APRO Bulletin - 1960 01 00 - January

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated January 1960, marks the beginning of its 9th year of publication. It is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), dedicated to solving the mystery of unidentified objects. The magazine features a cover headline about "UAO Haunts Lake In Minnesota" and also includes reports from the New Guinea area.

New Guinea Sightings

The bulletin details several sightings in the New Guinea area, forwarded by Peter E. Norris, the Australian Representative. On Friday, October 23, 1959, a large, dazzlingly bright light, described as round (disc or globe), was observed near Mt. Gwoira Range in Papua. It changed colors continuously (green, red, yellow) and moved at high speed. Witnesses included Micah Aigaba, a Registered Mission Teacher, his wife Anastasia, John (mission helper), and Bewa-bewa, Village Chief. The object was seen again a week later, on October 30th, by the same group, appearing from the direction of Boianai and moving northwards. On Monday, November 23, 1959, Rev. Albert M. Ririka and others observed a brilliant illuminated disc or sphere over Goodenough Bay, which was pure white and did not change color.

UAO Haunts Lake In Minnesota

A news item concerning a UFO described as "as big as a two-story house" over Lake Mille Lacs in northern Minnesota on January 16, 1960, is investigated. The object was shaped like a Christmas tree with lights of red, white, blue, orange, and green. Deputy Sheriff Bud Kisskeys and Patrolman Johnny Hogan were among the witnesses. The object appeared to move up and down slowly between altitudes of 500 and 1000 feet. It occasionally flashed on and off. Scores of other witnesses, including resort owners and private plane pilots, also observed the phenomenon. The report notes that the media treated the event casually, and some information was difficult to obtain.

Editorial: Why Brazil?

The editorial addresses the question of why Brazil has become a focal point for UAO research, especially since the Itaipu Fortress report. It highlights Brazil's large land area, industrialization, air travel consciousness, and fortifications. Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais are noted as key states, with Minas Gerais being densely populated and containing heavy military installations and significant mineral deposits, including uranium and plutonium. The editorial contrasts the Brazilian press, which is described as less inhibited and more open to new ideas, with the American press, which is accused of suppressing UAO news and ridiculing witnesses. It suggests that a "general order" may have been issued to press services to treat UAO items casually. The article credits Dr. Olavo T. Fontes for bringing attention to the Trindade Island sightings and photos, which were carried in the Brazilian press. APRO's role as an international organization with hand-picked representatives is emphasized for investigating sightings in countries outside the U.S. The possibility of UAO bases in isolated areas of Brazil, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and Venezuela is raised.

Recent Sightings

This section details several other UAO sightings:

• Redmond, Oregon (September 24, 1959): An object described as round and flat, glowing pale green, yellow, and red, with bursts of flame, was observed for over an hour. FAA authorities reported it was tracked on radar at high altitudes, and interceptors failed to catch it.
• North Carolina (November 3, 1959): A mysterious glowing ball of light was reported. While Weather Bureau officials suggested it might be a weather balloon, a used car dealer reported a similar object chasing his car.
• Fontana, California (December 1, 1959): Police officers spotted a large, round object glowing red and white, described as lampshade-shaped, which moved at high speed and left vapor trails.
• Cheshire, Ohio (December, 1959): Seven employees at the Kyger Creek Power Plant reported seeing an unidentified object.
• Willoughby, Ohio (December 10, 1959): Women observed a missile-shaped object resembling a "silver pencil with fins" that shot straight up.
• Central California (December 22, 1959): Kenneth Lindsley Jr. reported a bright orange "bowl-shaped" object coming down out of the clouds and hovering near the road.
• Nebraska and Nevada (January 3, 1960): A brilliant object streaked across the sky in Nebraska, and a blue light raced silently across the Las Vegas sky, observed by tower controlmen and pilots.

Two UAO Reports at Fort Worth, Texas

On January 6, 1960, reports of a "flying saucer landing and chasing cars" came from Fort Worth. Detective V. U. King also spotted a bright light. The next night, an unconventional aerial object was seen south of Arlington, Texas, reportedly landing and then taking off after a car.

The UAO Sightings at the Island of Trindade - Part I

This article, by Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, begins a three-part series on the IGY-Trindade Island sightings and photographs. It highlights the unusual nature of the case, involving multiple sightings by Navy officers and personnel, photographic evidence proven genuine, radar detection, and official statements. Dr. Fontes emphasizes that the UAO must be a real vehicle, likely a spacecraft, due to its advanced performance.

The Trindade Island incidents began with a report on February 4, 1958, from a Navy Commander who had been a skeptic but was convinced by amazing pictures of a flying saucer. These photos were taken by photographer Almiro Barauna on January 16, 1958, and later, a Navy sergeant also took a photo. The UAO was sighted multiple times before the arrival of the NE "Almirante Saldanha." The photos were analyzed by photographic experts and a photogrammetric service, confirming their authenticity and excluding photographic trickery.

The article details the controversy surrounding the release of the photos, which were initially classified. The Brazilian President intervened, allowing the publication of the photos in the press, which caused a Congressional inquiry into the Navy's policy on UAOs. The Navy's official release acknowledged the sighting and the photographs but maintained the secrecy of the full report.

The report then delves into earlier sightings at Trindade Island, starting with the first sighting by Com. Carlos Alberto Bacellar on November 29, 1959. This involved a meteorological balloon being tracked when its radio signals changed unexpectedly. Another object was sighted near the balloon, described as a silvery, oval-shaped object. Subsequent sightings included:

• December 5, 1957: A worker reported a silvery, round-shaped object flying silently at high altitude.
• December 31, 1957: A similar object was seen by multiple witnesses, including a Navy officer.
• January 1, 1958: A bright point of light flashed over the sea, describing a 90-degree trajectory.
• January 1, 1958 (night): A Navy tow ship "Triunfo" was circled by an unknown aerial object.
• January 6, 1958 (sixth sighting): A meteorological balloon was sucked into a cumulus cloud and reappeared without its instruments. An object, described as a silvery, half-moon shape, was observed hovering and moving erratically.
• Seventh sighting (January 1958): Reported by a reliable military source, this sighting involved a UAO appearing very low over the island, moving erratically, and reportedly photographed by a Navy sergeant.

The article emphasizes the credibility of the witnesses, particularly Com. Bacellar, a qualified technician. It notes that the Navy's initial analysis indicated the existence of unidentified aerial objects.

F.A.A. Claims Ice Fall Knowledge

This section discusses recent incidents of "mystery ice falls" in Georgia and California. The Federal Aviation Agency, Weather Bureau, and Geological Survey are reportedly studying these events but are withholding information, citing potential lawsuits.

Strange Aspects of Texas Braniff Crash

Further information is provided regarding the crash of a Braniff Airways turboprop airliner. An Air Force pilot testified to seeing a massive, mushroom-shaped red stationary glow in the area on the night of the crash. Witnesses also reported a "whooshing, shrill sound" and a bright orange light spreading across the sky.

U.S. Navy Man Photographs UAO

A U.S. Navy pharmaceutical aviation technician in Miami, Florida, photographed five white spots in the sky, one followed by a faint streak. Air Force Intelligence officers examined the camera and transparencies and found no evidence of fakery.

Hopf Launches Membership Campaign

John T. Hopf, APRO's photographic consultant, has launched a campaign to recruit more members, particularly from the Rhode Island area.

Ruppelt Revision on Sale

Edward Ruppelt, author of "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects," has a revised edition available, indicating a change in his previous stance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of numerous UAO sightings from various locations, the investigation of these sightings by APRO and other organizations, and the perceived suppression of information by government and military authorities. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open investigation and dissemination of UAO-related information, criticizing censorship and advocating for international cooperation in understanding this phenomenon. The magazine positions itself as a reliable source for detailed, factual reports on UAO incidents, aiming to convince skeptics of the reality of these phenomena.