APRO Bulletin - 1977 05 00 - Vol 25 No 11

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, Volume 25, Number 11, dated May 1977, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO). The issue features a cover story on a UFO photographed in Mexico, along with articles on APRO's research reorganization, the passing of UFO skeptic Donald Menzel, and the results of a Dutch opinion poll on UFO beliefs.

UFO Radio Program Information Needed

This section addresses issues with the 'UFO REPORT' radio program series produced by APRO. The series, distributed by Hollywood syndicators Creative Radio Shows, headed by Mr. Darwin Lamm, was intended to educate and inform. However, APRO and its Public Relations Director, Hal Starr, have not received any payment for the approximately 200 program masters delivered. It is suspected that Creative Radio Shows may have "ripped off" APRO. Some radio stations reportedly experienced problems with the service, broadcast more programs than reported, or carried the series without APRO's knowledge. Consequently, APRO is no longer associated with Creative Radio Shows and is appealing to its members to recall any broadcasts they may have heard, providing dates, station call letters, and cities to aid in pursuing efforts against the syndicator.

UFO Photographed In Mexico

This article details an incident on November 3, 1973, involving Mr. and Mrs. Jimenez, their son, and their nurse, who witnessed and photographed a UFO near Cocoyoc, Mexico. The object, described as pear-shaped and shiny, stopped in midair. Mr. Jimenez took three photos using a Minolta SRT 101 camera with 50mm and 135mm lenses. The object then descended and landed using tentacle-like appendages. The witnesses were frightened and left the area at high speed. The negatives were later examined by Robert Padilla of Kodak Mexico, who deemed them genuine, citing the consistent film emulsion, a minor damage indicative of sequential use, and a cloud formation serving as a reference for the object's descent. The article notes that the camera's shutter adjustment caused a slight shadow on the negatives, appearing in all photos, confirming sequential use. The adjustment of the lens aperture for photos two and three made them brighter than the first. APRO is seeking further information about similar sightings and is trying to locate two children who may have witnessed the event.

Hoax and APRO Research Reorganization

This section begins with a letter from Dennis Hauck, editor of Official UFO magazine, informing that the magazine's July 1977 cover story was a hoax perpetrated by its publisher, Myron Fass. APRO champions self-policing in UFO research and commends Hauck's disclosure. The bulletin advises members not to support magazines that deliberately publish hoaxes.

The second part of this section announces a major reorganization of APRO's research effort, the first in fifteen years. The new system will group UFO research into specialized subject-area committees, inspired by NICAP's Occupants Panel. This system will supplement, not replace, APRO's Scientific Consulting Panel. The goal is to encourage and motivate individual members to contribute to UFO knowledge. Each committee member will have access to contact information for other members. Applications are open to all APRO members, field investigators, scientific consultants, and independent researchers, with decisions based on a questionnaire.

Donald Menzel Dead

This article reports the death of Dr. Donald H. Menzel, an eminent solar physicist and a notable UFO skeptic, on December 14, 1976, at the age of 75. Menzel pioneered the application of quantum mechanics to astrophysics and had a distinguished career at Lick Observatory and Harvard College Observatory. He was known for offering the temperature inversion as an explanation for most UFOs and authored three books debunking UFOs. The article mentions his contributions to the development of a coronagraph and a solar observatory.

New Consultant

Dr. L. K. Lepley is introduced as APRO's newest addition to the Scientific Consulting Staff. His extensive background includes degrees in Geological Engineering, Oceanography, and Geo-physics and Geosciences. He has published papers and holds five inventions. He is currently an Independent Consultant in Economic Remote Sensing in Tucson, Arizona.

1976 Dutch Opinion Poll

• This section presents the results of a UFO opinion poll conducted in Holland in July 1976 among 1800 respondents. Key findings include:
• 59% had heard of the term UFO, and 99% had heard of 'flying saucer'.
• Only 22% believed UFOs were extraterrestrial spaceships, but 77% believed in extraterrestrial intelligences.
• Possible explanations for flying saucers included celestial bodies (38%), fantasy/suggestion (44%), natural phenomena (39%), mirages (32%), and secret missiles (3%).
• 68% believed UFOs are seen in Holland.
• 39% believed the Dutch Air Force investigates UFOs, while 51% said no.
• Only 0.3% admitted to having seen a UFO, contrasting with a U.S. Gallup Poll of 15 million Americans.
• 44% felt people were afraid to report UFOs, but 78% would report a sighting.
• Reporting preferences included police (46%), Air Force (25%), and observatories (8%).

Letters

A letter from Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., an APRO Consultant, expresses skepticism about the 'Kentucky abduction case' reported in a previous bulletin. Dr. Blaylock questions the credibility of the abducted man's story due to his stated interest in psychic phenomena and the peculiar circumstances described, suggesting the story might have been concocted.

Book Review: THE UFO ENIGMA

Stanton T. Friedman reviews 'The UFO Enigma' by Donald H. Menzel and Ernest H. Taves. Friedman criticizes the book for its negative portrayal of UFOs, describing it as character assassination and misrepresentation rather than a scientific explanation. He notes that much of the book discusses atmospheric physics and identified flying objects, with few UFO-related photos or relevant scientific sources cited. Friedman argues that the book fails to address key aspects of UFO phenomena and relies on unscientific techniques, similar to those used by Philip Klass. He concludes that the book is suitable for those interested in atmospheric physics but not as a definitive explanation of UFOs.

Cosmic Voyeurs

This section presents two historical cases of unusual encounters. The first involves a night visitor described in the 'Cosmic' section (continued from page three) who appeared to two young men in the mountains of California in 1887. The visitor, described as an Indian woman with specific adornments, beckoned to them before disappearing. The second case, also from the 'Cosmic' section (continued from page five), describes an encounter with a bright phosphorescent light and a voice calling 'Neeneeahl Neeneeahl' near a cliff in a remote region, attributed to an old Indian tradition.

Research

This article, continuing from page one, outlines the criteria for selecting committee members for APRO's research reorganization. Qualities sought include initiative, original and creative thinking, critical thinking, and careful, thoughtful research. Subject areas are not predetermined but will emerge from member applications. Committees will consist of members and a coordinator, with the coordinator responsible for maintaining files, reporting progress, and preserving committee integrity. The structure is flexible, allowing committees to appoint officers and draft their own procedures. Membership can be gained through committee appointment or the initial application process. Committee activities may include meetings, newsletters, field expeditions, and conference calls. APRO's new offset printing press can assist with printing committee journals, with costs borne by the committee. The article includes a questionnaire for potential participants interested in the UFO research system, seeking details on name, address, phone number, age, sex, occupation, education, background, publications, field of interest, and potential contributions. It also asks if the applicant is interested in serving as a Committee Coordinator. Answers should be mailed to Brad C. Sparks in Berkeley, California.

APRO Visited By Nippon TV

Jun-ichi Yaoi, a writer-director-producer for Nippon TV, interviewed Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen at the APRO office for a Japanese UFO feature.

Pilot Sights Blinding UFO

An Agence France-Press release from Bogota, Colombia, reports that on May 8, 1977, a Colombian pilot claimed to be blinded by a UFO. The pilot circled Bogota for two hours before being helped to a landing. Four aircraft assisted in guiding him to the airport, and he was taken to a military hospital. Further details were pending.

Lorenzen in Canada for TV Appearance

In January 1977, Mr. Lorenzen and Travis Walton appeared on the panel show 'Connection' in Ottawa, Canada, to discuss UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently advocates for rigorous, self-policing UFO research, emphasizing the importance of disclosing not only potential frauds but also inept investigations. The organization appears committed to a scientific approach, as evidenced by its Scientific Consulting Panel and the new committee system designed to foster detailed research. The publication also highlights the need for accurate reporting and the debunking of sensationalism, as seen in the critique of Donald Menzel's book and the concern over hoaxes in UFO literature. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking factual evidence, and encouraging member participation in advancing the understanding of UFO phenomena, while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims and potentially fraudulent activities within the field.