LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 11-12 - Nov Dec 1961

Magazine Overview

Title: LUFORO BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. II, Nos. 11&12
Date: November and December 1961
Publisher: London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation
Price: 1/-

Editorial and Organizational Information

The issue begins by listing the Honorary Secretary as Miss M.D. Holmes, located in Bexleyheath, Kent, England. It then details the proceedings of the Second Annual General Meeting of the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation, held at Caxton Hall, Westminster, on December 2nd, 1961. The following individuals were elected to office:

• President: G.F.N. Knewstub
• Vice-President: L.G. Cramp
• Chairman of Executive Committee: G.N.P. Stephenson
• Vice-Chairman: G.G. Doel
• Honorary Secretary: Miss M.D. Holmes
• Research Co-ordinator: E.R. Smith
• Bulletin Editor: L.G. Moore
• Publicity Officer: L. Beer
• Librarian: R.G. Wyld

Several other members were elected to the Executive Committee, and Honorary Assistant Secretaries, Sub-editors, and departmental secretaries were also appointed. J.M. Adams served as both Photographic Adviser and Honorary Auditor.

Membership details are provided, with an annual fee of 10/-d (or $1.50) including a subscription to the "LUFORO BULLETIN". Subscriptions can be sent to the Hon. Secretary in England or to L.P. Maccubbin in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.A. The "LUFORO BULLETIN" will be published bi-monthly, with a subscription rate of 5/-d (or $1) per year. Quotations from the bulletin require appropriate acknowledgements. Reports of UFOs should be addressed to the Chairman, G.N.P. Stephenson.

Reported Sightings

Fishermen Tell of Strange Glistening Objects in Sky

On the North Sea, the third hand of the trawler Lepanto, Mr.J.H. Upton of Grimsby, reported seeing a stationary, pear-shaped, silvery object. Another object of the same shape appeared, and after a moment, both vanished "like lightning" at high altitude. Mr. Upton, with 24 years at sea, stated it was "certainly not a rocket." The chief engineer, Mr. Toby Barnett, corroborated the sighting, describing the object as a "miniature barrage balloon," pinkish-grey, and changing shape. He noted no noise, exhaust, or smoke. The objects were "very high indeed," and one kept revolving and changing shape before another joined it. They departed at "terrific speed." Before vanishing eastward, they formed into "parachute shaped objects."

Blue-White Light Over Durham

On September 22nd, 1961, Mr. D.G. Leng of Whitley Bay, Northumberland, witnessed a bright blue-white light flashing at "tremendous speed" across a gap in the clouds in Durham. The object disappeared and reappeared, following a straight path with no sound. Mr. Leng noted that an aircraft of known type could not have covered the distance in the time observed. The light was brighter than any star, with no particular shape, and was travelling north-north-east. The sighting occurred at 12:01 am.

Adamski-Type Object Over Isle of Wight

On July 3rd, 1961, near Ryde on the Isle of Wight, Mrs. Smith and her daughter, Mrs. Taylor, observed five distinct lights in a row that approached them. The object became visible, initially thought to be a hovercraft, but emitted no sound. It had five porthole lights projecting orange light, and its base glowed with orange light. Diffused orange light surrounded the top of the circular craft. Mrs. Taylor's drawing showed a resemblance to crafts seen by George Adamski. The UFO tilted, presenting its plan form. The object approached at eye-level and was approximately 60 feet above ground. It then shot off, retracing its path, leaving a "glowing ring of light" for five minutes. Leonard G. Cramp investigated this sighting and noted a friend had seen bright lights preceded by a "strange and very local whirlwind" that same evening.

Green Fireball

On May 5th, 1961, Mr. R. Brook of Stratford-on-Avon observed a bright object in the north-west while using his telescope. It began as a meteor track, rapidly brightened, and ended with a brilliant green flash, with traces of particles breaking off. Data: Duration 6 secs, Track length 16°, Elevation 25° down to 9°.

Pink Lights Flash Across Sky

On August 15th, 1961, Mr. McPoland of Barrow, Lancashire, reported seeing three pink objects moving at "incredible speed" across the sky. Visible for only four seconds, they resembled "inverted saucers" and travelled in a straight line from north-west to south-east, equally spaced. A Met. Office spokesman stated these were not related to balloon launchings, and Mr. McPoland suggested they could be "something from outer space."

Scientific Discussion: Martian Satellites

The Martian Satellites May Be Artificial

Several Russian scientists, including Assistant Professor F. Zigel of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences, propose that the two minute satellites of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, may be artificial. Johannes Kepler conjectured Mars had satellites in the 17th century, but they were not discovered until 1877 by Asaph Hall. Zigel theorizes they were built between 1862 and 1877. His reasoning includes the fact they were not seen despite diligent searches with telescopes comparable to those used later to discover fainter Uranus satellites. He also points out their small size, suggesting they could not have separated from Mars naturally and that Phobos orbits faster than Mars rotates. Zigel dismisses natural formation processes. Other Moscow astronomers argue the satellites are natural and were discovered due to improved telescope technology in 1877. Zigel counters that inferior telescopes have since observed them.

In 1951, astronomer Hard suggested Phobos and Deimos were artificial, made and orbited by Martians. Professor Shklovsky expanded on this, noting their circular orbits similar to artificial satellites and their alignment with Mars's equator. Shklovsky suggests Phobos's abnormal acceleration implies it is hollow, which is unlikely for a natural body. He also posits that if they had shiny, metallic surfaces, their apparent diameters would be larger. Satellite diameters are determined by apparent size and brightness.

The construction of large space stations (10-20 miles across) is presented as theoretically possible, with parts assembling in orbit. Professor Zigel mentions Soviet scientists planning huge space stations.

Overseas Sighting Reports

Disc Eludes Pilot After Fast Chase Over Utah Central Airport

On October 2nd, 1961, U.S. Air Force officials investigated a report of an unidentified flying object resembling a "flying saucer" near Utah Central Airport. Pilot Waldo J. Harris sighted the object during takeoff. The report was considered "undoubtedly the best report" of its kind in the area. Mr. Harris described the object as a "large disc hovering with a rocking motion" at an altitude of 6500-7000 feet, about five miles away. It appeared light gray, 50 feet across and four feet thick. It hovered over the Utah Lake Omni station before moving west at "extremely accelerated rate of speed." Seven witnesses at the airport also observed the object for over 15 minutes, describing it as rocking while hovering and sometimes resembling a zeppelin. Prevailing winds were light, suggesting the object's speed was not wind-assisted. The Air Force conducted a routine investigation.

B.O.A.C and PanAmerican Jets Encounter Doughnut Disc Object Over Pacific Ocean

On September 21st, 1961, two jet airliners, a B.O.A.C. plane and a PanAmerican Airways plane, reported an encounter with a "doughnut shaped ufo" over the Pacific Ocean. Captain R.F. Griffin of the B.O.A.C. jet described a "bright ring in the sky" with "sharply outlined edges and a 'very clear hole in the centre'" at 37,000 feet. It travelled in their direction at "far greater speed" and appeared to have reflected light. The object disappeared over the horizon in seven minutes. The Federal Aviation Agency was releasing these reports to NICAP. NICAP suggested the object was not an ICBM or satellite re-entry, and that its visibility at high altitude implied it was extremely large (at least 100 feet in diameter), ruling out known aircraft or balloons.

Cylinder-Shaped Object Over San Francisco

On September 3rd, 1961, a cylinder or projectile-shaped UFO with two bright lights was reported hovering over the western edge of San Francisco, California. Photographs were taken and were to be evaluated by military authorities.

Brazilian Sighting - 1960

A Brazilian writer, Rachel de Queiroz, described a sighting from May 13th, 1960, in Ceara state, where a mule train was followed by an "airplane without wings" for three hours. The following night, saucer landings were reported on a hill in Ceara, with a crew member waving to a fisherman who then ran away. That same evening, a "saucer" was witnessed by many people over the town.

Australia - 12 Saucers Discard White Mesh-Like Substance

On August 5th, 1961, twelve "silvery 'white metal flying saucers'" were sighted flying at about 10,000 feet seven miles west of Meekatharra, Western Australia. Shearers on Mt. Hale station reported the objects travelling in pairs at high speed. Shearing contractor Mr. Edwin Payne reported that the round objects left a "fall-out" of a white substance that crumbled upon touch, making preservation for examination impossible. It was described as "snowy white, fine mesh stuff." The sightings, by about 12 people, occurred between 8:30 and 9:45 am. The R.A.A.F. stated no service aircraft were in the area. The Director of the Perth Museum found it improbable that such a substance could be seen at that height.

Substance Fell Out of Sky Near Elmira, New York

On February 22nd, 1955, a grey, cobwebby, and slightly radioactive substance fell over half a square mile near Elmira, New York. It was identified as extremely short-fibred cotton by a chemistry professor. The radioactivity was normal during atomic tests. This substance, known as 'angel-hair,' is associated with UFOs and is frequently reported globally.

Flying Object Seen Over Queensland

On the morning of Monday, June 5th, sixty people in Queensland watched a "silver-red sphere" perform aerobatics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently reports on a wide variety of UFO sightings from around the globe, with a focus on detailed witness accounts and official investigations where available. The publication appears to maintain a stance of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and theories without overt skepticism. The inclusion of scientific discussions, such as the debate over the artificiality of Martian satellites, indicates an interest in exploring potential extraterrestrial or advanced technological origins for observed phenomena. The issue concludes with seasonal greetings, reinforcing a sense of community among its readers.

This issue of UFO Reports, published in late 1961, compiles various news items and reports concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena from around the world. It features a collection of short articles, news snippets, and letters to the editor, highlighting sightings, official statements, and the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations.

Millaa Millaa Sighting

The issue begins with a report from Millaa Millaa, Australia, where a local police constable, schoolchildren, and businessmen observed an object for approximately 3.5 hours. The object was initially described as a silver sphere, about 6 inches across, which then transformed into a cone shape with a red end. It shot off to the east and later returned to its original position. The commanding officer of the R.A.A.F. base at Townsville sent up a trainer aircraft, but it arrived after the object had disappeared. Constable W. Anderson provided the description. The secretary of the Astronomical Society of Queensland suggested it might be Venus, visible in daytime due to its position relative to the sun. The report is credited to 'The West Australian' and the Tyneside UFO Society, dated June 6, 1961.

R.A.A.F. Officer's Comments

Commenting on sightings in Meekatharra, a R.A.A.F. officer stated that many reports are investigated, with 97% finding simple explanations, often related to aircraft or meteors. The officer noted that the Australian Air Force is more generous than the U.S.A.F. in its allowance of 'unknowns,' by 1%.

Unidentified Submarine Off Sydney

In Sydney, on Thursday, November 16th, Senator John Gorton, the Australian Minister for the Navy, reported that Australian and New Zealand warships detected and tracked what could have been an unidentified submarine off Sydney harbour during joint naval exercises. However, there was no visual sighting, and contact was lost shortly after a search began. Neither Britain nor the US had submarines in the area at the time. The report is credited to the 'West Lancashire Evening Gazette' and J.G. Roberts.

UDO Connection

The article notes an interesting resemblance between this 'mystery submarine' and an unidentified object sighted off the Argentine coast some months prior, termed a 'Unidentified Diving Object' (UDO). The possibility of an audacious Russian submarine is mentioned, but the incidents are deemed worth remembering.

Red UFO Fires Off Green Sparks (Ottumwa, Iowa)

From the U.S.A., a report from Ottumwa, Iowa, details an event on September 10th, 1961, witnessed by Robert Cloyd. He observed a red light traveling slowly from the south, which he initially mistook for an airplane beacon. The light did not blink. It stopped, shot off red and green sparks for about a minute, then ascended rapidly from an estimated 2000 to 8000 feet. It then split into two white objects that sped away in opposite directions. Mr. Cloyd attempted to use binoculars but the objects had disappeared by then. This report is from 'The Daily Mirror' and credited to J.D. Llewellyn.

Fiery Object Over Unterterzee, Switzerland

A report from the Foreign Department, translated from 'Neue Furcher Zeitung' (Switzerland), describes a strange fiery object appearing over Unterterzee (St. Gall province) on October 16th at 4:30 am. It traveled north-east, leaving a wide fiery tail that illuminated the valley. The object moved at a moderate speed and might be connected to the re-entry of the 'Discoverer 32' satellite.

Silvery Object Over Rotorua, New Zealand

On April 14th, 1961, at 12:30 pm, Mr. and Mrs. R. Alexander of Rotorua noticed two aircraft overhead. They then saw a round silvery object hovering for a few seconds before shooting towards Tauranga. The sky was clear. They reported the sighting to the 'POST' newspaper, but it was not published, and the aerodrome stated they did not know what it was. This is credited to 'Scientific Space research Bulletin'.

Second Natural Satellite Discovery

Under 'New Scientist' dated September 1st, 1961, a report details the discovery of a second natural satellite of Earth by K. Kordylewski of the Cracow Observatory. This satellite consists of two cloud-like objects in the same orbit as the moon but 60 degrees behind it. The report references calculations by J.L. Lagrange from the 18th century regarding stable gravitational equilibrium points and notes that these positions were verified in 1904 with a trojan asteroid. Conditions were favorable for observing the second position ahead of the moon. This is credited to H. Bunting, DIGAP.

Unidentified Radio Sources

A new 50-foot polar axis telescope is to be constructed at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, for use with the 250-foot radio telescope to probe unidentified radio forces in remote parts of the universe. The telescope was designed by Mr. H.c. Husband, and it is expected to be operational within months. Sir Bernard Lovell, director of the station, is quoted. This is from the 'Evening Telegraph', September 29th, 1961, credited to TUFOS.

Martians at Work?

'The West Australian' on June 6th, 1961, reports that Mr. V.J.M. Bosher, from the weapons research establishment at Woomera, believes Martians may be sending satellites into space. He told the Astronomical Society of South Australia that two moons orbiting Mars exhibit unusual brightness, suggesting they might be artificial satellites. He noted they would have to be small to be invisible from Earth at 35,000,000 miles away but visible through telescopes.

Mystery Explosion in Newcastle

From the 'Sunday Sun' on October 15th, 1961, a mystery explosion rocked part of Newcastle's West End, heard as far away as Low Fell. People in the Corporation Street area reported a loud noise. Mr. K. Latcham, manager of the Bath Hotel, described the shaking of windows and doors. A spokesman for the North Eastern Electricity Board, Newcastle Fire Brigade, and West End police station had no reports or explanations.

Tiahuanaco Calendar Correction

A correction from J. Cleary-Baker Ph.D. regarding the Tiahuanaco ruins states they are pre-Incan, not Incan. He disputes claims of 10,000 years of antiquity, suggesting builders flourished before 3,000 B.C. He also expresses doubt that these people knew the rotation period of Venus, which he states is still a matter of dispute among astronomers, even with respect to the Academy of Science of the U.S.S.R.

My Flying Saucer Letter

A letter to the 'Daily Express' on October 10th, 1961, describes five discs flying in line astern near London Airport, emitting a strange silverish light and showing ribbed construction. One disc landed on the reader's roof in Buckinghamshire, but the photograph was described as looking like a piece of thistledown.

Eight Mile Drilling by U.S.S.R. Geologists

'The Daily Mirror' on October 23rd, 1961, reports that the Russians are racing Americans to probe 'INNER SPACE' (the Earth's interior) by drilling a super-hole eight miles deep near Lake Aral-Sor in Kazakhstan.

Wanted: Six Planes (Bahamas, 1945)

A report details five TBM-type aircraft that departed from Fort Lauderdale Naval Air Station on December 5th, 1945, and were lost in the vicinity of the Bahamas. A message was intercepted indicating they were lost. Air Sea Rescue was initiated, and a PBM-type aircraft with thirteen people on board took off to search but was also lost. No further information has been obtained. This is credited to 'UFOlogy Bulletin April 1961'.

Amazing Statement by USAF Director of Information

Washington, August 15th, 1960: Major General Arno H Luchman, USAF director of information, told base commanders that there is a relationship between the Air Force's interest in space surveillance of the atmosphere near Earth and UFOs. This statement was made in an Air Force Information Policy Letter for Commanders and is from 'UFOlogy Bulletin for September 1960'.

Public Interest Sinks to New Low (USA)

Robert J. Gribble, international director of the Aerial Phenomena Research Group, officially disbanded the organization, citing a disappointing drop in public scientific interest. He noted an influx of individuals associating UFOs with abstract subjects, turning the field into a 'three-ring circus.' June Larson and John Weigle, editors of 'UFOlogy Bulletin,' commented that serious researchers are being forced to give up due to financial difficulties. They also noted the growth of 'colleges of universal wisdom' and associated cults in the USA.

Luforo Publicity - Interest in the Press

An article by Arthur Hopcraft in 'The Guardian' on September 29th, 1961, discusses the arrival of flying saucers, citing reports from a policeman, sub-postmaster, and naval lieutenant commander. The London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation (LUFORO) feels there is enough evidence to request UNESCO's help in establishing an international body to investigate UFOs. A conference in London is planned to form a British federation of UFO research societies. LUFORO points out that many civilian researchers feel their work is futile without international cooperation and government involvement, leading some to lose interest.

LUFORO's Efforts and Ministry Response

LUFORO's attempts to engage the Air Ministry have met with little success. The ministry declined to send an official to a UFO brains trust and responded to sightings reports by stating that these objects do not appear to threaten air defense. However, LUFORO warns that distinguishing UFOs from enemy rockets on radar could be an embarrassing problem. A ministry spokesman denied embarrassment, stating that 90% of UFO reports are explainable, and the remaining 10% are too 'woolly' for proper investigation. LUFORO is working to ensure its members' reports are specific and not 'woolly.' They provide questionnaires to extract maximum information. The LUFORO Bulletin encourages readers to explain sightings as known objects and submit only inexplicable cases for analysis. They suggest green fireballs might be cometoids, small luminous spheres might be electrostatic phenomena, and disc-shaped objects could be extraterrestrial craft.

Cigar-Shaped Object in Sky (Colchester)

Mr. A.J. Watts, a lecturer at North-East Essex Technical College, believes an 'extra-terrestrial craft' was seen over Essex on June 30th. He described seeing two bright lights, brighter than Jupiter, hovering over Halstead. After a minute, the lights faded and reappeared, remaining stationary. Later, a dark cigar-shaped object moved off in an arc against the sky. Mr. Watts estimated its length at 250 feet and its speed at 1,000 mph. He rejected explanations involving aircraft landing lights or cloud searchlights. His findings were presented at LUFORO's AGM on December 2nd.

Prediction - January 1962

Douglas Hunt, in 'World News Digest,' reports on a Wisconsin farmer's account of a UFO landing on his farm, involving three small men (about three-foot-six) who communicated via sign language. This is noted as similar to the Joe Simonton case.

Two More Mystery Lights Over Pulham Market, Norfolk

From the 'Eastern Evening News' on August 11th, 1961, Peter Kent reported seeing two mysterious lights while cycling with his girlfriend at Pulham Market. The lights appeared like dipped headlights or searchlights, approaching from the west at about 1,000 ft. up, then receding. They were about 500 yards away at their nearest. A blue flash occurred as they disappeared, with no noise. The lights were too close together to be on a plane's wingtips and too far apart for a car. Mr. Kent added that they were disturbed enough to report it to the police.

Crimson Flashing Light Over Stratford-on-Avon

Mr. J.D. Llewellyn reports an object seen by his wife on November 9th, 1961, at 8:05 pm GMT. He and a friend also witnessed it. It was described as an intermittent flashing crimson-colored light moving slowly north-west from 220° to 240°, then stopping and dropping slightly. The sighting lasted 7 minutes. The sky was clear, with slight ground mist. They were familiar with aircraft identification lights but found the flashing irregular and the low elevation puzzling. A 999 call was made, reporting a possible aircraft in distress. Air Traffic Control at Gaydon confirmed no aircraft distress reports in the vicinity. An officer suggested, surprisingly, 'It could have been a flying saucer.' This report is linked to a 'flashing red ball' seen over Belfast on July 27th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across different continents, the attempts by various individuals and organizations to investigate and explain these sightings, and the often dismissive or inconclusive responses from official bodies. There is a clear editorial stance favoring serious, scientific investigation of UFOs, as evidenced by the coverage of LUFORO's efforts and the critique of declining public interest. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by researchers in gathering credible data and the need for international cooperation. The inclusion of diverse reports, from Australia to Switzerland and the US to the UK, underscores the global nature of UFO phenomena. The tone is one of cautious inquiry, presenting various incidents and expert opinions while leaving the ultimate explanation open.