NICAP Reporter - Vol 4 No 11 - 08 1966 - No 47

Magazine Overview

Title: NICAP REPORTER
Issue: Vol. 4 No. 11, Issue No. 47
Date: August 1966
Publisher: National Investigation Commission on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP)
Country: USA
Price: $3.50 per year (U.S., Canada and Mexico)

This issue of the NICAP Reporter, dated August 1966, delves into numerous reports and discussions surrounding unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It features a prominent quote from Admiral Delmer Fahrney, U.S.N. Ret., stating that "There are objects coming into our atmosphere at very high speeds. The way they change position in formations and override each other would indicate that their motion is directed." The magazine highlights ongoing skepticism and government involvement, particularly the US Air Force's intention to contract a university to investigate UFO sightings and evaluate its own Project Blue Book.

Air Force Investigation and Skepticism

The lead article questions the US Air Force's move to outsource UFO investigation, suggesting it might be a "smoke screen" to appease Congress. It points out that the Air Force has investigated over 10,000 UFO sightings without conclusive findings and questions how a single university can solve a mystery that supposedly involves "over 1000 of the nation's leading scientists."

International UFO Sightings

The issue details several incidents from outside the United States:

• Australia: Two ice cream truck drivers, Joe Armstrong and Geoff Polomka, reported a mysterious flying object hovering over their vehicle for 20 minutes on June 6th. They described it as a white spotlight with a red light on top, interlaced with smaller colored lights, capable of moving at fantastic speeds.
• Australia: On the same night, two police constables in Grafton chased a flying object for about two hours. It was described as a bright circular disc that moved slowly and changed color between white and red.
• Australia: Three young men in Geraldton reported a weird and uncanny glowing light that kept pace with their car along the Greenough flats before dawn on June 13th. The object maintained a constant height and distance from the car.

Domestic UFO Sightings

Several reports from within the United States are also featured:

• York, Pennsylvania: On June 12th, a family observed a flying object for 25 minutes, described as a flattened triangle with compartments glowing with soft-colored lights, hovering over treetops.
• Freeport, Texas: On March 19th, Coast Guard Radioman John R. Wietlich witnessed a large, white glowing disc-shaped object hovering about 200 to 300 feet above houses, emitting a white light.
• Borger, Texas: Four firemen reported personal sightings of a round, flying object emitting a bright white light over three consecutive nights in late May. They emphasized its ability to move with incredible speed and maneuverability, unlike any known satellite.

Space-Based UFO Reports

The issue includes reports from space missions:

• Gemini 10: The crew of Gemini 10 reported seeing "two bright objects" in their orbital path on July 18th, which they believed were not stars and seemed to be moving with them before disappearing.

Personal Encounter and Contact

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a personal account of a "contact" experience. The author, writing in accordance with NICAP's policy to present all phases of the UFO subject, describes an encounter on September 4, 1965, near Green River Gorge. While camping, his dog became agitated, and he observed an "odd looking object" floating motionless about 800-900 feet above him. The object descended slowly, landed nearby, and emitted a "terrific whining sound" and a blast of dust and wind. A voice from the craft invited him to "Don't be afraid little Earthman." A spaceman, described as about 6 feet tall, wearing a metallic, one-piece suit and a helmet, emerged. The spaceman had an unusual sidearm and spoke in a refined voice. The author was invited aboard the craft, where he observed a "fantastic sight of electrical apparatus" and was shown operations in the main control room. This account is continued in the next issue.

Other Reports and Information

• Chemical Substance: A mystery chemical substance was found on a car after its owner saw a UFO flying in front of it on June 17th near Georgetown, Ontario. The substance left tiny, hard, transparent drops on the car's front.
• Bunbury, West Australia: Two railroad firemen claimed a strange orange, egg-shaped light followed them during a shooting trip on June 22nd. The light appeared to shrink and increase in size.
• NICAP Public Meeting: A meeting was announced for August 5th in Seattle, featuring reports on a UFO sighting over eastern and northeastern states and southern Canada, and a UFO landing in Spain.
• Book Reviews: The issue lists recent books on UFOs, including "Strangers from the Skies" by Brad Steiger, "Anatomy of a Phenomenon" by Jacques Vallee, and "Strange Events Beyond Human Understanding" by Robert Tralins.
• Past Articles: A list of past articles of interest from various magazines is provided for members who may have missed them.
• New Books: Information on ordering new books related to UFOs is included.
• Phonograph Record: A long-playing phonograph record titled "File 733--UFO" is available for purchase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NICAP Reporter consistently presents a wide range of UFO phenomena, from aerial sightings to alleged alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging members to report sightings and providing a platform for diverse accounts, including those that might be dismissed by official channels. There's a recurring theme of questioning government transparency and the official explanations for UFOs, suggesting that many sightings are not easily explained by conventional means. The publication aims to inform its members about current events, research, and literature in the field of UFOlogy.