APRO Bulletin - 1972 01 00 - January-February

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated January-February 1972, marks the 21st year of the organization's existence. The publication details various UFO sightings, research efforts, and organizational updates.

Scandinavian Reports

The bulletin features several detailed UFO sightings from Scandinavia. Gottfred Tande Petersen in Norway reported a cigar-shaped object with illuminated rectangular ports that hovered, emitted blue flames, and then moved away at high speed. Gunnar Foss observed two objects approaching at high speed between Hovin and Storen, Norway, which left a shining trail. Personnel at Bergen airport also reported a formation of objects at 20,000 meters altitude. Numerous other reports from Norway and Sweden described formations of glowing objects.

"Enquirer" Offers $50,000 Reward

This section announces The National Enquirer's sponsorship of a $50,000 reward for proof of the existence of UFOs from outer space, with a deadline of January 1, 1973. APRO is acting as a consultant on this project, and its Field Investigators may be called upon to investigate promising reports. The article urges members to forward any evidence to APRO Headquarters, particularly cases supported by photography, physical residue, or multiple witness reports.

The judging board for the reward includes APRO Consultants in Philosophy, Civil Engineering, Exobiology, and Psychology, as well as Dr. J. Allen Hynek from Northwestern University.

Close-up Sighting in New Jersey

This case, investigated by APRO's New Jersey Field Investigator Hal Redner, involves Robert Aguilar, who reported a stationary object about 15 feet up with a red light on top and white blocks of light. Douglas Harrell, a truck driver, also witnessed the object. Aguilar described it as "big-about sixty feet across" and motionless. The object's lights were described as brighter than the rest, and the blocks or windows did not revolve. The object later appeared to rotate its portholes like a bicycle chain and then moved away.

APRO Begins 21st Year - A Progress Report

This article reflects on APRO's 21-year history, highlighting its pioneering role in UFO research. APRO claims to be the first UFO research organization in the world, distinguishing itself from discussion groups. It emphasizes its departure from harassing the Air Force and its focus on scientific research and public relations efforts. APRO was also the first UFO organization to incorporate and obtain tax-exempt status. The development of the Representative system and the recruitment of scientists as Consultants are noted as key milestones. The article mentions the COMCAT project as another landmark initiative and thanks members, Field Investigators, Consultants, and Representatives for their support.

Staff Members In Texas

APRO Director James Lorenzen and Assistant Director Richard Greenwell delivered presentations at a UFO seminar at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. They discussed U.S. Government policy toward UFOs and scientific questions related to UFO phenomena. Mr. Greenwell also visited Dr. Dale E. Brandon in Houston and Dr. Brian W. Johnson in Dallas, who is involved in UFO detection instrumentation.

Two New Consultants

Mr. David M. Jacobs and Dr. Brian W. Johnson have joined APRO as Consultants in History and Electrical Engineering, respectively. Mr. Jacobs is a Ph.D. candidate in History specializing in the social, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States, with a dissertation on the controversy over UFOs in America. Dr. Johnson, with a Ph.D. in Space Science, is researching atomic helium, lasers, and excited gas afterglows, and has a particular interest in UFO detection systems.

Brazilian Photo Case

Mrs. Irene Granchi, APRO's Field Investigator in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reports on a multiple-witness UFO sighting on October 1, 1971. Mr. Nelson Calmon Schubsky and his fiancée, along with other witnesses, observed a rose-colored object with a red outline, which pulsated and had three lights. The object was described as having an opaque, diffused light, compared to a red-hot piece of iron. It was observed maneuvering near the Helena Rubenstein beauty products factory.

Treacher Reveals Sighting Details

Arthur Treacher, the English actor, shared details of a UFO sighting that occurred "8 to 10 years ago" (approximately 1961-1964) at West Hampton Beach, Long Island. He described a grey, tadpole-shaped object with a red light resembling exhaust at its trailing edge. The object appeared to circle people before leaving in the direction it came from.

Car Buzzed In Norway

Miss Karen Marie Smerud and her uncle reported an unusual reddish light in the sky near Jevnaker, Norway, which appeared as a red sun with rays. The object circled their car before ascending to a higher altitude and disappearing after about 45 minutes.

Press Reports

This section focuses on UFO reports from Brazil in December 1971. Sightings included an object "enveloped in a mist" at Gravatai, a disc-like object described as a "great medal" in Campos, and a "huge moon" swinging from side to side and up and down near Atafona. Another report from Atafona details a series of luminous spots observed over several nights, with some appearing elliptical and others ejecting "little stars."

Swedish Photo Judged Authentic

Lars Thorn, a truck driver from Middle Sweden, snapped two photos of an unconventional aerial object on May 6, 1971. The photos were examined by GICOFF, professional photographers, and the Kodak Company, all concluding that the object was not a montage and was genuine. The Swedish Defense Research Institute also examined the photos, with Dr. Yage Eriksson suggesting it might be a flying saucer.

Object Filmed In England

A television film crew in Enstone, England, observed and photographed a bright round object that approached, made an abrupt 90-degree turn without slowing down, and streaked across the sky, leaving a vapor trail. The film was allegedly shown to 8 million viewers and is being studied by the British Ministry of Defense.

USAF Report On Hill Case

APRO obtained a copy of the official U.S. Air Force UFO report on the Barney and Betty Hill case. The report suggests that both radar and visual sightings were probably due to conditions resulting from strong inversion, and no evidence indicated objects were due to other than natural causes. However, the report notes the apparent honesty and seriousness of the witnesses.

A radar track report from Pease AFB, New Hampshire, on September 20, 1961, describes an unidentified A/C making an approach and pulling up, with radar contact lost shortly after. The official explanation for the radar track was an "observation due to unusual optical condition resulting from atmospheric conditions."

On The Brazilian Scene

This section details several sightings in Brazil in December 1971. Reports include a large, bright light over San Nicolas and Ramallo that changed color and left a blue and red trail, and multiple sightings of elliptical objects and "little stars" in Bahia Blanca and Mar del Plato. The phenomena were described as unusual and not easily explained.

Book Review: The Nature of Ball Lightning

This review discusses Stanley Singer's book on ball lightning, noting its comprehensive treatment of the subject, including historical comments, physical properties, observational characteristics, and theoretical explanations. The reviewer highlights the diversity of theories proposed for ball lightning and suggests that plasmoid generation might be a promising area of investigation.

Graduate Work on UFOs

This section highlights academic interest in UFOs, mentioning Mr. Paul McCarthy's Ph.D. research on federal and science policies on UFOs at the University of Hawaii, and David Jacobs' dissertation on the history of UFO sightings. It also notes similar studies by Michael Schutz and Herbert Strentz, indicating that UFOs are increasingly becoming a subject of academic interest.

UFOs: The Scientists' Dilemma

Dr. Horace C. Dudley discusses the challenges faced by scientists in dealing with UFO phenomena. He draws parallels to historical instances where new scientific discoveries were initially met with skepticism, such as the French Academy of Sciences' reaction to meteorite reports and the shift from Newtonian physics to relativity. Dudley argues that scientists are often caught in the "malaise of crisis" when anomalies don't fit established paradigms. He suggests that a new era of "Thirty Years That Will Shake Physics" is underway, similar to the period between 1895-1930, with new experimental findings challenging current scientific dogma. He lists several areas in physics that are being challenged, including the breakdown of parity and time reversal, and the nature of astrophysical forces. Dudley concludes that scientists are hesitant to embrace new ideas due to fears of losing prestige and research funds, and that it may take generations for these new concepts to be fully accepted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings from various locations, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the challenges faced by researchers and scientists in understanding and accepting UFO evidence. APRO positions itself as a dedicated research organization, emphasizing its long history, scientific approach, and commitment to uncovering the truth about UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the submission of evidence and supporting rigorous scientific analysis, while also acknowledging the skepticism and resistance often encountered within the scientific community.