the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: the apro bulletin
Issue: Vol. 31, No. 1
Date: January 1983
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC. (APRO)
Country: USA

This issue of The APRO Bulletin covers a range of UFO-related topics, including a detailed account of a "Maverick UFO" chase in Colorado, a collection of Canadian UFO reports, discussions on occult theories versus scientific ufology, and a geological explanation for incidents in the Bermuda Triangle. It also features astronomical data and predictions of alien contact.

UFOhio SYMPOSIUM PAPERS

The bulletin lists available papers from the APRO UFOhio Symposium held in June 1981, with titles, authors, and prices. These include topics such as "Old Magic and New" by Robert F. Creegan, "The Roswell Investigation, Update and Conclusions" by William L. Moore, and "UFO Activity and Human Consciousness" by R. Leo Sprinkle.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

George W. Earley addresses a perceived tendency in UFO reports to validate sightings based solely on the absence of sound. He argues that this is not sufficient evidence for an extraterrestrial origin, citing meteorological phenomena like winds aloft that can mask engine sounds. Earley expresses concern that this uncritical acceptance, coupled with accusations against skeptics, could lead to 'scientific ufology' being equated with 'scientific creationism.' The editor's note clarifies that while soundlessness is a factual observation, it doesn't automatically confirm a UFO, and emphasizes the importance of thorough interviewing.

"MAVERICK UFO" CHASE IN COLORADO

Investigated by Alan Longobucco, this article details the experience of Terry and Marilyn Wejs on February 18, 1982. While driving in Colorado, they observed an unusual object that initially appeared as two illuminated columns, then a craft with red, blue, and white lights. The object reportedly hovered at a low altitude, dropped rapidly, and crossed the road in front of their car. The Wejs couple described the object as approximately 60 feet long and rectangular, with blinking lights. Terry Wejs reported being "frankly terrified," an experience he described as more frightening than his Vietnam experiences. The object reappeared and then disappeared. The accompanying sketches are composites based on their descriptions.

THE OCCULT THEORY AS RED HERRING

By Robert F. Creegan, Ph.D., this article argues that while anomalous phenomena are of interest, occult interpretations of UFO reports have become a distraction, possibly officially inspired. Creegan suggests that focusing on dramatic but elusive cases diverts attention from observations by scientists and military personnel that point to physically real vehicles. He criticizes academic critics for relying on abstract principles rather than integrating factual evidence. Creegan recommends focusing on reports suggesting ordinary physical causality, including the possibility of "nuts and bolts" vehicles, and believes this is more compatible with the physical vehicle theory than occult explanations.

ANOTHER 'TRIANGLE' EXPLANATION

Richard D. McIver, a petroleum geologist, proposes that natural gas blowouts, possibly linked to gas hydrates trapped beneath the ocean floor, could explain the mysterious disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. He explains that these blowouts can cause ships to lose buoyancy and aircraft engines to stall. McIver also suggests that these events could explain radar anomalies and negative ions that affect compass readings.

HICKSON PREDICTS COMING OF ALIENS

Charles Hickson claims that beings from another world will arrive in force in 1983 to change Earth's self-destructive course. He states he has been chosen as one of 12 liaisons between aliens and humans and has had physical and mental contact with them for nearly nine years. Hickson recounts an alleged abduction experience in 1973 with Calvin Parker. He believes an "energy" will be released in early 1983, followed by the aliens' arrival by the end of the year, leading to a transformed world.

BOOK REVIEW: "The Secret of Stonehenge"

This review discusses I.L. Cohen's book, which examines Stonehenge's construction, dimensions, and astronomical capabilities. Cohen suggests Stonehenge may have functioned as a giant computer for determining solstices, equinoxes, and eclipses. The review highlights the book's theoretical questions about its construction and potential connection to space travel.

ASTRONOMICAL DATA

By Lee Emery, this section provides approximate star and planetary positions for February and March 1983, intended to help observers locate prominent objects in the night sky. It includes details on the visibility of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, as well as bright stars like Capella, Rigel, Betelgeuse, Sirius, Aldebaran, Arcturus, Vega, and Antares.

NOTE: Zodiacal Light

A note advises readers to watch for a curious glow reaching up from the western horizon about two hours after sunset and high in the sky around midnight during February and March, identified as the Zodiacal Light.

CANADIAN REPORTS COLLECT DUST

This section reports that UFO sighting reports filed with Canada's National Research Council (NRC) are not actively investigated. Examples include a diamond-shaped object seen in Winnipeg and flashing lights reported by Armed Forces officers in Gander, Newfoundland. Dr. Peter Millman of the NRC is quoted as failing to find evidence of alien visitation, a view not shared by all Canadian officials, such as Lt. Cdr. Arthur Bray, who is convinced of alien observation.

'GHOST LIGHTS' OF TEXAS

This article describes the phenomenon of "Ghost Lights" observed near Marfa, West Texas, for over 100 years. These are described as small, ethereal, dull lights with some vertical and horizontal movement. Theories range from swamp fire to UFOs, but no definitive explanation has been found.

MOST CANADIAN SIGHTINGS AT NIGHT

This section compiles several UFO sightings reported in Canada during 1982, mostly occurring at night or in the early morning. Incidents include bright lights in Saskatchewan, a green light in Alberta, a large platform of yellow lights in Ontario, and red and green flashing lights in Newfoundland.

PRESS REPORTS

This section presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from various locations:

• Texas, July 5, 1982: Willard Hargrove, Jr. and others saw a huge flying object move across the valley.
• Canada, July 1982: Stephane Lebeau and others in Laval, Quebec, saw a slow, noiseless object with a light beam and blinking colored lights, followed by sounds and an encounter with an "extraterrestrial."
• Wales, July 11, 1982: Mrs. Tegwyn Jones and Harry Jones spotted a round, yellow object that changed color and moved towards them.
• Australia, July 11, 1982: Four hunters observed a cigar-shaped object with yellow and red glow.
• Australia, July 14, 1982: Constables Flynn and Grey saw unusual lights in the sky.
• South Carolina, July 14 (?), 1982: An unidentified person saw a water tank-shaped object with blue-green lights.
• New Jersey, July 15, 1982: Seven people, including police, saw two helicopter-like objects disappear into thin air.
• England, July 18, 1982: George Hill's family observed bright lights and an object hovering above their car.
• Australia, July 20, 1982: Twenty-five football players were distracted by a bright object that moved rapidly.
• Australia, Date Unknown: Gerhard Bruckhorst reported an object that accelerated rapidly, leaving behind three circular patches of scorched grass.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on physical evidence and scientific inquiry. The APRO Bulletin appears to advocate for a "nuts and bolts" approach to ufology, cautioning against purely occult or unsubstantiated interpretations. The editorial stance, particularly evident in George W. Earley's letter and the editor's note, promotes critical thinking and rigorous investigation while acknowledging the reality of the phenomenon. The publication also covers a wide geographical range of sightings, from North America to Australia and the UK, and touches upon geological explanations for some mysteries. The issue concludes with a call for address changes and information on gift subscriptions, reinforcing its role as a communication channel for APRO members.