APRO Bulletin - 1956 07 15 - July (AFU)

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO BULLETIN
Issue Date: July 15, 1956
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of the APRO Bulletin delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including alleged government influence on media, scientific theories, and a collection of recent sightings from around the globe. The publication aims to provide members with detailed information and analysis regarding unidentified flying objects.

Can the U.S. Air Force Control Entertainment and News Media?

The lead article questions the U.S. Air Force's potential control over media, recounting an experience of APRO's Director, Mrs. Lorenzen. She was approached to appear on a TV quiz program, but after initial interviews and script preparation, the appearance was repeatedly rescheduled and ultimately cancelled. The article suggests that the Air Force's involvement, possibly due to her AF job, led to the cancellation. A subsidiary company of the program's sponsor, under contract with the Air Force for jet engines, was mentioned. The director had been cautioned not to mention her AF job, and while the Holloman job was agreed to be omitted, Mr. Lorenzen's position at the data reduction branch was to be exploited. The script was prepared, but a science-fiction writer was substituted for the Lorenzens, with only subtle changes to the script.

Radio Signals from Venus --- Due to Heat or Artificially Transmitted?

This section reports on Navy scientists at Ohio State University detecting radio signals from Venus. While initial reports suggested artificial transmission, later scientific consensus pointed to the signals being a result of intense heat in Venus's atmosphere. The article acknowledges that unusual phenomena can occur during periods of extreme sunspot activity, affecting Earth's communications. It notes that Venus's proximity to the sun makes it more susceptible to extreme radio emissions than Earth. Jupiter has also been a source of detected radio signals, attributed to its dense, turbulent atmosphere.

UFO Bookshelf

This section reviews several books related to the UFO phenomenon. "THE FLYING SAUCER CONSPIRACY" by Donald Keyhoe is mentioned as having generated significant interest. "FORGOTTEN MYSTERIES" by R. DeWitt Miller is described as an absorbing book dealing with neglected oddities, including saucers. Another Miller book, "YOU DO TAKE IT WITH YOU," is also reviewed positively. Edward Ruppelt's book, "A REPORT ON THE UFO," is critiqued for assuming an expert position without sufficient prerequisites and for allegedly discrediting Donald Keyhoe. The review suggests Ruppelt, as an Air Force officer, may have been constrained in what he could reveal. "THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FLYING SAUCERS" is deemed a good, technical book, though its theory of "anti-gravity" propulsion is noted as having been discussed previously by Keyhoe and others.

In Support of the Plantier Theory

Authored by Charles A. Maney, chief of the Department of Physics at Defiance College, this article supports the Plantier theory of flying saucers. The theory posits that UFO shapes like "balls of light" and "flying eggs" are geometrical patterns of light and mist related to the local gravitational field. The article discusses photographic evidence, including a "flying egg" shape photographed over New York City and UFOs photographed with a special red filter at Giant Rock, California, which revealed formations not visible to the naked eye. It suggests that filter photography and expert film development could reveal invisible light impressions from UFOs.

APRO's Venezuelan Representative Speaks His Mind on the UFO Situation

Mr. Horacio Gonzales, APRO's Venezuelan representative, presents his views, suggesting that Earth is under constant observation by an extra-terrestrial intelligence. He believes this intelligence is studying Earth's surface, air routes, warfare methods, defense installations, and human physiology and intelligence. Gonzales posits that this observation might be a precautionary measure against humanity achieving space flight, or related to a resource on Earth that the intelligence wishes to obtain. He suggests that past attempts at friendly contact may have been bungled or unrecognized due to human ignorance and negative attitudes. He also considers that differences in physiological structure and humanity's perceived disregard for life might influence the aliens' approach.

Odds 'n' Ends

This section compiles various brief reports and notes. It mentions high-ranking military interest in UFOs in Venezuela and a report taken to Washington D.C. regarding Dr. Bossa's experience. A jet crash in Ottawa, Canada, is discussed, with speculation about its cause ranging from internal failure to external factors. Newsman Lee of the Ord Quiz is noted for his interest in the UFO situation. An article by Lord Dowding in the Australian Post magazine, titled "Enemies from Space," is highlighted. The section also discusses the Air Force-sponsored movie "UFO," receiving favorable reviews, and notes that APRO had announced the movie's start years prior.

Recent Sightings

This section details numerous UFO sightings reported in late July 1956. Reports include:

• Orchards, Oregon (July 12, 1956): Three separate calls reported dirigible-like objects, one with a neon light, observed near the Ontario airport. Two objects disappeared rapidly.
• Arkansas City, Kansas (July 19, 1956): A tear-drop-shaped, bluish-green object with light spraying earthward was observed by city officials and a state trooper. The object was estimated to be the size of a 200-watt light bulb.
• Maiquetia, Venezuela (January 18, 1956): A huge, glowing object, estimated at 160 feet in diameter, was seen diving into the sea, prompting a search.
• Eastern Caracas, Venezuela (February 9, 1956): A huge luminous disc was reported crossing the skies at high speed.
• Barquisimeto, Venezuela (March 13, 1956): The city was illuminated by a strange lighted object flying at enormous speed.
• Caracas, Venezuela (March 12): Two discoide objects were observed crossing and recrossing the skies, one stopping and then shooting upwards.
• Caracas, La Guaira, Venezuela (March 4): A cigar-shaped object, estimated at three meters in apparent size, was observed moving slowly over the hills.
• Maracaibo, Venezuela (April 25): An object, initially appearing 3 meters long and later estimated at 30 meters, was seen by 12 people, emitting bright illumination and turning bluish.
• Orly Air Field, Paris (February 17): Captain Desavoye Michel reported observing an object or light that was not of terrestrial nature.
• Indiana (Early July): Frank Edwards reported several sightings.

The section concludes with an editor's note about skeptics becoming believers after witnessing UFOs firsthand.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently emphasizes a scientific and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging members to submit detailed reports. There is a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that crucial information is being withheld or controlled, particularly by the U.S. Air Force. The publication also highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine reports and unsubstantiated opinions, advocating for rigorous analysis and data collection. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking to uncover the truth behind UFOs while cautioning against sensationalism and promoting a rational, yet open-minded, perspective.

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: July 15, 1956
Content Focus: This issue of the APRO Bulletin is primarily dedicated to reporting "RECENT SIGHTINGS" of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, continuing from a previous section. It compiles witness accounts from various locations, detailing object descriptions, flight paths, and observed behaviors.

Recent Sightings

The bulletin details numerous sightings from June and July 1956:

St. Louis, Missouri (July 13, 1956) August C. Vogele observed a circular glowing light at 4:15 a.m. that traveled from East to West, making a jog in its trajectory. Vogele discounted the possibility of it being a searchlight due to the time of day and lack of a beam. The object was either above or inside the clouds, traveling at a high rate of speed.

Near Atlantic City, New Jersey (June 1, 1956) An anonymous couple reported seeing an unusual object described as three times the size of an airplane, with many lighted portholes resembling windows on separate floors. The lights were amber and seemed to flash or revolve. The object moved slowly towards their home, then changed course rapidly towards the Atlantic Coast, vanishing in seconds. No sound was heard. A jet was observed shortly after in the same direction.

Schenectady, New York (June 25, 1956) Numerous reports of a mysterious explosion in the Carmen or Colonie area around 1 a.m. led to a police inspection of highways and roads, but no explanation was found.

Dunedin, Florida (June 6, 1956) Mrs. B. O. Hunt described a bright object seen on June 3rd, which was smaller than the moon, orange-colored, and appeared to be a bright ball that wasn't moving. Using binoculars, it became apparent the object was moving slowly. It resembled a funnel without a spout, flat on one side, big at one end, and somewhat pointed on the other. The center was blood red, the edge bright white, with a little green toward the big end. It was observed to be lower than most planes fly in the area, and a plane passed between the object and the viewers. The object was lost to view to the Northeast.

Buenos Aires, Argentina (June 5, 1956) National police headquarters announced that an aluminum, cigar-shaped object was spotted flying at great speed over North Argentina on April 13. Over 50 persons in Salta province saw the object, leading to speculation it was an experimental intercontinental ballistic missile.

Tokyo, Japan (May 12, 1956) Flying saucers have been reported over Japan, according to the English language Yomiuri Japan News. No further details were provided.

Los Angeles (May 30 and June 1, 1956) Jet booms caused a stir and speculation, leading to frightened citizens and broken store windows. The bulletin notes that despite repeated complaints, the Air Force would not admit that jet planes were causing the concussions.

Emporia, Kansas (July 19, 1956) A SantaFe railroad tower operator reported seeing an artificial light in the sky around 3 a.m. No further details were available, but this sighting occurred shortly before the Arkansas City sighting.

Arkansas City, Kansas (July 19, 1956) A B-47 sent to investigate a UFO reported seeing only gas torches in an oil field. "Authorities" then suggested that the reports of a bluish-green tear-drop shaped object with prongs of light were reflections of these torches. Simultaneously, radar at the Hutchinson Naval Air Station detected a "ball of fire" traveling east at high speed.

Parker, Arizona (May 20, 1956) Dale Nance Brown sighted two silvery disc-shaped objects traveling at an altitude of approximately 5,000 to 10,000 feet. They appeared to pass directly overhead but changed course to a SSW direction and were lost from sight over the California desert. The entire sighting lasted about 3 minutes, during which their maneuvers were clearly visible. The objects seemed to "bob" or "bounce" along at a leisurely speed in a side-by-side formation.

Cheboygan, Michigan (June 7, 1956) State police were unable to account for a brilliant flash of light seen between the mainland and Bois Blanc Island. A search of the shore yielded no clues. Reports described a fireball about 9:30 p.m., seen half a mile off shore and estimated to be 150 feet high. A brilliant flash was visible for 20 seconds, followed by a dull glow for about five minutes. Reports also came from Great Lakes freighters.

Newark, Delaware (March, 1956 - No Exact Date) Richard M. Johnson, using a 4-inch Newtonian reflector telescope, observed a faint "star" of about 9th magnitude moving slowly in front of the Pleiades star cluster. He concluded it was not a meteor or comet and could not discern its shape, noting it was not visible to the naked eye. He opined it might be a nearby asteroid.

U. of Rhode Island (May 20, 1956) Donald R. Todd, while observing the aurora borealis, spotted two disc-shaped objects moving at a leisurely speed near the moon. Using a range finder, the lead saucer was determined to be about 10,000. The objects were brilliant white, emitting a glow. The lead saucer had a beam projecting from its bow, which moved from about a 70-degree angle forward to about a 45-degree angle downward. The beam appeared bluish.

Newark, Delaware (June 8, 1956) Richard M. Johnson observed two pinpoints of dull white light while practicing for the earth satellite program. These objects were slightly ahead of a cruising DC-3 plane at about 6-10,000 feet. The objects pursued a course from East to West and "dimmed out" as they passed the plane.

General Observations and Opinions Richard M. Johnson believes that one would sight at least one UFO if they watched the sky every night for a week.

Air Force Plane Crash A radio report on July 22 mentioned an Air Force plane crash-landing due to being struck by "another aircraft." The location and exact date were not noted, but a friend in Alamogordo heard Paul Harvey discuss it, stating the plane was struck by an object from above that "sliced" through an elevator surface. No evidence of burning or scorching suggests it was not a meteor. The bulletin requests members to submit information on this accident.

Director's Vacation As of July 28, Director Mr. Lorenzen and his family were vacationing in Wisconsin. They were expected back in Alamogordo around August 13, ready for the anticipated "late summer and fall influx of UFO."

Deadline

Omaha World Herald Report (June 23) Dr. John D. Kraus of the Ohio State University's radio observatory announced the reception of new signals from Venus, described as distinctly different from common terrestrial signals and resembling radio telegraphy. Dr. Kraus stated these signals "presumably come from Venus."

Is New GOC Drive in Preparation for Coming UFO Season? The Air Defense Ground Observer Corps (GOC) has issued an urgent plea for new members, a pattern observed during previous UFO influxes (1952 and 1954). The bulletin questions if this is preparation for UFO reports and sightings, noting that the Air Force emphasizes UFO reporting by observers on duty. APRO's Director previously urged members to participate in the GOC for civilian defense and to utilize equipment like range-finders and binoculars for UFO watch.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the consistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across diverse locations and times. The bulletin adopts a stance of documenting these sightings with a degree of skepticism, as evidenced by the editorial note questioning the "planet" explanation for a sighting and the request for information on the Air Force plane incident. There's an underlying implication that official explanations may be insufficient or that there is a need for further investigation by organizations like APRO. The bulletin also highlights the role of amateur astronomers and citizen observers in gathering data on UFOs.