New England UFO Newsletter - No 23 - 1981 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of the new england UFO newsletter, Whole Number 23, dated October 1981, features a prominent report on an engineer's sighting of a low-level cylinder in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The newsletter is published quarterly by New England UFO News.

Engineer Views Low-Level Cylinder at Ipswich, Mass.

This lead article, by Marge Christensen and Linda Seal, details a sighting by Jack Whittier, a 23-year-old engineer and economist, on August 14, 1981, at 8:10 PM EST in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Whittier was near the Ipswich River when he observed a "dark silvery" cylinder-shaped object moving at extreme speed. He described it as not having lights but possessing a bluish-green flame at the rear, similar to a Bunsen burner. The object moved up Fox Creek toward Essex, suddenly stopped, and then went straight up into the air, disappearing. Whittier estimated the object was about 100 feet above him and no more than 100 feet away, with a diameter of about 5 feet and a length of 10 to 15 feet. He viewed it for about 5 seconds. The sighting occurred on a clear night with a temperature of 71 degrees F and an 8 MPH wind from the ESE, with 15 miles of visibility and an unlimited ceiling.

The investigators noted that the sighting area was approximately 1 mile southeast of a USAF experimental radar antenna station. Whittier contacted the facility to inquire about tracking but was told no one was present at the time. Whittier himself was described as a precise, meticulous, intelligent, and cautious individual, initially inquiring about MUFON's nature. The evaluation of the sighting concluded that the witness's character was impeccable and his education supported his account, leading to the object being labeled "unidentified". The report also mentions that the location has been the site of numerous UFO reports over the years.

Other Reports from August 14, 1981

Simultaneously with Jack Whittier's sighting, Maureen Perkins of Ipswich reported seeing a "ball of fire heading rapidly over Route 1A" at 8:14 PM EST. This sighting, along with others from Connecticut cities, is presented as potentially related phenomena, though the newsletter notes that without on-the-spot investigations, it's difficult to judge their validity.

What Was That Light in the Sky?

This article by Richard Ross from the Norwich Bulletin details several sightings in Eastern Connecticut on August 14, 1981. One witness described a bright light, "large as a house," moving slowly. Henry Chepyha of Lebanon reported seeing an intensely bright, yellow-blue-green ball with fire behind it, moving slowly at about 1,000 feet. Larry DiNatale of Middle Haddam described a "gigantic sparkler" making a droning noise, estimated at 1,500 feet above the ground. Sightings were also reported at the Preston Fair, but the National Weather Service and Coast Guard had no unusual reports. The article notes that DiNatale, who doesn't believe in UFOs, felt the object was manned but could have been a meteorite.

Sky Watchers See Visions of Fireballs Over Area

This article by Tom Drury from the News-Times in Danbury reports on multiple sightings of a "beautiful" flaming globe streaking soundly over trees around 8:15 PM on August 14, 1981. Several callers reported a projectile that streaked over King Street and veered in the Lake Avenue area, traveling parallel to White Street. One witness, an 18-year-old woman, described a bizarre craft with an oval shape, squared-off sides, and a floodlight-type illumination. She felt afraid and hid. Another witness, a former Air Force officer, described a bright orange ball of flames, huge and engulfed in flames, moving silently and level with the ground. An air traffic controller at Ronkonkoma reported no unusual radar activity but mentioned receiving two UFO reports. The article notes that airport personnel can only report "mmm-mmm" unless a UFO is on the ground and surrounded by police.

Strange Objects, Possible Landing Traces at Ipswich, Mass., Jan. 1, 1981

This article, also by Marga Christensen and Linda Seal, details a sighting by Ruth Hendron (Sister Catherine Bernadine) on New Year's Eve, shortly after midnight on January 1, 1981, at a convent in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Hendron, recovering from illness, saw a "reflected violet-red pastel light coming from something not moving" on her wall. She then observed an apparent ten-foot violet-red pastel sphere rushing toward her, with small yellow spokes radiating into it. The object appeared lighted from within and was about 225 feet away and 45 feet high. After 15-20 seconds, the object blinked out and reappeared, followed by a second sphere, double the size, which repeated the maneuvers. Later, two more objects, estimated at 10 and 20 feet, descended, hovered, and blinked out in the same location. These objects had a similar violet-red intense light but no spokes, and appeared to have wings, a nose, and a fuselage, but no windows or propeller. The smaller object seemed attached to the larger one. Hendron stressed the light was intense and from within. The night was clear, with bright stars and black trees. The next day, a circular black spot of melted snow was noticed in the approximate area of the sighting, though it was attributed to underground plumbing problems.

Investigation of Possible Physical Traces

On August 8, 1981, investigators returned to the convent grounds to map the suspected trace area and take soil samples. A Victoreen Radiation Counter detected no unusual radiation. A 20x22 foot grid was constructed, and soil samples were taken for analysis. The witness indicated the grid was slightly south of the actual sighting area. The caretaker did not know how long the markings had been present.

Site Sketch and Witness Evaluation

A sketch of the convent grounds shows the location of the sighting, distances, and potential trace areas. Ruth Hendron, 64, a retired biology teacher, was described as candid, open, intelligent, and displaying scientific knowledge. She had eliminated conventional explanations for what she saw and felt no fear. She mentioned wondering if UFOs might be atmospheric ions reflecting light, but seemed anxious for investigation. The investigators found her to be a highly credible witness, specific and detailed in her descriptions, and not seeking notoriety. Her estimates of distance and height were accurate and coincided with measurements. Four objects were sighted, with two being twice the size of the other two. The physical traces also showed four distinct horseshoe configurations. The possibility of astronomical phenomena or conventional aircraft was ruled out.

Editor's Notes

The editor notes a remarkably similar trace reported in a French publication from a January 8, 1981 case, prompting Ted Phillips to request sample analysis from the French group. Barry Greenwood visited the site and reported new grass growth and a large mushroom colony, suggesting the traces might be mycological phenomena, pending Ted Phillips' analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the importance of evaluating UFO cases on their own merits, particularly when witnesses possess technical credentials or are otherwise considered credible. The editor's comment emphasizes that anomalous aerial phenomena, even when dismissed as fireballs or meteors by unqualified observers, warrant consideration, especially when they share similarities with other reported cases. The newsletter appears to maintain an open but analytical stance, presenting detailed accounts of sightings and investigations, while acknowledging the need for further research and analysis. The recurring theme is the presentation of unexplained aerial phenomena and the efforts to investigate them, with a particular focus on witness credibility and potential physical evidence.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated October 1981, presents a collection of articles and reports detailing various UFO sightings, physical traces, and related phenomena. The content spans multiple locations and time periods, with a focus on witness testimony, investigative efforts, and speculative connections to other realms of unexplained phenomena.

Investigations and Traces

The issue opens with a detailed look at a trace investigation conducted in Ipswich, Massachusetts, on January 1, 1981. A grid and trace sketch are provided, indicating soil samples taken as controls and from the trace itself. The grid size is noted as 1ftx1ft. Accompanying this is a sketch of a trace at Trans-en-Provence, France, dated January 8, 1981, taken from the publication "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT".

William Sheehan Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of William Sheehan, detailing his alleged UFO encounters. The article, co-authored by Joe Nyman and Ed Fogg, revisits an incident from February 1954 or 1955 (initially reported as December 4, 1980) where Sheehan and four friends were sledding in Mansfield, Massachusetts. They witnessed a bright, pulsating object with blue-green and red lights around its rim. The object allegedly moved directly over them, enveloping the group in a blinding light and causing temporary paralysis. Sheehan's initial reluctance to publish his identity is noted, along with his later permission to do so after relocating.

Further details emerge from a hypnosis session with Sheehan on March 25, 1931, conducted by an unnamed hypnotist. The session aimed to gauge his emotional state and confirm the authenticity of his experience. Instruments measuring skin conductivity and pulse rate reportedly confirmed his stress levels. Excerpts from the hypnosis session reveal Sheehan's sensory experiences, including a bright light that hurt his eyes and a feeling of cold. He describes the object as round with a bright light and mentions a "tingling" sensation. The hypnosis also revealed Sheehan's desire to be taken aboard the object, which was denied due to his perceived inadequate knowledge. This led him to study an encyclopedia to prepare for a future encounter. A unique detail from the hypnosis was the object's scalloped edge, rather than a smoothly circular one.

Later sections of the article discuss the possibility of a hoax, deeming it remote due to Sheehan's reactions under hypnosis. The investigators suggest there was no motive for fabricating such a story, which could discredit the teller. The "tingling" sensation is noted as a common element in "light-beam" cases. The article concludes by posing questions about Sheehan's "communication" with the entity and whether it supports the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis or is merely a reflection of his own knowledge.

Other Sightings and Reports

The magazine also features several other UFO reports:

• Amherst, Massachusetts: A police report from July 24, 1981, details a resident's sighting of an unidentified flying object described as red, blue, and green, streaking across the northwestern sky.
• Killingly, Connecticut: An article by John Gilchrist reports on Heather Chinigo and Judy Gudaitis's encounter on August 27, 1981. While driving, they observed two bright, square lights, approximately 12 inches in diameter and 14 feet apart, which they believed to be a spaceship. The object followed their car and appeared to want to communicate until a truck arrived.
• Charlestown, New Hampshire: A letter to the editor describes a sighting on March 10, 1981, of a large, reddish-orange, oval object hovering and sparkling.
• Route 89, New Hampshire: George Mannes reports on Eugene Fucci's sighting on April 15, 1981. Fucci, a retired Air Force pilot, saw what he initially thought were two bright stars, one of which dropped to the horizon and approached him as an equilateral triangle with lights, moving at approximately 200 mph.
• Southern Pittsfield, Massachusetts: Three residents reported seeing an unidentified object over the Pittsfield Country Club on August 8, 1981. The object was described as oval-shaped with red and white flashing lights, moving rapidly across the sky.
• North Attleboro, Massachusetts: A "Saturday Chat" snippet mentions three sisters who saw a saucer-shaped object with a light in the middle that swooped down on their car on July 10, 1981.

The Fairy Connection

An article by Joy Barish explores the potential connection between UFO phenomena and folklore, particularly fairy lore. It references historical accounts of fairy lights, spheres, and discs, citing observations by individuals like Hodson in the 1920s. These descriptions include small, colored spheres with radiating forces, dancing fairies, and globular forms. The article draws parallels between these accounts and modern UFO experiences, such as the compartments within the craft described in the Andreasson case and the Travis Walton case. It also mentions Betty Andreasson's experience of being lowered through a silvery tube. The author suggests that entities appearing as UFOs might inhabit an invisible dimension and that fairies are adept at shape-shifting and reflecting human thoughts. The article further explores cases of physical effects associated with encounters, such as skin rashes and temporary blindness, linking them to descriptions in fairy encyclopedias.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights witness testimony as primary evidence, often emphasizing the credibility of the witnesses and the unusual nature of the phenomena. The recurring themes include the visual characteristics of UFOs (lights, shapes, pulsating colors), their unusual flight behaviors (hovering, rapid movement, stopping abruptly), and the physical or psychological effects on witnesses. There is an underlying skepticism towards official explanations, with a suggestion that governments may be withholding information. The magazine appears to lean towards the possibility of extraterrestrial or other non-conventional explanations for these sightings, particularly in the "Fairy Connection" article, which broadens the scope of inquiry beyond traditional UFO hypotheses. The editorial stance seems to be one of open investigation and a willingness to explore unconventional theories, encouraging readers to share their own experiences.

This document is page 21 of a magazine issue dated "OCT '81", focusing on the thematic connections between UFO experiences and fairy lore.

UFOs and Fairy Tales: A Comparative Analysis The article explores the striking similarities between accounts of UFO contactees and traditional fairy tales, suggesting a potential overlap or common source for these phenomena. It begins by referencing Eugene Siragusa, an Italian contactee who, after a 1963 encounter with a rapidly zig-zagging white object that emitted a ray, began receiving instructions from an inner voice. This voice imparted knowledge on geology, cosmology, creation, and past lives, and Siragusa felt an "indescribable serenity" after the experience.

Betty Andreasson is presented as another significant contactee, who allegedly acted as a translator for messages from entities like Quazgaa. These messages, conveyed under hypnosis, were described as philosophical and religio-inspirational, differentiated from occult practices but likened to those of religious mystics and fairy communications. The investigators were told "man is arrogant" through her.

The article then draws parallels with the experiences of Anne Jefferies, who, after a mid-17th century trip to "fairyland" (equated with modern UFO abductions), was reportedly able to heal people. Her account includes being approached by six little men who applied something to her eyes, and upon leaving fairyland, she experienced a whirling sensation and heard a sound like "a thousand flies buzzing about her." This is compared to Betty Andreasson's description of Quazgaa as a "bee-like entity."

Surrounding Mists and Nature Spirits Another point of comparison highlighted is the presence of surrounding mists in both UFO and fairy cases. Hodson is cited describing a "Moorland gnome" emitting a "brilliant grey luminous mist" that enveloped his group. Betty Andreasson also noted a haze associated with her UFO experience.

The article introduces the Rosicrucian perspective, which posits that nature spirits have been connected with humans for thousands of years, aiding in bodily functions and healing. This connection is suggested as an explanation for why UFO contactees have been told "WE ARE YOU!" by entities, implying these spirits are involved in humanity's future spiritual evolution and enlightenment.

Conclusion and Author's Note In summary, the article concludes that pure UFO cases, their appearances, characteristics, and experiences are remarkably similar to "old trips to Fairyland." It suggests that the Grimms' Fairy Tales might be "quite wonderful" and worth exploring. The author, Mrs. Barish, who wrote "The Fairy Connection," invites correspondence on these topics from interested individuals, providing her contact address in Sharon, Massachusetts, USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this article are the perceived connections between UFO phenomena, alien contactee accounts, and folklore, specifically fairy tales and nature spirits. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, suggesting that these seemingly disparate phenomena might be manifestations of the same underlying reality or spiritual forces. The article advocates for a broader interpretation of UFO experiences, linking them to ancient beliefs about spiritual beings and their role in human development.