APCIC - Vol 13 No 10 - 1988

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated October 1988, Volume 13, No. 10, is published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, located in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover features a prominent illustration of an alien head surrounded by flying saucers, with the magazine title "UFO NEWS" displayed boldly.

Key Articles and Features

Morton Downey Jr. and Alien Abduction

The issue delves into the story of talk show host Morton Downey Jr.'s alleged alien abduction experience in 1953. Downey recalls a mysterious light, a period of lost time (40 minutes), and waking up with his car working. He is reportedly planning to undergo hypnosis to explore this event further. Dr. Jean Mundy, a psychology professor, notes that while Downey wants to be hypnotized, such sessions cannot be broadcast on television due to their potentially lengthy nature. Mike Luckman, director of the New York Center for UFO Research, states that Downey feels there is a government cover-up.

"Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up" by Timothy Good

This section reviews Timothy Good's book, which is described as a valuable contribution to UFO literature. The book reportedly compiles declassified documents from the Air Force and intelligence agencies, suggesting that governments take UFOs seriously but have worked to conceal information from the public. The review highlights that thousands of pages of UFO sighting documents remain classified.

Shropshire UFO Sightings Surge

An article from the Shropshire Star reports a dramatic increase in UFO sightings in Shropshire, UK, with reports of flashing orange balls and hovering objects with lights. Mr. Eric Morris of the Cheshire UFO Studies Centre notes an unusual influx of reports, with at least 20 people reporting sightings in Shropshire in the past month, a significant deviation from the norm. The Ministry of Defence has also reportedly inquired about these sightings.

UFO Expert: Object Sightings Not Just Flights of Fancy

This piece features Everett Walter, assistant state director for Mutual UFO Network Inc., who spoke to an audience about UFO phenomena. Walter states that out of approximately 1 million reported sightings since 1947, 80 percent can be explained, but the remaining 20 percent defy conventional explanation. He emphasizes that UFOs exist and dismisses skeptics, noting that evidence includes radar detection, photographs, and physical traces like scorched grass. The article also references the Roswell incident and a recent sighting of three interesting objects in Fort Walton Beach.

David Bodner: UFO Investigator Expects Skepticism

This article profiles David Bodner, a UFO investigator from West Virginia, who has been studying UFOs for nearly 15 years. Bodner acknowledges the skepticism he faces but believes that people who initially ridicule the subject often return with their own sightings. He recounts his own initial experience in 1973 when he photographed objects. Bodner is involved with MUFON, an organization dedicated to distinguishing between UFOs and IFOs (Identifiable Flying Objects), noting that about 95 percent of reported sightings are IFOs. He focuses on the unexplained 5 percent, highlighting the technological advances that should make unknowns fewer.

Soviet Rocket or UFO?

An article from The London Free Press discusses an incident where an object streaking across the Great Lakes area was identified by Canadian defence and NORAD as a Russian rocket launched on August 18. However, witnesses like Sherri Cronin of St. Columban insist it was not a rocket, describing it as a circular object with flashing lights that moved in a way inconsistent with a rocket. They felt made to look foolish by the official explanation.

Report of UFO over Egremont Investigated

This piece from the Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle details an investigation into a UFO sighting in North Egremont, Massachusetts. Gary Levine, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network, is looking into the report of an object with an elliptical shape and bright white lights. Levine notes that the evidence left behind was precise and orderly, making it suspicious. Similar reports have been made in the surrounding areas.

Men Spot UFO over Hamlet

An article from the Sevenoaks Chronicle Ken describes a sighting by Martin Salisbury and a friend of a low-flying, silent object with flashing lights over Heaverham, UK. They ruled out aircraft and weather balloons due to the object's silence and speed. An investigation by the British UFO Association is mentioned.

Wythe Folks Say UFO Identified

This article from the Richmond Times Dispatch connects recent UFO sightings in Wythe County, Virginia, to the drawing of the secret B-2 Stealth bomber. Residents like Patricia Aker and Jack and Carolyn Ellison believe the objects they saw, described as large, silent, triangular crafts, are indeed the Stealth bomber being tested. The Air Force, however, denies this, stating the bomber's first flight is scheduled for that fall.

Ufologist Keeps Hunt for the Truth in Motion

This commentary features Nor Sivad (Ron Davis), a Memphis-based ufologist who has been studying UFO reports for eight years. Sivad expresses his curiosity and belief that people should investigate UFOs, despite the social unacceptability of the subject. He describes various types of UFOs and alleged alien encounters reported over the years. Sivad is involved in reviving a UFO investigative group and founded the Society for UFO Studies.

Saucer Riddle

A brief report from the Milton Keynes Citizen mentions that experts are baffled by video shots of a dazzling light, captured by amateur photographer Jerry Twaites. The object, described as a silver egg, is being investigated by the British UFO Association.

Mystery Object Sparks Driver's Video of UFO over the City

This article from the Leamington Spa Courier describes a sighting by a young woman and her friends of a mysterious neon-lit object with red and blue flashing lights near Warwick. They captured the event on video. The object reportedly dropped, reversed, and flicked before disappearing. The report mentions that the Ministry of Defence records such sightings and that the object was similar to one seen near Bletchley. The article also includes a quote from an intrigued UFO expert, Arnold West, who promised an investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the alleged involvement of governments in a cover-up, and the search for definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine appears to present a platform for eyewitness accounts, investigative efforts by UFO organizations, and critical analysis of official explanations. The editorial stance seems to lean towards acknowledging the unexplained nature of a significant portion of UFO reports and encouraging further investigation, while also highlighting the skepticism and conventional explanations often provided by authorities. There is a clear emphasis on the idea that "UFOs exist" and that the unexplained phenomena warrant serious consideration.

This issue of the GRIMSBY EVENING TELEGRAPH, dated July 25, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "Battle of the little green men," detailing a famous alleged encounter with extraterrestrials.

The Hopkinsville 'Little Green Men' Incident

The lead article recounts the extraordinary events of August 21, 1955, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Sheriff John Greenwell of Hopkinsville was called to his office by a visibly shaken and shivering farmer, Billy Sutton. Sutton, a respected, down-to-earth individual, claimed his farm and family were under attack by creatures from outer space. He described a circular object landing nearby, from which emerged about 12 green figures, approximately 4 feet tall, with luminous pink eyes. Sutton and his friends, including Gene Schrieder, armed themselves with rifles and fired at the creatures as they approached the house. One figure was hit and fell behind the porch, but the creatures continued their siege for over half an hour, shining spotlights at the house. Sutton eventually escaped to get help. Upon arrival, Sheriff Greenwell and his deputies found the house shuttered and Gene Schrieder armed and watching from an upstairs window. A search of the property revealed no intruders, but at the rear of the house, a scorched circular patch of grass and score-marks were discovered, suggesting immense pressure and heat. The article notes that despite media attention, the mystery of the 'little green men' remains unsolved, with no definitive answer as to whether it was a hoax or a genuine extraterrestrial attack. A final detail mentions a smear of blood found on Sutton's wagon fender, which was analyzed and found to be of an unknown human group.

Speculation Over Mystery Circles at Silbury Hill

Another article reports on a mysterious set of five crop circles that appeared near Silbury Hill, Wiltshire, sparking speculation of extraterrestrial visits. The circles, visible from the A4 road, were first reported on Friday morning, though the farmer, Roger Hues, believed they appeared on Thursday night. An eyewitness reported seeing a golden glow and a constant beam of white light stretching from the clouds to the ground on Wednesday night. The largest circle measured 16 metres in diameter, larger than any previously seen in Wiltshire, with thirty metres separating the central circle from the outer rings. Over 400 similar sightings have been recorded worldwide, with 56 in Southern England in the preceding 2.5 months. One theory suggests a high-power beam of energy flattens the crops. Mr. Colin Andrews, head of the Circles Investigation Group, stated this theory is consistent with reliable sightings, including those by a policeman and a vicar. Mr. Andrews noted that the Silbury circles were larger than previous ones and the direction of crop rotation was opposite. He kept an open mind, suggesting it could be a new pattern of phenomena. Sightings in Wiltshire were increasing, with 13 found at Yatesbury Airfield, seven at Beckhampton, five at Silbury, five at Upton Scudderhouse, and six at the White Horse that year. Roger Hues contacted RAF bases, who reported no military activity. A power line above the circles made landing unlikely, and weather conditions were stable, discounting freak storms. Mrs. Sue Hues expressed her bewilderment at the precision of the circles. Brian Ashley, an Avebury shop-owner, believed the circles were landing sites for extraterrestrials, citing tremendous energy and force there.

MP Asks Ministry: What Are They?

This section highlights the increasing concern over UFO sightings, prompting Stafford MP Bill Cash to request government ministers to investigate. The article notes that the UFO phenomenon has hit headlines more frequently in the past year than since the Seventies. An official account of sightings in May over Stafford is mentioned, with possibilities ranging from Venus and refuelling operations to top-secret American aircraft. However, the article suggests there is more to it, citing British UFO Research Association statistics of over 1,000 sightings documented in Britain since August 1987, a threefold increase. Staffordshire has seen several strange objects, with no explanations offered. Specific incidents include: Margaret Hamer seeing a vertical row of red and orange lights forming a cigar-shaped object; Dominic and James Goodwin reporting a triangular craft; and Eileen Ballard and friends witnessing two triangular shapes with numerous lights. These sightings have prompted responses from others who have seen similar phenomena, with some comparing them to VC-10 aircraft but noting the silence. Aviation enthusiast Enid Turner confirmed they were not VC-10s due to their size, noise, and speed. Mrs. Turner also saw a craft over her garden hedge. Other reports include sightings in Penkridge and Wolverhampton. Mr. Cash's appeal for information led to further reports, including Joan and Michael Acocks seeing two triangular shapes that appeared and disappeared silently. Elaine Willacy described an array of lights and a feeling of being watched. Reports from earlier years, including 1981, are also mentioned, with Carole Goodwin and David Myatt describing similar objects.

Lily's Bright Light Puzzler

Sunderland pensioner Lily Bluett reported seeing a bright, motionless light hovering above her home for three minutes before fading away. She described it as being like a headlamp, very bright and high up, making no sound. She is convinced it was not an aeroplane and has ruled out other possibilities, despite not fully believing in UFOs.

Alien Craft Are Familiar to Spotters

This article from the PETERBOROUGH EVENING TELEGRAPH discusses numerous UFO sightings in the local skyline, with the newspaper's UFO hotline receiving many reports. Ronald Lane reported three separate sightings of UFOs, including two together, described as large orange globes hovering like spaceships. He also recalled a 'giant torch' in 1979. Terry O'Neill reported his tape recorder being unplugged and then plugged back in, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial visit. Little Sian Holcroft reported seeing a strawberry and yellow coloured rectangular object. Maureen Harwood reported her mother, Vera Nieland, seeing a similar object with a tail of orange colour.

Is It a Bird? Is It a Plane? No, It's Mars

A group of Selby residents were mystified by a bright object in the sky, initially wondering if it was a UFO, a planet, or a satellite. Mrs. Margaret Atkinson described an oval-shaped, very bright object, much larger than an aircraft, with red lights flying past. It remained stationary for a long time and moved slowly. She believes it was a planet or satellite because it did not disappear. Neighbour Mrs. Susan Lord also thought it was a planet. A spokesman from the Royal Observatory in London identified the planet as Mars, noting its bright white appearance tinged with yellow.

UFO Sighted in Blanchardville?

An incident in Blanchardville on August 17 involved a nine-year-old girl reporting flashing lights moving up and down. The lights reportedly followed the children when they went to the barn. Deputy Walt Fischer was sent to investigate. The Lafayette County sighting occurred a day after several UFO sightings were reported from Sheboygan to Fond du lac.

That UFO: Was It Just Fireworks?

This article from the WEST SUSSEX COUNTY TIMES suggests that UFO sightings across the Horsham district on Saturday were likely caused by a large firework display by the Burrell family celebrating 200 years at Knepp Castle. However, many eyewitnesses remain unconvinced. Dr. Alan Johnstone, a space expert, could offer no scientific explanation and stated the fireworks were different from what he saw. Civil engineer Peter Watts described bright flashes and a shock wave that rattled windows, which he felt was more than just fireworks. Tom Hoadley reported flashing lights, including red and blue lights and a spotlight, accompanied by a rumbling noise. Annabel Newby described a bright white, pyramid-shaped object. A letter from Mrs. J. Goodman describes a curved-shaped object with a dark red band and flashing white lights, which ascended at tremendous speed. Sharon Debenham submitted a photo of a V-shaped craft.

Umbrella of Lights

Mrs. Valerie Warren of Falmouth described an airborne umbrella-like object that turned into a circle of star-like, brightly coloured lights, repeating this transformation several times. She could not account for it and had checked with local authorities and services.

Notts UFOs Record Sightings

UFO investigators are probing a record number of sightings in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Mr. Dennis Harriman of the Derbyshire-based National UFO Investigation Society stated his agency is overwhelmed. Sightings have increased significantly, with dozens of worried readers reporting seeing two UFOs "the size of football pitches" in December. Reports of unusual objects above Mansfield and Ashfield were also noted.

UFO Baffles Expert Spotters

Crosby UFO expert Gary Raymer was unable to explain sightings of a bright sphere over Waterloo. Coastguards, RAF Woodvale, Liverpool Airport, and Manchester Airport radar could not identify the object. Brenda Taylor described a very bright sphere, possibly smoking and showing flames, travelling towards the coast.

Mystery Light Investigated

Haverhill police are investigating reports of red lights, with UFO expert Ron West of Clacton-on-Sea looking into the matter. Graham Palmer reported being dazzled by red pinpoints of light. Mr. West is seeking to interview those who reported similar sightings, noting that if not accompanied by helicopter noise, they require investigation.

UFOs Are Not Going Round in Circles

Paul Fuller, regional investigator for the British UFO Research Association, states that UFOs are not causing crop circles. He explains that most UFO reports have ordinary explanations, and only a tiny proportion of circle formations are accompanied by UFO sightings. He suggests that stationary vortices or whirlwinds are responsible for creating the circles.

Spaceship Sighting Claimed

Four friends in Laindon claim to have spotted a spaceship hovering above a shopping centre. They described it as a black diamond with lights, low, silent, and large. It was seen for a couple of minutes before disappearing. Independent reports of a UFO in the Thames estuary are mentioned. UFO expert Ron West reported that four witnesses saw a multi-coloured, square-shaped object lighting up like a Christmas tree over the Thames estuary and Southend area.

We're All Psychic, Says Doctor

Dr. Richard Lawrence, director of the Aetherius Society, believes more people are interested in New Age living and UFOs. The society monitors UFO sightings and promotes yoga, alternative medicine, and psychic healing. Dr. Lawrence claims visitors from another planet will arrive to share ideals during a future "New Age." The society receives around 600 UFO reports annually and notes that 25% of Americans and 60% of Britons believe in flying saucers.

UFO 'Buzzed Motorist'

Mrs. Margaret Harris reported a UFO hovering over her car for over 40 miles from Christchurch to Chandler's Ford in Hampshire. She described a bright white and yellow light with no discernible shape.

MoD Makes UFO Probe

The Ministry of Defence is investigating claims of a UFO hovering over Hampshire, reported by Mrs. Wilson, who described a bright white and yellow light moving northwest of the M27 motorway.

ETs Have Landed

Ken Rogers of the Unexplained Society claims that the geometrically-precise giant circles in fields are "UFO nests" or landing sites, supported by reports of strange lights preceding their appearance.

Was Mystery Object a UFO?

An unusual object, a large circle of white lights, was sighted above Tytherleigh. Mrs. Marion Sampson described about ten to a dozen white lights, each as big as grapefruits, forming a large circle that moved silently. A spokesman from Yeovilton could not identify the object.

IT'S GONE!

This article discusses the disappearance of a 1940s Consolidated Privateer bomber, believed to have been hijacked by aliens and taken to the moon. Dr. Wilhelm Greder of CONTACT is convinced of alien responsibility, suggesting the plane was too large and clumsy to fly itself. Space experts at NASA are keeping details of any investigation secret. Three theories are presented: 1) Hijacked by aliens to the moon. 2) The crew is alive and returned to sabotage the US Presidential election. 3) A hoax involving hi-tech photography equipment to fake the original image of the plane on the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings and related phenomena, including crop circles and mysterious lights, across various regions of the UK and internationally. There is a consistent exploration of potential extraterrestrial involvement, with various eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and investigative efforts detailed. The articles often highlight the lack of conventional explanations for these events, fueling public curiosity and debate. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, presenting eyewitness testimonies and expert analyses, while also acknowledging skepticism and alternative explanations such as misidentified aircraft or natural events. The issue also touches upon the growing interest in New Age beliefs and psychic phenomena, linking them to the broader UFO discourse.

This issue of the Daventry Wheekly Express, dated August 18, 1988, prominently features UFO sightings and related phenomena. The main cover story highlights Elsie Oakensen's experience, which has been included in a new book titled 'Abduction'. The issue also includes reports from various locations across the UK, a television show's upcoming segment on UFOs, and a mention of a past sighting by Ronald Reagan.

Elsie Oakensen Features in New UFO Book

The lead article details Elsie Oakensen's encounter with an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in the Daventry area, which occurred nearly ten years prior. Her experience is now documented in 'Abduction', a recently published book by Denny Randles, a researcher with the British UFO Research Association. The book aims to represent a significant step forward in UFO research, featuring accounts from over 200 individuals who claim direct contact with unidentified beings. Mrs. Oakensen described the UFO as being shaped like a giant hour glass or egg-timer, approximately 150 feet above Stowe Hill on November 22, 1978. She observed two lights, one red and one green, at each end of the object. Her account in the book details how her car mysteriously stopped, the area was plunged into darkness, and unexplained piercing white circles of light appeared around her vehicle. She also noted she was almost 15 minutes later than usual upon arriving home, with no explanation for the time discrepancy. Following her experience, Mrs. Oakensen consulted with investigators from the British UFO Research Association and underwent hypnotic regression. She felt as though she was "selected, scanned and ultimately rejected" by the object. While no other motorists reported seeing the object, four Women's Institute members from Byfield corroborated seeing a red and green light that evening. Mrs. Oakensen found the book 'Abduction' to be straightforward and easy to read, noting that her experience seemed unique. She has also been interviewed by other researchers for future publications and appeared on television programs, including BBC's Kilroy.

New Film Twist in Strange Tale of Hants U.F.O.

A separate report from the Portsmouth News (August 19, 1988) details a mystery surrounding a UFO sighting in Chandlers Ford. Mrs. Margaret Wilson, 48, reported a glowing white and yellow object following her car. A man claiming to be a journalist requested the undeveloped film she had taken of the UFO, promising to return it the next day, but failed to do so. Harry Harris, a UFO-ologist and solicitor acting on Mrs. Wilson's behalf, has issued a description of the man and suspects he may be part of a secret organization or an unscrupulous UFO-ologist. Mr. Harris appeals for the return of the film, stating that retaining it is theft.

Other UFO Sightings Reported

The issue includes several other brief reports of UFO sightings:

• South Shields Gazette (August 16, 1988): A family in South Shields reported seeing a bright, revolving object that was subsequently chased by two low-flying Tornado jets. A photographer also reported seeing a strange light in the sky.
• Okehampton Times (August 11, 1988): Two explanations are offered for mystery sightings of a UFO over Mary Tavy. One explanation is a 'giant UFO, the size of Wembley Stadium' sighted by hill walkers. The other explanation is that the lights were from the rehearsal for the Armada laser show. Mrs. Anne Voss-Bark and Mr. Steve Grummitt also reported seeing strange lights.
• Exeter Express & Echo (August 16, 1988): Ian Heaver reported seeing a strange rectangular object with white and blue flashing lights hovering over Woodbury Common.
• South Evening Echo Essex (September 13, 1988): Four friends in Laindon claim to have spotted a big black diamond-shaped spaceship hovering silently. This sighting is linked to other reports of a multi-coloured square-shaped object seen over Southend.
• Yorkshire Evening Press (September 14, 1988): The Ministry of Defence was notified of a reported sighting of an unidentified flying object over Knaresborough by Mrs. Lynne Bentley, who described it as a slow-moving black dish-shaped object.
• Reading Evening Post (September 5, 1988): A Reading couple, Sandra Milano and Nigel Haywood, reported seeing a long oblong-shaped craft with a dome and bright white lights hovering over Arthur Newbury Park.
• Accrington Observer (July 22, 1988): A motorist reported seeing bright lights in the sky above Baxenden Golf Club, which caused his car to move with difficulty and his headlights to fade.

Hollywood in Search of UFOs: 'Unsolved Mysteries' Films in Gulf Breeze

A report from the Pensacola News Journal (September 9, 1988) states that the television show 'Unsolved Mysteries' will feature Gulf Breeze UFO sightings in its season-opening program. Host Robert Stack is scheduled to tape parts of the program in Gulf Breeze, interviewing residents who have reported seeing unexplained objects. The segment focuses on a Gulf Breeze businessman, known as 'Jim', who reported seeing and photographing UFOs, taking 37 photographs over various sightings. Despite claims of fakery, scientists failed to find evidence of it. A television crew filmed in Gulf Breeze to recreate experiences, including a blue beam of light that allegedly froze Jim and lifted him off the ground. Jim believes he was taken by aliens. The show will feature David Kessler, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, playing the role of Jim.

Reagan Hinted He Saw a UFO First-Hand

An article from the Houston Post (September 25, 1988) reveals that in the summer of 1974, then-California Governor Ronald Reagan told a reporter, Norman C. Miller, about sighting an unidentified flying object on a flight. Reagan reportedly persuaded his pilot to follow the object, which then "went straight up." Reagan and his wife had researched UFOs and found references in Egyptian hieroglyphics. When asked if he had seen a UFO, Reagan responded that he was "agnostic," a stance he maintained in 1988 regarding his wife's belief in astrology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations into these phenomena, and the public's fascination with the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and investigations, presenting witness accounts, and acknowledging the ongoing research by various organizations and individuals. There is a clear interest in documenting these occurrences and exploring potential explanations, ranging from conventional ones like laser shows to more speculative theories involving secret organizations or extraterrestrial contact. The inclusion of a former president's alleged sighting adds a significant dimension to the coverage.