APCIC - Vol 15 No 01 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 15, No.1
Date: January 1990
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO NEWS is dedicated to reporting a wide array of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters from late 1989 and early 1990, primarily from the United Kingdom, with additional reports from Hungary. The magazine presents eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and brief mentions of official responses or investigations.

Key Articles and Reports

"Boys tell of UFO terror" (South Wales Argus, Nov 7-8, 1989) Three youngsters from Cwmtillery, UK, reported a terrifying encounter with a "flying saucer" that hovered low over a hillside, described as silver, disc-shaped, with a domed top and luminous lights, about the size of a car, and making no noise. Shortly after the object vanished, they witnessed a huge fireball descend near a farm. Their parents and Abertillery police have investigated, with Inspector Brian Heal stating the boys were "absolutely terrified" and that the incident must be taken seriously.

"UFO sighting over village" (Keighley News, Nov 3, 1989) Two men from Oakworth watched a UFO hover over local moorland for about an hour. They described it as a large, round, pale-coloured object that moved very quickly and disappeared behind clouds. John Langford, one of the witnesses, stated it was not a plane and expressed his conviction in the existence of UFOs. He is contacting the Batley-based UFO Network for their records.

"It's news Jim, but not as we know it" (Hendon Times Midddx, Nov 2, 1989) This article reports on a sensational claim from the North American Sun newspaper about a UFO landing in Barnet, England, which allegedly leaked potent green gas. The newspaper claims that drugged businessmen were found on the pavements and that a command centre was set up where victims were interrogated. A witness, Reginald Upjohn, described seeing green mist shoot from a 50-foot spacecraft. The report also mentions a small man with a bulbous head and pointy ears emerging from the craft. A Barnet Council spokesman humorously stated that if a UFO landed, they were not informed and would direct any inquiries to local councillors.

"Mystery flier baffles man" (Wrexham Evening Leader, Nov 8, 1989) John Gillam reported seeing mysterious bright red lights in the sky near Sychdyn, UK. Initially mistaking them for helicopters, he realized they were stationary. By the time he reached Flint, he observed four lights over the estuary. He noted the absence of stars and expressed his bemusement, though he believed there was a logical explanation. A spokesman for RAF Valley confirmed there was no night flying on the night in question.

"Aliens head for Southend as UFO reports multiply" (Southend Standard, Nov 10, 1989) Ron West of Essex UFO Watch reports a significant increase in UFO sightings over Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas. He has received numerous reports, including one from two 11-year-old girls on Canvey who described a flying saucer with red, blue, and white flashing lights speeding across the estuary faster than Concorde. Mr West notes this is the largest number of "contact sightings" he can remember and suggests something significant is happening.

"Saucers light up the sky in new spate of sightings" (Southend Evening Echo-Essex, Nov 6, 1989) This article reiterates the surge in UFO sightings in Southend-on-Sea, as reported by Ron West. It highlights the Canvey sighting and mentions reports from South Woodham, Billericay, Pitsea, and Southend, all describing white oval craft with coloured lights that hovered before moving at high speed. Mr West believes these events could soon eclipse reports from Russia.

"UFO buzzes pier" (Southend Standard, Nov 3, 1989) A family living on the seafront in Southend reported seeing a brightly coloured UFO hovering over Southend Pier. Barbara Gay and her parents observed the object, which they initially thought was a star, but upon closer inspection with binoculars, saw it change shape and colour. The object remained in the same position for about an hour before flying off.

"UFO sightings are brought to earth" (Sunday Telegraph London, Nov 19, 1989) This article discusses how some UFO sightings are being explained by conventional phenomena. It mentions a report from a British Midlands spokesman about something sighted going behind an aircraft before exploding in a blue and white flame, which was attributed to a natural phenomenon.

"Mystery of mid air explosion" (Derby Evening Telegraph, Nov 13, 1989) This report details a British Midland pilot's account of witnessing a blinding blue and white flash explosion at 11,000 feet, which occurred near a commuter plane. Security chiefs dismissed fears of IRA activity, suggesting it was a natural phenomenon like lightning or refracted light. The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.

"UFO sheds light on motorway madn" (Manchester Metro, Nov 10, 1989) Manchester's professional UFOlogist, Jenny Randles, who was named UFOlogist of the Year in America, is investigating reports of a "rotating disc" on the M67 motorway. She describes these sightings as "Silent Vulcans" due to their shape. Ms Randles works with the Ministry of Defence and has compiled a record of over 2,500 sightings stored at Manchester University.

"Explosion yards" (Page 8, no specific publication date) This brief mention, possibly related to the Derby Evening Telegraph article, discusses an explosion. The Royal Air Force stated it was likely a natural phenomenon, not a missile. The context suggests it might be a debunked UFO sighting.

"Scientists are heaping scorn..." (Page 8, by Adrian Derry) This piece reports on scientists dismissing claims made in a book about alien beings arriving on Earth and governments suppressing information. The reporter discovered that a supposed UFO sighting by an American colonel at Orford Ness was actually the rotating beam of the lighthouse.

"Now it's Hungarians' turn to see little green men" (Budapest, Monday, no specific publication date) Following reports from the Soviet Union, Hungarians have also begun reporting UFO sightings and encounters with "little green men." Air force pilots in Kecskemet reported a strange, spherical, orange-coloured object. Two soldiers at the same airport saw a fluorescent green figure about four feet tall beam himself into space. A farmer reported seeing two long-eared little green men. Deputy Defence Minister Janos Stock suggested soldiers might have visions, and a reddish deposit found was identified as synthetic resin.

"From jet" (Page 10, no specific publication date) A British Midland pilot witnessed a mystery mid-air explosion just yards from a commuter plane. Security chiefs discounted IRA involvement, suggesting it was due to weather conditions. The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.

"ODD INSURANCE" (Weekly News London, Nov 18, 1989) This brief item notes that over 5,000 Americans have insured themselves against alien abduction, with the UFO Abduction Insurance Company offering payouts to clients who can prove they have been taken by aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, presenting them as credible phenomena that warrant investigation. While some articles include skeptical viewpoints or official explanations that debunk sightings (e.g., lighthouse beam, natural phenomena), the overall tone leans towards presenting the unexplained as significant. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, highlighting eyewitness testimony and the work of UFO researchers like Ron West and Jenny Randles. There's an underlying theme of potential government knowledge or suppression, as alluded to in the discussion of a book claiming such suppression. The magazine also touches on the psychological aspects of belief in UFOs, with quotes from astronomers suggesting a "desire to believe."

This issue of the Houston Chronicle, dated November 12, 1989, features a cover story titled "UFO visitor from space, or Venus playing tricks?" by David Snyder, with a secondary headline about the Soviet Union attempting to ground public belief in UFOs. The publication also includes articles from The New Orleans Times-Picayune, The Wall Street Journal Europe Daily, The New Philadelphia Times Reporter, The Montreal Gazette, and The Anchorage Times, covering various UFO-related incidents and beliefs.

UFO Visitor from Space, or Venus Playing Tricks? (Houston Chronicle)

David Snyder reports on pilot Bill Kimmel of Greenville, Mississippi, who, after 20 years of flying, encountered a shiny object resembling a giant steel ball moving at 800-900 mph, 200 feet below his left wing. Kimmel described it as "a solid round metal ball about twice the size of a light twin-engine airplane. No cockpit. No wings. No tail section." He believes it was a flying machine not from this planet and that visitors are "easing in, showing us a little bit more all of the time" without wanting to cause panic.

Lee Abide Jr., a Greenville-area crop duster, reported seeing a similar object a few days earlier, describing it as "round. It was more orange than yellow" and estimated to be 90 feet in diameter. Kimmel also mentioned two other pilots who had similar sightings. UFOs were reported popping up around Pine Bluff, Arkansas, starting October 23, with the sheriff's office receiving calls about something in the sky.

Charles Hemann, an institutional assistant at the University of Arkansas Planetarium, suggests that Venus might be mistaken for a UFO due to its brightness and atmospheric tricks. However, witnesses like Kimmel insist the object was extremely close, not millions of miles away.

Soviets Try to Ground Public Belief in UFOs (Ohio DB2 Toledo Blade)

Michael Woods reports that the Soviet Union is actively trying to quell public fascination with UFOs. They published an explanation of the Petrozavodsk phenomenon, concluding that it, like most UFO sightings, resulted from public misinterpretation of a rocket launch. The 1977 incident involved a bright star that expanded into a glowing object resembling a jellyfish, emitting beams of light. The Soviet Academy of Sciences criticizes scientists for contributing to the public's belief in UFOs. The analysis, published in "Science in the USSR," used ground-based camera evidence to link the object's appearance to the Cosmos 955 satellite launch, explaining its shape and rays as exhaust gas and jettisoned fuel.

Greenville Couple's Close Encounter: 'It Appears to be a Little Alien' (SC-DIO Greenville News)

Matthew Burns writes about Gina Jones, who saw strange lights in the sky above Greenville. She captured five orange lights in a "W" shape on video, which later changed formation. She also filmed a scurrying, shadowy figure in her window, which she described as "a little man, a little alien," about 18 inches to 2 feet tall. She is confused and amazed but wants to understand what she saw.

Hold the Phone on Those UFOs (The New Orleans Times-Picayune)

Angus Lind discusses the proliferation of hotlines, including one for UFO sightings (1-900-860-4UFO). He mentions Whitley Strieber, author of "Communion," and his accounts of encounters with unknown beings, including physical examinations. Lind expresses skepticism about UFO stories, comparing them to political promises in terms of believability, but notes that even politicians have claimed UFO sightings.

UFOs? I'd Just Rather Not Know (The Anchorage Times)

Sarah Overstreet reflects on her childhood in Kansas, where ghost hunting was a common pastime. She notes that while she has lost belief in ghosts due to lack of experience, recent UFO sightings in Kansas and Oklahoma have made her reconsider. She recounts a story from a friend's father who saw a saucer-shaped object land on his back-40, leaving a circle of scorched earth. Overstreet admits she'd rather not know about UFOs, preferring to focus on human troubles.

Unidentified Object Interrupts Walk (AL-DIT Montgomery Advertiser)

A woman from Iowa reported seeing an unidentified flying object above treetops. The object was described as a large circular thing, bright and silent. The sighting occurred in the evening, and the woman expressed a desire to investigate further.

UFOs Spotted from Laval to Northern B.C.

This section details several Canadian UFO sightings:

• March 1978: Jacques Lavoie and Richard Huot reported a glowing disc-shaped object over Baskatong Reservoir, with photographs taken.
• May 1985: A resident of Crossfield reported a mysterious circle of light, and officers observed several objects varying in description.
• March 1982: Mountie Bob Sheddon and others spotted a silent glowing object with blinking lights near Hazelton.
• July 1982: Four witnesses claimed to have seen an extraterrestrial emerge from a glowing UFO in a corn field in Laval.
• August 1981: Pat Wilson and her husband reported a strange fire caused by a flying saucer taking off, leaving behind cold ashes and a sulfur smell.

More Quebecers Than You Think Believe in UFOs (The Montreal Gazette)

Paul Wells reports on a Telepoll Research Inc. survey indicating that 43% of Canadians and 47% of Quebecers believe Earth has been visited by intelligent life. Five percent claim to have actually seen a UFO. Don Donderi, an associate professor of psychology at McGill University specializing in visual perception, states that while many sightings can be explained by mundane phenomena, 10-15% remain unexplained. He believes UFOs are a real phenomenon, not just mass hysteria or misinterpretation.

The article also introduces the Raelian Movement, whose followers believe life was brought to Earth by aliens called the Elohim. Michel Beluet, a Guide in the movement, explains their theology and practices, including meditation seminars and planet-wide ceremonies.

James Oberg, an American expert on Soviet UFOs, discusses how Soviet reporters, under glasnost, have been printing UFO stories, sometimes embellished, due to the public's attraction to fantasy. He notes that the Soviet government historically encouraged belief in UFOs as a way to distract from government flights. Oberg believes it's too late to stop widespread UFO belief in the Soviet Union.

Lawmen Watch in Amazement as Giant UFO Buzzes City Three Nights in Row (National Enquirer)

This article recounts a series of UFO sightings over Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in late October 1989. Veteran sheriff's deputies witnessed a 100-foot UFO, described as a giant metal ball with a bright white light and a flickering center, hovering for over an hour each night on October 23, 24, and 25. Pilot Bill Kimmel also reported a similar object, estimating its speed at 900 mph. Sgt. Bernard Adams of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department called the experience "incredible," noting that the switchboard was flooded with calls. The Federal Aviation Administration reported no unusual radar activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights a public fascination with UFOs, with numerous reported sightings across different countries. There's a recurring theme of attempts to explain away UFO phenomena through mundane causes (like Venus or rocket launches) versus the persistent belief of witnesses that they have encountered something extraordinary and possibly extraterrestrial. The articles also touch upon the role of media in reporting these events and the potential for government involvement or cover-ups. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon and the various interpretations, without definitively taking a side, though the sheer volume of reports suggests a significant public interest and belief.

This issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, dated October 29, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO issue hovers between science, belief." The magazine explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, presenting a range of perspectives from scientific skepticism to personal accounts of encounters.

Soviet Alien Encounter

The issue opens with a report from Soviet journalist Pavel Mukhortov, who claims to have encountered several 13-foot, three-eyed, glow-in-the-dark aliens. These beings allegedly communicated using illuminated letters, identifying their origin as the constellation Libra, "Red Star, our Homeland." The story, despite its sensational nature, is noted as having originated from the historically staid Soviet media, which adds a layer of intrigue. However, the journalist apparently failed to document the encounter with photographs, and the aliens did not remain for further interaction, leading to a familiar pattern of elusive contact.

Scientific Skepticism vs. Belief

Mark Rodeghier, science director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), expresses skepticism about the Soviet report, suggesting it might be a fabricated story or a misinterpretation. He notes that such tales wouldn't cause much stir in the US. The article then delves into the broader question of whether UFOs are real, exploring the metaphysical implications that extend beyond mere sightings of alien crafts. For many scientists, including astronomers who believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life, UFOs are often attributed to misinterpretations of natural phenomena or wishful thinking.

Astronomer Robert Kirshner of Harvard University emphasizes the immense distances in the universe, questioning the feasibility of interstellar travel within human lifespans or even within the projected lifespan of advanced civilizations. He argues that assuming advanced civilizations can easily traverse such distances is arrogant and that our current understanding of the physical world should not be dismissed lightly.

Ed Ney, an astronomer at the University of Minnesota, shares a similar view, requiring hard evidence before believing in UFOs. While he believes in the high probability of extraterrestrial life, he is skeptical about UFOs themselves. Ney also points to the limited lifespan of advanced civilizations, suggesting that nuclear weapons could lead to their self-destruction, thus preventing long-term interstellar travel.

UFO Advocates and Government Cover-ups

Stanford Walter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) represents a different perspective, suggesting that the government is covering up evidence of UFOs and that scientists are too closed-minded. MUFON, founded in 1969, has a significant number of members and investigators. Walter believes aliens are conducting experiments on Earth, including abducting humans for cross-breeding to develop offspring that can better survive on Earth. He posits that these aliens have been visiting Earth for thousands of years and are not seeking to conquer it but are trying to ensure their species' survival.

Rodeghier, from CUFOS, adopts a more balanced approach, stating that the organization remains neutral on the existence of alien visitors. CUFOS investigates sightings and attributes them to known phenomena like Venus or weather balloons when applicable. However, Rodeghier acknowledges that some cases remain unexplained, concluding that "The UFO phenomenon is real, and there are unsolved reports," but stops short of confirming definitive extraterrestrial involvement.

Personal Encounters and Sightings

The issue features several accounts of personal UFO sightings:

• Eitzen, Minnesota: Wayne Skarbozewski reported seeing a bright, hovering, bell-shaped object with flashing lights that swelled in size and slowly moved away. His wife and daughter corroborated seeing the object. The local sheriff's department reported no unusual sightings.
• Fyffe, Alabama: Sightings of brightly lighted objects over Fyffe were ranked ninth in Strange magazine's annual list of phenomena. Fyffe Police Chief Junior Garmany acknowledged the unusual nature of the event, stating, "what we seen was real, and it's unexplainable to this date."
• Soviet Union: The September landing of space creatures in the Soviet Union, reported by the official news agency Tass, was ranked first in Strange magazine's Top 10. Editor Mark Chorvinsky noted that Tass is a serious news agency.
• Kenora, Canada: A strange electric phenomenon occurred, involving a bright reddish light over the town, accompanied by widespread phone disturbances, alarms, and erased computer memories. The Manitoba Centre for UFO Studies called the incident unprecedented in North America.
• Gulf Breeze, Florida: Researcher Bruce Maccabee presented his investigation into the "Gulf Breeze UFO Case," focusing on the encounters and alleged abductions of a local couple, Ed and Frances Walters. Maccabee showed photos taken by Walters and described experiences involving blue mist, immobilization, and "missing time."
• Pontypool, UK: A couple reported seeing a bright, hovering light similar to a "flying saucer," which moved slowly and silently, echoing a sighting by local boys.
• Eastwick area, UK: A woman recounted an experience from the early 1960s involving a mysterious flattened circle in a cornfield, possibly related to UFO activity.

Film and Book Adaptations

Director Philippe Mora is preparing to direct a film titled "Majestic," based on Whitley Strieber's best-selling book. This film will focus on a purported 1947 incident in New Mexico involving a crashed flying saucer and subsequent government cover-up. Mora views UFO stories as akin to "religious stories for atheists," fascinated by the persistent human desire to believe in something beyond the mundane. He also notes that the controversy surrounding Strieber's book "Communion" was unexpected.

Historical Mysteries

The issue also touches upon historical mysteries, including the disappearance of a company of the Norfolk Regiment at Gallipoli. A "kidnapping cloud" theory is presented, suggesting extraterrestrial involvement, though Maj William Reeve disputes this, citing evidence of capture by Turks. The article suggests that the fate of the "lost Norfolks" remains largely unknown, possibly swallowed by battlefield events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the tension between scientific rationalism and anecdotal evidence, and the human fascination with the unknown. The magazine presents a diverse range of accounts, from alleged alien encounters to unexplained aerial phenomena, while also incorporating expert opinions that range from outright skepticism to cautious acknowledgment of unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints without necessarily endorsing any single one, as indicated by Strange magazine's editor stating they "do not believe what we print, but we also do not disbelieve it."