APRO Bulletin - 1984 09 00 - Vol 32 No 7

Magazine Overview

This issue of "the apro bulletin" (Vol. 32, No. 7), published in September 1984 by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO), focuses on "Nocturnal Lights" and a significant UFO sighting in Indiana.

Nocturnal Lights

Dr. Michael D. Swords discusses the confusion surrounding "Nocturnal Lights" (NLs) and the emergence of "glow balls" as a phenomenon that challenges established science. He notes that geological and forestry professionals are increasingly reporting these lights, particularly in areas with geological stress. A quote from a U.S. Geological Survey member describes a "very strong white light" seen near the Yakima Indian Reservation in Washington state, which was silent and appeared to be floating without support.

These lights are distinguished from typical "earthquake lights" and "ball lightning." While some photographs show a superficial resemblance to ball lightning, geologists are unable to determine their composition. The article mentions that between 1972 and 1977, 82 such cases were witnessed in Yakima, suggesting a need for ufologists to consider this explanation for "ufo landing-fields" type claims.

Another phenomenon discussed is the "Brown Mountain Lights" in North Carolina, researched by ORION and the Enigma Project. Michael Frizzell reports on misidentified city lights and genuine mystery lights that might fit the "glow ball" pattern. A recent OMNI report is cited about a Russian incident where a baseball-sized glow ball entered a plane, traversed its length, and exited through the tail, causing minor holes. This phenomenon is described as "very rare and strange."

1977 Disc in Indiana

David Roeck recounts a personal sighting in Anderson, Indiana, in July 1977. He describes a "great disc gliding gently" across the sky, moving slowly, tilted at an angle, and rotating clockwise. The object, estimated to be less than 1000 feet high, had a "gold-ball" white spherical lights arranged around its rim and a single spherical red light on top. The sighting lasted about five minutes, and the craft moved in an arc without sound, odors, or emissions.

Astronomical Data

Lee Emery provides astronomical data for October, November, and December 1984. This section details the visibility of prominent planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and brightest stars (Aldebaran, Capella, Vega, Orion Constellation, Sirius, Arcturus) at specific times and dates. It also lists meteor showers for each month, including the Draconids, Orionids, Taurids, Andromedids, Leonids, Geminids, and Ursids. The editor notes that Emery is moving on to graduate school and that APRO is seeking volunteers to continue this column.

UFOLOGY - According to WHOM?

Coral Lorenzen critically examines an article by John Schuessler, Deputy Director of MUFON, published in the January 1984 MUFO Journal. Lorenzen addresses Schuessler's criticisms of NICAP, attributing NICAP's failure to Donald E. Keyhoe's refusal to accept landings as legitimate cases. Lorenzen also defends APRO against Schuessler's claims of similar problems, stating that APRO has managed its finances despite having ambitious projects.

Lorenzen refutes Schuessler's characterization of APRO's contribution, asserting that APRO pioneered UFO investigation during a time of ridicule and that it made it possible for figures like Hynek, Schuessler, and Andrus to "come out of the closet."

The article details APRO's involvement with the Cash/Landrum case, stating that they tried to help but were unaware that initial information was sold to a tabloid. APRO published a report on the case in April 1981 based on information provided by Schuessler, concluding that the object was a malfunctioning military aircraft.

Lorenzen also defends Wendelle C. Stevens, who was charged with child molestation. Lorenzen criticizes Schuessler for apologizing for Stevens and points out that Stevens has no connection to the Travis Walton case investigation, contrary to Schuessler's claims. Court records revealed Stevens was charged with 16 counts, pleaded guilty to three, and was sentenced to seven years.

MISCONCEPTIONS IN UFOLOGY

Coral Lorenzen discusses the term "mother ship," generally credited to George Adamski. She suggests redefining it as "Carrier ship" or "craft" because the relationship between Adamski's "mother" and "scout" ships does not align with the biological definition of a mother and offspring. She cites the 1954 sighting at Vernon, France, as a documented case of a cigar-shaped object emitting disc-shaped craft. Lorenzen also proposes "recon" craft as an alternative term for Adamski's "scout ships."

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

Vincent-Juan Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp, translated by Richard Heiden, explore the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). They argue that communication between humans and potential extraterrestrial visitors might be impossible due to vastly different "conscious" planes, akin to human-ant communication. They address the objection that humanoid occupants in reports are too similar to humans, suggesting evolution might lead to similar forms or that it's a priori prejudice. They also discuss how UFO phenomena behave as if controlling gravity, exhibiting varied agility, which doesn't necessarily contradict the ETH but points to different biochemistries or advanced technology.

The authors note a recent trend among some ufologists to distance themselves from the ETH and turn towards paranormal or parapsychological theses. They attribute this to various factors, including the influence of thinkers favoring non-mechanistic hypotheses, a romanticized view of UFOs, and the Peter principle, where investigators may operate outside their areas of competence. They contrast this with the scientific community's increasing consideration of the ETH, citing NASA's SETI project and discussions in publications like "New Scientist" and "Science."

The article concludes by stating that while science is progressively approaching the ETH, a sector of ufology has noticeably distanced itself, opting for paranormal explanations. This shift is seen as a complex issue with varied reasons, including a desire for explanations that are not strictly mechanistic or scientifically rigorous.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently promotes rigorous investigation and a critical stance towards UFO phenomena, emphasizing factual reporting and analysis. The editorial stance appears to be strongly in favor of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, while also acknowledging and attempting to debunk alternative explanations or misinterpretations. The publication actively engages in debates within the ufology community, defending its research methods and challenging the findings or interpretations of other organizations like MUFON and NICAP. There is a clear emphasis on historical research and the importance of accurate reporting, as seen in the detailed critiques of other organizations and the redefinition of terms like "mother ship."