Magazine Summary
the apro bulletin
Summary
This issue of the APRO Bulletin addresses the dissolution of France's GEPAN, discusses UFO sightings in various locations including New Mexico, England, and New Zealand, and presents scientific viewpoints on UFO research. It also includes a renewal notice, an apology regarding a previous publication, and astronomical data for October and November 1982.
Magazine Overview
Title: the apro bulletin
Issue: VOL. 30, NO. 9
Date: Published October, 1982
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC. (A.P.R.O.)
Country: USA
This issue of the APRO Bulletin provides a comprehensive look at UFO-related topics, including international investigations, witness reports, scientific analysis, and organizational news. It features a detailed discussion on the demise of France's GEPAN, a correction regarding APRO's involvement in a UFO summit, and an apology concerning a previous publication. The issue also includes witness accounts of UFO sightings, an analysis of the Cash-Landrum case, astronomical data, and a section on scientists supporting UFO research.
Renewal Notice and Symposium Papers
The issue begins with a renewal notice for APRO members, detailing the fees for U.S., Canada, Mexico, and overseas subscriptions. It also announces the availability of UFOhio Symposium Papers from APRO Headquarters, listing eight papers with their authors and prices. These papers cover topics such as the Roswell Investigation, UFO activity and consciousness, and sociological aspects of UFO research.
An Apology
APRO issues an apology to Allen Benz regarding an item titled "clarification" that appeared on the mailing cover of Volume 29, Issues 7 and 8. The apology addresses the contention that the item was libelous and implied an attempt to "convert APRO's assets to their control." APRO withdraws the remarks and apologizes to avoid extensive litigation.
Correction Regarding MUFON and GEPAN
A "CORRECTION" section addresses a mail-out promoting a "Summit" meeting of UFO groups in Toronto. It clarifies that neither Mr. nor Mrs. L.J. Lorenzen were interested in participating, contrary to what was printed. The mail-out originated from MUFON, and APRO suggests Walt Andrus is responsible for the misrepresentation.
The main article, "THE DEMISE OF FRANCE'S G.E.P.A.N.," details the history and eventual "wreck" of the French UFO investigation group. It discusses the group's creation by C.N.E.S., its early meetings, and the involvement of individuals like Jean Gille, Claude Poher, and Alain Esterle. The article draws parallels with the Condon Committee and notes the limited time commitment of GEPAN's permanent staff.
Letter to the Editor and UFO Sightings
A letter from Dr. Harley Rutledge thanks Mrs. Lorenzen for her defense of his book, "PROJECT IDENTIFICATION," and clarifies his UFO sighting claims. He expresses enjoyment of the APRO Bulletin.
- Several UFO sightings are reported:
- "GLOBE" UFO IN NEW MEXICO: Tom Rush and two friends observed a bright ring of light on Blue Water Lake, which moved and disappeared behind a mountain, followed by a flash.
- UFO SIGHTED BY AIRPORT PERSONNEL IN NEW ZEALAND: Four Air New Zealand cargo loaders saw a fast-moving orange light over Christchurch Airport.
- UFOS OVER DEVON, ENGLAND: This section details historical sightings, including a mysterious tidal wave in 1910 associated with a silver ball, a bright cross sighted by police in 1967, and a cone-shaped object seen by hundreds in Brixham in 1968.
- PRESS REPORTS: Brief reports include a glowing light seen in Wyoming and a silent, bright object with red and yellow lights observed in Paraguay.
The Cash-Landrum Case Analysis
Coral E. Lorenzen provides an analysis of the Cash-Landrum case, responding to inquiries from the Army Inspector General's office and MUFON. The article questions the assertion of "radiation sickness" without definitive medical evidence and discusses the potential involvement of Chinook helicopters. It highlights that information on the case ceased after an APRO member intercepted a call and sold a report to the Weekly World News.
Scientists in Support of UFOs
Arthur Bray's concluding article argues that a significant percentage of UFO reports (around 10%) cannot be explained by conventional means. He asserts that these phenomena are real, objective, and intelligently controlled, despite the lack of official government acknowledgment. The article references studies and opinions from scientists, including Dr. Peter Sturrock and the work of Dr. Allen Hynek and Dr. Richard Haines, to support the idea that UFOs are a legitimate subject for scientific attention.
Astronomical Data
Lee Emery provides astronomical data for October and November 1982, detailing the visibility of planets, bright stars, and meteor showers, along with moon phases for both months. This section is aimed at observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
International Society of Cryptozoology
A brief announcement introduces the International Society of Cryptozoology, an organization dedicated to the investigation and analysis of animals of unexpected form or size. Richard Greenwell, former Assistant Director of APRO, is mentioned as the Secretary and Treasurer.
Letter to the Editor
Jan Eric Herr offers a reward of $50.00 for published descriptions of mice killed or injured as a result of proximity to a UFO, suggesting a potential avenue for studying the effects of UFOs.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The APRO Bulletin consistently advocates for rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, often challenging official government stances and media portrayals. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing data, even from unconventional sources, and highlights the dedication of researchers and scientists in pursuing the truth about UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on international cooperation and the sharing of information, while also expressing caution regarding potential misinformation and attempts to control the narrative surrounding UFOs. The publication also serves as a platform for members to share their findings and engage in discussions, as evidenced by the letters to the editor and the detailed case analyses.
In conclusion, many claim that all reports of strange things in the sky can be explained in conventional terms within a scientific context-that they are all IFOs rather than UFOs. My argument is that about 10% of all reports cannot be so explained and that this 10% represents something outside the present ability of science to explain. These are the UFOs-the Unidentified Flying Objects.
Key Incidents
A bright ring of light was observed by three witnesses moving in a shallow arc and disappearing behind a mountain range, followed by a bright flash.
A mysterious tidal wave was accompanied by a witness sighting of a great silver ball sweeping down over the Bristol Channel.
Two policemen and a motorist witnessed a bright cross in the sky that moved in arcs, stopped over a field, and was joined by a second cross.
Hundreds of people saw a bright, cone-shaped object at about 15,000 feet, described as the size of a street of houses and tracked by radar.
Four cargo loaders observed a fast-moving orange light approach the airport and move overhead for about 14 minutes.
A family driving saw the sky light up with a purplish glow from the ground, which then suddenly dimmed.
Several witnesses saw a silent, bright object with red and yellow lights hovering at about 150 meters, which caused a car motor to stop and then restart.
A second object of similar description was seen in the same area three days after the initial sighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GEPAN and why is its demise discussed?
GEPAN (Groupement pour Etudier les Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Nonidentifies) was a French organization for studying unidentified aerospace phenomena. The article discusses its history and recent developments leading to its 'wreck'.
What is the APRO Bulletin's stance on the Cash-Landrum case?
The Bulletin questions the diagnosis of 'radiation sickness' without definitive blood tests and notes that information on the case stopped after an APRO member intercepted a call and sold a report to Weekly World News.
Are scientists interested in UFO research?
Yes, the article 'Scientists in Support of UFOs' by Arthur Bray suggests that many scientists are intrigued by the UFO phenomenon and willing to undertake its serious study, with a growing base of professional scientists supporting this viewpoint.
What astronomical events are predicted for October and November 1982?
October features the Draconids and Orionids meteor showers, and specific planetary and star visibility. November has minor meteor showers (Taurids, Andromedids) and the Leonids, though the latter peaks during daylight hours.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- L.J. LorenzenDirector, APRO
- Allen BenzSubject of clarification item
- Mike TullyAttorney representing Allen Benz
- Jean GilleAuthor of article on GEPAN
- Claude PoherFormer Chairman of French Senate / Chief of GEPAN
- Alain EsterleSuccessor to Poher at GEPAN
- M. Fernand LagardeEditor of French Journal 'Lumieres dans la Nuit'
- William L. MooreAuthor / APRO Board of Directors member
- Betty HillAuthor
- R. Leo SprinkleAuthor
- Peter A. JordanAuthor
- L.J. LorenzenAuthor
- +8 more
Organisations
- APRO
- MUFON
- G.E.P.A.N.
- C.N.E.S.
- NASA
- Gendarmarie
- Flying Saucer Review
- Lumieres dans la Nuit
- Prentice-Hall, Inc.
- Weekly World News
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- International Society of Cryptozoology
- Air New Zealand
- Warren AFB
- +6 more
Locations
- France
- Toronto, Canada
- Tucson, USA
- Cape Girardeau, USA
- Houston, USA
- Ft. Hood, USA
- New Mexico, USA
- Los Alamos, USA
- Blue Water Lake
- New Mexico, USA
- Canada
- Europe
- Central Asia
- Japan
- +6 more