APCIC - Vol 15 No 07 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 15, No. 7
Date: July 1990
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, Cleveland, Ohio.

Cover Story: Air Force Jets Chase Astonishing Flying Object

The cover of the July 1990 issue of UFO NEWS prominently features the headline "UFO Sensation!" and a dramatic account of Belgian Air Force jets chasing a mysterious flying object. The article details how on March 30, over 6,000 people, including Belgian Air Force officials, witnessed a bizarre craft. Col. Wilfred de Brouwer, who heads Belgium's Air Force UFO watch operation, stated, "These are UFO sightings – we don't know what they are." He described how two F-16 jets were scrambled to intercept the object, which was detected on ground radar. As the jets approached at 500 miles per hour, the craft suddenly disappeared from view, though it remained on radar screens for several more seconds. Experts noted that the craft's ability to change direction instantly, accelerate at impossible rates, and move slowly without sound indicated it was not a conventional aircraft.

Col. de Brouwer urged continued military observation, stating, "We ought to know just what is flying over the heads of the Belgian people!" The article notes that the UFO had been sighted for over 150 consecutive nights since November, with dozens of police officers also reporting sightings. Major publications in Belgium, France, and Spain were covering the phenomenon. Professor Leon Brenig, a physicist studying the cases at Brussels' Free University, described the object as "very large and triangular, with each side measuring 100 to 200 feet."

UFOs, Logic Fly Out Window in New Book by Jacques Vallee

This section reviews "Confrontations: A Scientist's Search for Alien Contact" by Dr. Jacques Vallee. Vallee, an astrophysicist and computer scientist, proposes that UFOs and their occupants are not from outer space but are physical manifestations of a form of consciousness alien to humans, capable of manipulating space and time. He suggests these beings might exist in another dimension, perhaps just "10 minutes ahead of us."

Vallee's research, which has taken him worldwide, includes documenting over 100 cases, with 40 featured in his book. He notes that UFO sightings often occur in sparsely populated areas and tend to cluster between 1 and 3 a.m., making them difficult for conventional scientific study. The article highlights Vallee's work as a consultant for Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and his role as the model for Francois Truffaut's character in the film. Vallee's research also involves collaboration with the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. He mentions that Soviet scientists, under glasnost, are now more open about their research, with some findings being "staggering."

Vallee's conclusions are controversial, with some ufologists accusing him of debunking extraterrestrial claims. He, in turn, criticizes those who refuse to consider alternative explanations. The book also details cases of injuries, some fatal, to people who witnessed UFO phenomena, attributing them to the intense energy emitted by the craft, likening it to "putting your finger in an electrical socket."

Vallee's next project involves researching a reported UFO sighting and encounter in Voronezh, Soviet Union, where a UFO reportedly landed in a park and three aliens emerged.

Nuclear Physicist Tells Students UFOs Do Exist

Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist and UFO expert, presented his findings to students at Utah Valley Community College, asserting that the U.S. government has been covering up proof of UFOs since 1947. Friedman, who has spent 30 years researching flying saucers, stated that "some UFOs are alien spacecraft." He presented slides illustrating phenomena such as brilliantly lit objects that leave behind glowing rings of soil, which he claims are analyzed and found to be sterile and impermeable to water.

Friedman cited an incident in 1947 where a resident of New Mexico found an exploded flying saucer. Initially reported by newspapers, the military later claimed it was weather recording equipment. He also recounted a story of a woman who, after being on a spaceship, drew a star map that later matched a model of the solar system, despite her lack of astronomical knowledge.

Space Aliens Are About to Make Contact!

This article discusses the "Star People" phenomenon, where individuals claim to be descendants of beings from space who mated with humans. Author and researcher Brad Steiger, who has interviewed over 1,200 Star People, reveals that these individuals share similar recurring dreams and messages, indicating that "Something is about to happen." These messages often foretell an end to war and famine, the arrival of a "vast UFO fleet," and a new "Golden Age." Star People report feeling a purpose to help humanity transition and activate dormant powers. Sherry Steiger, wife of Brad Steiger, believes she is a Star Person and experiences dreams of silver spacecraft and a sense of joy.

UFOs, Elvis: Give Me Proof!

Columnist Kevin Cowherd expresses skepticism about UFO sightings, particularly those with only one or a few witnesses, comparing them to Elvis sightings. He humorously suggests that a UFO landing at a major sporting event like a Yankees-Red Sox game, witnessed by thousands, would lend more credibility. Cowherd also points out that credible witnesses, like prominent public figures, would be more convincing than a lone ranch hand. He uses the example of Pope Paul holding a press conference about seeing a UFO as a scenario that would garner significant attention. The column also critiques the often grainy and fuzzy nature of UFO photographs, likening them to snapshots taken with an old Instamatic.

UFO Expert Hopes for a 'Close Encounter'

John P. Timmerman, vice-president of public relations for the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, is hosting a photographic exhibit on UFOs in Tupelo, Mississippi. The exhibit, which has been traveling since 1980, aims to inform the public about the seriousness of the subject and to find credible witnesses willing to share their experiences. Timmerman, who worked with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, notes that researchers have found evidence of UFO phenomena in ancient writings, referring to them as "flying shields." While acknowledging that most sightings are misinterpretations of natural phenomena (IFOs), he states that an estimated 5 to 10 percent remain unexplained. He also mentions the government's historical practice of covering up information, which is gradually being declassified.

Unidentified Feline Objectionable

This is a letter to the editor from Richard Schrum of Eureka Springs, responding to a previous editorial. Schrum defends a speaker at the Ozark UFO Conference who made a comment about cats, explaining that she was a nervous first-time speaker and that the comment was made in response to a question and was an attempt to inject humor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the increasing number of UFO sightings and the growing public and official interest in the phenomenon. There's a strong emphasis on scientific investigation, with articles featuring physicists and researchers like Jacques Vallee and Stanton Friedman, who offer both conventional and unconventional explanations for UFOs. The issue also touches upon the idea of government cover-ups and the potential for future contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, as represented by the "Star People" concept. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from eyewitness accounts to scientific theories, while also acknowledging the skepticism and challenges in documenting such events.

This issue of the "Believe it or not" section, published by the TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE on April 15, 1990, alongside reports from the TELEGRAPH HERALD and JANESVILLE GAZETTE, delves into various UFO sightings and related controversies.

UFO Conference in Peru

A significant portion of the coverage focuses on an upcoming conference in Peru from May 16-25, held in the Urubamba Valley, a region historically linked to the Incas. This event aims to bring together experts to discuss information about extraterrestrial investigations. Topics include archaeological evidence, myths, South America's contact with UFOs, separating UFO "hype" from evidence, government "dis-information" policies, and the involvement of intelligence services. Technical aspects of UFOs such as magnetohydrodynamics, hyperspace jumps, and propulsion technology will be explored. The conference will also touch upon "galactic philosophy," interdimensional "dream time," astral travel, and the future of life in space. Notable speakers include Zecharia Sitchin, author of "Lost Realms" and "The Twelfth Planet"; Dr. Daniel Fry, a missile fuel and rocketry engineering expert; Wendelle Stevens, author of "UFO Contact from the Pleiades"; and Neil Freer, author of "Breaking the Godspell." The conference includes visits to ancient sacred sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Lake Huaypo, as well as Pachacamac. The cost is $1,695 per person, including round-trip airfare from Miami to Lima/Cuzco, accommodations, transportation, meals, and conference fees. Information can be obtained from Power Places Tours.

UFO Search in Iowa

The Telegraph Herald reported on April 16, 1990, about a fruitless search for a UFO in Garnavillo, Iowa. A red glow seen in the night sky over rural Garnavillo on Saturday night prompted a search by the Clayton County Sheriff's Department, Garnavillo Police, Garnavillo Fire Department, McGregor Police, local residents, and a local pilot. The search, which lasted two hours, was called off due to rain. Firefighters searched again on Sunday morning but found nothing. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed no reports of missing aircraft during the weekend, noting that aircraft flying below 18,000 feet are not required to file flight plans.

UFO Sighting Over Highway 59

The Janesville Gazette reported on April 17, 1990, about a "spooky" UFO sighting by Juliana and Kenneth Pflager while driving home on Highway 59. They described a bright light suspended in the sky, shaped like a "football... only flatter," which was not moving. They watched it for about five minutes and could still see it for another five to ten minutes before it dimmed and disappeared. Kenneth, a welder, stated, "I know it was a UFO." The couple reported their sighting to authorities, and a supervisor at Truax Field in Madison mentioned that two or three other people had called in similar reports.

NASA Experiment Over Edmonton

The Edmonton Journal reported on April 17, 1990, that a "flying saucer" sighting over Edmonton was actually a NASA experiment. Danae Forbes described seeing a circular object with bluey-white light that moved and left a trail like a jet. NASA spokesman Michael Braukus confirmed it was a barium cloud released to test Earth's magnetic and electric field. This phenomenon was observed by hundreds of people in the Edmonton area.

Mysterious UFO Sightings Not Always Mysterious

Doug Pitcairn, writing for The Chronicle Herald on April 21, 1990, discussed how many UFO sightings are often mistaken for other phenomena. He highlighted common misidentifications such as bright meteors (fireballs or bolides), the planet Venus appearing low on the horizon, and low Earth-orbiting satellites. Pitcairn recounted an instance in 1973 where two police officers chased the planet Venus, mistaking it for a UFO. He emphasized that careful examination of evidence usually leads to a reasonable explanation.

UFO Fever and Soviet Reports

Reports from Houston Chronicle on April 23, 1990, noted that UFO sightings in the USSR had become commonplace, with the Soviet press expressing weariness over such reports. Tass reported an intriguing tale of a UFO hovering and creating a cylindrical hole. Belgian lookout teams spent the Easter weekend scanning the skies for UFOs, with a plane used to search for a silent, luminous low-flying triangle.

Ball of Light Startles Man as UFO Sightings Rise

The Johnstown Tribune Democrat reported on April 25, 1990, about Frank Waksmunski of Lilly, Pennsylvania, who reported seeing a white ball of light sweep across the night sky. Similar sightings in southwest Pennsylvania were reported to the UFO Hotline operated by the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained. Stan Gordon, director of the unit, stated they were "deluged by phone calls." A fiery blue light was also reported to the Indiana County Control emergency network. Gordon speculated these sightings might be bolides, large meteors that can explode into fireballs. He also mentioned an episode starting March 8 north of Pittsburgh where an object dropped from the sky, leaving eight oval "rings" burned into the ground, followed by a large power failure that was not satisfactorily explained. A team investigating the site reported an object hovering for 11 minutes.

UFO Sightings Get Interest, Doubts

The Pensacola News Journal reported on April 22, 1990, on UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, where people gathered to scan the night skies. Dozens of people reported seeing a glowing red light moving over Pensacola Bay and the Gulf Breeze peninsula. Rex Salisberry, an investigator for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), noted eight sightings since April 10. While some suspect a hoax, MUFON investigators have not ruled it out but do not believe Walters is involved. Gary Watson, a field investigator for MUFON, is investigating the possibility of a hoax. Anne Morrison reported seeing the red light multiple times. Ed Walters, author of "The Gulf Breeze Sightings," has been actively involved in observing these lights.

'Inside Edition' Checks Out UFOs

The Pensacola News Journal reported on April 23, 1990, that the news show "Inside Edition" was considering a story from the Gulf Coast about UFO sightings. A camera crew had interviewed people gathered at the Pensacola Bay Bridge, including Ed Walters, whose sightings and photos have been the subject of media attention. The show covers stories globally and selects those worthy of air time.

Martinsburg Area Scene of Strange Lights

The Pike Press reported on May 2, 1990, about Pauline Zumwalt of Martinsburg who saw strange lights in the sky, described as a circle of lights appearing like a "horse collar" and blinking red lights. Dogs and coyotes howled during the sighting. Her observation is similar to others reported locally.

UFOs Over Corydon

The Indianapolis Star reported on May 3, 1990, that UFO sightings were occurring in Corydon, Indiana, suggesting spring had arrived. The article humorously suggests that Indiana's pleasant landscape might attract visitors from other galaxies.

Author Accused of Trickery

The Pensacola News Journal published a series of articles in late April and early May 1990, detailing accusations of trickery against Ed Walters, a Gulf Breeze resident known for his UFO photographs. Dr. Robert Nathan, a photographic expert, suggested Walters "seems to have had experience manipulating photography." Critics, including Zan Overall, Dr. Willy Smith, and Phillip Klass, charged that Walters falsified pictures, possibly through double exposures. Walters denied these accusations, stating he did not know how to make double-exposure photos before photographing UFOs and would not have faked them. The controversy centers on a "ghost" photo taken in 1986, which critics claim shows Walters' knowledge of double exposures, while Walters asserts it was an accidental reflection. Walters' past felony convictions in 1967 for forgery and auto theft were also brought up by critics. Despite the accusations, Walters has maintained his innocence and pointed to other evidence, including videotapes and eyewitness accounts.

UFO Sighters Refute Debunkers

Buddy and Brenda Pollak wrote a "Viewpoint" piece in the Pensacola News Journal on May 16, 1990, defending Ed Walters against accusations of trickery. They argued that the "experts" cited by the reporter were unreliable and misrepresented. They stated that Walters bought a new camera that could not make double exposures after the issue was raised and that he also used cameras provided by photo experts to ensure authenticity. They also refuted claims that Walters was the first to report the April 14, 1990, sighting, stating that others spotted the object before Walters arrived. Art Hufford also wrote a piece criticizing the News Journal's UFO story as "half-truths, innuendoes, and character assassination," asserting that UFOs are real and recounting his own sighting.

UFOs: Are They Really Out There?

The Evening Telegram reported on May 20, 1990, on various UFO sightings. Sam Dyke and his wife reported seeing a bright object with a red light in Newfoundland. Bill Bath reported an object falling into a harbor in 1974. Dorothy Caldwell and her daughter reported a bright object with red lights in Virginia Park. Winifred Barton of the Golden Triangle UFO Club of Ontario is encouraging people to share their UFO experiences and believes the U.S. and Canadian military have been covering up UFO evidence for decades.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles revolve around UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the skepticism and controversy that often accompany them. There's a clear division between those who believe in the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation, and those who seek rational explanations or suspect hoaxes. The articles highlight the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications or deliberate deception. The debate over Ed Walters' photographs exemplifies this tension, with accusations of fakery countered by claims of authenticity and the reliability of eyewitness testimony. The involvement of media, scientific experts, and organizations like MUFON underscores the public's enduring fascination with the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance varies across the publications, with some presenting sightings as factual events, others exploring the skepticism and debunking efforts, and some maintaining a neutral, reportorial tone.

This issue of the Pensacola News Journal, dated May 18, 1990, features a prominent cover story titled "Aliens alert: UFO fans invade Beach," highlighting the upcoming National UFO Conference in Miami Beach. The publication also includes articles discussing UFO sightings in the Chesapeake Bay region, a historical account of a potential UFO sighting from 1944, and a report on UFO sightings in Idaho.

UFO Conference in Miami Beach

The main focus of the issue is the National UFO Conference held at the Holiday Inn in Miami Beach. The event is expected to draw dozens of believers and ufologists. Featured speaker Ed Walters, known for his Gulf Breeze UFO sightings, is scheduled to share his experiences, including an alleged encounter where a blue light levitated him into a spacecraft and he was instructed in Spanish not to take pictures. The conference also includes workshops on identifying 'counterparts' from other worlds and understanding one's 'special mission.'

James Moseley, the conference sponsor, states their purpose is to "inform, enlighten and hopefully entertain people with the different aspects of UFOs." He emphasizes that it is up to the audience to decide who to believe. Other speakers include West Palm Beach radio host Carole Lynn Grant, who will discuss psychic healing learned through mental contact with aliens.

Skepticism and Controversy

The issue presents a balanced view by including the perspective of "Top Skeptic" Philip J. Klass, an editorial pillar of Aviation Week and Space Technology. Klass has investigated UFO reports for 25 years and has written four books on the subject, consistently seeking explanations for sightings that are not fake or mistakes. He suggests that Ed Walters' Polaroid photographs could be faked through double exposures, a technique he demonstrated at a CSICOP meeting.

Klass reminds readers that planets like Mars and Venus, conventional aircraft, and even advertising airplanes have been mistaken for UFOs. He also notes that the U.S. Navy and Air Force have stated that nothing flying from Pensacola or Eglin airfields matched Walters' description.

However, the article acknowledges that "military services are not known for telling the whole truth about military secrets until they are ready." It also touches upon the possibility of radar-proof airplanes and military involvement in unusual aerial phenomena.

Ed Walters' Experience and Book

Ed Walters and his wife Frances are presented as featured attractions at the conference. Their experience has reportedly changed their lives. Their book, "The Gulf Breeze Sightings," published by William Morrow, is noted as doing well, with reports of a substantial advance for Ed Walters and a potential television miniseries.

Walters' account includes being struck by a blue beam, losing an hour of time, and seeing 4-foot-tall beings in silver space suits. He refutes claims that he boasted about being levitated and examined by aliens, stating that his account is what really happened.

UFOs in the Chesapeake Bay Region

The article also highlights UFO activity in the Chesapeake Bay region, where a local chapter of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) has been established. Bob Oechsler, president of the chapter, and Debbie Regimenti, another member, report numerous sightings and are documenting evidence, including photographs and video tapes. They emphasize that they are "very serious people studying UFOs as a scientific element."

MUFON members have conducted medical examinations on individuals who claim to have been abducted by aliens. They believe that credible evidence for UFOs exists and that the government has stopped denying their reality. A report titled "The Chesapeake Connection" documenting their findings will be presented at an upcoming MUFON symposium in Florida.

UFO Sightings in Idaho

Reports from Idaho detail UFO sightings in the Hailey area, where the Blaine County sheriff's office has received multiple reports of strange objects and lights. Amateur UFO tracker Mike Fidler suggests that these sightings may be due to news reports drawing attention to the night sky, and that descriptions might align with observations of the star Sirius.

Historical UFO Incident

A historical account from 1944 describes Lewin Maddox's sighting of an object resembling a helicopter with a wheel instead of a blade near Pasadena, Maryland. The object was reportedly seized by the Air Force but later deemed not to have flown.

Broader Implications and Skepticism

An editorial by Dick Gale discusses the profound implications if Ed Walters' UFO photographs are proven to be of alien craft, affecting social, scientific, and theological institutions. He notes that human nature often denies profound concepts that threaten accepted truths, citing historical examples like Winston Churchill's dismissal of Holocaust intelligence and Pope Urban VIII's treatment of Galileo Galilei.

Gale defends the investigation of UFO evidence, stating that attacking individuals or their families is inappropriate. He also humorously addresses the idea of being a "CIA spook" with a fabricated quote about secret bank accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between belief in UFOs and skepticism. It highlights the efforts of UFO enthusiasts and organizations like MUFON to document and study sightings seriously, while also presenting the counterarguments of skeptics like Philip Klass. The Pensacola News Journal appears to provide a platform for both believers and skeptics, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, as suggested by conference sponsor James Moseley. The recurring theme is the ongoing debate about the existence and nature of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, and the societal implications of such phenomena.