APRG Reporter - Vol 1 No 11 - 11 1957

Magazine Overview

Title: APRG REPORTER
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 11
Date: November 1957
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Group
Type: Aerial Phenomena Research Group Newsletter

This issue of the APRG Reporter is dedicated to numerous reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena occurring primarily in November 1957. It includes official statements, eyewitness accounts, and expert opinions.

Air Force Investigation Results

The lead story reports on the U.S. Air Force's findings regarding flying saucer investigations. Washington, on November 6, 1957, announced that the Air Force had found no evidence of flying saucers in the past ten years, despite investigating 5,700 reported sightings. The Air Force explicitly rejected the idea of flying saucers, stating:

1. There is no physical or material evidence, not even a minute fragment, that a so-called flying saucer was ever found.
2. There is no evidence that these unknown objects are interplanetary space ships.
3. There is no evidence that they represent technological developments outside the range of our everyday scientific knowledge.
4. There is no evidence of unknown hostile objects or of any threat to the security of the country because of them.

Request for Increased Probe

Following the Air Force's announcement, Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force's Blue Book investigation of unidentified flying objects and former Captain in the Air Technical Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, urged the government to step up its probe of UFO sightings. Ruppelt, now an aircraft research engineer, revealed that in 1953, his staff presented evidence to seven top scientists who concluded that the evidence did not justify the conclusion that the flying objects were visitors from outer space. However, they did urge a greatly increased expenditure for an intensified investigation. Ruppelt stated that this recommendation was shelved due to governmental economy drives, leading the Air Force to adopt the position that UFOs did not exist. He called for the Air Force to revisit the 1953 recommendation.

Hush-Hush Air Force Project Rumored

At Cape Canaveral, Florida, on October 27, 1957, rumors circulated about a highly secret project at the Air Force Missile Test Center. The project was described as so top secret that men working at the Cape refused to discuss it. It was rumored to be more important than Vanguard, IREMs, and ICBMs. Eyewitness reports mentioned seeing "something" in the sky on at least three occasions in the preceding two weeks, described by some as a flying saucer and by others as a group of stars, all appearing lighted and seen only at night.

Expert Opinion on Extraterrestrial Life

Dr. Harlow Shapley, a famed Harvard Astronomer, is quoted stating, "We are not alone." He estimates there could be 100,000,000,000 planets capable of supporting life. He reasons that even if most stars have no planets, there could still be 100,000,000,000 planets with the right conditions for life. While human astronauts might only visit planets within our solar system, he suggests that with sufficient speed in outer space, cruisers could reach any planet within days. He poses questions about Mars' "canals" and Jupiter's markings, and whether asteroids are remains of an exploded planet. He notes that reaching even the nearest star, Alpha Centauri, is beyond current dreams, as its light takes over four years to reach Earth, and physical laws state nothing can travel faster than light.

Reports of Aerial Phenomena (November 1957)

The issue contains a comprehensive list of UFO sightings from November 1957:

• November 11, 1957 - Tokyo, Japan: Many saw a "ball of fire" streak across the sky and explode, speculated by some to be Sputnik I falling.
• November 8, 1957 - Allentown, Pennsylvania: Two truck drivers reported seeing a streaking object with fiery particles, one describing it as exploding over Center Valley.
• November 8, 1957 - Midland, Texas: A woman motorist reported crashing through a brilliantly-lighted object, from which two "beings" emerged, and was then chased by a red-lighted object.
• November 7, 1957 - Weatherly, Pennsylvania: Teenagers reported a large, oval-shaped object with four bright red, diamond-shaped lights moving at high speed.
• November 7, 1957 - Anaheim, California: A cigar-shaped object resembling a twin jet bomber without wings was photographed.
• November 7, 1957 - Amarillo, Texas: Blinding-bright objects hovered over the Pantex Atomic Energy Commission ordnance plant.
• November 7, 1957 - Alamogordo, New Mexico: An insurance man reported a silvery object traveling at tremendous speed, described as cylindrical or oval.
• November 7, 1957 - Spokane, Washington: A strange cigar-shaped object was reported to be scaring cows in a pasture.
• November 7, 1957 - Midland, Texas: A brilliantly blue-white object was tracked for over an hour, later giving off a brilliant red light.
• November 6, 1957 - Bonners Ferry, Idaho: Residents reported seeing a mysterious fireball crash to earth, but searchers found only a brush fire.
• November 6, 1957 - Dugger, Indiana: A man reported getting an eye inflammation after looking at an unidentified flying object for ten minutes.
• November 6, 1957 - Amity, Washington: The principal of Amity High School sighted an oval-shaped, grey object the size of a small house.
• November 6, 1957 - Knoxville, Tennessee: A 12-year-old boy reported a "long and round spaceship" landing in a pasture, with two men and two women exiting. The object left a peculiar imprint in the grass.
• November 6, 1957 - Long Beach, California: The motors of three cars conked out, and drivers saw a mysterious egg-shaped spaceship in a blue haze on the beach. "Space men" reportedly spoke to them in broken English.
• November 5, 1957 - NcMinnville, Oregon: A strange egg-shaped airship with an orange glow hovered over a farm for nearly half an hour.
• November 5, 1957 - Corona del Mar, California: An object like an "orange jack-o'-lantern" was seen over the ocean and vanished quickly.
• November 5, 1957 - Sunbury-On-Thames, England: An object ranging in size from a tennis ball to a football narrowly missed a child. Air Ministry investigators initially suggested it was a meteorite, but British Museum experts disagreed.
• November 5, 1957 - Long Beach, California: Six saucer-shaped flying objects were spotted at an altitude of about 7,000 feet, described as circular, shiny, and changing course rapidly.
• November 5, 1957 - Los Alamitos, California: Unidentified flying objects were seen flitting about the sky over the Naval Air Station continuously.
• November 5, 1957 - Kearney, Nebraska: A man reported being inside a space ship manned by four men and two women who spoke broken English and perfect German. His car engine and lights stopped working when he approached the object.
• November 3, 1957 - Amarillo, Texas: A couple saw a glowing object surrounded by fog on the road, causing their car's motor to die.
• November 3, 1957 - Levelland, Texas: A truck driver reported an egg-shaped object that cut off his engine and lights when he approached it.
• November 3, 1957 - White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico: The Army reported a huge, oval object "nearly as bright as the sun" hovering near bunkers used in the first A-bomb explosion. Two military police patrols sighted it 17 hours apart.
• November 2, 1957 - Near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: A flash like a camera bulb illuminated a car and the ground around it.
• November 2, 1957 - Amarillo, Texas: Two control tower workers saw a blue, gaseous object moving swiftly southeast of the city.
• November 2, 1957 - Midland, Texas: An unidentified mother and her two children saw a large object of bluish color flying west and very low.
• November 2, 1957 - Near Levelland, Texas: A student reported seeing an unidentified object sitting on the highway, causing his car engine and lights to quit working. The object was described as made of aluminum and glowing with a bluish-greenish light.
• November 2, 1957 - Near Levelland, Texas: A truck driver reported an egg-shaped object that cut off his engine and lights until the object shot up and streaked away.
• November 2, 1957 - Near Levelland, Texas: A farm hand reported a "torpedo-shaped" or rocket-like object that caused his truck's lights and motor to die, accompanied by a rush of wind and heat.
• October 30, 1957 - Carbonado, Washington: Twin brothers reported seeing a "big and blue" flying object that made a strange buzzing noise, knocking out TV and radio reception and dimming house lights.
• October 29, 1957 - Central Florida: A "terrific skyquake" cracked windows and frightened residents.
• October 29, 1957 - Los Angeles, California: Two "terrific skyquakes" rocked the area, causing structural damage.
• October 20, 1957 - Columbia, South Carolina: Four persons reported seeing strange objects in the sky, including a huge explosion with a long tail and a greenish light falling at high speed.

Reports of Aerial Phenomena (October 1957)

• October 19, 1957 - DeLand, Florida: An observer reported a burning sphere about the size of a softball with a long orange-blue tail.
• October 18, 1957 - DeLand, Florida: Several persons reported seeing a golden ball in the sky.
• October 18, 1957 - Hancock, Michigan: Scores of people saw a "glaring light" descending slowly toward earth, described as a slow falling meteor.
• October 15, 1957 - Covington, Indiana: A flat, oval-shaped object, about 200 feet long with a ball of fire in the center, zoomed over a farm, causing the engine of a combine to go dead.
• October 11, 1957 - Southern Japan: Two fighter aircraft chased an unidentified flying object that rapidly pulled away. The object was described as approximately 250 feet in diameter and golden in color.
• October 10, 1957 - Kendallville, Indiana: Bright objects were seen speeding through the skies.
• October 10, 1957 - Near Enterprise, Mississippi: Hunters believe they sighted a "huge fireball" that hurtled over several western states, described as a blue, oblong object traveling at terrific speed.
• October 10, 1957 - Oelwein, Iowa: Two shiny objects with two tails streaming out behind them were seen flying through the air.
• October 10, 1957 - Acworth, Georgia: A woman saw a "real bright ball of light" flash across the sky shortly after sunset.
• October 7, 1957 - Ketchikan, Alaska: A blueish-green fireball crossed the sky moving in a westerly direction at a great rate of speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread reports of unidentified flying objects across various locations and dates in late 1957, the official skepticism from the U.S. Air Force, and the persistent belief and reporting by civilian witnesses and former military personnel. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publication of numerous sighting reports and the inclusion of Ruppelt's plea for further investigation, appears to be one of open inquiry into aerial phenomena, despite official denials. The inclusion of Dr. Shapley's scientific perspective on extraterrestrial life also suggests an interest in the broader implications of potential UFOs.

This issue of 'Flying Objects' from November 1957, Volume 2, Issue 11, focuses on the growing concern and investigation into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) by the U.S. Pentagon and Air Force. It includes reports from both domestic and international perspectives, particularly highlighting findings from Brazil.

Pentagon Inquiry and Air Force Statements

The lead story, "Flying Objects Stir Inquiry By Pentagon," dated November 6, 1957, from Los Angeles, quotes Col. Dean Hess, Air Force Public Information officer, stating that the Pentagon is "greatly concerned" and initiating a "very thorough investigation." Col. Hess expressed a desire for a comprehensive inquiry to inform the public about the true nature of these objects, though he was reportedly reprimanded for his public statement. A related report from Washington D.C. on November 5, 1957, discusses the military's interest in devices that could disrupt vehicle operations. Leonard Hardland, chief engineer of the National Inventors' Council, speculated that electromagnetic radiation could be responsible for stalling vehicles or causing radios to fade.

Another report from Washington on November 15, 1957, titled "Flying Objects Discounted By Air Force," suggests that five recent "sightings" were either hoaxes or natural phenomena. The "big light" observed in Levelland, Texas, was attributed to "weather phenomenon" like "ball lightning" or "St. Elmo's Fire." The Air Force investigation claimed only three witnesses saw the event, contrary to earlier reports. A reported incident of stalled autos and radio fadeouts in Alamogordo, New Mexico, was labeled a "hoax" possibly suggested by the Levelland incident. While no definitive cause was found for the stalled cars, electrical storms were cited as a possible explanation.

Brazilian UFO Review

Dr. Olavo Fontes provides a "Brazilian UFO Review," continuing from the October issue. He classifies 27 sightings into five categories: saucer/disc-shape (15 cases), spherical/round (8 cases), cylinder/cigar-shape (3 cases), oval-shape (1 case), and fireball (1 case). Fontes notes a consistency in shapes reported in Brazil, which he attributes to the absence of advanced technology like stratospheric balloons, supersecret aircraft, and guided missiles that might explain dissimilar objects sighted in North America. He suggests that with more accurate data, UFOs sighted over the USA might also show greater shape consistency. The second point highlights that disc/saucer and spherical/round craft accounted for 85% of sightings in Brazil. The "flying cigar" shape was observed traveling at tremendous speed, and the "fireball" was less common.

Fontes details the chronological order of sightings, noting a cluster in Rio Grande do Sul State in August 1954, with a round, luminous object and a fireball. Mass reconnaissance over Europe occurred in September and October 1954, while the first UFO mass-survey in Brazil began on October 12th. The survey revealed a geographic clustering of unknowns over Rio Grande do Sul State, with most sightings coming from there. Sightings outside this state occurred later in October, with UFOs traveling south. Fontes concludes that Rio Grande do Sul State was the primary target during this initial survey stage.

In November 1954, UFO activity over France and Italy stopped, while it increased in Brazil, suggesting a transfer of craft. The survey over Europe reportedly ceased due to the onset of winter. The statistical data indicated a shift in UFO objectives towards regions north of Rio Grande do Sul State, marking the beginning of a country-wide reconnaissance. About 12 sightings were reported, with most coming from nearby states, and Sao Paulo city receiving significant attention (4 sightings).

Fontes also provides details on the characteristics of the unknowns, noting that 21 sightings were made at night and 6 during the day. Colors reported included silvery, metallic, green, yellow, orange-red, red, violet, orange, and bluish-green. All UFOs were described as soundless, and their speed was reported as high, faster than jets, fantastic, or tremendous, though exact classification was not possible.

New Book and Publication Information

The issue includes a recommendation for the book "Inside Saucer Post...3-0 Blue" by Leonard H. Stringfield, priced at $2.50. It also identifies the "A.P.R.G. Reporter" as the official monthly newsletter of the Aerial Phenomena Research Group (APRG), based in Seattle, Washington. Subscription rates are provided for the U.S., its possessions, Canada, and foreign countries. The newsletter claims all items are non-fiction and sources include APRG investigations, correspondents, members, and the national press clipping bureau. It is edited and published by Bob Gribble, APRG National Director.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting both official government statements and independent research. There is an emphasis on detailed reporting of sightings, including shape, color, speed, and behavior. The publication seems to favor a critical yet open-minded approach, acknowledging potential hoaxes and natural explanations while also presenting evidence that suggests genuine unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of a book review and information about the APRG newsletter indicates a commitment to providing resources and ongoing coverage of the UFO topic to its readership.