APCIC - Vol 13 No 12 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 13, No. 12
Date: December 1988
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United States and the United Kingdom during late 1988. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien head with flying saucers, setting a tone of extraterrestrial inquiry.

Key Articles and Reports

George Fawcett: The Area's UFO and Bigfoot Expert

The magazine highlights George Fawcett, described as the local expert on UFOs, Bigfoot, and the Lizard Man. Fawcett, who has been a UFO enthusiast for 44 years, has amassed a significant collection of clippings and documents, spending $30,000 of his own money to investigate reports. He founded four UFO organizations and serves as the assistant state director for the Mutual UFO Network. Fawcett is convinced of the reality of UFOs, stating that 20% to 30% of reports cannot be explained away. He also notes a connection between UFOs and Bigfoot creatures, citing an alleged incident in 1972 where a Bigfoot was followed by a UFO. Fawcett believes that UFOs are a threat to national security, with some being hostile and others friendly, and that efforts are underway to copy their technology. He also observes that UFO sightings seem to increase during election years.

UFO Sighting in Cheyenne, Wyoming

A report from the Cheyenne Wyoming State Tribune details a possible UFO sighting on October 12, 1988. Multiple individuals, including an FAA pilot, reported an unidentified flying object northwest of Cheyenne. The object was described as hovering at 15,000 feet with white and blue lights and red vertical lights along its underside. The object was neither an aircraft nor a planet, according to the 911 incident report. Similar visual sightings were reported by personnel at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and residents of Chugwater. The FAA's regional center in Denver reported no objects on its radar system, though one pilot reported a bright light with little or no movement.

Arkansans Encounter Visitor from Space

An article from the Little Rock Arkansas Gazette on October 25, 1988, describes encounters by Rick Halter and Bobbie King in Arkansas with what they believed to be a visitor from space, possibly related to Halley's Comet. Halter described his experience as being inside a light bulb with blue illumination and hearing a sonic boom. King reported the sky lighting up as if by a Christmas tree, causing her heart to beat fast. The event was described as a large meteor or fireball streaking east to west across north Arkansas. Experts suggest it could be debris from Halley's Comet or a satellite entering the atmosphere. Charles Hemann from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock estimated the meteor to be fist-sized and unusually bright.

UFO Fear in Darwen, UK

A brief report from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on September 28, 1988, mentions two schoolfriends in Darwen who claim to have seen a triangular craft with bright lights flitting about the sky, making a humming noise. They initially thought it was a plane but noted its unusual behavior and sound.

Police Officers See UFO in Lemont, Illinois

Four police officers in Lemont, Illinois, reported seeing an unidentified flying object on October 27, 1988. Sgt. Tom Hess described an oval-shaped object with a bright light. Another officer, Mark Janusz, saw a flashing object like a spotlight hovering before it shot straight up and disappeared. The object was described as bluish-green on the bottom and bright white on the top, and it moved erratically. The Center for UFO Studies in Chicago reported a significant increase in calls following this incident, with investigators finding the case unusual.

Goliad, Texas, Experiences UFO Sightings

The San Antonio Light reported on October 29, 1988, that Goliad County had experienced a rash of UFO sightings in the preceding weeks. Sheriff J.K. McMahan stated that about a half-dozen reports of strange lights in the sky east of town had been received, occurring mostly between 3 a.m. and dawn. His secretary described seeing a white object with rays of red, blue, and green that remained stationary for a period. Despite the sightings, many residents were not taking them seriously.

UFO Hunters in Pine Bush, New York

An Associated Press article from November 20, 1988, discusses UFO hunters in the Hudson Valley, New York, a known area for sightings. Peter Gersten, a lawyer and UFO enthusiast, believes 99% of sightings are explainable but is dedicated to obtaining UFO documents from the government. Ellen Crystall, a UFO photographer, claims to have seen aliens and unexplained phenomena in the area. The article notes that the U.S. Air Force canceled its Project Blue Book in 1969. Jeff Lehman, a spokesman for Stewart International Airport, suggests that some sightings might be pilots flying in formation to fool UFO enthusiasts.

UFO Sighting in Plainfield, Illinois

The Joliet Herald News on November 9, 1988, reported that nine residents in Plainfield, Illinois, called to report a UFO flying northeast of town. The object was described as having six blue lights moving in and out and traveling in a circular motion. This sighting followed numerous other reports in the Lemont and Lockport areas.

Canadian Claims 'Overwhelming Evidence' of UFOs

An article from The Modesto Bee on November 20, 1988, features Canadian physicist Stanley Friedman, who lectured at Modesto Junior College. Friedman claims there is "overwhelming evidence" that Earth is being visited by aliens and that a "cosmic Watergate" is occurring. He alleges that the U.S. military recovered a crashed spaceship and four alien bodies near Roswell, N.M., in 1947. Friedman's views were met with skepticism by some, including philosophy professor Ben Starr, who found the lecture "fuzzy thinking" and lacking hard evidence. Friedman stated that "flying saucers are real" but that "little green men in spaceships don't exist; they're usually gray."

Other Brief Reports

• Southend Evening Echo (October 31, 1988): Reports of a humming black cigar-shaped object over Southend led to discussions of a mass skywatch. Numerous calls about unidentified objects were received.
• Southend Evening Echo (November 4, 1982): UFO investigators are interviewing airline pilots whose jets were bathed in mysterious light over South East Essex. Reports of triangular shapes and pyramid-shaped objects were also noted.
• Reading Evening Star Post (November 11, 1988): Residents in Berkshire reported seeing bright lights speeding through the sky, described as possibly a bird, plane, or UFO. Some counted up to eight objects moving at high speed.
• West Briton Truro (October 27, 1988): A witness described seeing a twinkling light that traveled at high speed, disappeared, and reappeared in a different location, suggesting it was too fast for a plane and too erratic for a falling star.
• Sutherland Echo (October 15, 1988): A witness reported seeing a strange object, rectangular on top with a semi-circular part underneath, with flashing white lights, rise into the sky without engine sound.
• Bury Free Press (October 14, 1985): The East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association is seeking contact with anyone who has seen UFOs, following a report of a bright cigar-shaped object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS include the persistence of UFO sightings across different regions and demographics, the involvement of law enforcement and aviation professionals in reporting phenomena, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The magazine appears to provide a platform for witness accounts and expert opinions, particularly from figures like George Fawcett and Stanley Friedman, who advocate for the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation. There is a notable interest in the potential connection between UFOs and other unexplained phenomena like Bigfoot and Lizard Man. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting evidence and anecdotes without necessarily endorsing every claim, while acknowledging the growing public acceptance of UFOs as a real phenomenon.

This issue of The Fresno Bee, dated October 28, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "Unidentified object steals across valley sky," detailing sightings of unusual aerial phenomena in the San Joaquin Valley. The magazine also includes reports on UFO investigations in other regions, including Wytheville, Virginia, Pine Bush, New York, and incidents in England.

Unidentified Object Steals Across Valley Sky (The Fresno Bee)

The lead article by Scott Reeves reports on a UFO sighting on Wednesday night, October 26, 1988, in the Dinuba area and other parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Witnesses described a low-flying, slow-moving object, with some speculating it was the U.S. Air Force's new Stealth bomber. Bryan Neel described the object as unlike anything he had ever seen, expressing curiosity rather than fear. Jim Lindholm reported seeing a series of red lights in a V-formation and heard a low rumble and hissing sound, concluding it was not a conventional aircraft. Roy Yates, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network, stated he would look into the incident. Northrop Corp. confirmed the Stealth bomber would be unveiled on November 22, but declined to discuss program details. Military bases in the area, including Castle Air Force Base, Edwards AFB, Vandenberg AFB, and Lemoore Naval Air Station, reported no unusual activity. Air traffic control at Fresno Air Terminal detected no unusual activity on radar. Ken Hyman questioned the Stealth bomber theory, suggesting the Air Force would not test such a secret craft where it could be easily seen. Marlene Morris of North Fork described seeing "three huge lights" on an object "hundreds of feet long." Marge Morris expressed amazement and fright, suspecting government involvement due to a motor sound. Kent Holcomb, a Dinuba police officer and pilot, observed "several sets" of strange lights moving in perfect formation, estimating the altitude at 5,000 to 10,000 feet and a speed of no more than 100 mph. He speculated it might be a military operation. Laura and Thomas Hardwick reported seeing a triangular object with four trailing objects after hearing a police scanner report.

UFO search is a haunting success (The Richmond News Leader)

Rex Springston reports on the ongoing UFO phenomenon in Wytheville, Virginia, where Danny Gordon has become a central figure in investigating numerous sightings. Gordon, a radio newsman, describes the situation as "the most confusing thing that has ever happened to me." He seeks tangible evidence and has been deeply affected by the experience, experiencing physical deterioration and paranoia. The sightings, which began a year prior, continue at a rate of about 10 every two weeks. Gordon is co-authoring a book titled "Don't Look Up - The Real Story About the Virginia UFOs" with Paul Dellinger, a reporter for the Roanoke Times & World-News. The book will present alternate chapters from Gordon's perspective as a participant and Dellinger's as an observer. Empire Publishing Inc. is set to release the book by late November, with 2,000 copies printed at about $7 each. Gordon has personally witnessed UFOs 34 times. Dr. Carl E. Stark, a physician and former mayor, believes the military might be involved and keeping information secret. Reports describe various shapes, including V-shaped, box-shaped, cylindrical, and saucer-like craft, some flying silently at low levels. Gordon questions how an orange box could fly and has seen "flying saucers in the daytime five times."

UFO believers alive and well (Associated Press / The Cincinnati Enquirer)

David Bauder reports from Pine Bush, New York, a location known for UFO activity. Peter Gersten, a lawyer who has spent years seeking UFO documents from the government, believes 99 percent of sightings are easily explainable but remains dedicated to the search. Victoria Lacas expresses a desire to be abducted by aliens. Linda and Peter Doern are fascinated by the unexplained. Ellen Crystall, a UFO photographer, has been visiting the area since 1981 hoping for contact. She claims to have seen aliens and unexplained lights, suspecting aliens are building an underground base in the Hudson Valley. Philip Imbrogno, author of "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings," notes that sightings were common in 1983-1984. Jeff Lehman, spokesman for Stewart International Airport, suggests that pilots sometimes fly in close formation to fool UFO enthusiasts. Crystall recounts an experience where she saw a 3 1/2-foot creature with a beige body and huge yellow eyes after shining a spotlight into a wooded area. Gersten runs a hot line for UFO enthusiasts and enjoys the mystery, believing humanity might not be alone in the universe. He dismisses most sightings as conventional airplanes but offers a reward for pilots to identify themselves. Gersten is a proponent of government conspiracy theories regarding UFOs. The article also touches on the phenomenon of alleged alien abductions and the psychological impact on individuals.

'Ball of fire' reports add mystery to Halloween (Denver Rocky Mountain News)

Reports from Jefferson County, Colorado, on October 25, 1988, described a "large orange ball of fire" falling from the sky. Sheriff officials took the reports seriously, considering possibilities such as a plane or meteor. The Elk Creek Fire Department responded to a reported brush fire but found no source. Air traffic controllers at Stapleton International Airport reported no aircraft in distress. The U.S. Space Command reported no objects entering Earth's atmosphere. The article also briefly mentions unrelated Halloween night incidents of teenagers shaking down children for candy in Arapahoe County and Littleton.

British UFO experts stunned as .. PET-FANCYING ALIENS BEAM UP 26 ELEPHANTS (Sunday Sport)

This article reports on a sensational claim that aliens beamed up 26 elephants from a safari park. UFO investigator Rex Dutta from Camberley, Surrey, is quoted as being convinced the event happened, describing a silver, upturned-bowl-shaped spaceship that hovered and lifted the elephants with a beam of purple light. Dutta claims aliens are adapting animals for future survival and have "picked up more than 200 animals from around the world in the last six months." He suggests aliens can shrink objects to fit them inside their craft. The article notes skepticism regarding the feasibility of fitting 26 elephants into a 250-foot spaceship, but Dutta compares flying saucers to Dr. Who's TARDIS, which is larger on the inside.

Nation in grip of UFO kidnap fever (South Wales Echo Cardiff)

This article discusses the growing popularity of books and stories about UFO abductions. Robert Baker, an expert in abnormal psychology at the University of Kentucky, warns that authors and promoters of these stories may be using hypnosis to create "memories" of events that never occurred, causing psychological harm. He compares these claims to historical reports of people claiming to have been abducted by fairies. Baker states that the pattern of abduction claims is consistent and that many "abductees" appear sane and normal. He criticizes UFO experts for presenting all experiences as alike, noting the variety of reported creatures and spaceships. Philip Klass, a UFO critic, also spoke at a meeting, calling the promotion of abduction fantasies a "dangerous game." The article mentions that books by Budd Hopkins and Whitley Strieber, which deal with UFO abductions, have become bestsellers. The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal sponsored a meeting where these topics were discussed, but Hopkins, Strieber, and others declined to appear.

No let up in number of strange sightings (Bury Free Press)

This report details continued UFO sightings in the Southend and Basildon areas of England. Ron West of the East Anglia UFO Society states their hotline has been jammed with reports. In the last two weeks of September, over 200 calls were received, with another 70 in early October. Sightings include a triangular craft with white and red lights, a round circle of lights, and a cigar-shaped object, which West believes could be a "mother ship." The team suggests a "window in the sky" where spaceships travel between atmospheres may be visible in the area. The article also mentions a previous report of an umbrella-shaped craft seen over Bury St Edmunds by a mother and daughter, and a green light seen by Jerri Upshaw in Red Lodge.

UFO's charted back and forth over Essex (Il-W45B Naperville Sun Weekly)

This article, from the Naperville Sun Weekly, discusses UFO sightings in DuPage County, Illinois, and Cicero, Illinois. In DuPage County, two Lemont police officers reported seeing a glowing, disc-shaped object, and eight residents filed similar reports. The Midwest Committee for Rational Inquiry is expected to investigate. In Cicero, town president Henry Klosak expressed interest in UFO sightings, seeing it as potentially beneficial for local businesses. A LIFE reporter was asked if she had heard about a helicopter with bright red and blue lights seen hovering between Laramie Avenue and Cicero's eastern boundary. The article also mentions a previous report of a UFO sighting in Cicero. The article also includes a brief mention of a Chicago ghosthunter and supernatural stories.

UFO Search (The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Jack Hicks reports on the general lack of UFO reports during the Halloween season, noting that Elvis Presley sightings seem more common. Amateur UFO investigator Don Worley attests that "news just doesn't get out." Leonard Stringfield, a Cincinnatian, has shifted his focus from chasing lights to investigating claims of direct contact with extra-terrestrials and abductions, believing the U.S. government is hiding evidence. Robert Baker, a former University of Kentucky professor, admits fascination with people claiming to be kidnapped by alien beings but remains a skeptic. Burt Monroe, a University of Louisville professor, investigates UFO reports without being a believer or skeptic, concluding that UFO sightings occur in cycles and that a significant portion of Americans believe in extra-terrestrial life. Monroe leans towards the idea that UFOs are natural phenomena. Worley notes reports of strange lights near Corydon, Indiana. Stringfield believes the government has been involved in a cover-up of UFO findings since World War II, citing a crashed spacecraft in New Mexico in 1947. He claims a secret committee was formed to investigate this and related incidents. Worley is concentrating on close encounters and abductions, including stories of "men in black." Baker reiterates his skepticism.

Jim': UFO pictures not fake (News Journal)

Michael Burke reports on the controversy surrounding photographs of a Gulf Breeze UFO. The principal photographer, identified as "Jim," claims computer analysis confirms his initial photos are not double-exposures. He states that witnesses and he know what they saw. Dr. Robert Nathan of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory expressed discomfort with the photos, suggesting they might be double exposures due to differing focus. "Jim" explained that blurring occurred because he and the UFO moved slightly. He wished the television show had focused more on technical evaluations. Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a research physicist, studied 37 of Jim's photographs and concluded they are genuine and "not from here." Maccabee stated he considered various methods for creating trick photos and found none were used. "Jim" has undergone psychological testing and regressive hypnosis, suspecting he was abducted by aliens. The hypnosis reportedly revealed details of at least four past abduction incidents. Dr. Dan Overlaid, a clinical psychologist, conducted psychological evaluations and stated "He's as normal as the rest of us."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles revolve around the persistent interest in unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alleged alien encounters, despite official government disinterest or skepticism from some quarters. There is a clear division between those who actively investigate and believe in UFOs, often citing witness testimonies and photographic evidence, and those who remain skeptical, seeking conventional explanations or questioning the methodology of investigations. The role of the media in reporting these phenomena is also evident, with various newspapers and staff writers covering different aspects of the UFO craze. A significant undercurrent throughout the articles is the theme of government secrecy and potential cover-ups regarding UFO evidence. The articles also touch upon the psychological aspects of belief and the potential for suggestion or hallucination in witness accounts, particularly concerning alien abductions. The editorial stance varies by publication, but generally, the reporting aims to present the claims and investigations, often including skeptical viewpoints for balance.

This issue of the South End Standard, dated November 4, 1988, features a prominent cover story titled "Has UFO visited?" detailing a worried family's call for a Ministry of Defence explanation regarding bizarre light movements above their home. The issue also includes reports from other regions and publications, indicating a widespread interest in UFO phenomena during this period.

Key Articles and Reports

"Has UFO visited?" - South End Standard

Mrs Susan Sayer of Great Wakering reported seeing a bright white object shining thousands of feet in the air, with two planes flying back and forth around it on the night of November 3, 1988. She described the object as stationary with two or three smaller ones hovering, and noted that planes seemed to be approached and then forced away. The sighting, which lasted an hour, was not registered by Southend Airport's air traffic controllers. Mrs Sayer insisted she was not a 'crank' and that 'something was going on.' The incident followed reports of a mysterious blue light over the region the previous day. A Basildon police crew and two airline pilots admitted seeing the light, which was later dismissed by the British Astronomical Association as the planet Venus. The East Anglian branch of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association received eight reports from Basildon and seven from Southend.

"Two UFOs over Essex - claim" - Yellow Advertiser

This article claims that recent bright lights over Southend were caused by two, not one, unidentified flying objects. Ron West of the Clacton-based East Anglian UFO research society analyzed witness accounts and concluded there were two separate objects. He noted that if meteors were involved, there would have been two. The lights reportedly originated over Belgium, crossed into Kent, and then descended into the sea off Southend. Information has been passed to the Ministry of Defence. Royston Dean of the Rayleigh Astronomical Group suggested it might be a season of meteorites but did not rule out 'Little Green Men.' The Essex UFO hotline received many calls.

"Experts support UFO claim" - Bury Free Press

This report details how experts are backing a ten-year-old boy, Peter Topham, who claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object land in a field near his home in Fornham All Saints. Two ufologists visited the site, conducted radiation tests on scorched sugar beet, and took photographs. Ron West, founder member of the East Anglian UFO Research Association, stated that the findings backed up Peter's claim. He described the object's lights as sounding like a 'flying saucer.'

"Writer's first book hits the streets" - Leigh Reporter

This piece introduces Peter Hough, a Lowton writer, whose first book, 'Death By Supernatural Causes?', is set to be published. The book examines paranormal mysteries, including cases of death or injury attributed to supernatural sources. It features interviews with witnesses, police officers, and scientists. Cases mentioned include a 7ft figure encountered on a lonely road near an Atomic Energy plant, the discovery of a body on a coal heap, a New Zealand pilot disappearing while chased by a UFO, and animal mutilations in the USA.

"Was it a bird, was it a plane... or a UFO?" - Reading Evening Post

Residents in Tilehurst and Caversham Park, Reading, reported seeing bright lights speeding through the sky on a Sunday night. Kevin and Donna Wallace described a large, bright object lighting up the sky, which remained stationary before moving backwards and forwards at high speed, with some lights being red, green, and blue. They were adamant the lights were not fireworks. A woman and her neighbours in Caversham Park also reported a 'strange phenomena' with incredible speed. The Ministry of Defence confirmed they had received reports and would investigate whether any craft had illegally entered British airspace.

"Giant blond men visit" - Southend Standard Essex

This article, by SR Reporter, predicts that a UFO may soon land in South East Essex, based on recent sightings. Ron West of the East Anglian UFO Research Association reported 270 sightings in September in the Basildon and Southend areas, a significant increase. He believes a landing is imminent and that the visitors will not harm us. He speculates that aliens could be similar to 10ft tall blond males. The article details daily sightings in September and mentions an abduction case from October 27, 1974, involving the Day family.

"Village beat 'lit-up'" - Kent & Sussex Courier

Two Tenterden policemen reported encountering weird lights and 'flying saucers.' P-c Normal Sells and P-c Robin Buxton witnessed the night sky become bright as daylight for three to four seconds. Teenagers Joanna Dickinson and Julie Jessop saw an oval-shaped object with bright white lights and a red light in the middle, emitting a deep hum, which then shot vertically into the sky and disappeared, possibly interfering with a telephone line. Stephen Button saw a strange blue object that appeared to be coming down to earth. These sightings were reported to RAF Manstone, who passed the information to the Ministry of Defence.

"Encounter of the close kind" - Western Mail Cardiff

This report details an investigation by the Ministry of Defence into a 'close encounter' by Tony Silvestri, a West Wales motor mechanic. While driving home with his wife and daughter, he experienced a brilliant greenish light inside his car, which he believes was caused by an unidentified flying object. The light was so bright it obscured the windscreen. He had the car checked, and no electrical fault was found. Flight-Sergeant Dave Pengilly of RAF Brawdy is investigating the case for the Ministry of Defence, noting that most UFO reports are explainable, but they investigate all reports for security threats.

"UFO visit?" - Bolton Evening News

Bolton experienced a mysterious visitor when an unidentified flying object hovered over the town before flying towards Manchester. Mrs Marjorie Johnson described seeing a stationary object floating above Bolton. Local ufologist Steve Balon is investigating.

"More UFO sightings" - Bucks Advertiser Aylesbury

UFO experts are taking sightings in the Aylesbury Vale area seriously, fearing they may be aliens. A postman saw a huge bright light hovering near Princes Risborough. Grandmother Nora Howell reported seeing a bright, crystal-like ball hovering in the sky. She had seen a similar object before and believed it was not a plane. June Ballantyne spotted a bright light. Rev Donald Thomas, who studies UFOs, noted that sightings are more common in October and often occur near 'unusual developments.' He believes the government is covering up the truth about alien intelligence.

"Did you see the bl-UFO?" - Southend Evening Echo Essex

UFO investigators are seeking witnesses who may have seen a mysterious blue light over South East Essex. An engineer reported being woken by a blue light that bathed his bedroom, which he initially thought were car headlights. He described the craft as round at the front and square at the back, with a smaller craft detaching itself. A similar object was seen at Canvey. The Essex UFO hotline is provided.

"UFO fears grounded" - St Albans Review

This article discusses Francis Taylor's 'close encounter' with a strange force, initially described as a natural wonder. He witnessed an 'all-embracing bright pink glow' and a 'golden object' shooting across the sky. While some suggested it was a satellite or meteorites from Halley's Comet, Taylor believed it was 'visitors from another planet.' Ron West of the Essex and East Anglia UFO Research Society explained that the phenomenon was likely caused by the overlapping of the Orion and Taurus constellations. The article also includes advice from UFO researchers on how to behave if one encounters a UFO.

"UFO 'like a Polo mint'" - Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Housewife Lucy Kennedy described seeing a UFO hovering above Peterborough, which she likened to a 'giant polo mint' – a circle of glimmering white light as big as a house. She saw it with her husband, David, and described it as a 'strange phenomena' that moved incredibly fast. Her two-year-old daughter also witnessed the event. The object was described as being at least 50 feet across.

"Children See UFO" - Reading Evening Post

Youngsters in Berkshire reported seeing a mysterious object with green and red flashing lights hurtling through the skies. Simon Baker, aged 15, described being frightened by the long object hovering over the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings in late 1988 across the UK, the involvement of official bodies like the Ministry of Defence and RAF in investigating these reports, and the persistent belief among some witnesses and ufologists in the reality of these phenomena, including the possibility of alien visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of seriousness, quoting various witnesses and experts, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the official explanations often provided (e.g., planet Venus, aircraft, meteorites). There is a clear interest in the paranormal and unexplained, with a focus on gathering witness accounts and providing contact information for UFO research groups.