APCIC - Vol 12 No 10 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 12, No. 10
Date: October 1987
Publisher: A.P.C.I.C. (Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center), Cleveland, Ohio.
Cover Headline: Close encounters of the fourth kind?

Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Abduction Phenomenon

The lead article, "Close encounters of the fourth kind?" by Zenia Cleigh, published in the San Diego Tribune on July 1, 1987, explores the growing phenomenon of alien abductions. It begins with a detailed account from a former Spring Valley reserve police officer who claims to have been abducted in 1981. He described a large, dark, disc-shaped object, a brilliant glow, and two small creatures who removed him from his car. He later fired shots at the object as it rose away.

The article highlights that UFO organizations, such as MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and the Center for UFO Studies, have seen a significant increase in calls from people reporting unexplained experiences. Walt Andrus, international director of MUFON, states that they are receiving so many reports they can barely handle them.

This surge in interest is partly attributed to the release of several UFO books in the spring of 1987. Whitley Strieber's "Communion," a non-fiction bestseller, details his own alleged abduction experience in upstate New York in 1985. Budd Hopkins' "Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods" documents stories of people being immobilized and subjected to physical examinations by UFO occupants.

The article also touches upon the scientific community's skepticism, noting that the Air Force shut down its UFO investigation Project Blue Book in 1969 due to insufficient evidence. From 1947 to 1969, 13,134 UFO sightings were reported, with rational explanations found for all but 587 cases.

Investigating UFOs: Local Efforts and Evidence

Dennis Myers, manager of HydroClear Water Systems and a MUFON investigator, is featured in a section discussing his involvement in UFO investigations. The article details the 1981 case of the Spring Valley police officer, whose experience was investigated by physicist Neil Davis and inventor Eric Herr. They found evidence of "electromagnetic disturbance" in the officer's car, including dim headlamps, an alternator light that wouldn't go out, and partially erased magnetic tapes. The car's front end was also noted to be clean, despite being dirty before the encounter. The officer also had abrasions on his wrists, neck, and ankles.

Another case investigated by Herr and Davis involved two 11-year-old boys in Lemon Grove in 1973 who reported seeing a dark, disc-shaped object. The object emitted a red light, rose into the air with a whooshing noise, and the boys experienced a tingling sensation and a feeling of slow motion. Adult witnesses corroborated seeing a large, lighted object, and nearby residents reported television interference.

Herr noted that the site of the Lemon Grove incident showed grass swirled counterclockwise and two D-shaped holes. The Naval Ocean Systems Center's geomagnetic observatory also reported an unusual perturbation at the time. Herr and Davis were convinced by the sincerity of the witnesses, with Davis stating, "I'm convinced it's a real phenomenon."

UFOs and the Scientific Community

The article discusses the challenges of proving UFO cases, with Dennis Myers emphasizing that "any court in the land will tell you you can't prove a case without evidence." However, he believes the "shreds of evidence" are enough to continue investigation.

Eric Herr and Neil Davis had previously worked on developing a magnetometer to detect unusual magnetic fields related to UFOs. While their own efforts in California were hampered by overcast skies, a unit given to France reportedly resulted in a sighting, but the data became the property of the French government.

Skepticism and Alternative Explanations

The article acknowledges that some people may be victims of psychological delusion, but argues that this doesn't explain physical evidence like magnetic disarray or abrasions. Melvin Podell, a MUFON investigator, believes these are "real extraterrestrial entities."

Conversely, the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), co-founded by Carl Sagan, B.F. Skinner, and Steven Jay Gould, aims to debunk paranormal claims. Bill Gray, a philosophy instructor and member of San Diego Skeptics, expresses dismay at the public's willingness to believe in UFOs, attributing it to media exploitation. He states that while alien spacecraft and creatures might exist, it's not rational to believe without compelling evidence.

Psychiatrist Alan Bergsma suggests that people reporting UFO experiences might be prone to personality disorders or suggestion. He emphasizes that such claims are difficult to verify, falling into the realm of philosophy of science.

The "Majestic 12" Document and Government Cover-Up Theories

Another significant topic discussed is the possibility of a "cosmic Watergate," with many experts at the symposium believing the government possesses more information about UFOs than it reveals. The article revisits the story of the "Majestic 12" document, allegedly discovered by Jaime Shandera and William Moore. This document, dated November 18, 1952, purportedly details a top-secret operation established by President Truman in 1947 to study UFOs, including the recovery of a crashed flying saucer and four alien bodies near Roswell, New Mexico.

Moore, co-author of "The Roswell Incident," spent years investigating the incident and interviewing witnesses, concluding it was indeed a flying saucer. He believes the document is either real or an "official fabrication" designed to embarrass someone. He stated that "the document is not all we have" and that further information is being investigated.

Philip J. Klass, a debunking ufologist and former avionics editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology, dismisses the Majestic 12 document as a "clumsy counterfeit" and a hoax. He points out that President Eisenhower, not Truman, was in office during the alleged recovery and would have been aware of such a significant event.

International Perspectives and UFO Sightings

The issue also touches upon international aspects of ufology. Timothy Good, author of "Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-up," claims that Americans have captured a crashed UFO with four dead aliens and that astronauts were forbidden to talk about UFOs. He alleges that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were watched by two UFOs on the Moon in 1969 and that Armstrong privately confessed they were "warned off" the Moon by superior alien craft.

Good also claims that Britain has a secret Ministry of Defence UFO tracking station and that Prince Philip believes in UFOs, citing evidence from reliable witnesses. His uncle, Lord Mountbatten, reportedly witnessed a UFO landing in 1955.

The article mentions a recent incident where a British airline pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a mystery object over Kazakhstan, stating it was "definitely not an aircraft."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation, even while acknowledging skepticism and the need for evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor open-minded inquiry into unexplained cases, distinguishing between genuine experiences and hoaxes. The recurring themes include alien abductions, government secrecy and cover-ups, the search for evidence, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact for humanity. The publication seems to lean towards the belief that something significant and unexplained is occurring, as evidenced by the numerous reports and the sincerity of many witnesses.

This issue of the Ann Arbor News, dated July 3, 1987, features a prominent cover story titled "OUT OF THIS WORLD: Woman recounts childhood experiences of flying saucer abductions." The main article, by Lila Orbach, details the harrowing account of Shirley Coyne, who claims to have been abducted by aliens as a child. The magazine also includes articles discussing the work of UFO investigators, books on the subject, and various UFO sightings and related controversies.

Shirley Coyne's Abduction Account

The lead article by Lila Orbach recounts Shirley Coyne's childhood experience of alien abduction. At nine years old, while sleeping in her Arkansas home, she was visited by "beings" who levitated her through the door and into a spacecraft described as a silver disk. Inside, the beings, characterized by long faces, one eye, and no nose, subjected her to medical examinations, including probing of her genitals and leaving a triangular scar on her leg. Coyne, now in her mid-50s, revealed these experiences after years of suppressed memory, which were unlocked through hypnosis. She stated that she had been abducted on four occasions between the ages of 9 and 20. Coyne, a member of the Mutual UFO Network Inc., shared her story with over 100 high school students at Eastern Michigan University, emphasizing that abductees are not liars or mentally ill but victims of violation. She expressed that while she doesn't know why she was chosen, she is not fearful of recurrence. Coyne also noted that many people may have been abducted without realizing it and that UFO incidents are widespread.

UFOlogy and Investigations

Shirley Coyne and her husband, George, spent over two hours speaking to students, advocating for the existence of UFOs and alien abductions. Coyne's experiences have made her a firm believer, and together they have sighted over ten UFOs. The article highlights the sensitivity of the subject for Coyne, who had rarely spoken of her experiences before this event. She asserted that those who claim abduction are not schizophrenic or manic-depressive, but rather exhibit characteristics of trauma victims, experiencing dread and fear.

Eduard Meier Case Study

A review of Gary Kinder's book, "Light Years: An Investigation into the Extraterrestrial Experience of Eduard Meier," is presented. The book details the case of Eduard Meier, a one-armed Swiss farmer with a sixth-grade education, who claims to have had hundreds of contacts with alien beings called Pleiadians from a distant star system. Meier produced photographic evidence of spaceships and landing sites, which showed unusual radiation levels and circular grass patterns. The book also mentions sound recordings and 8mm film footage. Despite the detailed account, the book leaves the reader questioning Meier's claims, with skepticism from both amateur UFOlogists and outside investigators. The article notes that Meier's visits began in 1976 when he started disappearing at night, claiming to meet aliens who imparted wisdom. The investigation of Meier involved Americans Lee and Brit Elder, and retired Lt. Col. Wendelle Stevens.

UFO Sightings and Government Secrecy

An editorial titled "Where's the meat?" questions the lack of hard evidence in UFO phenomena, despite numerous reports and alleged abductions. It argues that while many people believe in UFOs and alien visitors, personal accounts and government "reports" are often unsubstantiated. The editorial criticizes the reliance on hearsay and the absence of tangible proof, such as equipment fragments or physical souvenirs. It suggests that belief in UFOs often comes down to personal faith rather than concrete evidence.

Another article, "Unidentified causes for top secrecy," discusses Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret," which claims to reveal top-secret information about UFOs and alien life. The book includes accounts of close encounters, such as the incident involving musicians Graham Nash and Debbie Davis in a Birmingham car park. Good's book also claims that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin saw UFOs on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, citing a supposed NASA conversation. Furthermore, the book suggests that remains of non-Earth bodies have been found in spacecraft wrecks and that extraterrestrial visitors use lightweight, tough metals. It also mentions reports of bodies being stored at American army bases, with access denied to figures like Senator Barry Goldwater.

International UFO Incidents and Theories

An article from the Bolton Evening News, "'UFOs want to study us'," reports on the claims of aliens abducting people for medical experiments. Budd Hopkins, author of "Intruders," interviewed over 140 abductees who described medical examinations, including the insertion of a needle with a metal ball into their noses. Drawings of the aliens, made after hypnosis, were reportedly similar, depicting bubble-shaped heads with large eyes and small noses. The article also mentions a document from 1952 that purports to be a briefing for President-elect Dwight Eisenhower about a UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, involving the recovery of four small, human-like beings. Science writer Phillip Klass dismisses this document as a hoax.

Another piece, "UFO could have been a satellite," from the Evening News in London, details a British Airways flight crew's encounter with an unidentified object over Russia. The object, displaying two white lights and a green port-side light, was observed by five crew members and described as not being an aircraft. The British Astronomical Association suggested it might have been a Russian satellite re-entering the atmosphere. The incident was logged by British Airways but not further investigated.

A report from the Milwaukee Journal, "Close encounters: Artist has extraterrestrial hobby," profiles Don Schmitt, a director of the Chicago-based Center for UFO Studies. Schmitt, a technical illustrator, has been investigating UFO sightings in Wisconsin. The Center for UFO Studies, founded by J. Allen Hynek, maintains an agnostic stance, awaiting further evidence. Schmitt's interest began in childhood, leading him to accumulate an extensive UFO library and hone his investigative techniques.

Vatican Acknowledges Extraterrestrial Life

An article titled "TO MEET THINE ALIENS!" from the Evening News in London reports that Vatican theologians have acknowledged the possibility of life on other planets and plan to train missionaries for space missions. This decision was made after Vatican scientists reported observing moving lights and unidentified phenomena. The Vatican University will establish a special UFO section in September to train missionaries for first contact with alien races.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the phenomenon of UFO sightings and alien encounters, with a strong focus on personal testimonies, particularly those involving abduction. There is a recurring theme of skepticism from scientific and governmental bodies, contrasted with the fervent belief of UFO researchers and experiencers. The articles highlight the lack of concrete, verifiable evidence, often framing the subject as a matter of faith or personal conviction. The potential for government cover-ups and suppression of information is also a prominent narrative thread. The overall stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and controversies, while also acknowledging the persistent questions about their validity and the need for more substantial proof.

Title: THE TIMES
Issue Date: August 8, 1987
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Times focuses heavily on the phenomenon of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and related mysteries, with a prominent cover story on crop circles and UFO sightings.

Circles back again in UFO country

The main article, by Andrew Morgan, reports on the reappearance of symmetrical circles in cornfields near the Westbury white horse in Wiltshire, an area known for UFO sightings and prehistoric sites. These circles, first seen seven years prior, had been absent for a couple of years and have now returned with a 'vengeance'. The most concentrated group is on farmland belonging to Mr. Peter Gale and his wife, Angela. One circle has a diameter of 25 yards with four smaller circles around it, resembling an H.G. Wells spacecraft. Mrs. Gale expressed bewilderment, suggesting it could be a practical joke or a freak of weather, but noted no footsteps were found. Mr. Geoff Cooper reported a flawless circle on the north side of the Bratton-Westbury road where the grain was crushed in an anti-clockwise direction. Mr. Cooper, who used to have many circles, sold his land to the Gale family and dismissed helicopter explanations, stating a helicopter would need to fly upside down to create such a shape. Mr. Bob Moger, a farmer, remains stumped, comparing the phenomenon to 'dust devils' in Africa but noting the Wiltshire forces crush rather than suck up straw. He concludes that 'little green men are not behind it.'

Another article, titled 'Mystery circles are back' from the Wiltshire Times Trowbridge (August 14, 1987), reiterates the reappearance of these circles, noting local farmers' cynicism and suspicion due to their proximity to the road. It mentions that the circles have been absent for a couple of years and are traditionally associated with the 'silly season.' The article highlights that UFOs are immediately associated with the area, and past helicopter activity has been denied. It also mentions a large circle with four smaller ones in the Punchbowl near Winchester, and others in Dorset and Sussex. Mr. Pat Delgado, a design engineer, admits he is no nearer an explanation for how the crops are crushed tautly without damage to the stems. He suggests a steep hillside might provide a buffer for winds to form a vortex.

A letter to the editor from Stewart Payne (August 14, 1987) comments on the Westbury circles, stating that the lack of tracks rules out human hoaxers. Meteorological explanations are also deemed unlikely, as the Met Office stated in 1980 that weather was unlikely to be to blame. The sharply defined perimeter rules out helicopters. Payne notes similar phenomena have been observed in Winchester and Warminster, areas also reporting UFO sightings. He concludes that whatever caused these depressions approached from the air and left the same way.

UFOS 'seen in West'

By Roger Malone, this section reports on UFO sightings over Plymouth and Cornwall. Mr. Leonard Hall of Crackington Haven described seeing two bright stars that moved, became double, and formed a triangle shape composed of mostly white lights with some red flashing ones. He estimated the movement took ten minutes to cover a 90-degree arc at a trajectory of about 20 degrees. Bob Boyd, chairman of the local UFO Group in Plymouth, was alerted by a phone call about strange lights over the city. He observed a large, low light over Saltash that moved slowly and divided into two. Plymouth Airport stated no civilian aircraft were in the area, and RNAS Culdrose suggested that night flying Sea King helicopters are occasionally mistaken for UFOs, though none were on exercises at the time of the sightings.

Yorkshire UFO mystery

This section highlights a high number of UFO sightings in North Yorkshire. Mark Birdsall, co-founder of the Yorkshire Unidentified Flying Objects Society (YUFOS), lives on the eleventh floor of a high-rise block in Leeds and investigates reported sightings. YUFOS data shows a disproportionately high number of sightings in North Yorkshire compared to the national average. In 1980, 14 out of 34 national sightings were from North Yorkshire; in 1984, 25 out of 48; and in 1986, 24 out of 73. Birdsall dismisses the idea that this is due to YUFOS being based in Leeds, stating they are a nationally-known organization. He suggests darker reasons, including significant military activity involving aliens, and points to key military installations like Menwith Hill and Fylingdales in North Yorkshire. He also notes the cooperation of the police, who are often in a position to observe such phenomena.

Several smaller reports detail specific sightings:

• 'Mystery object spotted in sk': Mr. S. Birdsell of York reported seeing a mystery green and white object with a round glowing head and a tail.
• 'I saw UFO flame above the Minster': A report from Yorkshire Evening Press (July 20, 1987) about a UFO sighting.
• 'Police baffled by UFO sighting': Police were baffled by reported orange lights flying at a considerable height.
• 'UFO spotted over Malton': A person reported a UFO in a field near their home.
• 'Couple in York UFO mystery': A sighting that started with one flashing light and escalated to three, then six.

Do aliens love it here in N Yorks?

This article explores the high number of UFO sightings in North Yorkshire, suggesting that like Americans, visitors from other planets seem to make a 'bee-line' for the region. It references a controversial new book claiming a worldwide cover-up on UFOs. Mark Birdsall believes there is a lot of military activity involving aliens, making North Yorkshire a logical place to investigate. He also notes that the police are often in a prime position to observe these events.

UFO author backs old Alf

This piece discusses the book 'Above Top Secret' by Timothy Good, who believes the account of an Aldershot pensioner, Mr. Alf Burtoo, of being taken aboard an alien spacecraft is true. Mr. Burtoo, who died in 1986, had an encounter while fishing. Good's book claims a 'worldwide UFO cover-up' and alleges that the Americans captured a crashed UFO with four dead aliens in New Mexico in 1947, and that aliens warned Neil Armstrong off the moon in 1969. It also mentions a secret 30-man Ministry of Defence team tracking UFOs from RAF Rudloe Manor. Timothy Good himself was arrested and questioned at RAF Rudloe Manor, despite the Ministry of Defence denying it is a UFO tracking station.

Hotline probes East Lancs UFO sightings

A strange fluorescent object seen over East Lancashire is being investigated by the UFO Hotline. Co-ordinator Philip Mantle reports receiving hundreds of calls since June, including a sighting from 1943. Recent incidents include a strange, green, fluorescent glow and a large green circular object moving at tremendous speed over Burnley. The hotline has received calls from as far apart as Blackburn and Birmingham, with many reports explained as aircraft or satellites, but some remaining under investigation. Examples include a young couple on the M1 motorway who saw a large circular object descend and land, and a Derbyshire couple who saw a large triangular object with numerous small lights.

Cardiff the centre of the UFO universe as the Aetherians meet

This article from South Wales Echo, Cardiff (July 17, 1987) highlights Cardiff as a hub for UFO interest. It mentions facts such as Jesus Christ being alive on Venus and piloting flying saucers, and that 60% of the British public believe in spacecraft visiting Earth. It references Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of 'silvery discs' which coined the term 'flying saucer.' The Aetherius Society, which runs a hotline for UFO spotters, is holding a meeting in Cardiff. Mr. Colin Webbley reported seeing a 'brilliant white light' and later two bright lights moving away from each other. The article notes the variety of UFO shapes reported, with the cigar shape often indicating a 'mother ship.' The hotline receives an average of 50 calls a day, with sightings dating back 40 years. It also mentions claims of UFOs having a base in West Wales beneath the sea.

Cigar shape, strange lights, and the hotline

By Dan O'Neill, this piece details the Aetherius Society's hotline and their upcoming meeting. It mentions Mr. Colin Webbley's sighting of two bright lights. The article touches upon NASA's SETI program and the vastness of the universe, suggesting the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It also includes a mention of a sighting by a man in Lisvane, Cardiff, and a dramatic sighting by the captain and crew of a Japanese Airlines jumbo jet accompanied by three UFOs over Alaska.

Flying frog spawn?

A brief report from Wiltshire Times (July 10, 1987) about Mr. Mark Robinson and his wife spotting an unidentified flying object that looked like 'flying frog spawn' near Broughton Gifford. Through binoculars, they saw three or four round globules linked together.

Close encounter on the highway

This report describes three young men in Italy who experienced a close encounter with a round object approximately 25ft across that gave off light, stopped their car, and then transported them to a city 60 miles away.

UFO 'seen over town' - claim

From Staines & Ashford (July 30, 1987), a Chertsey secretary, Diane Cole, reported seeing a bright light over Staines that she claims was a UFO. She described it as a bright light like headlights, which then took on a saucer shape and disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery of crop circles, the prevalence of UFO sightings in specific regions (particularly North Yorkshire and the West Country), and the persistent idea of a potential government cover-up regarding UFO phenomena. There is a clear interest in presenting various witness accounts and expert opinions, while acknowledging the skepticism and the search for rational explanations. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these unexplained events, giving credence to witness testimonies and investigative efforts by UFO research groups.