though NASA and the Wallops Island test range confirmed no such experiment was conducted. Other possible explanations included a satellite re-entering the atmosphere or a fireball effect.

Way Out Man!

This brief anecdote features Nik Kershaw, who claims to have seen a UFO while driving with friends near an old quarry. He describes the object performing incredible maneuvers impossible for normal aircraft before shooting off at remarkable speed, convincing him it was not from Earth.

Space Engineer Thinks Fireball Was Linked to Japanese Rocket

James Oberg, a space-shuttle engineer, theorizes that the mysterious glowing cloud seen over the eastern United States was caused by a Japanese rocket booster releasing excess fuel. He explains that sunlight reflected off the vapor cloud. However, Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center disputes this, noting the object's vertical climb and questioning how an object 1,000 miles high could be seen from the ground. A Clark County sheriff's deputy also questioned Oberg's hypothesis due to a ground-shaking boom heard by residents, which Oberg suggested might be unrelated.

Afternoon Cuppa Disturbed by a UFO

This report from Bradford Telegraph & Argus describes two Keighley pensioners, Mrs. Margaret Snowden and Mrs. Edith Spencer, who reported seeing a buzzing, oval-shaped object flying towards their building. The object was black on top with a silver rim and disappeared quickly. David Barclay, a UFO researcher, suggests the sighting might be linked to barometric pressure theories, which propose that pressure in rocks produces electricity, creating a glowing aeroform. Mrs. Snowdon stated she now believes in flying saucers.

UFOs Exist, Speaker Claims

Richard Sigismund, a social psychologist, told members of the International Flying Farmers that UFOs are real and that governments should release information about them. He believes UFOs are from elsewhere in the universe, possess advanced power systems, and likely mean no harm. However, he warns of potential culture shock upon contact. Sigismund claims UFOs began arriving in Earth's atmosphere in 1945, prompting a government veil of silence for military investigation. He also mentions a 1968 sighting on the Front Range where a couple claimed to have boarded a UFO craft and communicated with its occupants.

'Media is Under Mystery Influence'

This piece discusses Gordon Creighton, a UFO expert and editor of 'Flying Saucer Review,' who plans to publish revelations about mysterious influences causing the press to ignore a theory that aliens do not come from outer space but from another dimension. Dr. Jacques Vallée expounded this belief, suggesting aliens are already here and observing humanity. Creighton believes aliens use telepathy to deter media coverage and that this "alien control" is responsible for global problems. He also mentions spacecraft found crashed with dead aliens.

Lights Seen in Night Sky

This report from the New Philadelphia Times covers sightings of mysterious lights in the night sky across the Tuscarawas Valley and eastern US. Explanations ranged from aircraft and rockets to meteor showers. Melvin Hyler reported a spiraling, pointed UFO. The National UFO Reporting Center received over 100 calls from a wide region. An astronomer stated the sightings were not related to the Perseid meteor shower. Robert Gribble noted the lights had to be at least 100 miles high to be seen over such a large area.

Hundreds See Mysterious Light in Sky

This Toronto Star article describes a mysterious light seen by hundreds in southern Canada and the eastern United States. Author and astronomer Terry Dickinson reported seeing a "small, bright, spiral-shaped cloud." He contacted NASA and other agencies but could not get an explanation. Speculations included a military satellite or atmospheric phenomena. Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center stated they received over a hundred calls, noting it was the most reports in such a short time and over such a large area in at least three years.

Who Saw a UFO?

David Atkins, a representative of the Yorkshire UFO Society, is appealing for witnesses who saw a mysterious object flying over Keighley, UK. He mentions two pensioners who reported a buzzing object that did not resemble a normal aircraft or helicopter.

Tel Aviv UFOs

This brief report mentions two brightly lit, unidentified flying objects spotted over Tel Aviv, which alarmed residents and prompted calls to police and the weather service.

Ah, Those Aliens in the Attic

This opinion piece by John Lofton critiques Ruth Montgomery's book 'Aliens Among Us.' Lofton expresses skepticism about concepts like 'Walk-Ins' and alien encounters, particularly questioning the idea of aliens mutilating cattle. He finds Montgomery's claims about extraterrestrial beings and their influence on figures like Ronald Reagan difficult to accept, especially the notion that aliens, capable of interstellar travel, would leave scars from surgery or engage in cattle mutilation.

'Oval Flying Saucer' Shocks Margaret

This article from the Bradford Telegraph & Argus reports on a sighting by two Keighley pensioners of an "oval flying saucer" that was black on top with a silver rim. David Barclay suggests the sighting, occurring before a downpour, might be linked to barometric pressure theories producing electricity and a glowing aeroform.

Sky Lights

This letter to the Bournemouth Evening Echo asks readers for help in identifying unusual lights reported in the sky during June and July. The writer, Paul Fuller of the British UFO Research Association, seeks precise accounts to find ordinary explanations for such phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across various geographical locations, the efforts of dedicated researchers and organizations like MUFON and PASU to document and investigate these sightings, and the ongoing debate between scientific explanations and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from detailed investigative reports to personal anecdotes and critical analyses of popular UFO literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and the possibility of mundane explanations for many sightings. The inclusion of critical pieces, such as John Lofton's commentary on Ruth Montgomery's book, suggests a willingness to question and challenge certain claims within the UFO community.

Title: OH-077 SPRINGFIELD NEWS-SUN
Issue Date: August 14, 1986
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: "What was that? Stargazers get an extra treat"

The lead article, by Dan Hughes, details a spectacular aerial phenomenon witnessed on the night of Tuesday, August 12, 1986, across the eastern third of North America. The event, described as a white orb with a wide tail, performing spirals and hanging in the sky for at least five minutes, baffled observers. Jim Soermer, a science teacher in South Charleston, Ohio, along with his students and their parents, witnessed the event through a telescope and binoculars. Soermer, initially calling it a UFO, noted its behavior was unlike a meteor, speculating it might be a release of barium for satellite tracking, though NASA denied knowledge of such tests. Aerospace specialists, including James Oberg, an aerospace engineer and author, suggested the most likely explanation was a rocket launch by Japan's National Space Development Agency. Oberg stated that a doughnut-shaped cloud is typical of rocket fuel releases. The article also touches upon other celestial observations made that night, including planets and constellations.

Witness Accounts and Explanations

Several witnesses provided descriptions of the event. Jim Soermer described the orb's unusual behavior, stating, "I've never seen a meteor spiral like that did, and remain lighted for so long in the sky." He expressed a sentiment shared by many, "Something's going on that they're not telling us about."

James Oberg, an expert in aerospace and author, identified the phenomenon as the launch of a Japanese rocket. He explained that the H-1 rocket, carrying amateur radio and geodetic satellites, was launched from Tanegashima Island. Oberg's detailed report, based on tracking data from NORAD, matched the sightings to the space vehicle. He noted that such "luminous clouds" are typical of rocket fuel releases and have been mistaken for UFOs in other parts of the world, particularly related to Soviet satellite launches.

Local and Regional Reports

Reports of the mysterious light were widespread. In Traverse City, Michigan, residents described it as a glowing cloud that then formed a tight spiral. Jeff Gendron and Jim Oviatt observed it while fishing. Jon P. Benn described it as starting like an airplane but changing into a swirl of gas. Robert Gribble, a spokesman for the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle, reported receiving over 100 calls from a large region spanning Michigan to South Carolina.

Other Sightings and Analysis

An article from the Waukesha Freeman (WI-033) dated August 14, 1986, also discusses the mysterious light seen across eastern North America. Tom Bolton of the David Dunlap Observatory suggested it might be debris from an unidentified satellite. Paul Oles of the Buhl Science Center agreed it was likely manmade, but not a Perseids meteor, possibly a gas release from a satellite. Ronald Stoner, a professor at Bowling Green State University, speculated it could be a larger piece of debris from the Perseid meteor shower vaporizing.

"After Oberg Takes The Case, Another 'UFO' Is Bagged and Marked 'Identified'"

This article from the New York City Tribune (NY-D405) by J. Antonio Huneeus further elaborates on James Oberg's role in identifying the August 12, 1986, event. It highlights how Oberg, an experienced investigator of UFO phenomena linked to space launches, connected the sightings to the Japanese satellite launch. The article mentions Oberg's previous work in identifying "luminous clouds" related to Soviet satellite deployments from Plesetsk and similar occurrences in Australia. It emphasizes the difficulty in solving such cases due to the lack of official recognition of certain launch facilities and the misattribution of events.

"Mysterious lights in evening sky spark debate"

This Associated Press report confirms the widespread nature of the sightings on August 12, 1986, east of the Mississippi. While astronomers generally linked it to the Perseid meteor shower, many witnesses found the descriptions anomalous. Residents of one Kentucky county reported a boom and shaking houses. Brenda Newton described the light as growing, spiraling, and then fading like a dim star. Denise Sabatini, vice president of the Syracuse Astronomical Society, stated that meteors burn off in seconds, whereas this phenomenon lasted five to seven minutes, making it spectacular and distinct from typical meteors.

Workers at Cape Canaveral, NASA, and NORAD confirmed no scheduled launches or re-entries at that time. Speculation included a satellite breaking up, but officials at Japan's Tanegashima Space Center stated their satellite was functioning correctly. Tom Boone, director of the Rauch Planetarium, noted that reports were received from nearly every state east of the Mississippi.

"'Flying saucers' captured the world's imagination in the 1950s. Now sightings are rare and interest is lagging..."

This article from the Detroit Free Press (Sept. 7, 1986) by Susan Ager explores the current state of UFO belief and sightings, contrasting it with the 1950s fervor. It features interviews with individuals who have had UFO experiences, including Marie and Walter, who believe they have been chosen and have seen multiple UFOs. Marie recounts a childhood abduction experience and her husband Walter's desire to communicate with the beings. The article also touches upon the work of MUFON and the challenges faced by UFO researchers in gaining credibility. It mentions the historical context of UFO sightings, starting with Kenneth Arnold in 1947, and the subsequent wave of reports, many of which were later explained as hoaxes or misidentifications.

"TO YOUR BELIEVERS"

This section continues the exploration of UFO believers, detailing the experiences of Marie and Walter, who have seen nine UFOs. Marie's belief stems from a childhood abduction experience and a vivid memory of her mother firing a shotgun at perceived alien intruders. Walter expresses a desire to experience more and communicate with the beings. The article also discusses the work of Dan Wright, a MUFON investigator, who documented his own UFO sightings, describing a craft resembling a boomerang. Wright's experiences led to the dissolution of his marriage, illustrating the profound impact UFO encounters can have on personal lives.

"BELIEVERS CON'T"

This part of the article delves deeper into the history and current status of UFO research and belief. It notes the decline in public interest and the skepticism from mainstream science and government, which officially closed its UFO investigation in 1969. The article highlights the rarity of truly unexplained UFO cases, with most being explainable by conventional means. It also mentions famous individuals who have reported seeing UFOs, such as William Shatner, Jamie Farr, Marc Avery, a former Florida governor, a former Ohio governor, Jimmy Carter, and Darrell Evans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs), the scientific and public debate surrounding their nature, and the role of space launches as a common explanation for many sightings. The articles present a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the unexplained aspects and the plausible explanations offered by experts like James Oberg. The editorial stance appears to be one of journalistic inquiry, presenting witness accounts, expert analysis, and historical context without definitively endorsing any single explanation for all phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the August 12, 1986, event as a significant recent case that sparked widespread discussion and was largely attributed to a satellite launch.

This issue of BELIEVERS, dated Sunday, August 26, 1986, delves into the world of UFO investigations and the controversial topic of alien abductions. The magazine features articles on dedicated amateur investigators, the skeptical counterpoints from scientific organizations, and a particularly unusual case of a purported alien-human hybrid birth.

The Dedicated Investigator: Dan Wright

The issue highlights Dan Wright, a 39-year-old policy analyst for the state Department of Social Services in Lansing, Michigan. Wright leads a double life, being a mild-mannered bureaucrat by day and a passionate UFO movement leader by night. He is deeply involved with MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), using his own funds and time to investigate UFO sightings. Wright has investigated approximately 50 UFO sightings over eight years and is particularly interested in researching correlations between UFO sightings and Michigan's weather conditions. He views his work as a battle for truth and respect for the Intergalactic Way. His home office is his bedroom, equipped with a desk and file cabinets, and he even uses his favorite movie, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," as a reference point for his investigations.

Wright emphasizes that many people who report UFOs are not seeking sensationalism but rather a prosaic explanation to ease their minds. He notes that the closer a sighting is, the more the witness desires a normal explanation. He also sends Christmas cards to UFO-spotters he has interviewed, letting them know he is still there for them.

The Process of UFO Investigation

The magazine describes the work of amateur investigators who collect UFO reports from local police and airports. They then interview witnesses and visit sighting locations, filling out standardized forms. The process is detailed, including questions about the object's behavior (fluttering, spinning, pulsating, wobbling, vibrating, glowing) and appearance (fuzzy edges, appearing solid). Sketches of the UFOs are often made, with many resembling onions or pickles. The investigators aim to soothe nerves and provide explanations, though sometimes the sightings remain unexplained.

The Challenges of Investigation

Ron Westrum, a sociology professor at Eastern Michigan University and a UFO investigator for 12 years, discusses the time constraints faced by investigators. He explains that a typical case can take up to eight hours, often spread over three evenings. During a period of high UFO activity, such as after the release of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," he received 25 cases, making it impossible to investigate them all thoroughly. He likens the work to an airport security check, where many suspicious things turn out to be nothing. Westrum recounts an incident where he identified a UFO as an airliner switching lights, a case he calls "the Herbie case."

The Abduction Phenomenon

The issue delves into the phenomenon of alien abductions, noting that in about 600 cases, psychologically stable individuals have reported being abducted. Some UFO researchers theorize that aliens from various parts of the universe may be visiting Earth, with descriptions of these beings falling into several categories. The text mentions a historical problem with charlatans claiming alien contact, which led some researchers to initially dismiss abduction stories. However, the increasing number of consistent abduction accounts has made it harder to ignore.

Jacobs, a UFO researcher, highlights the consistency in abduction reports: "If you have one (abduction) case, you gotta say, 'Forget it.' But if you have 100 cases, or 200, and they all fit the same pattern, describe the same things, and give details that are amazingly similar, you have to step back and say, 'What the hell is happening here?'"

Common characteristics reported by abductees include a straight-line scar on the upper left thigh, telepathic communication (with humming as the only audible noise), and being "floated" rather than led forcefully to spacecraft. The abductors are described as emotionless, except for surprise, and their communication is mundane, such as "Come with me" or "Lie still."

Skepticism and Counterarguments

Jack McConnell, a former astronomer at Michigan State University and a member of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), offers a skeptical perspective. He suggests that people who report such experiences might be experiencing psychological phenomena. CSICOP's mission is to debunk paranormal claims, including UFOs, astrology, and faith healing. Skeptics pose critical questions about extraterrestrial visitation, such as the immense time required for interstellar travel and the lack of physical evidence like crashed craft or alien artifacts.

McConnell questions why, if UFOs are real, there haven't been more public sightings in well-known locations, why no UFO has ever crashed, and why no physical evidence (like an alien earring) has ever been found at a sighting site.

The Mermaid Birth Case

A prominent story in this issue details the alleged birth of a mermaid infant to a 17-year-old woman in the Philippines. The woman claims she was impregnated by an alien named Aldar after an encounter with a UFO. The infant, named Sirena, is described as normal from the hips up but possessing a mermaid-like tail with scaly skin instead of legs and feet. The baby has been placed in an orphanage. Local missionary Matthew Perkins confirms the unusual physical anomaly. The story notes that medical history includes other cases of mermaid births, with some doctors speculating that leg development might have been compressed early in fetal development. The book "Medical Curiosities" is cited as documenting two such cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained and human belief. It presents both the passionate dedication of UFO investigators like Dan Wright and the rigorous skepticism of organizations like CSICOP. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting extraordinary claims alongside critical analysis. The inclusion of the mermaid birth story, while sensational, underscores the magazine's willingness to cover fringe and unusual phenomena within the broader context of unexplained events and potential extraterrestrial contact.