APRO Bulletin - 1977 09 00 - Vol 26 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. 26, No. 3
Date: September, 1977
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC.

Cover Story: Airline Crew Spots UFO Over Russia

The cover of this issue highlights a report on an unusual aerial phenomenon observed over Petrozavodsk, Russia, on September 20, 1977. The Soviet News Agency Tass reported a 'huge star' that moved slowly, emitting light impulses and resembling a jellyfish before turning into a bright red semicircle. The event lasted between 10 and 12 minutes. The director of the Petrozavodsk meteorological observatory stated that no technical experiments or unusual weather phenomena were occurring at the time, and that such events had never been registered before.

Simultaneously, a bright ball of fire was seen over Helsinki, Finland, for four minutes, with speculation that it might have been a re-entering rocket stage.

France Establishes Official UFO Study Group

The bulletin announces that France has created an official UFO study group named GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Non-identifies) under the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES). GEPAN will involve members from major government research organizations, including the National Center for Scientific Research and the Astrophysical Institute. Claude Poher, who heads the Astronomy Department at CNES, will direct GEPAN.

Book Review: "Abducted!" by Coral and Jim Lorenzen

A new book by Coral and Jim Lorenzen, titled "Abducted!", is featured. The book focuses on accounts and discussions of CE4 type cases (abductions). Royalties from its sale are directed to the A.P.R.O. treasury. Readers are encouraged to ask their bookstores to stock the book, noting that the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is expected to boost its sales.

"Airline Crew Spots UFO" by Dave Kenney

This article details a sighting by the crew of Continental Airlines Flight 954 on September 22, 1977. While en route from El Paso to Miami, Captain George Didlake and his co-pilot observed an elongated object with illuminated windows overtaking their DC-10 at high speed. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 12-14,000 feet and moving at a speed that Captain Didlake described as 'almost beyond comprehension,' comparing it to a time-lapse film. Second Officer Russ Goodenough also witnessed the object. It later reappeared above a cloud layer, climbing at a 45-degree angle before diminishing and disappearing. Captain Didlake felt the object was intelligently controlled and had a deliberate purpose. The article also mentions a separate UFO report received by Houston Center around the same time and another sighting by Continental Flight 99 and Flight 405 on October 10.

Photo Search

APRO is assisting in compiling material for the "ENCYCLOPEDIA OF UFOS" to be published by Doubleday & Co. They are requesting descriptions of photos of notable UFO personalities or UFOs themselves, with a modest fee and credit offered for usable submissions.

Guest Editorial: The "Irrationalist" Trend in UFO Research

This section features an editorial from Neil Huth, Editor of "UFO Encounter," expressing concern over a growing 'irrationalist' trend in UFO research. Huth criticizes the embrace of pseudo-scientific hypotheses, quasi-religious cults, and 'isms' that he believes obscure the truth about UFOs. He argues that this trend is a threat to serious research and that some UFO organizations are being 'duped' into promoting these ideas. Huth emphasizes the importance of dedicated individuals and organizations in counteracting this trend.

Book Review: "Situation Red, The UFO Siege!" by Leonard H. Stringfield

Reviewed by A. BENZ, this book is described as a personalized narrative of Leonard H. Stringfield's involvement in ufology, focusing on "incredible UFO reports made by credible people." Stringfield is presented as a proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). The review highlights chapters 8 and 9, which discuss the intent of 'ufonauts' and the secrecy surrounding UFO data, suggesting that 'ufonauts' may have little concern for human life and that UFO behavior indicates a military strike force. The review also mentions information about UFO data being classified as 'above Top Secret' and quotes former CIA Director Allen Dulles on the existence of maximum security concerning UFOs.

Amateur Astronomer Observes UFO

Jimmy Boyd of McAllen, Texas, reports an observation on February 18, 1977. While using binoculars to search for the moon, he spotted a bright starlike object. Using an 8-inch Cassegrain telescope, he observed the object, which appeared as a round sphere with sharp edges and a bright reddish point of light. He initially mistook it for a planet but ruled this out. The object then moved rapidly to the southeast, brightening as it went. Boyd believes it was a UFO and not a natural phenomenon.

Hypnosis of "Imaginary" Abductees by James A. Harder

This article critically examines a paper by Alvin Lawson that explores the narratives of 'imaginary' abductees created through hypnosis. Harder questions the paper's methodology, particularly the use of hypnotist suggestions to shape the narratives. He points out significant differences between 'real' and 'imaginary' abductees, such as the involuntary nature of real experiences, the presence of physical effects, and amnesia. Harder suggests that the similarity in 'imaginary' narratives may be due to the hypnotist's cues and the subjects' preconceptions, potentially influenced by science fiction. He proposes further experiments to investigate the role of hypnosis and potential telepathic influences.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Letter 1 (Robert S. Camburn): Suggests that UFO intrusions into Earth's environment may be deduced from Earth's political and psycho-social weaknesses, particularly post-WWII developments like nuclear bomb testing and rising global tensions. Camburn posits that advanced civilizations might intervene to prevent humanity from destroying itself, potentially through a takeover or by relocating populations.
• Letter 2 (Beatrice M. Zimmer): Comments on the film "Starship Invasions," noting its inclusion of UFO elements and ancient astronaut themes, such as electromagnetic effects, paralysis beams, and abduction for examination.
• Letter 3 (James D. White): Discusses the potential connection between humanity's current state and UFO intrusions, raising questions about why amnesia is imposed during abductions and whether it is an act of 'compassion' or indifference.
• Letter 4 (George W. Earley): Announces that "OFFICIAL UFO" magazine is now using only fictional material and that his "UFO Bookshelf" column has ended.

Mailer Articles and Advertisements

This section includes several reader submissions and announcements:

• A reader expresses concern about a "reprehensible" article on UFOs in the November Reader's Digest and suggests sending comments to the magazine.
• Another reader notes articles on UFOs in the July 14, 1977, New Scientist and suggests responding to them.
• An upcoming roundtable discussion on UFOs in PLAYBOY magazine is mentioned.
• Information is provided about the premiere and national release of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and a request for movie reviews.
• NASA's involvement in investigating the UFO question is noted, with a request for comments and information for Dr. Richard Henry.
• An upheaval within the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal is reported, including the resignation of Marcello Truzzi and the continued activity of its UFO subcommittee.
• An upcoming UFO symposium sponsored by the AIAA is announced.
• Stanton T. Friedman encourages scientists to speak out about UFOs, sharing his positive reception from over 350 college presentations.
• A list of available publications from UFORI (Union City, CA) is provided, including reprints of articles on Zeta Reticuli, UFOs and physics, and symposium proceedings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently addresses the UFO phenomenon from a research-oriented perspective, emphasizing the need for factual investigation and critical analysis. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and 'irrationalist' trends in UFO research, as highlighted in the guest editorial. The publication promotes the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) through book reviews and featured articles, while also exploring complex issues like the psychological aspects of witness testimony and the potential for government secrecy. The overall tone is one of serious inquiry into a significant and often misunderstood subject.