Flying Saucer Digest - No 107 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of FLYING SAUCER DIGEST, number 107, from Fall 1989, is dedicated to the memory of Donna M. Manak, wife of UAPA Chairman Allan J. Manak. The cover story details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on January 16, 1958, near Trindade, Brazil.

In Memoriam

The issue opens with a heartfelt tribute to Donna M. Manak, acknowledging her support for the UAPA and her husband's work, despite not being a UFologist herself. Her passing is noted as a significant loss to the community.

From the Editor

Robert S. Easley, the editor, announces an increase in subscription rates effective October 1, 1989, to $7.00 for 4 issues and $13.00 for 8 issues. This increase is intended to offset rising printing and postage costs and will allow for an expansion of the magazine to 14 pages per issue, featuring more illustrations and photos. The editor expresses confidence that readers will appreciate the improved publication.

About This Cover

The cover story recounts the January 16, 1958, sighting by nearly 100 crew members of the Brazilian Navy Ship "Almirante Saldanha." A "saturn-shaped" UFO was observed over the sea, reflecting light and emitting a greenish vapor. Photographer Almira Barauna captured several images of the object before it disappeared. The photos are considered among the best ever taken of a UFO, and the incident remains unexplained.

About Next Issue

The next issue is described as a special edition with 14 pages of the latest information on the UFO enigma.

Our Sister Publication: Weirdology

Weirdology is highlighted as a bi-monthly Fortean publication covering mysterious subjects, edited by Rick R. Hilberg. Subscription rates are $4.50 for six issues.

UAPA's UFO Catalog Number 2

A new 10-page catalog is announced, featuring books, maps, back issues, and other materials published by UAPA. The catalog costs $1.00.

Readers Say

This section, handled by UAPA Chairman Allan J. Manak, features letters from readers. J. C. Dotson inquires about the "UFO JOURNAL," which AJM explains was absorbed into "FLYING SAUCER DIGEST." A. L. Appling praises the "Readers Say" column, and M. Lundrum recommends "WEIRDOLOGY." B. Goldberg asks about "UFOCOM Reports," which AJM states will be revived. B. Holt suggests reprinting old covers, and the magazine plans to use issue #7's cover for the next issue.

The UAPA is described as a non-profit organization dedicated to UFO study. Current subscription rates are $5.00 for 4 issues or $9.00 for 8 issues until October 1, 1989, after which they increase to $7.00 and $13.00, respectively.

Foremost Sighting This Issue

Rick R. Hilberg selects a sighting near Ithaca, New York, as the "Foremost Sighting." Dozens of citizens reported a UFO experience between 9:00 and 10:00 PM on May 20th. Witnesses described a large, low-flying object or objects, some comparing them to blimps. They noted five to eight white lights and an oval or oblong shape, with some seeing a shield-like object, red and green lights, and others reporting no sound or a slight humming noise. Authorities at Tompkins County Airport had no record of such aircraft.

Manak's Notebook: The Bonnie Berea Case (Part 2)

This section details the investigation into the Bonnie Berea Case. The witness, Bonnie, and her father reported seeing a bright red and orange object hovering outside an apartment window on May 4th or 5th, 1967, around 3:25 a.m. The object was photographed. The witness described the object as spinning and having bright lights. Her personal reaction included being shaken, captivated, and rigid. The evaluation of her testimony suggests she was truthful and had no prior knowledge of UFOs. However, in Stage #6, Ron Pelger identified the object in the photograph as a paste-up from a December 17, 1966, Post Magazine, leading the UAPA to conclude the case was an earnest endeavor to perpetrate a hoax that did not work.

News Update

A film version of the book "Communion" starring Christopher Walken and Lindsay Crouse, based on Whitley and Anne Strieber's work, is scheduled for release on October 20, 1989.

UFO Retrospective

Winged "Vs" Reported Over Idaho By Pilot (1949)

The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that on July 24th, a pilot sighted seven V-shaped objects near Mountain Home, Idaho. The objects, about the size of fighter planes, were flying at high speed and in a tight formation. The pilot, who had extensive aviation experience, described them as having a solid, circular body under the V, with no visible propulsion or markings. The color was indescribable. The sighting lasted about two minutes.

"Saucer" Over Salinas, California (1950)

More than twenty persons reported seeing a saucer-shaped object in Salinas on March 11th, performing aerial maneuvers. Mrs. Sam Raguindin described it as two dinner plates swooping down, emitting a strong bluish-white light. Hiram Don reported seeing a bright object with a long fiery tail.

Around and About the Saucer World

Multiple-Witness Report From Illinois:

On January 31st, several persons near Rushville reported seeing weird flashing objects, described as a large, orangey-colored basketball-like object that moved erratically and shot fireballs. Joanne Piluski, initially skeptical, became a believer after this sighting.

Girl Reports UFO To State Police In Oregon:

Angela Legett, age 12, reported seeing a "huge" saucer-shaped object with red and green flashing lights on March 9th in Haines, Oregon. The object disappeared before her parents could see it.

Flaming Object Reported Over South Dakota:

On April 4th, reports of a flaming object trailing sparks led to searches for a downed aircraft. The object was described as a round ball of fire and was seen in multiple locations, including near Kimball and Mobridge. The explanation of a plane crash or meteor seems unlikely due to the scattered nature and non-linear path of the sightings.

Recent Colorado Tidbits:

Brief items from the Rocky Mountain News mention radar blips baffling Denver Air Route Traffic Control, a daytime UFO sighting reported by a Longmont resident, a "rare daytime meteorite" identified by a Boulder astronomer, and U.S. Space Command tracking man-made objects and unknown atmospheric entries.

Aliens "Buzz" Space Shuttle?:

An item from the Melbourne, Australia Herald, with a London dateline, claims American radio hams reported aliens buzzing the space shuttle "Discovery." The report states UFOs tracked the shuttle and caused a loss of power, with the crew reporting the encounter to NASA. NASA and the pilot deny any contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue emphasizes the UAPA's commitment to thorough investigation, distinguishing between genuine sightings and hoaxes, as demonstrated by the handling of the Bonnie Berea Case. The magazine aims to provide detailed information on UFO phenomena, including historical cases and contemporary reports, while also promoting its sister publication and catalog. The editorial stance is one of diligent inquiry and a dedication to informing the public about the UFO enigma.