MUFON Colorado News - 2004 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Colorado MUFON News
Issue: Number 68
Date: January 2004
Publisher: Mutual UFO Network, Inc.
Focus: UFO sightings, investigations, and MUFON activities in Colorado and beyond.

U.S. UFOs Reported in Foreign Newspapers

This section, by John Schuessler, MUFON International Director, explores historical UFO reports that appeared in foreign newspapers, suggesting they sometimes provided more detail than U.S. publications. The article highlights the enduring mystery of UFOs, noting that many early cases remain unsolved and baffled experts.

Flying Saucers Puzzle U.S. (London Daily Telegraph, July 7, 1947)

This report details how the War Department was puzzled by "flying saucers" seen by hundreds across 30 states. These luminous discs were observed crossing the horizon at speeds estimated up to three times the speed of sound. A photograph from a Seattle coastguard showed a light-colored, almost round spot. In Muroc, California, a fighter plane was readied to chase sightings, and in Oregon, six planes were equipped for pursuit. Capt. Tom Brown of the U.S. Army Air Force stated that the widespread reports indicated "something to them" and were "too widespread to be without foundation." However, he dismissed the possibility of guided missiles traveling at 1,200 m.p.h., stating the government was not engaged in tests that could explain the mystery.

Flying Saucers Inquiry Report (London Daily Telegraph, July 8, 1947)

An official statement from the Army Air Force confirmed investigations into "flying saucer" reports. The statement asserted that "no such phenomena can be explained by experiments carried out by the United States Army Air Force." Military planes on the Pacific Coast reported negative results, and Navy and atomic energy officials also disclaimed responsibility. The number of states reporting sightings had risen to 39, with sightings also reported in Canada.

Flying Disc on U.S. Ranch (London Daily Telegraph, July 9, 1947)

This report from Roswell, New Mexico, announced that a "flying saucer" had been found the previous week. An intelligence officer from the 509 Atomic Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force obtained the disc through cooperation with local ranchers and the sheriff's office. The object landed on a ranch near Roswell and was inspected at the airfield before being sent to "higher quarters." Only an intelligence officer, the commanding officer of the airfield, and the rancher had seen the disc. Earlier, Dr. O. J. Zohn, a guided missile expert, reported seeing a "saucer" on June 29 near White Sands, New Mexico, but received "knowing smiles" when reporting it to the Army.

Flying Saucers Now Seen in China (The Bangkok Post, July 15, 1947)

Reports indicated that "flying saucers" had appeared in China. A staff member at an Anshan steel factory described seeing over eighty flying saucers on a Thursday night. They were described as four feet in diameter, round, with light spots, and shot from northeast to southwest, disappearing at one-minute intervals.

UFO Activity over South Eastern Colorado

This section, by Edward Burke, COMUFON Assistant Director, details recent UFO activity in Colorado over a four-month period. Several sightings are under investigation, with potential explanations offered for one.

Coal Creek Sightings

On September 2, a witness near Florence, Colorado, in Coal Creek, observed a brilliant light in a cloud for about 5 seconds, which then moved in an X pattern. The object was described as extremely large and caused cell phone static. It then shot off to the southwest, followed by animal reactions. The witness later reported persistent difficulty with his eyes at night.

On October 7, the same witness saw a boomerang-shaped object with six "white fuzzy lights" sitting over Canon City. Animal reactions were again noted.

Colorado Springs Sighting

On September 7, a large, long, dark rectangular UFO with lights on both ends was observed flying silently at 500-700 ft. over a house in Colorado Springs. A Colorado Springs Police Officer also reported seeing two military aircraft performing unusual maneuvers that night. James Carrion and Clifford Clift investigated this case.

UFO Landing Report

On December 14, a report of a UFO landing south of Colorado Springs on October 23 was received. The witness believed there were three landings but could only pinpoint one location on a small hill overlooking I-25. The area was brightly lit by the UFO, and there was evidence of some damage. Several cars had pulled off I-25 to observe the event.

Possible Explanation for Nov. 4 Sighting

On November 4, a similar sighting occurred near Coal Creek. A bright light appeared, blinked out, and then four other identical lights switched on. The article suggests a possible explanation related to Space Station Astronauts observing bright lights during high solar activity, noting a significant X-28 solar flare occurred 9 hours before the sighting. The proton flux indicated a higher count, and while the moon was up, the bright lights might have been visible despite the moonlight.

Colorado MUFON News - Inside and Updates

Page 2 outlines the "INSIDE" contents, including continuations of articles from page 1, a New Year's Address by the CO State Director, and a CO Springs Sighting Report. It also mentions Lin Simpson's New Year's Message and a Local Sighting Report from the Borderlands Network.

Wanted: Colorado Field Investigators

An appeal is made for certified Field Investigators. To qualify, one must pass an exam with a score of 80% or above. The MUFON Field Investigators Manual is available for $25. Ongoing investigator training classes are offered.

Colorado MUFON General Meeting

Details are provided for the monthly meetings held at the Glendale Community Center on the second Saturday of every month. Admission is free for members, $3 for non-members, and $5 per family. Board meetings and Investigator Training sessions are also held prior to the general meeting.

"The Men In Black" Program

Information is given about a Denver cable access program called "The Men In Black," a live UFO talk show hosted by Tim Gallegos and Jerry Newcombe, broadcast on channel 58 or online. Viewers are encouraged to attend live shows to help raise awareness and build membership.

Upcoming COMUFON Meetings: Dates & Speakers

Page 3 lists upcoming meetings, including:

• January 8th: Greeley Area Meeting (details provided for Trinity Episcopal Church, 3800 west 20th St., featuring a video on "Evidence" by David Sereda).
• January 10th: General Meeting with Guest Speaker Dr. Maury Albertson, Co-Founder of the Peace Corps.
• February 7th: Colorado Springs Area Meeting.
• February 14th: General Meeting with Speaker Ron Russell on "Crop Circles: The Secret Art and Magic Continues..."

A schedule for the rest of the year's General Meetings at the Glendale Community Center is also provided, along with dates for other events like the 2004 Symposium and a UFO Watchtower event.

Special Notice

Notices regarding changes to the usual General Meeting schedule for June, July, and August are given, with specific times for some meetings.

Colorado Springs COMUFON Meetings

These meetings are organized by CO MUFON Assistant State Director Ed Burke and are held at the Gold Hill Police Station on the first Saturday of even-numbered months.

Membership Information

Details on membership tiers for Colorado MUFON (Regular, Student, Family) and International MUFON are provided, along with benefits such as a newsletter and reduced admission to events. Contact information for both organizations is included.

New Year's Message from the State Director

Leslie Varnicle, COMUFON State Director, reflects on the past year's changes, including MUFON HQ moving to a virtual store and Colorado MUFON moving its meeting location. She notes an overwhelming number of sighting cases that went unresearched due to a lack of investigators. For 2004, an excellent slate of speakers is planned, and meetings will be held in various cities outside Denver. The 2004 International Symposium is highlighted as a major event requiring volunteer help. The possibility of remote broadcasts from Dreamland and Coast to Coast is mentioned. An event at 6-Flags for UFO Awareness Day is also planned. The director emphasizes the urgent need for investigators and announces training sessions. Board meetings are BYOB. The message encourages members to volunteer for the Symposium.

Colorado Springs Sighting

This report by Clifford Clift details a sighting on September 7, 2003, by three family members. They observed an object drift slowly over their home around 9:10 p.m. The object was described as a dark rectangle with a bar of lights in the front and back, resembling "carnival lights," with red lights at the corners. It traveled north, then banked east. One witness followed the object in her car for about 15 minutes before losing sight of it. The object's size was estimated at 30' X 60', altitude at 300', and speed at 5 mph, with no noise heard. The witnesses are described as credible, with one having a chemical engineering degree and experience with the Atomic Energy Lab. The report notes that the object was not any known airplane, glider, or dirigible. The witnesses experienced no fear or missing time. A follow-up mentions a similar object sighted over NORAD later that month.

Mysterious Lights Videoed East of Denver

This case, CO#112103, from Don Johnson, describes an interview with a witness who taped a possible UFO encounter on November 29, 2003. The witness woke up around 1:30 a.m. to restless dogs and noticed a pale blue light outside. He observed a round object in the sky to his south, composed of four quadrants of lights of different colors (red, green, blue, white) with a bluish/purple halo. After filming, the object exhibited erratic motions and disappeared without sound. The witness's clock showed 2:25 a.m. after the event.

The Borderlands Network - Press Release

This section announces upcoming "Live" Web cast specials twice a month, featuring experts in paranormal subjects including UFOs, ghosts, and more. The first special advertised is "RODS 'Live' with Jose Escamilla" on Thursday, January 17, 2004, for pay-per-view.

We Are Not Alone!

This is a humorous, fictional press release from "Martian Military Intelligence Service" stating that Mars UFO Network has 23 UFOs in its possession and that the Martian military has no explanation for their origin. It directs readers to www.mufon.com.

MUFON Symposium Announcement

Details are provided for the 35th Annual MUFON Symposium in Denver, July 16-18, 2004, at the Marriott SE. A pre-symposium kick-off event at Six Flags Elitch Gardens on July 15th is also mentioned. Early registration incentives include drawings for autographed items and a DVD player. Volunteers are needed for set-up and assistance.

The Pandora Project

An update on The Pandora Project, which aims to create a comprehensive database of MUFON investigations. Volunteers with computers and high-speed internet access are needed for scanning and clean-up work. The project aims to streamline the investigative process and get all states and investigators online.

MUFON Website Redesign

Pamela and Christopher Cisneros from Prologix are redesigning the international MUFON website, expected soon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical significance of UFO sightings, the ongoing nature of investigations, and the importance of public reporting and volunteer involvement in organizations like MUFON. The editorial stance is one of active investigation, data collection, and public awareness, encouraging participation and support for the organization's efforts. There's a clear emphasis on the need for more investigators to handle the volume of reported cases.