APRO Bulletin - 1977 06 00 - Vol 25 No 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated June 1977, Volume 25, Number 12, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. It features a cover headline about "Needle-Shaped Cloud-Like UFOs" and a significant article debunking the MUFON analysis of the Sedona photograph. The magazine covers a range of UFO-related topics, including eyewitness accounts, analysis of photographic evidence, historical cases, and discussions on the credibility of sources.

Notice: Metric System Conversion

A letter from Michael Koy highlights the ongoing conversion of the United States to the metric system and expresses concern that The Bulletin does not provide metric equivalents for UFO descriptions. Koy suggests that The Bulletin should include metric equivalents in parentheses for a transitional period to educate readers. He also recommends rounding metric measurements to the nearest whole number for practical descriptions. The magazine includes a conversion table for common units.

Needle-Shaped Cloud-Like UFOs

By Wendelle Stevens, this article details sightings of strange objects over Phoenix, Arizona, on May 12, 1977. Multiple witnesses observed objects described as needle-shaped, cloud-like, or elongated ovals. Ms. Evelyn McGurk first noticed an object resembling a short contrail. She alerted Mr. Jacques de Beve, who then informed Mr. Lee Elders. Other witnesses included Mrs. Ilse Schrott, Mr. Tom Welch, and Mr. Vance Irwin. Photographs were taken by Lee Elders and Tom Welch. The objects were described as moving sideways, ascending, descending, and changing size. Bruce Zimner also reported similar needle-shaped cloud phenomena northwest of Tucson, observing them for over two and a half hours. The article suggests these sightings indicate a new type of UFO operating in the atmosphere.

The MUFON Analysis of the Sedona Photograph: A Rebuttal

By Jan F. Herr, an APRO Field Investigator, this article critically analyzes the MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) evaluation of the famous Sedona, Arizona UFO photograph taken in 1967. Herr strongly refutes the MUFON analyst's conclusion that the photograph is a lens reflection. He argues that the Kodak "Holiday 127" camera used, with its single lens, cannot produce such reflections. Herr also criticizes the MUFON analyst's understanding of computer enhancement techniques, particularly the interpretation of "pixels" and "photographic density." He asserts that photographic density is not related to physical density and that the MUFON analyst's claims about "object density" and "cross-sectional geometry" derived from color contouring are erroneous. Herr concludes that the Sedona photograph is a valuable piece of evidence despite, not because of, the MUFON "computer analysis." The editor's note provides background on the original photograph, taken by C. D. Ghormley.

Analysis (Continued)

This section continues the critique of the MUFON analysis. It elaborates on the misconceptions regarding photographic density versus physical density, explaining that density relates to film exposure, not the object's matter per volume. The article dismisses the idea that an object can be made less dense by painting it white. It further debunks the claim that the cursor used in enhancement reveals the object's "real shape" or "substance," stating its function is solely to plot brightness levels. The analysis also refutes the assertion that photographing a fast-moving object is impossible, citing examples like artificial satellites. Finally, it dismisses the MUFON analyst's judgment based on "irregular geometry" as illogical.

UFO Reported By NASA Engineer

This article recounts a sighting by Mr. Paul Hill, a highly qualified technical witness and APRO Field Investigator, who was an employee of NASA's Langley Research Center. In 1962, during a stormy afternoon in Hampton, Virginia, Hill observed a "fat aluminum or metallic-colored 'fuselage'" approaching from the rear. Described as nearly the size of a small freighter but shaped like a dirigible, it was at an altitude of about 1000 feet. The object moved slowly, then accelerated rapidly, emitting a "straw-yellow, or pale flame-colored wake or plume." It ascended at an angle and disappeared into the cloud layer in an estimated four seconds, covering five miles. Hill estimates the acceleration to be 100 times earth gravity and the speed at disappearance to be 8900 mph. The object was completely silent. The article requests information from any other witnesses to this event.

Revelations in 1897 Kansas 'Calfnapping'

This piece investigates the historical "calfnapping" incident from April 23, 1897, reported in the Yates Center Farmer's Advocate. The story involved Alexander Hamilton and his son observing an airship descending and six strange beings taking a calf. The article presents evidence, including a letter from Ed F. Hudson (the 1897 editor), and a conversation with Elizabeth Hamilton Linde (Alexander Hamilton's granddaughter), that this incident was a hoax concocted by Hamilton, Hudson, and others as a "Liar's Club" story. The persistent efforts of writer Jerome Clark are credited with resolving this long-discussed episode.

New Information on Mantell Case

This section presents a transcript of a conversation between Mr. William E. Jones, an APRO Field Investigator and attorney, and Mr. Jack Pickering, regarding the Captain Mantell case. Pickering, who had 2 years of college, an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, and 4 years in the Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller and instrument flying instructor, recounts his sighting on the night Captain Mantell was killed. While working at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Pickering observed a large, round, red object descend through the overcast. He describes it as not being an aircraft and notes its silent operation and maneuvering. The object hovered and circled before rising again. The conversation is continued in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes critical analysis and the pursuit of truth in UFO research. The critique of the MUFON analysis highlights the importance of rigorous scientific methodology and the dangers of misinterpretation. The debunking of the Kansas calfnapping incident underscores the need to separate genuine UFO incidents from hoaxes. The advocacy for the metric system reflects a forward-looking approach to reporting. The overall stance appears to be one of promoting credible research, exposing misinformation, and encouraging detailed, accurate reporting within the UFO community.