Flying Saucer Digest - No 136 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 136
Date: WINTER 1997
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY (UAPA)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published quarterly by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, marks significant anniversaries in the field of ufology and for the magazine itself. The cover features a historical-themed illustration with Roman-era figures and flying saucer-like objects, hinting at the long history of such phenomena.

FSD: THIRTY YEARS OLD AND STILL GOING STRONG

This editorial piece, co-authored by Allan J. Manak and Rick R. Hilberg, celebrates the magazine's 30th anniversary, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting in Washington state, which is considered the start of modern ufology. The editors reflect on their journey, the challenges of investigating UFOs, and the magazine's commitment to covering the "nuts and bolts" aspects of the mystery. They express gratitude to their readers and to Carol Hilberg and Bunny Owens for their support, noting that the magazine's circulation is at an all-time high. They pledge to continue their policy of focusing on tangible evidence, which they believe contributes to their publication's longevity compared to others that may focus on speculation.

UFO BITS AND PIECES

This section, compiled by Allan J. Manak, includes several short reports and announcements:

• A BIG THANK YOU: The editors express thanks for the success of the "UFO AND PARANORMAL PHENOMENA SOURCEBOOK." They announce plans for special extra-large FSD issues starting in 1998, featuring more articles, photos, and collector's items. Readers can order the Sourcebook for $2.00 (refundable with first purchase) from P.O. Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134.
• NOW THREE PLANETS ORBITING LALANDE 21185: George Gatewood, an astronomer at the University of Pittsburgh, reports the potential discovery of a third Jupiter-mass planet orbiting the star Lalande 21185. This planet would have an orbital period of over 30 years, with two previously announced planets having periods of about 6 and 30 years. Advances in technology may allow for imaging these planets.
• A UFO LANDING IN 1922: This section reprints a letter from "The Watford and West-Herts Post" (dated 4/30/64) detailing an incident from April 1922 in County Donegal, Irish Republic. The author, a soldier, describes seeing a circular, aluminum-like object firing flames at a cave entrance, causing the surrounding gorse bushes and grass to scorch and burn. The object ascended into the sky in the dawn light. The author vouches for the scorched undergrowth as evidence.
• LARGEST CELESTIAL CATALOG: The United States Naval Observatory has compiled a catalog of nearly 500 million stars and galaxies, significantly larger than previous catalogs. This database, stored on 388 CD-ROMs, will aid astronomers in accurately pointing telescopes and locating faint objects.
• NO KUIPER COMETS?: A team led by Anita Cochran of the University of Texas at Austin reported spotting comet nuclei in the Kuiper Belt in June 1995. However, a subsequent look by the Hubble Space Telescope has yielded no results, possibly due to instrument noise. The team plans to re-examine the area.

COLLECTORS CORNER

This section offers a list of back issues of various UFO-related magazines and books for sale, including UFO Universe, Final Frontier, Astronomy Magazine, and FATE Magazine. It also lists classic paperback and hardback books on UFO topics. A special "Just Found" section offers back issues of Flying Saucer Digest, with specific issue numbers listed. A new category for "Extremely Rare Or Unique Publications" includes UFO Journal of Facts Magazine, Cosmic Astronauts Magazine, and a Science Digest issue featuring an article on tracking UFOs scientifically.

AROUND AND ABOUT THE SAUCER WORLD

This section, written by Rick R. Hilberg, covers several recent events and reports:

• FLARES OR UFOS OVER LONG ISLAND SOUND?: The author notes that recent news coverage of the TWA Flight 800 tragedy has brought to light reports of unusual aerial phenomena. He mentions two instances where flight crews reported seeing flare-like objects ascending into the night sky in the vicinity of the crash. While some suggest these were meteor showers, the author points out that UFO activity has historically presaged or followed disasters. He clarifies that the article does not imply UFOs caused the crash but highlights the correlation.
• GROUP INVESTIGATING ILLINOIS SIGHTINGS: Mark Hodapp of the Centralia, Illinois Sentinel reports on an investigation by Actaeon Investigations into UFO sightings in Damiansville and Hillsboro, Illinois. David Marler of Actaeon confirms two sightings: a triangular-shaped object seen in Damiansville, described as flat on the bottom, faceted, and shiny like polished steel, estimated to be the size of a baseball. The object made no noise and left no trail. A separate report from Hillsboro describes two balls of light seen at night, moving at high speeds, making right-angle turns, merging, and separating. Marler emphasizes the need for investigation due to the "ridicule factor" that prevents many sightings from being reported. Actaeon Investigations is a group of volunteers seeking to gather evidence.
• "MYSTERY LIGHT" BAFFLES OFFICIALS IN COLORADO: Several people in northern Colorado reported seeing a mysterious "green flash" or "blue bubble" light in the sky on September 8th. Authorities and scientists have no explanation, with possibilities ranging from meteors to unknown phenomena. A separate report from Dacono mentions a UFO sighting.
• NEVADA HUNTERS CLAIM UFO CHASED THEM: Two hunters near Cave Valley, Nevada, reported being chased by a flying object with no engine sound and lights. They attempted to drive away, but the object followed them for about 200 yards before ceasing the chase near Lund.

FAMILY WATCHES STRANGE OBJECTS IN ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO

This report from the Roswell Daily Record details a sighting on September 8th where multiple witnesses, including the Valdez family, observed several bright lights in the sky. The objects were described as having a bright white light in the middle and red and green lights on the sides. Max Littell of the International UFO Museum & Research Center also observed the phenomena. The objects were visible to the naked eye and even more so with binoculars. Sheriff's deputies were unable to identify the objects, and a video was taken, though the objects are difficult to discern on it.

1967 MONTANA INCIDENT REMEMBERED

Bob Guilluly of the Great Falls Tribune recounts an incident from 30 years prior involving Robert L. Salas, a former Air Force officer. Salas details how, on March 16, 1967, while on duty at the Echo missile launch center in Montana, a glowing red object hovered outside the gate. Shortly after, the launch center and all 10 missile sites in the Echo complex lost electrical power, and the backup system also failed. Salas was debriefed and told to remain silent. Air Force investigations were conducted but kept secret. Salas, now retired, has obtained a declassified report that concluded the sighting was "disproven" without providing details. He believes retired Air Force personnel may remember the incident and that fighters might have been scrambled in response.

UTAH CROP CIRCLE REPORTED

Seth Alder, an 81-year-old wheat farmer in Logan, Utah, discovered a mysterious design carved into his wheat field on August 23rd. The design, described as a long-necked, long-tailed turtle on skis, was found without any visible trail into the field. Investigators from the Cache County Sheriff's Office documented the design, which appeared to have been made by a large machine. The damage occurred about a month prior, with the wheat stalks flattened but not cut.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Flying Saucer Digest include the historical significance of UFO sightings, the ongoing investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, and the challenges faced by researchers and witnesses due to skepticism and lack of official acknowledgment. The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of gathering physical evidence and detailed witness accounts, while maintaining a focus on the "nuts and bolts" of UFOs rather than pure speculation. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a commitment to documenting reports and investigations, even when official explanations are lacking or dismissive, as seen in the Montana incident declassification.