APRO Bulletin - 1971 11 00 - November-December

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated November-December 1971, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (A.P.R.O.) and covers significant UFO-related events and discussions. The cover prominently features a "LANDING CASE" with sub-headlines highlighting "The APRO UFO Symposium," "Multiple Witness Case In Maryland," and "KANSAS." The main visual on the cover is a photograph of a ring-shaped area on the ground, related to the Kansas landing case.

The APRO UFO Symposium

The issue details a successful APRO UFO Symposium held at The University of Arizona on November 22nd and 23rd, 1971. The event was co-sponsored by the University's student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former consultant to the U.S. Air Force on UFOs, opened the symposium, emphasizing its scientific nature. The Biological Sciences Panel featured Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, who discussed the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the conditions for life on other planets.

The Social Sciences Panel included presentations by Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle on the characteristics of UFO reporters, Dr. Emerson W. Shideler on "A Metaphysic for UFOs," and Dr. Robert F. Creegan on criteria for evaluating UFO reports.

The Physical Sciences Panel included Dr. Richard C. Henry discussing interstellar spaceflight, Dr. Walter W. Walker on the analysis of unique materials from UFO cases, Dr. B. Roy Frieden reviewing UFO photographs, and Dr. John S. Derr discussing "earthquake lights" as a potential explanation for some UFO phenomena.

Landing Case in Kansas

This section reports on a three-witness landing case near Delphos, Kansas, on November 2, 1971. Sixteen-year-old Ronald Johnson and his parents witnessed a bright object on or near the ground. After the object ascended, they discovered a glowing, phosphorescent ring-shaped area on the ground. Soil samples were taken for analysis, and the witnesses experienced numbness in their fingers after touching the soil. The area was dry and light brown, and the ring remained visible for four days.

Multiple Witness Case in Maryland

This article describes a sighting in Easton, Maryland, involving two state policemen and two game wardens. The witnesses observed two unidentified lighted objects, described as buff or cream-colored lights with rotating red and green lights, hovering in the sky. The objects were observed for approximately 30 minutes. Investigations confirmed that no known aircraft were in the area, and authorities at Wallops Island, Patuxtent Naval Air Station, and Dover Air Force Base had also detected unidentified radar contacts.

ANZAAS UFO Symposium

The issue covers a one-day UFO symposium held in Adelaide, South Australia, sponsored by the South Australia Division of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS). The symposium featured presentations on various aspects of UFO phenomena, including atmospheric and astronomical phenomena that could be misidentified as UFOs, scientific thinking in relation to UFOs, and exobiology. Dr. Michael J. Duggin, a new APRO consultant, presented on UFO research in the United States and was critical of the Condon Report's conclusions.

Science and UFOs

Dr. A. Henry Swann, an Assistant Professor of Science Education, discusses the scientific approach to studying UFO reports. He argues that students should be encouraged to critically analyze UFO reports, applying tests of internal consistency and distinguishing between credible accounts and those from the "UFO cultists." He believes that science is served by seeking answers to unanswered problems, and the UFO question remains a valid area of inquiry.

ETI and Sagan

This section discusses the growing interest in extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI), spurred by the Mariner 9 mission to Mars and a Soviet-American conference on ETI. It mentions the work of Dr. Frank Drake and Dr. Carl Sagan. Dr. Sagan's "economic theory" suggests that interstellar travel might be uneconomical due to finite planetary resources. However, the article notes Dr. Sagan's willingness to accept "new laws of physics" for communication but not for transport, and his lack of interest in actual UFO reports is questioned.

Dr. James E. McDonald

A tribute to the late Dr. James E. McDonald, a University of Arizona physicist, is included. His UFO materials are being organized by his wife and APRO's Assistant Director, Richard Greenwell. A "Memorial Resolution" highlights his scientific contributions, his role as a teacher, and his commitment to addressing societal issues, including his concerns about the environmental impact of supersonic transport airplanes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently advocates for rigorous scientific investigation into UFO phenomena. The articles emphasize the importance of collecting and analyzing data, interviewing witnesses, and applying scientific principles to understand these events. The organization appears to be open to various explanations, including physical and potentially extraterrestrial origins, but stresses the need for evidence-based conclusions. The editorial stance supports continued research and critical analysis, as seen in the discussions of the symposium and the critique of the Condon Report. The bulletin also highlights the work of APRO's consultants and the organization's efforts to disseminate information to its members and the public.