APRO Bulletin - 1978 11 00 - Vol 27 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: VOL. 27, NO. 5
Date: November, 1978
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The APRO Bulletin delves into various UFO and anomalous phenomena reports, featuring photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and investigative follow-ups.

UFO ALERT Exhibit Opens in Minneapolis

The issue highlights the opening of "UFO ALERT," the first major permanent exhibit on UFO phenomena in the nation, located at the IDS Observation Deck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 11, 1978. The exhibit, occupying 11,000 square feet, combines fantasy and science, presenting over 100 documented UFO sighting reports, many supported by photographs. Evidence includes 8-mm film, sound recordings of testimonies, a fragment from an alleged UFO, and 3-D replicas of occupants. Data for the exhibit was sourced from the U. S. Air Force Project Blue Book and the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO).

Two Photos from Brazil

This section details two photographic cases from Brazil. The first involves Saul Janusas, an electrical engineer, who photographed an object from a bus window near Rio De Janeiro on June 20 or 21, 1978. The second case, from May 12, 1976, features Joshua da Silva and Gesareo Goncalves photographing a silver metallic spherical object resembling Saturn with a ring near Passo Fondo, Brazil. Technicians at El Globo newspaper examined the negative from the Janusas case and found no evidence of a hoax. The article notes the resemblance of these photos to the Trindade photos of 1957.

Follow-up on Minnesota Sighting

This section provides an update on a June 1978 article concerning a sighting of five huge, bright red lights near Scandia, Minnesota, on March 22nd. Initially suggested as Army Reserve helicopters, the Army denied this. Further investigation by Mrs. Stuart (Margaret) Davis uncovered reports in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota of similar lights. The follow-up suggests that five helicopters were indeed operating in the area, but questions remain about their altitude and timing, particularly when compared to the Nystroms' and Johnsons' sightings, which occurred later and further away, suggesting the helicopters should have been approaching St. Paul.

Message from Headquarters

This message addresses the operational challenges faced by APRO, including printing delays due to equipment and paper shortages. It details staffing changes, office relocation difficulties, and rising costs. To accommodate increased workload and inflationary pressures, APRO announces an increase in dues and subscription rates effective January 1979. The message also acknowledges the dedicated volunteer work of the staff, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen, and mentions their books "Encounters with UFO Occupants" and "Abducted."

Bright Fireball Over Arizona

On Sunday night, October 29th, residents of central and southwest Arizona witnessed a brilliant green fireball. Hal Starr, APRO's Public Relations Director, observed the event around 10:40 P.M. MST. The object, likely composed of copper under extreme heat, was visible for about six seconds, exhibiting a bright green flare and exploding with fragments. It was observed at an azimuth of approximately 200° from north Phoenix and an elevation of about 65°, moving to a point of about 240° and 45° elevation before flaring and scattering fragments. A distinctive vapor trail, resembling a jet contrail, remained motionless for about 20 seconds before dissipating.

Pennsylvania Report

Authored by J. Allen Smith, this report details a UFO 'flap' in the Pittsburgh area starting on March 1st. The author notes that such flaps often occur around the 24th of the month, the 10th, or a Wednesday, and this one began on a Wednesday. The Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research investigated the majority of these sightings. The report also touches upon 'SONICBOOMS' as a new phenomenon.

Pennsylvania: Multiple Phenomena on a Rocky Mountain Ranch

This extensive section, co-authored by John S. Derr and R. Leo Sprinkle, recounts a series of unusual experiences reported by individuals identified as 'Jim' and 'Barbara' at a ranch, possibly in the Rocky Mountains. The narrative includes:

Jim's Encounters

Jim describes seeing a light in the trees, leading him to two individuals who spoke to him by name and welcomed him. He saw a disk on the ground, described as lightly lit. He felt they were diplomatic and self-assured, speaking vernacular English. He also mentions a "Big Foot"-like creature and a "box" that was "lethal." Jim felt the encounters were meant to lead to a "more equitable arrangement" and that his memory would not be tampered with. He later experienced paralysis and a fear of being unable to move.

Barbara's Experiences

Barbara recounts her own fears, particularly a fear of losing control of her mind, which intensified after an attempted hypnosis. She also describes a situation where Jim was compelled to go up a hill despite feeling unwell, possibly due to a heart condition. She expresses a desire for a simple, uncomplicated life and not to be involved in further investigations.

Sighting Similarities and Differences

This section lists similarities and differences observed in sightings related to the Pennsylvania flap, including characteristics like being nocturnal, sighted from a distance by multiple witnesses, occurring in the same general location and time, traveling in a straight course, being illuminated, and having counter-clockwise rotating lights. Differences include the number of UFOs, their movement (descending, speeding), timing, and visible shapes.

Decision to Leave and Personal Feelings

Jim and Barbara discuss their decision to leave the ranch due to a pervasive sense of tension and feeling unwanted, exacerbated by an accidental fire. Barbara describes her "flight" response and the difficulty of leaving due to the children. Jim expresses his belief that the entities are not humanitarian and are possibly involved in cattle mutilations, using fear as a tool. He also discusses his belief that helicopters are being used to cover up government activity related to UFOs.

Witness Speculation and Inference

Jim explains his decision to contact APRO due to the significant nature of the events and his belief in a permanent installation overlooking a military site. He expresses distrust of the Condon project and the treatment of individuals involved in UFO investigations. Barbara initially dissuaded Jim from reporting but ultimately supported his decision, fearing the unknown.

Personal Feelings and Fears

Jim discusses his feelings about the entities, stating they are not friendly and are extraterrestrial. He believes they are watching military potential and are involved in cattle mutilations. Barbara reiterates her fear of losing control of her mind and her desire for a simple life, wishing not to be involved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, emphasizing witness accounts, photographic evidence, and the challenges of research. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, with a commitment to documenting and analyzing sightings. Recurring themes include the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, government involvement or cover-ups, the psychological impact of encounters, and the ongoing efforts of organizations like APRO to understand these events. The magazine also highlights the difficulties faced by such organizations in terms of funding, public perception, and operational logistics.