APCIC - Vol 11 No 11 - 1986

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS from November 1986, Volume 11, No. 11, is published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, based in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NEWS" and an illustration of three flying saucers, along with the headline "AERIAL PHENOMENON."

Encounters with UFOs Unforgettable

This article by Martha Freeman reports on a symposium on UFOs held at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, sponsored by the Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON). Several individuals shared their firsthand experiences with UFOs, including Bruce Sullivan, who saw elongated discs as a child; Bill Banks, who saw 'teeny rocket ships'; Tom Page, who witnessed two large white lights; and D.J. Long, who observed a silver disc. Richard Haines, a senior research scientist for NASA, stated that while he has not had a close encounter, 20 years of research have convinced him that something unexplained is occurring. He noted that while 90 percent of cases can be explained naturally, 10 percent remain unexplained, including abduction reports. Haines mentioned that researchers have improved their questioning techniques to better understand the significance of these events for witnesses. Allen Michael, a retiree, claims to have spent $40,000 publishing books that intertwine the Bible with his experiences with extraterrestrial beings, whom he believes are part of the universal mind. Bruce Sullivan, a UN consultant, suggested that people's preconceptions hinder their acceptance of phenomena like UFOs and that there might be a link between native folklore and UFOs. He also noted that governments take UFOs seriously, questioning why there isn't more public discussion.

Stargazers See It, Now They Don't

This article by Carle Hodge from The Phoenix Arizona Republic discusses the mystery surrounding an object that appeared to be a planet but has since seemingly disappeared. Astronomer Donald W. McCarthy and his colleagues initially announced the discovery of a Jupiter-like mass of gases near the star Van Biesbroeck 8, which they believed to be a planet. However, subsequent observations by McCarthy's team and others have failed to relocate the object. McCarthy suggests that the object might not be there, or it could be a more massive companion that moves quickly. Other possibilities include a white dwarf star or atmospheric turbulence. The article highlights the challenges in astronomical observation and the speculative nature of such discoveries.

UFOs Light Up the Skies Over Colorado Mountains

This National Enquirer report details a spectacular UFO display witnessed by law enforcement officers and a county commissioner in Colorado. Sheriff Delbert Ewoldt, Deputy Paul Szymanski, and Trooper Sid Micklich observed a triangular formation of three unknown lights, flashing red and green, for several hours. They ruled out conventional explanations like planes or weather balloons, estimating the objects were at an altitude of roughly 30,000 feet. Officer Scott Koch, initially a skeptic, became convinced that "we are not alone in the universe" after witnessing the event. County Commissioner Dan Ulmer also saw the UFOs. Checks with the FAA, Civil Air Patrol, and NORAD revealed no known aircraft or debris that could account for the sightings. The UFO formation eventually broke up, and the objects moved out of sight over the mountains.

Cleveland speaker shoots down UFOs

This article by Hank Kozloski from The Lorain Journal features Philip J. Klass, a retired senior electronics editor, who addressed the Cleveland Astronomical Society. Klass, known for debunking UFO theories for over 20 years, shared his investigation into a 1973 incident where a U.S. Army Reserve helicopter crew reported encountering a fiery red light. Klass determined that the light was likely a meteor shower, and the helicopter's sudden ascent was due to the pilot's instinctive reaction to the perceived threat. He has written three books on the subject, including "UFOs: The Public Deceived." Klass also commented on debunking claims about the Korean Airlines 007 incident and reiterated his stance that while most UFO reports come from honest, mystified individuals, a small percentage are hoaxes or related to abduction claims, which he does not consider evidence of alien craft.

Mysterious Light In Sky Identified

This brief report from Rochester, N.Y., identifies a mysterious glowing, doughnut-shaped cloud. Initially baffling, aerospace engineer James Oberg determined that the phenomenon was likely caused by the release of gas from a rocket launched from Japan. He calculated that the rocket and its deployed satellites would have passed over the U.S. around the time of the sightings, suggesting the rocket may have exploded, creating the cloud. Some astronomers reported seeing two points alongside the cloud, possibly the satellites.

Out of this world: Women say they were abducted by space aliens

This article by Tom Richards from the Appleton Post-Crescent profiles Judie Woolcott and Bonnie Meyer, who claim to have been abducted by aliens seven times and to have had microscopic implants placed behind their ears. They are part of the Fox Valley UFO Discussion & Support Group. The women discovered their abductions through hypnotherapy, detailing experiences of being taken to alien craft and even to another planet. They believe the implants are used to feed them information for future use. They also note that the aliens do not look like Earthlings. Woolcott and Meyer participate in a local cable TV program discussing UFOs and report a growing network of believers.

Flying saucer encounter haunts pair

This Associated Press article by David Tirrell-Wysocki revisits the famous Betty and Barney Hill abduction case. Betty Hill, now 67, returned to Thornton, N.H., the site of her alleged abduction 25 years prior. She recounted being dragged from her car with her husband, Barney, and taken aboard a flying saucer where they were examined by "diminutive humanoids." The incident, which occurred in 1961, resulted in a lost time of two hours, unexplained stains on Betty's dress, and Barney's declining health, which led to them seeking hypnosis. Their story was popularized in the book "The Interrupted Journey" and the movie "The UFO Incident."

Betty Hill back to scene of UFO close encounter

This Examiner report reiterates Betty Hill's return to Thornton, N.H., to recount her abduction experience. She describes being terrified and initially vowing to keep the incident secret. After a Boston newspaper broke the story, the Hills gained national attention. Hill now gives lectures on UFOs, encouraging people to be observant of unusual lights in the sky.

Cigar-shaped UFOs terrifying farmers

This report describes UFO sightings near Wellington, Australia, where farmers have witnessed "cigar-shaped" objects described as huge silver objects. Witnesses reported the objects hovering, then zooming off at terrific speed. While no injuries were reported, local farmers suffered shock and anxiety attacks. The sightings are consistent in describing the UFOs as cigar-shaped.

INVESTIGATING UFO SIGHTINGS: A Sensational Science That Gets No Respect

This article by Karen Krebsbach from the Framingham Middlesex Daily News discusses the challenges faced by independent UFO investigators, such as Joe Nyman. Nyman, who has interviewed dozens of people claiming alien encounters, often relies on hypnosis to unravel their stories. The article notes that while most alleged abduction cases are dismissed as fantasy, a significant percentage are considered worthy of consideration. The piece highlights the desperation of individuals seeking answers about deep subconscious experiences and their reluctance to be publicly identified for fear of ridicule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around personal UFO encounters, alleged alien abductions, and the scientific investigation and debunking of such phenomena. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from those who firmly believe in extraterrestrial visitation and abduction to those, like Philip J. Klass, who are skeptical and seek rational explanations. There is a clear focus on eyewitness testimony, often supported by hypnosis or scientific analysis, and a recognition of the public's fascination with the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including both believers' accounts and skeptical analyses, while acknowledging that a small percentage of cases remain difficult to explain.

This issue of The Middlesex News, dated September 26, 1986, focuses on UFO phenomena, including alleged alien encounters and historical sightings, alongside an in-depth look at geoglyphs.

Alien Encounters and Abductions

The lead article, "Alien Encounters," by Joe Nyman, a UFO researcher with over 25 years of experience, highlights his work chronicling stories of alleged alien abductees. Nyman emphasizes his interest in preserving data and understanding the phenomenon, rather than convincing skeptics. He notes that many people involved in UFO studies are 'closet ufologists' due to the 'ridicule factor.' Nyman speculates that hundreds, possibly thousands, of humans may have been abducted by aliens without realizing it.

He defines 'close encounters of the fourth kind' as alleged abductions by aliens. The article traces the modern era of UFO studies back to 1947 and the coining of the term 'flying saucers.' The highly publicized 1961 abduction case of Betty and Barney Hill is presented as a pivotal event, establishing a standard for judging other cases. The Hills' experience, which included 'lost time' and physical evidence on Betty's dress, was detailed in John Fuller's book, "The Interrupted Journey."

Ray Fowler, MUFON's director of investigations, notes that the concept of 'lost time' was a significant puzzle for investigators. He credits Steven Spielberg's 1977 film, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," with encouraging alleged abduction victims to come forward, possibly reducing the stigma associated with such experiences.

The article presents two case studies researched by Nyman:

1. The MetroWest Artist: A 37-year-old artist who, after seeing a UFO as a teenager, was compelled to paint pictures with strong UFO themes. Under hypnosis, she recalled being abducted and examined, describing beings with pear-shaped heads.
2. The Foxboro Boy: A 13-year-old boy in December 1980 reported a saucer-shaped object with lights hovering over him, emitting a beam that caused temporary paralysis. He later recalled a 'mumbling' in his head and a 'friendly' alien with a large head and small body. A marking similar to a sunburn was found on his chest.

Subsequent research by Nyman found similar markings on a young man in Texas. The boy's experience was further explored through hypnosis, where he relived the encounter, describing the alien's appearance and communication.

Another case detailed is a 'bedroom encounter' in Framingham in 1984, where a man awoke to a green beam of light from a craft on his ceiling, feeling his mind was being read. He then saw an aircraft with tripod legs rising from the ground.

Historical UFO Sightings

An article from The National Enquirer (Nov. 18, 1986) titled "Monks & Clergymen Saw UFOs - 800 Years Ago" reports that descriptions of UFOs from the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries closely match modern eyewitness accounts. Hayden Hewes of the International UFO Bureau highlights the credibility of these medieval reports, citing monks and clergymen as reliable witnesses. Examples include:

• 1168: A 'globe of fire' seen moving across the skies near Byland Abbey.
• 1254: Monks at St. Albans Abbey described a 'ship' in the sky.
• 1290: The abbot and monks of Byland Abbey reported seeing a flat silver disk fly over the abbey.
• 1320: A moving light in the sky descended and floated over Durham.
• 1322: A pale gray 'pillar of fire' soared across the evening sky in Uxbridge, described as a brilliant gold flame.

These historical sightings are presented as evidence of UFOs being a long-standing phenomenon.

Geoglyphs: Ancient Desert Drawings

An article from the Los Angeles Times (Oct. 12, 1986) titled "They Seek Answers to Mysterious Geoglyphs" focuses on the work of Harry Casey, a farmer and pilot, and Jay von Werlhoff, an archeologist, in documenting geoglyphs in the Southwest. Geoglyphs are large-scale ground drawings of humans, mazes, and other figures made by people who lived from 500 to 10,000 years ago.

Casey discovered these markings while photographing wildflowers. Von Werlhoff, his instructor at Imperial Valley College, became his collaborator. Using Casey's piloting skills, they have documented hundreds of geoglyphs. The article contrasts their approaches: Casey is methodical, while Von Werlhoff is intuitive. They have flown extensively to document these ancient artworks, some of which are hundreds of feet in size.

The article mentions famous geoglyphs in Nazca, Peru, and notes that U.S. geoglyphs have not attracted as much scientific attention. The Blythe Giants in California are highlighted as some of the best-known U.S. geoglyphs.

Von Werlhoff explains that dating geoglyphs is difficult, often relying on climatic and geological clues. He notes that a 'grinning face' geoglyph discovered was immediately identifiable as modern due to its context.

Most geoglyphs in the area were made 500 to 1,000 years ago by tribes like the Mohave, Cheneheuvi, Quechan, and Kumeyaay. While some current tribal members share information, they generally consider the figures sacred and do not know who made them or their exact function, with some attributing them to 'gods.'

Von Werlhoff believes the geoglyphs were created by shamans to contact powerful spirits for protection, to ensure fertility, renewal, and survival. He posits that the impulse for continuation and continuity, the idea of history and the future, is what turned man to art and civilization. He suggests the geoglyphs are expressions of a people's urge to protect future generations in a hostile environment.

The article also touches on the threat to geoglyphs from dune buggies and dirt bikes, and the Bureau of Land Management's efforts to protect sites. Von Werlhoff also builds fences around unprotected geoglyphs.

A geoglyph in the shape of a snake near Parker, Arizona, is also mentioned.

UFO Expert Claims: Types of Aliens

A National Enquirer article (Oct. 14, 1986) presents claims from UFO experts about four common types of space aliens regularly visiting Earth:

1. Small Humanoid: 3 to 4.5 feet tall, large heads, round eyes without pupils, slit mouths, hairless, with webbed fingers.
2. Experimental Animal (Bigfoot): Hairy, 7-foot-tall, long arms, sharp fangs, estimated to weigh up to 400 pounds. Described as entities sent on exploratory probes.
3. Humanlike: Almost indistinguishable from humans, with characteristics like bowed legs and no hands. An example was reported in Wyoming.
4. Robot: Appearing in various forms, they performed mechanical functions, assisting in medical examinations. Two such entities were encountered in Mississippi.

UFO Investigations and Skepticism

An article from the Van Nuys Daily News (Oct. 4, 1986) describes the monthly meetings of the National Investigations Committee on Unidentified Flying Objects in Van Nuys, where believers and skeptics gather. Dore Bedell suggests an open mind is essential for lectures. Frank Stranges, the committee director, prefers people to form their own conclusions. Topics include hollow earth theories, government cover-ups, and potential life on Mars.

Edward Lopez, a skeptic, is quoted as saying that the majority of UFO reports are hoaxes. He criticizes claims made by Billy Mier, a Swiss farmer who Bedell believes has genuine UFO photos. Lopez demands a refund of his $5 donation, calling the claims photographic errors. Bedell defends Mier, stating there's not enough evidence to prove the photos are fake. Lou Duskin, who visited Mier in Switzerland, believed in the visitations, citing holes burned in trees.

Harley Bird, nephew of Adm. Richard Bird, spoke about government conspiracy to withhold information on UFOs, referencing his uncle's unpublished diary about discovering an 'inner continent' and the study of alien bodies.

Jamie DeZur expresses disturbance at Lopez's outburst, noting Stranges' credibility. She admits to rarely discussing her own sightings due to people's tendency to ridicule.

Other UFO Reports

The issue also includes brief reports on:

• An explosion over Lake Erie (The Plain Dealer, Oct. 27 & 29, 1986).
• A mysterious flying object spotted over Musbury, England (Pullman's Weekly News, Oct. 27, 1986).
• A UFO sighting near Emley Moor, England (Huddersfield Examiner, Nov. 5, 1986).
• A mention of the UFO Contact News Service and their claims about extraterrestrials (The Middlesex News, Oct. 24, 1986).
• A call for witnesses to a UFO sighting in Ashbourne, England (Ashbourne News Telegraph, Oct. 23, 1986).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings across history and cultures, the ongoing debate between belief and skepticism in the field of ufology, and the exploration of alleged alien encounters and their potential implications. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from researchers dedicated to data preservation to skeptics who question the validity of many reports. The geoglyph articles introduce a related area of study, connecting ancient human endeavors with potential extraterrestrial influence or inspiration. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting information and diverse viewpoints, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, particularly in the context of the UFO investigations committee meetings.

This document comprises scanned pages from three different publications: the HAMILTON JOURNAL NEWS (October 20, 1986), the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS (October 23, 1986), and the YORKSHIRE EVENING POST (October 18, 1986).

HAMILTON JOURNAL NEWS - October 20, 1986

Sightings Bolster Belief in UFOs

The cover story of the Hamilton Journal News, dated October 20, 1986, features a report titled "Sightings bolster belief in UFOs." The article highlights a Hamilton husband and wife who claim to have made constant sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and "Men in Black" (MIBs). MIBs are described as aliens who gather information for their extraterrestrial governments.

The man interviewed states he has had experiences his entire life, recalling an incident as a boy when a girl, who claimed to be his brothers, placed her forehead against his and pointed upwards, saying "Up there and over there and there." Later, as an adult, he and his wife were in their locked garage when a man and a woman appeared and asked if they were alright.

His wife, who grew up on a farm, also recounted a childhood experience where a large, round, shiny object came down to the ground while they were hoeing corn. She described it as "pretty and shiny."

The couple believes UFOs hover around their area, often seen in the early morning hours when the man is returning home from a third shift. During a 3 a.m. vacation trip to Canada, a UFO reportedly stayed above their car the entire way.

They also described an experience in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where UFOs were all around the city, and their new camera malfunctioned. On the way home, a UFO was seen flying in front of them. While trying to find a camping area near Celina, they got lost but found the UFO already at their campsite, suggesting it knew their location.

The man feels the UFOs respond to his thoughts, noting that when he mentally asked one to come closer, its light brightened significantly. Due to scientists' skepticism, they have stopped reporting sightings.

The wife mentions that author Leonard Stringfield is her idol and believes UFOs come from "the other side of the moon." The article concludes by suggesting that if extraterrestrial beings were to land, at least one Hamilton couple, Bill and Virginia Smith, would not be surprised.

SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS - October 23, 1986

Mystery Lights Return to Saratoga

This article, by Kathy Holub, reports on a mysterious bright red light observed in the night sky over Saratoga, California, on Tuesday night. Approximately 15 people called Santa Clara County dispatchers to report the phenomenon, which hovered from 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. before disappearing.

Dozens of callers had reported a similar event on October 15th at the same time and location. Maureen Denton of Los Gatos described the experience as "very exciting" and noted the light was "very bright, much larger than the lights you see on airplanes." She also mentioned observing something "burning or flickering."

Vicki Yauger of Saratoga reported seeing the light high in the northwestern sky, initially moving towards them and then away. Through binoculars, it appeared as a cluster of lights. She described it as "scary" when it started getting larger and seemed to be coming down. Her husband stated the light turned green and slowly disappeared. However, neither Moffett Field Naval Air Station nor Vandenberg Air Force Base reported any unusual aircraft activity that night or on October 15th.

Air traffic controllers and astronomers at Lick Observatory also reported seeing nothing unusual. Sheriff's deputies observed only a helicopter. A Lockheed official stated, "We don't have a clue on this one."

Denton noted that the light hovered in one place for a while, discounting the theory of a parachutist. She also observed a hood-like dome briefly appear above the light, which was rounded and did not glow, before it vanished and the light continued. After 10 to 12 minutes, the light flickered, began to fade, and then "took off toward Moffett Field" very fast, "like if you moved a flashlight across the sky."

Denton expressed that she was not afraid and felt "very special" for reporting it. Dr. Ted Peters, a Berkeley specialist in UFOs, praised such witnesses, stating that they are not necessarily "kooks" and that legitimate people can see these lights. He noted that while nocturnal lights can have rational explanations like airplanes or banners, some remain "authentic mysteries." Peters also commented on the improved public willingness to discuss UFO experiences compared to the 1950s and '60s.

YORKSHIRE EVENING POST, YORK - October 18, 1986

UFOs in Perspective

This article by Peter Mullen reflects on UFO sightings, including a "goalpost-shaped object" seen over a York City coach and a "great ball of red and blue fire" over the Mersey in Liverpool.

Mullen discusses the common portrayal of aliens as either "baddies" or "goodies" in popular culture, referencing H. G. Wells's "War of the Worlds" and the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

He introduces the theories of Carl Jung, who suggested that UFOs are modern representations of angels of flight, reflecting humanity's technological image. Jung believed that UFOs, whether real or not, signify a hope for extraterrestrial intervention to rescue humanity from its problems, viewing them as "modern visions" and "contemporary prayers."

The article concludes with a lighthearted remark, suggesting that perhaps the York City football team's 3-0 defeat might have prompted prayers for inspiration, linking it to the idea of seeking external help.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles include the persistent reporting of UFO sightings and related phenomena, the psychological and societal aspects of belief in UFOs, and the challenges in obtaining official explanations. The articles collectively suggest a growing openness in discussing these experiences, moving away from the stigma of the past. The editorial stance, particularly evident in Dr. Ted Peters's comments, is one of validating witness accounts and encouraging further investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging potential rational explanations.