APRO Bulletin - 1976 05 00 - Vol 24 No 11

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, Volume 24, Number 11, published in May 1976, is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.). This issue features articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and research, with a focus on correlating reports and examining the nature of UFO observation.

UFO Submerged in N.Y. Lake

This article details a sighting by 14-year-old Brad Condon on August 1, 1975, near Trinity Lake, California. Condon observed an orange-glowing spherical object that changed direction and circled the lake. It then descended slowly, emitting a nauseating odor, and submerged into the water without a splash. The object was initially orange but turned white, and its descent was so slow it was barely perceptible. The incident occurred around 8:25 p.m. and lasted until 8:35 p.m. Field Investigator Ronald Simjian investigated the case, and Condon provided an affidavit regarding his emotional state after the experience. The accompanying photo shows the relative size of the object as it entered the water.

1973 Reports Correlate

This section, by Field Investigator Donald Worley of Indiana and Field Investigator Lee Trenholm of Boulder, Colorado, highlights a correlation between UFO reports from Indiana and Colorado in the fall of 1973. Two specific incidents are detailed:

1. Laurel, Indiana (October 11, 1973, 7:30 p.m.): Joel Burns, Randi Stevens, and three friends observed an object hovering over trees. They described it as two saucers joined at the rim with a compartment on the bottom, featuring a flat, round area with white fluorescent lines divided into thirds, each containing a small circle. The object made a buzzing noise and constantly 'jiggled' before speeding off within 3 seconds after a truck driver blew his air horn.
2. Connersville, Indiana (October 11, 1973, 4:40 p.m.): Terry Eversole and his sister, along with a neighbor, observed a similar object hovering over trees. It was described as silver with an oval shape and a dome on top. No sound was heard due to stereo playing.

The article notes that while these cases might not be striking individually, their combined similarities suggest an interesting new correlation.

Strange Phenomenon in Washington

Reported by W. J. Vogel, APRO Field Investigator, this incident occurred on the night of May 8-9, 1976, at the residence of Mr. Al Barnes near Toppenish, Washington. Mr. Barnes's driveway had two vehicles parked side-by-side. His two German Shepherd dogs, normally very alert, made no response throughout the night. On the morning of May 9th, Mr. Barnes discovered strange markings on his vehicles, described as round tracks with decreasing diameter circles. These tracks were scattered across the fenders, hoods, and windshields, and were not in a straight line. Many tracks had strands of what appeared to be dog hair clinging to them. The article notes that no known living animal makes such tracks. On the night of May 9-10, Mr. Barnes's dogs were restless and barked continuously, looking into the dark.

The Veracity of UFO Observers

By Jerry N. Williamson, Field Investigator, this article discusses the tendency to cast suspicion on UFO observers who are well-acquainted with the subject. Williamson argues that this is an absurd criterion, as prior knowledge of UFO literature likely makes an observer better equipped to identify phenomena and rule out conventional explanations. He criticizes the notion that being an 'addict' to the subject implies delusions. Williamson shares his own experience of wanting to see a UFO for over twenty years without success, suggesting that if he were prone to delusions, he would have imagined a sighting by now. He believes this is true for most people who actively follow UFO research.

The Clovis Affair

This section, written by an anonymous author and referencing Mr. Fite (APRO F.I.), discusses the alleged UFO sightings near Clovis, New Mexico, during January 1976. The author, who was a Staff Sergeant in Air Intelligence at Cannon AFB, concluded that most sightings were incorrectly identified natural or man-made subjects. The transparent skies allowed for the observation of stars near the horizon, which could be mistaken for slow-moving UFOs. Familiar constellations also appeared unfamiliar due to the enhanced transparency, obscuring old patterns.

Clovis (Continued)

This continuation discusses a specific observation by Eugene W. Cross, Jr., owner of CROSS OPTICS. Cross criticizes a telescopist who used excessive magnification (over 400X on a 2.4-inch refractor) to observe the planet Saturn, mistakenly identifying it as an elliptical UFO with two dark spots or 'windows'. Cross argues that such high magnification reduces image definition and that the telescopist's observation was a significant step backward in astronomical knowledge.

Submerged (Continued from Page One)

This section continues the account of Brad Condon's sighting at Trinity Lake. After circling, the object stopped abruptly and began a slow vertical descent, changing from orange to white. It settled onto the lake's surface, emitting a hissing sound. The object submerged completely in about two minutes. Mr. Simjian's investigation included an affidavit from Condon regarding his agitation. The accompanying photo shows the approximate size of the object as it touched the water. This report is noted as one of the few growing reports of UFOs entering bodies of water.

1973 (Continued from Page One)

This part of the article continues the discussion of the 1973 UFO wave, focusing on sightings that described objects with round bottoms divided into three segments, either by markings or lights. It then details a sighting by Mr. and Mrs. Allen Robbins in Boulder, Colorado, on January 23, 1976. Mrs. Robbins observed a mass of lights approaching at a steady speed, too bright and numerous to be aircraft. Mr. Robbins, an experienced pilot, confirmed the observation. They described the object as a pie cut in perfect thirds, with numerous brilliant lights in a 'Y' shape. The sighting lasted about 2 to 3 minutes, and the object moved southeast before blinking out.

1973 (Continued from Page Three)

This section continues the report on the Robbins sighting and adds another from Mrs. Judy Ruth of Broomfield, Colorado. Mrs. Ruth saw an orange-colored light moving horizontally at a rapid speed, which suddenly switched off. The Robbins sighting occurred around 10:20 p.m. and lasted 2-3 minutes. The article suggests Mrs. Ruth might have seen a plane landing or taking off. It reiterates that several reports from the same month and year (fall 1973) share similar apparent configurations (disc shape) and markings, marking it as a significant point in UFO research.

Strange (Continued from Page One)

This section continues the description of the markings found on Mr. Barnes's vehicles in Washington. The tracks were perfectly round with decreasing diameter circles. The article notes that many tracks had dog hair clinging to them. On the night of May 9-10, 1976, Mr. Barnes's dogs were restless and barked continuously, indicating a possible unusual event.

1975 UFO Wave in Arizona

By Raymond Jordan, APRO Field Investigator, this article details sightings from May 6, 1975, in Arizona. Several witnesses reported seeing a large, bright glow or an egg-shaped/oval glow with diffused light. The object was described as moving west to south and was approximately 30° in elevation. The incident lasted about two minutes. A related incident involved five large bats flying erratically into windows and trees after the UFO departed, followed by Mrs. Beardsley's telephone line going dead for about half an hour.

Other sightings from May 6, 1975, in the Sedona area include:

• Bill Norman: Observed a large, bright glow west of Sedona, initially thought to be ballpark lights, which resolved into an egg-shaped or oval glow moving west to south.
• Fletcher Brannock and daughter: Saw a bright white light moving rapidly south, which developed a halo and disappeared.
• John Spencer and Jeff Audilette: Witnessed a big bright cloud with a nebulous light moving rapidly from north to south near Oak Creek.
• 'Stretch' Maiden, Dorothy Kostishak, and Dede: Observed a beam of light resembling a searchlight, which developed into a round-topped bright cloud, described as like the top of a mushroom-shaped cloud.

On May 23, 1975, two more sightings occurred:

• Mrs. Evelyn Thompson: Saw an 'upside-down bottle' outlined with blue lights travelling from west to east below Gray Back Mountain.
• Mrs. Marguerite Hooper and Bill Bell: Observed a horizontal silver tube with a coral light moving swiftly from east to west, emitting puffs of light.

The article notes that these sightings occurred within a short time frame and in the same general direction.

UFO Research in Russia

By James D. White, this article summarizes a report on unidentified flying objects in the Soviet Union, made available to APRO anonymously. The report indicates that UFOs have largely ignored the Soviet Union, similar to other national barriers. Key disclosures concern Russian investigative approaches. The study is based on interviews with top Soviet scientists. It highlights parallels between UFO investigation in the Soviet Union and the United States, including public skepticism from the scientific establishment, but determined minorities pursuing research. The year 1968 was significant for both countries, with the Condon Committee Report in the US and a high-level UFO study committee in the Soviet Union led by Dr. Felix Y. Zigel. While the Condon Committee concluded UFOs were not worth further study, the Zigel Committee functioned for three months before being disbanded, with official media declaring UFOs did not exist. However, Zigel continued his research, writing books documenting cases. The article notes that while little information reaches the Russian public, the study continues. Zigel hypothesizes that UFOs are probes of extraterrestrial origin, possibly functioning in higher dimensions. He expresses interest in 'angel hair' samples, which analysis shows have an atomic weight less than 12. The report mentions that Zigel's strict investigative criteria are necessary to maintain his credibility, given the limited number of cases he presents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed reports of UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and witness testimony. The editorial stance, as articulated by Jerry N. Williamson, strongly advocates for the validity of UFO observers who have studied the subject, challenging the notion that such knowledge equates to delusion. The magazine aims to contribute to the eventual solution of the UFO phenomenon by collecting and analyzing reports, fostering a community of researchers, and publishing findings. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor in reporting and investigation, as seen in the detailed accounts and the discussion of investigative methods in both US and Soviet contexts. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by researchers in gaining acceptance and disseminating information, both publicly and within scientific communities.