UFO Magazine News Bulletin issue 8

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 2 Number 4
Date: Fall 1975
Publisher: UFO Magazine News Bulletin
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of the UFO Magazine News Bulletin, published quarterly from Cleveland, Ohio, delves into the enduring enigma of UFOs, exploring historical sightings and recent events. The publication aims to keep readers informed about the 'saucer world' and its ongoing mysteries.

UFOLOGY IN RETROFIRE: WHY CHASE THE UNCHASEABLE?

This lead article by Curt Sutherly questions the persistent human drive to solve the UFO puzzle, likening it to an inherent, almost primal curiosity. The author traces the history of UFO-like phenomena through various eras:

• Biblical Accounts: The article references the book of Ezekiel, interpreting passages about a 'whirlwind,' 'great cloud,' 'fire infolding itself,' and 'brightness' as potential early UFO descriptions.
• Columbus's Voyage: It recounts an incident where Columbus's men spotted a 'glowing object dancing strangely on the horizon,' which Columbus reportedly dismissed as a sign of their imminent arrival to allay their fears.
• Late 1800s Sightings: The text mentions widespread reports in America between circa 1896-97 of strange craft resembling dirigibles or airships, noting that such craft were rare and that the described speeds (thirty miles per hour) and features (enormous spotlights) were beyond contemporary technology.
• 1947 Kenneth Arnold Sighting: The article highlights the pivotal 1947 sighting by Kenneth Arnold over Mt. Ranier, Washington, where he described 'nine disks' 'skimming across the sky like saucers across water.' This event, it states, led to the widespread adoption of the term 'FLYING SAUCER' in media headlines.
• Post-1947 Attitudes: Since 1947, public and official attitudes towards UFOs (or UAOs, as suggested by Ivan T. Sanderson) have varied. The military has reportedly ceased its analysis of sightings.
• The Condon Report: The U.S. Air Force handed over UFO analysis to the University of Colorado, led by physicist Edward U. Condon. The article states that Condon, who aided in the development of the atomic bomb, ultimately concluded UFOs were not real, resulting in a significant expenditure of taxpayer funds.
• 1960s Flap and Dr. Hynek: The Condon project occurred in the wake of the '65-'66 UFO 'flap.' It mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former Air Force consultant and Northwestern University astronomer, being misquoted as attributing the Michigan UFO episodes to 'marsh gas.'
• 1973 UFO Wave: The article acknowledges the significant global UFO wave of 1973.
• Post-1973 Sightings: It notes that the 1973 wave did not entirely end, with continued sightings in Canada (Boshkung Lake, Ontario Province) into early 1974, involving both law enforcement and citizens.

The author expresses a personal fascination with the mystery, admitting that while some are more deeply involved than others, the allure of the unknown is powerful. He states his willingness to 'die to learn the secret of the saucers' but acknowledges the interesting journey and the diverse people encountered in this pursuit.

OHIO UFO "CHASED" BY POLICE OFFICERS (11/11/75)

This section details a specific UFO sighting and subsequent chase that occurred in Madison, Ohio Township, on November 11, 1975. The event garnered significant local media attention, unprecedented since the 1973 UFO wave.

• Initial Report: Patrolman Zachary G. Space responded to a report from resident Kenneth Ohtola at 3:34 A.M. regarding a UFO with red and green flashing lights.
• The Chase: Space observed the object heading towards Painesville and pursued it. He was joined by Ohtola, his passenger Mike Davirro, a Lake County deputy sheriff, and Patrolman Lester Nagle.
• Object's Behavior: The UFO reportedly hovered at high-tension wire level near Chapel Road, close to the Ashtabula County line. Witnesses described it descending for 15-20 seconds, then rising slowly out of sight before reappearing. When hovering, it appeared as a 'big, bright light,' and when moving, it displayed red and green lights.
• Witness Testimony: Patrolman Space, a former Air Force mechanic, stated the object did not resemble a plane or helicopter, moved 'up and back too quick,' and departed 'in a flash.' He also noted that when it rose, it had 'three dominant white lights with a glow around it,' which were not steady.
• Departure: The object finally headed east towards Ashtabula County without making any noise.

Around And About The Saucer World

This column by Rick R. Hilberg provides updates on ufological news and events, apologizing for the delay in publishing the bulletin due to business commitments.

• Upcoming "Make-Up" Issue: The bulletin plans to release a special issue soon to cover stories that had to be postponed, including information on the 'Human Individual Metamorphosis' movement led by 'The Two,' and the case of a man allegedly 'zapped by a UFO,' who disappeared and later resurfaced as a contactee.
• 1975 National UFO Conference: Hilberg thanks Robert S. Easley for organizing the 12th annual National UFO Conference in Defiance, Ohio, held on August 15th. Despite a lower turnout than in the late 1960s, the conference facilitated discussions on the future of 'middle Ufology' and planning for future events.
• Conference Highlights: The conference featured significant television and radio publicity, culminating in a front-page story in the Defiance paper about a public session held at Defiance College, where delegates presented alleged UFOs and related phenomena.
• Criticism of Other Gatherings: Hilberg expresses disappointment that many who supported the Defiance conference also attended the NICAP-APRO-MUFON gathering in Fort Smith, Arkansas, implying that the Defiance event represented the 'genuine merchandise' of 'middle Ufology.'
• Upcoming Conventions: The article announces the 'Mysticon,' a 'Sauce, Space and Science Fiction' convention, scheduled for May 22nd in Cleveland, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the historical documentation of sightings, and the ongoing efforts to understand or debunk these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into ufology, particularly supporting 'middle Ufology' which is described as having an 'open, non-rigid format.' The publication aims to present diverse theories and news within the field, while also critically examining official investigations and the motivations behind them. There is a clear emphasis on historical context and the continuation of the UFO investigation despite official skepticism.