ORBITER

Magazine Overview

This issue of ORBITER, titled "The New England Aerial Phenomena Report," is dated April 1988 and features a prominent article on Coral Lorenzen, the "First Lady of UFology," who passed away on April 12, 1988. The magazine also delves into significant UFO cases and phenomena, including a critical analysis of the Gulf Breeze sightings and reports of unusual aerial events.

Coral Lorenzen: The First Lady of UFology

The issue opens with a tribute to Coral Lorenzen, detailing her lifelong interest in UFOs, which began with a sighting at age nine in 1934. Her second sighting occurred in June 1947, involving a tiny round object moving rapidly into the sky. In January 1952, she began contacting like-minded individuals to form APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization) with the goal of preserving UFO information. Lorenzen also worked for the U.S. Air Force at Holloman Air Force Base, gaining familiarity with their procedures. She authored or co-authored seven books on UFOs, including "Flying Saucers-The Startling Evidence of the Invasion from Outer Space" and "Encounters with UFO Occupants." Lorenzen emphasized the importance of rigorous investigation and making findings available to the scientific community, believing that UFO reports indicated a methodical study of Earth and its inhabitants was underway.

The Gulf Breeze Photographs: A Critical Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed examination of the Gulf Breeze, Florida, UFO case. The article, authored by Mark Rodeghier and Robert D. Boyd of CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies), presents a strong argument that the widely publicized photographs taken by a witness known as "Mr. X" (or "Ed") are "most probably a hoax." The authors detail several reasons for their skepticism, including the "hokey" appearance of the photos, the waviness suggesting reflections in water, and the non-symmetrical shape of the object. They also question the ASA rating of the film used and the sharpness of the images of a supposedly moving object. The investigation by MUFON is criticized for its lack of competence, including a failure to thoroughly canvass the witness's neighborhood and a premature endorsement of the photos' authenticity. The article also notes "Mr. X's" claim of being paralyzed by a "blue beam" and telepathically communicated with, as well as his claims of encounters with aliens and men with pistols. The authors highlight parallels with Whitley Strieber's book "Communion," particularly the mention of a cinnamon smell, and express concern over "Mr. X's" agitated and potentially unstable personality, citing a reporter's description of him as "agitated, manic" and "a little crazy." The article concludes by emphasizing that scientific methodology requires assessing witness reliability and that the Gulf Breeze case, unlike many UFO reports, relies heavily on photographic evidence, which they deem suspect.

Unusual Weather and Other Phenomena

The issue also features a "Weatherwise" section with historical accounts of unusual weather. One article details "Ball Lightning in a February Thunderstorm Down East in Maine," citing excerpts from the Ellsworth Herald in 1853. These accounts describe vivid purple lightning, fiery balls of light entering homes, and trees being uprooted by electrical phenomena. Another section discusses the planet Venus, clarifying that its bright appearance in the evening sky is often mistaken for a UFO, especially when near the crescent moon. It notes that Venus is responsible for numerous "UFO" sightings.

Foreman, Arkansas UFO Incident

A front-page story from the Northwest Arkansas Times details a UFO incident in Foreman, Arkansas, from January 19, 1988. Three women reported being chased by a brightly lit, unidentified object that exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability, including a sudden 90-degree turn. The object was described as a "large metallic machine" with lights and a "tank-like" shape. The women faced ridicule after reporting the incident, but their accounts gained more attention as other UFO reports emerged from the area. The article also mentions other sightings in the Foreman area, including one by Jerry Grant who observed a stationary bright light, and Eula French who saw a greenish light very near her home. The Air Force denied any unusual activity in the region.

Article Log and New Magazine

A new column, "Article Log," is introduced to keep a record of difficult-to-locate UFO-related articles. The magazine also announces the upcoming launch of "UFO Universe," a new national UFO magazine, and provides details on its publisher, editor, and featured articles, including contributions from John Keel and Linda Howe.

CUFOS Special Report

A special report from CUFOS addresses the Gulf Breeze events, issuing a caution against "excess enthusiasm." It highlights similarities between the case and those involving Billy Meier and Adamski, suggesting warning signs were present early on. The report criticizes MUFON investigators for jumping to conclusions and damaging credibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Orbiter demonstrates a strong editorial stance favoring rigorous, evidence-based investigation and a critical approach to UFO phenomena. The magazine actively debunks potential hoaxes, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Gulf Breeze case, and encourages scientific scrutiny of all reports. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or deliberate fabrications. The inclusion of historical accounts and astronomical explanations (like the Venus sightings) suggests a commitment to providing a comprehensive and rational perspective on aerial phenomena. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including the difficulty of locating information and the ridicule often directed at witnesses.