APCIC - Vol 14 No 08 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 14, No. 8
Date: August 1989
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into the persistent mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), featuring extensive reporting on investigations, historical sightings, and the ongoing public and scientific discourse surrounding the phenomenon. The cover prominently displays a stylized alien head with the headline "He's no alien to UFOs," setting the tone for the content within.

Key Articles and Features

George D. Fawcett: A Dedicated UFO Investigator

The magazine highlights George D. Fawcett, a resident of Lincolnton, North Carolina, who is the state director for MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). Fawcett has dedicated over 40 years to investigating UFO reports, amassing a vast collection of clippings, studies, and photographs. He notes a significant shift in public perception over the decades, moving from viewing UFO enthusiasts as 'kooks' to a more widespread acceptance that "UFOs are REAL." Fawcett has investigated numerous UFO sightings across North Carolina, with the state ranking fourth nationally in reported incidents. He also discusses the concept of CE4 (Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind), or abductions, as the next major focus in UFOlogy.

Fawcett's personal journey into UFO investigation began 45 years prior with a World War II newspaper clipping about mysterious silver balls in the sky, initially thought to be Nazi weapons. He initially approached his research with skepticism, attempting to disprove cases, but over time, his conviction grew. He recounts his own close encounter in 1951 Virginia, where he witnessed an orange-shaped object. Fawcett advocates for greater government transparency regarding UFO studies and proposes the establishment of a state UFO museum.

Scientific Investigations and Explanations

Another significant feature focuses on David Hackett, an engineer from Knoxville, Tennessee, who is part of the Orion Research Forum and Network (ORFAN). Hackett dedicates his free time to finding scientific explanations for reported UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena. He has investigated cases such as the Brown Mountain lights, the Bristol booms, and a peculiar chunk of green ice that fell in 1978. So far, Hackett has found scientific explanations for all the cases he has studied, including attributing the Bristol booms to sonic waves and the green ice to a leaking commode on a military jet. He also notes that many UFO reports can be explained by astronomical phenomena like Venus appearing low on the horizon, causing a twinkling effect that can be mistaken for motion.

While Hackett maintains a skeptical approach, he acknowledges the limits of current scientific understanding, stating, "Science is not to the point where we can explain anything and everything." He believes that while many scientists accept the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the evidence for alien visitors is still limited. Hackett's group investigates reports of close encounters but has found three such reports to be of low credibility.

Historical Context and Societal Impact

The issue also provides historical context, referencing Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of "flying saucers" near Mt. Rainier, Washington, which ignited widespread public interest. It touches upon the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who theorized that UFO phenomena might reflect a crisis in the collective human mind. The article contrasts two emerging trends in UFO research: the conservative approach, exemplified by Donald Keyhoe and NICAP, which sought scientific rigor, and the 'contactee' phenomenon, where individuals claimed personal interactions with extraterrestrials.

Notable figures like George Adamski, Betty and Barney Hill (whose abduction experience under hypnosis is mentioned), and Whitley Strieber are referenced in the context of 'contactee' narratives and close encounters. The article also briefly mentions the controversy surrounding the "Majestic Twelve" documents, which purportedly detail the retrieval of a crashed UFO.

UFO Conventions and Religious Interpretations

The magazine notes the upcoming 28th annual New Age Space Foundation Convention in Federal Way, organized by Wayne Aho, who has long awaited UFO landings. It also introduces Reverend Barry Downing, a Presbyterian minister who suggests that biblical miracles, such as Elijah's chariot of fire, could be explained as extraterrestrial vehicles transporting religious figures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the ongoing efforts to investigate and explain them, and the societal implications of these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on both the scientific investigation of UFOs, as championed by individuals like David Hackett, and the personal experiences and beliefs of UFO enthusiasts, represented by George D. Fawcett. The magazine appears to present a balanced view, acknowledging the lack of definitive proof while also recognizing the widespread public interest and the limitations of current scientific knowledge. The editorial stance seems to encourage open inquiry and investigation, advocating for transparency and a deeper understanding of the UFO phenomenon, while also grounding some discussions in scientific skepticism and the search for rational explanations.

This issue of 'UFOs' magazine, dated primarily June and July 1989, with a cover date of June 22, 1989, focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, including sightings, investigations, and theories about alien life. The magazine features articles from different publications, suggesting a compilation of recent UFO-related news.

Wayne Aho and the Space Age Convention The article on page 1 introduces Wayne Aho, an organizer of the 28th Annual New Age Foundation Space Age Convention held in Federal Way, USA. Aho believes that Earth culture needs to change to prepare for space beings and that many humans are 'colonists' preparing the way for them. He suggests that some individuals may be space people who were 'dumped' on Earth. The convention, held at a church, featured speakers who believe in extraterrestrial inhabited solar systems and explored the links between UFOs and Christianity, with topics like 'UFOs, Jesus and your Survival' and 'UFO's and Spirituality'. Aho himself has not been bodily aboard a UFO but claims to have been close to ships and experienced mind-travel.

MUFON Investigations and Sightings Pages 2 and 3 detail the work of Rex Schrader Jr., a purchasing agent and MUFON investigator from Nunica, Michigan. Schrader became an official MUFON investigator in 1987 after passing a comprehensive examination. He investigates UFO sightings and abductions for Muskegon and Ottawa counties. He notes that many sightings go unreported, with studies suggesting 80-90% of people do not report what they see. Schrader aims to create an environment where people can discuss their experiences without ridicule. He recounts two personal sightings: a glowing, cigar-shaped object flying at about 100 mph in December 1988 near Lansing, and a bright light directly overhead in April 1989 near his home in Nunica that zoomed away rapidly. The article also features George and Shirley Coyne, MUFON investigators who have been investigating UFOs since 1983. They have looked into about 50 abduction cases and other sightings in Michigan. Their initial sighting in 1983 involved a saucer-shaped object with a lighted dome. George Coyne believes microwave radiation from UFOs may have affected his pacemaker, requiring it to be replaced twice. Despite acknowledging instances of faked sightings, the Coynes maintain a strong faith in UFOs as visitors.

Scientific Skepticism and Alternative Explanations Page 3 also includes perspectives from the scientific community. Ed Hansen, an assistant professor of geology at Hope College, finds the idea of Earth being the only planet with intelligent life 'egotistical' but not surprising. He believes extraterrestrial research should focus on listening for transmissions from distant planets using radiotelescopes. The article suggests that the scientific community remains largely unconvinced about UFOs.

UFOs in the UK Page 4 features a headline from the Bradford Telegraph & Argus West Yorkshire dated June 22, 1989: 'ARE UFOS PIE IN THE SKY? NOT TO GRASSINGTON'S SOBER EX-POLICEMAN'. This suggests a specific sighting or investigation in the UK. Page 5 continues with a report from the Worcester Evening News dated June 26, 1989, titled 'UFO seen over city'. It describes startled city folk in Ripon Road, Ronkswood, witnessing a bright object hovering and moving across the sky with flashing lights but no noise. Mrs. Shirley Baddeley described the object as large and peculiar, moving rapidly. Neighbour Tony Tyrer also commented on its aircraft-like appearance but lack of noise. The object disappeared behind clouds and then moved off towards Tibberton. City police had not received any calls concerning the incident. The same page includes an article from The Standard London dated July 10, 1989, titled 'UFOs circling under earth?'. This article proposes that mystery circles in wheat fields, possibly caused by UFOs, could originate from underground rather than above ground. It likens these to 'fairy rings' caused by rapid underground fungi growth, which can weaken surrounding plants. The author, M J Hands, suggests these could be the result of 'fairies at the bottom of the wheat fields'.

Tony Dodd and Alien Claims Page 6 presents a story about retired policeman Tony Dodd, who claims to have the 'scoop of the century' regarding aliens. His account, derived from an American air force and naval intelligence officer named Milton William Cooper, alleges that long-lived aliens from outer space are living in a New Mexican underground bunker. These aliens, described as hairless, three to five feet tall, with tear-shaped eyes, thin lips, four-fingered hands and toes, and grey, reptile-like skin that reaches their knees, are said to feed on bodily fluids of humans and cattle and have a preference for strawberry ice-cream. Cooper claims to have seen a UFO rise from the sea and has challenged the White House, accusing the government of treason. The story suggests that aliens have temporarily abducted and medically probed thousands of people, and in exchange for technology (like that used to build the Stealth bomber), the US government has provided them with remote underground bases. Tony Dodd's drawing of a UFO seen at Cononley is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the investigation of these phenomena by organizations like MUFON. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimonies and eyewitness accounts, ranging from sightings of aerial objects to claims of alien abduction and interaction. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO beliefs with religious and spiritual ideas, particularly Christianity. While some scientific skepticism is presented, the overall tone leans towards validating the experiences of those who report UFO phenomena. The inclusion of articles from different publications suggests an effort to provide a broad overview of recent UFO news and theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a serious approach to investigating these claims, as indicated by Walter Andrus of MUFON stating, "We're very serious about our work from a scientific standpoint... And we're going to listen."

This issue of the Dundee Courier + Advertiser, dated July 11, 1989, focuses on the burgeoning mysteries of crop circles and UFO sightings, presenting a collection of reports and investigations from various sources.

Mystery Circles: The Shapes of Things to Come?

The lead article, "Mystery circles the shapes of things to come?" from the Dundee Courier + Advertiser, details the ongoing investigation into crop circles across southern England. Investigators Colin Andrews, a local government official, and Pat Delgado, a retired radar expert, claim these formations could be the work of an "unexplained intelligence." A further 11 circles were reported in Wiltshire and Hampshire over the weekend, bringing the total for the year to approximately 170. The article mentions a link to the 1987 death of a Harrier jump jet pilot whose body was found near a group of circles in Wiltshire. Delgado suggests a "force field manipulated by some unexplained intelligence" might be responsible. The Ministry of Agriculture initially believed the shapes were caused by whirlwinds or fertilizers, but evidence suggests the circles affected insects. A "luminous, white, jelly-like substance" found in a circle in 1985 is also being investigated. Scientists at the University of Surrey are expected to re-examine it. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment.

Jelly Adds to the Circles Mystery

The Swindon Evening Advertiser (July 12, 1989) echoes the mystery surrounding crop circles, reporting that "infectious jelly" was found inside one of the rings. Nine people reportedly suffered severe chest colds after contact with the white substance. Investigators Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado believe the circles could be linked to the death of a Harrier jump jet pilot in 1987. Delgado suggests a "force field manipulated by some unexplained intelligence." The Ministry of Agriculture's theory of whirlwinds or fertilizers is mentioned, along with a warning that crops within the rings should not be used for human consumption due to evidence of insect impact. Further tests on the substance collected from a ring near Marlborough are pending.

Running round in circles

The Sunday Times (July 19, 1989) features a detailed account of the crop circle phenomenon by Stuart Wavell. Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews have recorded 148 circles in southern England over four and a half weeks. They describe a distinctive "tadpole-type tail" formation. The article highlights their book, "Circular Evidence," and their consultancy for "Flying Saucer Review." Andrews defends their scientific approach, stating they are working with 35 scientists and favor the theory of a rotating energy field. They also note a molecular change in affected crops, which they believe is passing into the food chain. The researchers claim the phenomenon is increasing and evolving, with complex patterns emerging. They also mention that the mysterious force seems to "respond to the discussion, even the thought." Evidence of animal life being affected is cited, including a fly found "zapped dead" in the center of a vortex.

UFO Sightings and Close Encounters

Several articles report on UFO sightings and related phenomena.

• MYSTERY SIGHTS: A UFO (or cloud?) over a California lake (top) and Tony Dodd's photo of unexplained lights above Carleton Moors (above) (Page 3) features Anthony Dodd, a retired North Yorkshire policeman, who claims to have seen about 60 UFOs. He recounts an incident in January 1978 where a 100ft UFO with three spheres and flashing lights floated across the road in front of his police car. He describes being able to see "dimpled glass windows" on one sighting.
• The SOUTHEND STANDARD (June 23, 1989) reports on a "Probe into UFO sightings," detailing a strange object spotted by a Hockley couple that is being investigated by UFO specialists. They saw a "ball of intense, white light" for about 25 minutes. The article also mentions other recent sightings in South East Essex.
• The WORCESTER EVENING NEWS (June 22, 1989) covers "Puzzle of 'large green objects'" falling from the sky over villages near Ross-on-Wye. Police experienced a "close encounter." The objects were initially seen as large green objects, later changing to "blueish" as they hovered. About the same time, a Thorpe Bay couple spotted a cigar-shaped object, and a Canvey couple watched a balloon-like object for 40 minutes.
• The SOUTHEND EVENING ECHO-ESSEX (July 4, 1989) asks, "Did you see the silver UFO?" reporting on a silver disc with accompanying orange lights seen in the Southend area. UFO researchers have had four more reported sightings, including a black-greyish object with orange lights over the Thames Estuary and a silver spinning object with 20 orange lights.
• The HEMEL HEMPSTEAD & KINGS LANGLEY EXPRESS (July 10, 1989) features "Sisters tell of mystery lights." Beverly Lahey-Bean and Harriet Kercher reported seeing a massive white, oval-shaped light with a fuzzy outline over Hemel Hempstead. They described it as "really big" and "too low," and thought it could be an aeroplane but it was "too big."
• "WE SAW A UFO' - CLAIM (Page 6) from the SWINDON EVENING ADVERTISER (July 13, 1989) details the experience of sisters Beverly and Harriet, who saw a large, white, oval-shaped object with a fuzzy outline. They described pulsating orange lights and noted it was stationary and silent.
• Taking an alien view of Close Encounters (Page 5) from the DAILY MAIL LONDON (July 15, 1989) discusses a rift between American and British UFO observers regarding abduction by aliens. Walt Andrus from the US believes UFOs are "nuts and bolts devices," while Jenny Randles of the British UFO Research Association suggests that claims of abduction are often culture-dependent and traumatized individuals.
• ALIENS IN RED SKY AT NIGHT (Page 5) from the DAILY STAR LONDON (July 13, 1989) reports on Russian sky-watchers seeing "amazing close encounters with alien spaceships" over Kharovsk. Dozens of UFOs were sighted, and one witness, Marina Shiriaeva, described a large object landing and opening a door.

Engineer says he usually explains 'unexplainable'

David Hackett, an engineer and "scientific ghostbuster," is featured in the TX-D44 HOUSTON CHRONICLE (July 16, 1989). Hackett, a member of the Orion Research Forum and Network (ORFAN), investigates UFOs, poltergeists, and close encounters. He states that while he has studied many phenomena, he has yet to find anything that cannot be explained scientifically, though he doesn't dismiss the supernatural. He explains the Brown Mountain lights as likely ball lightning, with sightings often being misinterpretations of stars or city lights. Hackett also investigated "Bristol booms," attributing them to sonic booms intensified by a nearby ridge, and suggested that changes in flight patterns ceased the phenomenon. He notes that many UFO reports are explained by Venus low on the horizon, and has investigated three reports of close encounters with alien beings, rating them as low credibility.

UFOs? Soviet readers lap it up

The PLAIN DEALER (August 12, 1989) reports on the growing interest in UFOs and the occult in the Soviet Union, fueled by glasnost. Stories about "headless aliens," "huge hairy creatures," and UFO landings are appearing in official media like the newspaper "Socialist Industry." The article mentions mystic Alan Chumak's televised healing sessions and reports of strange creatures and fluorescent objects. It also notes that the Soviet news agency Tass initially reported on a UFO landing near Moscow but later attributed a burned patch of ground to a haystack fire.

Couple sharing UFO experience

The TN-D18 KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL (July 11, 1989) features Dan and Leilani Dearing, who claim to have communicated with extraterrestrials called Pleiadians from the constellation Taurus. They opened the Southeast Regional UFO Communications Center and shared their experience, which they describe as "beautiful, peaceful, surrealistic." They believe the Pleiadians have messages about achieving world peace and that UFO sightings will increase significantly by 1992. The Dearings describe the Pleiadians as about 5-foot-7, with long arms, slick bodies, and bright black eyes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the public's fascination with UFOs and unexplained phenomena, particularly crop circles. There's a clear division between those who believe in extraterrestrial craft and scientific explanations, and those who attribute sightings to misidentification or hoaxes. The articles present a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and amateur investigations to scientific skepticism and official non-comment. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena as they unfold, acknowledging the public interest while often seeking rational explanations or highlighting ongoing investigations. The inclusion of Soviet reports on UFOs suggests a global interest in the topic. The emphasis on scientific study by groups like ORFAN and the British UFO Research Association indicates an effort to approach the subject with a degree of rigor, even when dealing with extraordinary claims.

This document comprises scanned pages from several publications, primarily focusing on UFO phenomena in July 1989. The main articles include reports from "The Independent" (London), "The Evening Post" (Charleston, SC), and the "Tyler Morning Telegraph" (TX).

The Independent (July 15, 1989)

Nutters and sceptics have close encounter of a terrestrial kind by Kate Muir

The article describes the fifth International UFO Congress held at the London Business School. It highlights the division between "nutters" (believers in abductions and extraterrestrial contact) and "sceptics." Graham F N Knewstub, a delegate, expresses wariness about the influence of media and films on abduction reports. Walt H Andrus Jr. of MUFON defends the reality of abductions, stating that people are dual victims who need help. The article contrasts these views with the sensationalist reporting of newspapers like "Sunday Sport." It also mentions reports of "luminous floating spheres" and a growing interest in UFO sightings in the Soviet Union due to Glasnost, as well as emerging reports from Africa.

UFO buffs from around the world gather in park by David Ikin

This piece focuses on the bi-annual UFO enthusiasts' congress in Regent's Park, London. Ken Phillips, an investigator with the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), shares his 20 years of experience without a personal sighting, noting the negative psychological and physical effects reported by witnesses he has interviewed, such as disorientation, headaches, and nightmares. Phillips discusses his local investigations, including debunking a report of a bright, rotating object as an exotic kite. He is involved in a project called Anamnesis, collecting information for an Austrian researcher. Phillips believes "something strange is going on" and is impressed by the sincerity of witnesses, though the origins of sightings remain unknown. He also jokes about his wife being his biggest critic.

Swindon Evening Advertiser / London (June 30-89)

Mystery corn circle theory

This short article presents researcher Colin Andrews' theory that the world's ozone layer crisis might be behind the reappearance of mysterious corn field circles on the Marlborough Downs. Andrews, working with a professor at Nihoy University, Tokyo, suggests that changes in the planet's electric field distribution, possibly due to the ozone problem and greenhouse effect, are responsible. He dismisses meteorological conditions and hoaxes, noting unnatural energy emissions from these sites. The article mentions that over 120 symmetrical circles have appeared in Wiltshire and ten in Hampshire. Other theories for the circles include UFOs, whirlwinds, helicopters, psychic energy, and even copulating hedgehogs.

Camden St. Pancras Chronicle (July 13 1989)

This section appears to be a continuation of the "UFO buffs gather in park" article, likely from "The Independent," as it mentions Ken Phillips and the London Business School congress.

The Evening Post (Charleston, SC) (July 17, 1989)

Numerous Reports Of UFO Received, Authorities Say by Eric Frazier

This article details a sighting by Bessie Dixon and others near the Burnside Dodge dealership in Charleston, SC, around 1:30 a.m. on a Sunday. They described a dark, shapeless object, 300-500 feet long, with fiery white and yellow sparks and a glowing front end, moving soundlessly. Attempts to report it to local police, the Air Force Base, and the FAA tower yielded no immediate confirmation. However, a controller later reported that pilots at 20,000 feet had seen a similar enormous, dark object break into three pieces. An officer from Tybee Island Police Department also confirmed a sighting of something resembling a shooting star. Nicole Parker described seeing a bright object with a tail and white lights. FAA spokesman Roger Myers stated that the agency no longer tracks UFO sightings, implying it's the government's official stance that UFOs don't exist. The article concludes with a witness joking it might have been a stealth bomber.

Tyler Morning Telegraph (TX) (July 9, 1989)

ETexan Believes In UFOs - Longview Man Seeks Proof Of Extraterrestrial Visits To Earth by Kevin McCarley

Dwight Sirls, a 30-year-old from Longview, TX, is dedicated to finding proof of extraterrestrial visits. As the state-section director for MUFON, he investigates reported UFO sightings. Sirls became interested in UFOlogy at age 18 after a unique experience. His investigative process involves interviewing witnesses, analyzing angles, checking celestial charts for Venus sightings, and visiting locations to plot object trajectories. He works with a network of scientists and believes the government is covering up UFO reports, citing the disbandment of Project Blue Book and the alleged disappearance of Col. William Coleman's report. Sirls also recounts the Roswell incident, detailing rancher W.W. "Mac" Brassel's discovery of unusual debris. He criticizes the media's portrayal of UFOs as ludicrous and advocates for detailed scientific study. Sirls is seeking volunteers for MUFON and is interested in cases from 15-20 years ago, including a 1973 flap in East Texas near Lake Palestine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme across these articles is the public's fascination with UFOs and the perceived lack of official acknowledgment or investigation by governments. There's a clear divide between believers, often labeled "nutters" or enthusiasts, and "sceptics." Organizations like MUFON and BUFORA are presented as key players in UFO research, often operating independently of government bodies. The articles highlight the personal impact of alleged encounters on witnesses and the challenges of obtaining credible evidence. The Charleston report specifically points to a lack of official response and a suggestion that the FAA no longer tracks UFOs. The corn circle article introduces an environmental angle, linking the phenomenon to the ozone layer. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena and the ongoing debate surrounding them, with a leaning towards presenting the accounts of witnesses and researchers seriously, while acknowledging the scepticism they face.