Lo! - No 05 - 1996 02

Magazine Overview

'LO!' is an intellectual newsletter that challenges the mind, published quarterly by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency. This issue, #5, dated February 1996, delves into a variety of mysterious and unexplained phenomena, ranging from alleged creature attacks to UFO sightings and unusual atmospheric events.

"Goatsucker" or Hysteria in Puerto Rico?

The lead story investigates the mysterious deaths of farm animals across Puerto Rico, attributed to a creature dubbed the "goatsucker" or "chupacabras." Goats, hens, rabbits, and geese have reportedly been found lifeless, their blood seemingly drained. Residents, some wearing fatigues and carrying guns, have organized search parties. Mayor Jose Soto of Canovanas has led these efforts, describing a strong, unpleasant odor associated with the creature. The daily tabloid El Vocero depicted the killer as a pointy-tailed devil. The San Juan Star humorously suggested a political party was responsible to divert attention. However, the government's veterinary services, led by Hector Garcia, indicated that stray dogs might be the cause, based on examinations of sheep with marks.

UFOs Cause Medical Problems in Somaliland

Officials in the self-declared republic of Somaliland have requested international aid to investigate two explosions from unidentified flying objects (UFOs) observed over the Gulf of Aden on December 5 and 7. Following these events, inhabitants reportedly suffered from various ailments, including coughing, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and headaches. Children were particularly affected, and several died. Animals were observed to be "running wild and uncontrolled." The low-flying objects were seen by many as they exploded.

Target: South America

An account from The Daily Herald of March 6, 1931, describes the fall of "three great meteors" that reportedly caused fires and depopulated hundreds of miles of jungle over several months. The event, occurring around 8 o'clock in the morning, was preceded by remarkable atmospheric disturbances, including a "blood-red" sun, an ear-piercing "whistling" sound, and a fall of fine ash. The story references an article in L'Osservatore Romano by "Father Fidello, of Aviano," who described three distinct explosions causing earth tremors and a light rain of ash. No debris has been found.

Another Colorado Mutilation

In Weston, Colorado, on November 26th, a cow belonging to Mike Duran was found mysteriously mutilated. The 900-pound animal was on its back, with its udders and female sex organ removed with apparent surgical precision. A large circular hole was also found in its stomach, and its horns were missing. Duran found the horns about 20 yards away. No tracks were observed, and only a small amount of blood was detected. Duran expressed a "spooky feeling" about the incident. Sheriff Lou Girodo declined to classify it as a mutilation, suggesting it might be the result of a bear or coyote attack. Area biology instructor Ron Rankin noted that wounds consistent with a mountain lion or bear attack differ from what was described.

Later, a Geiger counter test conducted by physics instructor Robert Philbin on the cow's skin revealed no abnormal radiation. Philbin suggested that if radioactive isotopes were involved, they would have short half-lives and their effects would dissipate quickly.

Meteor or "?" Falls in Oregon

Cecil Mecham of Summerville, Oregon, reported an unusual event at Jubilee Lake on September 10th. He witnessed an object splash into the lake, creating a "large, radiating, expelled wake" followed by large bubbles and a "turpid boiling action." Mecham, who initially thought it might be something from an airplane, heard a curious noise before the impact, described as sounding like "the incoming mail of an enemy cruiser." Meteorite scientist Dick Pugh plans to investigate the report, as a meteorite from Jubilee Lake would be the first found in Eastern Oregon.

Frozen Mummies Found in Peru

The discovery of three frozen mummies, including two young women sacrificed to the gods approximately 500 years ago, has provided valuable insight into Peru's Incan empire. Found on an icy 6,300-meter peak in the Peruvian Andes, the well-preserved remains were ritually sacrificed on the Ampato volcano, likely as a plea for rain. The women were wrapped in finely woven wool, wore elaborate headdresses, and were accompanied by rare cloths, ceramics, and small gold, silver, and sea-shell figures.

Singing Sands in Mongolia

A series of "singing dunes" has been discovered in the Badainjaran Desert in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Science found that in a soft wind, these dunes emit sounds described as singing or groaning, or like an airplane in flight. A young scientist named Jiangjun theorizes that the sound is caused by grains of uniform size rubbing together.

Fort Lauderdale Remembers 1945 "Lost Patrol"

A ceremony was held to commemorate the 14 crew members of Navy planes that disappeared 50 years ago near the Bermuda Triangle during a routine mission. The disappearance of Flight 19, along with the lead pilot's report of compasses malfunctioning, has fueled the Bermuda Triangle legend, with theories including abduction by space aliens. A seaplane sent to search for the missing planes also crashed, killing 13. Navy Lt. Cdr. Maurice Schmidt offered a benediction, hoping to put an end to speculation. Retired Navy radioman John Barna, who flew with the squadron briefly, dismissed UFO involvement, stating he did not see any.

ELVES in the Sky

Scientists have discovered a new class of lightning, named ELVES (emissions of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources), which occurs high above thunderheads. These flashes appear as blazing disks spreading laterally for hundreds of miles and are described as higher, brighter, and larger than other types of lightning. They were previously overlooked due to intervening thunderheads and their extremely short duration, less than a thousandth of a second.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'LO!' revolve around unexplained phenomena, mysterious events, and the intersection of science, folklore, and eyewitness accounts. The magazine presents a wide array of intriguing cases, from cryptid sightings and animal mutilations to UFO encounters and unusual atmospheric and geological events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, encouraging readers to consider the "mysterious" and the "wonderment of the world."