Magazine Summary
THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Summary
This issue of The APRO Bulletin (June 1983) features a cover story on 'E-M Effects in South Carolina' detailing a case involving unusual electrical phenomena and a hovering object. It also lists available papers from the UFOhio Symposium, provides astronomical data for June, July, and August 1983, and includes a 'Press Reports' section with numerous UFO sighting accounts from various locations in the US and UK. Additionally, there is an article discussing the use of microcomputers for UFO investigation and a critique of Persinger's 'Earth Stress Theory'.
Magazine Overview
This issue of The APRO Bulletin, Volume 31, Number 5, published in June 1983, is the official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. It features a prominent cover story on "E-M Effects in South Carolina" and includes various reports, articles, and data relevant to UFO research.
UFOhio Symposium Papers
The bulletin lists eight papers presented at the APRO UFOhio Symposium in June 1981, available from APRO Headquarters. These include topics such as "Old Magic and New," "The Roswell Investigation, Update and Conclusions," "The Interrupted Journey Continued," "UFO Activity and Human Consciousness," "The Night Surgeons," "E.T.H.-Completing The Jigsaw," "UFO-The Cosmic Watergate," and "Sociological Aspects of UFO Research." Prices for xerographic copies range from $2.00 to $3.50 per paper.
Special Notice: Compass Needle Effect Reports
A list of compass needle effect reports is provided, categorized by date and location (YR/MO/DY). This section includes numerous entries from various years and countries, such as the U.S., Atlantic, Argentina, Australia, UK, France, Canada, New Zealand, and Italy.
Call for Reports
An announcement offers $5.00 for a xerographic copy of any published UFO sighting report not on the provided list that mentions a magnetic compass needle or compass-type detector being affected. The contact person is Jan Eric Herr from San Diego, California.
E-M Effects in South Carolina
This feature article, by Michael D. Swords, PhD, details a case of possible interest to APRO members due to its similarities with electromagnetic effects in encounter cases, even without discs or occupants. The report describes an incident involving Jerry and Robin Messer of Simpsonville, South Carolina, on February 13, 1982. While driving, they observed an arrow-shaped object with red and green lights positioned over a field. As they slowed down, the object turned towards them, emitting two spotlight-type lights. Their car radio suddenly quit, and the object made no discernible noise. Another car approached at high speed, and the object then moved upward and disappeared. The article notes that no other witnesses were identified.
Close Encounter Without a UFO?
This section continues the South Carolina report, detailing the aftermath and further investigation. The Messers reported the incident the following day. The report includes details about their 1983 Mazda GLCL and the witnesses' observations of the silent surroundings, lack of portholes, and the disagreement on whether spotlights shed light on the ground. The article also mentions that the area was silent, with no bird or cricket sounds. The witness's emotional fixation on the event is highlighted as a dramatic aspect.
Encounter (Continued from Page One)
This section details a separate incident involving two women driving home in Michigan on June 10, 1982. They experienced odd electrical effects, including TV and radio reception issues and static electricity in their hair. The weather was humid with fog and a mild, slimy rain. Suddenly, the car's engine died, brakes malfunctioned, and a rotten odor pervaded the car. They entered a 'clear region' amidst dense fog. The passenger felt the car was extremely hot. Outside, they encountered 'lightning' flashes and a pink-orange fluorescent glow. They were soaked with water, and then experienced small, dancing red lights. After seeking help at a house, the 'event' subsided. The aftermath involved difficulty sleeping for a while, with one woman becoming intrigued and the other fixated on the experience.
APRO Staff and Membership Information
The bulletin provides contact information for APRO, including addresses and phone numbers for the organization and its staff, such as Coral E. Lorenzen (Editor) and L.J. Lorenzen (International Director). It also details membership fees and subscription options for the APRO Bulletin.
Irene Granchi: APRO's Brazilian Representative
This section introduces Irene Granchi, APRO's Representative for Brazil, highlighting her long involvement in UFO investigation since 1954. It mentions her meeting with the Lorenzens in 1967 and her attendance at the APRO UFO Symposium in 1971. Granchi is described as proficient in multiple languages and a professor of languages at Cultura Inglesia in Rio de Janeiro.
Astronomical Data
By Lee Emery, this column provides observational data for significant stars and planets in the night sky for June, July, and August 1983. It includes information on prominent planets (Venus, Jupiter, Saturn), brightest stars (Vega, Capella, Arcturus, Antares), meteor showers (Delta Aquarids, Capricornids, Perseids), and moon phases for each month. The data is intended for observers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Central Asia, and Japan, with notes on approximate times and daylight savings adjustments.
The "Earth Stress" Theory
This section presents comments by Larry K. Lepley, PhD, on Michael A. Persinger's theory predicting UFO events and experiences. Lepley critiques Persinger's hypothesis, which links "electromagnetic-like" earthquake precursors to UFO luminosities and hallucinations. Lepley argues that Persinger's theory is based on shaky geophysical evidence and demonstrates ignorance of electromagnetics. He finds no correlation between UFO sightings and earthquake zones, but rather a correlation with population density. Lepley suggests Persinger may be discrediting serious researchers due to fear of the phenomena being real.
Mutilations Return to Wyoming
A brief report mentions a cattle mutilation case in Wyoming involving a 9-year-old cow with surgical cuts and removed organs. The report notes the absence of predators and the unusual nature of the cuts.
Microcomputers and UFO Investigators
Part One of a series by Sally Sheridan, M. Ed., discusses how microcomputers can be utilized by UFO investigators. It suggests using astronomy software for sighting verification and implementing standardized personal case files using database management systems. The article outlines essential data fields for case files, such as witness names, sighting type, location, date, time, duration, number of witnesses, object characteristics, and keywords for retrieval. It emphasizes the importance of a standardized format for data sharing and analysis.
Press Reports
This section compiles numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations and dates:
- England (October 29, 1982): Charles Clarkson and Sydney Weatherhill observed a large, silent, airship-shaped object with lights.
- England (November 1982): Bernard O'Reilly reported a triangular, lit-up object hovering like a helicopter.
- Connecticut (October 20, 1982): Paul Bouchner encountered a "monstrosity of a disc" with numerous lights, heat waves, and a grinding whir.
- Texas (November 12, 1982): Several people in Victoria reported a dark, oval to saucer-shaped object.
- Illinois (November 27, 1982): Police officers in Palatine observed an intense white and red light.
- Pennsylvania (December 2, 1982): Boys in Lake Ariel reported a round object with blue lights.
- Washington (December 11, 1982): Scott and Nadine West observed a large, inverted saucer-shaped object with smaller accompanying craft.
- Nebraska (December 11, 1982): Joe and Tanni Murnan saw two purplish-pink hovering objects.
- New Mexico (December 20-21, 1982): Strange lights in the sky over Dona Ana County were reported, with explanations ranging from military training to atmospheric conditions.
- New Mexico (January 12, 1983): Authorities investigated a fire on a high plateau near Gallup, with speculation about a meteorite fall and reports of explosion-like noises.
Membership Renewal Notice
A renewal notice is included, reminding members that their subscription may be due if a specific code appears on their cover. It provides renewal fees for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and overseas.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue include electromagnetic effects associated with UFO phenomena, detailed reports of various UFO sightings from different geographical locations, and the practical application of technology (microcomputers) in UFO investigations. The bulletin also critically examines scientific theories related to UFOs, particularly Persinger's "Earth Stress Theory," highlighting a skeptical yet open-minded approach to evidence and interpretation. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, data collection, and critical analysis of hypotheses within the field of UFO research.
My only guess is that Persinger, like many detractors, is terrified of the possibility that some of the UFO phenomena might possibly be real. He then is compelled to discredit serious researchers and their evidence.
Key Incidents
Jerry and Robin Messer reported an arrow-shaped object with red and green lights, which emitted spotlight-type beams and caused their car radio to quit.
Two women experienced odd electrical effects, brown slimy rain, and a 'lightning' show after which their car's engine and brakes malfunctioned.
Charles Clarkson and Sydney Weatherhill observed a large, silent, airship-shaped object with lights at the front and back.
Bernard O'Reilly and others observed a triangular, lit-up object hovering soundlessly like a helicopter.
Paul Bouchner reported a 'monstrosity of a disc' with 30 basketball-sized lights, which emitted heat waves and a grinding whir before shooting away.
Several people reported seeing a dark, oval to saucer-shaped object moving southerly, with no sound or lights detected.
Police officers observed an intense white and red light, bright enough to illuminate the ground, which disappeared after 9 minutes.
Three boys reported a round object with bright blue lights that hovered and flew away, later described by mothers as a 'tear-shaped object'.
Scott and Nadine West reported a large, inverted saucer-shaped object with white lights, accompanied by two smaller objects with red lights.
Joe and Tanni Murnan saw two purplish-pink objects, one of which appeared to bounce across a pasture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APRO Bulletin?
The APRO Bulletin is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc., issued monthly to members and subscribers, containing information on UFO research, observations, investigations, photos, articles, and book reviews.
How can I order UFOhio Symposium papers?
UFOhio Symposium papers can be ordered from APRO Headquarters based on a price schedule of $.10 per page plus postage, by ordering by number, title, and author.
What is the subscription cost for the APRO Bulletin?
APRO membership, including the Bulletin, is $15.00 annually for the U.S., $16.00 for Canada and Mexico, $18.00 for other countries via surface mail, and $21.00 for overseas airmail.
What is the 'Earth Stress Theory'?
The 'Earth Stress Theory,' as discussed by Michael A. Persinger, hypothesizes that 'electromagnetic-like' earthquake precursors cause UFO-like luminosities or hallucinations, a theory critiqued in the bulletin for its lack of solid evidence and misinterpretation of data.
How can microcomputers be used in UFO investigations?
Microcomputers can be used to store astronomical data for sighting verification, and to create standardized case files using database management systems for cataloging witness information, sighting details, and keywords for retrieval.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Michael D. SwordsAssociate Professor of Natural Science
- Richard CoffmanField Investigator
- Jerry MesserWitness
- Robin MesserWitness
- Coral E. LorenzenEditor
- L.J. LorenzenInternational Director
- Irene GranchiAPRO's Representative for Brazil
- Lee EmeryStudent
- Michael A. PersingerPhD
- Larry K. LepleyPhD
- Joe GrazianoAuthor
- Doris GrazianoAuthor
- +8 more
Organisations
- APRO
- UFOhio
- MUFON
- US/UFO, Inc.
- National Weather Service
- O'Hare Airport
- Ft. Bliss
Locations
- South Carolina, U.S.A.
- Simpsonville, U.S.A.
- Spartanburg, U.S.A.
- Brazil, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tucson, U.S.A.
- Michigan, U.S.A.
- Sturgis, U.S.A.
- Seattle, U.S.A.
- England, United Kingdom
- Whitby, United Kingdom
- Skegness, United Kingdom
- Ingoldmells, United Kingdom
- Hunstanton, United Kingdom
- +6 more