Magazine Summary
THE A. P. R. O. BULLETIN
Summary
This issue of the APRO Bulletin details several UFO sightings, including 'water reconnaissance' incidents in South Dakota and New Jersey, and the 'Balwyn Photo' analysis from Australia. It also reports on the mysterious 'Morro Do Vintem' case in Brazil involving strange deaths and a UFO. The publication discusses Dr. J. Allen Hynek's evolving stance on UFOs and the Air Force's new scientific investigation program led by Dr. Condon. Various other sightings from the Midwest, East Coast, Utah, and South America are also documented, alongside a critical review of Frank Edwards' book 'Flying Saucers-Serious Business'.
Magazine Overview
Title: THE A. P. R. O. BULLETIN
Issue: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1966
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Country: USA
Date: September-October 1966
This issue of the APRO Bulletin focuses on a variety of UFO sightings and related phenomena, including detailed reports, witness accounts, and analyses. It also touches upon the role of scientists in UFO research and government investigations.
Key Articles and Reports
Water Reconnaissance Continues
The cover story highlights three significant sightings of unconventional aerial objects over water storage areas, all occurring on the same date. One incident involved a rancher in Kanabec, South Dakota, who observed a bluish-colored light that later was joined by another object. These sightings took place near the Fort Randall and Oahe reservoirs, which are crucial for water management in the region. Another report details strange lights over the Wanaque reservoir in New Jersey on the same night.
The Balwyn Photo
An analysis of a photograph taken in Balwyn, Australia, of a bell-shaped UFO hovering over a residential area has been completed and pronounced authentic. The photographer, identified only as Mr. X, described the object as mushroom-shaped and noted its ability to spin and move at high speed. The object reportedly emitted a boom sound after departing.
Strange Deaths In Brazil
The 'Morro Do Vintem' case in Brazil is detailed, involving the mysterious deaths of two electronics technicians, Miguel Jose Viana and Manuel Pereira de Cruz. They were found dead wearing lead masks, with coded notes found nearby. A UFO was reportedly seen in the vicinity at the time of their deaths. Police Chief Jose Venancio Bittencourt fell ill after handling the victims' belongings. The coroner ruled the deaths as natural causes, but the circumstances remain unexplained.
Hynek
This section discusses the evolving perception of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, the Air Force's consulting astrophysicist. Rumors suggest a less skeptical attitude towards UFOs and a potential role in the Air Force's new UFO investigation project led by Dr. Condon. The article posits that Hynek's position was unique, requiring scientific proof for any claims, and that the recent increase in sightings has created an opportunity for him to advance the study of UFOs.
Another Unexplained Blackout
This report mentions ongoing studies into blackouts in the U.S., including those in Arizona. It highlights a total blackout in Bogota, Colombia, on September 7, 1966, which lasted for three hours and affected communication and transportation. The cause was attributed to the power company's lines stopping functioning, leading to an overload and automatic power cutoff.
Sightings in Midwest
Several strange object sightings were reported in the Wisconsin-Illinois-Indiana area on September 24th. These included a disc-shaped object over Lisbon, Ohio, a large black object with a white ring over Lake Michigan near Chicago, and a light blue object hovering over a football field in Anderson, Indiana. Other sightings were reported across Indiana and surrounding areas.
Ravenna Ohio Sighting Labeled "Hoax"
The case of a UFO chase in Ohio on April 17, 1966, involving Deputy Sheriff Dale Spaur, has been labeled a hoax by the Wooster Daily Record. It was suggested that the object was a device rigged by science fiction fans and physics students. The article questions this explanation, noting the strong winds required for such a high-speed object.
Lights Over Carolinas
The crew of a Charleston, S.C., harbor pilot boat and a harbor pilot reported seeing brilliant lights traveling at an estimated 14,000 miles per hour on the night of July 25th. These lights were observed by many people and were estimated to be moving at an extremely high speed.
Wisconsin Officers Watch UAO
Officers in Wisconsin reported observing an egg-shaped object on the night of September 7th. The object, described as white with red and green lights, moved erratically across the sky.
Other Erie Sightings
Additional sightings in the Erie, Pennsylvania area are reported, including a lighted object with red and white lights, and an object with a V-shaped bottom that emitted an orange glow. A witness also reported finding three-toed footprints near Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania.
The Creature (?) Returns
An unusual creature, described as human-shaped with a huge, moon-shaped head and a stiff, jerky movement, was reportedly seen on the streets of Erie, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 1966. Local dogs barked at the creature, but it ignored them.
UAO Over Coahuila, Mexico
On September 26th, a strange spherical body emitting bright flashes was seen by many residents of Coahuila, Mexico. The object appeared incandescent and was a frightening spectacle.
Congress, NASA Probe Satellite Failures
This section discusses the increasing tendency of scientific satellites to fail, prompting a Congressional probe. The OGO and OAO satellites have experienced problems, leading to speculation about interference from intelligently controlled machines not of Earth origin.
Object Hovers Near Orchard
On September 7th, Mrs. Ed A. Bruns and her sons in Durand, Wisconsin, observed a strange object hovering near their home and an orchard. The object was described as oblong, with revolving lights and a bluish glow.
Egg-Shapes in Utah
Several residents in the Vernal, Utah area reported seeing glowing, egg-shaped objects over an arid area between September 1st and the 28th. The objects were described as fast and erratic, too much so to be airplanes.
The "Serious Business" Review
Coral E. Lorenzen provides a critical review of Frank Edwards' book, "Flying Saucers-Serious Business," alleging at least 12 errors in the account of the Socorro case. Lorenzen refutes Edwards' claims about Zamora's actions and the military's involvement, attributing Edwards' narrative to entertainment rather than research and criticizing NICAP's alleged theme of AF censorship.
Officers Watch UAOs in Utah
On September 30th, officers along the Wasatch Front in Utah observed unusual lights, described as circular objects with red, green, and white rotating bands, arranged in a triangle shape. Hill AFB officials suggested bright stars as a possible explanation, but this did not account for the revolving lights.
East Experiences Flap
Various reports of strange objects were received from New Jersey to Alabama on the night of August 1st and the morning of the second. At McGuire Air Force Base, computers were used to analyze the information about a bright red object that hovered over towns before disappearing.
East Experiences Flap (Continued)
Further reports from the East Coast include sightings of a bright red object over Midland Park and Ridgewood, New Jersey, described as a "pinkish ball" that was soundless and appeared to have a small parachute above it. Other sightings involved objects silhouetted against the moon and clusters of flashing lights.
UAO Activity In Oregon
Considerable UFO activity was reported in the Roseburg, Oregon area during late summer and early fall of 1966. Two employees observed a disc-shaped glowing object near a mine, which later performed erratic maneuvers and disappeared. Another sighting involved an object that appeared to be spinning and hovering.
Dwarves Seen In Brazil
This section details sightings in Brazil, including an incident on November 13, 1965, where Dario Filho and his family observed a UAO with occupants described as "little men" or "dwarves." The beings were small, with large heads, and wore overall-like suits. The object reportedly emitted a beam of light that caused paralysis.
More On The Valensole Case
This update on the Valensole, France landing incident from July 1, 1965, describes Mr. Masse's encounter with an oddly-shaped object and two small beings. Masse was reportedly paralyzed by a beam from a tube-like device. The incident left him moody and absent-minded. The marks left by the object were investigated.
Many Witness UAO Near Caracas
On August 17, 1965, a strange object executed maneuvers over a reservoir near Caracas, Venezuela. It landed briefly on the grass near a construction house, causing a car engine to act up. The object extended stilt-like protuberances to the ground before departing.
Saturn-Shaped UAO Over Peru
On November 7, 1965, a saturn-shaped glowing object was seen in Huanuco, Peru. The object spun and hovered at an estimated 1200 feet, emitting colored lights and an aerial antenna. Observers were dazzled by its glare.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The APRO Bulletin consistently reports on UFO sightings from various locations, emphasizing witness accounts and attempting to provide factual details. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a focus on research-oriented information, as evidenced by the critique of Frank Edwards' book. The publication also highlights the challenges of scientific investigation into UFOs and the potential for government involvement or cover-ups, while advocating for more rigorous data collection and analysis. The recurring theme of unexplained phenomena, strange deaths, and unusual aerial objects underscores the organization's commitment to exploring the UFO mystery.
The field of civilian UFO research is rife with rumors and the most current and curious one revolves around Dr. J. Allen Hynek, the AF's consulting astrophysicist for the past 19 years.
Key Incidents
Two technicians found dead, wearing lead masks, with coded notes, near where a UFO was reportedly seen.
Strange sky objects observed on the same night as sightings over Fort Randall, South Dakota.
A witness reported seeing a red, green, and blue flashing object in the sky.
Several strange objects were observed by officials and residents.
Policemen observed a large, black object with a white ring, estimated at 4,000 feet altitude.
A security officer reported seeing a round, light blue object hovering over a football field.
Mrs. Ed A. Bruns and her sons observed a strange object hovering near an orchard.
A UFO sighting involving a chase at high speed was labeled a hoax by a local newspaper.
A strange spherical body emitting bright flashes was seen by many residents.
A saturn-shaped glowing object was observed by numerous people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APRO Bulletin?
The APRO Bulletin is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), issued every other month to members only, dedicated to the solution of the mystery of unidentified objects.
What was the 'Morro Do Vintem' case?
The 'Morro Do Vintem' case involved two technicians found dead in Brazil on August 20, 1966, wearing lead masks, with coded notes, and a UFO was reportedly seen in the vicinity at the time of their deaths.
What is the significance of the Balwyn photo?
The Balwyn photo is an analysis of a photograph of a bell-shaped UFO hovering over a residential section of Balwyn, Australia, which was pronounced authentic.
What is the 'Colorado Project'?
The 'Colorado Project' is a new scientific program funded by the U.S. Air Force, with the University of Colorado as the lead institution, designed to provide a scientific explanation of the UFO phenomenon and to quiet public fears.
What is APRO's stance on Frank Edwards' book?
APRO considers Frank Edwards' book 'Flying Saucers-Serious Business' to contain numerous inaccuracies and to be catastrophic to researchers who deal with facts, particularly regarding the Socorro case.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Coral E. LorenzenEditor / Secretary
- J. Allen HynekConsulting astrophysicist
- Miguel Jose VianaVictim
- Manuel Pereira de CruzVictim
- Jose Venancio BittencourtPolice Chief
- Roger HustonRancher
- Patrick GribbinMotor Patrolman
- Lee RobertsSheriff
- Floyd GaarderGame Warden
- Dr. William A. KreutzerProfessor of botany and plant pathology
- Al LargoPoliceman
- Clyde FazenbakerPoliceman
- +8 more
Organisations
- Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
- Air Force
- National Bureau of Standards
- National Academy of Sciences
- NICAP
- United States Air Force
- UPI
- USAF
Locations
- Balwyn, Australia
- Morro Do Vintem, Brazil
- Santa Rosa, Brazil
- Niteroi, Brazil
- Rio, Brazil
- Kanabec, USA
- South Dakota, USA
- Fort Thompson, USA
- Presho, USA
- Fort Randall Reservoir, USA
- Oahe reservoir, USA
- Wanaque reservoir, USA
- New Jersey, USA
- Colorado, USA
- +6 more