APRO Bulletin - 1971 09 00 - September-October

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated September-October 1971, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (A.P.R.O.) and covers a range of UFO sightings and related research. The publication is dedicated to the eventual solution of the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects.

UFO Activity in Yugoslavia

The lead story details significant UFO activity in Yugoslavia during early October 1971. On September 20th, between 8:13 and 8:21 a.m., the crews of an Avio Genexa TU-134 and a McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 reported a simultaneous sighting of a triangular-shaped metallic-appearing object estimated to be at 33,000 feet, southwest of Lanejevo. Captain Boris Lupancic of the DC-9 confirmed seeing the object, which was described as white, metallic-appearing, and triangular.

Further reports from October include sightings of objects flying from north to south over Rula, a low-flying object near Reka that changed colors, and a 'flying star' observed through a telescope near Reka that appeared triangular. The control tower at Reka airport reported two unknowns at 4:55 p.m. on October 8th, and Krk airport also observed two UFOs. The issue notes that radar at Ljubljana airport reported no UFOs, but this is understandable as the radar is only active during daylight hours.

Additionally, a Convair 440 aircraft observed an unknown object during takeoff from Pulj airport, which proceeded towards Pulj. Another object was tracked by radar flying from Lenj toward Knin at an estimated speed of 750 kilometers per hour. The pilot of a YAT Convair described the object as rhomboidal in shape.

On October 9th, a round object and a triangular one were seen in Zagecar. On October 12th, an American airline pilot reported a luminous body southeast of Zagreb, approximately 11,000 meters altitude, round and resembling a meteorological balloon. A Boeing 727 pilot en route from Frankfurt to Athens reported observing a silver-colored object flying at approximately 1,000 kilometers per hour, which radar at Zagreb tracked for half an hour. Flight control at Belgrade received reports from both foreign and Yugoslavian pilots.

Newspapers reported the fall of 'a system of instruments' in a village near Bosna, which were taken by the Air Force. Experts were unable to identify them, leading to speculation about research or 'spy' balloons. Air Force General Roglic stated it would be 'dangerous to tell the public of the origin of the UFOs'. The bulletin notes that Yugoslavian officials seem to be adopting a pattern of explaining away sightings, similar to other nations.

UFO Reported in Ceylon

This section details a sighting on the night of July 17, 1971, in the Hewaheta tea-growing district of Ceylon. Dozens of persons reported observing a 'bright circular object' moving towards them. Mr. Parl Abeywickrema, a senior tea planter, and three others observed the object, which remained motionless at an altitude of about 1,000 feet. It was described as circular with two 'side wings'. After about 10 minutes, the object flew towards them at high speed, stopping at a distance of 300 feet and descending to 100 feet above the ground. The driver reacted in terror, causing the vehicle to move backwards. The object later flew southwest at a 45-degree angle. The following morning, Mr. Abeywickrema reported seeing two similar football-shaped objects. The driver also reported seeing the same object the next morning. Witnesses described the object as approximately 25 feet in diameter, with two 'tapering wings' and a 'fuselage' shaped like a 'hippy peace symbol' illuminated with a fluorescent yellow glow. The wings were also illuminated. No sound was heard, and no movement was discerned inside the object. Moments before departure, the wings were drawn in, and the object became football-shaped. Three red lights were observed blinking underneath. Another witness, Mr. A. E. Perera, saw a 'very strange object' moving in a pendulum motion. Other workers also saw the object. A night watchman, Mr. Ramasamy, reported seeing the object at least three times. Other witnesses saw a 'luminous ball-like object descend'. The investigation by journalist Rex de Silva is described as impressive.

Three Bizarre New Cases (Brazil)

This section reports on two alleged 'kidnap' cases involving UFOs in Brazil, based on translations of Brazilian press cuttings. Field Investigator Mrs. Irene Granchi noted that the original stories were highly erroneous. Arrangements were being made to bring one of the principals, Paolo Caetano Silveira, to Rio de Janeiro for hypnosis.

Case 1: Paolo Caetano Silveira

On September 22nd, Paolo Caetano Silveira, a typewriter mechanic, reported seeing a light following his car. He stopped at a police station but was advised to continue his journey. Later, two bright beams focused on him, and his car doors opened. He was then drugged out of the car by the beams towards the large light. Inside the UFO, he encountered three beings, about 50 centimeters (20 inches) tall, dressed in blue 'siren suits' with smooth coverings on their heads resembling Roman helmets. Their hands and faces were gray and transparent. A turbine engine sound was heard. Silveira later found himself on the ground near his car, with scratches on his arms and legs. His physician, Dr. Munir Bussade, noted Silveira was excited, red-faced, and had torn clothing. Silveira has since complained of loss of appetite and smarting eyes, and his wristwatch was found to be 15 minutes slow.

Case 2: Benedito Miranda

On the morning of September 25th, Benedito Miranda, a truck driver, claimed he was drawn from his car by a beam of light and suspended 50 to 100 meters above the ground. He felt his legs were numb and like he was on a platform. A car approaching caused him to be lowered to the ground. He was reportedly unhurt. However, Miranda later retracted his statement and has since disappeared.

Case 3: Aziz Cury Junior

Aziz Cury Junior, a gas station owner, reported that on October 3rd, while driving with his wife, their car's engine began making a strange noise and accelerated to 100 mph without their input. A huge ball of light, shaped like a Mexican sombrero, crossed the road in front of them repeatedly, causing the car to accelerate each time. The object disappeared when Cury reached a Highway Patrol station. Cury is described as honest and reliable, and showed noticeable nervousness when describing the experience.

The editor notes that 'little creatures' similar to those in the Silveira incident have been seen in conjunction with UFOs previously.

Eastern UFO Symposium Proceedings

APRO urges members to obtain the Proceedings of the Eastern UFO Symposium held in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 23rd, 1971. The publication, available for $3.00 postpaid in the U.S. and Canada ($3.50 elsewhere), includes papers and panel discussions from participants such as Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Mrs. Coral Lorenzen, Mr. Thomas Olsen, Professor Theodore Spickler, and Dr. Berthold Schwarz.

UFO Symposium in Australia

The Australia New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) held a one-day symposium on UFOs at the University of Adelaide on October 30, 1971. The symposium aimed to bridge the gap between scientific and public attitudes towards UFOs. Speakers included Dr. B. H. Horton, Dr. Michael J. Duggin, Dr. P. Delin, Dr. L. Mander, and Dr. D. G. McCoy, who discussed various aspects of UFO phenomena, including polarization of belief, extraterrestrial life, and limitations in space exploration. The symposium is described as comprehensive and objective.

Recent Visitors

APRO headquarters hosted Field Investigator David Jacobs, a graduate student researching the history of UFO sightings, particularly 19th-century 'airship' reports. Dr. Michael J. Duggin, Senior Research Scientist with Australia's CSIRO, also visited, expressing interest in UFO phenomena and contributing to physical research. Mr. Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and APRO Field Investigator, visited APRO during a tour of the southwest.

Earthquake Lights and Ball Lightning Research

Dr. John S. Derr, APRO Consultant in Space Seismology, discusses research on earthquake lights, a phenomenon associated with large earthquakes since the early 1930s. He references studies by Dr. David Finkelstein and Dr. James Powell on generating electric fields in rocks. The theory suggests that stress accumulated in rocks may release slowly, generating a seismo-electric potential that could be seen as luminous phenomena hours before a major earthquake. This potential is suggested to be measurable, providing a warning. Most seismologists believe further investigation is warranted, though questions remain about rock resistivity. The article concludes that there is no reason to suspect UFOs as the cause of earthquake lights and that this theory may explain them as a natural phenomenon.

Ceylon (Continued)

This section continues the report from Ceylon, detailing the object's movement and further sightings. The object moved southwest at a 45-degree angle. Later, two similar football-shaped objects were seen. The driver also reported seeing the object again. Witnesses described the object as a round, 25-foot diameter craft with 'tapering wings' and a 'hippy peace symbol' fuselage, illuminated. It was observed to draw its wings in before departing. Three red lights were seen blinking underneath. Another witness saw a 'very strange object' moving in a pendulum motion. Other workers and a night watchman also reported sightings. The investigation by Mr. de Silva is highlighted for its thoroughness.

UFOs and the Bible: A Review of the Literature

Dr. Robert S. Ellwood, Associate Professor of Religion, reviews numerous books that attempt to link UFOs with the Bible, ancient religions, mythologies, and symbols. He notes that many of these books suffer from low scholarship, pretentious writing, and a lack of critical analysis of sources. Ellwood expresses skepticism about claims that biblical events were caused by UFOs or extraterrestrials. He identifies two main themes in these books: the confrontation between science and religion, and the search for meaning and wonder in a modern world. The authors often propose that the Bible and ancient myths are literally true, with their meaning revealed by modern technological understanding, and that angels and saviors were actually extraterrestrial astronauts. Ellwood acknowledges the human desire for wonder and suggests that technological and scientific awe can become religious awe, leading to a conflation of past religion with UFO phenomena. He specifically praises Barry Downing's book for its modern theological education and concern for the plight of religion, though he does not find it entirely convincing. Ellwood concludes that while these books may be flawed in their scholarship, they represent 'picture-language wrestlings with the deep matters all persons face', offering a way to understand the human condition and the search for ultimate meaning.

April Flap in New Zealand

APRO member Roland N. Goldsmith reported on sightings in New Zealand in early 1971. He noted a correlation between UFO activity in the Western Hemisphere and a lack of it in Australia or New Zealand, and vice versa, with April activity preceded and followed by volcanic activity. Two cases are detailed: On April 15th, Roger Morel and Robin Duncan Hay of Taupo observed an object shaped like an inverted cone or Coolie hat, with dullish green lights and flickering orange and yellow lights at the base. It hovered and then followed their car. On April 18th, Mr. J. C. Hall and his wife observed a similar object in Taupo, estimated to be about 10 miles away, stationary with a greenish tinge and a revolving bottom. The object appeared to have the apparent size of the full moon.

Green Object in Oregon

A music teacher and his wife, along with six small children and a boarder, witnessed an unusual object at Medford, Oregon, on September 6, 1971. They were awakened by loud 'electronic-type sounds' coming from above their residence. They saw a green 'ball' shining above an oak tree. The sound was described as 'as a ham radio being tuned in - the pitch rising and falling'. The object had apparently begun to move east while they were inside. The witnesses noted that the orangish reflection from a brooder light on their house might have attracted the object.

UFO Theories Plentiful

This section presents a tabulation of 'theories' on UFO origin, construction, and propulsion received by APRO over the past few years. Propulsion theories (34) and general theories (25) are the most common, with fewer mystical theories (1). General theories cover extraterrestrial life, intelligence, and motivation, while propulsion systems often involve advanced, undeveloped methods like 'electro-magnetic propulsion' and 'anti-gravity forces'.

Four Discs in Illinois

Member Warren Davis reported a sighting on October 5th near Jacksonville, Illinois. His brother and wife, with their two children, saw 'things' against the full moon that appeared to be silvery semi-circles hovering. Two of the objects disappeared shortly after. When the moon was visible again, the two remaining objects were gone. The objects were in sight for about three minutes. This incident occurred on the same night UFOs were reported in the Springfield, Illinois area.

Another Mexican UFO

Reports from October indicated a 'strange luminous object' observed for 15 minutes by officials and tower control operators at La Manga Airport, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The object remained stationary about 15 miles northeast of the airport at an altitude of about 3,500 feet. It was described as a bright light, like a 'huge searchlight', which dimmed and disappeared. Further details are being sought.

Junior UFO Book

The book 'Investigating UFOs' by Larry Kettelkamp is recommended as an introduction for younger readers, covering topics like 'UFOs under Study', 'Sightings and Cases', and 'Breaking the Space Barrier'. It is available for $3.75.

Large Object Over Colorado

Dr. John Derr interviewed two witnesses in Littleton, Colorado, on August 21, 1971, who observed a large, lighted object flying southwest. The object was described as grayish-white and square in shape, with dim, off-white lights evenly spaced around the leading edge. It briefly blotted out Mars before disappearing. The witnesses could not define the aft portion or any lights past midships. They estimated the object's apparent size was ten times the length of a full moon, extending over the sides. Another sighting was reported in the same area later that night.

Two Reports from Colombia

Jorge Enrique Parra O., APRO Field Investigator for Colombia, forwarded two cases. The first involved a farmer and his son who saw a cigar-shaped object surrounded by an orangish light hovering over their house on December 4, 1970. The object gave off a vapor trail and a whistling sound. The second case involved two high school students, Eduardo Ponce Melo and Jairo Castro, who saw a flying object they initially mistook for a bird. They took three color photos of the object, described as a flat cone with a red dome, similar to a police car's red light. Its closest approach was about 500 meters (1600 feet), and it pursued an east to west flight path with a zig-zag course. The object's diameter was estimated at about 5 meters (16 feet).

Objects Seen in Louisiana

Several people in New Iberia, Louisiana, reported seeing a large object, appearing about the size of the moon, on January 26th. Witnesses described it as a circular arrangement of red, gold, blue, and gold flashing lights. No sound was heard, and the object stayed in position for 10-20 minutes before flying across the sky and out of sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently reports on UFO sightings from around the world, emphasizing detailed accounts and witness testimonies. The organization appears to maintain a scientific and investigative approach, seeking to gather evidence and analyze phenomena. The issue highlights the challenges of distinguishing between credible reports and erroneous information, as seen in the Brazilian cases. There is a recurring theme of attempting to explain UFO phenomena through natural or technological means, as evidenced by the research on earthquake lights. The publication also touches upon the intersection of UFO beliefs with religion and mythology, presenting a review of literature that explores these connections. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share information and participate in symposia, while also cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and promoting a rigorous approach to research. The bulletin also serves as a communication channel for APRO members, providing updates on symposia, visitor information, and available resources like back issues and UFO photos.