Flying Saucer Digest - No 120 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: Winter 93, No. 120
Publisher: United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA)
Editor: Allan J. Manak

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest marks UAPA's 26th year of publication and highlights upcoming projects, including a new ufological publishing concept, a special UFO booklet, and a major UFO convention planned for Cleveland in 1994. The editorial section offers a special subscription promotion and advertises rare back-issue UFO magazines and art posters by staff artist Benita C. Owens.

From the Editor

Allan J. Manak reflects on the state of ufology, noting the confusion and frustration experienced by those in the field. He contrasts past theories of UFOs as physical craft from other planets with later explanations involving psychological mechanisms or 'ultradimensionals.' Manak expresses skepticism towards theories that dismiss UFOs as mere psychological phenomena, suggesting that some 'ufonauts' might be real. He criticizes contemporary writers for sensationalizing and twisting information for profit, contributing to public confusion. Manak posits that the perceived 'UFO cover-up' might stem from authors and their theories rather than government agencies, aiming to keep the public confused and disenchanted. He asserts that physical sightings, photographic evidence, and landing traces indicate a material reality to UFOs originating from somewhere in the universe, justifying the existence of Flying Saucer Digest.

UFO Bits and Pieces

This section includes a review of the Mufon of Ohio Newsletter, noting its focus on abductions. It also mentions the publication 'Farout' magazine, recommending it as well-written and featuring an article on the Frank Scully book 'Behind The Flying Saucers.' An astronomical prediction by Brian Marsden of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is highlighted, warning of a potential collision with comet Swift-Tuttle in 2126, which could have a more powerful impact than the one that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Further reports include a mysterious boom in Bowling Green, Ohio, attributed by police to an earthquake or sonic boom, and a mention of 'Delve Magazine,' a publication covering the strange and unknown. An account from Fortean Times describes Mrs. Patrica Anderson's sighting of a grey, oval-shaped aircraft near Dumfries, Scotland, which she photographed, but the film later turned out blank, and she was informed it was a top-secret aircraft.

The Phantom of Tanglewood

This brief article reports on conductor John Williams' involvement in investigating a ghost believed to haunt the Tanglewood Music Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts. The ghost is described as having caressed hair, opened doors, and scared Leonard Bernstein.

UAPA Publication Details

The magazine is published quarterly by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), a non-profit organization dedicated to studying UFOs. Allan J. Manak is the Chairman/Editor, Rick R. Hilberg is the Assistant Editor, Carol Hilberg is the Typist, and Benita C. Owens is the Staff Artist. Subscription rates are $9.00 for 4 issues and $17.00 for 8 issues, with an additional $3.00 per year for foreign subscriptions.

Readers Say

This section features an article from 'The Daily Breeze' about a 'Secret Jet Source of South Bay rattling?' The report discusses a mysterious shaking experienced in the South Bay area, with experts suggesting it might be caused by secret supersonic aircraft. Military expert Bill Sweetman believes the Air Force was involved. Air Force Secretary Donald Rice denied that Air Force planes caused the rattling. John Pike of the Federation of American Scientists suggests it could be a natural phenomenon, like gas escaping from under the ocean. The article also notes similar rumblings in Great Britain and India in the 19th century and in other parts of the US in 1978, which were never definitively explained.

B. Howard from Carson, CA, shares his experience of a sonic boom rattling his house and asserts it was an aircraft. The editor acknowledges the submission and mentions UAPA has a file on such mystery booms.

UFO Retrospective

This article recounts a case investigated by FSD Assistant Editor Rick Hilberg, originally published in the Spring 1966 issue of UFO Magazine. On April 17, 1966, Deputies Dale F. Spaur and W. L. Neff of the Portage County, Ohio Sheriff's office encountered an abandoned car and then witnessed a blinding light and a saucer-shaped object hovering over the highway. The object emitted a bright white light and a hum. The deputies pursued the object for approximately two hours. Hilberg estimates the object to have been fifty to sixty feet in diameter. The Air Force later claimed the object was Venus, but the article disputes this, stating Venus was not visible in the northeast at the time.

Around and About the Saucer World

This section by Rick R. Hilberg covers several recent sightings:

• Triangular Object Sighted in California: A woman and her son in north Glendale reported seeing a dark gray, triangular UFO with flashing red lights at its corners, emitting a low hum. They described it as flying slowly.
• Spate of Virginia Sightings in October: Multiple reports from Virginia are detailed. Paul and Jim Grant saw a huge cigar-shaped object with pink fluorescent lights hovering over a pasture near Greenville, emitting a roaring noise. Sibert Armstrong reported a yellowish, stationary object that appeared to be in orbit. Local law enforcement received calls about a green ball of light, attributed by astronomers to a meteor shower. Franklin Moses saw a ball of fire falling from the sky. Dr. Robert Rood, a professor of astronomy, suggests that meteors, comets, fog, or haze can account for many sightings, but acknowledges that some phenomena remain unexplained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the evolution of theories attempting to explain them, and the challenges of discerning truth amidst confusion and sensationalism. The editorial stance, as articulated by Allan J. Manak, is one of critical inquiry, rejecting purely psychological explanations and advocating for the material reality of UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to present factual accounts and encourage open-minded investigation, contrasting with what the editor perceives as writers motivated by profit who confuse the public. The issue also touches upon the possibility of government secrecy and the public's fear of ridicule when reporting sightings. The inclusion of historical cases and reviews of other publications suggests a commitment to documenting and analyzing the UFO phenomenon from various angles.

This issue of UFO Report, dated September 1993, focuses on a series of unexplained aerial phenomena reported in Elk River, Minnesota, during that month, dubbed the "Minnesota Mini-Flap." The magazine includes witness testimonies, descriptions of objects, and commentary from local authorities and ufology organizations.

Lawhorn Houston and General Observations

The issue begins with a brief mention of Lawhorn Houston, an Army veteran who served in Germany with Franklin Moses in 1949. Houston reportedly vouches for Moses' trustworthiness regarding UFO sightings. Houston also reflects on his Air Force service in the late 1950s, noting the advancement of military aircraft, and mentions the Blue Ridge Mountains as a mysterious place. He describes his habit of scanning the ridges known as the Devil's Steps at night, observing the sky for silent phenomena.

Evidence of Minnesota Mini-Flap in September

The main feature details several UFO sightings in Elk River, Minnesota, during September. The primary account comes from a woman who wishes to remain anonymous, as reported by Joni Astrup in the Elk River Star News. She describes seeing three huge lights hovering about six feet off the ground in her neighbor's yard. Within seconds, the lights moved, and she observed a large beam of light on the street. The incident, lasting about 15 seconds, left her shaken and with an "eerie feeling." She reported it to the Elk River Police due to concerns for her family. Her 13-year-old son had previously reported seeing a similar UFO with three lights and a beaming red center light, which he observed hovering in the same location but higher up before it zoomed off.

The woman emphasized that the object was totally silent. An investigation of the area the next morning yielded no findings. She expressed concern that others might dismiss her account as unrealistic.

Object Descriptions from Elk River Sightings

Two of the lights observed by the woman were described as round, about two feet in diameter, and spaced 10 to 13 feet apart, with a third light positioned higher. The incident occurred around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 17th.

Further Elk River Police Reports

Police Chief Tom Zerwas of Elk River stated that the department typically receives one or two UFO reports per year. He recalled a sighting from a few years prior where a father and son reported a UFO, described as larger than a Greyhound bus, with round windows and light streaming through them. This object reportedly flew alongside their car for a short time before disappearing. The two men were reportedly in shock when they reported the incident.

More on Minnesota Mini-Flap

Joni Astrup's follow-up in the September 30th Star News indicates that the initial report prompted other individuals to come forward. In total, four individuals reported sightings in the Elk River area in mid-September.

Sunday, September 13th Sighting

A man living near Albertville reported seeing a reflection of light on his neighbor's window around 10:30 p.m. Upon investigation, he saw an object about 100 yards away and 50 yards above the ground. He described it as 5 to 6 feet across, 1 to 2 feet thick, and tapered at both ends, like a saucer. It had several diamond-shaped windows or lights in a row around the middle, emitting an unusual yellow-blue light. The top and bottom of the object were stationary, but the center was spinning counterclockwise. The object was silent and disappeared after about 20 seconds.

Wednesday, September 16th Sighting

Terry Townsend of Princeton, who works with the Albertville witness, reported an encounter after midnight while driving through northeastern Elk River. He described a dark grey object, the size of a large passenger jet, ringed with white, red, and green lights. The round, white lights, possibly portholes, emitted a pure white light described as unlike any spotlight, composed of smaller beams. The light extended about two feet beyond the object's edge, which was observed about 400 feet off the road. Townsend found the experience amazing and unlike anything he had ever been through, but did not feel the objects were to be feared.

Thursday, September 17th Sighting

This report reiterates the Elk River woman's sighting of three strange lights hovering about six feet off the ground, which moved and formed a large beam of light before disappearing.

Friday, September 18th Sighting

A cab driver reported seeing an object in the air near Baugh St. and Road 12 around 8 p.m. The passenger in his car also saw the object. It was described as fairly large and close to the ground, moving slowly in a northwesterly direction. The shape was indistinct, but a row of at least 10 porthole-type lights was visible, streaming light. The witness found it amazing and couldn't imagine what it was.

MUFON Commentary

Gary Thrash, a member of MUFON, commented on the variety of shapes reported for UFOs, including diamond, saucer, V, and cigar shapes. He noted that people commonly hear a low humming noise from objects that are very low or directly overhead, but otherwise, the objects are generally silent.

Advertisement: "They Called Them Discs"

The issue includes an advertisement for "They Called Them Discs," an illustrated booklet by A. J. Manak, covering UFO mystery from 1947 to the end of 1952. It is available for $5.00 from UAPA in Cleveland, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimony, and the description of unidentified aerial objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these phenomena objectively, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions from ufology organizations like MUFON. The magazine aims to document and explore UFO encounters without necessarily offering definitive explanations, highlighting the mysterious and often eerie nature of these experiences.