APCIC - Vol 13 No 01 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 13, No. 1
Date: January 1988
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Key Articles and Reports

Did mini-UFO buzz US passenger jet?

This article, by Edward Reynolds, details a puzzling encounter on September 29, 1987, where the pilot of Delta Flight 1083 reported a missile-like object with fins, approximately four feet long and without exhaust, passing the jet at an altitude of 29,500 feet. The incident occurred 31 miles northeast of Charleston, West Virginia. While Delta spokesman Bill Berry confirmed the pilot saw the object, FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen suggested it might have been a balloon, stating the FAA does not acknowledge the existence of UFOs. However, Jim Harrison, a National Weather Service meteorologist, stated it was virtually certain that no balloons were airborne in the area, and he found it unlikely a pilot would misidentify one. A Pentagon spokesman confirmed the Defense Department had no involvement.

Bird? Plane? Refrigerator? Flash in sky a befuddlement

Reported by Janice Johnston, this piece from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on September 17, 1987, describes a fireball seen north of Denton, Texas, around 8 p.m. Meteorologist John Jarble at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport suggested a meteorite might have caused the flash, which appeared on the National Weather Service radar. Law enforcement received numerous calls ranging from a refrigerator to a B-52 falling from the sky. Denton County sheriff's deputy Jeff Puckett stated it was a routine night with no unusual sightings. Love Field Tower Supervisor Clyde Ledgerwood described seeing a bright ball of fire that lasted half a second to a second and extinguished in the sky, leaving a bright trail. The object was many miles north or northwest of Love Field and did not reach the surface. The FAA confirmed no plane crashes in the area. A spokesperson for East Midlands International Airport reported no unusual radar activity.

Heavens - it's a UFO!

This article from the Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald features Richard Parry, who claims to have seen a blindingly bright light in the sky on a Saturday morning about two weeks prior to the article's publication (August 14, 1987). He initially kept it to himself until he discovered another man had seen the same light at the same time. Parry described the object as a pointed light, not a star, and circular. Philip Curtis, secretary of Gwynedd Astronomical Society, suggested it might have been a bright meteor, though he had no record of one for that date.

Strange sightings on the UFO watch

This report from the Yorkshire Post Leeds (August 18, 1987) highlights the work of UFO watchers who have set up a 24-hour telephone hotline in Batley. The hotline has received reports from various locations, including a couple near Matlock who saw a large, triangular object with small lights, and a couple from Hasland, Chesterfield, who photographed a bright object with eight glittering lights.

UFO hovered over house says mum

From the Derby Evening Telegraph (August 17, 1987), this article details a sighting by Mrs. Joyce Potter and other neighbours in Chaddesden, Derby. They reported a round object, described as about as big as a car and covered in bright lights, hovering silently for about 20 minutes before splitting apart. Mrs. Potter noted the object had glass windows and nine or ten green, red, orange, and yellow lights. Air traffic controllers at East Midlands International Airport reported no unusual radar activity.

More checks on UFO sightings

This piece from the Worsley Journal (August 20, 1987) discusses Stephen Balon, an investigator with the Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, who is looking into UFO reports. He is particularly interested in a sighting over Swinton and a second over Bolton, which he believes may be linked to three sightings of a similar cylindrical red and orange flying object in Pennington and Leigh.

Motorist spotted a mystery flier

Reported by the Peterborough Evening Telegraph (August 17, 1987), this article features Gaye Pollard, who claims to have seen a UFO on the A1 near Wyboston, Bedfordshire. She described a circular object with a V-shaped side and three flashing lights. Police had no explanation for the sighting, and Pollard, who initially scoffed at the idea of flying saucers, became convinced it was neither an aeroplane nor a balloon.

TWO POACHED EGGS

This brief report from the Daily Express (August 21, 1987) mentions an incident in Chions, Northern Italy, where two witnesses claim a flying saucer snatched two chickens with a blue light beam. The article notes that 20 UFO incidents have been reported in the area since August 1.

Pilot in a close encounter

From the Evening News London (September 18, 1987), this article reports that a British airline pilot claims to have seen an Unidentified Flying Object during a flight from Greece. The UFO was also reportedly seen by pilots of two other aircraft over Vicenza, Italy. The sightings were confirmed by police, and the Italian defence ministry ordered an inquiry.

Couple spotted UFO

This report from the Wigan Observer (September 12, 1987) features a Winstanley couple who reported seeing an orange glow, described as a large stationary object, near Winter Hill. They stated it was there for several minutes before fading away, then reappearing and racing off at high speed.

US bomber was hurled into space by UFO

This article from the Examiner (October 6, 1987) presents the theory of Ufologist Wesley Bateman of Poway, California, who claims a missing US warplane and four others were hurled into space by UFO aliens. Bateman bases his theory on photographs from Apollo 11 astronauts, suggesting that depth charges dropped by the bombers damaged a UFO, causing it to rise rapidly out of the water and create a vortex that sucked up the planes. The article also mentions the disappearance of five Navy torpedo bombers in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945 and a radio transmission suggesting 'outer space' origins. Researcher Dr. J. Manson Valentine suggests extraterrestrials may have a base beneath the sea in the Bermuda Triangle. Japan's Dr. Keiji Nakamura supports Bateman's vortex theory.

LIGHT YEARS

This section reviews the book 'Light Years' by Gary Kinder, subtitled 'The Best Documented UFO Case Ever'. It tells the story of Eduard Meier, who claims to have had telepathic messages and encounters with aliens, including Sfath and Semjase from the Pleiades star system. Meier was chosen to provide proof of intelligent extraterrestrials. The book includes photos, sound recordings, and metal samples. The review notes Meier's humble background and questions whether it could be a hoax.

Seen and Heard in Our Neighborhood

This article from the Muncie Star (October 8, 1987) reports on two recent sightings in areas southeast of Muncie, Indiana. One report is from a woman in Modoc whose aunt has been seeing UFOs almost nightly. The aunt had previously reported sightings to a Winchester newspaper, but the objects reportedly stayed away when a reporter was present. The Modoc woman claimed to have seen a dozen unexplainable things during a four-hour period. The second report is from a housewife near Parker City who saw a UFO on August 9, 1983, described as round with red and green lights in spirals, which followed her car. She later saw a bright white light over trees on April of the current year. Her husband also reported seeing a cigar-shaped object with a white light in the center that moved erratically and disappeared quickly. A deputy sheriff observed an object that reacted violently to his flashing light. Calls to the Indiana National Guard and an Indianapolis radar control office yielded no information.

'UFO' SIGHTED

A letter to the Salford Journal (August 13, 1987) from an anonymous reader describes seeing a large, brightly lit object with orange lights flying low over Swinton, UK, on a Friday night. The object made no sound and was not an aircraft.

We Are Not Alone

This article from The Norristown Times Herald (October 1, 1987) features Kathleen Teti, who recounts an experience in 1976 where she saw a spaceship hover over her front lawn in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She described the vehicle as cigar-shaped with bubbled windows and no sound, emitting blue and white lights. Teti saw two aliens and two humans inside the craft. She was interviewed by UFO expert Dr. David Jacobs, who noted that her report fit patterns of other credible sightings. Teti expressed willingness to undergo a lie detector test and stated she would welcome another such experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the investigation into these sightings. The magazine appears to present a wide range of accounts, from alleged close encounters with extraterrestrial craft and beings to more ambiguous sightings like fireballs and unusual lights. While some articles present official skepticism (e.g., FAA, military spokesmen), others highlight the efforts of UFO investigators and the detailed nature of witness reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting the evidence and witness accounts for the reader to consider, while acknowledging the inherent mystery and the difficulty in definitively proving or disproving these phenomena. The inclusion of a professor's conservative scientific approach alongside detailed personal accounts suggests an attempt to cover different facets of the UFO topic.

This issue of The Norristown Times Herald, dated October 1, 1987, focuses on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and alleged government involvement, spanning 40 years of reported sightings and investigations. The cover headline, 'Extraterrestrial Visits to Earth Reported for 40 Years,' is complemented by a sub-headline, 'Government Suppressed News of Possible UFO Crash in 1947.' The issue features articles, interviews, and reports from various sources, including newspaper reporters and UFO investigators.

Key Articles and Interviews

'Extraterrestrial Visits to Earth Reported for 40 Years' by Judy Baca

This article introduces Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist who has spent 29 years investigating evidence of extraterrestrial visits to Earth. Friedman claims that 40 years ago, aliens began regular visits, and he discusses the alleged government cover-up of a UFO crash in New Mexico in the summer of 1947, near Roswell Army Air Base. He mentions the discovery of four alien bodies and the subsequent removal of the craft and bodies by a top-secret group code-named Majestic-12, appointed by President Harry S. Truman. Friedman asserts that US and Canadian governments have known about extraterrestrial UFOs for over 40 years. He recounts the initial Army press release about a crashed disc, later retracted and explained as a weather balloon radar reflector. Friedman, a resident of Fredericton, Canada, holds degrees in physics from the University of Chicago. Between 1970 and 1982, he lectured extensively on UFOs and appeared on numerous media outlets. He also worked with writer William L. Moore and producer Jaime H. Shander on a project involving anonymous government agents who allege that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft and that the US intelligence community maintains covert interest despite official denials.

Friedman also discusses the 1954 'Project Blue Book' study conducted at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, calling it a 'cover operation' for a more sophisticated effort by agencies like the CIA and FBI.

'UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation' by Paul Screeton

This article commemorates the 40th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine bright metallic objects flying in single file over the Cascade Mountains. Arnold's description of the objects' 'flipping, erratic movements' and estimated speed of 1,700 m.p.h. led to the coining of the term 'flying saucer.' The article notes that shortly after Arnold's sighting, a UFO may have crashed in New Mexico, with authorities allegedly gathering wreckage at Roswell. It highlights the work of researchers like William Moore and Leonard Stringfield, who have interviewed witnesses and collected sworn affidavits. However, the article suggests that despite 40 years of research, the truth about flying saucers remains elusive, with 1987 being a significant year for UFO-related books and heightened public interest.

The article also mentions the 'contactee craze' starting with George Adamski and the subsequent phenomenon of UFOs causing vehicle stoppages, exemplified by the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case documented in John Fuller's book 'The Interrupted Journey.' It touches upon the 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind' and the apparent lack of accidents despite these incidents.

Regarding officialdom, the article references Jenny Randles' book 'The UFO Conspiracy: The First Forty Years,' which examines official studies and debunking efforts. Randles suspects government surveillance of civilian UFO groups in America, including infiltration by CIA agents, infringing on civil rights.

'After 40 Years' by Paul Screeton (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on UFOs, referencing the Freedom of Information Act in the US, which has led to the release of thousands of UFO files since 1977, though many remain classified for security reasons. In contrast, Britain's Official Secrets Act is described as maintaining the opposite, making conspiracy easier to sustain. Randles' book suggests a possible 'education programme' where the truth about aliens is being released slowly, with friendly aliens featured in films like Spielberg's to prevent panic. This aligns with the 'myth' entering the American UFO community from leaked sources. The article posits that UFO activity has developed in phases, possibly as a way to educate humanity, or alternatively, as a 'cultural tracking' phenomenon reflecting our own scientific and social activities, suggesting aliens might exist in 'inner space' rather than outer space. The article concludes that despite extensive research, the phenomenon remains complex, and easy answers are unlikely.

'We saw a UFO, say York women' (Yorkshire Evening Press, October 1, 1987)

This report details a sighting by three women – Val Sutcliffe and her daughters Amanda and Louise – who work at Terry's chocolate factory in York. They observed a glowing red square object, the size of a double-decker bus, hovering over the factory before disappearing. They described it as frightening and unlike the sun. The sighting occurred at dawn. The report also mentions two other sightings in the same area, one by a cyclist and another by a driver, both describing large objects in the sky. Officers at RAF Linton-on-Ouse reported no unusual radar activity at the time.

'U.F.O. Stakeout: A Polite Request To Land in Rain' by Michael Winerip (The New York Times, October 27, 1987)

This article profiles Ellen Crystall, a UFO photographer and Ph.D. candidate in music at New York University. Crystall claims to have over 500 UFO pictures and spends thousands on developing them. She believes UFOs intentionally interfere with cameras and that labs often fail to develop pictures with UFOs due to the unusual dots. Crystall, who first saw an alien in 1971, describes the being as having a large head and wearing a rust-color stretch-knit jump suit. She estimates seeing 1,000 UFOs and can recognize them by their 'yellow lights' and 'ships' that don't look like airplanes. She also mentions her UFO associates, including John White, a speechwriter and author, and Dan and Marianne Shenefield, who watch for UFOs near a New Hampshire airport. The article notes that Crystall believes UFOs are unrelated to societal events and that hoaxes are a tiny fraction of reported events.

'Callers flood the UFO hot-line' (Birmingham Evening Mail, September 17, 1982)

This brief report states that Birmingham's UFO Studies Investigations reported its telephone line was 'red hot' with witnesses reporting sightings of a mystery object over the Midlands. The chairman, John Hurley, noted that many people were reluctant to report sightings for fear of ridicule. He mentioned over 50 sightings of an orange object with a green light on top, about the size of a caravan, which traveled at great speed and then stopped dead.

'UFO aliens save Star Trek skipper's life' (The Examiner, November 23, 1987)

This article recounts an incident where actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in Star Trek, claims UFO aliens saved his life in the Mojave desert. Stranded with a broken-down motorcycle, Shatner heard a telepathic voice guiding him back to civilization. He believes a UFO was responsible. The article also mentions Leonard Nimoy, Shatner's co-star, who hosted 'In Search Of,' a show investigating UFOs, and astronaut Neil Armstrong's acknowledgment of a UFO sighting during the Apollo II mission.

'Children see flying saucer...' (Manchester Evening News, October 7, 1987)

This report details two separate incidents where schoolchildren at St. Joseph's primary school in Leigh claimed to have seen mysterious objects hovering over their playground. The children provided detailed accounts and drawings. Investigator Steve Balon stated that despite checking with airport and Met Office representatives, he could not explain the sightings. In one incident, about 30 youngsters reported seeing a helicopter chasing a circular object with flashing red and white lights, which then pulsed brightly and shot up into the sky. In another incident, several children reported seeing an identical object. Deputy headmaster Bruce Nutter confirmed the children's conviction that they saw a UFO being followed by a helicopter.

'UFO nad „Posejdonem"' (Kurier Szczeciński, March 2, 1987)

This Polish report, translated into English, describes a telephone call from a reader who saw a UFO over 'Posejdon' Stores. The object was extended, emanated a soft blue-turquoise light, and moved soundlessly towards Wyszański Street. It was visible for about 2 seconds and was larger than an airplane, moving at a height of 50 to 100 meters. A woman also witnessed the object.

'UFO w podszczecińskiej wsi? Kto chce - niech wierzy...' (Kurier Szczeciński, March 17, 1987)

This report from Lech Galicki of the UFO Research Department 'Internol' in Szczecin details an event in a village near Szczecin on March 7th. Henryk K., a 22-year-old, observed a luminous object hovering at tree-top height. Later, at a distance of about 25 meters, he noticed five smallish human shapes, causing him to have a nervous shock. This is classified as a 'Close Encounter of the Third Kind.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of UFO sightings over decades, the alleged efforts by governments to suppress information about these phenomena, and the ongoing investigations by dedicated researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the evidence and claims from various sources, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the complexity and mystery surrounding UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on the historical aspect, marking the 40th anniversary of significant events like the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Roswell incident.

This issue of the EXAMINER, dated September 22, 1987, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring a dramatic cover story about a police chief who vanished after photographing an alien. The magazine includes reports from various locations, discussions on abduction experiences, and speculative theories linking different unexplained phenomena.

Cop Vanishes After Taking UFO Alien's Picture

The lead story details the experience of Jeff Greenhaw, a 26-year-old police chief from Falkville, Alabama. While responding to a call about a UFO landing, Greenhaw encountered a spaceman on a dirt road. He managed to take five pictures of the alien, described as wearing a metallic suit with no facial features and a pointed head, before it fled. Greenhaw pursued but could not catch it. Later, Greenhaw's wife received a call from someone claiming to be the 'spaceman,' threatening him. In the following weeks, Greenhaw's car engine blew up, he received threatening calls from 'Men in Black' (MIB) demanding he declare the photos fake, and his mobile home burned down. He left the Falkville police department in 1973 and subsequently vanished. Recent reports suggest he might be living in Alabama. The article notes that MIB are reportedly targeting others who have had close encounters, warning them to discontinue UFO research.

County UFO-mania Hots Up (Derbyshire Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1987)

This article reports a surge in UFO sightings in Derbyshire, UK. Dave Kelly, coordinator for the UFO Network, stated they were 'inundated' with reports. A recent sighting over Chaddesden, Derby, of a mystery object with bright lights triggered the rush. Investigators are probing various claims, including one from the White House pub at Kegworth where 30 people saw a shooting star that stopped, glowed yellow, and disappeared at high speed. Kelly described the area as very active for sightings.

Sid Snaps a Mystery (Kentish Express, August 27, 1987)

Carpenter Sid Britten, 55, from Willesborough, captured an unusual object in a photograph taken during his summer holiday in Cornwall. While taking a picture of his wife Edith by a roadside wall, a silver cigar-shaped object appeared above the harbour in the background. Britten did not notice it at the time but was baffled when he collected the developed photos. The article questions whether it was a visitor from space, a cloud, or a seagull.

Researching the Unexplained (Pittsburgh Monthly, October 1987)

Stan Gordon, director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of Unexplained (PASU), runs an organization with 85 technicians and specialists who investigate strange and unusual occurrences. Gordon emphasizes the need for confidentiality to encourage people to report incidents. In 1986, PASU investigated over 300 cases in Pennsylvania, with about 90% having explainable phenomena. However, three unexplained sightings in the Pittsburgh area in 1986 involved metallic objects: a disc-shaped object over the Birmingham Bridge, and two daylight sightings of a large, silver elongated object near Monroeville and Mount Pleasant. A significant sighting near New Stanton on August 31, 1986, involved an aircraft-like object with lights that appeared to crash, leaving behind two small circular areas of fire.

Watch the Skies: UFO Skeptics Becoming Believers in Wythe (Roanoke Times World News, October 17, 1987)

This article details UFO sightings in Wythe County, Virginia. Patricia Aker, initially a skeptic, reported seeing two olive drab objects with colored lights moving slowly towards her home with a 'drone' sound. She assumed they were Army transport planes but noted their unusual speed and shape. Nine people in three cars witnessed the objects. Danny Gordon, news director at radio station WYVE, has become a clearinghouse for UFO reports, receiving calls from across the state. Other witnesses reported triangular objects with flashing lights and numerous colored lights hovering and moving. Judy Hall and her husband Mike reported seeing a hovering object with flashing red, green, and white lights.

New York City Attorney Breaks New Ground in Study of UFO Phenomenon (New York City Tribune, October 29, 1987)

Peter Gersten, a New York City criminal attorney, has significantly contributed to UFO research by using legal skills to obtain thousands of declassified government documents through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These documents convinced him of a large body of evidence on UFO phenomena. Gersten became involved in the Hudson Valley UFO flap in the mid-80s, setting up a UFO Hotline and working with investigator Phillip Imbrogno. He organized a public conference in Brewster, NY, attended by over a thousand people. Gersten now believes he has learned all he can from government files and finds pursuing FOIA cases less productive than studying UFO abductions.

Gersten and science writer Patrick Huyghe formed a group called Contact to address abduction reports. They held another conference featuring authors Budd Hopkins and Whitley Strieber, and expert John Keel. The article discusses Hopkins' investigation of abduction cases, noting that many abductees remember events without hypnosis or only require partial hypnosis. Hopkins also highlights that abductions can involve multiple people and that not all hypnosis sessions with those who believe they have been abducted result in an abduction scenario; some have mundane explanations. Hopkins believes the abduction experience is psychologically damaging.

Whitley Strieber, author of 'Communion,' shared his experiences, describing them as something strange that happened to him. He suggested that abductions might be related to concepts like the 'von Neuman machine' or the evolution of consciousness. Strieber described the UFO phenomenon as 'sublimely indifferent' and that amoral behavior can become immoral. He also touched upon the fad of channeling.

John Keel is mentioned as maintaining that UFOs and abductions are part of anomalous phenomena with an unknown energy source, categorizing them as 'Fortean phenomena.' Folklorist Dr. Peter Rojcewicz expressed reservations about the current vogue of abductions, suggesting that media influence makes it difficult to gauge the true extent of the phenomenon and recommending researchers focus on 'analogous discrete but related phenomena.'

Riddle of a Concorde-like Silent UFO (Shropshire Star, November 23, 1987)

A large, silent UFO shaped like a Concorde aircraft was spotted over the Wombourne and Codsall areas of Wolverhampton, UK. Businessman Jim Dawes reported seeing the low-level UFO, describing it as having a rectangular shape with lights in two groups. Teacher Pat Whitehead also witnessed the object, noting it was not an ordinary plane or helicopter and disappeared into clouds. Air Traffic Control and RAF Shawbury reported no unusual aircraft activity. Wombourne police received no calls about the UFO.

Incredibly, Story of the Millennium! (IL-D23 Chicago Tribune, December 11, 1987)

This article critiques a story from Weekly World News that claims to have solved mysteries of Bigfoot, the Devil's Triangle, Atlantis, and UFOs based on a '1,500-page hush-hush report' from Soviet researchers. The report allegedly links UFOs, the Devil's Triangle, and Atlantis with extraterrestrial activity. Bigfoot is presented as the missing link between modern humans and apes. The Soviets reportedly found Atlantis with advanced technology and a statue depicting a human conversing with an alien. Two Bigfoot specimens, described as 7 feet tall and hairy, were killed and studied. The Devil's Triangle is suggested to be an alien dump site for radioactive waste, causing navigational hazards. The article also claims that UFOs are piloted by aliens who use Earth to dump waste, extract minerals, and study life-forms. A 'French state department official' is quoted as saying, 'The Soviets beat the world on this one.'

OAP Encounters a Pulsating UFO (Luton News, August 20, 1987)

Mrs Win Crawley, 72, of Luton, UK, reported seeing a UFO for about 20 minutes in the early hours of Sunday morning. She described the object as 'absolutely fantastic,' resembling a sea anemone, pulsating, whitish silver, with a black hole in the middle and what looked like wires. She saw it turn at different angles and was quite scared. She became interested in astronomy through her son-in-law and assured that she was not mistaken, stating it was not a plane from Luton Airport.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, alien encounters, and the broader spectrum of anomalous events. There is a clear interest in investigating and reporting on UFO sightings and encounters, ranging from the dramatic disappearance of a police officer after photographing an alien to more routine sightings. The issue also delves into the controversial topic of alien abductions, exploring psychological aspects and potential explanations. The speculative linking of UFOs with other mysteries like Bigfoot and the Bermuda Triangle, as reported from a Soviet study, highlights a willingness to consider far-reaching theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for critical analysis, particularly concerning the influence of media on public perception of phenomena like abductions.