APCIC - Vol 12 No 08 - 1987

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, published in August 1987 by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER in Cleveland, Ohio, is Volume 12, No. 8. The cover prominently features the headline "UFOs – a hard nut to crack" and an illustration of several flying saucers.

Key Articles and Content

"UFOs – a hard nut to crack" by Robert Jackson

This article reflects on the 40th anniversary of the flying saucer phenomenon, noting that while the initial fervor of the 1950s has subsided, the subject remains tantalizingly present. It recounts Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine gleaming objects near the Cascade Mountains, which were described as moving like saucers skimming over water, leading to the popular term "flying saucers." The article also mentions a recent incident in January where the crew of a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 freighter was shadowed by a large, walnut-shaped object for 30 minutes, which was also detected on US air traffic control radar. The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation but found no conclusive results.

The author notes that while the 1950s saw a peak in UFO interest, driven by the dawn of the space age and the notion of intelligent beings crossing vast distances, serious investigators have struggled to separate documented facts from misinformation. The article references the Book of Ezekiel for a potential biblical description of a UFO-like phenomenon. It also highlights that many well-documented sightings have been reported by credible witnesses such as pilots and air traffic controllers. The piece touches on explanations for some sightings, like falling satellite debris or rocket launches, and humorously recounts a case where a USAF colonel mistook the rotating beam of a lighthouse for a UFO.

"The aliens' mysterious signals that don't get through" by Nick Farrell

This article focuses on The Aetherius Society, a London-based group founded in 1956 by Sir George King, who claims to have had over 600 "contacts" with aliens. The society asserts that governments worldwide are engaged in a massive cover-up, collaborating with big business to suppress an alien message of peace, which they interpret as "Service to Other People" and the herald of the Age of Aquarius. Dr. John Holder, a spokesman for the society, claims that UFO files have been deliberately suppressed for decades, with governments denying monitoring UFOs until pressured. He states that the aliens' message is being blocked because it conflicts with the arms race and wars that governments rely on for survival.

The article mentions that The Aetherius Society is organizing its first major UFO symposium in the UK in over 10 years. Dr. Holder, who claims to have personally seen over 100 UFOs since 1970, believes the cover-up is partly due to a fear of public panic, but argues that business interests, particularly the arms trade, are the primary drivers. The society points to admissions from organizations like the North American Areo-Space Command (10 million "uncorrelated" observations) and the National Security Agency (nearly 300 documents on UFOs) as evidence of government monitoring. They also cite the Ministry of Defence's 1982 admission of having a record of 2,250 sightings after years of consistent denials.

The society's special UFO hotline has reportedly received over 300 serious UFO sightings from air traffic controllers, radar operators, and police. The article suggests that the public is more open to the idea of UFOs than politicians would have them believe.

"UFOs – Fact or fiction?" by Ardelle Drewery

This piece explores the skepticism surrounding UFOs and alien encounters, while acknowledging the persistent fascination with the unknown. It questions whether the phenomena are products of imagination or genuine occurrences. The article highlights the story of two farmers whose cattle became uneasy on a desolate road, followed by a humming noise and a blinding light that enveloped their truck, only to vanish suddenly. The farmers' account is presented as credible, coming from ordinary individuals rather than those prone to fantasy.

The author notes that while scientists may dismiss such claims, they are often baffled by the evidence. The article suggests that governments might be suppressing information about UFOs not out of ignorance, but to prevent public hysteria. It posits that if cover-ups exist, they are likely for subtle analysis rather than outright denial, and that mankind's belief in being the sole life form in the universe might be pompous. The piece concludes by suggesting that humanity's own destructive practices are more to be feared than any advanced alien visitors.

"UFOs Stage Return, at Least in U.S." by William J. Broad (New York Times Service)

This article reports on the resurgence of interest in UFOs in the United States, with three books on alien visits selling briskly, one topping non-fiction bestseller lists. It notes that clubs, newsletters, movies, and lectures about UFOs are generating significant revenue, comparable to the 1950s. The article mentions claims of the US government harboring physical evidence of extraterrestrial encounters, including bodies and spacecraft, as detailed in purported top-secret government papers from the Eisenhower era.

Psychologists, historians, philosophers, and science fiction writers attribute the fascination with aliens to a need for secular messiahs and a search for explanations for earthly troubles. Ben Bova, former editor of Omni magazine, suggests that people now seek gods in the form of protective forces beyond them. Bruce Maccabee, a Navy physicist and UFO researcher, argues that skeptics are missing a significant story, stating that "Some sort of things have been flying around for decades, and they aren't ours." The article highlights recent popular books on the subject: "Communion" by Whitley Strieber, "Intruders" by Budd Hopkins, and "Light Years" by Gary Kinder. It also discusses the "Roswell Incident" and the alleged existence of a secret government group called Majestic-12 (MJ-12), established by President Truman to investigate the crash of a UFO near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. Despite the US government's explanation of the incident as a weather balloon, researchers cite a newly discovered document dated November 18, 1952, as proof of a cover-up.

"Belleville UFO sightings get experts' verification" by Marv Balousek

This report details how two investigators from the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies in Chicago officially classified sightings in Belleville, USA, as genuine UFOs. The sightings included flashing, colored lights and cigar-shaped objects. Don Schmitt, co-director of the center, stated that after checking star patterns, airplane traffic, and National Guard activity, there was nothing that could explain the phenomena. He also mentioned documents indicating the government confiscated a crashed UFO near Roswell in 1947 and found alien life forms. Schmitt is seeking an explanation from the government regarding these documents.

The article notes that the Belleville sightings do not necessarily mean the objects are from another planet. Harvey Funseth, who reported seeing a large cigar-shaped object, expressed his opinion that it was likely from a corporation or the government, rather than outer space.

"Space aliens are among us" (GLOBE series conclusion)

This concluding part of a series explores the idea that alien visitors might be messengers from God, as suggested by Rev. Theodore Peters, a theology professor who has interviewed contactees. Peters believes UFOs have a religious quality and can prompt questions about the meaning of life, presenting images of future possibilities. Contactees reportedly receive messages of disarmament, peace, love, and brotherhood. The article recounts the abduction experience of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker in Mississippi, who described medical probes and an "eye"-like object. It also mentions the story of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Charles Moody, who experienced a 20-minute time loss and recalled being aboard a spaceship. Sandy Larson's account of seeing glowing objects and experiencing a time loss is also included. The extraterrestrials in these accounts reportedly warned about the possibility of nuclear war and expressed concern for the solar system's balance.

"No probe on UFO jet drama"

This brief report states that an incident involving a UFO and a BA airliner, which forced the plane to take a diversionary action over Russia, will not be investigated. The incident, described by the flight's first officer, involved the jumbo jet being baffled by a UFO with twinkling lights, which was not an aircraft and unlike anything the crew had seen before. Russian air traffic control reported no other aircraft in the area at the time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the cultural fascination with aliens and extraterrestrial contact, and the persistent allegations of government cover-ups regarding these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on presenting both eyewitness accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the skepticism that surrounds the topic. The magazine appears to lean towards the belief that UFOs are a significant phenomenon that warrants serious investigation, even if definitive answers about their origin remain elusive. The articles suggest that the public's interest is driven by a search for meaning and explanations for life's mysteries, and that the messages attributed to aliens often revolve around peace and global well-being. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from researchers, eyewitnesses, and even those who offer more spiritual interpretations of the phenomenon.

This issue of Saturday People, dated June 6, 1987, focuses extensively on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and alien encounters, reflecting a surge of public interest in the subject during the mid-1980s. The magazine features a prominent interview with local UFO detective Steve Balon, alongside articles and reports from various newspapers discussing government involvement, alleged cover-ups, and personal experiences with extraterrestrial phenomena.

Feature: Steve Balon, UFO Detective

The lead article introduces Steve Balon, a UFO detective from Leigh, who has been investigating UFO phenomena for 20 years. Balon recounts the Edgworth case from 1985, where seven people witnessed a large, hovering craft, and he found burn marks on the ground. He also discusses the case of Shelley Barnes, who claimed to be abducted by aliens near the Rumworth area and subsequently visited by men in black. Balon expresses his firm belief in UFOs, attributing public skepticism to fear. He dismisses the Hollywood portrayal of aliens as 'bug-eyed monsters,' suggesting they could be beings of pure energy or from different dimensions. Balon also touches upon the 'Silver-Suited Figure' incident in Rainford, Merseyside, where four men encountered a tall, silver-suited being.

The 'Majestic-12' Controversy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the alleged 'Majestic-12' (MJ-12) documents. These documents, purportedly from the Eisenhower era, claim that a secret committee was formed to investigate a crashed UFO in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, and to recover the bodies of four alien occupants. Timothy Good, a British UFO researcher, and others believe these documents are genuine and evidence of a government cover-up. However, skeptics like Philip J. Klass dismiss them as an 'outright hoax.' The articles explore the debate surrounding the authenticity of these documents, with some sources noting that while a White House memo referencing an 'MJ-12' briefing exists, direct authentication of the main documents remains elusive.

UFOs in Popular Culture and Government Secrecy

Several articles highlight the growing public fascination with UFOs, noting the success of books like Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' and Budd Hopkins' 'Intruders.' These publications, along with increased media attention, have fueled discussions about alien encounters and the possibility of government secrecy. Reports from the U.S. suggest that the government may be withholding information about UFO sightings, with researchers accusing Washington of orchestrating a 'cosmic Watergate.' The articles also touch upon the idea that belief in UFOs stems from a need for secular messiahs and explanations for earthly troubles.

Specific Sightings and Incidents

Beyond the major themes, the magazine includes reports of specific UFO sightings:

• Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Reports of multicolored lights in the sky led to discussions by UFO aficionados.
• Ocala, Florida: Residents reported an unidentified object with a maze of lights hovering at treetop level.
• Highland, Indiana: Two residents reported seeing a cylindrical object behaving erratically over the Lakeside section of town.
• Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico: Security guards reported an unidentified light or disc-shaped object.

Skeptical Perspectives

While the issue leans towards exploring the reality of UFOs and alien visitation, it also includes skeptical viewpoints. Philip J. Klass is quoted as calling the MJ-12 documents a hoax. Other articles acknowledge the lack of definitive proof and the tendency for some sightings to be explained by natural phenomena or misidentifications. Ray Orrock, in a piece titled 'Alien profile,' humorously speculates on the characteristics of aliens based on deductive reasoning, suggesting they are nearsighted, shy, and prone to crashing, possibly mistaking cacti for people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue are the persistent belief in UFOs and alien visitation, the alleged efforts by governments to conceal information, and the cultural impact of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, giving voice to both believers and skeptics, while highlighting the controversial 'Majestic-12' documents as a focal point for the debate on government cover-ups. The magazine emphasizes that despite decades of sightings, definitive proof remains elusive, yet the public's fascination and the researchers' persistence continue.

This issue of the Rocky Mountain News, dated June 17, 1987, focuses on a resurgence of UFO sightings and public interest in the phenomenon. The cover story, "UFOs make news again," highlights recent reports from Colorado and discusses the 40th anniversary of the first modern UFO sighting. The publication also delves into the commercial success of UFO-related books and touches upon historical incidents and government involvement.

Cover Story: UFOs Make News Again

The main article details a recent surge in UFO sightings, particularly in Colorado. It begins with the account of three young girls—Ana Dekker (12), Rhonda Courtney (10), and Tricia Heit (12)—who reported seeing a silent, triangular craft with moving lights while waiting for pizza on a May night. They described the object as spinning and hovering about five feet above a tree before appearing to land in a nearby field. Their experience was corroborated by other residents in Arapahoe County.

Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the first "modern" UFO sighting near Mount Rainier, UFO enthusiasts have scheduled conferences. Whitley Strieber's book, "Communion," based on supposed UFO stories, has become a best-seller, indicating a growing public fascination. The article notes that two-thirds of Americans believe UFOs might exist.

Deputy Sheriff Vincent Cecilione of Arapahoe County, initially skeptical, investigated the girls' report. He found their account compelling and noted that while he had encountered many unusual calls, this one seemed different. He investigated the field where the girls claimed the object landed and found what appeared to be burn marks on three trees arranged in a triangular shape, which the girls interpreted as proof of alien visitors. However, the girls' mother suggested the marks might be from medication. Cecilione also spoke with local men who, while initially joking about meeting "members of the Third World," confirmed seeing something unusual.

The article also mentions a separate incident in Glenwood Springs, where dozens of residents, including four police officers, reported seeing bright, multicolored lights in the sky. The article suggests that this widespread interest might lead to a "dizzy ride in the days to come."

Meteor Theory on Flash of Light

This section, written by James W. Siehl for the Johnstown Tribune Democrat on June 10, 1987, discusses a possible meteor sighting. Campers in the mountains near Seward reported a loud noise and a flash of light around 10 p.m. on a Sunday. Stan Gordon, director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained, suggested it might have been a meteor, supported by the lack of filed flight plans for aircraft in the area. He noted that while meteors can cause loud noises and flashes, the fact that it was the only reported sighting was unusual. Alan Jenkins, one of the campers, described a plane-like sound followed by a two-to-three-second silence and then a loud explosion and a brilliant white flash. The experience was frightening due to the proximity and the perceived loudness. Gordon also mentioned a May 1 incident where a brilliant shaft of light was seen over woods, which he believes often have logical explanations such as misidentified aircraft, meteors, or bright stars.

Reports of Strange Lights in Sky Predate Airplanes and Helicopters

Written by Catharine Huddle for the NE-DIO Lincoln Journal on June 24, 1987, this article explores historical accounts of UFOs that predate modern aviation. It cites a Nebraska State Journal report from February 26, 1897, about a kite-shaped light seen by many people. Another account from June 6, 1884, in Dundy County, Nebraska, describes a "blazing metallic ball" that fell to earth, leaving behind fragments of machinery that dissolved by morning. The article also references the official "flying saucer" sighting by Kenneth Arnold on June 24, 1947, over Mount Rainier.

A significant portion of this article discusses a "TOP SECRET" government document allegedly related to "Operation Majestic-12." This document, purportedly prepared for President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952, details the investigation of a crashed disc-shaped aircraft in New Mexico and the recovery of four alien bodies. The document suggests that the craft did not originate from Earth, with Mars being a possibility, or beings from another solar system. The article notes that the government no longer investigates UFOs, and the visitors' motives remain unknown.

Big Bucks from Outer Space

This piece by Bob McKelvey, Book Editor for the Free Press, examines the recent boom in UFO-themed books. It highlights the success of Whitley Strieber's "Communion," which has been a runaway best-seller, along with Gary Kinder's "Light Years" and Budd Hopkins' "Intruders." These books are distinguished by their focus on terrifying aspects of alien encounters, such as "human suffering" and abduction stories, and have been published by major companies. The article quotes Gary Kinder, who believes the interest becomes self-perpetuating as people read more about the phenomenon. He shares an anecdote about a man who claimed to have been followed by a star that transformed into a flying object, emphasizing the difficulty in refuting such accounts. The article concludes by noting the significant financial rewards, with Strieber reportedly earning $1 million for "Communion."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the resurgence of UFO sightings and public interest, the historical context of such phenomena predating modern technology, and the commercialization of UFO narratives through popular books. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and trends, acknowledging the public's fascination and the ongoing mystery, while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and potential explanations like meteors. There's an underlying sense of intrigue and a recognition that the topic continues to capture public imagination, as evidenced by the success of books and the persistent belief in UFOs.