APRO Bulletin - 1973 03 00 - March-April

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated March-April 1973, is the official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (A.P.R.O.). It covers a range of UFO-related reports, investigations, and scientific analyses.

Key Articles and Reports

Occupant Report from Yugoslavia

This section details a report forwarded by Milos Krmelj, APRO's Representative for Yugoslavia. The case involves a 60-year-old innkeeper, Mrs. H, who, on October 7, 1972, witnessed two figures dressed in "sort of white gowns" with black belts and round black caps. The figures were approximately 1 meter (40 inches) in height and were seen walking along the edge of a hill about 30 kilometers from Ljubljana. Mrs. H observed them from a distance of approximately 475 feet. Later, children in the same area reported seeing two "strange creatures" with white hoods and black bodies, moving on hands and knees, and later walking upright. They also mentioned a Fiat 750 vehicle with its lights on behind the figures. Mr. Krmelj's report indicates that this area of Yugoslavia experienced a UFO "flap" in the fall of 1972.

"National Enquirer" Awards $5,000

This article discusses the National Enquirer's contest for UFO evidence. While no entries met the $50,000 criteria for outer space origin, the Durel Johnson family of Delphos, Kansas, was awarded $5,000 for their evidence concerning a toadstool-shaped object that hovered over their farm on May 28, 1972, leaving a mysterious glowing ring in the soil. The panel of experts, including Dr. James A. Harder and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, deemed the case a "major scientific mystery." The soil affected by the object remained dry and powdery, and laboratory analysis of the soil and embedded crystals has been inconclusive.

The Piedmont, Missouri Mess

This section reports on strange flying lights and objects witnessed by residents in and around Piedmont, Missouri, in February 1973. Information from an APRO member suggests more spectacular sightings occurred but were not publicly reported due to publicity concerns. Field Investigators Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Smith investigated a sighting involving basketball coach Reggie Bone and five players on February 21, 1973. They observed four bright lights of different colors (white, amber, blue, red) sitting still at an estimated 50 feet altitude. The shape of the object behind the lights could not be discerned. The article also mentions other cases from Piedmont, including a metallic object seen by Ron Miller and Joe King, a flat, square-topped object emerging from water observed by Mrs. Margorie Cundiff, and a cone-shaped object seen by Earl Turnbaugh. The report criticizes a self-proclaimed UFO "expert" who arrived on the scene, allegedly frightening locals and engaging in self-serving behavior, including attempting to get the local newspaper to pay for a light plane search.

The Sedona "UFO Track" Photo

This article presents an analysis by Dr. James A. Harder of a photograph taken by C. Dwight Ghormley near Sedona, Arizona, on September 23, 1967. Ghormley, a retired schoolteacher with no prior interest in UFOs, photographed what appeared to be a tank-like object. After taking the picture, he noticed a cloud of smoke or dust where the object had been. The photograph captured a sequence of distinct images, which Dr. Harder suggests could be due to a flashing light source or the object rapidly slowing down and stopping. Calculations based on the image suggest the object was moving at approximately 24,000 feet per second (16,000 miles per hour). The article emphasizes that while the photo may not definitively prove UFO existence, it offers valuable data for understanding UFO propulsion and behavior. The authenticity of the photograph is well-established.

Space Probe From Epsilon Bootis

This section summarizes an article by Mr. Duncan Lunan published in Spaceflight Magazine concerning long delayed radio echoes recorded in the 1920s. Lunan interprets these echoes as potential communication from an extraterrestrial space probe originating from the double star Epsilon Bootis. He suggests the probe may have been attempting to make contact by returning Earth's own signals and that its arrival could have been 13,000 years ago. The article discusses the data used, including signals from Norwegian, Dutch, and French experimenters, and the interpretation of these signals as a code, possibly representing star maps. The author invites readers to consider the reality of the echoes and the validity of Lunan's interpretation.

Celestial Events - June/July, 1973

This section provides astronomical information for June and July 1973, detailing the positions and magnitudes of Jupiter, Venus, and Mars. It also lists major meteor showers occurring during this period, including the Delta Aquarids, and provides tables for astronomical ephemeris and moon phases.

Iowa Fireball

This report discusses the "Iowa Fireball" of 1969, initially identified as a daytime meteor by most witnesses. However, about two years later, NICAP interviewed a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controller who believed the objects were UFOs. The article critiques this re-interpretation, suggesting that reliance on a single witness interviewed long after the event and a description that did not match known phenomena led to the misclassification.

Corrections and Apology

The issue includes a correction regarding a previous article's reference to the United Nations and COSPAR. It also contains an apology for the late mailing of the January-February 1973 Bulletin due to an influenza epidemic affecting headquarters staff.

Organizational News and Notes

This section highlights APRO's activities beyond UFO investigations, including Dr. Robert Creegan teaching a course on "Disputed Borders of Science" and another Ufology course offered by Mr. Everett R. Walter. It also mentions lectures by Mr. Leon Bonotaux and Donald R. Todd. The resignation of Richard Greenwell, Assistant Director, is announced, with Mrs. Sheila Kudrle taking over as New Office Manager. Mr. Walter N. Webb is welcomed as a new Consultant in Astronomy.

New Policy

APRO announces a new policy for the Bulletin, starting with the July-August 1973 issue, to include scientifically-based research and data from individuals outside of APRO membership. Submissions will be subject to evaluation by scientific consultants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings and alleged occupant encounters, scientific analysis of photographic and physical evidence, and the exploration of theoretical concepts such as extraterrestrial probes. The editorial stance, as indicated by Dr. J.A. Hynek's quote and the critique of the Piedmont "expert," emphasizes caution regarding single-witness reports and a preference for scientifically sound investigations over sensationalism. The organization actively seeks to gather, investigate, and disseminate information on UFO phenomena, encouraging contributions from a wider scientific community.