APRO Bulletin - 1978 03 00 - Vol 26 No 9

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated March 1978, is Volume 26, Number 9. It focuses on UFO phenomena, providing detailed accounts of sightings, investigations, and theoretical discussions. The cover prominently features a case from Phoenix, Arizona, described as a 'Garbage Can Lid' sighting.

Articles and Reports

CE I Case in Phoenix, Arizona: "Garbage Can Lid" Over Arizona

This section details two significant sightings. The first, on March 6, 1978, in Florence, Arizona, involved Mr. Jerry Ysaguerre and his elementary school class observing a dark, metallic gray flat circular object hovering above trees. The object had five equally spaced round markings and two lighter straight lines on its underside. The witnesses were unsure if these were painted on or part of the design.

The second report is a narrative of a multiple-witness close encounter I in Phoenix, Arizona, on the evening of February 2, 1978. The witness, accompanied by his son Bruce and mother Kay Burlingham, observed two lighted, cylindrical objects resembling 'bird-cages' moving erratically. These objects, described as being made of thin silver-colored wires, moved around each other as if revolving around a common pole. Each had a bright light at the bottom that did not illuminate the ground but created a glow. The witness, identified as C. C. M., followed the objects and noted their ascent into the sky. Field Investigator Wendelle Stevens interviewed the witnesses.

The Walton Experience Book Review

This section reviews the book "The Walton Experience" by Travis Walton, published by Berkley Medallion Books. The reviewer, James D. White, highlights it as a landmark in UFO abduction literature, describing it as a lucid and eloquent account of an abduction. The case involved seven U.S. Forest Service contract workers in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Travis Walton was allegedly abducted by UFO occupants after approaching a glowing object. He was missing for five days and reappeared on a highway. The review details the subsequent investigation, including lie detector tests for the crew and polygraph tests for Travis, Duane (Travis's brother), and their mother, all of whom passed. The review also notes a controversy where a Phoenix UFO group accused the case of being a hoax. The book is praised for its human element and thoughtful narration.

More Booms

This brief report mentions mysterious booms that have plagued Charleston, North Carolina, over the past two months. On February 20th, Mrs. George Johnson reported her house shaking and dogs barking. Frank Hunt of WCIV-TV noted the longest boom lasted four seconds. Seismologist Joyce Bagwell stated the booms are acoustical vibrations, not related to earthquakes. An FBI investigation ordered by President Carter is underway.

UFO Related Information from the FBI File

Authored by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, this article delves into the FBI's involvement with UFO investigations, particularly focusing on 'green fireballs'. It explains how, by the fall of 1947, Air Force Intelligence considered 'flying discs' real objects, and by the summer of 1948, many believed they were extraterrestrial. However, this view met resistance, leading to a shift towards explaining phenomena away. The article details the emergence of 'green fireballs' in December 1948, which were concentrated over certain areas like Los Alamos, New Mexico. The FBI was brought in due to concerns about protecting vital installations. The article reproduces an FBI document from January 31, 1949, which provides an overview of the situation, referencing 'Unidentified Aircraft' and 'Project Grudge'. It notes sightings by airline pilots and military personnel, and the involvement of Meteorologist Dr. Lincoln La Paz. The document suggests that phenomena were either unobserved natural phenomena or man-made, with no known scientific experiments producing such results. Later reports indicated that the phenomena might be connected with secret U.S. government experiments, particularly in guided missile development.

Guide to Identifying UFOs

This section, compiled by the Gates Planetarium in Denver, Colorado, offers explanations for common sightings that might be mistaken for UFOs. It categorizes phenomena based on their appearance and movement:

• Single point of light: Often stars or planets, affected by atmospheric refraction, or autokinesis causing apparent motion.
• Group of lights: Can be research balloons, aircraft, or other phenomena.
• Diffuse glow: May be atmospheric effects or reflections.
• Pulsating or flashing object: Similar to single points of light, potentially autokinesis.
• Saucer shaped or metallic object: Described in detail, with possible explanations including research balloons or aircraft.
• Flaming or exploding object: Likely meteors or bolides.
• Daytime sightings: Often sunlight reflecting off aircraft or research balloons.
• Diffuse light moving erratically: Possibly searchlight beams on clouds.
• Objects seen on clear, dark nights: Shooting stars (meteors) are a common explanation.
• Bolides: Large meteors that can appear as fiery balls of light.
• Moon effects: Moonbeams reflected off ice crystals can create 'moondogs' or halos.
• Lights near the horizon: Could be aircraft landing lights.
• Artificial satellites: Their movement can be misinterpreted due to autokinesis and tumbling.
• Glowing, pulsating objects: Potentially flocks of migratory birds.
• Unexplained categories: Some sightings may genuinely be UFOs and worthy of reporting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and explanation of UFO phenomena. The APRO Bulletin consistently aims to provide rational explanations for sightings, while also acknowledging that some phenomena may remain unexplained and warrant further study. There is a clear stance against dismissing all reports and a commitment to scientific investigation. The publication appears to support the idea that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of research, as evidenced by its detailed reporting and the inclusion of expert opinions and historical data. The letters to the editor section reveals a debate within the UFO community regarding the validity of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, with some advocating for broader consideration of possibilities, while others maintain the ETH as a strong contender. The overall editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to demystify UFO reports through careful analysis and evidence-based reasoning. The publication also highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the challenges faced by researchers in the field.