Flying Saucer Digest - No 160 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 160
Date: WINTER 2003
Publisher: United Aerial Phenomena Agency

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, dated Winter 2003, features a cover story titled "THE SAUCER SCENE" by Carol Hilberg, accompanied by a photograph of a blurry object. The magazine delves into various UFO and UAP-related reports and investigations from late 2002 and early 2003.

The Albany, New York Video

Brandon Mowry, a news photographer for Albany's Fox TV affiliate, captured footage at the Albany Airport on October 20, 2002, showing a "rod" or missile-like object moving across the frame. Initially thought to be a missile, the object's nature was later debated, with speculation it could be a UFO. The article notes that the object was visible for less than a second and moved towards the left as a landing airliner moved towards the right. The footage received significant coverage on the Fox network. The author, along with 'Rick', suggests the image might be a distorted lens refraction of the airliner, but calls for experienced video and photo analysis to determine if it was a UFO or an IFO (Identified Flying Object).

Calling All UFOs in Wisconsin!

The "Attractor," a UFO detection system developed by three Port Washington residents, is operating on the Lake Michigan bluff. Mike Muckerheide, one of the inventors, describes the device as exciting and dramatic, emitting flashes of light from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., coinciding with peak UFO sighting times. The device, housed in three domed modules arranged in an 8-foot triangle, contains equipment like a laser magnetometer, range finder, barometer sphere, and ion chamber. It also includes solar panels, a shortwave scanner, audio receiver, tape recorder, video recorder, and infrared viewer, all managed by an on-board computer. The goal is to lure UFOs and record data. The inventors, Muckerheide, Dee Willden, and Allen "Butch" Klopp, are not necessarily believers but aim to discover if UFOs exist. Their project was spurred by an increase in UFO sightings in Wisconsin, which ranks second nationally for such reports. They have received mostly supportive calls, with about 1% of callers believing UFOs are government-tested devices.

Around and About the Saucer World

Update on the Todd Sees Case

This section provides an update on the mysterious death of a hunter in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Contrary to initial reports, the FBI was not involved, and the body was not removed for forensic examination. Police Chief Gary Steffen stated that toxicology studies indicated Todd Sees died from a cocaine overdose. The article questions the circumstances and promises further updates.

Cult Cloning Claim May Be Hoax

An article discusses the claims made by Clonaid, a company founded by the Raelian religious sect, about producing the world's first human clone. A journalist, Michael Guillen, who offered to oversee DNA testing, has dropped his efforts due to lack of cooperation from Clonaid, suggesting the announcement could be an "elaborate hoax" intended to bring publicity to the Raelian movement. Clonaid stated that the parents of the baby girl refused DNA testing. The article notes that Clonaid's CEO, Brigitte Boisselier, acknowledges the need for external DNA testing for credibility.

Mystery Circle Found in Chile

Military personnel in Chile discovered a circular imprint measuring 30 meters in diameter in the Ninth Region, near Angol. The area was declared "Off-Limits." The phenomenon included a large burnt patch of grass, burned tree trunks, and a whitewash-like substance. Four smaller, un-scorched circles, resembling legs, were found at equidistant points within the main circle. A Geiger counter recorded a high level of radiation in the area, and military officials denied entry to the police.

Daylight UFO Seen in Georgia

On December 20, 2002, in Alpharetta, Georgia, Linda G. reported seeing a large, white, glowing, round object in the sky that drifted like a balloon. It hovered above her, then moved to the right, rose, and disappeared behind clouds. She felt an entity's presence and described its movement as gliding and picking up speed.

British Columbia UFO Flap Continues

According to Canadian ufologist Brian Vike, on December 27, 2002, four men near Babine Lake, B.C., witnessed a bright, white-yellowish light and a large, golden-orange, disk-shaped object with a halo. The object rose, stopped, hovered, and then moved away rapidly. Vike also reported investigating 120 UFO cases in northern British Columbia during 2002. Separately, on January 3, 2003, Darcy C. in Delta, B.C., reported seeing a silver cylinder with black windows moving like a jet, emitting a loud beeping noise.

Two Sight Orange-Red Object in Oklahoma

On December 29, 2002, near Powers, Oklahoma, D.J. Gillett and a companion witnessed a bright orange-red object appear instantly in the sky. It grew in intensity for about 50 seconds and then "separated" into two lights, producing a burst of orange-red light. The objects then moved off at high speed. The objects were described as spherical, orange-red, and uniform.

Large "Something" Eludes Fighter Jets Over D.C.

Kenny Young reports that on December 16, 2002, in Washington, D.C., a witness heard two fighter jets and then saw a bright silver object, comparable in size to a full moon, moving with a "bouncing" motion. The object was described as larger than an airplane and moving at a speed comparable to a fighter jet. It was estimated to be within 3 miles of the witness's vantage point and flying at an elevation higher than a helicopter. The object was "oval-shaped" and departed from view after about five seconds. The witness believes the jets had "just missed it."

"Triangular Cone" Spotted in Chilhowie, Virginia

On November 20, 2002, three witnesses in Chilhowie, Virginia, reported seeing a yellow, four-sided triangular cone, about ten feet at the base and 30 feet high. It was heading SE at approximately 15 mph and maintained constant altitude and speed before descending into woodlands. The object was not noticeably affected by wind changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO/UAP sightings, technological devices related to UFO investigation (like "The Attractor"), and the examination of potentially hoaxes or misidentifications (Clonaid, Albany video). The magazine appears to maintain an open but critical stance, presenting various reports and encouraging further investigation and analysis, while also addressing skepticism and potential explanations. The editorial stance is to report on phenomena and allow readers to draw their own conclusions, often citing multiple sources and providing updates on ongoing cases.