APRO Bulletin - 1976 02 00 - Vol 24 No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: the apro bulletin
Issue: VOL. 24, NO. 8
Date: FEBRUARY, 1976
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc.
Country: USA

This issue of the APRO Bulletin delves into several intriguing UFO cases and related topics. The cover story, "LANDING IN NEW JERSEY," details an encounter by George O'Barski, who witnessed a UFO land and its occupants collect soil samples. The bulletin also revisits the Apollo 11 mission, reporting on astronauts' alleged sightings of UFOs on the moon. Other features include a follow-up on the Travis Walton case, a book review critical of demonological explanations for UFOs, and reports on UFO sightings in Rhode Island and historical cases from New Mexico.

UFOs Seen By Apollo II Crew

An informant, Mr. X, who had access to NASA's control room during the Apollo 11 mission, reports that astronauts described seeing three "disc-shaped shadows" pacing them on the moon's surface during their second and third orbits. The transmission was switched from public channels when the astronauts made these observations. Mr. X's father, who worked at NASA, advised him never to reveal this information and indicated that UFOs were a sensitive topic within the organization, with discussions relegated to private spaces due to fears of public panic.

Landing in New Jersey

This article, based on a clipping from "The Village Voice," describes a sighting by George O'Barski, a 72-year-old liquor store owner, in New Jersey in mid-January 1975. O'Barski reported a large, bright, disc-shaped object hovering about 10 feet above the ground. He described occupants descending from the object via a ladder-like apparatus. They were clad in light-colored coveralls and wore helmets that obscured their features. Each carried a "spoon-like device" and a bag. They proceeded to dig soil into the bags before returning to the UFO, which then ascended. O'Barski estimated the object was 30 feet in diameter and 8 feet tall. He later found about 15 small holes, 5-7 inches deep, in the area where the object had landed. The article notes that O'Barski is a meticulous witness, and the journalist Budd Hopkins, who has known him for 17 years, vouches for his careful descriptions.

Follow-Up

This section provides corrections and clarifications regarding the Travis Walton case, referencing the November 1975 Bulletin. It corrects inaccuracies about who noticed the sunset glow (Walton, not Rogers) and the description of the glowing panels on the object (soft gold color, not hot metal). It also clarifies that the dividers were silver, and the dome was white. The overall appearance was of two pie pans put together. The follow-up also addresses details from pages 2 and 3 of the initial report, including the polygraph tests, the duration of the sighting, the clothing of the creatures (orangish-tan), and the movement of controls within the craft. It also corrects the timeline of Dr. Steward's interviews with Travis Walton.

Rhode Island UFO Sighting

This report by APRO Field Investigator Donald R. Todd details two separate but similar sightings in Rhode Island in March 1975. On March 26, Mrs. M. and a companion reported a large, red, crescent-shaped object pacing their car on Route 1. The object changed color and hovered before receding. The next day, March 27, Mrs. Sweet and her daughter Janie reported a large, brilliant, silver-white object pacing their car on the same stretch of road. They described a silvery undercarriage. On March 28, Mrs. M. reported seeing a large, red "star" descend and change color before moving towards the ocean. Several residents and police officers reportedly witnessed the phenomena, but no official reports were filed.

Pre-1947 Reports

This section presents UFO sightings from a New Mexico family, the Mendozas, dating back to 1932. The family reported seeing five bright, rotating disc-shaped objects on Good Friday in 1932. Nine years later, in 1941, the same type of objects were seen again at the same time. In the spring of 1975, another family member reported a similar sighting. These cases are noted for occurring at approximately the same times and paths, suggesting regular overflights of certain areas.

Book Review: UFOs: WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING?

Emerson W. Shideler, APRO Consultant in Philosophy, reviews the book by John Weldon and Zola Levitt. Shideler is highly critical of the book, stating it does not offer a serious answer to the question of UFO phenomena and is not a scholarly contribution. He argues that the book's division into two parts—one presenting UFOs as actual occurrences and the other explaining them as "demon activity"—is flawed. Shideler criticizes the authors' simplistic reading of biblical prophecy and their attempt to link UFOs to demonology, suggesting that this approach does not further the study of UFO phenomena and misrepresents Christianity. He concludes that the book's underlying problem is its conceptual framework and the understanding of the world it presents.

UFO Magazine

This section announces the launch of "Official UFO Report," a nine-times-per-year publication by Countrywide Publications, Inc. The magazine aims to provide reports, theories, columns, and book reviews for UFO enthusiasts. The article notes that many radio stations are showing interest in the "UFO Report" radio series, with hundreds requesting audition records and signing contracts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings and landings, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting and investigation. The publication appears to maintain a stance of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, presenting evidence and witness testimonies without immediate dismissal. However, as seen in the book review, the bulletin is critical of explanations that rely on simplistic demonological interpretations or that misrepresent scientific or religious concepts. The publication also highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The editorial policy aims to provide members with accurate information and to encourage further investigation and clarification of cases.