APCIC - Vol 13 No 03 - 1988

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated March 1988, Volume 13, No. 3, is published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, based in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien head superimposed on flying saucers, with the main headline "AERIAL PHENOMENON."

Key Articles and Reports

"WE'VE SEEN UFO 20 TIMES" - Women claim: It followed our car

This article, by Mike Beevers, details the extraordinary story of three West Country women who claim to have witnessed a UFO an astonishing 20 times. The women, who wish to remain anonymous, describe the object as having red, green, and white lights that flashed intermittently and hovered silently. Their experiences began about six weeks prior to the report when they saw the object while driving. One woman reported the object seemed to answer her car's headlights and indicators. Since then, they have seen it numerous times, even claiming it followed one of them home. The women, who described themselves as 'non-believers' before their experiences, are now determined to continue their vigil. They also report that on one occasion, when the UFO was present, the transmission of a car suddenly refused to work, returning to normal after the object disappeared.

OTHER SIGHTINGS SO FAR

This section notes that the current spate of UFO sightings in South Devon is the biggest since 1980, with reports starting around September 15th. A total of 14 people claimed to have seen a UFO in recent weeks, rivaling the sightings in June, July, and August of 1980. The best-known sighting in the area was in 1966, when dozens reported seeing a cone-shaped object over Torquay harbour.

Story backed up by 30 others

This article, also by Mike Beevers, reports that the tale of the three women has been corroborated by at least 30 other people who claim to have seen strange objects in the sky around the same time. UFO enthusiasts have compiled a 16-page dossier detailing these sightings, which they claim is the most comprehensive proof of UFOs in West Country skies to date. The dossier includes eye-witness accounts from August 4th, describing two huge delta-shaped objects that occasionally merged into a mass of lights. Reports from amateur astronomers, an ex-RAF navigator, and an officer at the Ministry of Defence are mentioned. The article refutes claims that the sightings were Navy helicopters, with witnesses emphasizing the objects' silence and distinctive lights. The Plymouth group noted that military and civil explanations for the sightings have been vague and contradictory.

Mysterious booms keep experts guessing

By Paul Jennewein, Star-News Correspondent, this article investigates the persistent phenomenon of mysterious booms heard along coasts for over a century. Theories range from UFOs and continental shelf breaks to gas escaping from underwater garbage or explosions. The booms, sometimes described as a double-thud, have been reported long before the advent of jets. The U.S. Geological Survey has documented reports from various regions, noting that high atmospheric pressure is often present during these events. While minor earthquakes were initially speculated, scientists found no correlation. A comprehensive study in 1977-1978 focused on five blasts off the New Jersey coast. A recent theory, coinciding with a Public Broadcasting Service film, suggests the booms are caused by methane gas venting from cracks in the earth's surface. Thomas Gold of Cornell University proposed that these giant gas bubbles, when bursting at the surface, create explosions and shock waves. The term "zee-fahrts" used by Dutch seamen may refer to these sea-burps.

Author recounts tales of visits aboard UFOs

This article by Amy La Roche features the work of author Budd Hopkins, who has spent 12 years chronicling the experiences of people who believe they have been abducted by aliens. Hopkins describes these individuals as coming from all walks of life. He suggests that abductees are often repeatedly targeted after being "tagged" with microscopic devices. A sample of amniotic fluid from one woman reportedly contained a minute chip of unknown origin. Hopkins also notes that many people are unaware of their abductions, a phenomenon he calls "The Skeleton Key Effect." He presents sketches by abductees, which show striking similarities in the depiction of aliens: large heads, big black eyes, and small mouths. The aliens are described as short. Hopkins suggests that aliens might be using human cells to bolster their own genetic systems. He also mentions that 21 people he's interviewed reported seeing "hybrid" babies.

UFO research deals in human frailties

By Tim Norris, this article explores the nature of UFO accounts, emphasizing that they are primarily based on eyewitness testimony, which is often unreliable. Steve Penrod, a psychology professor specializing in eyewitness descriptions, states that people are prone to optical illusions and can misjudge various aspects of what they see. He suggests that when people don't know what they are seeing, they interpret it based on their preconceptions, influenced by popular culture's portrayal of UFOs. Penrod notes that while most sightings can be explained, a significant portion remains mysterious. He also raises concerns about the reliability of hypnotic regression used to recall abduction experiences, suggesting that it can prompt people to recall things they did not see or experience. Don Schmitt, a UFO researcher, agrees that hypnosis presents problems but points out that many abductees have full waking memories. His group carefully monitors hypnosis use to avoid suggestion. Schmitt believes that the consistency in descriptions across many cases points to either a worldwide psychological issue or genuine experiences.

UFO pictures prompt calls

This brief report from the Miami Herald mentions that pictures of a glowing unidentified flying object, published in The Sentinel of Gulf Breeze, prompted several residents to report similar sightings. An investigator from the state's Mutual UFO Network was to examine the photos.

UFO accounts put credibility on the line

Another article by Tim Norris details a specific UFO sighting near Union Grove, Wisconsin, involving a husband and wife who reported seeing a massive, dark, vehicular mass with flashing red and white lights floating about 10 feet over the highway. The article touches upon the history of UFO reports, dating back to cigar-shaped "mystery airships" in the late 19th century. It discusses the popular appeal of UFOs, linking it to a desire for reassurance, an outlet for concerns, and a fascination with mystery and conspiracy. The article also notes the resurgence of interest in the 1947 Roswell crash.

BRIGHT LIGHTS CON'T - UFO witnesses may be victims, too

This article continues the discussion on UFO sightings, suggesting that witnesses may themselves be victims. It highlights the work of Don Schmitt and other investigators from the Center for UFO Studies in Chicago, who investigate cases with at least two credible witnesses. The article acknowledges that mainstream scientists question the center's results due to the use of hypnosis and the potential for fantasy. It contrasts the "absolutist" arguments of science and reason with those who believe in alien abductions, citing John Rimmer's "The Evidence for Alien Abductions." The article presents arguments for alien visitation, including the sanity and consistency of witnesses and the existence of unexplained physical evidence, alongside counter-arguments that question the statistical probability of finding Earth among other potential life-bearing planets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien abductions, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and the research of UFO investigators like Budd Hopkins and Don Schmitt, to scientific skepticism and alternative explanations such as experimental aircraft and natural phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing UFO reports, while also acknowledging the challenges in verifying such accounts and the psychological aspects involved. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs, but leaning towards the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena and the psychological impact on witnesses.

This collection of articles from late 1987 explores the persistent phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), featuring a range of perspectives from researchers, witnesses, and journalists. The articles cover alleged government cover-ups, personal accounts of sightings and abductions, and the scientific and skeptical approaches to the subject.

Key Articles and Themes

"The invasion of the gene snatchers"

This article, by Peter Gorner, discusses Budd Hopkins' book "Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods." It presents the story of Kathie Davis, who claims to have been subjected to a genetic experiment by aliens since adolescence. Hopkins speculates that aliens may be attempting to improve their gene pool with human DNA. The article notes that victims' drawings depict aliens with large heads, big hypnotic eyes, and fragile bodies. It also mentions instances of forced sperm donation, egg retrieval, and impregnation, with some victims believing they have seen hybrid children.

"Bright Lights, Dark Puzzles Cont."

This piece, likely a continuation from a previous issue, questions the physical evidence for UFOs, noting that photographs are often fuzzy and accounts vary widely. It suggests that many UFO accounts may be related to myth and human preoccupations rather than actual alien visitation. The article highlights the difficulties faced by "witnesses" and investigators, citing the experience of police officers Scott McElroy and Kevin Plendl who were publicly scrutinized after reporting a UFO sighting. It also references Don Schmitt's belief that UFO sightings are not simply due to delusion, and quotes author John Rimmer, who suggests that abduction reports contain a message about ourselves and the world we live in.

"Seen and Heard in Our Neighborhood"

This article by Robert Hastings, presented at Ball State University, argues that the U.S. government has maintained a "high level... [policy) of secrecy" regarding UFOs. Hastings, who has spent five years researching the phenomenon, presented documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. These documents allegedly reveal that while the public was told UFO reports were based on hoaxes or misidentifications, government agencies like the Air Force, FBI, and CIA conducted campaigns to discredit them. However, classified documents suggest that high-ranking officials concluded UFOs are real, extraterrestrial, and often observed near sensitive installations, seemingly for unknown reasons. The article details specific government studies, such as the 1948 "Sign" project, which concluded UFOs were interplanetary but recommended secrecy to avoid public panic. It also mentions the CIA's takeover of UFO investigations in 1953 with a policy of debunking.

"UFO alert: Ufologists urge folk to 'fess up to close encounters"

This article by Theresa Coty features Richard D. Seifried, state director of field investigations for MUFON, who spoke at the University of Michigan-Flint. Seifried emphasized MUFON's role in keeping ufology alive and scientifically studied. He noted that while many UFO sightings have logical explanations, a significant percentage remain unexplained. He described common UFO shapes (saucer, hat, hamburger) and emanations (reddish-orange light). The article also includes accounts from George and Shirley Coyne, co-directors of the Michigan MUFON chapter, who have documented numerous sightings in Michigan and aim to provide a sympathetic ear for those who report encounters.

"How UFOs changed his life"

By Paul Dellinger, this article profiles Danny Gordon, a radio broadcaster in Wytheville, Virginia, whose life has been consumed by investigating UFO sightings. Gordon has become a focal point for UFO reports in the area, attracting out-of-town reporters and investigators. He describes the experience as an obsession that has led to weight loss and sleep deprivation. The article notes that Wytheville has become a hub for UFO activity, with local businesses capitalizing on the phenomenon. Gordon himself eventually saw a UFO, which he described as a slow-moving craft with strobe lights and windows, leading him to shift from skepticism to belief.

"UFO expert hopes his life's work has ghost of a chance of surviving"

This article by Fred D. Cavinder profiles Donald L. Worley, a 66-year-old investigator of UFOs, ghosts, and other paranormal phenomena. Worley has spent 22 years trying to prove that these events are real and not just products of hysteria. He has investigated numerous UFO sightings and related activities in Indiana and the Midwest. Worley believes that the time for full explanation is not yet here, possibly by the middle of the next century. He also discusses his investigations into ape-like entities resembling Big Foot and "Men in Black" (MIBs), whom he believes are extraterrestrial. Worley contends that the government suppresses UFO information to avoid admitting the existence of a superior technology. He notes that while most UFO reports are explainable, a significant portion remain anomalous.

"UFO expert hopes his life's work has ghost of a chance of surviving" (Continued)

This section continues the profile of Donald L. Worley, detailing his investigations into ape-like entities and MIBs. He describes specific sightings of hulking forms and towering black specters. Worley also discusses the "Men in Black" (MIBs), whom he believes are extraterrestrial and involved in influencing human environments. He reiterates his belief that the government is actively suppressing UFO information due to the potential societal and intellectual strain of admitting a superior technology. Worley admits he has no definitive theories on why aliens visit Earth but notes their cunning and secretive nature, with both good and bad groups among them.

"Stay tuned for more UFO news"

This humorous column by Felton West summarizes recent sensational UFO news from supermarket weeklies. It includes an account of three Belgian vacationers who were allegedly sucked up into a flying saucer and taken for a ride in Italy. The column also reports on predictions made by a physicist in Rotterdam about aliens wanting water, booze, and "strong, healthy women" from Earth. More alarmingly, it details a Weekly World News report about a UFO crash in southeastern Russia where an injured alien allegedly killed a Soviet scientist with a "strange red vapor" before dying itself.

"UFOS Researcher: Government Hides Their Existence"

This article by Mary-Beth McLaughlin reports on Robert Hastings' talk at the University of Toledo. Hastings reiterates his claim that the U.S. government maintains a policy of secrecy regarding UFOs, citing 400 documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. He presented copies of documents, including a letter to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover detailing UFO sightings near nuclear weapons laboratories and a teletype describing an aerial dogfight in Iran between an F-4 jet and a UFO. Hastings also presented a letter from a special agent in charge of the San Antonio office detailing repeated UFO sightings near nuclear weapons laboratories and a letter to Director Hoover describing the recovery of three "flying saucers" occupied by three-foot-tall, metallic-clad beings.

"HOT LINE: Mushrooms in the sky"

This brief section addresses a reader's query about a bright, mushroom-shaped object seen moving across the sky. Steve Danford, an associate professor, suggests it might have been a satellite, Jupiter, or Venus, explaining that shooting stars move too fast for binoculars. The section also provides contact information for George Fawcett, state public relations director for MUFON, for reporting UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in these articles include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the alleged efforts by governments to conceal information about UFOs, and the personal impact of investigating and reporting these phenomena. There is a clear division between those who believe in the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation, often citing witness testimony and alleged government documents, and those who approach the subject with skepticism, seeking logical explanations or attributing reports to hoaxes and misidentifications. The articles collectively present a snapshot of the UFO discourse in 1987, highlighting the ongoing debate and the public's fascination with the unexplained.

This issue of the Loughborough Echo, dated November 13, 1987, features a prominent article titled "On trail of UFO's over Charnwood" by Paul Grinnell. The cover also includes a question: "- Was mystery figure from another planet? -". The publication appears to be a local newspaper focusing on regional news, with this issue highlighting several unexplained aerial phenomena sightings.

On trail of UFO's over Charnwood

The main article by Paul Grinnell reports on a mysterious humanoid figure seen floating over Loughborough houses, described as having the posture of a motorcyclist and wearing a dark uniform with a net effect. This sighting, occurring in early October, is presented as one of many strange reports from the Charnwood area, leading some to believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life. Other sightings mentioned include glowing orange globes over Kegworth and similar lights over Swithland Wood. These reports have been submitted to the National UFO Investigating Society, which has been collecting such data for 24 years.

Mr. Denis Harriman, the society's sighting co-ordinator, notes that enthusiasts are not the only ones keeping records, suggesting the Ministry of Defence also investigates UFOs, a claim the ministry denies. Harriman states that people from all walks of life report sightings, including police officers, aircraft engineers, and occasionally pilots, though the latter seem discouraged from coming forward. The society investigates reports by checking with airports, the Ministry of Defence, astronomical societies, weather centres, and ornithology groups to find natural explanations. If no explanation is found after several weeks, the object is listed as 'unidentified'. It can take up to 10 years for a report to be corroborated or explained.

Harriman highlights similarities between reports from diverse locations like Australia, Poland, and Fiji, noting that accounts from people who cannot read or write match those from Western countries. He discusses various theories, including psychological explanations and the idea of future humans returning to the past, or a separate race living beneath the Earth's surface. He also mentions links between ancient drawings and descriptions from people claiming to have been abducted, citing the flying serpent motif found in Aztec temples as an example.

The article also touches upon evidence suggesting life on other planets, referencing a meteorite that crashed in the 1930s containing fossils dating back millions of years before life on Earth evolved. The movement of spacecraft is suggested to be intelligently controlled, often frequenting farms, military bases, and airports while avoiding populated areas. A bizarre detail is mentioned about cattle being killed with a tiny hole, with vital organs and blood removed, a phenomenon observed in the Americas and Africa.

Glowing orange globes spotted over Kegworth

This section, integrated within the main article, briefly mentions sightings of glowing orange globes over Kegworth and similarly coloured lights over Swithland Wood, reinforcing the idea of multiple UFO-related events in the Charnwood area.

Uniformed 'alien' seen over town rooftops

This article, likely a separate piece or continuation, discusses a meteorite that crashed in the 1930s, containing fossils from millions of years before life on Earth. It suggests that the movement of spacecraft might be intelligently controlled, noting their tendency to frequent farms, military bases, and airports, while avoiding densely populated areas. It also mentions reports of cattle being killed in a bizarre manner with a small hole and vital organs removed, a phenomenon observed in the Americas and Africa. The article concludes by stating that more evidence is needed and provides a contact number for Mr. Harriman for anyone who has seen unusual objects.

Sunday Express - December 6, 1987: Close encounter - was it a 'saucer' or one of ours?

This article by Ralph Barker details the experience of Eric Spanner on the Isle of Wight on May 19, 1985. Spanner, a 43-year-old packer, was on Rew Down when he observed a bright light low on the horizon. He initially dismissed it as a star or flare but realized it was moving towards him. He described the object as disc-shaped, about the size of a tractor wheel, with two diffused fluorescent lights on top and an aura. It moved inland at about 60 feet above ground level at approximately 30 mph before descending and hovering at gutter height over a terrace of houses. Spanner heard a faint whining sound as the object swerved and disappeared behind a hedge. He later contacted the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association (Bufora), and investigator Paul Fuller appealed for witnesses. The secretary of the local Astronomical Association, Mrs. Kathleen Smith, confirmed that no astronomical objects or phenomena could account for the sighting, and other possibilities like hang gliders or model aircraft were ruled out. Ventnor Police mentioned that the Royal Navy was conducting special radar tests on St Boniface Down during that period, involving helicopters flying from the sea.

Fuller's investigation into the Royal Navy's involvement was met with a lack of cooperation from the Ministry of Defence. The article suggests that the observed phenomena might be related to Remotely-Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) or drones being tested, which are known to be low-flying, virtually noiseless, and designed for minimal radar detection. The secrecy surrounding such experiments could explain the authorities' reticence, and the UFO cult might inadvertently provide cover for this clandestine work.

Wolverhampton Express & Star - November 21, 1987: 'Mystery of 'Concorde shape UFO'

This report describes a large UFO, shaped like Concorde, spotted over the Wombourne and Codsall areas of Wolverhampton. Businessman Jim Dawes reported seeing the object, which he initially mistook for small aircraft arriving at Halfpenny Green airfield. He described it as having many different lights in a triangle shape, resembling the outline of Concorde. Codsall teacher Pat Whitehead also witnessed strange lights, describing them as rectangular and in two groups, disappearing into clouds. Airport and police officials could not provide an explanation. An airport manager later dismissed such claims as 'rubbish,' suggesting they were likely night training exercises by planes from Halfpenny Green airport.

Spalding Guardian - November 27, 1987: Did they see UFO?

This article reports on mysterious lights seen over the Spalding area. Mrs. Ruby Head described seeing a white light that later turned blue, around 9:30-10 pm. Other people reported similar lights over Spalding and Surfleet. One reader suggested it could be the Northern Lights (aurora borealis).

Burton Mail - November 9, 1987: Was it a UFO?

This letter to the editor recounts a sighting of a large, shell-like object covered in red and blue lights passing over Burton. The object was stationary for about a minute before moving off with a loud rumbling noise. The writer is convinced it was a UFO, not a balloon, and notes its size and shape were unlike anything seen before.

Sunday Express - November 22, 1987: Hanging over a country lane, suspicious object that baffled a policeman

This article by Ralph Barker details an incident involving policeman Alan Godfrey in Todmorden on November 28, 1980. Godfrey was on patrol when he observed a metallic, diamond-shaped object hovering over Ferney Lee Road. He described it as about 20 feet wide and 14 feet high, with a lower tier rotating and an upper tier with panels or windows. The object emitted a silvery, fluorescent glow. Godfrey's attempts to contact his control via radio and car VHF were unsuccessful due to radio black spots. He sketched the object and noted that his car was inexplicably moved forward about a hundred yards, and the object had vanished. He also observed that the ground where the object had hovered was patchily dry, unlike the surrounding wet road. His colleagues were skeptical, but the inspector took his report seriously, suggesting it might be related to an encounter by three Halifax police officers. Godfrey later developed a skin infection on his instep, which he learned was characteristic of UFO encounters. The article implies that the object might have been a sophisticated drone or experimental craft.

Sunday Express - November 29, 1987: Close encounter a Whitehall man wanted kept secret

This article by Ralph Barker recounts the experience of two teenage girls, Lynsey Tebbs and Susan Pearson, in Leeds on November 22, 1979. While sledging on Woodhouse Ridge, they saw a bright luminosity and a cluster of lights. They described an oval-shaped object with fins, making no sound. The object emitted a shrill whine and spiralled down, landing about 30 feet away. It was described as about the size of a small car. The girls' drawings of the object were remarkably similar. Investigators Graham and Mark Birdsall examined the site and found a half-circular depression in the ice and E-shaped depressions with a circular hole. A conical piece of ice fitted the hole, containing black particles. The analysis of samples proved inconclusive. A government official later visited the girls' family, inquiring about the sighting, and the incident was reportedly kept quiet.

Wolverhampton Express & Star - November 1987: UFO sightings dismissed as reports flood in

This report indicates a flood of UFO sighting reports in the countryside near Wolverhampton. However, Danny Wardrobe, manager of Halfpenny Green airport, dismissed these claims, attributing them to night training exercises by planes. Witnesses reported seeing V-shaped craft flying silently, and others described objects resembling boomerangs or triangular shapes with bright lights.

Cambridge Evening News - November 30, 1987: Mystery of UFO seen cruising across the Fens

This article details a claim by Leslie Woodbridge of Cambridgeshire, who reported seeing a UFO near Ely on Friday morning. Woodbridge described the craft as saucer-shaped and glowing bright white, accelerating out of sight after about 30 seconds. The Aetherius Society, a national organization, is investigating the sighting. Both Lakenheath and Mildenhall US Air Force bases stated they had no aircraft flying at the time of the sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these articles are the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across various regions of the UK, the challenges faced by witnesses in having their accounts taken seriously, and the often evasive responses from official bodies like the Ministry of Defence. There is a clear editorial stance in presenting these accounts as compelling, often with detailed witness testimonies and investigative efforts, suggesting a genuine phenomenon that warrants attention, even if definitive explanations remain elusive. The articles highlight the impact these experiences can have on individuals, changing their outlook on life, and the difficulty in finding rational explanations for many sightings.