APCIC - Vol 14 No 02 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 14, No. 2
Date: February 1989
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated February 1989, presents a collection of articles and reports on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of a grey alien head surrounded by flying saucers, with the magazine's title prominently displayed. The publication is from the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Strange Sights in Nevada Skies (December 1988)

This article, originally from the NV-DA Reno Gazette Journal (December 25, 1988), recounts a series of unusual sightings in Nevada during December 1896. Citizens reported seeing strange glowing lights and what appeared to be "aircraft" with wing-like propellers or fan-shaped wheels. Witnesses included a prominent rancher, a Sacramento journalist, and a San Francisco attorney who claimed to represent the inventor of one craft. The first Nevada sighting was reported on December 2 by Scott Hart, who described a craft with flashing lights and heard a voice. Other witnesses in Reno reported flickering lights. Professor Nat Wilson described a craft as "large as an electric arch light." The article notes that despite speculation about airships, no patent applications for such inventions were found, leaving the nature of these sightings unexplained.

UFOs: Watching Us Watching Them?

This section, from The Manchester Union Leader (December 25, 1988), focuses on the books of Whitley Strieber, "Communion, A True Story" and "Transformation, The Breakthrough." Strieber claims contact with "visitors" who have transformed his life and opened new vistas of awareness. The article contrasts Strieber's approach, described as that of a "dreamer," with that of British broadcaster Timothy Good, author of "Above Top Secret, The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up." Good's work is characterized by his use of the Freedom of Information Act to extract classified information about UFOs from the U.S. government. The article mentions that Good's book reviews the history of UFO sightings, including early reports in Scandinavia and Great Britain in 1933, and the significant Roswell incident of 1947. It also touches upon the controversial "Majestic 12" (MJ-12) document, which allegedly detailed the recovery of alien bodies from the Roswell crash.

UFO Investigator Peter R. Geremia's Perspective

This section features insights from Peter R. Geremia, a UFO field investigator and New Hampshire director of MUFON. Geremia, who has never seen a UFO himself but is fascinated by the subject, approaches UFOlogy from a "nuts-and-bolts" perspective, seeking to understand the nature and propulsion of these craft. He criticizes the media for sensationalizing UFO reports and advocates for government transparency, urging the government to confirm that UFOs are not a threat and to release its backlog of UFO data, including information on the Roswell incident. Geremia believes that with sufficient evidence, the public could handle the truth about UFOs without panic.

He discusses the challenges of investigating UFO sightings, including potential "UFO makers" such as advertising airplanes and natural phenomena like planets. Geremia also highlights the importance of "high strangeness" cases, which involve unusual circumstances and potential interactions with physical environments or entities. He notes that while many UFO sightings can be attributed to mundane causes, a residue of unsolved cases suggests the possibility of extraordinary events.

Notable UFO Cases and Sightings

The issue details several significant UFO cases:

• Indiana Incident: An alleged abduction attempt involving a 12-year-old boy, with unexplained brown marks on the lawn at the site of the alleged spacecraft landing.
• Betty and Barney Hill Abduction: A landmark case from December 19, 1961, where the Portsmouth couple claimed to be abducted by five-foot-tall beings, undergoing physical examinations and receiving a star map from an "alien leader." Betty Hill defends the credibility of their story, citing radar confirmation and the discovery of astronomical patterns matching her hypnosis-induced map.
• New Hampshire Sightings: Geremia's files include numerous reports from various locations in New Hampshire, with frequent sightings near military bases, nuclear power plants, and high-voltage power lines. Specific areas mentioned include Route 125, Seacoast area near Pease Air Force Base, White Mountains, Conway, Claremont, and Keene.
• Keene Sighting (October 1984): Police Sgt. Jack Zeller and others witnessed a 50-foot-long metallic object with pulsating lights passing overhead.
• Epping Sighting (April 1978): A couple reported seeing three red lights in a triangular pattern hover over their car.
• Franklin Area Sightings (1970s): Geremia's first case involved a Franklin couple.
• Selfridge Air National Guard Base Sighting (December 1988): Radar detected an unidentified flying object approaching at high speed, described as consisting of one human and nine animals.
• Pennsylvania Sightings (1988): Over 600 reports of UFOs and strange creatures were received, with Chestnut Ridge identified as a hotspot.

Analysis of Books and Theories

The issue reviews Timothy Good's "Above Top Secret, The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up," which compiles formerly classified government information. It also discusses Whitley Strieber's "Communion" and "Transformation," which explore his alleged personal experiences with extraterrestrials and their impact on his spiritual understanding. Strieber's work is noted for its religious symbolism and philosophical implications. The article also mentions Barry H. Downing's paper, "Streiber and the God Hypothesis," which draws parallels between Strieber's revelations and religious narratives.

Identified Flying Objects and Unsolved Cases

An article by James Oberg questions the accuracy of eyewitness testimony regarding UFOs, while Mark Rodeghier of the Center for UFO Studies argues that unsolved cases point to extraordinary events. The issue suggests that a residue of unsolved cases, similar to those in criminal investigations, can be attributed to distorted perceptions or memories, rather than necessarily indicating extraterrestrial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects, the historical documentation of sightings, and the ongoing efforts to investigate and understand these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for government transparency and the release of UFO-related data. The publication appears to lean towards presenting a wide range of accounts and theories, from historical reports and eyewitness testimonies to the analyses of books by prominent authors in the field. The editorial stance, as reflected through the interviews and articles, is one of critical inquiry, seeking factual evidence and challenging official narratives while acknowledging the profound impact that UFO phenomena can have on individuals and society. The issue highlights the ongoing debate between conventional explanations and the possibility of extraordinary or extraterrestrial origins for these sightings.

Title: Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Issue Date: December 12, 1988
Volume/Issue Identifier: 3128
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Mystery of 'UFO lights' solved

The main headline on the cover of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph from December 12, 1988, announces that the mystery of recent UFO sightings in the Peterborough area has been solved. Experts suggest that the brilliant lights observed in the night sky were likely caused by a comet.

The article details that the first close encounter sighting was reported on October 27th by a Peterborough baker who was struck by a mysterious, brilliant-colored object flashing across the sky while on his way to work. The following day, the newspaper reported the spotting of a similar phenomenon by three-year-old Simone Colley of Whittlesey, who woke up to see a bright light hovering outside her window.

These claims were further supported by other witnesses:

• Peterborough artist Eric Carr, who painted a watercolor of what he had seen.
• A Radio 2 news bulletin that reported the sighting of a bright object plunging into the North Sea off Suffolk.
• Several sightings of a UFO in Wales, reported in the Daily Star newspaper.

All five of these sightings occurred on the night of October 27th, a night when the sky was brilliantly lit by a full moon. Several witnesses described a dazzling ball of light with a blue or orange tail that traveled rapidly across the sky.

A report from the UFO investigation team SkyScan suggests that all five sightings were linked and were likely caused by a comet. The report explains that comets are bright, round objects with a hair-like tail and travel across the atmosphere at approximately 25,000 miles per hour, which is faster than a spaceship.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of this particular article is to provide a rational explanation for unexplained phenomena, attributing the 'UFO lights' to a natural celestial event, a comet. The article aims to debunk the idea of extraterrestrial visitors by presenting expert analysis and evidence. The recurring theme is the investigation and resolution of mysterious sightings through scientific or astronomical explanations.

This issue of 'STATE OF SIEGE' (Volume: CON'T, Issue: 1381 CT., Date: FEB-2 1989) from LEIGH JOURNAL LANCS focuses on the controversial UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, particularly the experiences of an individual identified as 'Ed.' The magazine explores the evidence, skepticism, and psychological evaluations surrounding his claims, alongside a broader look at the New Age movement's intersection with UFOlogy and psychic phenomena.

Ed's Story: A State of Siege

The central narrative revolves around 'Ed,' who describes his UFO experiences with intense passion and a sense of being under a 'state of siege.' He recounts his first encounter in November 1987, which resulted in five blurry color photographs. Ed's attitude is described as take-it-or-leave-it, with his photographs as his primary argument. He expresses fear of public exposure, not wanting to be known as 'the UFO guy,' and advises others not to show UFO photos to anyone.

Ed describes encounters with UFOs that maneuvered rapidly, often appearing at dusk or near dawn. He also claims to have had 'alien encounters,' including being pursued by a 'blue beam' of light. One incident involved finding a bowl of bubbling residue in his backyard, which was analyzed and found to be high in magnesium and trace elements. More frightening were face-to-face meetings with 'creatures' clad in gray. Ed also recounts a dramatic event where a craft hovered above the road, depositing creatures onto the road via a blue beam.

Despite the personal toll, Ed has cooperated with investigations, including undergoing psychological exams, a lie-detector test, and an electronic voice analysis. These examinations concluded he was sane and honest. He has also provided photographs to researchers and the media, including the Gulf Breeze Sentinel. However, he faced pressure from individuals identifying themselves as U.S. Air Force personnel demanding he turn over his photographs.

Photographs in Question: The Teenager and the Prank Theory

A significant portion of the issue addresses the controversy surrounding Ed's photographs, particularly a new explanation involving a teenager named Bill and his mother. Bill suggests that Ed's 'ghost' photographs, which sometimes showed a 'phantom foggy thing' next to players in games, were part of an 'ultimate joke' or a prank. Ed vehemently denies this, stating he never used those words and that the 'ghost' photograph was a result of a 17-year-old camera, a film defect, and reflections off glass.

Ed also addresses the notion of 'ritual seances,' expressing anger at the suggestion, and clarifies that he took out-of-focus pictures when discussions turned to ghost stories, not as part of staged events.

Linda Chepult, Bill's mother, defends her son's honesty and criticizes the way the UFO pictures have affected his reputation. She believes Ed will not admit to a prank because too many prominent people have supported his claims.

Skepticism and Scientific Perspectives

Astronomer David Slavsky is featured, arguing that despite numerous UFO reports over 41 years, there is no physical, tangible evidence to prove that extraterrestrial crafts have visited Earth. He states that most UFO sightings are explainable as astronomical objects, advertising planes, or atmospheric phenomena. Slavsky also disputes the theory of alien abductions, suggesting they are often rooted in psychological stress, citing the example of an interracial couple's experience.

Slavsky dismisses the Bermuda Triangle as a site of extraterrestrial activity, attributing disappearances to turbulent weather and inexperienced pilots. He also disputes government cover-up theories, suggesting simple ways to test them. While skeptical of UFOs being alien crafts, Slavsky believes in the possibility of life on other planets due to the vast number of stars and potential planets in the galaxy.

New Age Beliefs and UFOs

The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO beliefs with the New Age movement. Organizations like 'Health & Harmony' and 'Christpoint Community Church' are highlighted. Health & Harmony offers forums on UFO encounters, with some members believing 'space brothers' are preparing Earth for another dimension. Christpoint, led by minister Pamela Bro Benetz, emphasizes peace, empowerment, and an ecumenism of faiths, while also being cautious of the sensational aspects of the New Age and the potential for cult-like behavior.

Psychic Daniel Clay is presented as an example of New Age practices, offering 'channelings' and advice. The article notes that while some New Agers focus on hidden powers and universal consciousness, others, like Benetz, seek to ground these beliefs in traditional frameworks and maintain accountability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue presents a dichotomy between those who believe in the reality of UFO phenomena, like 'Ed,' and scientific skeptics like David Slavsky. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting both sides of the argument, highlighting the personal experiences and alleged evidence of UFO witnesses while also giving voice to scientific and skeptical viewpoints. The article also frames UFOlogy within the context of the broader New Age movement, exploring how these beliefs are integrated into various spiritual and community groups. The theme of personal conviction versus public scrutiny is evident throughout, particularly in Ed's narrative and the debate over the authenticity of his photographs.