APCIC - Vol 13 No 11 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 13, No. 11
Date: November 1988
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into a variety of intriguing topics within the realm of UFOlogy, featuring reports on pilot disappearances, extraterrestrial claims, and potential government cover-ups. The cover art depicts a stylized alien head with flying saucers in the background, setting a tone for the contents.

The Frederick Valentich Case: Australia's Biggest Ever UFO Flap

The lead story details the baffling disappearance of 20-year-old Australian pilot Frederick Valentich over Bass Strait on October 21, 1978. His last communication with Melbourne Flight Service described an unidentified aircraft that was large, had landing lights, and was flying in a peculiar manner, seemingly playing a game with his plane. Valentich's aircraft vanished, and no trace has ever been found. Researchers from the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS) documented over 50 reported observations in the area around the time of his disappearance, indicating a significant UFO flap.

The article includes a transcription of Valentich's final radio contact, highlighting his confusion and inability to identify the object. He described it as "open microphone for two seconds... approaching from the south west," and later, "the engine is rough-idling... the thing is coughing." He stated the strange aircraft was "hovering and it's not an aircraft." The object was described as "shiny on the outside" with a green light. The Australian Department of Transport later stated the cause of the disappearance was unknown.

Other Sightings During the Bass Strait Flap

Beyond Valentich's encounter, the issue reports on other sightings in the Bass Strait area. A bank manager and his wife near Melbourne observed a starfish-shaped object with green flickering lights. In Frankston, a mother and four teenagers reported a stationary object resembling a sky rocket, colored red, pink, and white, estimated to be a quarter the size of the moon. In Ormond, lights were seen in a cigar-shaped arrangement, described as "silver rain." Two lads reported a star-shaped object appearing at low altitude, moving faster than an aircraft, which jammed their walkie-talkies with static before flying away.

UFOs in China: A Predicted Phenomenon

The magazine reports on a remarkable set of sightings in China that were reportedly predicted by a 24-year-old astronomer, Zhang Zhousheng. He forecast intense UFO activity between July 10 and 30, 1981, with a high probability of sightings from the 24th to the 29th. The predicted object was described as a round "star" about the size of the moon, with a luminous tail forming a five-ring concentric spiral. The phenomenon was observed by hundreds of people, including tobacco farmer Tian Jinfu and residents in Loyang. The explanation offered by Zhang Zhousheng suggests a natural phenomenon involving ionized gas interacting with Earth's magnetic field, though a UFO explanation was also considered.

Barron Kemp and the Giants of Mars

An article profiles Barron Kemp, a freelance technical writer who claims to have found evidence of intelligent life on Mars. Based on his study of 100,000 Mars photos over a decade, Kemp insists that giants, approximately 80 feet tall, live on the planet. He points to images that he interprets as carvings of giant heads, mile-high statues, and other unusual formations. NASA, through spokesman Jim Doyle, dismisses these claims, stating that the formations are rock shapes affected by light and shadow, with no evidence of life.

UFO Investigator Hopes to Meet 'Valiant Thor'

Thomas Titus, a UFO investigator and former junior high school science teacher, expresses his belief that he will meet "Valiant Thor," a visitor from Venus, at an upcoming UFO conference in Las Vegas. Titus considers himself a close personal friend of Valiant Thor, who is said to live in Victor I, a spaceship protected by a force field. The article notes that Titus believes world leaders rejected an offer from Thor and 70 Venusians to cure disease and attain global peace. Titus also shares his personal UFO sighting from 30 years prior and estimates that only about 5 percent of reported UFO sightings are truly unexplainable.

Lizard Man and UFO Connections

A reader's letter links UFO sightings with the phenomenon of the "Lizard Man." The reader, Allen Norwood, recounts a story from a man who claims Lizard Men are real and have been studied for 30 years. This individual believes Lizard Men are somehow connected to UFOs and have been seen in Nevada near the Hoover Dam. He also reported finding crushed grass and a strong sulfur odor at a pond where his wife and son allegedly encountered a Lizard Man.

A Respectful Treatment of Flying Objects: Timothy Good's Book

Frank DeMarco reviews Timothy Good's book, 'The Worldwide UFO Cover-up,' which argues for a decades-long government conspiracy to hide evidence of UFOs. The review highlights Good's assertion that UFOs have been seen by thousands, tracked by radar, and studied by governments worldwide, including the US, Russia, and France. Despite this evidence, the author contends that no hard official information has been released. The review questions the plausibility of such a widespread and long-lasting cover-up, particularly given the number of administrations and potential leaks.

Other Reports

Brief reports include sightings in Cambridge, UK, where residents reported a bright orange ball and a loud pulsing noise, which authorities suggested might be Mars or a satellite. In Leicester, UK, a regional investigator claimed UFO sightings were of secret experimental aircraft, not extraterrestrial invasions. A letter from D. Barrs in Leicester comments on "corn rings" and suggests that extraterrestrials are amused by the technology used in investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life and visitation, and the persistent suspicion of government secrecy and cover-ups. The magazine presents various accounts, from pilot disappearances to alleged alien encounters and purported evidence of life on other planets. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and claims from various sources, while acknowledging the skepticism and official explanations that often accompany such reports. The inclusion of a book review on UFO cover-ups and a reader's letter linking UFOs to the Lizard Man phenomenon further emphasize the magazine's focus on unexplained aerial phenomena and potential hidden truths.

This issue of the South Bend Tribune, dated September 4, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO chaser searches for answers" by Pam Wiedenfeld. The issue also includes a section titled "CHASE 'NOTORIOUS FOR SIGHTINGS'" detailing a specific UFO encounter.

UFO Chaser Searches for Answers Pam Wiedenfeld's article introduces Virginia Tilly, a field investigator and state section director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Tilly has been interested in UFOs since 1947 and describes investigating UFO cases as a frustrating process of elimination due to the vast array of unknown variables. MUFON is presented as a large, scientific organization that gathers information on UFO phenomena. Tilly states that MUFON is not a "far-out organization" and that they try to find possible explanations for sightings, which can include misidentified celestial bodies or psychological issues. MUFON has a national hotline for people to report sightings.

Chase 'Notorious for Sightings' This section, a newsletter from Stafford dated September 9, 1988, reports on a sighting at Cannock Chase, described as a "notorious spot for sightings." Reg Morgan and Gloria Hall reported seeing a "circular object, about 30 feet up and 30 feet in diameter with a gaseous cloud around it." The object appeared to hover over a hedge, and the hedge subsequently looked crumpled. Both witnesses reported feeling shocked and unsettled, noting the absence of noise or wind. The object reportedly disappeared and reappeared a short distance away. Jenny Randals, National Co-ordinator for the British UFO Research Association, expressed interest in the case, particularly the effect on the hedge, as it might provide direct correlation. She indicated that the association would like to investigate further.

Other UFO Sightings and Related Articles

Leicester Mercury, August 30, 1988: 'Rings riddle: Winds theory'
Dr. Terence Meaden, a scientist and weather expert, is compiling a book on crop circles, proposing that whirlwinds, not UFOs, created them. He is investigating formations found in Leicestershire and has gathered 400 pieces of information on the subject.

Stafford Newsletter, July 22, 1988: 'Farm couple sight mystery UFO'
Jean Morris of Manor Farm Crescent reported seeing a strange object overhead that looked like two aircraft together but remained still and quiet. Stafford MP Bill Cash is compiling a list of sightings to present to the Defence Minister.

Nottingham Evening Post, September 15 & 16, 1988: 'Richard adds to the UFO mystery'
Richard Mitchell reported seeing a cluster of lights passing his window that were not the right shape for a plane or helicopter. Police attributed earlier sightings over Southwater to a firework display.

Yorkshire Evening Press, September 12, 1988: 'UFO sighted'
Villagers near Horsham reported seeing a flying saucer with strange flashes.

Broxtowe, UK: 'Three say we saw a UFO'
A man and two women reported seeing a white light skimming across the night sky and hearing a humming noise. Dennis Harriman of the National UFO Investigation Society is appealing for information.

Sun London, September 12, 1988: 'FAMILIES IN 'UFO' SCARE'
Families reported seeing flashing lights and a strange craft at high altitude. Police received dozens of sightings, with some describing a flying saucer travelling slowly towards London. One family in Partridge Green reported a loud noise.

USA Today, October 6, 1988: 'INSIDE TV / BY MATT ROUSH - Lifting the curtain on UFOs in the U.S.S.R.'
Producers of "UFO Cover-up?... Live" announced they have booked two Soviet UFO experts to appear via live satellite feed from Moscow to discuss UFO happenings in their country.

Ohio 053 Mansfield News Journal, September 24, 1988: 'Exhibit brings UFOs to Mansfield area - again'
An exhibit prepared by John P. Timmerman, vice president of public relations for the Center For UFO Studies (CUFOS), is touring the country. The exhibit features photographs and information from the files of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. Timmerman has been touring with the exhibit since 1980, giving people a chance to report their experiences. He notes that many people have never told anyone about their experiences for fear of being thought crazy. CUFOS receives many reports but only judges 200-300 a year worthy of further investigation. Statistics suggest 80 percent of UFO sightings are dismissed as identified flying objects, while 20 percent remain unexplained.

Page 3-A (Mansfield News Journal): 'UFOS'
John P. Timmerman believes that the 20 percent of UFO sightings that cannot be explained are something important and worthy of study, suggesting they may involve extra-terrestrial contact. He theorizes that aliens might be afraid of causing culture shock if they revealed themselves.

Peterborough Evening Telegraph, September 6, 1988: 'I watched a UFO' says a local man'
Thomas Thompson reported seeing a pyramid-shaped craft with an orange glow and blue flashing lights performing aerobatic stunts above him in 1981. He believes there is a government cover-up regarding UFO visits.

Eastbourn Gazette, August 10, 1988: '600 UFO kidnap victims in jungle'
Dr. Carlos de Melo, a Brazilian scientist, claims to have found 600 victims of UFO abductions in the Amazon jungle, who bear scars from experiments. He suggests they were taken to a distant planet for medical experiments, slave labor, and displays in zoos.

Kidderminster Times Worcs, September 22, 1988: 'Mystery UFO snapped'
Roland Bowen photographed a glittering, golden, rotating, egg-shaped object over Kidderminster. He estimated it was about a quarter of a mile away, travelling west to east, about 300 feet off the ground and the size of a house.

Southend Standard Essex, October 21, 1988: 'Little green men visiting'
Mr. Ron West of the East Anglia's UFO Society claims UFOs are regularly seen in the Southend and Basildon area. He reports a surge in sightings, with objects described as triangular, round circles of lights, and cigar-shaped. The society believes a "window in the sky" phenomenon is occurring, creating a gateway to the galaxy in the area.

Long Island NewSDAY, September 25, 1988: 'Gov. Reagan's 'Agnostic' View of Flying Saucers'
Norman C. Miller recounts a 1974 incident where he was told by then-Governor Ronald Reagan about seeing an unidentified flying object on a flight. Reagan reportedly ordered his pilot to follow the object, which then ascended rapidly. Reagan and his wife allegedly researched UFOs and found references in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Reagan later stated he was "agnostic" about UFOs, similar to his stance on astrology.

Jacksonville Journal, August 26, 1988: 'Could that eerie Northside sight have been a UFO?'
This article discusses a sighting by Irene Miller, who saw a row of dimly lit white lights with two amber lights between them slowly approaching her neighborhood. She initially thought it was an airplane but noted it was moving too slowly and silently. She did not report it due to a past experience where a similar sighting was dismissed as ducks.

Willingboro Burlington County Times, September 30, 1988: 'A wish for a happy landing'
This article profiles Benjamin John Stankey Jr., who builds UFO models and heads NAPPA. Stankey recounts a childhood sighting of a white globe over his driveway. He discusses his beliefs in esoteric philosophy, man's seven bodies, and the idea that death is an illusion. He also mentions his involvement with the University of Metaphysics and his views on government cover-ups and organized religion.

Oldham Evening Chronicle, August 9, 1988: 'MYSTERY OF UFOS OVER THE MOORS'
Steve Woolley discusses a wave of UFO sightings in the mid-1970s centered on the moors between Oldham, Huddersfield, and Halifax. Reports included mystery helicopters and men in flying suits. Trevor Whitaker of BUFORA suggested experimental craft, possibly a variant of the Harrier jump-jet fighter, might be involved. The article also mentions a British military airship bought by South Korea for surveillance, suggesting that secret military craft can be mistaken for UFOs. It quotes UFO researchers Jenny Randles and Tim Good, who acknowledge that many sightings are misidentified but believe some phenomena are deeper and not easily explained, possibly related to military activity or atmospheric phenomena.

Page 8 (Oldham Evening Chronicle): 'EYES ONLY'
This section contains a "TOP SECRET/MAJIC EYES ONLY" document prepared for President-elect Dwight Eisenhower in 1952, detailing allegations about abductions and medical tests by non-human beings. Tim Good believes that 20-25 percent of sightings have a basis in secret earthly aircraft or spacecraft, while about 10 percent may be extraterrestrial. He notes that people experience dislocations of time and space, which does not rule out extraterrestrial visitors but suggests advanced technology.

Okehampton Times, September 22, 1988: 'Claims he saw UFO'
Charlie Hookway, a coach firm operator, reported seeing a "bright yellow light" in the sky that appeared to be an unidentified flying object. He saw it three miles away in an area where police had previously chased a UFO.

Southland Standard Essex, September 20, 1988: 'Were lights in sky a UFO?'
Reports of red lights zigzagging across the sky, a bright white triangular light, and a square formation of lights over the sea at Southend prompted calls to the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association. Mr. Ron West of UFORA is seeking more information. He noted that Southend airport attributed the sightings to crowded air traffic, but he found this explanation unconvincing due to the objects' erratic movements.

National Enquirer Weekly, October 11, 1988: 'Secret Encounter Revealed - Reagan Saw UFO While Flying - And Ordered His Pilot to Follow It'
This article details Ronald Reagan's alleged 1974 UFO sighting. Pilot Bill Paynter described a bright light that accelerated and ascended rapidly. Reagan expressed amazement and later researched UFO history. The article references the book "Landslide: The Unmaking of the President" and includes an interview with Paynter and Norman C. Miller.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes throughout these articles include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges faced by UFO investigators in finding definitive answers, the possibility of government cover-ups, and the scientific community's attempts to explain sightings through conventional means or by acknowledging unexplained elements. The editorial stance generally leans towards reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific rigor. There is a clear interest in UFOs as a subject worthy of investigation and public attention.

This issue of the Sunday People, dated October 23, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "OUR SECRET ARMY AGAINST THE ALIENS," which delves into alleged government investigations into UFOs. The magazine also includes various reports and accounts of UFO sightings from across Britain and personal testimonies.

Our Secret Army Against The Aliens

The lead article reveals the existence of a clandestine department within Whitehall, known as Defence Intelligence 55 (DI55). This department is reportedly tasked with investigating the potential threat posed by alien forces and UFOs, meticulously logging reports from the armed services, police, and the public. The article suggests that the Ministry of Defence (MOD), like a significant portion of the British population, secretly accepts the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial life.

Despite the MOD's official stance of neither confirming nor denying the department's existence, a spokesman stated, "We do not discuss the work of intelligence departments at all." However, engineer Michael Hanson, southern co-ordinator of the Yorkshire UFO Society, recounted an experience where he was inadvertently transferred to DI55 after inquiring about a UFO sighting with the RAF's Air Staff Two. He was initially told the department existed but later informed it did not, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obscure its activities.

Mark Birdsall, chief investigator for the Yorkshire UFO Society, corroborated Hanson's experience, facing a similar "brick wall" when attempting to contact the department. Birdsall believes that a covert intelligence department dealing with UFO reports is necessary in case of "visitors from other planets."

The article highlights 1988 as a significant year for UFO sightings in Britain, with an increase in reports. It also touches upon the public's growing belief in UFOs, citing a recent American Gallup poll where one in 11 adults had seen a UFO and half believed in them. A British poll indicated that one in six had seen a UFO, with 60 percent believing in them.

Timothy Good, an author on UFOs, claims to have proof of DI55's existence through a MOD document distribution list. He dismisses the idea that UFO reports are handled by a single secretary, asserting they are dealt with by Defence Intelligence, specifically the RAF Provost and Counter Intelligence Branch. Top secret investigations into potential UFO threats have reportedly been ongoing since the late 1950s.

Arnold West, chairman of the British UFO Research Association, believes the government possesses more information than is publicly disclosed, receiving guarded responses to inquiries. He notes that while Whitehall may have extensive information, it rarely sees the light of day.

Reagan's UFO Encounter

Another section details an alleged UFO sighting by Ronald Reagan when he was Governor of California. Reporter Bill Boyarsky of the Los Angeles Times confirmed that Reagan had told him about seeing a UFO. Reagan described a bright white light that he and a companion followed to Bakersfield, after which it ascended rapidly into the heavens. Reagan reportedly drew parallels to the long history of UFO references, even in Egyptian hieroglyphics.

When asked by a reporter if he believed in UFOs, Reagan appeared horrified and later stated he was an "agnostic" on the subject. The article also mentions that Reagan had been a believer in UFOs for years prior to his own sighting, with a story from 1965 where he discussed flying saucers with a companion while looking at the stars.

UFO Sightings Across Britain

The magazine compiles several recent UFO sighting reports from various parts of Britain:

• Peter Topham (Fornham All Saints): An eleven-year-old boy claims to have seen a mystery object with flashing lights land in a field, leaving an 80-metre wide ring of scorched sugar beet.
• Margaret Hall (Burnley): She reported seeing two incredibly bright lights on three separate occasions, similar to a previous report from Bill and Mabel Goulding.
• Tilehurst Residents: A spate of UFO sightings was reported in the Tilehurst area, with witnesses described as perfectly reliable.
• Pinchbeck: An unidentified flying object with red, white, and green lights was observed on two separate occasions in September 1988. Initially described as a strange object, the explanation later provided was a balloon.
• Tytherleigh: Mrs. Marion Sampson reported seeing a large circle of about ten to a dozen white lights.
• South Shields: A taxi driver described an 80ft saucer covered in bright lights that hovered and followed his cab.
• Barnsley: A man reported a huge, box-shaped object with green, white, and red lights that followed him home.
• Aberdare: John Rees saw a cylindrical luminous object with two downward parallel beams moving spirally.
• Winchester: Frank Barnes reported seeing two yellow saucers, each about the size of a house.
• Oxford: David White reported being followed by a red glowing object.
• Stevenage: Eddie and Molly Owers witnessed a huge, casserole-shaped object hovering.
• Rotherham: George Moore saw a "luminous cone-shaped object" after his dog became agitated.

UFO Seminar in North Haven

The magazine also covers a UFO conference held in North Haven, Connecticut, titled "The UFO Experience." The conference featured presentations on analyzing UFO photos, how investigators work, and also included personal accounts like that of Debra Tomey, who claims to have been abducted by aliens multiple times for an interspecies breeding experiment.

Organizer John White emphasized the need for public education and rigorous analysis of available information. While many attendees believed in the existence of UFOs, not all necessarily believed in alien visitations. The conference aimed to bridge the gap between "true believers" and scientific researchers.

Speakers like Philip Imbrogno, a field investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, stressed the importance of scientific investigation and drew parallels between the separation of astronomy and astrology. He noted that the media's fascination with lurid aspects of the subject often overshadows serious research, creating a stigma around UFO studies.

Physicist Bruce Maccabee highlighted the historical difficulties posed by "contactee" stories from the 1950s and 1960s, which impeded scientific examination. Philip J. Klass, an editor for Aviation Week and Space Technology, expressed skepticism, stating he had never encountered a UFO case that could not be explained prosaically and criticized the "abduction cult."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between official denials and public belief regarding UFOs. There's a strong undercurrent suggesting government secrecy and a potential cover-up of information related to extraterrestrial phenomena. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from personal testimonies of alleged encounters to the efforts of scientific investigators trying to approach the subject with rigor. The editorial stance appears to lean towards acknowledging the unexplained aspects of UFO sightings and advocating for more open investigation, while also recognizing the need to differentiate between credible evidence and sensationalism. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the public's enduring fascination with the possibility of alien visitors.