APRO Bulletin - 1971 05 00 - May-June

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated May-June 1971, is the official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (A.P.R.O.), a non-profit, federally recognized scientific and educational organization dedicated to solving the UFO phenomenon. The magazine features a prominent cover headline about a "HUGE DISC OVER NEW JERSEY" and announces an upcoming "UFO Symposium in Tucson."

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Symposium in Tucson

APRO announced plans for a comprehensive UFO symposium to be held on November 20-21 at The University of Arizona campus in Tucson. Thirteen APRO Consultants will present research papers divided into three panels: Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences. Speakers and their paper titles are listed, covering topics from "Earthquake Lights" and "Evaluation of UFO Photographic Data" to "The Morphology and Physiology of UFO Occupants" and "Biophysical Data Associated with Close Encounter UFO Reports."

McDonald Dead at 51

The bulletin reports with deep regret the untimely death of Dr. James E. McDonald on June 13, 1971. Dr. McDonald was a leading exponent of UFO research, having testified before the House Science & Astronautics Committee and spoken at the 1969 AAAS UFO Symposium. His academic background included an M.S. in Meteorology from MIT and a Ph.D. in Physics from Iowa State University. He was a Professor of Physics and Meteorology at the University of Arizona and a Senior Physicist at its Institute of Atmospheric Physics. His research interests included cloud physics, meteorological optics, and atmospheric electricity. Dr. McDonald was one of the few scientists who accepted the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the most likely explanation for UFO cases. His testimony in July 1968 is quoted, emphasizing his serious consideration of UFOs as extraterrestrial probes. His death was attributed to suicide triggered by a critical domestic problem. APRO expresses sorrow and sympathy to his wife and six children.

Huge Disc Over New Jersey

A case from the Rumson-Sea Bright area of New Jersey describes a "Classi cal UFO" observed by several families on Tuesday, June 29, at 11 p.m. The object, described as a "brilliant orange-red light" and later as "flickering lights on a low-flying airplane," was observed to be very low. The object appeared "soundless, about 200 feet in the air," and was circular from the bottom view, estimated to be about the size of a four-engine jet. It seemed to "rock" or "bank" and was trailing smoke. The witness insisted on remaining anonymous due to harassment and ridicule. The object was observed hovering over Rumson High School before descending further and disappearing.

UFO Activity Increasing in Australia

Three reports from New South Wales, Australia, are detailed:

1. Kempsey Area: On April 2, 1971, residents observed a brilliant orange-red light, described as a "parachute" trailing smoke, drifting west along the Macleay River at approximately 100 feet altitude.
2. Collambatti Rail: On April 23, an object described as a "dot getting bigger and bigger and covered with flames" descended rapidly, then slowed, extended legs, and oscillated before ascending. Sketches by witnesses showed an oval craft with landing gears and square windows.
3. Cronulla: On May 10, a "metallic, silvery egg-shaped object" with a brilliant red and long, tapering exhaust hovered overhead. Faint markings were observed on its underside. The object moved north and disappeared.

Possible Occupants in Texas

A lady APRO member in Houston reported a strange experience on May 8, 1971. She observed three "little men, about 5' tall, not midgets," walking toward an intersection. They were dressed in light blue sport shirts and dark trousers, hatless, with ordinary haircuts. Their skin appeared fair or white, with a chalky effect under the street lamp. She noted their proportions were ideal and they moved with an air of being intently engrossed in a pre-planned task. She described their footwear as possibly "avant garde boots."

UFOs: The Search for Proof (Part 1)

Dr. G. K. Ginnings, a Professor of Mathematics and APRO Consultant, begins an article exploring the historical development of scientific knowledge and its connection to UFOs. He discusses how science fiction writers and dreamers often predict future scientific advancements. He traces the origins of the Atomic Age and the Space Age and posits that the "UFO-Age" began with Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947. Dr. Ginnings categorizes opinions on UFOs into three groups: believers, dismissers (often traditional scientists), and a neutral group. He suggests that the number of "believers" is growing, drawing a parallel to historical resistance to the idea of a round Earth. He contrasts the public's reaction to Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast in 1938 with the launch of Sputnik I in 1957, noting that the latter, while a significant event, did not cause traumatic reactions due to the public's prior exposure to scientific advancements.

Search

This section discusses the increasing UFO activity, particularly in Australia. It also mentions a story from the Associated Press about the possible discovery of a 10th planet based on photographic evidence of mysterious tracks.

New Planet?

An Associated Press story from June 13th reported that Dr. Henry Courten suggested evidence for a 10th planet orbiting the sun closer than Mercury, based on mysterious tracks on photographic plates from solar eclipses.

E-M Case in Nevada

Four residents near Las Vegas, Nevada, reported a bright unidentified aerial object on June 26th. The object, described as brilliant white with a pinkish cast, caused animals to panic and a generator to stop functioning. Officials at Nellis AFB and McCarran International Airport reported no sightings or radar contacts. The object hovered for two to three minutes before leaving at high speed.

Press Reports

This section compiles several UFO reports from around the world:

• Bredasdorp, South Africa: A large white object resembling a stingray fish was observed traveling west for about half an hour.
• Canberra, Australia: Three sightings were reported on May 12, including a "young boy's" description of "two football-shaped objects connected by a cylinder," and another object described as having a light behind it as if being towed.
• Sydney, Australia: On May 28, a sound described as a "big power generator winding up" was heard, followed by the discovery of a flattened area resembling a "three-leaf clover."
• Burketown, Queensland, Australia: A "cigar-shaped object" described as a "silver streak with no vapor trail" was sighted.
• Pierbach, Linz, Upper Austria: A "frozen mass of ice" was found in a field after a "dashing, whistling sound" was heard. The mass was described as bluish with a "horrible sulpher smell."

Apology

The bulletin apologizes for its late publication, citing the Lorenzens' return from California on June 18th and the importance of including preliminary information on the New Jersey and Nevada cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently promotes the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, advocating for serious consideration of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The organization actively collects and disseminates reports from its network of field investigators and consultants. There is a clear stance against dismissing UFO reports and a focus on gathering detailed evidence. The publication also highlights the historical context of scientific discovery, suggesting that UFOs may represent a similar paradigm shift. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and a commitment to understanding the UFO phenomenon through rigorous research and data collection.