APCIC - Vol 13 No 05 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 13, No. 5
Date: May 1988
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, presenting a collection of witness accounts, expert opinions, and investigative reports from both the UK and the USA. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien face with overlapping flying saucers.

Key Articles and Reports

Joan Tracks West's UFOs

The lead story focuses on Joan Amos, a UFO investigator from Devon, UK, who has compiled a substantial file of UFO sightings. The article recounts Amos's own initial sighting in April 1978, where she and four other women witnessed a bright, haloed UFO. It also details the frightening experience of Denise, a 19-year-old from Plymouth, who reported being hit by a lime-green beam of light from a hovering UFO. This beam reportedly immobilized her and left a burn on her hand, for which Joan Amos provided photographic evidence. Bob Boyd, chairman of the Plymouth UFO Research Group, interviewed Denise and confirmed the authenticity of her experience. Joan Amos herself has had five UFO sightings and describes a unique state of consciousness during encounters, which she calls the 'OZ Factor.'

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Contact

The issue explores theories about extraterrestrial interactions, referencing a book by Michael Williams that suggests aliens may be visiting Earth for procreation. Gordon Creighton, editor of Flying Saucer Review, is cited with cases of farmers being kidnapped by aliens for sexual encounters, with post-hypnotic suggestions given to prevent memory. The Earl of Clancarty is mentioned for his serious approach to UFOs, having spoken in the House of Lords and chaired an all-party UFO study group. He believes Stephen Spielberg's films 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'E.T.' were part of an alien-led education program to prepare humanity for open contact.

The Thin Green Beam and Moorland Sightings

Reports from Bolton, UK, detail a mysterious 'thin green beam' observed in the night sky, baffling local authorities. Simultaneously, Ufologist Steve Balon has received numerous calls about strange lights over Belmont Moor. Balon, with 20 years of UFO investigation experience, notes that these sightings are concentrated in specific areas and are often unexplained by air traffic control or meteorological offices. He suggests a possible cover-up by governments and believes they may have made contact with UFOs. The article also mentions theories about UFOs using moorland areas for refueling or observation.

Reality or Perception?

A debate between UFO researcher Philip Imbrogno and psychology professor Terence Hines highlights contrasting views on UFO sightings. Imbrogno asserts that sightings, witnessed by police officers and IBM executives, are evidence of something beyond aircraft or misperception. Hines, a skeptic, argues that these experiences are a matter of human perception and can be explained by psychological factors or misidentification, citing the planet Venus as a common misidentification. While they disagree on the cause, both express skepticism about reported UFO abductions.

UFO Sightings Around State (Virginia)

This section compiles numerous UFO sightings from Southwest Virginia. Police Chief Bob Lewis of Rural Retreat expressed regret for mentioning his sighting, which attracted media attention. The reports describe various objects, often silent, hovering, or creeping, with multiple lights of different colors. Common characteristics include hovering capabilities, group sightings, and a lack of hostility from the objects. Many witnesses believe these are part of secret military projects. Notably, dogs have shown no reaction to these phenomena, and many witnesses are ordinary people who have never reported a UFO before.

Birmingham Evening News: 'Caught in UFO Beam'

A mother and daughter in Birmingham, UK, reported a 'strange encounter' where they were caught in a 'torch-like beam' shining down from a hovering object. They described a humming noise and felt dizzy and confused.

Unidentified Objects Spotted in Dutch Sky

In Amsterdam, Netherlands, police and a helicopter were involved in a late-night chase for unidentified flying objects reported over the capital. Air traffic controllers observed bright lights that did not appear on radar. Calls described objects ranging from 'airplane-like' to 'fantastic contraptions.'

Mars and UFO Sightings

An article discusses the upcoming close approach of Mars to Earth in 1988, noting that its increased brightness might lead people to mistake it for extraterrestrial visitors, potentially triggering a wave of UFO sightings.

Have UFOs Visited Tier? (Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin)

This report covers sightings of bright, blinking lights in the Southern Tier of New York. Theories include meteors, fireballs, or even alien spacecraft. The article includes a 'Speak Out!' segment asking readers if they believe Earth has been visited by extraterrestrials.

'Bright Light' Baffles Police Agencies (Sherburne, NY)

Police in Sherburne and the Chenango County Sheriff's Department reported seeing a 'bright light' in the sky that was larger than a meteor and extremely bright, described as a flash or an electric transformer blowing up. No electrical problems were reported in the area.

With a Self-Built Detector, You'll Know When to Look for Flying Saucers

This article from The Chattanooga Times describes blueprints for home-built UFO detectors that can allegedly pick up 'electromagnetic funny business' associated with UFOs. The designer, referred to as 'Joe,' explains that these devices are like smoke detectors, providing an early warning system. He emphasizes the need for hard evidence before accepting UFO phenomena and notes that some military buddies tease him about his work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings, the debate between belief and skepticism, the potential for government cover-ups, and the psychological aspects of perception. The magazine appears to present a platform for UFO enthusiasts and researchers to share their findings and experiences, while also including skeptical viewpoints to provide a balanced perspective. The overall stance seems to be one of open investigation into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the numerous reports and the need for further study, even if definitive proof remains elusive.

This issue of the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin, dated January 13, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "Tier is in the dark about flying object," indicating a focus on unexplained aerial phenomena. The issue also includes a Chicago Tribune article from January 29, 1988, headlined "UFO labeled as merely meteorites," suggesting a contrast in reporting or follow-up on similar events.

Broome County Flying Object Mystery

The lead article by Roqua Montez IV details ongoing confusion and speculation surrounding a flying object that had been observed over Broome County, New York, since the preceding Thursday. Theories presented include meteors, the planet Venus, and a military helicopter that landed at Edwin A. Link Field. E. Jay Sarton Jr., director of Kopernik Observatory, advises caution, noting that inexperienced observers may misinterpret what they see. Sarton himself believes a Sunday sighting was likely a Quadrantid meteor shower fragment. However, observers reported the object changed direction, hovered, and appeared as a ball of light rather than a typical meteor streak. Victoria VanOstrand described a blinding ball of light on Monday evening, and other sightings occurred on Thursday. Celeste Pazzaglini-Mack reported seeing a bright object hovering on Thursday in Endwell. Peter Santangelo, a field investigator for the Texas-based Mutual UFO Network, plans to investigate further, initially suggesting a large fireball meteor for the Sunday sighting, which he witnessed from the observatory. He also suggested that a Monday sighting by two Conklin women might have been the planet Venus, with clouds causing a blinking effect. One woman took three pictures of the object. Binghamton resident Claudia Wilkins reported seeing flashing red and white lights on what looked like a blimp on Thursday evening.

Australian UFO Encounter

A Chicago Tribune article from January 29, 1988, reports on an Australian woman, Faye Knowles, who claimed a UFO chased her car and lifted it from the road on an outback highway. Charles Morgan of the Sydney Observatory stated that no known phenomenon could physically achieve this, suggesting the woman may have lost control of her vehicle during a meteorite shower. The incident occurred before dawn on January 20. A tuna fishing boat crew also reported seeing a bright object that buzzed their boat and slurred their speech. Knowles also reported her and her children's voices became distorted while the car was airborne, and their vehicle was covered in ash. Morgan suggested a meteorite shower could explain the ash and the reported "smell of dead bodies."

UFO Conference in Inglewood

An article from the Los Angeles Times, dated January 25, 1988, covers a UFO conference in Inglewood sponsored by New Frontiers, described as a "metaphysical society." Founder Marc Michaels, a former skeptic, now dedicates himself to enlightening the public about UFOs and related phenomena, having spent $80,000 on his venture. Attendees included Patty Wolfer, who claims to have been taken aboard spaceships, and Frances Steiger, who claims to predict major events and practices channeling. R. A. Amigron, a "psychic archeologist," believes he has found evidence of an ancient city. Philip McAiney, a film producer, is working on a documentary about channeling. Estelle Delgado, a retired schoolteacher, expressed interest in UFOs, believing they might help save the planet. Edith Santos, a retired apartment manager, shared a past UFO sighting but expressed skepticism about some claims, noting "so many loony tunes around."

UFO Magazine and Abduction Claims

A Sunday Sport (London) article from January 31, 1988, discusses "bonking beings from outer space" and "alien sex fiends" landing in Britain. It highlights claims by UFO boffin Jenny Randles, who suggests aliens target young women in rural areas for physical encounters. The article mentions that since 1976, there have been 52 reported abductions in Britain. Sherie Stark and Vicki Cooper, editors of UFO magazine (formerly "California UFO"), aim to report UFO stories seriously and without sensationalism. The magazine covers UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and advertises support groups for abductees. Patty Wolfer, featured in the article, dismisses claims that her experiences are drug-induced.

UFO Sightings Across the UK

Several regional newspapers report on UFO sightings:

• Colchester Evening Gazette Essex (December 8, 1987): Owen Morgan reported a mysterious "whittering" sound and lights in Braintree, describing an object that moved across the road and disappeared into the air.
• Aldershot News Hants (January 29, 1988): A Farnborough man and his stepson claimed to have seen a large, saucer-shaped object with lights moving slowly.
• Farnham Herald Surrey (January 29, 1988): Ms. Miranda Scolding reported hearing a strange noise and seeing lights flashing in Wrecclesham.
• Nottingham Evening Post (January 27, 1988): Patrick Fleckney investigated reports of a large red UFO seen over Bestwood Estate, possibly mistaken for Venus.
• Nottingham Evening Post (December 10, 1987): Police and airport officials were stumped by reports of a large, slow-moving object with a deep hum over Nottingham.
• Colne Valley Chronicle (December 4, 1987): Reports of UFO sightings over the Pennine Hills are discussed, with a team investigating theories like geological faulting and atmospheric phenomena. Readers are asked to report sightings.
• Essex Chronicle Chelmsford (January 29, 1988): Reports of a mystery light over Chelmsford, with witnesses describing objects of various shapes and colors, including a "football pitch" sized object.
• South Wales Evening Post Swansea (January 28, 1988): Police are taking seriously a report of a multi-coloured UFO spotted above Pyle, described as the size of three maisonettes.
• Northampton Chronicle & Echo (January 25, 1988): Georgina Jeyes and her daughter reported seeing a sack-shaped object with a glow underneath, flying low over Northampton.
• Manchester Evening Star (February 1, 1988): Two policemen reported seeing mystery lights stationary in the sky over Cheadle, which then sank out of sight. Air traffic control reported no unusual radar activity.
• Oldham Evening Chronicle Lancs (January 29, 1988): Jose Ludlam spotted a "jet-black saucer with a silvery centre" hovering over Oldham.
• Oldham Evening Chronicle Lancs (February 4, 1988): A "dark, rotating object with a very bright, flashing light" was spotted over Chadderton.
• Bolton Evening News (February 1, 1988): A "glowing" UFO was reported on the flightpath approach to Cheadle near Stockport, sinking to the ground without radar detection.
• Wolverhampton Express and Star (January 23, 1988): Staff at a horse sanctuary reported seeing a mysterious light hovering above Dudley.
• Plymouth Star (February 4, 1988): The Plymouth UFO Group, a band of enthusiasts, is collecting sightings and information about UFOs in the South West. They have published a booklet called "UFOs Over Plymouth."
• Farnham Mail Surrey (February 9, 1988): A "pink fireball" with smoke was reported over Ash by a mother and daughter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these articles are the persistent reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges in obtaining official explanations, and the diverse range of eyewitness accounts. There is a clear division between those who seek scientific or conventional explanations (meteors, Venus, aircraft) and those who believe in extraterrestrial origins or more mysterious phenomena. The articles highlight the public's fascination with UFOs, the efforts of amateur investigators, and the occasional claims of government secrecy or cover-ups. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting these events and claims, presenting various perspectives without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, though the sheer volume of reports suggests a genuine public interest and a perceived reality to these sightings for many.

This compilation of articles from early 1988, primarily from UK regional newspapers, details a spate of reported UFO sightings and encounters across the country. The publications include the Chesterfield and Dronfield Gazette, South Woodham Weekly News, Ashbourne News Telegraph, Bolton Evening News, Shropshire Star, The Star Sheffield, Aldershot News, North Western Daily Mail, Birmingham Evening Mail, Oldham Evening Chronicle, Toronto Star, Zanesville Times Recorder, and Nottingham Evening Post. The overall tone suggests a public fascination with and concern over these unexplained aerial phenomena.

Chesterfield and Dronfield Gazette (Jan 21, 1988)

This article reports on a group of seven people in Brampton, Chesterfield, who witnessed an unidentified flying object (UFO) and its 'chicks' hovering for nearly an hour. Retired college lecturer Geoffrey Thorneycroft, one of the witnesses, believes there is 'another technology, equal to or superior to our own' responsible for these manifestations. He described the object as a large, disc-shaped UFO with smaller ones, emitting glowing green, blue, and red lights. He noted that an aircraft flew towards the UFO, suggesting the occupants might have seen the same phenomenon. Thorneycroft also recalled a similar sighting three or four years prior. A police spokesman stated they directed the caller to a UFO investigator.

Another section in the Gazette highlights Elsa Lee, assistant director for investigations for the Yorkshire UFO Society, who logs reported sightings. She notes that about 90% of sightings are identified, but the remaining 10% are intriguing. She mentioned a recent spate of sightings in the north of England, including one near the A38 between Burton and Derby.

South Woodham Weekly News (Jan 28, 1988)

This article features Andrew Pope of Boreham, who supported a motorist's report of a UFO sighting over Chelmsford. Pope claimed to have seen a cylindrical object travelling from left to right, emitting a red or orange vapour trail. He observed it long enough to fetch binoculars and have his wife look. His sighting occurred around 3:45 pm, slightly earlier than the 5 pm sighting reported by Rodney Cullum of Witham. Despite inquiries with the Air Ministry and airport controllers, no official explanation was found.

Ashbourne News Telegraph (Jan 21, 1988)

This paper reports on ongoing UFO activity in Derbyshire and the country. It mentions a gigantic object estimated to be between 600 and 1,000 feet long, and a circular object hovering over Nottingham with pink tear-shaped lights. A specific incident on New Year's Day is detailed, involving Mr. Dennis Harriman of the National UFO Investigation Society. Harriman recounts an experience where a man and his wife, while driving with their baby, saw lights following their car. They turned down a lane, and two laser-like lights shone on the car. The family experienced a 'lost time' phenomenon of 15 minutes, during which nothing happened. Harriman, who is seeking reports of Ashbourne area sightings, can be contacted via phone.

Bolton Evening News (Jan 25, 1988)

This article covers another UFO sighting in Bolton, where pensioner Mrs. Eileen Martin reported a 'large white ball, covered in bright white lights' hovering over Belmont. She described a loud humming noise before the object dropped out of sight.

Shropshire Star (Jan 26, 1988)

This piece focuses on Mrs. Margaret Bourne of Hopshort, who backs her son Malcolm's story of encountering a 6ft alien in his bedroom in 1985. Malcolm described the 'muttering monster' as terrifying and haunting. Mrs. Bourne also claims to have seen a UFO herself in October, describing it as a seven to eight-inch dinner plate floating outside her kitchen window, followed by a streak of lightning and a rainbow.

The Star Sheffield (Jan 23, 1988)

Police in Sheffield were baffled by a mysterious red light observed in the sky late at night. Inspector David Tingle and Sergeant Chris Thompson saw the light, which seemed to hang over the Greenhill, Low Edges area. They initially considered it might be a flare, but checks with the Territorial Army yielded no explanation. Numerous calls were received from the public, but no official explanation was found.

Aldershot News (Jan 22, 1988)

This article reports on a 'spate' of UFO sightings in the Rushmoor area since Christmas, including sightings around Bagshot, Lightwater, Blackwater, and Yateley. An elderly Farnborough woman, Miss Mary Sackley (78), described seeing a large, noiseless object with flashing green and blue lights, which appeared suddenly and then vanished. She was prompted to report it after seeing a similar drawing in the 'News'. Local UFO expert Rex Dutta suggests that the 'spate' of reports is due to media attention rather than an increase in actual sightings.

The Star London (Jan 26, 1988)

This article details an alleged close encounter by policeman Alan Godfrey, who claims he was beamed up into a UFO and examined by a 7ft tall being. He described tiny robots and a 'giant VDII screen'. Godfrey stated that his police superiors discouraged him from reporting the incident, leading him to quit the force. The experience was reportedly uncovered through intense regression hypnosis. The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association has compiled files on this 1980 encounter.

North Western Daily Mail (Feb 15, 1988)

Members of the Furness Astronomical Society are investigating an unusually bright 'light' seen over Barrow in the western sky. Mrs. Margaret Dacre described the object as changing color from orange to red and then iridescent blue. Society secretary Robert Sylvester noted that while Venus and Jupiter were bright, their color would be more whitish. He plans to consult with other society members.

Birmingham Evening Mail (Feb 17, 1988)

Police were investigating two separate sightings of an unidentified flying object over the Walsall area by four police officers. One officer described the UFO as a 'giant oblong block of light' that was spinning and moving silently. Inspector Roger Clarke and Sergeant Steve Godwin, along with Sergeant Stuart Griffiths and PC Michael Powell, reported seeing the object, which was described as having multiple lights, including red and green ones on its perimeter. The object was flying low and moved at high speed. Airport authorities could not provide an explanation, though they suggested it might have been a helicopter or aircraft. The sighting lasted about three minutes.

Oldham Evening Chronicle (Feb 16, 1988)

A courting couple, Andrea Needham and Julian Guerriero, claim to have spotted a UFO hovering above the Red Barn pub in Chadderton. They described a yellow, rectangular-shaped object with red flashing lights that suddenly shot into the sky, then returned to hover. A brilliant flash of light was observed before it vanished. The incident is part of a series of recent UFO sightings in Oldham.

Toronto Star (Jan 31, 1988)

This article reports on a 'UFO blitz' on Manitoba, with staff astronomer Ed Barker of the Manitoba Planetarium confirming 'strange experiences'. Barker is investigating reports of 'flaps' (blocks of sightings), including a priest who saw a 'van' with bright lights that vanished, and a boy who described being visited by 'ghosts' with large, almond-shaped eyes. Barker is seeking a hypnotist to help recall more details of these alleged encounters.

Zanesville Times Recorder (Jan 31, 1988)

Jeff Newlon, a welder at Armco Park, claims to have seen a UFO over Colony Square Mall in Zanesville. He described a completely round-shaped object, glowing brightly and moving west. He estimated it was about 4,000 feet in the air, moving slowly. Newlon insisted it was a flying craft, not an airplane, helicopter, or light. He noted that other people in the parking lot also saw it. Calls to local police yielded no other sightings, but the Federal Aviation Administration has a national hotline for UFO reports. The Muskingum County Sheriff's office reported a previous sighting that turned out to be lights from a tower.

Omaha World Herald (Jan 18, 1988)

This article details a UFO sighting in the Omaha sky on a Sunday evening. Several people reported seeing unusual lights, with some mistaking them for colliding airplanes, a hot air balloon, or the planet Venus. Police officers observed a bright, solid white light moving southwest. State Patrol troopers also spotted the object. Possible explanations included a Nebraska National Guard helicopter or Venus. An Omaha police headquarters officer suggested it might have been Venus.

Nottingham Evening Post (Dec 16, 1987)

This article reports on numerous UFO sightings over Nottingham, with callers reporting strange lights in the sky. Housewife Alison Evans described two large objects with strange light configurations and a low hum flying from Newark over Nottingham to the Derbyshire border. She noted brown vapour trails that remained visible. Another witness, Richard Breedon, described a huge object twice the size of a football pitch making a loud humming noise, with red lights and a large bright white light. Radar screens at East Midlands Airport and the RAF showed nothing. A Ministry of Defence spokesman stated that most UFO sightings are eventually identified as satellites, balloons, or aircraft, but acknowledged that some remain unexplained. The Civil Aviation Authority noted no unusual aircraft activity but did not rule out an aircraft straying into the area. The article concludes by suggesting the objects could be unknown military aircraft or even aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, often by credible witnesses including police officers, professionals, and ordinary citizens. The lack of definitive explanations from authorities, coupled with descriptions of unusual craft, lights, and behaviors, fuels public interest and speculation. While some articles lean towards skepticism or offer conventional explanations (misidentification, weather phenomena), others highlight the baffling nature of the sightings and the possibility of unknown technologies or extraterrestrial origins. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of seriousness, acknowledging the witnesses' accounts while also presenting official or skeptical viewpoints where available. There is an underlying sense of mystery and a public desire for answers regarding these 'unidentified' objects.