APRO Bulletin - 1970 05 00 - May-June

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.), is a bi-monthly publication dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects. This issue, dated May-June 1970, features a prominent report on a mass UFO sighting in New Zealand, alongside investigations into physical evidence and updates on APRO's activities and conferences.

Mass Sighting in New Zealand

This section details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on May 7, 1970, in Richmond, New Zealand. Norman Alford, APRO's Representative for New Zealand, furnished the report. Headmaster W. Billing and approximately 400 children from Richmond School witnessed a strange sky object for about 20 minutes. The object initially appeared as an opaque 'hole' in the blue sky, low on the horizon, and presented an elongated or oval appearance. It then moved towards the school, stopped, and appeared as a 'huge wingless plane' with the sun glistening on it. Witnesses estimated it was hovering between Westshore and Tongaio. After about 10 minutes, the object moved northeast, appearing as a round ball with a 'transparent-like sheen,' then flattened out, moved in a straight line like a bright star, and finally faded away at high speed. Billing ruled out a balloon explanation due to the object's change in shape.

Report from Vermont

Several clippings reported lights moving back and forth across the sky above Winooski, Vermont, in the early morning hours of May 28, 1970. The reports came from a General Electric employee and two police officers. A U.S. Weather Bureau official suggested the lights might be reflections from a high-intensity light used for cloud ceiling determination. APRO Field Investigator D. Henry investigated but could not identify the lights. State troopers reported their bloodhounds howled during the entire period of observation. A local policeman reported seeing a UFO with white lights on a red body hovering over an intersection southeast of Burlington around the end of April. The observation lasted about five minutes, after which the object's lights went off, and it drifted out of sight, exhibiting a 'falling leaf' motion. The officer described its apparent size as large as a basketball held at arm's length.

The Apache Junction Physical Evidence Case

Dr. Walter W. Walker, an Associate Professor of Metallurgical Engineering and APRO Consultant in Metallurgy, reports on the analysis of a possible UFO artifact. The artifact, investigated in February 1970 near Phoenix, Arizona, by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen, is a small, cylindrical object approximately 1-1/32 inches long. It has a central core of an iron-manganese alloy, surrounded by fibrous insulation, and a concentric, cylindrical sheath of polycrystalline ceramic material. The outside diameter varied from 0.133 to 0.136 inches. Initial examination indicated it was a manufactured object, but its nature and use could not be determined. Further study showed it was strongly magnetic but lacked fluorescence, phosphorescence, or unusual radioactivity. The ceramic sheath was identified as polycrystalline calcite (CaCO3), which is unusual for terrestrial insulators. The report notes that the transformation of calcia (CaO) to calcite (CaCO3) is exothermic and could explain observed changes in the artifact and heat generation. The analysis did not prove extraterrestrial origin but concluded it was an unusual object.

Midwest UFO Conference Success

Mrs. Lorenzen, Secretary of APRO, Inc., addressed the Midwest UFO Conference in Peoria, Illinois, on June 11, 1970. The conference, sponsored by the Aerial Phenomena Club of Central Illinois (APCCI), was deemed a success. Approximately 40% of the audience indicated affiliation with APRO. The event led to increased membership and interest in APRO from the Midwest area. The conference involved discussions on UFO research, with contributions from various individuals and organizations, including NICAP and SITU. APRO's efforts to coordinate with NICAP and discuss future research projects with Dr. J. Allen Hynek were highlighted.

Conference Details and APRO Activities

Pages 2 and 3 provide extensive details about the Midwest UFO Conference, including the welcoming address by Laird Carter, and presentations by Dr. Allen R. Utke on "UFOs and the Problem of Scientific Evidence," and Ted Phillips on "burned circles on the ground and 'saucer nests.'" John F. Schuessler spoke on "The UFO, Just Beyond the State of the Art." Mr. Leonard W. Sturm, scheduled to speak on "Electromagnetic Effects Associated with UFOs," was unable to attend due to a family illness. Robert Smulling presented photographic evidence of UFOs. Mrs. Lorenzen provided an update on APRO's current status, including the Field Investigators' Network and the analysis of physical evidence cases like Ubatuba, Apache Junction, and Festus.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek emphasized the need for civilian researchers to drive future UFO research. The conference included a question and answer period. Tapes of the conference were made available for purchase. The issue also introduces three new APRO Consultants: Dr. John S. Derr (Seismology), Dr. John C. Munday (Biophysics), and Dr. Vlastimil Vysin (Computer Technology). Brief biographies and their roles within APRO are provided.

Travel and Outreach

Richard Greenwell, APRO's Assistant Director, undertook an 11-day trip to the East Coast and Mexico. He met with APRO Field Investigators and Consultants in various cities, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and Boston. Discussions were held with NICAP regarding future cooperation, and with Philip Klass of Aviation Week and Space Technology. Greenwell also met with Ivan T. Sanderson and discussed cooperation between APRO and SITU. In Mexico, Greenwell met with Field Investigators in Guadalajara and Mexico City, leading to the selection of Roberto Martin as the new APRO Representative for Mexico.

Other Reports and Announcements

Two reports from Brazil are included: one describes a family's observation of a roundish light with complex maneuvers over Porto Alegre, and another details a sighting over Cabo Frio with 14 witnesses. An article describes an "Aerial Artifact Retrieved in Missouri," a small, charred object found in a garden, which was sent for analysis by Dr. Walter Walker.

Mrs. Lee Trenholm resigned as Chairwoman of the Colorado Section, and APRO will rely on its Field Investigators Network in that area. Foreign rates for membership and Bulletin subscriptions were increased by $1 a year, effective July 1, 1970, due to increased mailing costs. Air-mailing of Bulletins abroad was discontinued. APRO announced the availability of membership cards and encouraged members to report any issues. The bulletin also lists available back issues for purchase and notes that UFO reports have been less numerous in early 1970, but past years' reports will be published.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the detailed reporting of UFO sightings and investigations, emphasizing the collection and analysis of physical evidence. APRO's commitment to expanding its network of Field Investigators and Consultants, both domestically and internationally, is evident. The publication also highlights the importance of civilian research in advancing the understanding of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous scientific inquiry, seeking to document and analyze reported events without jumping to premature conclusions, as exemplified by the cautious approach to the Apache Junction artifact analysis. The magazine also serves as a communication hub for APRO members, providing updates on organizational activities, membership matters, and upcoming events.