APRO Bulletin - 1986 01 00 - Vol 33 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Volume: 33
Issue: 2
Date: Published January 1986

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, dated January 1986, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including an occupant encounter in China, an analysis of a historical painting, and numerous recent sighting reports from around the world. It also addresses internal organizational matters and clarifies rumors about APRO's status.

Renewal Notice

The bulletin begins with a renewal notice, informing subscribers that if the Volume and Issue Code 33/5 appears on their cover, their subscription is due. It outlines the renewal fees for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and overseas mail. A second notice will be sent, but subscribers are encouraged to remit their dues promptly to save APRO processing and mailing expenses.

UFOHIO SYMPOSIUM PAPERS

A price schedule is provided for papers presented at the APRO UFOhio Symposium in June 1981. These papers are available from APRO Headquarters at a cost of $0.10 per page plus postage. Eight papers are listed with their titles, authors, and prices, including works by Robert F. Creegan, William L. Moore, Betty Hill, R. Leo Sprinkle, Peter A. Jordan, L.J. Lorenzen, Stanton T. Friedman, and Peter Van Arsdale.

Occupant Encounter in China

This section details a mysterious UFO case that occurred on December 13, 1979, in Chekiang province, China. The report, translated from the Chinese publication "MARCH", describes an encounter by Mr. Jian-min, a driver. While driving, he saw a car stopped ahead and then encountered two humanoids, described as small men with queer-looking short stature, wearing helmets with red lights and silvery clothes. They carried square objects on their backs and a thermos bottle. The humanoids, approximately 1.5 meters tall, vanished when the driver approached.

Later, the same driver, Mr. Wang, encountered a bright, bluish-white light, described as an electric arc, and saw two "people" who also vanished. The report notes that no sound was heard during these encounters and that the witnesses had no prior experience with such phenomena. It also mentions a UFO wave that hit China between 1979 and 1980.

Did Underwater Volcano Make Mushroom Cloud?

This article references a September 1985 article in SCIENCE magazine that proposed an underwater volcano as an explanation for a mushroom cloud sighted off Japan in April 1984. However, it also quotes Lt. Col. Thomas Bearden, U.S. Army, retired, who claimed the Russians were testing "Star Wars weapons" capable of producing energy and causing a "cold explosion." The editor's note questions the "Star Wars" plan, suggesting it might be a "wool-gathering idea."

Was UFO Present at Jesus' Baptism?

This piece discusses an article from THE FORTEAN TIMES (Spring 1978) about a painting by Aert de Gelder, likely from 1710. The painting, which depicts the Baptism of Christ, is analyzed by Chris Castle. Castle notes a greenish disk in the sky with four narrow rays, and suggests that the scene might be set in hills with water. He questions whether de Gelder was inspired by something he saw or if he inserted a representation of a UFO into the painting. The article explores the possibility that the disk in the painting is a "mandala" of a soul symbol and notes that the kneeling figure in the painting has a blank face. The author concludes that the painting is an interesting artifact, though its artist's intentions remain unclear.

APRO Aids AF Workshop

APRO provided material to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in early 1985 for an Aerospace Workshop. The material included a summary of the manual "Introductory Space Science." The letter of thanks from Colonel Richard L. Uppstrom expresses gratitude for the useful literature provided to participants.

"Occupant" (continued from page one)

This continuation describes the "occupant" encounter in China. The two figures were described as wearing helmets with flashing red lights, silvery astronaut-like clothes, and square objects on their backs. A thermos bottle was slung over their shoulders. They held short rods and were about 1.5 meters tall. Mr. Wang stopped his truck, and when he got out to investigate, the "men" had disappeared.

UFO "Wave" in China in 1979-80

This section reiterates that during the two encounters, no sound was heard and it was pitch dark. Both witnesses had no prior experience with UFOs or humanoids. It confirms that a UFO wave hit China from 1979 to 1980. The article mentions a specific incident on December 13, 1979, involving Dai Kai-hua, Ji zhi-hong, and Liu You-fang of the Agricultural Science Research Organization observing a saucer-shaped UFO in Hu Bei province.

Clarification

Coral E. Lorenzen addresses rumors about APRO's publication status, clarifying that the Bulletin was suspended for an indefinite period due to her and her husband Jim's serious illnesses. Both are now recovering. She explains that the announcement was made to deter harassment from a "hair-trigger minority" who might demand back issues. She reassures readers that APRO is still operational and will re-establish a publishing schedule soon. She also mentions that Mr. Lorenzen will be retiring in the summer of 1987 and that they are selling their home of 20 years to move to a smaller domicile. APRO is selling off library duplicates and has secured storage space.

Another Colorado Mutilation

Lou Girodo, chief investigator for the district attorney's office, is investigating a cattle mutilation that occurred in December 1984 on a ranch 13 miles north of Trinidad, Colorado. An 800-pound Hereford steer was found with its tongue, genitals, and intestines missing. There were no gnaw marks or drag marks. Three nights prior, rancher Myron Scott observed two white, bright pulsating lights hovering about 100 feet above the ground for over 15 minutes. Girodo believes other mutilations go unreported due to cattlemen's fear of ridicule, and notes that over 8,000 cattle mutilations have been reported worldwide since 1967. The editor notes the absence of disturbed intestines, which predators typically target.

Huge Phenomena Over China

This article, based on information from Bert Nelson and translated from the People's Daily newspaper, reports on a case involving Peking flight CA933 over Lanzhou, China, on June 11. The crew observed an unidentified flying object (UFO) at 39 degrees, 30 minutes N and 103 degrees, 30 minutes E. The object was described as elliptical, going "extremely fast," and pacing the airliner. It was in sight for approximately two minutes and shone for "25 to 30 miles." The object was about six miles wide and located at an altitude of about 10,000 meters, on the same plane as the aircraft. It had a bright spot at the center and three horizontal rows of bluish-white lights on the perimeter. The article notes a delay in reporting the incident and whether passengers also observed it.

Hynek: UFO Movement Basically Amateurs

This section critiques J. Allen Hynek's statements in a recent OMNI Magazine interview. Hynek described the UFO field as "filled basically with amateurs" who are not "professionals," are technically ill-equipped, and "lack funds." The author points out Hynek's history of accepting honorariums and speaking at UFO functions. The article questions how one qualifies to be a UFO investigator and suggests that a thorough job requires knowledge of atmospherics, meteorology, aviation, basic physics, and geography. It contrasts the "amateurs" who conducted early investigations with Hynek's later prominence. The piece also mentions Hynek's plans for a "new research facility" and his focus on interviewing witnesses. It references an editorial in Flying Saucer Review that defines Hynek's position as viewing UFOs as "thought projections." The author criticizes Hynek's bemoaning of "ups and downs" and his focus on funding, suggesting that many amateurs have achieved more without funding.

Press Reports

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports:

• Keene, New Hampshire (October 15, 1984): A bright object with pulsating red and green lights hovered, then moved towards a police cruiser at high speed.
• Tyrone, Pennsylvania (October 23, 1984): A circular object, described as saucer-like and about the size of a football field, with amber and red lights, flew over a pickup truck.
• Dorset, England (December 15, 1984): A gray, doughnut-shaped object with a ring around the middle was observed rotating slowly.
• Cantwell, Alaska (January 8, 1985): A blinding white light passed overhead, illuminating the sky and surrounding mountains.
• Anchorage, Alaska (February 17-18, 1985): Colored lights hovered over the city, possibly hot air balloons, though pilots deny flying.
• Jonesboro, Arkansas (January 14, 1985): A large, glowing object took off and moved rapidly.
• Maralinga, Australia (January 16, 1985): A mysterious light hovered above a freight train, causing it to lose power. The incident occurred near the restricted Woomera military base.

Back Issues of the Bulletin Available from Stock

A list of available back issues of The APRO Bulletin from 1967 to 1980 is provided, along with information on available transcripts of two APRO Symposia and two papers by James A. Harder and R. Leo Sprinkle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed reports of UFO sightings and encounters, with a particular focus on occupant encounters and unusual aerial phenomena. The publication also engages in critical analysis of prominent figures in the UFOlogy field, such as J. Allen Hynek, questioning their methodologies and motivations. There is a strong emphasis on reporting firsthand accounts and investigating cases thoroughly, as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of sightings and the inclusion of information from various sources, including news clips and official reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, valuing empirical evidence and questioning established narratives, while also defending the organization's own operations and integrity against rumors. The inclusion of historical cases, like the painting analysis, and international sightings broadens the scope of the publication.