APRO Bulletin - 1963 11 00 - November

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A. P. R. O. Bulletin, dated November 1963, is published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) and focuses on UFO sightings and related investigations. The cover story, "FAMILY BESEIGED BY DISCS," details a dramatic encounter in Argentina.

Family Besieged by Discs

The main article recounts an incident on October 21, 1963, at a ranch near Tranca, Argentina. Antonio de Moreno and his family were awakened by reports of an accident at nearby railroad tracks, accompanied by a lot of light. They observed an oval-shaped object hovering a few feet above the ground, projecting light onto the ground where "people" were seen walking in single file. Senora de Moreno also spotted another similar object near the house, described as dome-shaped with windows, about 25 feet in diameter. This object projected a bright white tubular beam of light at the house. The family then discovered five discs near the house, three at a distance and two very close. One shone a white tubular light, the other a reddish-violet tubular light. Shortly after the lights struck the house, the interior heated up intensely, and a strong smell of sulphur filled the air.

Corroboration for the presence of discs in the area came from Francisco Tropuano, who reported seeing a "squadron" of lighted disc-like shapes moving through the sky around the same time the de Morenos reported the discs leaving. The presence of heat and odor upon the reporter's arrival, along with Tropuano's testimony, lent credence to the de Moreno family's account, who are described as having a good reputation for integrity.

What Did Cooper See?

This section reports on a sighting by American astronaut Gordon Cooper during his 15th orbit over Australia in May 1963. According to KFI Los Angeles radio, Cooper reportedly saw an unidentified object of a green color with a red tail, moving in the opposite direction. Spokesmen at the Australian tracking station in Muchea confirmed the light was not related to the capsule's flight but did not discount its existence. A second report from NBC News via Cape Canaveral corroborated this sighting. Rumors suggest both Cooper and Australian trackers observed the object, but further information was scarce.

News Photog Snaps UFO

APRO possesses a colored slide of a UFO photographed by news photographer Dick Pothier of Wollaston, Massachusetts, on either June 25th or 26th, 1963. Pothier was taking time photos of stars when his equipment, a Japanese 35mm camera on a tripod with Kodachrome X film, captured an object with a clear pattern of lights that moved, hovered, and maneuvered. The lights ranged in color from orange to white to silver and maintained their relative positions. Stephen Putnam, a mechanical engineer and APRO member, studied the slide and stated the lights seemed arranged on a single object that maintained its attitude relative to the ground and made 90-degree turns. The object's description and light patterns align with many UFO sightings.

Dr. Gerald S. Hawkins, Director of the Boston University Observatory, commented that while he hesitated to call it a flying saucer, he found it difficult to explain. He noted that a solid object would obscure star trails, which did not happen in the photograph. However, APRO photo analyst John T. Hopf disputed this, stating that an object passing in front of stars for a short time would not affect long exposures. The article notes that after Hawkins' comments, Pothier and others received more UFO sighting reports.

Several other sightings in the Weymouth, Mass. area are detailed, including those by the Gilbert family (a large craft with brilliant orange and white lights flying low with a deafening roar) and the Tonsberg family (a similar object flying higher with no sound). The Carrs reported a dark object with an orange glow, and a North Scituate woman described a yellow-white light that plunged into the ocean and then reversed direction. The Patriot-Ledger announced that a total of 21 sightings were reported in the area around the time of Pothier's incident.

The Reason?

This editorial discusses the persistent effort by UFO researchers to force a Congressional investigation into the handling of the UFO mystery by the USAF. The primary reason cited by proponents is the public's right to access such information. The author explores the theory that military authorities fear public panic, referencing the 1938 "War of the Worlds" scare. However, the author argues this is no longer a valid reason given increased public acceptance of space travel and extraterrestrial life. The editorial suggests that the lack of official acknowledgment, despite years of sightings, might stem from a desire to keep the public ignorant of the visitors' knowledge and capabilities, allowing time to develop defenses.

The author categorizes UFO enthusiasts into three groups: those focused on a pseudo-religious movement, those seeking a single "big answer" to the origin and purpose of visitors, and a minority engaged in serious scrutiny of facts. A common factor among some is egotism, leading them to blame others. The editorial posits that APRO's acceptance of "little men" or humanoid occupants and the possibility of hostile occupants met resistance. It suggests that authoritarian censorship might be a deliberate strategy to prevent the public from knowing how much is known about the visitors, thereby stalling for time against potentially superior powers. The author uses the investigation of President Kennedy's assassination as an example of censorship for a perceived greater good.

Slow Moving Discs

On July 7, 1963, the Le Blanc family in Bantam, Connecticut, observed eight disc-shaped UFOs described as metallic, floating slowly and silently over hills at an estimated altitude of 2000 to 3000 feet.

Triangle In The Sky

On August 17, 1963, Mrs. Bradberry of Baltimore, Maryland, observed a triangular UFO with a red light emanating from one corner. The object remained visible for several hours.

Pear-Shaped Object Over Balto.

On the same night as the Bradberry sighting, Mrs. George Spec of Baltimore observed a pear-shaped object high in the sky, described as red in color and pointing earthward.

Sky Object Strikes Building, Causes Fire

On May 10, 1963, in Belfast, Maine, a round, blue or green object struck a warehouse, causing a fire and an explosion. Witnesses reported a blast and a greenish hue to the initial flames. The object was not found, but a Geiger counter registered a slightly high radiation reading.

Falling Spheres Found

In April 1963, newspapers reported the discovery of a mysterious metal sphere on station property near Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. The sphere, 14 inches in diameter and weighing 12 pounds, was spherical, hollow, and could not be cut or broken. Metallurgists determined it had been subjected to great heat. Later, it was shipped to the Weapons Research Establishment for examination. Reports indicated it contained beryllium, titanium, and magnesium. The sphere was eventually identified as part of a space vehicle, with Australia communicating with overseas governments about its origin. The sphere reportedly carried a faint outline of a hammer and sickle, the Soviet emblem. A second, similar sphere was found later. The article notes that no definite news on the metallic makeup of the first sphere has been released.

Youth Chased By Fiery Object

On May 20, 1963, a 17-year-old in Australia reported being chased by a fiery object that followed his car at high speed, described as bright as an arc welder's light. The object moved across the road and then shot straight up into the air.

Fiji Has A Fireball

On April 3, 1963, multiple witnesses in Fiji reported seeing a fireball or strange objects falling into the sea. The object was described as glowing with a bright greenish-white light and having a large, fiery orange tail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of UFO sightings across various locations, the potential for government censorship and secrecy regarding UFO information, and the ongoing efforts of organizations like APRO to investigate and disseminate findings. The editorial stance suggests a critical view of official explanations and a belief that UFOs represent a significant, potentially non-human, phenomenon that requires serious investigation. There is a strong undercurrent of suspicion towards military and governmental handling of UFO data, with a proposed theory that such secrecy is a strategic measure against a superior, unknown entity.