the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Volume: 31
Issue: 12
Date: February 1984
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, INC.
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0004-7800
Cover Headline: UFO SEEN OVER YUGOSLAVIA

Articles

UFO Seen Over Yugoslavia

This article, by Milos Krmelj, details a sighting on October 3, 1983, by amateur astronomers in Split, Yugoslavia. Nine young astronomers observed an unusual object with an oval and oblong shape, emitting a twinkling blue-white light. They initially mistook it for a meteor or satellite but soon realized its unusual characteristics, including its ability to change light intensity and speed at will. The object was observed for several minutes, and at one point, a smaller object with an orange light circled the primary UFO before they appeared to fuse and head north at high speed. The astronomers calculated the object's speed at 257 kilometers per hour and its altitude at 60.641 meters. Despite some media reports suggesting natural phenomena, the astronomers maintain their observations were of a genuine UFO.

1897 Landing - Here We Go Again!

This piece recounts a story from Aurora, Texas, dated April 17, 1897, as reported by S. E. Hayden. The article describes a cigar-shaped spaceship crashing into a windmill, with witnesses seeing a "little man" as the sole occupant. The town was reportedly full of people viewing the wreck and collecting metal debris, with the pilot's funeral scheduled for the next day. The author notes that despite factual holes, the story has persisted. An editor's note mentions that this tale is regularly revived and has led to disputes between UFO groups over publicity. The note also states that local citizens had threatened legal action to prevent UFO enthusiasts from digging up their graveyard in search of "alien remains."

Authentic UFO Photographs - Shot Down by a Computer...

Authored by C. W. Fitch, this article focuses on an incident in Mart, Texas, on February 27, 1972, involving photographs taken by Leslie V. Roll. The writer argues that one of these photos is the most revealing UFO picture ever taken. The article details how one of the photos was later misidentified by GSW's computer analysis as a fake. Mr. Roll described the object as having a metallic, silver-colored bottom and a transparent dome, moving in a zig-zag pattern. An FBI agent reportedly told Roll the photos were among the best he had ever seen. The article critiques GSW's computer analysis, which concluded the object was a model suspended by a string, calling it "plastic and cardboard fake." Fitch, who has become friends with Roll over the years, asserts that the photos show no evidence of a string and that magnified details suggest a real craft with an interior panel and a human-like figure. The author criticizes GSW for discarding the photos and questions the integrity of investigative groups that dismiss such evidence.

"Frightening Object" in Ghana

This report describes a sighting by inhabitants of Avenui-Awudome, Ghana, on the night of October 29, 1983. They reported seeing a glowing, star-like object moving from the northwest at high speed, disappearing into the sky. The object was described as unlike any star, flying low and leaving a rocket-like flame. A similar object was reported in Dabala, flying toward the sea.

Press Reports

This section compiles several UFO reports:

• France: A farm worker reported a "strange machine" landing and taking off at tremendous speed. Scientists from GEPAN investigated and found evidence of unusual plant changes and soil scraping, admitting they could not find a logical explanation.
• Sweden: On October 27, 1982, witnesses in Kvilla reported a shimmering object hovering above their horses, causing them to go wild. The object had multi-colored lights and made a whining noise. A local air traffic controller reported nothing in the airspace, and Swedish defense radar also found no anomalies.
• England: Reports from Ashbourne describe sightings of bright lights and roaring noises, with three hot air balloons suggested as a possible explanation.

Whatever Happened to UFology?

Written by Coral E. Lorenzen, this article addresses a perceived decline in public interest and progress in the field of UFOlogy. Lorenzen attributes this to "HYPE," particularly from Hollywood movies like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "E.T.," which she believes created a false sense of security and trivialized the subject. She argues that these films, while entertaining, did not accurately represent the serious nature of UFO research. Lorenzen contrasts this with the dedicated efforts of APRO and other long-term researchers who continue to seek factual information. She expresses hope that persistent individuals and "old-timers" will ultimately salvage UFO research.

Astronomical Data

By Lee Emery, this section provides detailed astronomical information for March and April 1984. It lists the positions of prominent planets (Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter) and brightest stars at various times of the night for observers at mid-northern latitudes. It also notes the absence of major meteor showers in March and the arrival of the Lyrids in April.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed case reports, historical UFO incidents, and critical analysis of evidence, particularly photographic. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Coral E. Lorenzen's article, is one of dedication to serious, fact-based research, often in contrast to sensationalism and "hype" generated by media and entertainment. The organization appears to value rigorous investigation and the pursuit of verifiable data, as seen in the detailed examination of the Mart, Texas photos and the Yugoslavian sighting. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes or misidentifications, and a frustration with the public's perceived apathy or misunderstanding of the subject.