APRO Bulletin - 1972 07 00 - July August

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated July-August 1972, presents a collection of UFO reports, investigations, and related news. The publication is from the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (APRO), based in Tucson, Arizona.

Featured Articles and Reports

Occupants Sighted in Australia

A report from Queensland, Australia, details a sighting on July 19th where a witness encountered six grey figures with a peculiar 'faceted covering' for a face, and a large, silvery object near power lines. The witness reported hearing a strange 'p-doing-p-doing' noise that gradually faded. This information was provided by APRO member Lindsay McKeon.

Those Iowa Craters

Unusual depressions, described as craters, began appearing in soy bean fields in Iowa in early July. Investigator William Atkinson visited the Mervin Teig farm and later the Donald Slaikeu farm. At the Dean farm in Laurens, two craters were found. The larger one, approximately 1 yard across, had a hole in the center about 24-30 inches deep, penetrating the earth in a gradual spiral to a depth of 32-4 feet. Clods of dirt were found around the craters, and the soy beans within a 30-yard diameter were withered. A loud 'pop' was heard at the Dean farm around the time the crater may have formed, accompanied by a room lighting up and the telephone receiver jumping. Farmers familiar with lightning strikes ruled it out as a cause. Soil samples sent to APRO's consultant in Metallurgy, Dr. Walter W. Walker, indicated the silvery dust was not caused by lightning strikes, suggesting intense heat from an unknown source burned organic material.

Spectacular Report from Kansas

This section focuses on a UFO sighting by Officer Paul Carter of the Colby, Kansas Police Department on August 19th. Carter and Officer Dennis Brown observed an object with flashing red and green lights that hovered and then moved. Carter described the object as resembling an 'inverted oatmeal bowl' with lights arranged in a band. The object was estimated to be 18-20 feet high and 35 feet in diameter. Carter, initially a non-believer, was profoundly affected by the experience. The developed film from the sighting showed nothing.

ETI Subject of APA Address

Dr. Robert F. Creegan, APRO Consultant in Philosophy, reports on a Presidential Address given by Dr. Lewis W. Beck, III, to the Eastern Division of the American Philosophical Association. The subject was extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI), with Dr. Beck discussing ancient and renaissance views on the plurality of worlds and how modern scientific developments are re-establishing the belief in extraterrestrial life. The address, however, was considered by some attendees to be more of a 'pot boiler' and did not make specific mention of UFOs.

Dr. Hardy Passes Away

The bulletin announces the death of Dr. Rene J. Hardy, APRO Consultant in Physics, on June 13, 1972, in Toulon, France. Dr. Hardy, who joined APRO in 1963, was instrumental in matters related to electronics, propulsion, and detection of UFOs. He received an Honorable Mention for his paper 'The UFO Phenomenon and the Physical Universe' in APRO's Scientific UFO Research Award.

New Consultant and Staff

Dr. Mohammed A. Athar, a microbiologist, has joined APRO's panel of scientific consultants. He has degrees from the University of Karachi and the University of Michigan, and has worked in various medical and bacteriology laboratories.

Mr. Allen Benz has been appointed APRO's Staff Librarian, operating out of Twin Falls, Idaho. He holds degrees in History and Library Science and will be responsible for creating cross-referenced card catalogs for UFO data retrieval.

The Missouri "Monster"

This item recounts claims of a large, smelly, black-haired creature lurking in the woods near the Edgar Harrison home in Louisiana, Missouri. The only witnesses were the Harrison children. The report notes that while there is no connection to UFOs, it is included due to numerous requests for information.

1886 Venezuelan Incident Studied

This section details a historical report from the December 18, 1886, edition of Scientific American concerning a 'Curious Phenomenon in Venezuela'. A family of nine sleeping in a hut near Maracaibo were awakened by a loud humming noise and a brilliant light. They experienced vomiting, swellings, and subsequent skin peeling and hair loss. The house remained undamaged. The report is analyzed by APRO consultants Dr. Horace C. Dudley (Radiation Physics) and Dr. Benjamin Sawyer (Medicine). Dr. Dudley notes similarities to reports of ionizing radiation exposure and suggests ball lightning as a possible explanation, while Dr. Sawyer describes the symptoms as characteristic of burns, potentially from radiation, microwaves, or X-rays. The incident is considered a significant early report of direct contact with an unknown phenomenon.

Kansas UFO Reports

This section compiles UFO sightings in Kansas, including those in Dighton, where a 'round, red-orange and white light' was repeatedly observed. The object was seen by the Chief of Police and residents, and was reported to move when investigated. Reports also mention sightings in Hays, Russell, Plainville, Stockton, Ellis, Phillipsburg, Great Bend, Lyons, McPherson, Colby, Gem, and Oakville.

Newsman Sights UFO

Peter Reich, aerospace writer for Chicago Today, describes an object he observed on July 19, 1972, over Lake Michigan. He described it as a blinking red light moving from north to southeast at an estimated speed of 600 miles per hour, disappearing after a sharp reversal of course.

"Mother Ship" Over Perth

A report from Perth, West Australia, describes a small UFO leaving the ground and joining a large, delta-shaped craft. Professional photographer Graeme Harris claimed to have photographed the event.

Press Reports

This section begins a new feature listing UFO reports received by APRO, providing only the date and location for most sightings, with outstanding ones receiving more detail. Examples include sightings in Pennsylvania, Australia, Canada, Oregon, Illinois, Kansas, and Texas.

Soccer Crowd Observes UFO Formation

On July 26, 1972, two thousand Brazilians witnessed eight unidentified glowing orange objects pass over a soccer field in Campos, interrupting the game.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, close encounters, and physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and analysis, seeking to understand these phenomena through scientific consultation and the collection of detailed reports. The organization emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting and data collection, as evidenced by the introduction of the Staff Librarian role and the ongoing effort to update case files. There is a cautious approach to speculation, particularly regarding extraterrestrial origins, preferring to explore natural explanations or unknown phenomena first, as seen in the analysis of the 1886 Venezuelan incident. The publication also highlights the challenges of operating with a limited budget and staff, urging members to be concise in their communications.