Flying Saucer Digest - No 129 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: No. 129
Date: Spring 1995
Publisher: United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), offers a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, blending historical perspectives with contemporary reports and research. The editorial notes by Allan J. Manak and Rick R. Hilberg set a tone of critical inquiry, contrasting early 'contactee' narratives of benevolent 'Space Brothers' with the modern focus on 'abduction' scenarios involving 'grey aliens.' The editors emphasize the UAPA's continued commitment to a 'nuts-and-bolts' approach, seeking objective evidence for UFOs.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section, penned by Allan J. Manak and Rick R. Hilberg, addresses the shift in public perception of UFO encounters. They note how the term 'contactee' has evolved from individuals claiming benevolent contact with space beings in the 1950s (like George Adamski, Truman Bethurum, and Dan Fry) to the current emphasis on 'abduction' by 'grey aliens.' The editors suggest that the fascination with abductees may stem from a desire for more romantic and exciting narratives compared to investigating mere lights and fuzzy photographs. Despite the passage of over forty years, the fundamental question of what UFOs are remains unanswered. The UAPA's stance is that objective proof of UFOs, let alone their occupants, is still lacking. The issue notes a record number of subscribers for the publication, indicating continued interest in their approach.

UFO Bits and Pieces

This section presents a collection of short news items and updates:

• UFO Intelligence Newsletter: Information on a newsletter published by the UFO Filter Center, with details on subscription and back issues.
• Space Station Schedule Revised: An update on the assembly schedule for the International Space Station Alpha, with launch dates for various modules and components between 1997 and 2002.
• Air Raid on North America: A book review detailing how Japan floated hydrogen balloons carrying incendiary devices to Alberta and the western U.S. during World War II, causing some casualties and forest fires. The information was reportedly suppressed by Canadian newspapers and radio stations.
• UFO Petition: An announcement about The Fund For UFO Research seeking 10,000 signatures for a petition urging the U.S. Government to declassify UFO-related documents.
• New UFO Newsletter: Details about the 'WEST VIRGINIA UFO NEWSLETTER,' including its publication frequency, publisher, and subscription cost.
• LO! Newsletter: An update on UAPA's own 'Fortean Phenomena' newsletter, noting its positive reception and connection to the UFO enigma.
• Alaska Aurora Video: A description of an hour-long program exploring the nature and causes of aurorae, including footage and research details.
• Signals from Jupiter: A report on unexpected radio emissions from Jupiter following the crash of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9. Astronomers initially expected a drop in emissions but found an increase, possibly due to dust from the comet creating extra electrons.

Collectors Corner

This segment offers a list of rare UFO-related magazines available for purchase from UAPA, including titles like 'Space Link Magazine,' 'The 1897 Mystery UFO's,' 'Ray Palmer's Flying Saucer Magazine,' 'Beyond Reality,' 'People Press UFO Report,' 'Ancient Astronauts,' and 'Saucers, Space & Science.' It also advertises special 'Fate Magazine' issues at discounted prices.

The "KYW Photograph"

Authored by Allan J. Manak, this article details a UFO photograph presented to him in 1963 during a radio program on KYW radio. The photograph, postmarked from Orrville, Ohio, depicted a disc-shaped UFO over a cornfield. Manak had the photo enlarged and analyzed by professional photographers and an optics scientist. The analysis suggested the object was metallic, approximately 30-40 feet in diameter, and about 2500 feet away, ruling out it being a model or toy. However, a subsequent discussion with another panelist, Earl Neff, revealed that Neff had obtained copies of the photo, and a third-generation copy made by his associates in Akron was deemed a hoax due to perceived stains and scratch marks on the negative. Manak asserts that the second-generation copy, as reproduced on the cover, shows no such flaws. The identity of the original witness remains unknown.

Around and About the Saucer World

This section, by Rick R. Hilberg, reviews:

• New Book by Trevor James Constable - Loom of the Future: This book, edited by Thomas J. Brown, explores Trevor James Constable's work on weather engineering, which he believed manipulated the 'ether' based on principles inspired by Dr. Wilhelm Reich. Constable, known for his 'critter' UFO photos, focused on influencing rain, fog, temperature, and pollution. The review notes that the book includes extensive criticism of the 'world order' and hopes for a detailed sequel.

• More Northern Michigan UFO Activity: This report, filed by Mark Jager, details a UFO sighting in Kingsley, Michigan, on December 21st, 1994. Tracey Cejda reported seeing a streak of light that became a honeycombed, bluish-gray object with red oscillating lights. The object was videotaped by a neighbor, Michael Stelter, and observed by a police officer. It reportedly rotated and tipped before disappearing when military jets flew past, reappearing when they left. Local astronomers suggested it might be a planet, but the description and behavior were unusual. The report also mentions numerous UFO sightings in Ottawa County in March and a segment on CBS's '48 Hours.'

West Virginia State Trooper Has Accident Investigating UFO Report

This article recounts an incident on December 30, 1994, where West Virginia State Trooper Joseph M. Menendez was responding to a reported UFO sighting on Buckhannon Mountain. A resident, Roy McKisic, reported seeing a large object with four different colored lights. While heading south on Buckhannon Mountain Road, Trooper Menendez was involved in a sideswipe collision with another vehicle. The accident was attributed to bad road conditions and being on the wrong side of the road. The McKisics noted that no police official had contacted them about the sighting since the accident.

Researcher Claims Fall 1994 Flap

This report, based on information from Peter Davenport of the National UFO Reporting Center, states that the U.S. experienced a significant 'flap' of UFO activity in the fall of 1994, with nearly 500 calls received in a six-week period. Davenport noted an increase in reports from one to two dozen per day. Specific incidents mentioned include FAA reports of UFOs seen by commercial planes near Leesburg, Virginia, and sightings in Taos, New Mexico. Madia Martinez, Toby Martinez, and Eric Tafoya described a triangular object with numerous lights and a humming sound. Another report from northwestern Washington described a delta-shaped ship. Davenport also mentioned a sighting in Clovis, New Mexico, where a small UFO appeared to respond to the observer. The article concludes by noting that such objects can travel at high speeds and that sightings can occur in widely separated locations in quick succession.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO evidence, the historical evolution of UFO reporting (from 'Space Brothers' to 'abductions'), and the UAPA's commitment to a rigorous, evidence-based approach. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, advocating for careful investigation and objective proof. The magazine aims to provide readers with a diverse range of UFO-related information, from historical cases and book reviews to contemporary sighting reports and scientific updates, while maintaining a critical perspective on the phenomenon.