APCIC - Vol 12 No 04 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 12 No. 4
Date: April 1987
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into several intriguing aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring a lead story on the mysterious 'Zone of Silence' in Mexico, reports on UFO sightings in Wisconsin, a review of Whitley Strieber's controversial book 'Communion,' and a scientific explanation for some UFO sightings involving cloud formations.

The Baffling Zone of Silence

The cover story, "The Baffling Zone of Silence," explores a remote 1,500-square-mile area in northern Mexico that has become the target of intensive scientific investigation. Author Gerry Hunt's book, 'The Zone Of Silence,' is cited as the source for many of the claims. The region is described as a 'Twilight Zone' world where bizarre animals and plants thrive, strange lights dance, and radio signals go dead. A key incident highlighted is the inexplicable deviation of a U.S. Air Force Athena rocket, carrying radioactive cobalt, which was drawn 900 miles off course into the Zone's desert, ignoring abort commands. Notably, rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun made a mysterious visit to the area just two months prior.

The desert is also subject to meteorite bombardments, with one massive meteorite explosion described as making witnesses believe the end of the world had arrived. UFO sightings are common, with hundreds reporting a gigantic airship, possibly 1,000ft. long, silently hovering over the town of Ceballos. Explorers have discovered six-mile-long earthen platforms, potentially cosmic 'landing strips,' and a man-made hill shaped like a crumbling pyramid. The Zone's location along the 27th Parallel, similar to the Bermuda Triangle and the Great Pyramids, is noted as a potential factor. Airline pilots avoid the area due to radio signal failures and navigational equipment malfunctions. Tests indicate that even small rocks from the highly magnetic Zone cause compass readings to fluctuate wildly. Guillermo Silva, a local official, maintains an exhibit of curiosities, including a sandstone checkerboard artifact possibly from a UFO. A theory suggests that extraterrestrial craft may use the Zone to recharge magnetic energy engines. Rosendo Aguilera, a pilot and landowner, recounted an attack by a mutant-like creature in the Zone.

Uncle Says He Rigged UFO Landing as a Joke

This article from The Plain Dealer (April 11, 1987) reports on a claimed UFO landing in Lake City, Minnesota. Eight years after Curtis Olson found two scorched circles in his cornfield, his uncle, David Olson, confessed to rigging the site as a joke using a butane torch and posthole tamper. However, Curtis Olson disbelieves the confession, stating that experts had previously determined the site could not have been a prank.

Strange Things Cavort in Belleville Skies

This report from the Wisconsin State Journal (March 13, 1987) details a series of UFO sightings in Belleville, Wisconsin, described as a 'mini-flap' by Don Schmitt of the Center for UFO Studies. Since January 15, multiple residents have reported seeing strange lights and objects. One sighting by village policeman Glen Kazmar involved an object picked up by an FAA radar tracking station. Schmitt's investigation has ruled out conventional explanations. Other residents reported seeing silver-gray objects shaped like fuselages or blimps. A particularly strange encounter by Harvey Funseth involved four oblong objects, one of which dropped out of formation. Funseth photographed the object, but the resulting seven frames were blank, while the rest of the roll was fine.

Cloud Formations May Provide Key to UFO Sightings

This article from the Anchorage Times (March 1, 1987) by Sue Ann Bowling suggests that many UFO reports can be explained by natural phenomena, particularly lenticular clouds. These clouds, common in Alaska, remain stationary while wind blows through them, often forming in arcs resembling upside-down saucers. They are generated by mountains and form due to air cooling as it rises. While most UFOs are identified, Bowling notes that weather balloons, planets, and certain clouds are common culprits. She advises readers to keep an eye out for 'flying saucer clouds' in the spring.

Close Encounters of the Literary Kind: Whitley Strieber's Story is a Solid Read, Believe It or Not

This review from the Detroit News (March 15, 1987) discusses Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion.' The book details Strieber's alleged encounter with nonhuman beings on December 26, 1985, where he and his family claim to have been examined. The reviewer, Chuck Moss, expresses bafflement but acknowledges Strieber's belief and the book's serious tone. He notes that Strieber's previous works show sensitivity to paranormal events, and a psychiatrist certified Strieber as sane. Moss finds 'Communion' to be one of the best books on the UFO phenomenon he has read, praising its scope and personal commitment, concluding that it's a fascinating story regardless of belief.

UFOs Always Sniff Out the Significant

This article from The Hartford Courant (March 16, 1987) by Colin McEnroe discusses the resurgence of UFO sightings. It humorously suggests explanations for their previous absence, including bad 'word-of-mouth' among aliens and Pia Zadora's unavailability. A publicized sighting by a pilot over Greenland or Alaska involved a transcription of a panicked radio transmission. The article also touches on alleged government cover-ups since 1952. Mel Fetlock's story of alien abduction and a strange time dilation effect is mentioned, as is Dr. Gorgo Moonwort's analysis of artifacts from an 'extraterrestrial hotel.' The article speculates that UFOs may have returned to investigate cable home shopping networks.

Researcher Believes In UFOs

This article from the Pleasantville Atlantic City Press (January 18, 1987) profiles Robert Barry, a television personality, lecturer, and founder of the now defunct 20th-Century UFO Bureau. Barry claims inside government sources and documentation supporting his views. He states that the recent UFO sighting over Anchorage, Alaska, was one of many, and that the U.S. government has had 'extraterrestrial cadavers' in deep freeze. Barry asserts that Earth has been averaging one close encounter of the third kind daily worldwide since 1978. He recounts a case from McKee City, New Jersey, where Cheryl Brown and Ollie Freeman reported seeing cone-shaped lights that vanished quickly, followed by numerous other sightings in the area. The article also mentions a Japanese pilot's sighting over Alaska, initially explained as village lights reflecting off ice crystals, but the first incident warranted further FAA investigation.

Barry also discusses other sightings, including a brilliant light over Lake Erie that exploded, and a glowing green sphere seen in the Southwest that remained visible for up to 15 minutes. He mentions a landing in Brazil involving four circular objects. He also relates a report of a radio technician who met aliens aboard their craft and was shown a 'consultation room,' experiencing a profound sense of God's presence.

Shooting Down a UFO

This article from the Anchorage Times (January 29, 1987) by an unnamed author suggests that a UFO sighting by a Japan Air Lines pilot over Alaska was likely the planet Jupiter, with Mars also visible. The article humorously notes that confusing planets for UFOs is not uncommon. It also playfully suggests the lights could have been Santa Claus' sleigh. The author concludes that while Jupiter is a possibility, UFOs possess more 'pizzaz.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS include the persistent mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, the possibility of alien visitation, alleged government secrecy and cover-ups, and the scientific investigation of UFO reports. The magazine appears to present a range of perspectives, from detailed accounts of alleged encounters and mysterious locations to more skeptical or scientifically grounded explanations. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles and the review of Whitley Strieber's book, is one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both the compelling nature of the evidence and the need for critical examination.

This issue of the EXAMINER, dated March 10, 1987, features a prominent cover story detailing the mysterious shipwreck of the Dutch freighter Ourang Medan, with the headline "UFO aliens wiped out crew of doomed ship." The issue also includes a variety of articles on UFO sightings, alien abduction, and the search for extraterrestrial life, reflecting a resurgence of public interest in these topics.

The Ourang Medan Tragedy

The lead article by George Glidden recounts the eerie incident of the Ourang Medan, which sent a chilling SOS in February 1948 stating "Captain and all officers dead. Entire crew dead or dying." A rescue team found the ship abandoned, with the crew and officers dead, their eyes wide open in terror. Doctors found no signs of poisoning or disease. The ship later exploded and sank. While officially ruled "death by misadventure," leading UFOlogists in Japan, such as Dr. Keiji Nakamura, believe extraterrestrials were responsible, suggesting the crew was "literally scared to death" after being summoned to a meeting by aliens.

UFO Sightings and Public Interest

Several articles highlight a growing public fascination with UFOs in 1987, dubbed the "Year of the Saucer." Three major publishers are releasing books on alien contact, abduction, and torture. The Federal Aviation Administration is selling information packages related to a Japan Air Lines pilot's UFO sighting. Walt Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network reports a 10 percent increase in membership and doubled mail, indicating renewed public interest. Bruce Maccabee of the Fund for UFO Research notes that new books will provoke an "outcry for more information."

Specific Sightings and Cases

• Eastern Seaboard, USA: An orange and green light was seen streaking across the sky, possibly a meteor or falling satellite.
• Alaska: Japan Air Lines pilot Kenji Terauchi reported a large, walnut-shaped craft trailing his plane, which was also detected by radar.
• South Devon, UK: A second UFO sighting in a week involved two disc-shaped objects with colored lights. A witness described a similar object as a "cruise liner illuminated at night" with rows of lights.
• Teignmouth, UK: A UFO was observed flying easterly, described as a low-flying aircraft.
• Dunham Massey, UK: A large pulsating light hovered for 20 minutes, changing color before shooting off.
• Botley, UK: A pensioner saw a fiery tennis ball-shaped object with a bright tail.
• Barr Beacon, UK: A large dome-shaped object was reported.
• York, UK: A witness reported bright lights in the sky, described as a pure white light with a long tail.
• Belleville, USA: An object shaped like an airplane fuselage with no wings hovered and then sped away.

Alien Abduction Narratives

The issue features discussions on alien abduction, particularly referencing books like Whitley Strieber's "Communion," which describes repeated torment by creatures called "The Visitors." Budd Hopkins, an investigator of abduction claims, is also mentioned. These accounts often involve disturbing interludes such as needles in the brain and probes through the nostril, interpreted as "interspecies research." The credibility of these accounts is discussed, with the similarity in pattern and detail across many testimonies suggesting a "central purpose behind" the abduction phenomenon, possibly a "genetically focused study of particular bloodlines."

Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

An article by Christopher Hanson discusses the paradox of scientists being skeptical of UFO sightings while believing the galaxy is teeming with intelligent life. NASA has expanded its search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) projects, with international collaboration from the Soviet Union, France, West Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada. Despite no alien signals being detected yet, NASA is developing technology for a vast expansion in the number of frequencies to be scanned.

Fringe Theories and Other Topics

• Demonic Activity and UFOs: A Welsh-born Baptist minister, Dr. I.D.E. Thomas, proposes a theory linking UFOs with demonic activity in the "last days" in his book "The Omega Conspiracy."
• "Heliet Radiation" Hypothesis: A reader from Poland, Czesław Terkiewicz, presents a hypothesis that 14 unidentified orbiting objects emit "murderous Heliet radiation" that initiates neoplasms and causes drowsiness or death. He suggests this phenomenon is known but hidden, and proposes an independent institution to monitor it.
• Brian Scott Abduction Case: An editor recounts the story of Brian Scott, who claimed to have been abducted by UFO aliens and exhibited multiple personalities, with one voice identifying itself as Beelzebub. The case involved a six-year journey with an investigator, leading to Scott's alleged acquisition of knowledge in mathematics, drafting, and physics, and his involvement in projects like delivering a video-tape to the White House.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The articles in this issue reflect a strong interest in UFO phenomena, ranging from purported alien encounters and abductions to scientific investigations and fringe theories. There is a clear indication of a resurgence in public fascination with UFOs, with multiple books and reports contributing to this trend. The tone varies from investigative journalism to the presentation of more speculative and paranormal hypotheses. The recurring themes include the mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the psychological impact of alleged encounters.

This issue of THE LOUISVILLE COURIER-JOURNAL, dated March 29, 1987, with volume 1381 and issue number 19, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and alleged alien abductions. The cover story, "UFO skeptic can't explain - or deny - dancing lights," by Bill Weronka, details a series of strange lights observed near Corydon, Indiana. The issue also revisits the well-known Pascagoula abduction case.

Dancing Lights Near Corydon

Staff writer Bill Weronka recounts his personal experience investigating UFO sightings reported by Mickey Shawler near her home in Corydon, Indiana. Shawler claimed that unidentified flying objects had appeared nightly for over two weeks, describing them as glowing orange balls and blinking lights of various colors. Weronka, initially skeptical, visited Shawler's home with his wife, Carolynne, who also witnessed the phenomena. They observed blinking lights, including one with a greenish glow that made occasional zig-zags, and a larger, bright orange light hovering above trees.

Despite the visual evidence, investigations yielded no concrete explanations. Russell Hailey, a supervisor at the Standiford Field control tower in Louisville, reported no unusual radar activity. Similarly, there were no reported night military activities at Fort Knox, Kentucky, that could account for the sightings. James Delehanty, a field operative for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), also investigated the case. While Delehanty initially classified the sightings as 'nocturnal lights,' he acknowledged the possibility of them being upgraded to 'close encounter I' if further evidence emerged. Delehanty noted that the lights sometimes reappeared after observers left, leading Shawler to feel they were avoiding detection.

The Pascagoula Abduction Case

The issue also features an article by John Maines of The Clarion-Ledger detailing the 1973 abduction claims of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker. Hickson, now 55, remains steadfast in his account of being fishing with Parker near Pascagoula, Mississippi, when they encountered a craft with flashing blue lights. They described three creatures, described as robots with wrinkled skin, no necks, and mitten-like hands, who floated down and conducted a physical examination using a football-shaped probe. Hickson stated that the experience was terrifying and that he and Parker suffered temporary amnesia.

The article highlights that Hickson and Parker were among the earliest to claim alien abduction, a phenomenon that has since become more prevalent. Walter H. Andrus Jr., director of MUFON, noted that the number of reported abduction cases had risen to about 300. The piece also mentions other notable abduction cases, including that of Betty and Barney Hill, who claimed to have been abducted in 1961. The article touches upon the growing interest in abductions, with events like an 'abductee party' in Manhattan and the success of authors like William Strieber, who chronicled his own alleged abduction in his book 'Communion.'

David Jacobs, a history professor, expressed conviction in the sincerity of abduction reports, stating that the phenomenon is difficult to explain scientifically or psychologically. The article also briefly mentions a Japanese airline pilot's UFO sighting as a less significant event compared to modern abduction claims.

Hickson, who has written a book about his experience, continues to share his story and believes that aliens are superior beings observing humanity. He suggests that their interest might be to ensure humanity doesn't destroy itself.

UFO Classifications and Investigations

The article on the Corydon sightings includes a breakdown of MUFON's classification system for UFO encounters:

• Nocturnal lights: Unexplained lights in the sky at night, not moving with a fixed pattern, and more than 500 yards away.
• Daylight disks: Unexplained objects more than 500 yards away seen during daylight.
• Radar visuals: Any unexplained sighting detected on radar.
• Close encounter I: Unexplained lights or objects within 300 yards.
• Close encounter II: A sighting that leaves physical evidence, such as broken tree limbs or scorched earth.
• Close encounter III: Physical contact with aliens.
• Close encounter IV: Abduction by aliens.

James Delehanty plans to continue his investigation into UFO sightings, noting similar reports in Indiana near Indianapolis and Spencer. Burt Monroe, a biology professor, commented that MUFON is a reliable source for documenting and debunking UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue presents a balanced approach, featuring both firsthand accounts of unexplained phenomena and the perspective of a skeptical journalist. The articles highlight the persistence of UFO sightings and abduction claims, the efforts of organizations like MUFON to investigate them, and the lack of conventional explanations from authorities and scientific institutions. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena while acknowledging the inherent skepticism and the need for further investigation. The recurring themes include the mystery of unidentified aerial objects, the psychological impact of alleged alien encounters, and the ongoing debate between belief and skepticism in the face of extraordinary claims.