APCIC - Vol 12 No 05 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 12 No. 5
Date: May 1987
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA
Price: $5.00 a month (U.S. and Canada), $6.00 a month (foreign)

This issue of UFO NEWS, published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, focuses on a variety of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related research. It includes reports from international correspondents and details several significant cases and public interest trends in the UFO phenomenon during the 1980s.

Cover Story: "It came from outer space (OR DID IT?)"

The cover story, by Fleur Brennan, presents the compelling account of Neil Gardner, who witnessed a large, shape-shifting craft, described as a "mother ship," with smaller craft constantly departing and returning to it. Gardner, a former British Airways crew member, observed these objects for over an hour on a hot July night near Bisley rifle range. He described the phenomenon as "like watching a kaleidoscope with brilliant laser lights." The article notes that Gardner is convinced these were not conventional aircraft. The piece also references a survey by the Aetherious Society indicating that 16 percent of people in Britain believe they have seen UFOs.

Government Cover-Up Claims

An article by Pat Grossmith in The Union Leader, Manchester, N.H., titled "Says Government Wants To Prevent Panic: UFO Researcher Cites Cover-Up," features UFO researcher Robert Hastings. Hastings asserts that the U.S. government has maintained a cover-up concerning Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) for 40 years, actively trying to minimize public concern and prevent panic. His presentation included slides of CIA, FBI, and U.S. Air Force documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, which reportedly detail unexplained UFO sightings concentrated around military bases and atomic energy facilities. These documents allegedly refer to UFOs violating sensitive airspace and military jets' unsuccessful attempts to intercept them, with the UFOs zooming off at speeds exceeding 5,000 m.p.h. Hastings also recounted a 1967 incident at Malmstrom Air Force Base where five UFOs were tracked by radar, and jets were scrambled but outdistanced. He also mentioned a 1976 case involving two U.S. jets over Iran where instruments failed. Hastings believes the government's policy is short-sighted and the public has a right to know.

Notable Cases and Sightings

Betty and Barney Hill Abduction

The issue recounts the abduction of Betty and Barney Hill in 1961, who revealed their experience under hypnosis. A radar report from Pease Air Force Base in 1969 indicated a UFO in the area from which they claimed to have been abducted.

1965 Blackout

Hastings attributes the massive blackout on November 9, 1965, affecting nine northeastern states and part of Canada, to UFOs. He notes that hundreds of UFO sightings were reported that night, particularly over New York City and near power stations. While the official explanation was a relay failure, Hastings points to a power company investigation that suggested the outage was triggered by a huge, unexplained surge of power.

Year of the Humanoids (1973)

Hastings describes 1973 as the "Year of the Humanoids," with 50 "reliable" people reporting abduction by aliens.

Crashed UFOs in New Mexico

A 1950 FBI document reportedly detailed the secret recovery by the Air Force of three UFOs that had crashed in New Mexico, containing bodies of human shape but only three feet tall. However, this document is noted as being subject to dispute among researchers, with some considering it a potential hoax due to its vague wording and lack of documentation.

UFOs over Washington D.C.

Sightings in July 1952 involved UFOs hovering above the White House and the U.S. Capitol, with military jets unable to intercept them. The government's explanation at the time was "atmospheric illusions."

Kathie Davis Abduction

An article by David Mannweiler in the Indianapolis News details the case of "Kathie Davis," who claims to have been abducted by aliens in 1983. The incident reportedly left an 8-foot circle and a 49-foot-long swath in her parents' backyard. Budd Hopkins' book, "Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods," explores this case, including alleged artificial insemination and a genetic study of the human species. Davis's story is presented as potentially straining credulity, but the physical marks in the yard remain.

"UFOs turn wild ponies into skeletons"

A report from the Examiner details an incident where flying saucers allegedly caused the deaths of 15 ponies in a remote valley in Devon, England. Investigators found the ponies' bodies had turned to skeletons within 48 hours, a process described as virtually impossible. Their bones were shattered and heaped together, as if the animals were "sucked up into the air and dropped." Animal experts were baffled, but Ufologists suggested alien craft involvement.

Japanese Airline Pilot Sighting

The Aetherious Society obtained documents from America concerning an alleged UFO sighting by Japanese Airline Pilot Kenju Terauchi over Alaska. The FAA initially confirmed radar tracking but later claimed it was an error. Public outcry led to the release of documents showing UFO sightings on air traffic controllers' radar screens. Terauchi and his crew reported three UFOs flying with them for over 400 miles at high speed.

Mirage Effect Explanation

Charles C. Watson, writing from Madison, suggests that recent "UFO" sightings near Belleville might be explained by a mirage effect caused by a layer of cold air over the lake, bending reflected lights to appear as moving objects in the sky.

Southern Indiana UFO Probes

Reports from the Lafayette Journal Courier and the Indianapolis Star indicate that the Mutual UFO Network is investigating reports of glowing and blinking lights in the sky near Corydon, Indiana. An investigator spent two nights observing but saw nothing unusual, though witnesses reported seeing multiple lights.

Eduard Meier Case

Gary Kinder's book, "Light Years," is mentioned as re-examining the Eduard Meier case, where Meier claimed contact with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades. The book details evidence such as photographs, sound recordings, and metal samples, though the case remains controversial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the prevalence of UFO sightings, the alleged government efforts to conceal information, and the personal accounts of individuals who claim to have encountered UFOs or been abducted by aliens. The magazine appears to present these accounts and claims with a degree of seriousness, providing platforms for researchers like Robert Hastings and organizations like the Aetherious Society and the Mutual UFO Network. While acknowledging skepticism and the potential for misinterpretation (e.g., the mirage effect explanation), the overall tone suggests an openness to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and a critical stance towards official explanations that dismiss such phenomena.

This issue of the AK DI Anchorage Daily News, dated March 21, 1987, features a prominent cover story detailing mysterious UFO sightings by villagers in Northwest Alaska. The issue also includes articles on trance channeling, UFO investigations, and a skeptical perspective on paranormal phenomena.

Villagers Report a Mysterious Glowing UFO

The lead article by Hal Bernton reports on dozens of villagers from Elim, Gambell, Savoonga, and Tununak in Northwest Alaska who reported seeing a glowing, haze-shrouded object flitting through the Arctic sky shortly before midnight on Tuesday. The object was described as having flickering lights and moving rapidly. Alaska National Guard officials, like spokesman Mike Haller, believe the object was likely fragments of a satellite or spacecraft re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, possibly a booster rocket. However, Doug Schamp, a spokesman for the U.S. Space Command, while not entirely ruling out a meteorite, stated that it was his best estimate. Marlin Paul, an Elim National Guard sergeant and Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race official, rejected the official explanations, stating that a satellite wouldn't hover and move in such a manner. Paul described the object as a blue-green globe, shaped like an egg in a frying pan, with a glowing cloud around it. He estimated its size to be bigger than a football field and noted it bathed the snow-covered tundra in a green light for about 15 minutes before disappearing. Other residents in Savoonga described a bright round object larger than a jet, while those in Tununak reported a bright white light resembling a satellite. The article also mentions that U.S. Air Force jets were not in the area at the time of the sightings.

FAA Markets Kits on Recent UFO Sightings

This article from the SA-55 Western Flyer Bi-Weekly (March 20, 1987) discusses an unusual kit being sold by the FAA's Anchorage office. The kit, costing $194.30, is an attempt to provide answers to the public and press regarding UFO sightings, particularly those reported by JAL pilot Capt. Kenjyu Terauchi over Alaska on November 17 and January 11. The kit includes glossies of FAA radar screens, taped interviews, and drawings of the object Terauchi described as 'not made by humankind.' Possible explanations offered by the FAA include unusually bright images of planets Mars and Jupiter, or reflections of lights from the outpost of Ft. Yukon on a high-altitude cloud layer.

Challenge Made to Trance Channelers

By Terry Young, this article from the CA-DIOT Van Nuys Daily News (April 4, 1987) covers a conference where astronomer and scientist Carl Sagan expressed skepticism about trance channeling. Sagan stated that the 'absence of critical thinking' leads people to believe in channeling phenomena, likening it to fads. The Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) issued a challenge to trance channelers, offering to provide scientific inquiries to test their claims under controlled laboratory conditions. CSICOP chairman Paul Kurtz criticized the uncorroborated claims made by channelers and the fees they charge.

If you, uh, have ever seen a UFO, please tell this skeptic about it

This piece by Joe Mooney from the WA-D14 Seattle Post Intelligence (March 26, 1987) features an interview with Donald A. Johnson, state director of the Mutual UFO Network. Mooney, an avowed skeptic, recounts a sighting by two fishermen near Alder Lake who reported being chased by an airborne object shaped like a 'manta ray' or 'flounder fish.' Johnson, a research psychologist, discusses why he is involved in UFO research despite his skepticism, suggesting that people with different levels of education may report sightings differently. He also touches on the idea of a government disinformation program concerning UFOs. Johnson invites readers to share their experiences, stating he remains skeptical but finds it could make interesting reading.

UFO sightings leave Belleville area folks baffled

This article from the WI-D16 Madison Capital Times (March 23, 1987) reports on a rash of UFO sightings in Belleville, Wisconsin, and surrounding communities. Officer Glen Kazmar of Belleville describes seeing red, white, and blue lights. The article mentions that the Center for UFO Studies in Glenview, Ill., has been inundated with calls. It details a sighting by Lavonne Freidig and her son Bill, who described a cigar-shaped object. Harvey Funseth and Fred Gochenauer also reported seeing an object with a flashing light. Kazmar expresses his frustration with jokes and remarks, stating he would call the Center for UFO Studies if he saw another UFO.

Bewitching Saucery: It's 'official' 40th anniversary of UFOs

By Robert Jackson, this article from NEWSWEEK JOURNAL Leigh (March 24, 1987) marks the 40th anniversary of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon, referencing Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It highlights a recent incident involving a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 freighter captained by Kenju Terauchi, who reported being shadowed by a large, walnut-shaped object for 30 minutes. The FAA has launched an investigation. The article notes that UFOs have intrigued and terrified mankind for centuries, mentioning biblical references and the 1950s 'flying saucer fever.' It also touches on how rational explanations, such as Venus or rocket booster debris, are often found for sightings.

Believe it Or not... ARE we really being visited by alien spacecraft, menaced by mysterious big cats and haunted by gruesome ghosts?

This piece by William Marshall reports on Andy Roberts, a man from Brighouse who specializes in researching the paranormal with a skeptical eye. Roberts believes that most UFO sightings are easily explicable, citing Venus as a common misidentification. He is a member of several UFO research organizations like BUFORA and WYUFORG. Roberts views UFOs as modern folklore and is interested in the social psychology behind these beliefs. He also investigates reports of mysterious big cats and has written a booklet called "Cat Flaps." Roberts is also skeptical about ghosts but believes there might be more to them than UFOs, particularly 'crisis apparitions.'

OK, what do you say to an alien?

Nancy Nall's 'Telling Tales' column in the IN-D23 Fort Wayne News Sentinel (April 3, 1987) humorously addresses reports of UFOs in Corydon, Indiana. Nall recounts her childhood belief that her college town was a UFO hotbed for refueling. She expresses delight that Indiana is now being visited by UFOs, joking about potential Martian scouts for the NCAA tournament. The column offers tongue-in-cheek advice on how to host an alien guest, covering etiquette and what to say when asked why they aren't fleeing in panic.

Seeing stars?

This short piece from THE STANDARD London (April 15, 1987) mentions the Aetherius Society, which believes Jesus Christ lives on Venus and that Earth narrowly escaped invasion by 'Fish Men.' The society released figures from an opinion poll indicating that 63% of Londoners believe extraterrestrial spacecraft are visiting Earth, and 10% have had a first-hand UFO sighting experience.

U.S. knows UFOs exist, activist says

By Simon Fisher, this article from the IN-D21 The Evansville Press (April 1, 1987) profiles Robert Hastings, an activist who claims the U.S. government has been covering up facts about unidentified flying objects since the 1940s. Hastings presented documents from military and intelligence agencies, including Air Force pilot reports of weapons being rendered harmless and planes losing communication while chasing a bright light, and accounts of people being whisked into spaceships. He asserts that the intelligence community is the primary source of information on UFOs.

Sociologist to cover debate over what UFOs really are

By Patricia Swanson, this article from the IN-D21 The Evansville Press (April 1, 1987) discusses a talk by William Tonso, head of the University of Evansville's sociology department. Tonso, who describes himself as 'agnostic on the subject,' previously worked with radar in the Air Force and directed airplanes intercepting unidentified flying objects. He plans to discuss 'UFOs: Meandering Through the Sociology of Science,' exploring how scientists often struggle to discuss the issue with impartiality. Tonso notes that while many scientists dismiss UFOs as misidentified phenomena, some scientists do believe in UFOs but fear ridicule. He also suggests that those who believe in UFOs find it hard to accept natural explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the explanations offered by official agencies versus witness testimony, and the role of skepticism in investigating paranormal phenomena. There's a clear divide between those who accept official explanations and those who believe in more extraordinary causes. The articles also touch upon the cultural impact of UFOs, viewing them as a form of modern folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various viewpoints, from eyewitness accounts and activist claims to scientific skepticism and sociological analysis, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

This issue of the National Enquirer, dated April 24, 1987, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO ALIEN RULED ANCIENT EGYPT." The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including ancient alien theories, debunked sightings, historical accounts, and ongoing investigations.

UFO Alien Ruled Ancient Egypt

The lead article presents the intriguing story of an alien named Atum who allegedly ruled an ancient Egyptian civilization over 6,000 years ago. According to historian H. Frederick Meeske, Atum landed his egg-shaped spacecraft on July 19, 4241 BC. The text, from 'The Writings Of The Secret Chamber,' describes the event as a ball of fire, booming thunder, and a rush of hot air. An alien emerged, described as male, tall, with fair complexion, wearing a body suit, and smelling of perfume. Atum identified himself as being from the "winding water in the sky" (Milky Way) and claimed peaceful intentions. The Egyptians believed him to be a god. The 'egg' or pod was moved to Hermopolis and became a sacred relic, though its whereabouts are now unknown. Meeske notes that while Egyptian temples recreated the marsh setting, no temples were erected to Atum, and his worship was not part of the national religion. Atum is credited with providing Egyptians a guide to moral and environmentally sound conduct, a legacy passed down through his descendants who led Egypt until 2504 BC.

UFO Site Just Uncle's Antics

This article, by Jim George, reveals that a widely publicized UFO sighting in a Lake City cornfield in September 1979 was actually a prank orchestrated by David Olson. Olson confessed that he flattened two circles in his nephew Curtis Olson's cornfield using a posthole tamper and a butane torch to simulate landing gear and blast effects. What began as a simple prank escalated into an investigation involving authorities and a UFO center investigator. Olson stated that the talk of flying saucers was popular at the time, and his nephew was convinced of their existence. He felt compelled to confess after seeing a letter in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune that debunked a "flying saucer" picture, deciding to give Robert McCoy, president of the Minnesota Skeptics, "something more to be skeptical about." Curtis Olson, however, rejects his uncle's confession, stating that experts who examined the site concluded that something unexplainable happened and that his uncle could not have created the damage.

UFOs Have Been Seen for Centuries!

This section, by Franklin R. Ruehl, provides a historical overview of UFO sightings. It claims that UFOs were frequently seen in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries, with shapes ranging from saucers and cigars to triangles and pyramids. Eyewitnesses included clergy, scientists, sailors, and ordinary citizens. Several specific cases are highlighted:

• April 3, 1707: Reverend William Derham observed a slender pyramid-shaped UFO over Upminster, England, which glowed brightly and left a trail of orange flames.
• March 19, 1718: Sir Hans Sloan saw a slow-moving, pear-shaped white-and-blue object in the evening sky.
• December 16, 1742: A British scientist in London observed a cylindrical object resembling a rocket with an orange tail.
• April 5, 1800: An 80-foot-long UFO flew over Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emitting light and heat, causing an explosion, tremors, and charring trees.
• June 19, 1801: A brightly lit blue sphere with a black bar appeared over Hull, England, split into five objects, then reunited and flew off.
• 1873: Farmers in Bonham, Texas, reported a UFO with a black bar dividing it.
• 1880: A mysterious dumbbell-shaped UFO, composed of a central machine with spheres at either end, was seen over Kentucky.
• May 1888: A mammoth serpent-like UFO was sighted in Darlington County, South Carolina.

Brad Steiger, a UFO investigator, is cited as a source for these historical accounts.

New Efforts Planned to Photograph Strange Lights in Southern Indiana

This article by Bill Weronka reports on ongoing investigations into strange lights, or UFOs, seen near Corydon, Indiana. Dr. Burt Monroe, chairman of the biology department at the University of Louisville and Kentucky director of the Mutual UFO Network, planned to visit the site with colleagues to capture the lights on infrared film. Similar sightings of orange glowing lights had occurred in Powell County, Kentucky, prior to the Corydon sightings. The lights had been appearing regularly for two weeks near Mickey Shawler's home. The Courier-Journal had received numerous calls and letters regarding these sightings, with some suggesting explanations like illuminated garbage bags, while others reported unexplainable "orange glows."

$10,000 Awaits Any UFO Kidnap Victim

This brief report from New York states that a private investigator, Philip J. Klass, offered $10,000 to anyone who could prove they were abducted by an alien from a UFO. Klass, who is part of a group that debunks paranormal claims, made this challenge in response to recent books detailing alleged alien abductions, such as Whitley Strieber's "Communion" and Bud Hopkins' "Intruders."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The National Enquirer, in this issue, maintains a stance that embraces the possibility of UFOs and alien encounters, both in ancient history and contemporary times. The magazine presents sensational claims about ancient alien rulers, investigates current sightings, and highlights historical cases, while also including a debunking article that acknowledges the existence of hoaxes. The inclusion of a reward for proof of abduction further emphasizes the magazine's focus on extraordinary claims within the UFO phenomenon. The editorial approach appears to be a mix of presenting extraordinary possibilities and acknowledging skeptical viewpoints or debunked incidents, catering to a readership interested in mysteries and the unexplained.