The APRO Bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 30, No. 12
Date: December 1982
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA

This issue of The APRO Bulletin delves into several intriguing UFO-related cases and topics, including a detailed analysis of a disc photograph from Canada, a close encounter report from Brazil, updates on animal mutilations, and a discussion on the intersection of crypto-zoology and UFO research. The publication also provides astronomical data for December 1982 and addresses the financial realities facing the organization.

Disc Photograph from Canada

The issue highlights a photograph taken in October 1981 by Mrs. Hannah Roberts near Kelsey Bay, British Columbia, Canada. While photographing a mountain peak, her family later noticed an unusual object in the processed prints. The photo was submitted for analysis to Dr. James Harder, an APRO consultant. Dr. Harder's opinion, based on indicators of authenticity, suggests the photo is likely genuine. He notes that the negative should remain with the photographer to prevent it from 'going astray.' Key indicators considered include whether the negative is part of a sequence, the consistency of lighting on the object with the scene, and the possibility of measuring atmospheric extinction coefficients from the image to determine distance. While acknowledging the difficulty in definitively proving a negative, Dr. Harder concludes that the photo appears to be an excellent and probably genuine depiction of a classical disc photographed in daylight.

Close Encounter at Sesmaria, Brazil

This article, translated and edited by Richard W. Heiden, details an encounter reported by farmer Jose Maia Pires in Sesmaria, Brazil, on February 24, 1981. While returning home on his donkey, Pires noticed a small reddish light following him. Later that night, as he was descending a hill towards his farm, a UFO appeared, described as a dark oval body the size of a small car, hovering about two meters from the donkey. The UFO emitted a high-pitched sound and a yellowish light, causing the donkey to become afraid and Pires to experience a strong electrical shock, rendering him unconscious. He awoke about two hours later in his corral. The author speculates that the UFO's light caused both Pires and the donkey to fall asleep, and that Pires was not abducted but merely fell asleep. The article also notes that UFOs have been present in the region for over 100 years, possibly related to the local mineral Magnetite. The author, Antonio Pedro da Silva Faleiro, has personally witnessed and photographed UFOs in the region.

Update on Mutilations

This section reports on a recent animal mutilation case involving Manuel Gomez in Dulce, New Mexico. A 6-year-old pregnant cow was found mutilated on May 9th, exhibiting typical signs such as a puncture wound and a scrape clear to the bone, with no blood present. Strange lights had also been observed in the Dulce area in recent weeks. This was Gomez' fifth mutilated cow, and he has previously lost other livestock since 1976. The article notes that Dulce residents have come to associate these strange lights with precursory events to mutilations.

Crypto-Zoology, Yes!

Authored by Robert F. Creegan, Ph.D., this article explores the potential overlap between crypto-zoology and UFO studies. Creegan suggests that unusual animal sightings, such as those of eagles or vultures, could be of interest to UFO researchers. He recounts personal experiences, including sightings of eagles and an unidentified large bird, and multiple vultures, which he considers unusual for his suburban area. While not directly linking these events to UFOs, he posits that unusual events and coincidences can create unease and prompt questions about cryptic meanings. Creegan concludes by suggesting that APRO should occasionally compare notes with crypto-zoology researchers, as important discoveries may emerge from unexpected quarters.

Press Reports

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from around the world:

• Spain, May 12, 1982: Rafael Grau Lorenzo reported seeing a large, noisy 'big machine' with red lights and spotlights land beside the road near Turis, Valencia. The object made a lot of noise, displayed lights, and then disappeared.
• England, June 13, 1982: Geraint Evans, a chemist, witnessed a bright yellow object with a green twinkle in the sky near Liandegla Moors. The object was circular with three triangular light sections.
• Scotland, June 13, 1982: Several residents in Cumbernauld reported a silent, bright pink flashing light hovering above houses. Witnesses described it as gliding, stationary, and then moving at terrific speed with a smoke trail.
• North Pacific Ocean, June 18, 1982: Crew members of two Japan Air Lines flights reported seeing a large, round, yellowish-white light covering a significant portion of the sky.
• Tasmania, July 6, 1982: An unidentified man reported a UFO that stopped his car near Burnie. The object, described as a helicopter without blades with a blue haze, caused the car to lose power before fading away.
• Cupronia, Tasmania: A woman reported seeing a bright white light in the sky that did not appear to burn out or reach the ground.

Astronomical Data

By Lee Emery, this section provides detailed information on the positions of prominent planets and brightest stars for December 1982, intended to help readers identify celestial objects and avoid mistaking them for UFOs. It also mentions the Geminids and Ursids meteor showers.

Editorial

The editorial addresses the current economic recession and its impact on the UFO field, including APRO. It notes that while APRO is affected, there are no immediate plans to reduce the size of the Bulletin. The organization has saved on expenses by closing its public office and moving back to the Lorenzen home. They are cutting back on long-distance calls and postage. Members are urged to notify APRO of any address changes promptly to avoid re-mailing costs. The editorial emphasizes APRO's history of operating with low overhead and surviving periods of public apathy, but acknowledges the difficulty of survival in the current economic climate. It calls for suggestions and donations from members, stressing that APRO must continue to provide information to new members entering the UFO subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the analysis of photographic evidence of UFOs, detailed accounts of close encounters and sightings, the persistent issue of animal mutilations, and the broader context of unusual phenomena such as crypto-zoology. The editorial stance is one of continued dedication to UFO research despite financial challenges, emphasizing the importance of information dissemination and member support. The publication aims to provide factual reporting, analysis, and practical guidance (like astronomical data) to its readership.