APCIC - Vol 14 No 05 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 15, No. 5
Date: May 1989
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various UFO phenomena, from mass sightings in Guatemala to psychological analyses of abduction claims and local reports in the UK and USA. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien head.

Guatemalans Flock to See Lights They Swear Are UFOs

This article, by Vicki Barker, Special to The Baltimore Sun, reports on a phenomenon in El Progreso, Guatemala, where mysterious lights have been appearing nightly for a month. These sightings have drawn thousands of sightseers, dominated newspaper headlines, and become a national preoccupation. Eyewitness accounts describe objects emitting powerful lights, moving silently, and appearing between 7:50 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. Hundreds gather nightly to observe these phenomena. The article notes that Guatemala's population, with its history of natural disasters and political instability, often interprets such events through the lens of folklore. Explanations range from earthquakes and cold weather to Mayan ruins and even international gun-runners or military aircraft. Rev. Antonio Quinones, a Roman Catholic priest, offers a pragmatic view, stating, "They're unidentified flying objects." Estuardo Velasquez, director of the government's Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology, confirms that aircraft have been observed but remains cautious, stating the institute "only believe[s] what we can see." A technician from the institute, however, claims to have seen UFOs with specific lights and windows, encouraging others to see for themselves.

Appeal as UFOs are Seen Over Worksop

This report from the YORKSHIRE UFO Society highlights a plea to Worksop residents who have reported sightings to their telephone hotline. Investigator James Moore is seeking witnesses, including a woman who reported seeing a circular craft, about 30-40 feet in diameter, on the A57 Worksop By-pass. Another sighting in Worksop in February involved a 'long pencil-shaped craft, rocking around from side-to-side,' glowing bright blue with small red lights, which moved erratically before stopping mid-air. The object was described as being twice the size of the moon and making no sound.

Close Encounters of the Third World Kind

This section, also by Vicki Barker, revisits the Guatemalan sightings, framing them within the context of a nation prone to natural disasters and political unrest. It reiterates the eyewitness accounts and the public's fascination. The article mentions a suspected 1969 UFO from a Guatemalan investigator's collection. It also touches upon previous phenomena, such as lights appearing before the 1976 earthquake. The piece contrasts the public's belief with the cautious stance of officials. James Baillieu, an Australian law student, describes seeing a UFO with two bright lights and a wedge-shaped tail, noting it was larger than an airplane. The article emphasizes how the UFO phenomenon is interpreted through the prism of Guatemala's unique socio-political environment.

Kent UFO Sightings Were Probably Hobbyists' Ultralight Aircraft, Police Say

By Thomas P. Balazs, Staff Writer, this article reports on UFO sightings in Kent, USA. Around 20 residents reported flashing lights and hovering noises, which police, specifically Trooper Kev Harris, attributed to ultralight aircraft, a common explanation for such reports in Putnam and Dutchess counties. Philip Imbrogno, a co-author of "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings," disputes this theory, arguing that ultralights are unlikely to fly at night and are not equipped with lights. Imbrogno suggests other possibilities, including small airplanes, government experimental aircraft, or unknown phenomena.

Invasion of the Mind Snatchers

This article by Elizabeth Bird, Ph.D., an anthropologist, critically examines alien abduction accounts, particularly those popularized by books like Whitley Strieber's "Communion." Bird argues that these narratives, often presented as "true stories," spring from the human psyche rather than extraterrestrial encounters. She discusses confabulation, where memories are stitched together from experiences and stories, and the concept of fantasy-prone personalities who may elaborate on such accounts. Hypnosis, used by investigators like Bud Hopkins, is shown to elicit detailed but not necessarily accurate memories. Robert Baker's experiments are cited, demonstrating how hypnotized subjects can recall non-existent details. Bird suggests that Strieber exhibits traits of a fantasy-prone individual. The article also explores the phenomenon of sleep paralysis and hypnopompic hallucinations, which can lead to vivid, bizarre experiences that are later recalled as real. Bird posits that the consistency in abduction stories—humanoid aliens, saucer craft, medical experiments—is not surprising, as individual hallucinatory experiences often conform to cultural patterns, similar to historical accounts of witch trials or the Newfoundland "Old Hag" phenomenon. The article concludes that abduction evidence produced by UFO-ologists is often flimsy and fraudulent, representing a form of "science-fiction cultism."

'UFO' Sighted Near Motorway

This report from the HELMEL HEMPSTEAD KINGS LANGLEY EXPRESS details a sighting by Harriet Kercher near the M25 bridge in Kings Langley, UK. She reported seeing three large lights that appeared to be coming towards her car. Described as big, low, and emitting green and red lights, the objects eventually turned into a triangular shape as they passed overhead. Harriet is convinced it was a flying saucer, recalling a similar experience from her youth. The article notes that previous reports of green lights in Hemel Hempstead were later attributed to a builder's cutting equipment. The reporter speculates that visitors might be considering the M25 as a landing pad and asks for other witnesses.

'Close encounter' Put George on the Trail of UFOs

This article profiles George Wild of Ossett, described as a burly prison officer and a leading authority on unidentified flying objects. Wild is a member of the Leeds-based Yorkshire UFO Society and organizer of the world's first International UFO Conference. He has spent 25 years studying UFOs, traveling the country to investigate sightings and interview witnesses. The YUFOS receives approximately 850 calls per year reporting sightings, with thousands reported globally and in Britain. Wild notes that in the Wakefield area alone, over 60 sightings were reported in one week. The society maintains a comprehensive filing system and offers a counselling service to help people understand their experiences. Wild believes governments are withholding information about UFOs. The article mentions the upcoming International UFO Conference and the involvement of speakers from Europe. It also touches on the role of wives in the society, noting they often provide support but are not as deeply involved in the investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the psychological underpinnings of abduction claims, and the societal context in which these phenomena are perceived. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and local investigations to critical analyses by psychologists and anthropologists. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, documenting reported phenomena while also critically examining the evidence and potential explanations, particularly the psychological and cultural factors influencing belief in UFOs and alien abductions. There's a clear distinction made between observed phenomena and their interpretation, with a notable skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, especially in the psychological analysis of abduction narratives.

This issue of the Ripon Gazette, dated March 24, 1989, focuses heavily on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and alleged government cover-ups. The main headline, "Is there anybody out there?", sets the tone for an exploration of UFO phenomena, featuring interviews with experts and witnesses.

Timothy Good and 'Above Top Secret'

The lead article introduces Timothy Good, a self-proclaimed serious ufologist who has spent 20 years researching UFOs. His new book, 'Above Top Secret,' claims to expose a worldwide cover-up by governments regarding UFOs. The article notes that while some media outlets have treated UFOs as a joke, Good believes governments take the subject very seriously, even staging fake sightings to discredit genuine reports. Good acknowledges that 90% of sightings are misidentifications (weather balloons, hallucinations, etc.), but stresses that the remaining 10% are unexplained and subject to intense, secret government research. He also reports that military personnel who witness UFOs are sworn to secrecy under threat of punishment, and civilians who have 'close encounters' are warned by 'men from the Government' to remain silent.

Witness Accounts and Investigations

The issue features several detailed accounts from individuals who claim to have witnessed UFOs. Tony Dodd, a retired policeman and director of investigations for the 300-strong Yorkshire UFO Society, is highlighted. Dodd recounts his first sighting in 1978 with PC Alan Dale, describing a large, glowing, disc-shaped object with flashing lights and spheres underneath, flying silently at low altitude. Since then, Dodd claims to have seen over 60 similar objects in the Dales area and has become a prominent investigator. He also mentions that many people fail to report sightings due to fear of ridicule or because aliens allegedly place a 'block on their memory' to prevent them from speaking out.

• Other reports include:
• A sighting in Meanwood, Leeds, in 1979, where two teenage schoolgirls saw a UFO that followed them. Their families were subsequently visited by a government representative.
• A report from Canvey, Essex, where two anglers claimed to have seen the first "transparent UFO" in the country, described as a 200ft object shaped like a rugby ball, through which stars could be seen.
• An incident involving a British Island Airways TriStar jet that plunged thousands of feet after a close encounter with a UFO over Sardinia.
• Reports from Essex detailing sightings of blue flashes, saucer-shaped objects, and orange lights, leading to increased investigations by the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association.
• A story from Gravesend about a UFO sighting by a pensioner.
• An account from Hemel Hempstead about a UFO seen near the M25, witnessed by Harriet Kercher and Mrs Marie James.

Theories and Explanations

The articles explore various theories attempting to explain UFO phenomena. For crop circles, possibilities include UFOs, whirlwinds, animal behavior, and human hoaxes. For aerial sightings, explanations range from misidentified aircraft and natural phenomena to advanced technology and alien craft. The concept of 'alien abduction' is also discussed, with reference to a book by Jenny Randles.

Government and Media Role

The role of governments and the media in shaping public perception of UFOs is a recurring theme. Timothy Good criticizes media sensationalism that discredits serious research. Conversely, he believes governments are actively engaged in research and potentially cover-ups. Dr. John Holder, an expert from the Aetherius Society, believes public opinion is shifting towards acceptance of alien life and predicts future contact. He notes that official bodies often suppress information that could prove the existence of space craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation, despite public skepticism and media trivialization. It highlights the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations like the Yorkshire UFO Society and the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association in collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The underlying narrative suggests a hidden reality of extraterrestrial activity that governments are attempting to conceal, while a growing segment of the public is becoming more open to the possibility of alien life and visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these unexplained events.

This issue of the Croydon Advertiser Surrey from March 17, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "It came from outer space," focusing on the work of author Timothy Good and his book "Above Top Secret." The magazine also includes several articles detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations in the UK and USA.

'World's top people have secretly contacted ETs'

This article, written by Barbara McSweeney, highlights Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret," which posits that high-ranking individuals globally have been in contact with extraterrestrials and are concealing this information. Good, a musician by profession, spent twenty years researching the subject for his book, which took two years to write. He recounts his own UFO experiences, including a sighting in Beckenham in 1980 and an earlier one involving a sharp-edged, translucent object. Good criticizes the media's tendency to ridicule the subject but notes that those who spend time discussing it with him become serious. He mentions giving talks in the USSR and the US. Good's primary aim with his book is to alert the media to the "unprecedented significance" of the events, emphasizing that governments are concealing the truth about alien contact, possibly even possessing crashed spacecraft and alien bodies. He warns that not all extraterrestrials may have benevolent intentions, suggesting they might be conducting research or creating hybrids using human samples. He concludes that humanity would learn to live with the truth, similar to how they live with the threat of nuclear war.

Storm in a coffee cup in 'UFO' scare

This article from the Newmarket Journal Suffolk (April 6, 1989) reports on an incident involving a British Island Airways MD 83 flight from Malta to Gatwick. Brian Challis, a travel agent and passenger, described seeing mysterious bright lights in the sky at 30,000 feet, followed by the plane plunging twice, causing passengers to be doused with coffee. Airline officials stated the lights and the turbulence were unrelated. Challis dismissed reports of panic, describing passengers as surprised. The flight captain initially thought the lights were from another plane but later mentioned air traffic control picking up something about a misfired missile. Challis suggested the lights might be related to the sun and the plunge was a coincidence.

New mystery as police witness UFOs

This report from the Stafford Newsletter (March 31, 1989) details multiple UFO sightings in Stafford. Police officers PC Terry Gibbs and PC Kevin Muller witnessed a stationary object with brilliant white, red, blue, and yellow flashing lights for half an hour. Local residents Malcolm Sutcliffe and Dawn Brindley also reported seeing stationary lights, and later, a cone-shaped object with lights underneath. Stafford police confirmed receiving several similar reports. Chief Inspector John Davis stated the lights were unidentified but discounted theories involving balloon rides.

UFOs light up the sky

This article from the Yellow Advertiser (March 31, 1989) covers UFO activity in South-East Essex over Easter. Witnesses reported a translucent, rugby ball-shaped object moving slowly. Ron West, spokesman for the UFO Research Organisation, noted a lot of activity and calls over the weekend. He also mentioned that a mysterious blue flash seen the previous year, which was investigated, has been catalogued as a UFO of unknown origin. A pilot reported his cockpit being lit up by the blue light, and a policeman also witnessed it.

Klass lectures on UFOs

This article from the Las Vegas Sun (April 3, 1989) discusses lectures given by Philip J. Klass, author of "UFO Abductions." Klass, an avionics editor, presents "prosaic" explanations for UFO sightings, attributing them to mundane causes like weather balloons and tricks of light. He claims to have never encountered a UFO that couldn't be explained prosaically. Klass was invited to lecture at the Spring Valley Library, offering a counterpoint to lectures by former CIA pilot John Lear, who claimed irrefutable evidence of UFO existence. Klass disputed Lear's claims, including the "Operation Majestic 12" case, which Lear alleged was a secret government operation involving alien beings. Klass has offered $10,000 to anyone who can prove they have been abducted by a UFO, a challenge similar to one offered by the National Enquirer. He acknowledges that cultured and educated individuals also report UFO sightings and does not dismiss the possibility outright, citing a tabloid headline linking Nixon's resignation to a UFO landing.

Distress call, strange lights prompt search

This report from the Rapid City Journal (March 30, 1985) details a mysterious Mayday call and reports of exploding lights in the sky west of Mobridge, South Dakota, prompting a search by authorities. The Civil Air Patrol initially feared a plane crash but found no wreckage. Witnesses reported flashes, sparks, and colored lights. A CAP volunteer heard a distress signal, and the Mobridge Police Department received calls about a "big flash, a flaming ball" and "blue streak that turned orange." The search involved multiple planes and ground personnel but was suspended due to a lack of further evidence.

Reports of lights prompt search (Continued)

This continuation from page A1 details further aspects of the search prompted by the distress call and lights near Mobridge. Witnesses described various phenomena, including colored sparks, a blue streak, and an orange cloud. A malfunctioning aircraft engine sound was also reported. The combination of the Mayday signal and sky explosions led to the search. Clyde Rische, a pilot, searched for three hours. Ground searchers and CAP volunteers also participated. The search area was approximately 100 miles in diameter, centered around Prairie City. Searchers flew both sides of the Missouri River. The search was suspended due to a lack of evidence of a crash.

In search of UFOs, and respect

This article from the Cincinnati Post (April 4, 1989) features Peggy and Jerry Black, who delivered a lecture titled "UFO Abductions: A Serious Reality." They discussed an incident from 13 years prior where three women claimed to have been abducted outside Stanford, Kentucky. The women reported seeing a red object and a blue light, and experienced a time discrepancy. They also discovered red marks on their necks and had pets that reacted strangely. Jerry Black, who has investigated UFOs for 30 years, described his first sighting with Peggy in Indiana in 1988, involving three horizontal lights that shifted and changed color. During hypnosis, Peggy recalled seeing five small beings and being taken aboard a round object with rings.

Conference considers supernatural UFOs, aliens, angels, real, speaker says

This article from the Dayton Daily News (April 9, 1989) covers a conference in Louisville, Kentucky, that explored UFOs, aliens, and angels. Speaker Budd Hopkins, author of "Missing Time," discussed UFO abductions and the theory that humans are being used for scientific research and reproduction. He presented a tape of a hypnotized woman reliving her abduction, photographs of scars, and drawings of alien creatures. Loretta Ferrier introduced herself as an emissary from the Ascended Masters and Angelic Kingdom. Dr. Bruce Lipton, a scientist, spoke about self-healing and control over one's system. Attendees could also purchase New Age items.

South Lakeland and UFOs

This section from the Westmorland Gazette provides a year-by-year report of UFO sightings in the South Lakeland area. It details incidents from 1965 to 1981, including sightings of cigar-shaped objects, flashing lights, firework explosions, and a "glowing yellow fish." Reports include amateur photographers capturing UFOs on film, police witnessing unusual lights, and motorists seeing flashing lights and oval-shaped objects.

Craft was clearly a new UFO

This article from the Southend Evening Echo Essex (March 23, 1989) reports on a sighting of a "transparent UFO" by two anglers in Canvey. The craft, described as being as big as five houses and shaped like a rugby ball, was emitting a slight hum. The anglers could see stars through the object. Ron West, senior investigator for the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association, called it "very exciting" and the first of its type seen in the country, though similar "translucent craft" have been seen elsewhere. The article also mentions an investigation into blue flash sightings on October 27, where an object was tracked by radar and seen by various witnesses, including a policeman and aircraft pilots. An engineer, John Hill, described seeing two craft, one round and one square, and suggested it might have been an American Stealth aircraft, though an MP confirmed there were no Stealth aircraft flying in the area.

UFO alert as more sky-high mysteries sighted

This article from the Southend Evening Echo Essex (March 20, 1989) details more unidentified flying object sightings in South East Essex. An ex-RAF pilot in Grays reported a brilliant white light at high altitude. A football-shaped object was seen hovering for three quarters of an hour before speeding off at incredible speed. A mother and son on the A127 saw a red ball of light. Another report describes a diamond-shaped object with glowing white lights. Three independent reports from Southend, Leigh, and Canvey mention similar diamond-shaped craft. The article also highlights an incident involving a nine-year-old boy in Southend who described a rectangular object with a rotating square box on top.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the possibility of government cover-ups. Multiple articles present witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena, ranging from stationary lights to advanced craft. There is a consistent undercurrent of skepticism from some quarters (e.g., Philip J. Klass) contrasted with the strong conviction of researchers and witnesses (e.g., Timothy Good, Budd Hopkins, Ron West) who believe these phenomena are significant and warrant serious investigation. The issue also touches upon related New Age beliefs, such as the presence of angels and other supernatural entities. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena and the ongoing investigations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions while presenting a range of perspectives from debunking to strong belief in extraterrestrial contact and potential government secrecy.