APRO Bulletin - 1980 02 00 - Vol 28 No 8

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated February 1980, Volume 28, Number 8, focuses on a diverse range of topics within the realm of unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features a report on an "Occupant Sighting in Scotland" alongside the intriguing subtitle "'Big Feet' Humanoids," suggesting a blend of extraterrestrial encounters and cryptid investigations. The publication is from the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO), based in Tucson, Arizona.

Humanoids and Sasquatch Reports

The bulletin details several reports of humanoid and Sasquatch-like creatures. Richard Johnson, a researcher from St. Paul, Minnesota, has identified two areas in Koochiching County and near the Bear River in Itasca County, Minnesota, where Sasquatch may be found. Johnson himself claims to have sighted a Sasquatch in November 1978 near Margie, describing it as not heavily built, with a reddish tinge to its fur, and observed entering a swamp. He is seeking topographic maps to further his research.

In Reno, Nevada, investigators are looking into reports of a seven-foot ape-like animal near the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, a mystery compounded by the discovery of a dead colt with a broken neck and legs. Al Chase of Daly City, California, believes he captured an image of Bigfoot in a snapshot taken near Alpine Lake in Marin County, estimating the creature to be at least 10 feet tall. He is attempting to verify the photo's authenticity with an anthropology professor.

Reports from England mention "flat-headed aliens in silver suits" appearing in various areas, despite a chemist from the British UFO Research Association noting a current low level of UFO activity with only 90 sightings that year. In Sheppy, England, in March 1978, drivers reported seeing a "silver-suited thing with a flat head loping along like a chimpanzee."

The Bob Taylor Incident in Scotland

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an incident reported in The Sunday Post concerning Bob Taylor, a forester from West Lothian, Scotland. On November 9, 1979, Taylor claimed to have encountered a "silver, spinning, top-shaped craft" in a forest clearing. He stated that two creatures emerged and attempted to drag him into the machine, causing him to faint. The article notes that indentations were later found in the clearing. This report was forwarded to APRO from Saudi Arabia. The Glasgow Evening Times also briefly mentioned the case, focusing more on the theory of Edinburgh Architect Stuart Campbell, who suggests that UFOs are ball lightning. Professor Archie Roy of Glasgow University's Astronomy Department supports the extraterrestrial theory. Campbell's theory is contrasted with Taylor's account, with Campbell interpreting Taylor's sighting as two "ball-shaped objects" emerging from a larger craft.

UFO Sightings and Theories in England

Further reports from England include an incident in Waltham Abbey where a "towering figure at least 8 feet tall, dressed in a silver suit" was observed looking into a home. The encounter caused the television to burn out and a rose bush to be scorched. The figure reportedly radiated a luminous light and caused the window pane to rattle. The police were called, but the entity had disappeared. The family also reported seeing saucer-shaped machines with silver-suited creatures emerging, leaving charred circles and footprints.

In Hertfordshire, two large flickering objects, one orange and green, the other white, were spotted hovering for about an hour at Sele Farm. Mr. Earhart, a truck driver, reported seeing an object in the sky near High Bank that made hissing noises and shot off towards Standon. In Halifax, Mrs. Shelia Crowther and her family observed a UFO described as a "round ball shape with holes in the side," emitting sparks.

Skylab Debris and Other Falling Objects

The bulletin addresses the phenomenon of objects falling from the sky, with a focus on potential Skylab debris. Richard Charlebois of Lachute, Quebec, Canada, reported "gobs of green goop" falling near him on July 7, 1979. A Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesman stated they were awaiting laboratory analysis. Sibyl Christian of Arkansas reported discovering purple "blobs" on her lawn. Geochemist Doug Blanchard of NASA described the substance as similar to plum pudding.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a "chunk of hot rock" struck a woman, but analysis by John Wasson, a professor of chemistry, indicated it was not a meteorite but possibly industrial waste. Marc Jordan of Minnesota believes a two-inch hunk of metal that nearly hit him might be Skylab debris, though officials at the Johnson Space Center expressed skepticism about Skylab's trajectory at that time.

In Aurora, Colorado, Harry Davis reported a piece of ice ripping through his roof, which George Beckwith of the FAA attributed to leaky aircraft water or wastewater tanks. The USSR reported a bizarre incident of frogs raining down in a village in Central Asia, attributed by Tass to whirlwinds picking up objects.

UFO Investigations and Government Secrecy

An editorial by Doug McCann discusses the milestone achieved by the Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) in their Freedom of Information (FOI) suit against the CIA and U.S. Air Force. The suit revealed that the CIA has been actively investigating UFO reports, confirming the phenomenon's significance. The editorial highlights the CIA's extensive files, including reports from Czechoslovakia, North Africa, Russia, the Antarctic, and Iran. It also references an 'Omni' magazine article by Art Gatti, suggesting that the 1952 'Robertson Panel' was initiated by the CIA, not the USAF, and that its report was a public deception. The editorial notes the involvement of J. Allen Hynek and Brad Ayers in this context.

Clifford E. Stone writes a letter expressing concern that despite the termination of Project Blue Book in 1969, various U.S. intelligence agencies, including the State Department, NSA, and CIA, continue to investigate UFOs. He criticizes President Carter for not fulfilling his promise to make UFO information public and questions why UFOs, claimed to be non-existent, are considered a matter of national defense. Stone urges readers to write to their Congressmen demanding a new scientific study of UFO phenomena.

How to Build Model UFOs

Wayne Laporte provides a detailed guide on constructing model UFOs, intended to help investigators identify potential hoaxes. He explains that while past cases like the Jaroslaw brothers' photos were later revealed as hoaxes using models on threads, modern photo analysis techniques can help detect fakes. The article describes how to build models using readily available hobby kits, such as those from Lindberg Products and Monogram Models, which offer discoid and bell-shaped UFOs, some with humanoid crews. It also suggests using craft store materials like styrofoam and plastic containers, and even model rocket parts. The guide emphasizes that realistic models can be enhanced with lighting and photography techniques, including airbrushing and close-up lenses, to create convincing photo hoaxes. The author stresses the importance of thorough analysis of UFO photos and the credentials of both the photographer and the analyst.

Code of Ethics for UFO Investigators

L.J. Lorenzen reports on a discussion initiated by Dr. Iris Maack at the FATE UFO Conference in Chicago regarding the need for a Code of Ethics for UFO investigators. A committee, including consultants like Dr. Sprinkle, Dr. Schwarz, Dr. Laufer, and Dr. Westrum, is working on formalizing this code. The proposed draft outlines objectives such as promoting free and dispassionate inquiry, understanding APRO's aims, and protecting the organization from censure. Key tenets include scientific detachment, honesty in reporting qualifications and data usage, protection of investigated persons with informed consent, and clear guidelines for publication. The code emphasizes respecting the percipient's privacy and avoiding exploitation. The article notes that this is a progress report and the code will be concluded in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The APRO Bulletin reflects a strong commitment to investigating and documenting UFO phenomena, humanoids, and related anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, critical analysis, and a push for greater transparency from government agencies regarding UFO information. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology, ethical conduct in research, and the need to distinguish genuine sightings from hoaxes, particularly through the analysis of photographic evidence. The publication also highlights the international scope of UFO reports, with contributions from the UK, Canada, and South America, alongside domestic cases.

The recurring themes include the persistent nature of UFO investigations despite official dismissals, the potential for government cover-ups or classified information, and the ongoing search for the truth behind these unexplained events. The inclusion of a guide on building model UFOs underscores the practical challenges faced by investigators in verifying photographic evidence. The proposed Code of Ethics signals a maturing of the field, emphasizing responsibility and integrity among researchers.