APRO Bulletin - 1978 06 00 - Vol 26 No 12

Magazine Overview

The APRO Bulletin, Volume 26, No. 12, dated June 1978, is a publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. This issue focuses on several UFO/UAP sightings and related topics.

Huge UFO Over Minnesota

This article details a significant sighting on March 22nd in Washington County, Minnesota, where over fifty people observed a large, silent object with red lights. The object was first seen at 9:15 p.m. by the Darr family in Chisago City, appearing as 7 or 8 red lights in a horizontal position. It moved south at an estimated 10 miles per hour, with its lights exhibiting a peculiar movement pattern. The Darrs, along with friends, chased the object for three miles before losing sight of it. Other witnesses, including the Hawkinsons and Ted Zempel, also reported seeing lights or objects. Bill Woelker reported hearing a low buzzing sound, which others did not. The report notes that Brad Ayers, an investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, suggested the sightings might be explained by U.S. Army Reserve helicopters 'jacking around'. However, Wayne Resemius, a pilot of one of the lead helicopters, denied this, stating their craft maintained a high altitude and radar records would confirm their flight path. The article also mentions similar sightings in Cumberland, Wisconsin, and National Guard helicopters landing near Spooner, Wisconsin, raising questions about potential explanations.

Disc Photographed in California

This report by John DeHerrera describes an encounter on March 18, 1978, involving Leo and Mrs. Giampietro near Palm Springs, California. While driving home, Leo observed a small object traveling through clouds. He described it as having no wings or airfoils and traveling at approximately 45-60 degrees above the horizon, estimated to be 2,000 feet away. The object's shape was oval or like a squashed football, with a metallic structure, and it moved at an initial speed of 150-200 mph. When Leo stopped to take pictures, the object momentarily stopped and then shot up at a 90-degree angle, disappearing into the clouds. Leo was initially hesitant to report the sighting but later decided to search for information about UFOs.

F.I. Paced by UFO

This section details a personal encounter by Field Investigator Donald R. Todd in Kingston, Rhode Island, on June 15th. While driving home, Todd observed an object he initially mistook for Jupiter. He realized it was not Jupiter and timed the sighting at 9:55 p.m. The object, described as extremely bright and oval-shaped, hovered and moved slowly, pacing his car. Todd attempted to photograph it but was unsuccessful due to its position behind trees. He then observed the UFO moving northwest and crossing the road in front of him. He followed the object at approximately 40 mph, noting its leisurely but tantalizing speed, always just above the forest tree line. The object was estimated to be under 1000 feet in altitude, maintaining a constant buffer zone with the trees. Todd described its appearance as similar to Jupiter or Venus at their brilliance but soundless.

Notes on Aerial Phenomena in India

By Ganesh, this article explores the historical context of aerial phenomena in India, referencing ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharatha. It suggests that concepts like flying objects, levitation, and anti-gravity were commonplace in ancient India, often described as 'Vimanas' or flying chariots. The author posits that these descriptions, often dismissed as mythology, may be based on factual accounts. The article also touches upon the societal context of ancient India, with the Devas (Gods) living in heavens and Asuras (Demons) on Earth, and mentions instances of conflicts and unusual events like Trishanku being suspended in mid-space. The author then transitions to modern times, noting thousands of recorded instances of unknown flying objects, particularly in villages, often perceived as 'demons'. A specific case from a village near Bangalore is recounted, where villagers reported moving lights, followed by occupants of houses being 'possessed' or abducted. Despite attempts to appease the 'demon-gods', the problem persisted until the villagers demolished and rebuilt houses in a new area. The author also notes that 'contactees' can be mentally affected, and investigations in India are challenging due to cultural beliefs and lack of infrastructure.

Flying "Boxcar" In New York

This report by Robert Barrow details a sighting by Joe LaBella on March 30, 1978, near Syracuse, New York. LaBella, driving at night, noticed a solitary light behind him. Suddenly, a bright flash occurred, and he saw an object about 30-50 yards away, gliding over a field. The object was described as being as large as a boxcar, 40-60 feet long and 10-20 feet high, pacing his car. It displayed numerous flashing lights, resembling a Christmas tree, with bright white lights in the middle and blue-white panel lights on the top and bottom. Despite his car bouncing due to potholes, the object moved smoothly. After approximately two minutes, the object ascended rapidly and disappeared. LaBella reported the incident to the Sheriff's Department. The witness is a student at Brockport College, studying computer science and physical education.

Spate of Sightings in Yukon

This section compiles reports from late December 1976 or early January 1977 in Yukon, Canada. Tom Banks and Ken Schofield, ambulance attendants, reported seeing a bright white oval object that appeared suddenly and followed their ambulance for about 20 minutes. The object hovered and darted at low altitude, and its proximity caused the ambulance's electrical system to malfunction. They also noted that the object flashed a bright light back at them when they turned on their dome light. The object maneuvered with great speed and agility. Similar sightings were reported by three Whitepass truck drivers a year earlier, who were followed by a bright white object on the Alaska Highway. Bill Bowers, a weighscale attendant, also reported seeing the object hover and dart over Whitehorse for about 10 minutes before leaving at high speed.

Book Review: Scientists Confront Velikovsky

Edited by Donald Goldsmith, this book reviews the scientific community's reaction to Immanuel Velikovsky's theories. Velikovsky proposed that around 1500 B.C. and 750 B.C., the planets Jupiter and Mars caused catastrophic events on Earth, including altering its rotation and axis. The scientists, including astronomers Carl Sagan, Mulholland, and Morrison, and sociologist Norman W. Storer, critique Velikovsky's reasoning and methods, arguing that his conclusions are contrary to established scientific beliefs and celestial mechanics. The review highlights the scientists' reliance on their own assumptions and their contention that Velikovsky's ideas are invalid because they challenge existing paradigms. The reviewer notes that while science is a 'self-correcting structure,' the process takes time, and scientists themselves determine the pace and direction of this correction. The book also mentions that statements from Velikovsky and a supporter were not included in the symposium's published proceedings.

Underwater UFOs

This section presents two reports of unidentified objects emerging from or entering bodies of water. The first, a third-hand account from Louisiana in 1973, describes a disc-shaped craft suddenly emerging from a bayou, flying off, and disappearing. The witness was reportedly petrified. The second case is second-hand, involving a steam tanker around 1964-1965. The ship's Captain and Second Mate reported seeing an object that surfaced, rose into the air, flew a distance, and then submerged. The Captain made an official log entry and wired a report, but refused to discuss the subsequent investigation, stating he would not say anything more. The informant, who was a friend of the Captain, believes their account and hopes a full report might aid in solving the UFO enigma. The informant also mentions that ship's Masters were issued Polaroid cameras for insurance purposes, with instructions to photograph anything they needed to prove.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The APRO Bulletin consistently emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and detailed reporting of UFO/UAP encounters. The publication appears to be dedicated to investigating and documenting these phenomena, often presenting multiple witness accounts and contrasting them with potential conventional explanations, such as aircraft. The inclusion of historical accounts from ancient Indian texts suggests a belief in the long-standing nature of these phenomena. The book review on Velikovsky highlights the tension between established scientific dogma and challenges to it, a theme that resonates with the UFO controversy itself. The editorial stance seems to favor thorough investigation and the collection of evidence, while acknowledging the difficulties and potential repercussions for witnesses.