APCIC - Vol 12 No 03 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 12 No. 3
Date: March 1987
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS compiles reports and articles from various publications concerning UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related phenomena. It features a mix of contemporary and historical accounts, investigative theories, and information from UFO research organizations.

Contents Overview

'SPRING' into the unknown (Nottingham Recorder, Jan 8 1987)

This article introduces Peter Jackson, founder of the Nottingham-based group SPRING (Strange Phenomena Research, Investigation, and Notation Group). Jackson recounts his experiences with UFOs, including a sighting of lights at hedge height during a 'skywatch' in Oxton in the early 1980s. He also discusses his involvement with investigating ghosts and spirits, detailing an experience at a bungalow off Aspley Lane. SPRING holds weekly meetings for interested individuals.

It happened tomorrow: 3128 (Western Evening Herald, Jan 6 1987)

This piece revisits the case of Captain Thomas Mantell, a U.S. Air Force pilot who died in 1948 while investigating a reported flying saucer near Maysville, Kentucky. Despite two official inquiries, the cause of the crash remains a question. Mantell reported seeing a large metallic saucer and was closing in on it when his plane reportedly exploded. The official explanation cited mechanical malfunction, omitting any mention of a UFO.

Mysterious UFOs (Cambridge News, Jan 12 1987)

This article reports on recent UFO sightings over the Fens after a six-year gap. It details a bright green 'Polo mint'-like object seen by a lorry driver near Welney and a bright orange object near Cambridge over Christmas and New Year. The piece also recounts an early recorded sighting from December 14, 1861, near Newmarket, where a builder named John Holland described a 'brilliant aerial body' that moved erratically and appeared like 'candlelight in a transparent cup'. The article notes the darting movement as a characteristic of modern UFO sightings.

Big orange domes and green 'Polo mint' amaze onlookers (Page 6)

This section continues the report from Cambridge News, detailing Ian Webster's sighting of a bright green, spherical object resembling a 'football-sized Polo mint' moving at high speed near Welney. His wife initially doubted the sighting, but his detailed description convinced her. The article also mentions a sighting by Karen Suttle and Violet Hills of a huge orange dome near Swaffham Prior and Swaffham Bulbeck before Christmas. These sightings are highlighted as the first in the Cambridgeshire area for six years.

Huge semi-circle (Page 7)

This part of the Cambridge News report mentions a sighting on January 24, 1980, of a gigantic UFO shaped like a semi-circle and glowing bright orange over Cambridge Airport. It also refers to a three-hour display of celestial pyrotechnics by UFOs over Harston. The significance of the recent sightings by two women is that their UFO was also bright orange.

Sky watchers are asked about UFOs (Bolton Evening News, Jan 2 1987)

This article appeals to sky watchers in Bolton for information regarding a spectacular UFO sighting on December 23rd, where a group of bright objects were seen flying in formation over the Leeds and Bradford area. Similar sightings were reported in the Yorkshire Dales five days later. The Yorkshire UFO Society is investigating and seeks witnesses who may have seen these objects.

UFO's over the High Peak? (Buxton Advertiser, Derbyshire, Jan 14 1986)

The Yorkshire UFO Society is investigating a series of sightings of a formation of bright lights over Yorkshire and South Lancashire on December 23rd, believed to be heading into the High Peak. Mrs. Elsa Lee of the society states that while 90% of reports are identified as conventional objects, the remaining 10% remain unidentified, and some are 'very, very strange'.

Riddle of doomed jet buzzed by a UFO (South Bucks Star, Jan 16 1988)

Investigator Jenny Randles is examining a theory that an F-111 fighter plane crashed in Oxfordshire in 1973 due to a UFO. A building surveyor named Peter Day filmed a strange orange ball of light on the same morning the jet crashed, but subsequent analysis showed the film was shot over half an hour before the crash. Randles considers this film 'the hardest evidence in the world that UFO's do exist' and suggests it could explain the crash if the UFO was involved.

Hunt is on (Page 8)

This brief report mentions UFO experts investigating a strange light seen for over an hour by a man walking his dog over Beaconsfield in the early hours before Christmas. Ken Phillips of the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena is leading the probe and seeking other witnesses.

Pilot "shadowed" by huge UFO" (Dublin Evening Press, Jan 13 1987)

A Japan Airlines pilot, Captain Kenjyu Terruchi, reported being shadowed by a huge unidentified flying object over Alaska in November. He reported another sighting on a flight from London, describing 'irregular lights' that looked like a spaceship. While the Federal Aviation Administration suggested light reflecting off ice crystals as a possible explanation, Terruchi stated that the November sighting occurred in clear weather with no temperature inversion, making that explanation unlikely for the earlier event. The object was detected on weather radar during the November incident but not on Sunday.

Bloodthirsty aliens feast on animals (Examiner, Feb 17 1987)

This article presents a theory by Salvador Freixedo, a former Jesuit priest, who claims that UFO aliens are responsible for animal mutilations. Freixedo interprets biblical texts, particularly from the Old Testament book of Leviticus, to suggest that 'Jehovah' was an alien being who demanded blood and entrails as sacrifices. He posits that when people stopped making such sacrifices, the aliens began using UFOs to obtain blood and animal organs by mutilating thousands of animals. The article details the standard procedure of mutilations, including the precise removal of internal organs and complete draining of blood, and notes the absence of tracks, suggesting non-terrestrial involvement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects and potential alien visitation. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings, investigating historical cases, and exploring various explanations, ranging from scientific possibilities like meteor showers to more speculative theories involving alien intervention in both aerial phenomena and terrestrial events like animal mutilations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and evidence, while also highlighting the work of dedicated researchers and organizations in the field. The inclusion of reports from multiple regional newspapers and the detailed coverage of specific incidents suggest a commitment to providing a comprehensive overview of UFO-related news and discussions within the UFO community.

This issue, identified by the volume and issue number "3128" and dated "JAN 29 1987" (though other dates appear on individual articles), appears to be a collection of articles from various publications, primarily focused on UFO sightings and the phenomenon of flying saucers. The cover headline, "Our radar scopes have become saturated with an enormous number of targets characterizing an invasion of Brazilian air space!?", attributed to Gen. Octavio Julio Moreira Lima, Minister of Aeronautics of Brazil, sets a dramatic tone. The main article on the cover, "HERE! Scientists admit they were wrong! Expected space war of 1993 is happening now!", quotes Dr. Gerhard Schultz, a physicist, who suggests a grievous error in translating a space radio message indicates an alien invasion is imminent, possibly by July 6, 1993, or that the 'war of the worlds' is already beginning.

Articles and Content

Brazilian Invasion Scare: The lead story details the alarming situation in Brazil, where radar scopes are saturated with unidentified targets. Gen. Octavio Julio Moreira Lima states that the Brazilian authorities are trying to present the truth, having registered a phenomenon of luminous flashing lights and persistent radar screen blips that cannot be explained. He characterizes it as an invasion, with dozens of contacts along the coastline. The article also mentions that American and Soviet scientists intercepted a radio transmission from space indicating an alien society's plan to attack Earth. The initial estimated arrival date of July 6, 1993, was revised after the sighting of dozens of glowing starships over Brazil on December 21, following a similar event the previous spring.

Dr. Gerhard Schultz's Warning: Dr. Gerhard Schultz, who worked with the team that translated the space radio message, told reporters in Bonn, West Germany, that a grievous error in translation had occurred. He firmly believes that the 'war of the worlds' is on the verge of beginning, if it hasn't already begun, due to the wave of starships encountered in Brazil. Brazilian authorities, while not commenting on Schultz's assessment, spoke openly about the alarming invasion. The official Air Force reported pursuing "several dozen saucer-shaped UFOs" picked up on radar on December 21, engaging in a 12-minute encounter where the UFOs would slow down and then shoot out of range when approached.

"Strangers in the Sky" Series: Several articles, notably by Robert Jackson and Matthew Schofield, revisit the history and recent events surrounding flying saucers. Robert Jackson's pieces, appearing in "SOUTHERN EVENING ECHO SOUTHAMPTON" (Feb 6, 1987), "BRIGHTON EVENING ARGUS E. SUSSEX" (Feb 17, 1987), "WREYHAM EVENING LEADER" (Feb 4, 1987), and "NORTHERN ECHO DARLINGTON" (Feb 2, 1987), all touch upon the 40th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947. Arnold described nine huge gleaming objects flying at an estimated 1,200 mph near the Cascade Mountains, and his description led to the press coining the term "flying saucers." These articles also cover the January sighting of a mystery object shadowing a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 freighter, described by Captain Kenju Terauchi as huge and walnut-shaped, about twice the size of an aircraft carrier. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation into this incident. The articles emphasize that while many sightings can be explained (e.g., falling satellite debris, rocket launches, lighthouse beams), a small percentage, like the warship-sized walnuts chasing Japanese airliners, remain unexplained.

"UFO 'scares' decline in U.S." by Matthew Schofield (Kansas City Star, Feb 2, 1987): This article notes a decline in UFO "scares" in the U.S. since the mid-1970s. Experts like Ted Phillips and Thomas H. Nicholl suggest that enthusiasm has waned, and people are less likely to look up at the sky. Missouri, which was a hotspot for sightings in 1973-74, has seen a significant decline, with only four reported sightings in Missouri and 218 nationwide since 1985. The article suggests that law enforcement and media outlets are less receptive, potentially scaring away witnesses. Professor Harley Rutledge notes that about 3% of sightings are reported, and many people are shy of reporting for fear of ridicule. Despite the decline, a recent sighting over Alaska of a possible spaceship twice the size of an aircraft carrier is hoped to revive interest.

Shelley McLenaghan's Detailed Encounter (SHE, London, March 1987): This article by Peter Hough details a profound experience of Shelley McLenaghan, who, at 17, encountered an Unidentified Flying Object near her home. She described a red and green light that merged into a craft with a trap door, tripod legs, and portholes, which tilted towards her, causing physical sensations like pressure on her head and vibrating teeth. She experienced a feeling of being in a nightmare, with her movements slowed. The encounter, which should have taken ten minutes, took her 45 minutes to get home. Following the sighting, Shelley developed a purple rash and experienced dental problems, leading doctors to suspect hysteria. Two men, one claiming to be an RAF commander, later interviewed her and her parents, advising her not to mention the incident to anyone, especially UFO organizations.

"City UFO mystery sparks a big scare" (Milton Keynes Citizen, Jan 15, 1987): This article reports on a "mystery spaceship" sighted in the area, sparking a wave of calls to the Citizen offices. Several people reported seeing an object described as a "round ball of light with a tail" or an "oval-shaped spaceship with light around it making a humming noise." The observation tower at Nairobi International Airport received over 100 calls, but its radar detected nothing. The Kenyan army and Meteorological Department also found nothing. One explanation offered is that the object was a search flare.

Other Sightings and Letters:

• Kenyans See UFO: A report from Kenya describes hundreds of people witnessing a "round ball of light with a tail" scudding across the night sky, causing a jam at Nairobi International Airport's switchboard.
• "Diamonds in the sky" (Maldon & Burnham Standard, Feb 19, 1987): A letter from Mrs. R. E. Franklin describes seeing a "most wonderful object" that was "very brilliant to look at" and made her think of "hundreds of diamonds." She saw it while hearing a plane that seemed to be in trouble.
• "Silent as a cottage-loaf" (Maldon & Burnham Standard, Feb 19, 1987): Another letter recounts a sighting of an olive-green object shaped like a "cottage-loaf" that moved overhead without noise. The writer also mentions a separate experience involving a deceased son appearing in a radiant light.
• "Virgin Birth?" (9213-9 Penthouse, Feb 1987): A brief, anecdotal report from Brazil about ranchers finding an egg laid by a UFO that hatched into a baby boy.
• "RIDDLE IN THE SKY" (Daily Mirror, Feb 10, 1987): A call for a government investigation into UFOs, mentioning an incident where a UFO passed through an air force base and was followed for about three miles.
• Lincolnshire Daily Echo (Feb 2, 1987): Reports of unidentified flying objects over Lincoln, including a light plane in trouble and formations of lights.

UFOLOGY Section: This section provides context on Shelley McLenaghan's case, noting its detailed nature and verifiable aspects. It mentions that annually, hundreds of cases are reported to the British UFO Research Organisation (BURO) and the Ministry of Defence. Since BURO began in 1967, 25,000 case histories have been compiled. The trend shows fewer sightings now compared to the 60s and 70s, partly attributed to films like "Close Encounters" fulfilling psychological needs and increased knowledge of artificial satellites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the persistent nature of UFO sightings across decades, the potential for alien visitation or invasion, and the struggle to distinguish credible evidence from hoaxes or misidentifications. There's a clear emphasis on the seriousness with which some authorities and scientists are treating these phenomena, contrasted with the skepticism or ridicule faced by witnesses. The articles highlight the ongoing mystery and the public's enduring fascination with the unknown, even as reported sightings may be declining in some regions. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and accounts, presenting both the sensational claims and the more grounded, skeptical analyses, while acknowledging the persistent "two percent" of sightings that defy easy explanation.

This issue of the Cambridge News, dated February 6, 1987, focuses on reader-submitted accounts of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings, under the headline "Readers' letters pour in telling us about their close encounters with UFOs." The main cover story, "Barrels of beer, cigars and saucers in the sky," highlights several experiences, including a photograph taken by amateur photographer Barry Marshall during a holiday in the Lake District. The magazine presents these accounts as potentially genuine visitors from outer space, optical illusions, or simply unexplained phenomena.

Barry Marshall's Photograph

Barry Marshall, from Howard Road, Cambridge, captured a photograph during a holiday in the Lake District with his wife Elizabeth, her sister Alan and Barbara Bettridge. While walking, the women spotted an object in the sky, and Barry snapped a picture. The object is described as resembling a spaceship. Although two jet aircraft flying overhead distracted them, by the time they looked again, the object had vanished. Barry admits the object in the photograph might resemble an odd-shaped cloud in close-up, but it does look like a common image of a flying saucer.

Reader Experiences

The magazine features numerous letters from readers detailing their UFO encounters:

• Fred Yarham, an ex-RAF crewman from Sandy, recalls a "close encounter" 20 years prior in Hertfordshire. He saw two luminous discs, about the size of tennis balls, separated by 18 inches, gliding across the sky silently. He categorically stated they were not aircraft due to the lack of engine noise and navigation lights, finding the experience eerie.
• Shirley Camps from Cambridge reported two sightings. The first involved three red lights in a triangle formation hovering in the sky, which followed her when she moved. The second sighting was of a "railway carriage"-shaped object with rotating white lights that disappeared quickly.
• Mrs. Veronica Osborne from Gazeley described seeing a "huge glow" on the road that appeared to be bus lights, but vanished when the road straightened out.
• Mr. P. S. Hunter from Haddenham recounted seeing a large, orange-coloured ball in the sky pulsating with red colours, which hung motionless before disappearing with a flash like lightning.
• Tom Freeman, a nine-year-old from Cambridge, reported two encounters. In November 1984, he saw a moon-size bright orange sphere floating silently, which he initially thought was Mars. It faded, and two smaller red and green circular lights appeared, moving silently before disappearing. A year later, he saw another UFO near St. Philips School, described as the size and shape of a beer barrel.
• Jake Willers, 15, from Cambridge, saw a bright orange light while working at Shepreth, which disappeared after about 10 minutes.

Explanations and Skepticism

Not all sightings are taken at face value. Keith Edkins from Cambridge suggested that green lights seen could be ground-based lasers used for Christmas illumination by a store, stating, "It is much more likely than little green men!"

An anecdote is shared about an elderly woman who reported a "flying saucer" to the police, only for officers to find it was a broken crockery saucer from a domestic dispute next door.

The "Expert" Debate

An article titled "Perhaps expert is hiding truth" by Nancy D. Kroon questions the role of "experts" who dismiss UFO information. She commends Capt. Kenju Terauchi for reporting his sighting and suggests that governments systematically suppress UFO evidence. She criticizes figures like "Mr. Klass" (Philip Klass), an editor for Aviation Week and Space Technology, who often provides conventional explanations for sightings, implying he might be part of a disinformation campaign.

The Japan Air Lines Sighting

The issue also references a recent sighting by the crew of a Japan Air Lines jet traveling from Iceland to Alaska, who reported being shadowed by three unidentified flying objects, one significantly larger than an aircraft carrier. Ground controllers confirmed the radar activity, and federal officials found the crew "professional and rational." Philip Klass, however, concluded that the crew saw an unusually bright image of Jupiter and possibly Mars.

Walter Andrus and MUFON

Walter Andrus, international director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), is featured. MUFON claims 1,200 members who study UFO reports. Andrus believes the government has suppressed UFO evidence for decades and that a visit from extraterrestrials is inevitable. He states MUFON's goal is to prepare people and pressure the government to admit the existence of UFOs. He describes himself as an "objective skeptic" and notes that MUFON's membership is by invitation only, with annual dues of $25. Andrus became interested in UFOs after his family saw four metallic spheres over Phoenix in 1948. He also mentions that about 90 percent of MUFON's investigated reports turn out to be airplanes or natural phenomena.

Other Reports and Publications

• Kay M. Levine's "Troubleshooter" column mentions a pair named Sherman Bounds and John Smith, who were involved in questionable business practices and linked to a photograph claimed to be a weather satellite photo proving UFOs exist.
• A report from the Dallas Times Herald (Feb. 9, 1987) discusses Walter Andrus and MUFON's work.
• The South Bucks Star (Jan. 23, 1987) reports a woman, Ann Culley, saw a UFO flying low over High Wycombe.
• An article from Zimbabwe Air Commodore David Thorne admits the Air Force spotted and tracked a UFO, describing it as incredibly shiny and traveling at twice the speed of sound. The object was later observed to be giving off its own light.
• Jim Heffernan in the Duluth News Tribune Herald (Feb. 1, 1987) discusses the Japanese pilot's sighting and criticizes the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal for dismissing it as Jupiter and Mars, suggesting a government cover-up involving a "Star Wars experiment" and the battleship Missouri.
• Stephen Brown, a UFO expert from Burnley, has published a sequel to his book, "UFOs over Lancashire," titled "UFOs Hit the Press," compiling UFO reports from various sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the variety of shapes and behaviours reported, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting these accounts seriously, giving space to reader experiences and questioning official explanations, particularly those provided by figures like Philip Klass. There's an underlying suggestion of government secrecy and a desire for official acknowledgment of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into the subject, encouraging readers to share their own experiences while acknowledging that some sightings may have mundane explanations.