APRO Bulletin - 1962 07 00 - July

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: July, 1962
Publisher: THE AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Country of Publication: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Saucers Shoot Rockets over Tucson, Arizona

The lead story, by Coral E. Lorenzen, details a remarkable sighting by three boys in Tucson, Arizona, on the night of June 25, 1962. Fourteen-year-old John Westmoreland, his brother James, and neighbor Ronnie Black were camping in a tent when they observed a bright, star-like object that grew larger and became triangular. At approximately 12:15 AM, the object fired three green flares or rockets horizontally. Following this, a second object, described as a "saucer," appeared. The boys documented the events, noting that the rockets were too fast to track visually. The first object (No. 1) remained stationary, while the second (No. 2) approached it. A small object was then ejected from No. 1 and appeared to be absorbed by No. 2. This process repeated with a third flare. No. 2 then fired a rocket and subsequently dimmed and disappeared. No. 1 retained its position. Later, a third saucer (No. 3) was spotted, described as cone-shaped with a round airfoil and white in color. It lowered a "brown" rope-like object to the ground, which then ascended with a triangular-shaped object attached. A red light shone from No. 3 during this operation. The boys' detailed notes and testimony were cross-examined by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen, who found no indication of a hoax. The article highlights the scientific community's growing interest in UFO phenomena, citing Dr. Frank Salisbury's experience of receiving a personal sighting account after a talk on UFOs.

NICAP vs. APRO Stance

An editorial addresses the question of supporting NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). APRO clarifies its position, stating that NICAP focuses on lobbying while APRO concentrates on research. APRO explains that it refrains from lobbying to maintain its tax-exempt status and believes its research-oriented approach is more effective. The organization notes that its efforts, particularly the Director's book, are gradually gaining endorsements from the scientific community, which it feels would be less likely if APRO were perceived as using its work for direct political pressure.

Cigars, Discs Over Argentina

A Reuters dispatch from Buenos Aires, Argentina, dated June 18, 1962, reports that unidentified flying objects, described as saucer or cigar-shaped, are becoming a common sight. The report mentions an incident in Olavarria, where farmer Jose Muro observed an unusual object with a telescope. Reporters and photographers witnessed the object hovering and then vanishing, only to reappear later. Witnesses reported the object changing color from red to blue, then green, and back to red. A confidential report compiled by officers from the naval base at Puerto Belgrano confirmed the presence of unidentified objects after cross-examining numerous witnesses.

Space Visitors—A Review and Comments

In this section, Coral Lorenzen reviews an article by Alexander Kazantsev in the Soviet magazine "Smena," titled "Space Visitors." Kazantsev presents several pieces of evidence suggesting past extraterrestrial visitation or advanced ancient civilizations, including a purported shoe print in the Gobi Desert millions of years ago, a polished steel block found in a Tertiary coal stratum in the Alps, and the Gate of the Sun in Tiahuanaco, which he interprets as an astronomical calendar. He also mentions the Nasca Plateau markings and an iron pillar in Delhi. Lorenzen critiques Kazantsev's tendency to apply a single theory to all phenomena and suggests that some of these findings might be explained by ancient terrestrial civilizations or natural occurrences. He also discusses a letter to the editor about a metal ring and eye-bolt found set into solid rock in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico, suggesting it could be evidence of advanced ancient people.

Lorenzen also touches upon the psychological aspects of disbelief and the tendency for skeptics to perpetuate hoaxes to support their convictions. He emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation, contrasting it with superficial reporting. He posits that while there is speculation about ancient space travelers, there is substantial evidence for contemporary space travelers.

Fireball Lights Pacific Northwest

This article describes a giant fireball observed by thousands across the Pacific Northwest on the evening of May 28, 1962. The object was multi-colored, trailed smoke and flame, and raced across the sky in a southeast direction. Observers noted its unusual duration (at least 15 seconds) and controlled movement, unlike a typical meteor. Frank Hughes, a research scientist, stated it was the biggest meteor he had ever seen, glowing with a white brightness like magnesium. Arthur H. Randell reported that the object was not like any meteor seen before, did not travel like one, and appeared to be intelligently controlled. Paul Quam from Spokane described it as a large mass of material traveling at high speed and altitude, parallel to the horizon, which is unusual for shooting stars. The object was seen over a large part of the Pacific Northwest, visible for about 12 to 15 seconds.

Flashing Lights Seen In Colorado

APRO member Martha T. Nichols reported a sighting on June 26, 1962, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The object appeared as a white light, the size and brightness of Jupiter, and through binoculars, it showed three white lights forming a triangle with a smaller, flashing red light in the center. The object flew with one light leading, point first, and was observed for about 8 minutes. The witnesses, including her husband and sons, who had experience with aircraft, concluded it was not a conventional plane due to its lack of banking and sound.

What Were The Green Fireballs?

This section revisits the mystery of the glowing green fireballs of 1948, 1949, and 1950. APRO member Steve Erdmann suggests that just as humans might send man-made meteors to analyze Earth's constituents, extraterrestrial beings might be doing the same, charting our planet's chemical makeup. This reasoning is presented as a potential avenue for solving the mystery.

Back Issues and Special Reports

The bulletin announces the availability of back issues of The APRO Bulletin for sale at 50 cents each, with discounts for purchasing multiple issues. It also mentions a stock of Special Report No. 1, "The Barra da Tijuca Saucer," which details four famous photos taken near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in May 1952.

UFO Over Argentina

A brief report mentions Miguel Thome, a photographer from "La Nueva Provincia," who took four exposures of a UFO over Bahia Blanca, Argentina, in May. One photo shows an illuminated ovoid object against a black sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on the empirical investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena. It distinguishes itself from organizations focused on political lobbying, emphasizing scientific research and data collection. The publication frequently explores historical anomalies and ancient mysteries, seeking to connect them with modern UFO sightings, often positing extraterrestrial involvement or advanced ancient civilizations. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting from witnesses and critical analysis of evidence, while also acknowledging the psychological barriers to accepting unconventional phenomena. The bulletin aims to foster a scientific understanding of UFOs and challenge prevailing orthodoxies.