UFO Newsclipping Service - 1970 02 - no 10

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO RESEARCH COMMITTEE newsletter, dated February 1970, focuses on recent UFO sightings and the evolving landscape of official and private investigations into unidentified flying objects. The cover prominently features the issue number and date, with a handwritten addition emphasizing the February 1970 timeframe.

UFO Sightings Reported

The newsletter details several reported sightings from early 1970. In DeLand, Florida, George D. Fawcett, founder of the Florida UFO Study Group, reported multiple sightings between Thursday and Saturday of the previous week. These objects were described as being about 10 feet long, appearing in the shape of inverted saucers, emitting whirring sounds, and flashing colored lights. Similar sightings were reported near Cassia and Paisley on State Road 44 and State Road 42.

Another report comes from Kahoka, Missouri, dated December 13, 1969, where two young men sighted an unidentified flying object near Kahoka. It was described as flying low and erratically, taking up and down, and emitting lights.

A mysterious flare light was sighted over Hayward, California, on Saturday night. The light was reported as a 'yellow fireball southbound near Hayward.' Hayward Airport control tower operators speculated it might have been a balloon, but the event concluded with a large yellow flash and the concussion of an explosion.

In Nebraska City, Raymond Boeche, 14, photographed an object over Nebraska City on December 29, 1969. The object was described as a black disc that hovered, wobbled, and disappeared in the east. Boeche and his friend Roger Gieseking used a Brownie Hawkeye camera to capture images of the object.

UFO Probers Speak At Planetarium

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned astronomer and former UFO consultant to the Air Force, was scheduled to speak at the McDonnell Planetarium on January 22, 1970. Hynek, chairman of the astronomy department at Northwestern University, was known for his investigations into UFOs and had served as a consultant to the Air Force for 20 years.

Ex-Consultant To Air Force Criticizes UFO Study Methods

This article details J. Allen Hynek's critique of UFO study methods, particularly those employed in the Condon Report. Hynek, addressing a large crowd at the McDonnell Planetarium, argued that the Condon Report's conclusion that UFOs are not a threat and should be discontinued from investigation was flawed. He suggested a more scientific approach that would search for commonalities in sightings, rather than treating each case individually. Hynek also noted that while some witnesses might be 'batty,' others were credible, and that Project Bluebook had not settled the UFO problem. He called for the establishment of an independent scientific institute to continue UFO investigations.

UFOs: Not proven, but not disproven

This piece discusses the U.S. Air Force's abandonment of Project Bluebook, its 12-year study of flying objects. While the Air Force concluded that UFOs do not represent a threat to the world, the article emphasizes that this does not prove the phenomenon was a hoax. Out of 12,618 reports, a hard core of over six percent remains unexplained. The article notes that private researchers are continuing studies, some using computerization, and that results indicate a 'wave' pattern in sightings, suggesting probes into Earth's atmosphere. It also mentions an unusually slow year for UFOs, with a notable exception being a report from Foggy Bottom, which involved imprints of an unexplained object found on the ground after a couple reported seeing a 'saucer' land.

Saucer Search Closed

The U.S. Air Force has officially closed its investigation into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The article notes that it has been nearly 23 years since pilot Kenneth Arnold reported a formation of 'saucerlike' objects, sparking widespread interest. It suggests that while dedicated ufologists will continue their belief, others may suspect a government conspiracy. The piece also touches on the idea that if 'saucer men' remain elusive, humanity might eventually explore their skies.

UFO Sightings Decline

This article observes a significant decrease in reported UFO sightings. It questions whether this decline is due to the perceived barrenness of space discovered by astronauts or the bleakness of the moon. The U.S. Air Force has concluded its 22-year investigation, citing that the phenomena cannot be justified on grounds of national security or scientific interest. However, the U.S. National Investigations Committee of Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) plans to continue investigations, believing they can do a better job free from military considerations.

A New Turn for "Flying Saucers"

This article reports on the U.S. Air Force's decision to end its 21-year program of investigating flying saucer reports. The Air Force stated that the program could no longer be justified on grounds of national security or scientific interest. While the Air Force's study concluded that no UFOs posed a threat or originated from outer space, NICAP believes the Air Force's decision will pave the way for a fresh and more thorough scientific study, free from military considerations.

Golden Glob Glows in Sky

A follow-up report details a sighting by Al Major, 72, of Burnaby, Canada, who reported seeing a 'golden glowing glob' in the sky. He described it as looking like molten gold and dripping silver. The object was seen for two or three minutes before disappearing. Another report from Jim Drummond and his wife Dianna on Vancouver Island described a bright light in the sky that they observed for about five minutes.

Island residents see colored lights

This article from Mill Bay, Vancouver Island, reports on sightings of colored lights. Mrs. James Drummond saw an object moving over the bay, described as 'somewhere between orange and red.' Jim Drummond and his wife Dianna also observed the object, which they estimated to be about 800 to 500 feet off the ground. They described it as having 'fog lights, close together, like the tips of candles pointing upward.' The object moved slowly and emitted a ray from its front end.

JUST A BALLOON

This article from Coquitlam, Canada, debunks the 'golden glob' sighting reported earlier. Dave Thompson, 26, explained that the mystery light was from a balloon made from a dry-cleaning bag with candles attached to a balsa wood base. The hot air from the candles inflated the bag, causing it to glow and appear as a 'golden glow,' with molten wax potentially explaining the 'dripping silver' description.

UFOs Seen Flying Over Saddle River

Patrolmen Jerry Rosalia and Lester Osborn responded to a call about unidentified flying objects hovering near Edward M. Judd's house in Saddle River, New Jersey. Judd reported seeing yellow-orange colored objects traveling in pairs, with nine individual lights on each object arranged in an 'X' formation. The lights were rotating clockwise.

Local Pilot Sees Strange White Light

A local pilot reported seeing a single bright white light over Lake Ontario. The light was oscillating up and down but with no apparent side motion. It was observed for 10 minutes and reported to radar advisory control, but nothing was detected. Another pilot also reported seeing the light, and checks determined no weather balloons were aloft.

UFO SURPRISES MAN

This article from Campbell River, B.C., describes a well-known local citizen who, wishing to remain anonymous, witnessed a 'greyish, saucer-shaped object with a transparent centre' hovering over Alexander Elementary School. The object was seen by five people, including a teacher and school secretary. The citizen's son initially dismissed it as 'kids making flying saucers.' The article also mentions that some 'flying saucers' created a fire hazard and that the phenomenon was being investigated by the fire department.

CRAFT 'HOVERS 50 FEET' FROM COWICHAN HOSPITAL

Mrs. Doreen Kendall, an RN from Nanaimo, reported seeing a bright, circular object about 50 feet in diameter containing two human-like occupants hovering 10 feet away from the Cowichan District Hospital. She described the figures as having 'strikingly good-looking physiques' and wearing tight-fitting uniforms. The craft was silvery, metallic, and had a 'necklace of lights.' The occupants were observed interacting with a control lever. The craft gave off no sound. This sighting was verified by John Magor of the Canadian UFO Report and five other hospital witnesses.

Human-Like Pair in Saucer

This is a continuation of the Cowichan Hospital sighting. Mrs. Kendall provided more details about the two occupants, describing one as shorter or standing in a recessed spot. She noted the craft tilted sideways, giving her a better view. The article also mentions a second sighting by the Drummond family of a bright orange and yellow object.

Look Up, Islanders: The UFOs Are Watching You

This article from Victoria, B.C., reports on several UFO sightings in the Duncan, Ladysmith, and Thetis Island areas. Graham Toole and Albert Birkeland reported seeing a UFO about 15 degrees elevation, described as having white lights on top and red on the bottom, covering a three-to-four-mile radius in seconds. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Knight also saw a similar object over Thetis Island. The article also mentions a recurring 'beep, beep noise' that has been puzzling Thetis Island residents Jim Egan and Jack Nesbit for two years, particularly during cold spells.

Bluebook Closed

This short piece reiterates that the Air Force has officially closed 'Project Bluebook.' It reflects on the nearly 23 years since Kenneth Arnold's report and questions the outcome of so many sightings resulting in so few confirmed phenomena. It suggests that dedicated ufologists will continue to believe, while others may suspect a government conspiracy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cessation of official UFO investigations by the U.S. Air Force, the ongoing efforts of private researchers and ufologists, and a collection of recent eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and expert opinions, acknowledging the unexplained nature of many sightings while also noting the official government conclusion that no threat has been identified. There is an underlying sense that the mystery of UFOs persists despite the closure of official inquiries, with a call for continued scientific exploration.

This issue of the Boston Herald Traveler, dated December 27, 1969, features a prominent article titled "UFO Sightings May Result from Stresses of Life." The cover also includes a smaller headline about scientists seeking to keep records of UFOs intact. The magazine appears to be a collection of news clippings and articles related to UFO phenomena, spanning various dates and locations.

UFO Sightings May Result from Stresses of Life

By ANDY MERTON, Staff Reporter

The lead article, based on a paper presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting, suggests that the frequency of UFO sightings might be linked to the increasing stress of modern living. Harvard psychiatrists Dr. Lester Grinspoon and Dr. Alan D. Persky posited that a significant fraction of reported sightings could stem from viewers regressing to "more primal modes of thinking." This "primary process thinking," characterized by the absence of negatives and the use of allusion, analogy, displacement, condensation, and symbolic representation, is more likely to occur in individuals with psychological disorders or during times of stress.

The psychiatrists suggested that emotionally disturbed people might be more attracted to the idea of extraterrestrial visitors and more prone to interpret observations in ways that support this belief. They noted the high degree of emotionalism surrounding the UFO controversy, suggesting it might be linked to unconscious concerns about death and immortality.

Astronomer Thornton Page and Carl Sagan of Cornell University discussed the implications of including UFOs in science curricula. Sagan argued that while many explanations for UFOs exist, the extraterrestrial theory receives the most publicity. He also pointed out that subjects drifting away from science, like extra-sensory perception, astrology, and UFOs, attract bright young students, and that studying UFOs could be an opportunity to demonstrate the scientific method.

The article also touches upon the scientific establishment's division over UFOs, with "conservatives" like Dr. E. U. Conlon, who led an investigation finding UFOs to be non-existent, attempting to prevent UFO discussions from the program. Despite these efforts, the symposium proceeded. Astronomers Franklin Roach and William Hartmann, who helped prepare the Condon report, noted that a small residue of unexplained UFO reports keeps the question open.

The UFO symposium was scheduled to continue with further sessions.

Scientists Seek to Keep Records of UFOs Intact

This article, originating from Boston and dated December 27, 1969, reports on concerns that the U.S. Air Force might destroy its classified records of Unidentified Flying Objects following the closure of Project Bluebook. Scientists interested in studying UFOs voiced fears that the records could be declassified or destroyed, hindering future research. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, scientific consultant to Project Bluebook, emphasized the importance of original data for research. Concerns were also raised about the potential destruction of records, with some reports indicating that original material might still exist despite summaries being destroyed.

Dr. Robert Hall noted that while many UFO reports can be explained by conventional phenomena, a small percentage remains unexplained. The article also mentions the Air Force's intention to move Project Bluebook records from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to Muroc Air Force Base for storage.

UFOs in the 40's & 50's: Part 3

This section compiles several historical newspaper clippings related to UFO sightings from the 1940s and 1950s.

Latest Disks Leave A.F. Cold (August 20, 1949)

An Air Force spokesman stated that investigations into flying saucers had found no connection with extraterrestrial aircraft, attributing sightings to misinterpretation, mass hysteria, or hoaxes. This followed a report about two experimental aircraft found in Maryland.

Flying Saucers Get K.O. From Air Force (December 27, 1949)

The Air Force announced the closure of its "Project Bluebook," a 2-year investigation into UFOs. The project concluded that sightings were not real and were the result of misinterpretation, mass hysteria, or hoaxes. The project investigated 375 incidents since January 1948.

Flying Saucers Traced To Former Lair (August 21, 1949)

Reports from Maryland indicated that the remains of two battered aircraft of unusual design, possibly related to flying saucers, were found. The inventor, Jonathan E. Caldwell, had reportedly disappeared.

Chicago Discs Balloons (July 18, 1949)

"Flying discs" reported in Chicago were identified as gas balloons used by the University of Chicago for cosmic ray research. Large numbers of people reported seeing mysterious objects, described as jet planes or silvery globules.

Chehalins See 'Cigar Saucer' (Date Paper Unknown, circa 1950)

A speeding "cigar-shaped" object was reportedly seen from Chehalis, Washington, leaving a short vapor trail. Observers Paul Boorman and Lloyd MeMahon described it as peculiar and high in the sky.

Scientist Thinks Flying Saucers Fragments of Air Force Rockets (January 29, 1950)

Dr. Gerald Wendt, a scientist, proposed that flying saucers might be fragments of rockets exploded in the stratosphere by the Air Force as part of an experiment to establish a global radar screen. He suggested that these fragments could act as radar reflectors.

Mystery Flare Talk Banned (August 1, 1949)

Air Force security bans reportedly halted discussions among airline pilots about an unidentified aircraft that dropped distress signals near Portland, Oregon. The aircraft and flares were sighted by Northwest Airlines pilots.

Carolinians Agog (December 29, 1949)

A mysterious object moving southwestward was sighted by numerous residents in North Carolina and South Carolina. Descriptions varied, including a balloon, blimp, or vertical neon light tube. Pilots who chased the object were unable to gain on it.

Low Flying 'Saucer' Shatters Windshield (December 8, 1949)

In Indiana, a low-flying "saucer" reportedly shattered a car windshield. Police investigated but found nothing.

Flying Saucers 'Wo No Joke,' Airforce Says (Date Unknown, likely late 1940s/early 1950s)

A Dayton Journal-Herald article reported that the Air Force's investigations proved flying objects were "not a joke" but did not pose a threat to the population. The Air Force continued to receive and investigate UFO reports, with findings attributed to misinterpretation, mass hysteria, or hoaxes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the persistent public fascination with UFOs, the official stance of the U.S. Air Force in dismissing them as non-extraterrestrial phenomena, and the ongoing scientific interest in understanding the nature of these sightings. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis, emphasizing psychological and conventional explanations, while acknowledging the need for continued, albeit limited, investigation and the preservation of data. There is a clear tension between the public's belief and the official scientific and governmental dismissals.