the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

This issue of "the apro bulletin" (Vol. 30, No. 8) from August 1982, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), focuses on UFO activity and related phenomena. The cover prominently features "UFOS ACTIVE IN INDIA" and "MORE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE."

Strange Material

The issue begins with a report from a member who examined unusual material in 1963. This material, manufactured by the 3M Company for a classified NASA project, felt like plastic, could not be torn, and returned to its original shape after being crumpled or subjected to immense pressure. It was also described as being very light and about 4 mil thick.

UFOs Active in India

Dr. Arun Vajpey reports on two UFO sightings in India from early 1982. The first occurred on February 16, 1982, near Kanker in the Bastar district, where multiple witnesses observed four round-shaped objects that appeared cloudy, then white, with some turning orange. The objects hovered and moved with a swaying motion for about 40 minutes, without sound. Dr. Vajpey notes that the witnesses described them as pancake-shaped and revolving, with colored lights.

The second sighting took place on March 18, 1982, in Aurangabad. Mr. Subhash Babulal Choudhari of the Chikaltana Meteorological Office observed a cylindrical object of a strange blue color moving very fast from east to west. Initially estimated to be at a low altitude, further discussion with colleagues suggested it might have been higher, around 4,000 feet. The object was only visible for a short duration.

Puzzle (Continued from Page One)

This section refers back to the strange material and suggests that the Air Force and NASA know more about UFOs than is generally accepted.

A Continent Away and Years Before

This section recounts a story from July 1967, during a tour of South America by Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen. They learned of a UFO landing in Argentina, north of Salto. The craft, described as plate-shaped and metallic, crashed, and its occupants bartered with local inhabitants for water and food. In return, they left behind a shiny, soft, pliable, and weightless container that returned to its original shape. The artifact was reportedly confiscated by the Argentinian Army.

The article links this incident to the 1963 strange material examination and a 1940s US disc crash, suggesting a sequence of events and potential information sharing between countries.

Canadian Government Shuns UFO Investigations

Ed Barker of the Manitoba Centre for UFO study states that the Canadian government provides no funding for UFO investigations. Despite numerous reports from Manitobans, investigations are limited to daytrips by car. A spokesperson for an Ottawa institute confirmed that the Canadian government has never funded the Herzberg Institute for UFO research, although the institute now holds UFO files from the Department of National Defence. Barker theorizes that the government might be developing new technology or that it's a security issue.

11th Century UFO Report from China

This article by John Brent Musgrave discusses an ancient UFO report from China, dating back to around 1086. The report, from Shen Kua's "Dream Pool Essays," describes a large, bright "pearl" seen in Yang-chou, which appeared in the daytime and was visible for ten years or more. The object was described as burning bright with flame, resembling the sun, and was named "Wan Chu" (Pearl Playing).

Hill Star Map Controversy Rekindled

The article revisits the controversy surrounding the star map allegedly seen by Betty Hill inside a UFO in 1961. Models created by Marjorie Fish suggested a match with the Hill map, identifying Zeta 1 and Zeta 2 Reticuli as key stars. However, recent French astronomical studies using speckle interferometry indicate that these stars are binary systems, not sunlike, and have a low probability of hosting Earthlike planets, challenging the interpretation of the Hill map.

Scientists in Support of UFOs

This section presents a paper by Arthur Bray, given in response to a presentation by Dr. Peter M. Millman. Bray argues for the reality of UFOs, acknowledging Dr. Millman's seven maxims about not everything being new and the fallibility of observation and instruments. Bray agrees that about 90% of reports can be explained as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), but emphasizes that the remaining 10% are the most compelling cases, often with multiple reliable witnesses and significant evidence.

Bray cites cases where UFOs were detected by radar, and military systems were affected. He notes that even the Condon Report failed to explain about 30% of its cases. He asserts that governments have a deliberate policy of secrecy and debunking regarding UFOs, citing court actions that have revealed classified documents.

• Several scientists are quoted expressing their views:
• Dr. Robert F. Creegan: Believes something other than error or hoax is involved, and the extraterrestrial hypothesis is strong.
• Dr. B. R. Frieden: Describes the UFO phenomenon as an enigma that scientists have not yet explained.
• Stanton Friedman: States the evidence is overwhelming that Earth is being visited by intelligently controlled vehicles from off Earth.
• Dr. James A. Harder: Argues that the evidence suggests extraterrestrial spacecraft.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Suggests UFOs may represent a parallel reality and are announcing a change in scientific paradigms.
• Dr. James E. McDonald: Found the extraterrestrial hypothesis the least unlikely explanation for UFOs.

Press Reports

This section compiles various UFO sightings from different locations in the US:

• Wisconsin (April 4, 1982): Reddish-pink balls were seen in the sky near St. Croix Falls, moving silently and disappearing with smoke.
• Minnesota (February 27, 1982): A fast-moving object with green lights and smog underneath was spotted near Gaylord.
• Minnesota (March 4, 1982): Strange lights, including red, white, and blue, were observed near Waterville.
• Minnesota (April 22, 1982): A flashing silver disk was seen swooping over Stillwater.
• North Carolina (March 12, 1982): An unusual self-luminous object, described as a large window of light, was seen near Maiden.
• North Carolina (April 18, 1982): A group of strange lights, including red, blue, and amber-red lights, were observed near Monroe.
• Oregon (March 19-22, 1982): Darting orange objects in various formations were reported over Eugene.
• California (March 20, 1982): A large, egg-shaped white object with yellow windows and a flickering green light was seen in Simi Valley.
• Pennsylvania (March 23, 1982): An oval or round object casting a brilliant white light was observed hovering over Neshannock Twp.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of unexplained UFO phenomena, the potential for extraterrestrial visitation, and the perceived government cover-up and secrecy surrounding UFO investigations. The APRO Bulletin's stance is clearly in favor of investigating these phenomena seriously, presenting evidence that challenges conventional explanations, and highlighting the views of scientists who support the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial stance suggests a belief that UFOs represent a genuine mystery that warrants further scientific inquiry, and that official channels have historically downplayed or hidden relevant information.