APCIC - Vol 14 No 03 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, Volume 14, No. 3, dated March 1989, is published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER based in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien head superimposed on layered flying saucers, with the main headline "AERIAL PHENOMENON".

Stealth Bomber and Hudson Valley UFOs

The lead article, "Stealth unveiling sets off rumors" by Paul Grondahl, published in the NY-D2 ALBANY TIMES-UNION on February 2, 1989, explores the theory linking the U.S. Air Force's B-2 Stealth bomber to the "Westchester boomerang" sightings in the Hudson Valley. The book "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings" documented a cluster of unusual sightings between 1983 and 1986, characterized by a large, V-shaped object with pulsating lights. The article notes that the unveiling of the Stealth bomber, with its similar V-shaped, delta-wing design, prompted speculation that it might be the source of these sightings. Mark Rodeghier, scientific director of the Center for UFO Studies, finds the notion intriguing, pointing out the coincidental timing of the sightings and their evaporation before the bomber's unveiling. However, Air Force officials maintain the Stealth bomber had not been flown, and witnesses described the boomerang object hovering at low, noiseless altitudes, unlike a high-flying bomber.

Philip Imbrogno, co-author of "Night Siege," is quoted as saying the connection is "something that has to be considered." He admits that his own investigation around Stewart Air Force Base did not reveal facilities for the Stealth bomber. Peter Gersten, an attorney and member of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, suggests that while the Stealth bomber might not be the cause, other V-shaped objects could be tested. Walter Andrus of Mutual UFO Network dismisses the bomber theory, stating the bomber "hasn't been flown."

Police Officers as UFO Witnesses

The article "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE POLICE KIND" by Ken Sloan, from POLICE REVIEW LONDON dated December 23, 1988, emphasizes the reliability of police officers as witnesses to UFOs. It references Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret," which highlights numerous sightings vouched for by trained observers. The article recounts experiences of Sgt Tony Dodd and PC Alan Dale in Cononley, Yorkshire, in January 1978, who described a glowing, V-shaped object with large spheres and colored lights. Sloan also shares three personal incidents from his own police service, including a report of a "Venusian" visitor and a sighting of a landed flying saucer by a constable in 1967, which was corroborated by a newspaper report of a similar object seen by two other officers.

Further cases include Karl Farlow's sighting of a glowing, egg-shaped UFO in Hampshire in 1967, which caused vehicle lights to fail. Another incident involved two USAF security police patrolmen at RAF Woodbridge in 1980 who reported a glowing, triangular object. The article also mentions a report of an object crashing in Rendlesham Forest and police officers independently reporting a UFO in Todmorden, Yorkshire, in 1980. The piece concludes by quoting Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton, who suggests that police officers' trained observation skills could help explain the UFO mystery.

UFO Sightings in the USA and UK

Several regional newspaper clippings detail recent UFO sightings:

• YELLOW ADVERTISER-COLCHESTER (January 27, 1989): Reports of strange lights near Southend Airport, including a teenager and her mother observing a bright light hovering for five minutes before rising vertically and moving off. Southend Airport reported no unusual radar activity. Previous sightings in the area included a bright light moving at phenomenal speed and two lights interacting.
• CAMBRIDGE NEWS (January 26, 1989): An article referencing Jacques Vallee's book "Dimensions," which discusses UFOs and alien encounters, including Vallee's claim of being abducted. The article touches on prehistoric and Biblical sightings, and modern reports of "marvellous airships."
• TX-D7 AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN (January 27, 1989): "Science and the unknown" by Floyd Petri, founder of the Center for Instrumented UFO Research in Bastrop, Texas. Petri, a retired police chief, aims to scientifically confirm UFO existence. His center is accumulating equipment for a monitoring station and field unit, and utilizes the Freedom of Information Act to retrieve government documents. They investigate landing sites, trace materials, and enhance UFO photos.
• American-Statesman Staff (undated, likely Jan 1989): "UFO abduction cases also draw the center's attention..." This article discusses how UFO encounters have moved from distant observations to closer, more personal experiences, often involving psychological aspects. It mentions the trend of abduction stories popularized by books like "Intruders" and "Communion." Glenda Richmond of Austin shares her experience of being probed by an "intelligent probe" and seeing a spacecraft. She believes governments are conspiring to hide the truth about aliens. Dan Overlade, a clinical psychologist, discusses the need for support for those experiencing UFO encounters, comparing their trauma to that of Vietnam veterans.
• IL-W565 RUSHVILLE TIMES WEEKLY (February 8, 1989): "Area Residents Report Seeing Strange Objects in the Sky" by Debbie Brewer. Joanne Piluski and her daughters reported seeing a large bright light that moved fast and shot out "fireballs." Lou Ann Norton reported seeing strange orange and white lights. Keith Bockwitz described four amber lights arranged in a vertical line, rotating and emitting sparks. Terry Louden saw three strange lights in a vertical line. Eighth graders Jason Ackman and Andy Ebey also reported seeing strange lights. These sightings were discussed with a science teacher who suggested flares, but witnesses rejected this explanation.

Expert Explains Fewer Sightings

"Expert explains reason for fewer UFO sightings" by Elwyn Edwards, published in the RHYL + PRESTATYN JOURNAL on February 8, 1989, features ufologist Mrs. Margaret Fry of Llangernyw. She believes the current lull in UFO "visitations" is due to the alignment of planets, making interstellar travel more difficult. She recalls historical sightings, including one by explorer Nicholas Roerich and Sir Francis Chichester. Despite the decrease, she anticipates UFOs will return, particularly over Wales. She notes that while many sightings are mistakes, she has collected hundreds of well-documented cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the phenomenon of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on the potential connection between military aircraft (like the Stealth bomber) and unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the credibility of witnesses, especially police officers. The magazine also delves into the psychological and societal aspects of UFO encounters, including abduction theories and alleged government cover-ups. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various theories and witness accounts without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while acknowledging the skepticism and the need for scientific investigation.

Title: Gulf Breeze UFOs
Issue Date: January 29, 1989
Publisher: TAMPA TRIBUNE
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Article: Gulf Breeze UFOs: Controversy hangs over Panhandle town

The town of Gulf Breeze, Florida, has become a significant location for UFO sightings, with over 135 local residents reporting encounters within the last year and a half. The phenomenon has put the town back in the public focus, prompting examination by publications like BayLife and drawing attention from national media such as NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries" and CNN.

A prominent resident, identified only as "Ed," has captured more than 30 photographs of a UFO, which many believe are genuine due to their clarity and the object's unusual nature. However, these photographs have ignited a fierce debate between UFO researchers and skeptics. Skeptics often point to the proximity of Eglin Air Force Base, a major military installation, as a potential source of misidentification or even a cover-up.

The controversy has led to a political rift among participants, with some believing the case could significantly impact the future of UFO research in America. Researchers are divided on the authenticity of the sightings, with some agreeing that the evidence is either "some of the most phenomenal ever recorded" or "some of the most exaggerated ever reported."

Eyewitness Accounts and Experiences

Eyewitnesses in Gulf Breeze include a federal judge, a politician, and a prominent physician. Art and Mary Hufford, who live in nearby Pensacola, described seeing a gray, oval, silent craft fly over the treetops in November 1987. They initially dismissed their experience until they saw "Ed's" photographs in the Pensacola edition of the Gulf Breeze newspaper, which they felt perfectly matched their sighting.

Fenner McConnell, a physician and medical examiner for Florida's District 1, and his wife Shirley, reported seeing a cylindrical craft hovering over Pensacola Bay during their annual UFO-watching party in 1988. Fenner McConnell stated the craft came within 75 yards of their house, and Shirley McConnell noted it resembled "Ed's" photographs.

Brenda Pollak, a two-term City Council member who works with "Ed" on community projects, also reported seeing a large, lighted craft over the bay in the spring of 1988. She described it as "too big and too bright and very different from anything I had ever seen before."

The Investigators and Their Opinions

The case has divided UFO investigators. The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), a 20-year-old organization of scientists and researchers, supports "Ed's" story. Bruce Maccabee, a Naval physicist and MUFON investigator, published a detailed 90-page report concluding that the photographs are real. He applied physics and mathematical theories to analyze the images, determining the ship's size and distance, and concluded that "a professional magician would have a difficult time" faking such photos. Maccabee also noted that attempts by a Pensacola television station to replicate "Ed's" photos using a model failed miserably.

Conversely, the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), a non-profit organization founded by the late astronomer J. Allen Hynek, remains skeptical. CUFOS researchers, including Robert Nathan from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, point to visual inconsistencies in the photographs, suggesting they might be double exposures. Nathan believes the object's apparent lack of symmetry is "inconsistent with what you would expect from a highly developed society."

Mark Rodeghier, scientific director of CUFOS, stated that the Gulf Breeze case has devolved into a "shouting match" and that "90 percent of serious UFO researchers think Gulf Breeze is a hoax."

Philip Klass, a well-known UFO debunker, also finds the photographs "suspect" and believes that if one photo is a hoax, then all must be considered hoaxes. He maintains that he has never investigated a UFO case that couldn't be explained in prosaic terms.

Police and Community Reaction

Jerry Brown, Gulf Breeze's chief of police, expressed concern about the potential for a hoax to damage the credibility of UFO research. While he knows "Ed" and acknowledges that "anything can happen," he questions why people would report UFOs but not prowlers.

Donald Ware, Florida director of the Mutual UFO Network, believes that "Ed" was given photographic opportunities because "the aliens wanted us to see those pictures." He also suggests that Gulf Breeze's reputation as an educated and open-minded community may have attracted the visitors.

Reported UFO Sightings in Florida (Chronological List)

This section provides a historical overview of UFO sightings reported in Florida:

• August 1952: West Palm Beach: A Boy Scoutmaster encounters "ball lightning," surmised to be a UFO.
• August 1954: Near Gainesville: Five UFO sightings.
• November 1955: Marion County: At least 15 UFO reports.
• November 1957: Florida sightings escalate, with a Tribune headline asking, "Will Sputnik Collide With a Flying Saucer?"
• July 1964: Clearwater: Thirty-eight reports of UFOs during a fireworks display, later revealed to be part of a prank.
• April 1, 1965: Brooksville: John Reeves reports a spaceship landing and humanoids emerging. The experience is later deemed an elaborate hoax.
• April 1966: Ocala: Passengers and pilots of an airplane report a UFO sighting.
• December 1966: Brooksville: John Reeves reports another encounter, with footprints and landing gear impressions.
• August 1968: Brooksville: John Reeves claims to have taken a trip with UFO creatures and walked on the moon.
• September 1973: Florida: UFO sightings reported over four consecutive nights.
• May 1974: South Tampa: A UFO is reported near the intersection of Gandy Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue.
• September 1977: Calloway, Panama City: Numerous individuals, including sheriff's deputies, report seeing a UFO for over three hours.
• January 1979: Winter Haven: Police officer Ron Perdue reports a UFO sighting.
• January-July 1980: Pasco County: More than six UFO sightings reported.
• June 1986: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties: Many UFO reports, with a meteor shower suspected.
• June 1987: Silver Spring Shores, Goosky Prairie, Citra, and Ocala: Residents report UFOs over several nights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The article highlights the controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO case, presenting both supportive and critical viewpoints from investigators and scientists. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the facts and the differing perspectives, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions about the phenomenon. The historical list of Florida UFO sightings further contextualizes the ongoing interest and reporting of such events.

This issue of the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, dated February 12, 1989, along with accompanying articles from other regional publications, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in late 1988 and early 1989. The main cover story, "Flashing lights in sky spawn UFO reports," details a sighting near Rushville, Illinois, while other articles cover sightings along Route 93 in the northeastern United States and reports from the UK.

Flashing Lights in Sky Spawn UFO Reports (Lawrence Eagle Tribune, Feb 12, 1989)

This article reports on a sighting near Rushville, Illinois, on a Tuesday evening. Joann Piluski of Rushville described seeing a large, orangey-colored, bright light that appeared to be a UFO. She stated it was larger than two airplanes flying nearby and moved too fast to be an airplane, stopping and starting, and shooting out fireballs. The sighting lasted about 10 minutes. The Schuyler County Sheriff's Department received one call about a similar sighting. A woman reported seeing a star-shaped object shooting out objects like balls of fire while traveling on Route 67 north of Rushville. The object followed her for about three miles. An Illinois State Police spokesman mentioned receiving two calls about lights in the sky, with one caller reporting flares dropping from the object. Another caller from Bushnell described the object as being located some distance southeast of Bushnell.

Dozens report seeing UFO along Route 93 (Eagle-Tribune, Feb 1, 1989)

This article, by Susan Forrest, details a mass sighting of a slow-moving, circular object with flashing white and green lights along Route 93, spanning from Reading, Massachusetts, to Derry, New Hampshire. The sightings occurred between 6 and 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night. Massachusetts state police Trooper Greg Ambrose spotted the object and speculated it was the Fuji Film Co. blimp, noting its electronic numbers and graphics, but acknowledging it was smaller than the Goodyear blimp and unusual to see at night. However, a spokesman for Fuji Photo Film USA stated their blimp had not been in operation for at least two years and typically circled Manhattan. Air Force Capt. Eric Deuitch suggested it could have been a military helicopter known as "the Jolly Green Giant." Eleven-year-old Jenny Tcarella described the object as "like dishes piled on top of each other hovering over us." Her mother, Ann Cellamara, confirmed the sighting. The object moved slowly behind trees before disappearing.

Lines hot with UFO spotters (Heckmondwike Reporter, Feb 9, 1989)

This article discusses the Batley-based UFO hotline run by Philip Mantle. Mantle expressed disappointment that many callers report unexplained sightings but fail to provide contact details, hindering further investigation. He noted receiving calls from across England, including a spate of observations in August 1987. Two local calls from the summer of 1987 reported an unexplained spherical object over Batley. The hotline offers a confidential way for the public to report sightings.

UFO appeal! (Nottingham Recorder, Feb 2, 1989)

The Mansfield UFO Group is seeking information about possible sightings in the Mansfield area to establish a clearer picture of UFO activity. A spokesman emphasized a "down to earth approach," aiming to eliminate possible conventional causes before considering the unbelievable. The group holds regular meetings at Mansfield Library.

Death by Supernatural Causes (New Scientist, Jan 28, 1989)

This is a review by Bernard Knight of the book "Death By Supernatural Causes" by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough. The reviewer finds the book mildly interesting but generally disappointing, noting its focus on "semi-magical, pseudo-extraterrestrial phenomena." The book links UFOs to various cases, including a "Polish corpse" and a pilot who reported an improbable object. The reviewer also discusses the concept of "spontaneous human combustion," a phenomenon denied by pathologists but explored in the book.

BT phone home (Daily Star, Jan 24, 1989)

This brief article announces British Telecom's launch of a special UFO hotline, a project of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). The hotline aims to allow UFO spotters to record their experiences for research and to help track sightings in Britain.

Alabamians claim UFO sightings (Baton Rouge State Times, Feb 15, 1989)

This article reports on sightings of an unidentified flying object by residents in northeastern Alabama. Police Chief Junior Garmany described the craft as fast, silent, and looking like an airplane or a banana with lights. He stated it was "bigger than a jumbo jet" and moving at high speed. A woman described it as a banana shape with red and white lights, and a green outline. The object was still hovering when officers arrived on Friday night.

'Cosmic Watergate' veils UFO information: Lecturer (Highland Park News Weekly, Feb 16, 1989)

This article covers a lecture by nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman, who argues that Earth is being visited by UFOs and that the federal government, particularly the CIA, is engaged in a "cosmic Watergate" regarding UFO information. Friedman references the Roswell incident, stating that four alien bodies were recovered and hidden by the CIA. He has researched UFOs for 30 years and believes there is "overwhelming evidence" of visitation. He also discusses "Project Blue Book," noting that a significant percentage of sightings were classified as "unknown." Friedman suggests that extraterrestrials may be interested in genetic research and cross-breeding with humans.

UFO's origins turn out to be earthbound (Spartanburg Herald Journal, Feb 14, 1989)

This article by David Proffitt debunks a UFO sighting reported by Pat Webb, who saw mysterious white lights dancing in the sky. The lights were later identified as four 2,000-watt spotlights rented by Michael Lancaster, general manager for Sky Tracker Southeast Inc., for the grand opening of the Country Junction restaurant and truck stop. The spotlights created alternating figure-eight patterns to draw attention.

UFOs – seen but not heard (Southend Evening Echo, Jan 30, 1989)

This article details UFO investigations in South East Essex, UK, following 27 calls. Reports include an oblong vehicle with portholes and lights, blue lights over the estuary that moved apart and came together, and lights that were definitely not aircraft. Some callers described lights changing shape, while others could not adequately describe what they saw.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme across these articles is the public's fascination with UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena, coupled with a degree of skepticism from officials and scientists. Several articles highlight the efforts of UFO research groups and hotlines attempting to collect and investigate sightings. There's a clear division between those who believe in extraterrestrial visitation and those who seek conventional explanations, such as blimps, aircraft, or atmospheric conditions. The concept of government secrecy and potential cover-ups, particularly in relation to incidents like Roswell, is also a prominent theme, as championed by Stanton T. Friedman. The editorial stance, where discernible, leans towards reporting the sightings and the various explanations or lack thereof, while also acknowledging the public's interest and the work of dedicated researchers.