APRO Bulletin - 1973 01 00 - January-Februari

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: VOL. 21, NO. 4
Date: JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1973
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION INC. (A.P.R.O.)

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc., delves into various aspects of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features discussions on extraterrestrial communication, potential alien probes, detailed sighting reports from around the world, and scientific analysis of UFO evidence.

Communications With Extraterrestrials Discussed

The issue begins with a summary of a two-page condensation from the January 1973 issue of 'Astronautics and Aeronautics'. This article details a panel discussion held at Boston University on 'Life Beyond Earth and the Human Mind'. Participants included anthropologist Ashley Montagu, Krister Stendahl (dean of Harvard Divinity School), Carl Sagan (Cornell University astronomer), George Wald (Harvard biologist), and Philip Morrison (MIT physicist).

Montagu expressed a view that communication with another civilization would likely result in one party being a victim, with humans tending to exploit extraterrestrials due to their history of brutality. Carl Sagan offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that advanced civilizations might impose a 'cosmic quarantine' due to humanity's perceived immaturity, stating, "We are the dumbest communicating civilization in the Galaxy..."

George Wald voiced concerns that receiving answers from superior beings could stifle human enterprise, likening it to a 'dog to its master' relationship. Sagan, however, saw potential for 'character-building experience' in such communication. Morrison believed communication would follow false starts and that superior civilizations might communicate among themselves in unknown ways, using a different method for introducing new members to their network.

Alien Space Probe Orbiting Earth?

This section reports on an article from The National Enquirer (March 18, 1973) by Malcolm Balfour, which highlights the work of Scottish astronomer Duncan Lunan. Lunan claims to have found evidence of an alien space probe orbiting Earth at lunar distance. He analyzed unidentified echoes from space, picked up in the 1920s, which returned in delayed sets, suggesting an object far beyond the ionosphere. Lunan deduced the object was orbiting Earth at approximately the Moon's distance.

He theorized that these might be intelligent signals and recalled Professor R.N. Bracewell's prediction that a probe might send a map of star constellations. Lunan created a graph of the delayed echoes, finding they formed a map of Epsilon Bootis. He plotted six such star maps, all pointing to Epsilon Bootis, a star 103 light years away, which he assumed was the probe's origin. The British Interplanetary Society announced plans to attempt direct contact with this probe.

Lebanon: Alien Space Probe Over Lebanon

This article details a sighting of an unidentified flying object (UFO) over Baakline, Shuf Province, Lebanon, on August 4, 1972. Professor Walter Hamady, an art professor residing in the U.S., was visiting his uncle's summer home when the event occurred. He, his wife Mary, and his aunt witnessed a bright red light moving 'straight off into space'.

Prior to their arrival, Hamady's cousins reported a power outage and then saw a very bright red star, which they initially thought was Mars. The object emitted a puff of black smoke and moved southwest. Hamady and his wife arrived shortly after and observed the object through binoculars. It was described as having two pairs of binoculars, a Bushnell 7x35 and a Trinovid 8x32. The object was later described as two saucers placed on top of each other with a perpendicular plane of windows. It had warm, yellow lights and a dome. Two lights were visible in the back, one red and one green. The movement was steady, at about the speed of propeller-driven aircraft, with no exhaust, noise, or visible means of propulsion.

Condon Interviewed In Florida

This section covers an interview with Dr. Edward U. Condon, former chief of the University of Colorado UFO Project, published in the Fort Myers News-Press on January 24, 1973. Dr. Condon compared his experience with the Project to being the head of a fire department that only answers false alarms, implying a lack of substance in UFO reports. He made factual errors in recounting the Kenneth Arnold sighting, stating it occurred in 1946 (it was 1947) and that Arnold saw 'a strange light' instead of the nine distinct objects he reported.

Condon admitted that 'there were some things we were never able to explain' but maintained he did not believe in flying saucers. The article also highlights an instance where Condon, as a young newspaper reporter, allegedly manipulated history by using old photos of crowds to create a picture of Armistice Day celebrations when no such photos were available.

Strange Object Found on Moon

A report from Soviet Aerospace (February 19, 1973) describes a 'monolith' found in the Sea of Serenity by the Lunokhod 2 lunar expeditionary module. The object, a 'stone plate', had a smooth surface, unlike other stones in the area, and withstood the 'buggy's pressure of a hundred atmospheres'. Scientists determined the plate was 'much younger' than the surrounding bedrock. Investigations were planned to determine its chemical composition and magnetic properties.

Follow-Ups

This section provides updates on previous reports. Regarding a case near Kuraby, Queensland, Australia, the witness refused to cooperate further, and the local UFO group had little additional information. The Department of Civil Aviation and RAFF reported no radar contact on the night in question.

Report From South Africa and Rhodesia

This extensive report details UFO activity in South Africa and Rhodesia over nine months. Notable cases include:

• July 29, 1972, Umtata, South Africa: A spherical object, 'as big as the full moon', was seen streaking across the sky, changing colors from white to blue to red and trailing sparks.
• July 30, 1973, Durban, South Africa: A bowl-shaped indentation was found in sugar cane fields, with the cane smashed down and pushed outwards, measuring approximately 13 feet in diameter. A second, larger indentation was found nearby.
• August 18, 1972, Mayville, Durban, South Africa: An incident involving a tall figure with a huge head and a single flashing eye, described by witnesses as terrifying.
• August 20-24, 1972, Fort Beaufort, South Africa: A UFO was sighted by multiple witnesses, described as brilliant, dimming, and shrinking.
• August 27, 1972, Kimberley, South Africa: A UFO followed a car for almost 1.5 hours, described as four times the size of a star, changing colors, with rows of lights and a spotlight.
• November 17, 1973, Middelburg, South Africa: A glowing object was seen, from which two meter-tall, man-shaped beings emerged.
• November 19 or 20, Graaf-Reinet, South Africa: Two grey, saucer-shaped objects were seen flying at about a mile distant, described as round on top and flat on the bottom.
• November 21, 1972, Salisbury, Rhodesia: Two separate sightings of dull silver, saucer-shaped objects hovering over a factory, one joining another before speeding off in opposite directions without sound.
• December 19, 1972, Salisbury, Rhodesia: A glowing light was seen over the city, described as a bright headlight, which shot off at high speed after being observed through binoculars.

Photoanalysis Yields Interesting Information

This section, by Dr. James A. Harder, discusses UFO photographs. It references an article in 'Peterson's PHOTOGRAPHIC Magazine' about a UFO photo taken in Oregon on November 22, 1966. The photo showed three distinct images of the UFO, suggesting a stop-and-go mode of operation. The analysis of a photo taken near Sedona, Arizona in 1969 is also mentioned.

Dr. Harder's analysis of a case in Sedona, Arizona, involving a UFO that appeared to move in pulses, suggests that conventional propulsion theories are insufficient. He proposes that momentum is added and subtracted in pulses, implying a mechanism that interacts with cosmological fields. The evidence points away from jet propulsion and towards inertia/gravitation phenomena.

'Flying Christmas Trees' Over Pennsylvania

Residents of Saylors Lake, Pennsylvania, reported seeing strange objects flying over the area on the night of March 1, 1973. Between 7:25 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., 39 round objects, about the size of a child's wading pool, were counted. They moved at low speed, then picked up tremendous speed. The objects were described as looking like a 'Christmas tree flying in the air', with white, red, or blue lights. Air Force officials stated they were not conducting operations in the area and were out of the UFO business. New York Air Traffic Control Center reported they could not track the objects because they were flying too low.

The Case of the Damaged Tennis Court

This case, from November 12, Rosmead, South Africa, describes a damaged tennis court believed to be a UFO landing site. Chunks of asphalt were ripped from the court, and a nearby tree showed signs of scorching. Theories of a gas explosion or whirlwind were discounted. Independent statements from petrol dump guards mentioned observing red lights on the courts and an incandescent light illuminating the dump. A lecturer, E. van Zyl, concluded it was a whirlwind, but the article's editorial comments challenge this explanation, pointing out inconsistencies and the implausibility of a whirlwind causing such damage.

Celestial Events - April/May, 1973

This column provides information on celestial events that might be mistaken for UFOs. It details the prominence of Jupiter and Venus, conjunctions with the Moon, and meteor showers. It also explains how to use astronomical ephemeris data and trigonometric functions to calculate celestial object positions for correlating with UFO sightings.

Aviation Pioneer Talks About UFOs

John Northrup, founder of Northrup Aircraft Company, expressed his belief in UFOs, stating they are flown by scientists from an advanced civilization. He cited a sighting by his chief pilot, Max Stanley. Northrup criticized the University of Colorado's Condon Report as a 'deliberate cover-up'.

Brazilian UFO Congress

This section reports on the Fifth Brazilian UFO Congress held in Sao Paulo on October 21st. Mrs. Irene Granchi, APRO's Field Investigator in Rio de Janeiro, gave a presentation on APRO. Other presentations included UFO sightings in Rio State and case histories investigated by Mrs. Granchi. Hulvio Brant Aleixo presented a colored slide of a UFO matching other descriptions.

Ivan Sanderson Dies

This article announces the passing of Ivan Sanderson, a noted naturalist and writer, on February 19, at the age of 62. Sanderson was known for his books on animals and UFOs, and he founded the Society For The Investigation of the Unexplained. He is remembered for his work in the UFO research field.

Object Sighted In Uganda

A United Press International report from March 5, 1973, details a UFO sighting by President Idi Amin of Uganda on March 3rd. The object was described as falling into Lake Victoria and then taking off like a 'gentle rocket'. Amin called it an object 'of great significance' and 'a sign of good luck'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, aiming to provide detailed accounts of sightings, scientific analysis, and potential explanations. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced technology behind UFOs, while also encouraging rigorous investigation and the elimination of conventional explanations. The publication emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting, photoanalysis, and the collection of data from credible sources, including scientists and officials. There is a clear skepticism towards official reports that dismiss UFO phenomena, as seen in the critique of the Condon Report and the emphasis on 'wheat in the chaff' of sighting reports.

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1973
Volume: 21
Date: January-February 1973

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin delves into several significant UFO/UAP reports and investigations. It begins with a detailed analysis of a sighting by TWA Flight 745 over the Western Pacific on September 22, 1972, exploring the possibility of it being a satellite decay event, specifically referencing the Kosmos 518 and Explorer 44 associated objects. The article meticulously calculates orbital inclinations based on the aircraft's position and heading to determine which object might have been involved.

Primary Analysis Of 22 September 1972 Western Pacific AP1

The article by Brad Sparks examines the conflicting details surrounding a TWA flight sighting on September 22, 1972. It addresses discrepancies in reported times (11 a.m. vs. 11 p.m. Greenwich time) and the flight's origin and destination, clarifying that Flight 745 was flying from Guam to Hong Kong. The analysis focuses on the aircraft's position relative to Okinawa-jima and calculates the potential orbital inclination of an observed object, suggesting that the Kosmos 518-associated object (inclination 72.90) is a more likely candidate than the Explorer 44-associated object (inclination 51.20).

Flap in Alabama

This section details a series of UFO sightings that occurred in the vicinity of Lexington, Alabama, starting on December 27, 1972. Field Investigator Bill Rogers documented 17 reports, presenting six with the best detail. On January 30, Rogers observed a yellowish-orange-white light traveling slowly above treetops. The object, described as between a sphere and an egg in shape, moved up and down, appearing to observe something below. Later, when illuminated by a spotlight, the object exhibited fluttering behavior and triggered a geiger counter, registering 400 volts and 250 milliroentgens. The object's glow would sink and reappear, with the electromagnetic effects correlating with its presence.

Another witness, Philip Nix, reported seeing an egg-shaped, shiny object about 40 feet above his car while driving at 70 mph. The object maintained its distance and speed before disappearing at tremendous speed. Nix also later observed a bright glow moving erratically in a field near his home, which family members also witnessed. The object, described as egg-shaped, faded out suddenly. Weather conditions for these sightings were generally clear with light winds and moderate temperatures.

Field Investigator Bill Rogers conducted a second sighting on February 4 in the Lexington area. He investigated a report of a UFO near Rogersville and Wheeler Dam. Witnesses described a ball of light moving over treetops and then appearing to rise from the water. The object, described as having a piercing white light, moved at high speed towards Huntsville and the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Rogers questioned why a helicopter would be skimming treetops at night. Subsequent checks with the FAA and Huntsville airport revealed no charted helicopter flights from Huntsville.

Press Reports

This section compiles various UFO sightings from around the world:

• December 1972, Florence, Alabama: UFOs were reported for three consecutive nights, with a musical group observing two brightly lit hovering objects near the Jetport turnoff.
• December 7, 1972, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago: A large ball of fire, described as big as Port-of-Spain, split into three balls and disappeared.
• December 22, 1972, Kauhajoki, Finland: Three tall, slim beings with an angular, 'finned' upper body, projecting a shiny light, were seen walking on the side of a road. They made no sound, and no footprints were found.
• January 6, 1973, Kalmar District, Sweden: An undertaker reported seeing a very bright star that moved, disappeared, and then reappeared, sinking toward the sea.
• January 6 and 7, 1973, Oskarshamn, Sweden: A round, brilliant object with an outer circle was observed hovering at various locations, displaying bright lights in yellow, red, blue, and green.
• January 13, 1973, Marion, Wisconsin: A red light, described as saucer-shaped with two large red lights and an 'after-burner', was seen crossing the road and disappearing.
• January 17, 1973, Charlotte, North Carolina to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: A trucker reported being followed by an oval-shaped object with a fluorescent glow, and a photographer obtained a photo of a round, glowing mass.
• January 23, 1973, Chicago, Illinois: A bar of light appeared over Chicago for over an hour, reported by hundreds of residents. Dr. J. Allen Hynek suggested it might resemble an aurora borealis, but conflicting directions made this explanation difficult.
• Mid-February 1973, Monterrey of Asseri, Costa Rica: Two teenagers spotted a cigar-shaped bluish-green object, estimated to be the size of a Volkswagon, which landed near a mountain peak.

On The South American Scene

Jorge E. Parra O., APRO's Representative for Colombia, forwarded translations of three UFO reports:

• February 5, 1973, Huila, Colombia: A bright light illuminated a town, and upon investigation, a circular hole approximately 50 cm in diameter and 2 meters deep was found on a hill, with walls resembling black volcanic rock.
• February 9, 1973, San Andres Island, Colombia: Three cone-shaped objects with opaque yellow lights on top and green lights on the bottom were observed hovering and then flying off in different directions.
• February 21, 1973, Lima, Peru: Numerous individuals reported observing a round, brilliant object at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, which displayed red, yellow, and green lights before flying out to sea and disappearing in a flash.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed investigations into specific UFO sightings, the analysis of potential explanations such as satellite decay, and the compilation of numerous witness reports from various locations. The APRO Bulletin consistently presents eyewitness accounts, investigator findings, and press clippings, aiming to document and analyze anomalous aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and data collection, encouraging further investigation and data sharing within the UFO research community.