APRO Bulletin - 1971 01 00 - January-February

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated January-February 1971, is the official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (APRO). It is dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Key Articles and Reports

Fall of Burning Material in Kansas (Follow-Up Report)

This section details a follow-up report from police officer Evald Hansen Maarup in Kastrup, Denmark. While on patrol, his car was surrounded by a bright bluish-white light, causing the engine and all electrical systems to shut down. He observed a large, grey, conical object from which the light was drawn upwards. The object then moved vertically into the air without sound. After its departure, the car's electrical systems returned to normal. Maarup took three photographs of the highway and three of the patrol car, which he later developed. The material found at the site was described as ashes and white, aluminum-colored pellets that crumbled into powder. The incident was under investigation, with no official or unofficial explanation provided to date.

Occupant Sighting from Missouri

This report details an incident involving Mrs. Davis, a member of APRO. While in her northwest bedroom, she observed an unusual occupant looking in her direction from outside the window. She initially doubted her senses, even punching herself to confirm she was awake. The occupant appeared to be working on something below the window. The object then moved away, emitting a white light beam. Mrs. Davis noted that her furnace fan, which normally runs constantly, had stopped, and her electric clocks were 20 minutes slow, indicating a temporary electrical outage. The occupant was described as wearing dark clothing with a cap, having slanted eyes, and no visible hair. The object had blue tinted windows and a white light beam.

UFO-Car Encounter in Norway

Reidar Salvesen of Kristiansand, Norway, reported an encounter while driving. He was blinded by a bright light, and a ball of fire drifted towards his car, followed by a disc-shaped object hovering above it. The object was estimated to be about 10 meters across and 3 meters thick. While Salvesen was sketching the object, he was knocked to the ground. Upon rising, he heard the sound of breaking glass, and the object was leaving at high speed. The car's windshield was pulverized, with the fragments found inside the car.

Status Inconsistency Theory and Flying Saucer Sightings: A Review

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle reviews an article by D. I. Warren published in SCIENCE, which proposes a sociological theory linking UFO sightings to 'status inconsistency'. The theory suggests that individuals experiencing a mismatch between their social rewards and investments (e.g., high education but moderate income) might be more likely to report UFO sightings as a way to express personal status dilemmas or reject societal values. Dr. Sprinkle notes that while the theory is well-presented, its impact might be to dismiss the UFO phenomenon rather than explore it. He also raises questions about the omission of certain data from the Condon Report and the distinction between UFO sighters who report their sightings and those who do not.

Eastern UFO Symposium

The Eastern UFO Symposium, held in Baltimore, Maryland, is described as a success. Speakers included Professor Theodore Spickler, Dr. Berthold Schwarz, Mrs. Coral Lorenzen, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. Dr. Hynek commented that ball lightning or plasma do not offer logical solutions to most UFO sightings and pronounced the symposium as the first scientific one on the subject.

Western UFO Symposium Planned

Following the success of the Eastern Symposium, APRO announced plans for a similar event in the West, to be held in Santa Ana, California. Speakers will include APRO consultants and staff.

Press Reports

This section presents a selection of outstanding press reports, many of which are under investigation by APRO. Incidents include a "gleaming, orange-colored, disc-shaped object" seen in Vader, Washington; three lights seen near Montesano, Washington, which caused a car's engine to fail; and a luminous sphere landing in a yard in Northern Finland, causing a power outage.

Small Probe in Brazil

Judith de Jesus reported a small, 18-inch diameter object emitting a blue light entering her kitchen, maneuvering, and exiting through a window. The incident occurred in Ouro Preto, Belo Horizonte.

UFO Photos: Correction

An error in a previous issue regarding the cost of UFO photo sets is corrected.

Display Material Stolen

During the Eastern UFO Symposium, five large photos and a series of 11 slides furnished by APRO were stolen. Members are asked to keep a lookout for this material.

Tucson: World Astronomical Center

This section highlights Tucson, Arizona, as an "astronomical center of the world," detailing the equipment and operations at Kitt Peak National Observatory and the University of Arizona's astronomy facilities.

Book Review: Invisible Residents

This review discusses Ivan T. Sanderson's book, which focuses on Unidentified Aerial Objects (UAOs) related to water bodies. The reviewer notes that Sanderson's approach is more focused on the 'how' and 'why' of events rather than just cataloging sightings, and that the book explores controversial areas, including hypotheses about underwater civilizations.

Brazilian Consulate Publishes UFO News

An article from the Brazilian Bulletin is mentioned, discussing UFO sightings over Belo Horizonte and other towns in Minas Gerais. The article notes the consistency of descriptions with reports from other locations, including a UPI report about sightings over Central Park, New York.

Technique to Aid Analysis of UFO Photographs

William F. Boomer, a professional photographer and APRO Field Investigator, suggests a technique for analyzing UFO photographs. By taking two photos from different positions along a line 90 degrees to the object's direction, a stereo pair can be created, allowing for triangulation to determine the object's size and distance.

Photo Case Confirmed Hoax

A case from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, previously mentioned, has been exposed as a hoax by APRO's Field Investigator Arthur Bray.

Membership Increase

APRO reports an increase in membership due to new recruiting methods and urges members to recruit more.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the analysis of such phenomena. APRO actively collects and investigates reports, publishes findings, and promotes scientific inquiry into UFOs. The organization also engages in public outreach through symposia and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and a desire to understand the phenomenon, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and sociological perspectives, as highlighted by the review of Dr. Sprinkle's article.