APRO Bulletin - 1979 09 00 - Vol 28 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The APRO Bulletin" from September 1979, Volume 28, Number 3, focuses on UFO ground traces and humanoid encounters, alongside personal accounts and scientific hypotheses. The cover prominently features "GROUND TRACES IN MINNESOTA" and "HUMANOID NEAR GERENA, SPAIN," accompanied by an illustration and diagrams.

Open Letter from Coral E. Lorenzen

The issue begins with an open letter from Coral E. Lorenzen, the Editor, to the general membership. She apologizes for her periodic lack of communication, explaining that 1978 and 1979 were filled with personal hardships and demanding APRO work. These included the death of her friend Margaret Davis, her daughter Lesli's difficult pregnancy and subsequent surgery for kidney cancer (with a 96% chance of cancer), the loss of their dog Bitsy, and her own hospitalization for pneumonia. Despite these challenges, she mentions positive events like her son Lawrence's marriage to Jan Butler and the birth of her first grandchild, Jason Bogard Stryker. She also details APRO's involvement in the "UFO Alert" display in Minneapolis and participation in the International UFO Congress of Brazil and the "UFOs 1979" Conference in San Diego.

Ground Traces in Minnesota

This article, by Ignacio Darnaude, reports on strange markings found in a corn field near Lake City, Minnesota, on September 16, 1979. Farmer Curtis Olson discovered a fifty-foot diameter circular area where corn stalks were flattened in a radiating pattern. Some corn was missing from the ground, and some stalks were charred. Paths led from this area to another smaller circle. Examination revealed peeled corn ears and charred stalks. The County Agricultural Agent, Matt Metz, investigated and confirmed the corn was healthy, with good root systems, and estimated the event occurred in August. He noted that the patch might have been missed from casual observation. The origin of these markings remains a mystery.

Humanoid Near Gerena, Spain

Another article by Ignacio Darnaude details an encounter that occurred on November 24, 1978, near Gerena, Spain. Four witnesses, hunting in a dense grove, reported seeing a luminous object with red and green lights. As they approached, they observed a strange light that seemed to shake. One witness, Manuel Gordillo, described seeing a person or being walking around the object. Francisco Lopez Rivero, another witness, described the object as round, near the ground, with lights of different colors (green, orange, red, yellow) and silvery legs. He saw the figure to the waist, noting a dark helmet and silvery body. The being's voice was described as coming from a deep well. Investigators later visited the site and found a circular area with trees in a geometric pattern and footprints. These footprints, measuring 42 cm, suggested a height of approximately two meters, ten centimeters.

New Consultant: Dr. Peter Van Arsdale

APRO announces the appointment of Dr. Peter Van Arsdale as a Consultant in Anthropology. Dr. Van Arsdale holds degrees in psychology and anthropology and has extensive publications in his field. He has co-authored a study on UFOs and is currently investigating the Rocky Mountain Multiple Phenomena case.

Press Reports

This section compiles various UFO sightings and incidents reported by police and citizens:

• Michigan (December 1978 - March 1979): Deputy Sheriff Joel Vincent reported a very bright, large light in the sky that appeared to be getting bigger and brighter, with changing colors. He described hexagonal windows and bright lights from behind them, but could not see inside. He stated he was scared and could not explain it.
• New Mexico (April 7, 1979): A mysterious aircraft was sought near Albuquerque in connection with cattle mutilations. State Policeman Gabe Valdez reported a hovering craft over Manuel Gomez's ranch, which moved west after being observed.
• Lake Tahoe (April 15, 1979): Two unidentified objects fell to earth with a "bright flash" near Freel Peak and Echo Summit, observed by police and citizens. The objects reportedly had no tails and emitted bright flashes upon hitting the ground.
• Russia: Russia has initiated an official UFO alert, asking citizens to report sightings to the Soviet Academy of Science, indicating a significant admission of secret UFO research.
• Bulgaria: UFOs were reportedly spoken of in Bulgaria, with the press showing pictures and witness declarations without commentary.
• Flaven, France (December 29, 1978): An employee reported a luminous source coming from a southerly direction, which descended to eye level, hovered, and emitted blue and yellow light. A second object appeared later. The first object was described as ovoid in shape.

Australasian Entity Reports for 1978

This summary, compiled by Keith Basterfield, details five reported observations of UFO entities in Australia and New Zealand in 1978. Reports include:

• Warkworth, New Zealand (January 1978): A couple saw colored lights that descended and landed. A saucer-shaped object appeared, and a tall figure (2-2.3 meters) emerged and waved.
• East Coast Bays, New Zealand (April 2, 1978): Ms. Lee Robinson saw a wedge-shaped object with red and green lights. Two figures, visible from the waist up and wearing dark robes, peered down from the object.
• Dayborough, Queensland (April 7, 1978): A hunter reported seeing two figures, approximately 120 cm tall, wearing white jumpsuits, in a paddock.
• Fairview Park, South Australia (June 25, 1978): A man reported seeing a figure about 140-150 cm tall near his car.
• Tasmania (November 9, 1978): A taxi driver reported a green, glowing shape with a high-pitched squeal and radio static.
• Tasmania (November 28, 1978): A woman reported seeing two short figures (75 cm tall) alongside a boat.

Model of UFO Evidence

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle presents his "Model of UFO Evidence," concluding with his personal bias that UFO activity may be related to "Cosmic Consciousness Conditioning" (CCC). This hypothesis suggests UFO displays are educational experiences designed to alter human consciousness and social beliefs, leading to a transformation from "Planetary Persons" to "Cosmic Citizens." He posits that this cultural transformation is occurring organically and may be frightening to those invested in an outmoded worldview.

Hypotheses About UFO Activity

Dr. Sprinkle also outlines fifteen hypotheses about UFO activity, exploring possibilities ranging from advanced alien creatures and controlled entities to humans struggling with alien civilizations or being taught spiritual practices. He suggests that UFO activity is part of a program to change human consciousness and that contactees may seek to share implanted knowledge. Advances in science, preparation for space-time travel, and a greater sense of ethics are also predicted outcomes. He believes that UFO phenomena are significant not for what they are, but for what they mean.

What to Do If You See a UFO

APRO Field Investigator P. Wayne LaPorte provides a step-by-step guide for UFO witnesses. It advises noting the time and duration, determining travel direction and elevation, observing details like shape, color, and behavior, and listening for sounds or noting unusual effects on electronics. Witnesses are encouraged to take photos, write down all details, and sketch the event. Crucially, if an object lands, witnesses are warned not to approach immediately due to potential radiation and to document any landing traces found.

Notice and Subsequent Issues

The bulletin includes a notice regarding a new address format and activity level codes for members. It also previews upcoming issues, which will feature "The 'MONSTROUS' UFO'S" and "The UFO-CATTLE MUTILATIONS LINK."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, ground traces, and alleged humanoid encounters. The APRO Bulletin maintains a stance of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness testimony, investigative findings, and scientific hypotheses. The editorial tone, particularly in Coral E. Lorenzen's letter and Dr. Sprinkle's articles, reflects a dedication to understanding the UFO phenomenon and its potential impact on human consciousness and society. The inclusion of press reports from various locations underscores the global nature of UFO reports, while the detailed hypotheses and guidelines for witnesses suggest a structured approach to research and public engagement.