APRO Bulletin - 1974 11 00 - November-December

Magazine Overview

THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, Volume 23, Number 3, dated November-December 1974, is an official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.), a non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects. The issue is edited by Coral E. Lorenzen and features contributions from various researchers and consultants.

Robots In Quebec, Canada

This article, contributed by Field Investigator Wido Hoville, details a strange report from Mr. and Mrs. L. who returned from a holiday in Florida on July 22, 1974. While in their house trailer near St. Cyrille, Quebec, late on the night of July 25th, Mr. L. heard a strange sound and saw a reddish-orange object hovering over a field. He then observed a robot-like creature, about 6 feet tall, near the trailer. He and his wife then saw three more "robots" examining an adjoining trailer. The observation lasted until 4:20 a.m., during which time they saw approximately 15 robots. The robots moved stiffly and as one unit, giving the impression they were remote-controlled. The L.s also reported finding landing traces in the grass, which was not burned but swirled. A sample of a strange whitish substance found near the robots was sent for metallurgical analysis.

That NBC Special

This section notes that the issue's late arrival was due to a high volume of mail and telephone calls following the airing of an NBC News Special on UFOs on December 15th. Both the Lorenzen home phone and the APRO office extension received numerous calls from individuals seeking information about joining APRO, as well as from radio and TV stations requesting interviews. The mail volume increased significantly, with 150 pieces received on December 24th, compared to the usual average of 50 per day.

Santa Catalina Filmclip

Authored by R. Michael Rasmussen, this article discusses a filmclip showing a clearly defined disc-like object in flight, which was presented at a San Diego UFO Research Organization (SDUFORO) meeting. The filmclip, lasting about 11 seconds, was shot on April 15, 1966, at 9:30 a.m., from a helicopter near Santa Catalina island, off the Southern California coast. The photographer, who wished to remain anonymous, initially mistook the object for a blimp. However, changes in direction and viewing angles, along with the object's speed and lack of visible propulsion, convinced him it was a UFO. UFO experts and photographers have analyzed the film and concluded it is a genuine UFO, noting a clear shadow and reflections, and the absence of wings or fins. The object was estimated to be approximately 200 feet in diameter and flew faster than a small private plane but slower than a jet. The filmclip was revealed publicly for the first time at the SDUFORO meeting and was recently shown nationally prior to the television debut of "The Disappearance of Flight 412." An enhancement project is underway using computers to analyze the film.

Rasmussen Named Assistant Editor

This section announces the appointment of R. Michael Rasmussen as Assistant Editor for the APRO Bulletin. Rasmussen, formerly Editor and Publisher of The UFO Reporter, has an A.A. degree and is working towards a B.A. and Master's degree. His interests include witness credibility, the application of scientific methods to UFO study, and the history of UFO enigma. APRO welcomes his contributions.

22 Years Ago In The Bulletin

This section reprints an article from the January, 1953 Bulletin describing a sighting over northern Japan. American airmen and radar observed mysterious flying objects described as rotating clusters of red, white, and green lights. These "flying clusters" were seen near the Kurile Islands and Sakhalin. Fighter pilots and ground personnel observed the objects, which were tracked on radar. The Air Force stated there were "too many indications of the presence of something to be considered an indication of nothing." The objects hung motionless at times and disappeared at blinding speeds. Col. Donald J. M. Blakeslee attempted to intercept one object in a jet but failed. The objects were described as "circular ferris wheels" or disk-shaped with rotating lights. Ground observers watched them for extended periods.

An Analysis Of The Fish Model

By Walter N. Webb, Consultant in Astronomy for APRO. This is a continuation from the Sept.-Oct. Bulletin. Webb discusses Marjorie Fish's analysis of Betty Hill's star map. The analysis focuses on identifying stars that are candidates for life, based on criteria such as being single, non-fluctuating, slowly rotating main-sequence stars between F8 and K1 spectral types. Fish identified 12 stars in a specific pattern that align with the Hill map, including Zeta Reticuli and Zeta2 Reticuli, which are similar to our sun. The article details the exobiological criteria used and discusses the implications of this pattern for interstellar travel and the origin of UFOs. It highlights that the pattern includes a high percentage of stars suitable for life in the solar neighborhood and that the lines connecting them suggest logical travel routes. The article also addresses discrepancies between the drawing and the model, attributing them to Betty Hill's recall and potential inaccuracies in star position calculations. The author concludes that the evidence strongly suggests the pattern is not a hoax and that it provides clues about abductors and their home star.

Analysis (Continued)

This section continues the analysis of Marjorie Fish's work, exploring the implications of the star map for interstellar exploration. It speculates on the possibility of a "galactic federation" and the advantages of such a community. The article outlines a hypothetical scenario of interstellar travel originating from Zeta Reticuli, visiting nearby stars like Zeta2, and potentially establishing a network of exploration. It discusses the possibility of communication with extraterrestrial cultures and the advanced technology of such a race. The author acknowledges the scientific community's lack of recognition for Fish's work, despite its potential significance.

Angular Sighting Estimates and Measurements (Part II)

Authored by Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., this is the second article in a series on standardizing terms and concepts related to UFO sightings. This part focuses on making angular estimates and measurements of aerial objects. Haines explains the concept of "Visual Angle" (VA) and how it can be calculated if the distance and dimension of an object are known. He discusses various visual cues for estimating range and size, such as aerial perspective and linear perspective. The article also introduces terms like "slant range," "altitude," "elevation angle," and "azimuth." Haines emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between physical (stimulus) and psychological (response) aspects of perception and the difficulty of determining "form" details of UFO phenomena. He discusses the use of instruments like sextants and theodolites for measuring angles and suggests methods for creating homemade instruments. The article concludes with advice on avoiding absolute measurement terms in reports and the importance of reporting average values and variability.

Estimates (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on angular measurements and estimates. It stresses the need for precise and consistent terminology in UFO reports to gain scientific credibility. The author advises using terms like "about," "approximately," and "plus and minus" when precise measurements are not available. The article also touches upon the difficulty of obtaining accurate data due to the fleeting nature of UFO phenomena and the value of photographic evidence. It reiterates the importance of distinguishing between "form" and "shape" in describing objects. The section also references technical literature on illusions and perceptual principles.

Catalina (Continued)

This section continues the description of the Santa Catalina filmclip. It elaborates on the object's appearance, noting its oval-disc shape and lack of visible fins or apparatus. The speed was too great for a blimp. The photographer had difficulty following the UFO due to the helicopter's structure. The analysis by UFO experts and photographers confirms the object is a genuine UFO, not a misinterpretation. The article mentions that the filmclip was revealed publicly for the first time at the SDUFORO meeting and that an enhancement project is underway.

NBC (Continued)

This part of the NBC Special coverage identifies some of the APRO staff members who appeared or were represented in the program. Mrs. Sheila Kudrle (office manager), Mrs. Madeleine Cooper (membership secretary), Mrs. Sue Hutchinson (volunteer file clerk), and Mrs. Elizabeth Darr (clerk-typist) are mentioned. The U.S. map with colored pins, depicting the distribution of APRO Field Investigators and Consultants, was also shown. The article also includes advertisements for UFO books and a UFO bibliography from Rasmussen Publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed case reports, scientific analysis of UFO phenomena, and the promotion of rigorous investigative standards. This issue highlights a specific sighting with potential evidence of non-human intelligence ('robots'), a detailed scientific analysis of a purported alien star map, and practical guidance for UFO field investigators. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, scientific inquiry into UFOs, aiming to move the subject from the realm of speculation to that of verifiable data. The organization actively collects and disseminates information, encourages membership, and collaborates with other research groups. The emphasis on witness credibility, scientific method, and detailed analysis is evident throughout the publication.