the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, Volume 30, No. 6, published in June 1982, features a cover story about a couple's UFO sighting in Indiana and a report on a light formation over California. The bulletin is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO) and is dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects.

Indiana Sighting

The lead story details a sighting by Wanda Brownlee (18) and Roger Curry (21) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 7, 1982. They observed a large, metallic object hovering silently above trees and houses. The object had two lights on the lower front that flashed from white to yellow, then bluish white, and appeared to have a haze around it. The lights were described as 'more like a glow' than like car headlights. The object was described as somewhat mushroom-cap-shaped. The witnesses noted an unusual silence in the area during the sighting. The object appeared to follow their car for a time before disappearing. The investigator, Marie Bluhm, estimates the sighting lasted about 15 minutes and believes the witnesses are sincere.

California Light Formation

Gene Schneider reports a sighting near the China Lake Naval Weapons Center in California, sometime within a week of November 26, 1981. While driving to his office at night, he saw a light about 25 degrees up in the sky. He stopped his car and watched it circle the western side of the Indian Wells Valley. After about 30 seconds, he continued to his office. Later, he saw the light again on the southeast end of the valley, heading north. He heard a faint sound like a jet engine, but suspected it was from the Naval Air Facility. Using binoculars, he observed the UFO had a white light on the front and two red lights in back, forming a long triangle, with a possible superstructure connecting them. The entire sighting lasted about 5-10 minutes.

The Cash-Landrum Case and Rumors

Coral Lorenzen addresses rumors surrounding the Cash-Landrum case of December 29, 1980. Vicki Landrum and her grandson Colby, along with Betty Cash, reported a brilliant object and suffered physical effects, including burns and eye damage, attributed to radiation poisoning. Lorenzen clarifies that a rumor about the U.S. government paying medical expenses was unfounded, confirmed by Mrs. Landrum. She reiterates her opinion that the object was a U.S. government experimental aircraft that had gotten out of control. The report notes that the witnesses identified a 'Chinook' helicopter as similar to the craft, but questions arise about the number of helicopters observed and the lack of official corroboration. The case was initially handled by Robert Gribble, who tipped off the Weekly World News, leading to a loss of control over the investigation by APRO. Lorenzen expresses concern that Betty Cash and the Landrums might be pawns in a larger game, having suffered from an encounter with a U.S. government experimental aircraft. The likely origin of the aircraft is suggested to be White Sands Proving Grounds in New Mexico. The article questions how often such incidents will occur and if American UFOLOGY will cover up official mistakes.

Mexico's 'Triangle'

The article introduces 'La Zona del Silencio' (The Zone of Silence) in northern Mexico, an area known for its inability to transmit or receive radio waves within AM frequencies. This phenomenon is linked to local anomalies of gravity and magnetism, possibly caused by a large meteorite buried underground. The area is also noted for unusual flora and fauna, and frequent meteorite falls. The famous Allende meteorite fell near this zone in 1969. An Athena Rocket also fell in the Silent Zone in 1970 due to a suspected malfunction or interference. Richard Downs theorizes that a powerful magnetic field from a buried meteorite creates a vortex that disrupts radio waves and local gravity. The Mexican government has established a laboratory and declared the zone a national wildlife preserve.

Are You Qualified to Report Your UFO?

Coral Lorenzen concludes his analysis of his own UFO sightings and discusses the nature of UFO reporting. He recounts five sightings over 48 years, noting that two were due to others knowing of his interest. He contrasts this with Dr. Harley Rutledge's claim of 37 sightings in his yard, questioning the methodology and potential biases. Lorenzen suggests that Rutledge's location in a UFO 'hot spot' and his known interest may have influenced the number of reports he received. He also critiques a review of Dr. Rutledge's book, 'Project Identification,' by Mark Roteghier, defending Rutledge's lack of publicity as a way to avoid a circus-like atmosphere.

Lorenzen emphasizes the importance of careful observation and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine UFOs from misidentifications, such as the planet Venus or star Capella. He notes that some sightings, particularly those from distant locations, could not be easily explained. He reflects on his own early interest sparked by a 1934 sighting and his subsequent habit of looking up, but acknowledges that UFOs may not have been as prevalent in earlier years. He also discusses the challenges of observing UFOs, including environmental factors and the need for binoculars.

Lorenzen also touches upon the invitation extended by J. Allen Hynek to join CUFOs, questioning the motive behind it. He suggests that UFOs may seek out people in lonely, isolated areas and sometimes anticipate the actions or desires of observers. He references a book, 'Project Identification,' by Dr. Harley Rutledge, recommending it for readers.

Astronomical Data

Lee Emery provides astronomical data for June and July 1982, including the positions of prominent planets (Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars) and bright stars (Vega, Arcturus, Capella). Information on meteor showers (June Lyrids, Delta Aquarios, Capricornios) and moon phases for both months is also included. This data is intended for observers in the Northern Hemisphere and is given in Standard Time.

Press Reports

This section compiles several brief reports of UFO sightings from various locations:

• Florida, February 1977: Joseph and Nola Daniels reported hearing a loud noise like a jet or diesel engine but seeing nothing, accompanied by a depression in the water and waves.
• Kentucky, October 1955: J.F. Hankins observed a bright, bluish-like ball of fire, about 16 inches through, moving low to the ground and through terrain.
• Belmont, Missouri, December 18, 1981: Three coon hunters saw a large, bright red light moving fast, which disappeared into the woods.
• North Carolina, December 27, 1981: C.J. Willis and others reported seeing fire in the sky, described as large, red fireballs.
• Oregon, December 16, 1981: Earl Garrick and his wife saw a huge, round bright light hovering over a pump house.
• Vermont, January 12, 1982: John and Calista Kristensen observed an object with red and white lights, emitting a humming sound.
• Virginia, October 28, 1981: Three people reported UFOs described as a large, bright light changing shapes, a found object, and a long tubular object.
• Washington, Unknown Date: A driver saw a cylindrical-shaped object with orange and white lights hovering.
• Canada, December 26, 1981: Gert Kubenz discovered a hole in an ice-covered pond with evidence of melting and unusual water temperature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed witness accounts of UFO sightings, often emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and a critical approach to sensationalism and rumors. The publication appears to lean towards the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the role of misidentification and psychological factors. There is a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and potential government secrecy or involvement in UFO incidents. The editorial stance encourages readers to report their sightings and contributes to the ongoing effort to understand the UFO phenomenon. The inclusion of astronomical data and press reports suggests a broad approach to the study of aerial phenomena.