APRO Bulletin - 1958 05 00 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: May, 1958
Publisher: THE AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

UAO Photographed Over Holloman Test Range

This article details a sighting by Miss Ella Louise Fortune, a Welfare Nurse at the Mescalero Indian Reservation, on October 16, 1957. While driving near the Holloman North Test Range, she observed a glowing white, flattened egg-shaped object against a clear blue sky. She stopped to take a photograph with her Kodak Pony 135 camera. The object appeared motionless and had a clearly defined edge. Professional analysts, including those familiar with current missile and balloon research, concluded that the pictured object was an unconventional aerial object.

APRO Produces UAO TV Film

This section discusses APRO's efforts to engage with government bodies regarding UAO investigations. After being informed by the McClellan subcommittee that they were not holding hearings on a 'government conspiracy' and were in no position to do so, and receiving a similar response from the Secretary of Air Defense regarding a public panel discussion, APRO decided to film their UAO presentation. This film, made in an interview format, was intended for distribution to television stations.

UAO Over Newport Beach Harbor

Reports from California detail two UAO sightings off Newport Pier. On April 8th, two 'flat objects' with flashing red lights were observed executing a shallow dive. These objects, described as flat, delta-wing shapes with no tail or superstructure, were seen hovering at 500 feet. Earlier, on April 5th, four sheriff's deputies and San Clemente police officers saw a slow-moving object with a 'string of lights' that flew out of sight over the ocean at an estimated altitude of 4,000 feet and was reportedly picked up on radar.

UAO Activity Over New Mexico

On April 19th, two security guards near Grants reported observing a 'spotlight' on a mesa that moved erratically before shooting into the air. They described a 'streamer' of silvery white color shooting from the object, followed by others changing color. The object then ascended to approximately 35-40,000 feet and headed east. On April 20th, the guards believed they saw a glow through the clouds in the same direction. Separately, on April 15th, Farmer T. J. Wilson of Pecos reported a hovering aerial object, described as silver, about 75 feet high and 50 feet wide, revolving at about one turn per two seconds.

APRO TV FILMS...

This continuation discusses the APRO TV film, mentioning the projection of photos and analysis to show they were not lenticular clouds. It explains the triangulation of a 1952 sighting and includes an account from Carl Hawk. Questions were answered by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen. The section urges members to support the film project through renewals, payments, donations, or by informing local TV stations of its availability. The rental fee is not yet established, and any profits will be used for research and bulletins.

What About Venus As a UAO Base?

This article by Gaston Burridge explores the possibility of Venus being a UAO base. It notes that Venus has a thick atmosphere, making it mysterious. While professional astronomers have differing opinions, the article highlights that Venus is closer to the Sun than Earth and is similar in size. The author questions whether Venus rotates on its axis. The article references a paper by Dr. James C. Bartlett Jr. from 'The Strolling Astronomer' magazine, which suggests Venus' atmosphere is not always opaque and that there is evidence of surface markings and possible rotation. The possibility of mobile intelligence using Venus as a base is considered.

Report on Savage UFO Photograph

John T. Hopf examines a Michael Savage photograph, noting that the duplicate negative appears to have a thinner base than expected, suggesting a possible fabrication. The image of the object is partially cut off, and a bulky shadow area indicates it might have been held outside the frame. The analysis of the photograph suggests that the blur might be due to the object being too close to the camera, rather than the camera's shutter speed. The author also notes linear shadows and lines across the disc.

UAO Over Albuquerque

This report by 'Reliable Unofficial Sources' describes a sighting by Ron Brooks and Ernie Sanders on April 21, 1958. They observed four formations of UAO's, described as tiny shapes glowing with a soft, milky-white glow. Later, two more formations of similar objects were seen. The objects appeared elliptical through a telescope, suggesting a circular shape. They were described as clearly defined and glowing with their own light. The witnesses agreed they had seen something 'totally unlike anything they had ever seen before.' The article speculates on the significance of the Sandia Mountains in connection with national defense.

Analysis Reveals Foil To Be Conventional

Paul Fleetwood analyzes a metallic foil sample received by APRO. The analysis, using spectrography, indicates the sample is ordinary aluminum foil (approximately 99% pure) with traces of copper, iron, silicon, calcium, and magnesium. The presence of calcium and some silicon is attributed to the atmosphere, and magnesium to the electrodes used in the analysis. The author notes that other UAO researchers have also retrieved similar foil, suggesting it is used for high altitude research.

Shadow of the Unknown

Dr. Olavo Fontes reports on a phenomenon observed on June 30, 1958, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and surrounding towns. An 'enormous' 'burning-object' crossed the sky at high speed, leaving a wide smoky trail. It exploded high in space with a bright glare, followed by a slight earthquake and a loud noise. The object was described as 'rocket-shaped' or a 'fireball.' The author speculates it might have been a meteorite of unusual size, but also considers the possibility of a UAO, especially given the panic it caused. He also mentions another sighting of a 'cigar-shaped' object prior to the meteorite event.

Two Planes Crashed

This section reports on two aircraft accidents on June 30, 1958. An Air Force C-47 exploded in the sky near Fortaleza Air Base, with unknown factors cited as the cause. The plane disintegrated suddenly and came down in flames. Separately, a 'Piper' aircraft, PP-THV, disappeared near Sao Paulo and was later found exploded in mid-air, with the pilot and passenger deceased.

Two UAO's "Visit" Rio de Janeiro

On July 2, two UAO's were observed from Arpoador beach in Rio de Janeiro. Described as spherical objects with a strong, bright, homogeneous silvery glow, they floated motionless side by side. Their angular size was larger than the full moon. They remained visible for three minutes before disappearing in a peculiar manner, with a black band spreading from the center to the poles, gradually dissolving the luminous spheres until only thin horizontal bands remained, which then also disappeared.

What Was It?

This section recounts an incident on the night of July 4, where a 'Real-Aerovias' airliner was reportedly followed by a flying saucer. The object, described as strange and red-glowing, followed the plane for about 180 miles. The UAO never exhibited menacing behavior, and passengers eventually relaxed. The object kept its distance but constantly changed position, moving above, below, and to the sides of the plane, performing 'fantastic maneuvers.'

Recent Sightings

This section compiles numerous recent UAO sightings from various locations:

• Wales, England (November 1957): A blood-red disc-shaped object was observed moving at high speed toward the Atlantic.
• Ghost Ranch, New Mexico (November 1957): A glowing red, mushroom-shaped object with flames shooting off its surface was seen.
• San Fernando Valley, California (November 5, 1957): Numerous reports of unidentified lighted objects, described as circular and shiny, changing course instantaneously.
• Urbana, Illinois (November 6, 1957): A 'brilliant flying object' of the 'glowing egg-shaped' type was chased for 15 miles.
• Bedford, Indiana (November 9, 1957): A strange blue and white object was seen, which ascended and then disappeared.
• French Alps (November 27): Five disc-shaped objects hovering, joined by a white parachute-like object, then all shot away at supersonic speed.
• Geelong, Victoria, Australia (November 29): An object estimated to be 30 feet long was observed, followed by a loud explosion, dust, and smoke.
• Portland, Oregon (December 8, 1957): A boomerang-shaped object, black in color, was sighted.
• Belmont, California (December 8, 1957): Residents and police observed fast-moving lights that changed color.
• Mexico City, Mexico (December 11, 1957): A luminous, fast-moving object was observed by airline passengers and ground control.
• Kaikoke, New Zealand (December 29, 1957): Two silver disc-shaped objects traveled overhead.
• Carbondale, Illinois (January 9, 1958): A group of seven lights, later joined by six more, were observed moving in formations.
• Brewer, Maine (February 23, 1958): A cylindrical object, giving off a silvery blaze of light, hovered and then dropped suddenly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin are the reporting and investigation of Unidentified Aerial Objects (UAOs). The organization actively collects and disseminates information on sightings, photographs, and witness accounts from around the world. There is a consistent effort to analyze evidence, debunk conventional explanations, and present findings to the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UAO phenomena, encouraging member participation and the sharing of data. The bulletin also highlights the challenges in obtaining official information and the need for independent research.