APCIC - Vol 14 No 04 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 14, No. 4
Date: April 1989
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a significant focus on events in Fyffe, Alabama, and a mysterious explosion over South Texas. It also includes international reports and personal close encounter narratives.

Fyffe, Alabama UFO Frenzy

The town of Fyffe, Alabama, became a focal point for UFO interest following sightings on Friday nights, particularly starting February 10, 1989. The town, with a population of 1,300, was overwhelmed by over 4,000 visitors drawn by the prospect of seeing UFOs. Police Chief Junior Garmany and Assistant Chief Fred Works reported following a large, silent, triangular object for about 12 miles. Eyewitnesses described objects as flying bananas, oval or round with rotating lights, and some as crescent-shaped or banana-shaped with red and green lights. The phenomenon attracted media attention, including a report on the syndicated program 'Inside Edition.' Despite the hoopla, the actual night of the report (March 3, 1989) saw no UFOs due to overcast skies and mist.

Stan Gordon, a UFO tracker, noted a dramatic increase in unexplained sightings in Pennsylvania since 1987. Professor Paul Johnson of Duquesne University suggested that while 90% of sightings are explainable (misidentified planets, aircraft, etc.), 10% remain unexplained. He also noted that many people who have sightings do not report them due to fear of ridicule.

Jeff Ballard, MUFON's state section director for several counties in Alabama, stated that MUFON investigators collect data to get the facts straight, not to sensationalize. He mentioned three types of sightings reported in the Fyffe area: potential celestial bodies, bright hovering white lights, and craft that flew directly overhead.

Flash, Explosion Over South Texas

On February 9, 1989, after 11 p.m., witnesses in South Texas reported an immense green flash followed by a deafening roar. Speculation ranged from a meteorite explosion to a spent Soviet rocket re-entering the atmosphere or a thunderstorm. Experts like Wallace Thaler and James Oberg refuted the rocket theory, explaining that rockets do not carry excess fuel and that spent rocket bodies from recent launches fell three days later. Oberg suggested a meteorite was likely, possibly burning up and vaporizing at high speed. Ian Halliday, a Canadian government research scientist, noted that meteorites travel at much higher speeds than man-made objects and have shorter luminous lifespans. While some witnesses feared the meteorite was very close, Oberg suggested it was likely miles away. If it landed, it likely fell into the Gulf of Mexico. Despite extensive searches, no physical trace evidence has been found.

UFOs in Guatemala

Guatemala was experiencing a UFO 'mania,' with thousands of people venturing out at night hoping to see extraterrestrial visitors. Local papers reported sightings by doctors, lawyers, and government officials. Juan Carlos del Monte described seeing two red lights playing in the sky, followed by a large, circular object with one red and three amber lights that flew overhead without sound. The area near El Progresso was a hotspot for sightings, occurring between 7:45 and 8:15 p.m. The craze led to traffic jams and merchants advertising that aliens were coming to buy their products. Even the Interior Minister Roberto Valle Valdizan spent hours searching the sky, expressing disappointment at not seeing anything. The Defense Ministry acknowledged the reports, stating they were investigating and keeping an eye out with four observation posts.

Close Encounters from Other Regions

The issue also features personal accounts of UFO encounters. Lyn Caldwell described seeing an oblong, silver object with pulsating colored lights hovering about 150 feet above her in Ohio in the early 1970s. Kathy Wheeler also recounted a similar experience in Ohio around the same time, describing a silver UFO with a blue interior light. A businesswoman in Tempe, Arizona, shared an experience from 1976 in Texline, Texas, where she saw a silver object, about 40 feet long, parked near her home. Darrell Gore, a former seaman, described witnessing a huge, oblong, silver spacecraft hovering over a Navy destroyer during the Korean War. These individuals, despite their varied backgrounds, shared remarkably similar descriptions and a common emotion of being set apart by their experiences, often keeping them private due to fear of ridicule.

Other Sightings and Explanations

Reports from Cirencester, UK, described a triangular UFO with hovering lights. While police considered it a genuine report, stunt pilot Vic Norman suggested it sounded like a plane, noting that aircraft lights are standard. In Wiltshire, UK, a couple reported seeing a triangle of orange lights that moved slowly and were not from an aircraft. The 'mystery of the flashing lights' seen in parts of Wiltshire was explained as anti-collision lights from a small light plane, identified by pilot Vic Norman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings, the challenges of verification, the impact of media attention, and the persistent fear of ridicule among witnesses. The magazine presents eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and official investigations, suggesting a serious interest in the phenomenon while acknowledging the difficulty in definitively explaining many events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, giving voice to those who have experienced them and exploring various perspectives from scientific to anecdotal.

This issue of the Dorset Evening Echo, dated February 25, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "Ringstead and the great UFO 'cover-up'," alongside a promotion for Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up."

Ringstead and the Great UFO 'Cover-Up'

The lead article recounts the experience of Angus Brooks, who reported seeing a UFO near Ringstead in October 1967. Brooks, a former RAF intelligence officer and British Airways flight administrator, described the craft as hovering for 22 minutes, with a central chamber 25ft in diameter and a total span of 175 feet. Despite his detailed account, he was unable to convince experts, who suggested he had a "vitreous floater" in his eye. The article connects this to Timothy Good's new book, which alleges "determined and careful political suppression on information about UFOs at the highest levels" and a "conspiracy of fear between the world's governments."

New Books and Author Features

Several new books are reviewed:

• Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-Up by Timothy Good: This book details UFO sightings globally and claims governmental suppression of information. Good has interviewed witnesses and seen declassified papers.
• All in the April Morning by Jean Saunders: A novel by a West Country writer, set in an Irish-American atmosphere from the turn of the century.
• Frontier of Fear by Michael Hartland: A tale of espionage set in Afghanistan and Pakistan, involving a top intelligence officer attempting to blackmail a Pakistani official.

Driver Spots 'Flying Jellyfish'

The Exeter Express & Echo reports on February 21, 1989, about Adrian Redfern, a lorry driver from Devon, who saw a large, jellyfish-like creature hovering above trees near Cullompton. Redfern described the object as 30 ft wide, expanding and shrinking before disappearing. He stated he is normally skeptical but was sure of what he saw.

UFO Fear Has Elsie in a Spin

The Kidderminster Times reports on February 16, 1989, about Elsie Oakley, an 83-year-old pensioner who saw a bright light hovering above trees. She described it as a powerful torch beam that began to beam down and then headed towards the houses, causing her fear.

24-Hour Hotline for UFO Reports

Weekly News London reports on February 25, 1989, about the establishment of a 24-hour hotline in Cheshire for reporting UFO sightings. The Cheshire UFO Studies Centre aims to investigate sightings promptly. They note that while 95% of sightings can be explained, 5% remain a mystery. They also mention that some previously unexplained sightings were identified as USA Stealth S117A aircraft.

UFO Man is Quizzed

The Southend Standard reports on February 17, 1989, about a Rochford man who saw a V-shaped object spinning in different directions. The object later became still, a red light left it, and then it disappeared. Airport officials reported no unusual air activity.

Strange Sightings in the Skies

The Essex Chronicle reports on February 17, 1989, on UFO sightings over Essex in late January. Reports include a triangular or shield-shaped UFO over Tiptree that changed color and shot towards Chelmsford, and sightings of two separate UFOs on January 29, including three bright lights in an inverted triangle formation over Chelmsford. A hotline number for reporting sightings is provided.

UFO Siting

The Stroud News & Journal reports on February 16, 1989, that six people contacted Stroud police reporting a UFO sighting near Salmon Springs. Three calls were received at the time of the sighting, and three more later.

Did Anyone Else See the UFO?

The Gravesend Reporter Kent on February 16, 1989, features a letter from Mrs. Pamela Jennings who saw an object flying over Northfleet the previous night and is seeking an explanation.

Farming in East Anglia: Riddle of the Corn Rings Unravelled by the Wind

The Eastern Evening News Norwich on March 4, 1989, features an article by Peter Hopper about the mystery of corn circles. Dr. Terence Meaden of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation suggests these circles are caused by natural wind vortices, not UFOs, and is appealing to farmers for information. He notes that the phenomena are often found in hilly regions where wind flow is concentrated.

Gordon Has a Roker Park Goal!

The Sunderland Echo on February 28, 1989, reports on Gordon Brown's mission to investigate a UFO sighting over Roker Park football ground during a match on September 22, 1951. He describes the object as looking like two soup plates stuck together, which dropped and then zig-zagged away at incredible speed.

UFO Report

The Stroud News & Journal on February 23, 1989, includes a letter from E. Robbins describing a low-flying, brightly lit aircraft with masses of lights underneath that looked "very weird."

U.S. Airman Has Desert POW-WOW With Aliens

The Daily Star London on March 4, 1989, reports on a "top-secret" US Government document that allegedly reveals American airmen have exchanged information with aliens and that the Air Force has been test-flying a recovered UFO. Project Sigma, launched in 1954, reportedly established primitive communications with aliens in 1959. The document was leaked to UFO investigator Clifford E. Stone.

Another UFO Mystery

The Swindon Evening Advertiser on March 4, 1989, reports on a sighting by work colleagues Howard Carey and Roy Townsend of a round, brightly lit object travelling northwards over Swindon. They described it as having an irregular shape with an intense blue light at the front.

'Walton Experience' Continues to Defy Skepticism

The AZ-D4 Mesa Tribune on March 6, 1989, continues its series on the Travis Walton incident. The article details Walton's claims of abduction, the physical and psychological examinations he underwent, and the ongoing skepticism he faces. It highlights that polygraph tests and psychological evaluations have not disproven his story.

Scientist Doubts Truth of Any UFO Sightings

An article by Bill Roberts features Dr. Nigel Sharp, a scientist who expresses skepticism about UFO sightings, questioning why alleged alien visitors are always depicted as small, humanoid figures. He suggests that many sightings can be attributed to misidentification or unusual phenomena rather than extraterrestrial visits.

UFO Collection at New Towne

The Oh-063 New Philadelphia Times-Reporter on March 4, 1989, announces an exhibition of photographs and sketches focusing on unidentified flying objects at New Towne Mall.

Man Reports Feb. 8 UFO Sighting

The Pensacola News Journal on March 22, 1989, reports on Jeff Thompson's sighting of a small lighted object near his home in Gulf Breeze on February 8, 1989. He described it as descending, turning white, making a crackling noise, and then dissipating.

UFO Fever Strikes West Florida

The Pensacola News Journal on March 5, 1989, by Cindy West, traces UFO sightings in West Florida back to the 1950s. It mentions various reports, including a sighting in Pensacola in 1953, objects seen over DeFuniak Springs, and numerous sightings in 1973 and 1975. The article also highlights the significant stir caused by sightings in Gulf Breeze in November 1987.

Woman Tells of Too-Close Encounter with Aliens

The Chronicle features an article by Dwight Silverman about Joan Burns, who believes she has been abducted by aliens multiple times. Her case is being studied by MUFON investigator Robert Morgan, and her children also claim similar experiences. The article also references the 1947 UFO crash in New Mexico.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue heavily features reports of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and government cover-ups, reflecting a strong public interest in these phenomena. The articles present a range of perspectives, from detailed witness accounts and investigative claims to scientific skepticism. The inclusion of book reviews and hotline information suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges and explores the UFO phenomenon while also providing avenues for further investigation and discussion. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena and the human drive to understand them, whether through personal testimony, scientific inquiry, or the exploration of potential governmental secrecy.

Title: HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Issue Date: March 19, 1989
Document Type: Newspaper Article

This article from the Houston Chronicle, dated March 19, 1989, details a significant rise in UFO abduction claims being reported to and investigated by the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). The piece highlights the growing volume of cases, the commonalities in witness testimonies, and the internal debates within the UFO community regarding these phenomena.

UFO Abduction Claims Surge

The San Antonio chapter of MUFON, a nationwide organization dedicated to investigating UFO sightings, reports an unprecedented increase in cases. Chapter President Thomas Deuley notes that the group's resources and political fabric are stretched thin by the influx of reports. Many individuals claim not only to have seen strange craft but also to have been abducted and examined by alien beings. These accounts often involve small creatures with enlarged heads, grayish skin, and large, slanted eyes. Witnesses frequently report experiencing 'missing time' – periods for which they have no memory – and often require hypnosis to recall the events. The aftermath of these experiences can include post-traumatic stress syndrome, characterized by nightmares, fear, and a need for security.

The Whitley Strieber and Budd Hopkins Controversy

A significant focus of the article is the schism within the UFO community, largely driven by the differing approaches of authors Whitley Strieber and Budd Hopkins. Strieber, author of 'Communion: A True Story,' describes his own abduction experiences and suggests the 'visitors' may be involved in genetic experiments or are perhaps beings from a parallel universe. Hopkins, author of 'Missing Time,' is presented as a more fact-oriented researcher who believes the abductions are real and that MUFON members generally side with his more conservative, evidence-based approach. The article notes that Strieber's book, published in 1987, significantly boosted public awareness and brought a flood of new cases to MUFON.

The Majestic-12 Document and the Roswell Incident

The article delves into the controversial Majestic-12 (MJ-12) document, which surfaced in December 1984 via an undeveloped roll of film sent to MUFON researcher Jaime Shandera. This document purportedly details a secret government operation tasked with researching UFOs and claims that four small, dead alien beings were recovered from a UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico, in July 1947. While handwriting experts have reportedly validated President Truman's signature on supporting documents, skeptics question the document's provenance and phrasing. The MJ-12 document has fueled passionate debate within the UFO community, with some believing it to be authentic and others viewing it with suspicion.

MUFON's Investigation Methods and Challenges

MUFON, based in Seguin, Texas, prides itself on a systematic and thoughtful approach to investigations. Before becoming a field investigator, individuals must complete a 160-page manual. Investigations begin by seeking simple explanations for sightings. If none are found, witnesses are interviewed, and investigators may visit the incident site. They also contact local authorities, airports, and military bases for corroborating information. According to MUFON, approximately 10 to 20 percent of all reported sightings are determined to be of unknown origin, with the rest explained as conventional phenomena like aircraft or weather balloons. However, the recent surge in abduction cases has strained MUFON's resources, with Walter Andrus, the organization's co-founder, stating they are 'swamped.'

Skeptical Perspectives and Psychological Explanations

The article acknowledges skeptical viewpoints, suggesting that emotionally unstable individuals might attribute their problems to the modern mythology of UFOs. However, MUFON members maintain that the abductions are real and that the associated stress causes emotional instability. The phenomenon of 'missing time' is a recurring element in abduction narratives, as are 'screen memories' that can induce dread. The article also touches upon the historical context of UFO investigations, including the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, which concluded in 1969 that the phenomenon was no longer worth studying, despite 19 percent of cases remaining unexplained.

International Sightings and Theories

Beyond the US, the article includes reports of UFO sightings from the UK. The Swindon Star reports two workers seeing a bright, irregularly shaped object with pulsating blue light. The Essex Chronicle details several sightings over Chelmsford, including an inverted triangle of lights and a large orange ball. The Manchester Evening News discusses the 'time travel' theory related to UFOs, with a lecture planned by the Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, suggesting a shift in thinking from 'nuts and bolts' objects to psychic phenomena or extra-terrestrial intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article consistently emphasizes the increasing number and similarity of UFO abduction reports, the controversy surrounding key figures like Strieber and Hopkins, and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of evidence such as the MJ-12 document. MUFON's role as a primary investigative body is central, as is the tension between scientific skepticism and the compelling nature of witness testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon and the community's response, acknowledging the strangeness of the claims while also highlighting the systematic efforts of organizations like MUFON to investigate them. The article implicitly suggests that while many sightings can be explained, a significant portion remains unexplained, fueling continued public interest and research.