APRO Bulletin - 1963 03 00 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated March 1963, is published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.) and is dedicated to the investigation of unidentified objects. The cover prominently features a photograph of a UFO in Argentina, with accompanying articles detailing the sighting and related discussions.

UFOs Photographed in Argentina

The main article on the cover details a UFO sighting in Argentina by students Cesar Domingo La Padula, Ariel Kaplan, and Ernesto Jose Ind. They described the object as 'irregular' and noted its shadow falling on buildings. The newspaper 'Cordoba' published photos and posed the question of whether the object was from another world. Another newspaper, 'La Voz del Interior,' corroborated the sighting. However, 'Los Principios' expressed doubt, with an interview with the photographer suggesting a 'youthful mentality' hoax. Despite this, 'Cordoba' reported that professional photographers analyzed the pictures and deemed them not fakes. APRO is investigating further.

UFOs Precede Echo

On July 30, 1962, reports from Oregon and Northern California described two unidentified satellite-like objects preceding Echo's path, moving faster than satellites. NASA suggested they might be private aircraft or a visual effect due to high altitude and distance, but could not provide further information.

Astronomer: Visitors Likely

Dr. Carl Sagan of Harvard University is quoted in a Los Angeles Times column suggesting that Earth may have been visited by 'galactic civilizations' and that bases might be maintained on the moon. He presented these as provisional conclusions to stimulate thought.

APRO Representatives

Aime Michel has consented to represent APRO in France, with a focus on cases dating back to the late twenties. Austin Byrne will represent APRO in Ireland, and a sighting investigated by him is featured in this issue.

That Wisconsin "UFO"

On September 5, 1962, residents in Wisconsin and Minnesota witnessed brilliant, glowing red objects in formation descending through the atmosphere. Small pieces of residue landed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. APRO concluded that these were the dying throes of a Russian satellite burning up upon re-entry.

Patrolmen Report Sky Lights

On September 18, 1962, Officers James Dugan and Lawrence Leming in Neptune City, New Jersey, observed two strange 'gigantic' lights in the sky, estimated to be about a mile apart, which hovered and then disappeared over the ocean.

Why Reservoirs?

This section notes that many UFO sightings in 1962 occurred near water bodies, such as lakes and reservoirs. It references Mrs. Lorenzen's prediction that power plants and water supplies would be subjects of study by UFO occupants, suggesting this interest might stem from a need for water by a hypothetical race from an arid planet like Mars.

Scientist Theorizes On "Third Space Entry"

Frank Macomber's column in the San Francisco Chronicle discusses Dr. Melvin L. Stehsel's theory about the Martian moons possibly being artificial, linking it to the idea of Martians potentially reaching Earth before humans. The article contrasts the views of astronomers with those of scientists in other fields, suggesting astronomers are prejudiced against the idea of extraterrestrial life.

Scientists With Half-Closed Minds

This article discusses an essay from Harper's magazine by Dr. Ian Stevenson, who observes science's tendency to close its collective mind to new concepts due to prejudice and ignorance. It relates this to the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that a similar closed-mindedness prevents a full facing of the facts about UFOs. The article also touches upon the psychological factors involved in UFO experiences and the importance of understanding 'contactees' and 'mass visions'.

Flaming Objects Fall

On November 7, 1962, reports were made to sheriff's departments and the U.S. Forest Service about flaming objects falling into the Angeles National Forest. A search yielded nothing. The objects resembled aircraft wings and were compared to similar reports of 'flaming objects' identified as meteors.

"Spider Web" Falls On SLC

An article from the Ogden Standard Examiner reported that a mystery substance, described as 'gooey material,' 'white and sticky' fiber, fell on Salt Lake City on October 17, 1962. Dr. Grant S. Swynn of the State Health Department stated it was fibrous and burned but was apparently not hazardous.

Blue Globe Over Baltimore

On July 2, 1962, a red flickering flame appended to a blue-colored balloon-shaped object was observed moving northeast over Baltimore. The object entered a cloud and was not seen again.

Planes Have Unexplained Instrument Failure

This section details two incidents of unexplained aircraft instrument failure. One involved a C-119 aircraft crashing in New Orleans on March 10, 1962, killing four people, where the pilot stated 'something unknown caused it to go off course.' Another incident on March 15, 1962, involved a United Air Lines Boeing 720 jet making an emergency landing at Tinker AFB after all instruments ceased functioning.

Maneuvering Light In Orion

On January 20, 1962, Mary C. Kimball observed an extra star-like object in the constellation Orion, which moved slowly and then faded.

Buffalo Shaken By Mysterious Blast

On April 4, 1961, a rumbling explosion-like sound shook Buffalo, New York, causing some residents to vacate their homes. Airport control reported no jets in the area.

Object Strikes Irish Field

A mysterious object, described as baseball-sized with four spokes, fell from the sky over County Wexford, Ireland, on September 8, 1962, creating a crater. Residents reported hearing an explosion, and the object was found on a burned patch of yellow clay.

Mystery Lights Aboard Ship

On September 6, 1962, information was released about strange unidentified lights seen aboard the deserted Japanese fishing vessel Toka Maru No. 8, which ran aground near Qelelevu Island. Officials observed a light flashing from the stranded ship, and later saw a light burning brightly and steadily even after the Japanese crew had been removed.

Monitoring And Scanning UFOs (Continued)

This section continues an article by C. W. Fitch, discussing a fragment possibly broken from a UFO by jet fighter bullets. It criticizes the Department of Defense's 'News Release' of January 19, 1961, which stated no physical evidence of UFOs had ever been found. The article highlights an incident from March 29, 1952, in northern Japan, where a small, metallic, disc-shaped object made a controlled pass at an American jet fighter-bomber, observed by Lt. David C. Brighma.

Diminutive Saucers

An article from Reuters news service in London on November 9, 1955, reported sightings of bluish, diminutive saucers, about six inches in diameter, over Tejgaon Airport in East Pakistan, traveling at approximately 1,000 miles an hour.

Titusville "Saucer" Incident

The Titusville (PA.) Herald of August 25, 1952, reported an editor's experience with a moving light in the sky, which caused his car to quiver. The article discusses the possibility of sound waves, electrical forces, or earth tremors as explanations, but the author felt it was an invisible magnetic force.

"Crises Ahead"

This section discusses the waning public interest in UFOs between major 'flaps' (periods of increased sightings) and the resulting lack of support for UFO research organizations. It notes that groups like S.P.A.C.-E. have discontinued operations and warns that UFO information might become scarce. APRO emphasizes its longevity as an organization and urges members to renew their memberships to ensure continued publication.

The Experience Of Rr. and Mrs. Barney Hill

This article revisits the Barney and Betty Hill UFO encounter on September 19-20, 1961, in New Hampshire. Barney Hill describes seeing a bright moving object that stopped mid-air, appearing to be a conventional aircraft initially. Through binoculars, he observed a lighted band of windows and figures within. He felt the craft was alien and unearthly. The experience caused him to panic and flee. Mrs. Hill also reported the event, noting the object resembled one sighted by Frank Edwards. The article includes an editor's note discussing the possibility of collective hallucination versus objective experience, leaning towards the latter in the Hill case.

Boy Scouts Report Sightings - Others See UFO's

On July 12, 1962, four boy scouts and three staff members of Camp Lakota in Illinois sighted an object that changed direction faster than a regular aircraft. It was described as cigar-shaped. Bob Easley reported a similar cigar-shaped object on July 17 that blinked and changed color. Ronald B. Baringer, a pilot, described a large, bright object on July 30 that moved at high speeds, raising and lowering without flame, and emitting a jet of flame.

Strange Lights In S.D. Neb.

On October 18, 1962, residents of Rapid City, S.D., and an FAA employee reported a huge, bright meteor. In western Nebraska, motorists reported a strange bright object, and a fragment of a meteor was suspected of setting a grass fire. Two Ogallala, Nebraska high school boys reported a glowing object landing north of town.

Maneuvering Star In Calif.

On October 24, 1962, Mrs. Harlan Driscoll and her daughter observed a bright star-like object in the north-northeast in El Cajon, Calif. Through binoculars, it appeared as several dots of light in a horizontal row, giving off 'rays.' The object made several changes of location at high speeds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from various locations, the investigation and analysis of these phenomena by APRO, and the challenges faced by UFO research organizations. There is a consistent effort to present witness accounts, photographic evidence, and scientific or official explanations, often highlighting discrepancies or perceived cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The publication also addresses the difficulties in maintaining interest and support for UFO research.