Magazine Summary
THE A. P. R. O. BULLETIN
Summary
This issue of the APRO Bulletin focuses on widespread UAO sightings in July 1965, particularly in Antarctica, with official government statements from Argentina and Chile. Reports detail object shapes, colors, speeds, and behaviors, including electromagnetic disturbances. Other sightings from France, Canada, and various US locations are also presented, highlighting witness accounts and photographic evidence. The bulletin also discusses the term UAO and the challenges of UFO research.
Magazine Overview
The A. P. R. O. Bulletin, published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), presents its July-August 1965 issue, focusing heavily on the "July-August flap" of Unidentified Aerial Objects (UAOs). The publication, based in Tucson, Arizona, aims to find solutions to the mystery of unidentified objects in the sky.
Important Announcements and Editorial Notes
Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, a Special Representative for APRO, alerted members to potential significant events in July, based on his prediction of the "July flap" which he had previously discussed on television in Rio de Janeiro. He noted a trend of UAOs displaying themselves openly over populated areas, suggesting a possible new phase of psychological indoctrination. Dr. Fontes is also credited with discovering patterns in UAO activity over 14 years, which were later detailed in Mrs. Lorenzen's book, "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax."
John T. Hopf, an aerial photographer and APRO Photo Consultant, received second prize for Optical Excellence at the Stellafane Telescope Makers Convention. His work, including a souvenir picture book titled "Picturesque Newport," is highlighted.
The bulletin also clarifies the terminology used by APRO, explaining the distinction between UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and UAO (Unconventional Aerial Object). While UFO implies a potential conventional explanation, UAO is preferred by APRO members who believe extraterrestrial visitations are the most logical interpretation of gathered statistics.
Key Articles and Reports
UAOS OVER ANTARCTICA
This section details a wave of UAO sightings in July 1965, particularly in the Antarctic region, which generated significant official reactions. Reports from Argentine, Chilean, and English bases described a giant lens-shaped object with changing colors (red, green, yellow, blue) moving at high speeds with oscillatory courses. Magnetic disturbances were registered by instruments at the Argentine base on Deception Island during the sighting.
Official statements were released by the Argentine Navy Secretary and the Chilean Ministry of Defense. Lieutenant Daniel Perisse confirmed sightings by his garrison, noting the object's brightness, varied speeds, and sudden accelerations. Attempts to photograph the object were hampered by unfavorable conditions. The Chilean reports from the Pedro Aguirre Cerda base described an object with first magnitude star luminosity, changing direction, and moving at irregular trajectories. A second report detailed sightings by multiple bases, including observations of a round-shaped object disappearing into cirrus clouds and another with luminosity causing magnetic field disturbances.
Landing In France
Maurice Masse, a farmer in Valensole, France, reported a whistling noise followed by the appearance of an oblong, football-sized object with a dull, lusterless finish, resting on four metallic feet. He observed a small being, about the size of an eight-year-old child, wearing an orange space suit. A second occupant was inside the object. The object ascended vertically at high speed. An investigation of the landing site revealed a hole and marks in the ground, with the dirt around a central pivot appearing baked.
On The Subject Of Contact
Joyce Davis discusses the concept of interplanetary contact, drawing parallels with Earth's history of exploration and colonization. She suggests that extraterrestrial beings might fear cultural shock and prefer biological or ecological studies over colonization or trade. Davis also touches upon potential communication difficulties due to differing wave lengths and cultural shock, using Japan's historical interaction with Western cultures as an example of adaptation without complete assimilation.
Other UAO Sightings
Several other sightings are reported:
- Antarctica: Reports from the SANAE base (South Africa) and Hallett base (USA/New Zealand) describe bright luminous objects moving at high speeds and low altitudes. The Hallett base sighting was registered by a special photographic instrument.
- Arizona: Edward Coyle observed an egg-shaped object with a red, mist-like glow near Copper Mine. Another report details a "dirigible" shaped object hovering in a canyon with a "cold blue" glow.
- Texas: Fourteen-year-old Jack Spiro photographed three V-shaped objects, one of which glowed, and the others were "dark ivory." Initial analysis suggested something unusual, but later official statements attributed it to processing artifacts.
- New Zealand: Three unexplained circular lights were observed over Tauranga harbor.
- Ireland: John Knowles and Miss Rose Ward observed a "ball of light" over Howth Head that changed color and moved at high speeds. An Air Lingus spokesman confirmed no planes were in the area.
- Quebec, Canada: Residents reported unidentified objects, including a ball of fire and a round flat object with a dome.
- Southern California: Friedrich Burkert saw a cigar-shaped object with red lights and yellow-lighted ports. His brother reported three small red objects nearby.
- Brimfield, Massachusetts: Mrs. Irene Page observed a sparkling ball of light intermittently scouting her property for three hours.
- Bowie, Arizona: Mr. and Mrs. William Moss and Barbara Gerard observed a brilliant disc of light ascending, stopping, and then moving downward, casting an upward glow.
- Marion, Virginia: Mrs. Woody Darnell reported a glowing object on a mountainside that exploded, and then a bright object with sparks flew off. Forestry officials extinguished a fire.
- Boulder, Colorado: Nate Ervin saw six "football-shaped objects with inverted 'V' wings" flying at high altitude.
- California: Deputies observed a pulsating light that moved at "fantastic speeds."
- Glover Park, D.C.: Five boys claimed to see a UFO described as "like an airplane without wings," which changed color.
- Rio Del, California: Donald Martin and his daughters watched a cigar-shaped object circle the town.
The Astronomer's Point Of View
An astronomer from the National Astronomical Observatory suggested that the unidentified object sighted in the Antarctic region was an artificial satellite, based on trajectory studies. The bulletin questions this explanation, pointing out that the observed object exhibited characteristics not typically associated with satellites, such as zigzagging, hovering, and color changes.
AF Statement — Again
The bulletin notes that the Air Force Press Desk reported having 663 unexplained UFO cases in their files, raising questions about how many classified cases exist and who investigates them.
Fortean Objects In Cuba
A report from Cuba describes a "great quantity of brilliant objects" falling to earth, described as various-sized balloons that dissolved upon hitting the ground, leaving a gelatinous substance. The Cuban government suggested these could be a new form of U.S. aggression.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UAO sightings, the increasing official acknowledgment (albeit sometimes dismissive) of these phenomena, and the detailed analysis of object characteristics. APRO's stance is clear: they are dedicated to investigating these unconventional aerial objects, believing that extraterrestrial visitation is a strong possibility. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of detailed witness reports and photographic evidence, while also critiquing conventional explanations offered by authorities. The publication also highlights the challenges of UFO research, including the need for accurate terminology and the difficulties in obtaining information from official sources. The editorial tone is one of persistent inquiry and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind these unexplained aerial phenomena. The bulletin also encourages members to submit all available UFO information to aid in their research efforts.
We have had a couple of objections to this term in the past but the great majority of members understand the term UAO and accept it without reservation. In the future when the term UAO is seen in the Bulletin, it means simply that the object under discussion is an uncon- ventional one. When UFO is used, it means the case under investigation or discussion is lacking in basic informa- tion so that, although the object in ques- tion seems unusual, it could be identified as mundane or unusual, and is, therefore, an unidentified flying object.
Key Incidents
Maurice Masse reported a whistling noise, then saw an oblong, flat, lusterless object about 30 meters away, resting on four metallic feet. A small, orange-suited being was seen, and another occupant inside. The object ascended vertically at high speed. Investigation found a 20 cm diameter hole with 'X' marks in the ground.
A solitary UAO was sighted and photographed from the Argentine base.
A giant lens-shaped flying object, solid in appearance, with colors mostly red and green, changing at moments, with yellow, blue, was observed by 16 persons, including 3 Chilean subofficers. It moved in a N-NE direction with varying speed and an oscillatory course, leaving a contrail. It was tracked by theodolites and binoculars.
An aerial object, luminous intensity first magnitude star, was sighted appearing east of the island at 60 degrees elevation, changing direction to the left in a 180 degree turn to the west and then turning 90 degrees to the right, moving away to the south at an irregular trajectory.
An object was seen on the ground.
Emilien Nadeau heard a strange explosion while watching TV and saw a ball of fire speeding towards the ground. A piece of fire detached itself from the object.
Mrs. Aime Perreault saw a round flat object with a dome on top which came from the west and disappeared toward Barthier.
Citizens reported a brilliant object speeding from southwest to northeast.
Edward Coyle and Pat and June Patterson observed an egg-shaped object moving northwest to southwest at 500 and 1,000 feet altitude, disappearing into the northwest. A second similar object was seen further away.
Mr. X saw a 'dirigible' shaped object hovering off the ground in a canyon, with a 'cold blue' glow, which then ascended straight up and headed southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UAO stand for?
UAO stands for Unconventional Aerial Object, a term favored by APRO to describe phenomena that are not easily explained by conventional means, as opposed to UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) which might imply a conventional explanation is possible.
What were the key sightings reported in the July-August 1965 issue?
The issue highlights significant sightings in Antarctica, including official reports from Argentine and Chilean bases. Other notable reports include a landing in France by Maurice Masse, and sightings in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and Virginia.
What evidence was found at the Valensole, France landing site?
At the Valensole landing site, investigators found a hole 20 centimeters in diameter and 50 cm deep, with four marks resembling furrows extending outward in an 'X' pattern. The dirt where a central pivot rested was baked and hard, like cement.
Did any official government statements address the UAO sightings?
Yes, two South American governments were forced to release official statements. The Argentine Navy Secretary released a statement about observations of unidentified flying objects in the Argentine Antarctica, and the Ministry of Defense in Santiago, Chile, released reports from the Pedro Aguirre Cerda base.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Dr. Olavo T. FontesSpecial Representative
- Mrs. LorenzenAuthor
- John T. HopfAPRO Photo Consultant
- Maurice MasseFarmer
- Joyce DavisAuthor
- Ben BovaAuthor
- ColumbusExplorer
- Lieutenant Daniel PerisseCommander
- Commander Mario Janh BarreraC.O.
- Sergeant MoyaObserver
- Corporal DuranPhotographer
- Emilien NadeauObserver
- +8 more
Organisations
- THE A. P. R. O. BULLETIN
- Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
- Stellafane Telescope Makers Convention
- Sky and Telescope
- APRO
- Argentine Navy
- Chilean Air Force
- AF
- RCAF
- New Zealand Antarctic Society
- US
- Armed Forces
- New Zealand Scientific and Industrial Research Department
- UPI
- +2 more
Locations
- Antarctica
- Valensole, France
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Newport, USA
- France, France
- Deception Island, Argentina
- South Orkney Islands, Argentina
- Santiago, Chile
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Pedro Aguirre Cerda base, Chile
- Orkney Island, Argentina
- Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
- Las Villas Province, Cuba
- Havana, Cuba
- +6 more