APRG Reporter - Vol 6 No 10 - No 70 - 07 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: APRG REPORTER
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 10, Issue No. 70
Date: July 1968
Editor: Robert J. Gribble

This issue of the APRG Reporter delves into the growing concern and scientific interest surrounding UFO sightings in 1968. It features reports from scientists, witness testimonies from various locations, and discussions on the implications of potential extraterrestrial contact.

UFOS FROM SPACE, SCIENTISTS THINK

This lead article reports on scientists who testified before Congress on July 29, 1968, urging a thorough investigation into UFO sightings. Dr. Carl Sagan, an astronomy professor at Cornell University, expressed the view that if other civilizations exist among the billions of stars, one of them is likely to be far more advanced than humanity. He stated, "This is a possibility I take very seriously." Dr. James E. McDonald, a senior physicist at the University of Arizona, agreed, stating, "If there is even a chance of surveillance, we should explore it." Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of Northwestern University's Dearborn Observatory, shared his "scientific hunch" that there is significant value in studying the UFO phenomenon and advocated for the establishment of a "UFO board of scientific inquiry" and an "international clearing house" to coordinate global sightings.

McDonald highlighted that many UFO sightings reported by credible witnesses defy conventional analysis. He cited cases where ground witnesses flashed lights in patterns that were mimicked by hovering, disc-like craft. He also noted a correlation between UFO sightings and the Northeast power blackout in late 1965, suggesting a "puzzling and slight disturbing coincidence" given that the cause of the power pulse remains unidentified.

Sagan cautioned that while the possibility of visitation is not beyond question, a major investigation requires more substantial evidence. He suggested focusing on radio astronomy and planetary probes for the time being. McDonald revealed that he had spent two years studying UFOs under a grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research, including several months in Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.

MYSTERY SKY OBJECTS OVER AUSTRALIA

This section details UFO sightings reported in Australia on July 19, 1968. Two taxi drivers and a hotel manager witnessed objects in the early morning hours. Stan Bubis, a taxi driver from West Perth, described an object he saw at 5:57 a.m. as initially appearing like a falling star but then realizing it was moving horizontally. He described it as having a tail like "fire--pink and orange" and a disc-like body that was blue-green with a bright orange ring, possibly a window or hole. He estimated its altitude at 2000 feet and its distance at about a mile, observing it for three minutes as it traveled from southwest to northeast without any audible noise.

Another taxi driver, Ian Bonney, saw a flying object in Wembley at 4:55 a.m., describing it as about 50 feet wide and 20 feet high, circular, with a fiery streak. It moved at an angle, descended to within 1000 feet of the earth, and then shot upwards at high speed with its lights off. A hotel night manager, Brude Marsden, reported seeing a large, bright orange object passing over the Swan River near Claremont around 3:20 a.m., noting its unusual angle of approach and a long tail that appeared to split into three. An RAAF official at Pearce confirmed that no aircraft were flying at that time.

BRIGHT OBJECT SEEN OVER WIDE AREA

This report covers mysterious lights sighted throughout eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, starting at 8 p.m. on July 28. Calls flooded airports and news organizations. One witness in Pottstown described a "flowing, shapeless object moving in an erratic pattern" above the First Federal building, which he and his father observed for over five minutes.

Gene Rygwalski, a mathematician and co-director of Systems Management Associates, stated that while not all atmospheric phenomena can be explained, the possibilities of extraterrestrial life are significant. He cited Dr. Carl Sagan's estimate of billions of stars potentially harboring life. Rygwalski noted a recent increase in sightings after a lull, with reports occurring nightly for two weeks. He also mentioned discussions with clergymen who suggest a certain naivete in believing humanity is alone in the universe.

'BEINGS IN THE HOUSE GO 'WHOOSH,'

Authored by Ed Strome, this article details a series of strange occurrences at the home of Fred Coulthard in Wooler, Ontario, Canada. The phenomena included smashed windows, dishes scattered, a cat terrified, a shampoo tube flying through the air, and a glass of wine being snatched from a hand. Provincial police were involved due to the public interest generated by the events. Fred's sons, Fred Jr. and Wayne, reported seeing a "big flash" and what they thought was a flying object landing nearby on July 2nd. Fred Jr., an armed services corporal, attempted to photograph the phenomena but only captured "small, dark, heavy shadows." A neighbor, Butch Mallory, recorded noises he described as "spirits visitations," including spoons flying off a table.

Coulthard, a 58-year-old mailman, believes the phenomena are caused by invisible beings from another galaxy who are "much cleverer than we are" and emit a smell like roses. Despite crowds of visitors, the noises continued. Rev. Gerard Sullivan, the local parish priest, suggested it might be someone playing tricks, but Coulthard found no evidence of human interference. Three firemen and two policemen also witnessed unexplained events, including spoons found on the floor after being in a cupboard.

RASH OF UFO TALES RAMPART IN ARGENTINA, CHILE

Written by Malcom W. Browne, this piece discusses a surge in UFO reports across Argentina and Chile. Amid economic and political concerns, flying object sightings have become a popular topic. The article mentions a widely reported incident where a married couple claimed to have lost consciousness while driving and reappeared on a road near Mexico City, thousands of miles away. While some speculated extraterrestrial involvement, others suggested the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency might be involved. Investigations by Argentine and Mexican officials found no evidence, but believers remained unsatisfied.

On June 4, two experienced pilots of Argentina's National Airline reported seeing a flying object over the Strait of Magellan. A particularly dramatic account comes from Maria Elodia Letzel, a 19-year-old, who reported encountering a tall, blond being in a "scaly suit" emitting a "celestial light" in the vestibule of her hotel in Cordoba. The being mumbled unintelligibly and caused her to feel weak before leaving.

An unnamed Argentine government official expressed concern, stating, "I worry about what they're up to. I just can't understand why they've picked Argentina."

ALIEN CRAFT FOLLOWS CAR

Peggy Walker reported an incident on August 18 where she believed she saw a flying object hovering over and following her car between Monett and Verona, Missouri. She described intermittent red and green flashing lights and the object sometimes glowing. She admitted to being frightened. Her parents also saw the object, and it was later learned that Diana and Roberta Werner had also sighted it at Verona. Walker described the object as larger than a car, and when she last saw it, it was moving northwest.

APRG Reporter Publication Details

The APRG Reporter is published monthly by the Aerial Phenomena Research Group, located at 5108 South Findlay Street, Seattle, Washington 98118. Subscriptions are $4.00 per year in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and $4.50 in other countries. Checks and money orders should be payable to Robert J. Gribble, Executive Director. Subscribers receive a one-month extension for each clipping received about current UFO reports. APRG is a non-profit organization established in January 1955, supported by subscription fees, donations, and stamps.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing number of UFO sightings globally, the growing scientific interest and calls for official investigation, and the presentation of diverse witness accounts. The editorial stance, as reflected by the content and the publication's mission, is one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging the collection and dissemination of reports, and exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and visitation. The magazine aims to document and analyze these events, bridging the gap between public reports and scientific scrutiny.