UFO Newsclipping Service - 1970 09 - no 17

Magazine Overview

This issue, dated September 1970, is titled "White-Hot Metal Slabs Tumble From Sky in Three States" and focuses heavily on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other strange aerial phenomena. The magazine compiles numerous eyewitness accounts from various locations across the United States and internationally, alongside some explanations and ongoing investigations.

Key Articles and Reports

White-Hot Metal Slabs Tumble From Sky in Three States
A government team was set to investigate several chunks of white-hot metal, each weighing around a hundred pounds, that fell from the sky in diverse locations: Adrian, northwest Texas; rural Kansas; and the Oklahoma Panhandle. The fragments landed on a Friday, and speculation suggested they might be from a satellite plunging back to Earth, which normally burns up in the atmosphere.

Report UFO Sightings in Pawnee County, Kansas
Undersheriff Phil Atteberry and several residents reported seeing a brightly lit unidentified flying object in the southwest night sky. The object was described as being like a meteor that stopped, decreased in color to a glowing red, and then displayed a blinking white light from its front. Atteberry estimated the object to be about 10 miles away and at an altitude of perhaps 6,000 feet. He observed it with binoculars and noted it took off in a southerly direction at a very high rate of speed. He also mentioned that other anonymous reports indicated sightings around 11 p.m. Atteberry's study suggested UFOs are sighted in the Larned area every other year, frequently in early August. He stated, "It was like a meteor and it stopped for about a full second after dropping from the sky... As it left, the flight pattern was erratic, dropping and climbing in altitude, then it made a sharp left turn to the southeast." He contacted the Larned Police Department, who also saw the object. Atteberry described the object as bright red except for a white spot and concluded, "I've flown a little and I'm convinced it wasn't a plane, a kite or a balloon."

Strange Objects Are Back
Mrs. Fred W. Tieman of Beverly Hills, Michigan, reported seeing a strange object in the sky around 8:30 p.m. on July 22. She described it as looking like a huge bird. She and her family watched it move slowly and silently to the northeast, appearing over Fourteen Mile Road. They followed it by car but lost sight of it as it moved north. Beverly Hills police stated they had received no calls about the object.

Jack Hill Reports UFO Recently
An elderly man, Jack Hill, living west of Saginaw, reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) the previous week. He described it as flying southeast over Bennett Creek, similar to a report from the Bennett Creek area by others.

Visible Meteors
A brief note estimated that worldwide, about 200,000 visible meteors appear daily, collectively representing about 10 tons of mass.

The Honolulu Advertiser - August 17, 1970: Sky Flash Puts Many on Alert
A mysterious green flash in the skies near Honolulu caused a brief alert until it was determined to be a meteor. Calls flooded the Coast Guard, and airline pilots located the flash about 100 miles southwest of Honolulu. Rescue ships and aircraft were alerted. Investigations revealed no missing airplanes. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration ruled out reentry of American space junk. The Coast Guard concluded it was likely a natural occurrence, such as a meteor entering the atmosphere and exploding.

The Plain Dealer - August 31, 1970: White-Hot Metal Slabs Tumble From Sky in Three States
This article reiterates the report about metal slabs falling from the sky in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. It mentions a government team investigating the fragments, each weighing around a hundred pounds. The possibility of them being from a satellite was raised.

Beloit Daily News - August 3, 1970: In the Night Sky - UFO, or Jupiter?
Reports of UFO sightings in the western sky were investigated, with the Beloit Weather Bureau suggesting that the "flying saucer" was likely the planet Jupiter, appearing as an evening star. Weatherman Pat Patterson explained that Jupiter can appear to change colors due to atmospheric conditions and sometimes look like a bright orange light. He also noted that Mercury was visible and aligned with Jupiter. Patterson stated that atmospheric conditions can make stars appear to move and change color when low on the horizon.

Arkansas Gazette - August 17, 1970: Green Flash In Sky Stars
This appears to be a continuation or related report to the Honolulu incident, mentioning a "green flash" and a "ball of fire, trailing off into a streak of black smoke" over Cork, Ireland, which was initially discounted by Air Traffic Control but later reported by an English tourist as a "glowing orange coloured, oval machine with several feelers protruding from its undercarriage."

Foreign Reports

• England (Kent Messenger, July 10, 1970): Flying high! It's the UFO show again FAST moving glowing objects were seen over Kent, sparking an investigation by police, coastguards, and Ministry of Defence experts. Several people reported sightings in the Folkestone area. Four objects were seen moving at high speed in a cross formation, which later changed to a diamond shape. One witness described them as orange lights. Coastguards had no explanation, and the RAF and air traffic control were informed.

• England (The Guardian, July 20, 1970): Calling cards from space... The article discusses evidence cited by science fiction writer Mr. Kazantsev, who believes that UFOs have been visiting Earth for thousands of years. He points to ancient drawings, including one in the Sahara that resembles a "spaceman," and massive stone slabs at Baalbek in Lebanon as potential "calling cards" from spacemen.

• England (Evening News, July 31, 1970): Driver 'chases' object in sky
• A mysterious, glowing red and white object flew into Kearsley, England, and was chased by a car. The driver, Frank McArdle, lost sight of it due to street lights. The object was described as silent and moving at a steady speed. It was to be reported to Jodrell Bank as an unidentified flying object.

• Ireland (Cork Evening Echo, July 25, 1970): U.F.O. Sited Over Cork
• A report of a "ball of fire, trailing off into a streak of black smoke" over Cork was received. Later, an English tourist reported seeing a "glowing orange coloured, oval machine with several feelers protruding from its undercarriage" hovering over Dunkettle.

• England (Express & Echo, July 29, 1970): U.F.O.s in sky over Exeter
• Four unidentified flying objects, described as pinkish-colored, were seen over Exeter. Mr. James Jeffrey of the Exeter U.F.O. Research Group observed them moving slowly from southeast to east. He noted they were constant lights, not flashing, and moved too slowly for aircraft.

• England (Kentish Times, July 24, 1970): FIREBALL IN THE SKY
• A large red "fireball" in the sky puzzled three residents in Bromley, England, as they traveled back from Eastbourne.

• England (Esher News and Advertiser, July 16, 1970): UFOS AT COBHAM
• A talk by Mr. Holt on UFOs presented evidence that about 10% of reported sightings were not hoaxes but natural phenomena. He recounted the case of Capt. Montell, who chased a gigantic, disc-shaped object with a red spot that disappeared.

• Denmark (Frederiksborg Amts Avis, July 22, 1970): Witnesses Wanted
• An engineer and his fiancée reported observing a "flying saucer" over Kagerup, Denmark, described as large as a Concorde, with four-edged lights and a pointed "snout." It was observed to be stationary and later disappeared. Peter Alf Hansen of Scandinavian UFO Information noted that while the object had "wings," it did not behave like an airplane.

• Italy (Corriere della Sera, July 12, 1970): Mysterious Object in the Sky of Belgrade
• This report, from Milan, Italy, details the Belgrade sighting, noting the object's red color, speed (400-600 km/hr), and shape (elongated sphere with vertical flames). A pilot of Jugoslavian airline JAT also observed it. The Belgrade observatory did not record the passage.

• Switzerland (Weinländer Tagblatt, July 13, 1970): Jugoslavian Boys Made Fools of the Scientists
• This article, also about the Belgrade incident, confirms it was a hot-air balloon made by three youths aged 13 and 14, members of a technical club. Their sixth attempt was successful, holding the city's attention for 24 hours.

• Liechtenstein (Liechtensteiner Vaterland, July 14, 1970): UFO Photographed at Belgrade
• This report reiterates the Belgrade sighting, mentioning it was photographed by a Tanjug contributor and observed by a JAT pilot, who confirmed it was not a plane or satellite.

• France (Le Republicain Lorrain, July 14, 1970): LA « SOUCOUPE VOLANTE » DE BELGRADE : UNE MONTGOLFIERE
• This French report also identifies the Belgrade "flying saucer" as a simple paper hot-air balloon created by three students.

• France (Le Republicain Lorrain, July 17, 1970): Soucoupes volantes en Bourgogne?
• Several inhabitants near Avallon, France, reported seeing an unidentified flying object. One witness described a bizarrely shaped, semi-spherical object on the ground with a pied, emitting heat. Traces of burns and a footprint were found, and nearby plastic bags were incinerated.

• Belgium (Nord Eclair, July 21, 1970): Un « corps étranger » dans le ciel brabançon
• An "extraneous body" crossed the Flemish Ardennes, moving irregularly and slowly. It was distinctly different from stars, larger, and emitted a sparkling light. It disappeared in the direction of Ninove.

• Denmark (Silkeborg Avis, August 21, 1970): UFO'EN EN METEOR?
• A strong meteor or comet was observed in Denmark. Police took photos of a bright light. The Flyvertaktisk Kommando in Karup received reports of sightings but no consensus on what was observed.

• Denmark (Aalborg Stiftstidende, August 18, 1970): Piloterne løste ikke UFO-gåden ved Haderslev
• Interviews with pilots of six training aircraft that flew over Fjelstrup, Denmark, did not resolve the mystery of a phenomenon observed by a police officer. Theories included light reflected in a window or static electricity.

• Denmark (Berlingske Tidende, August 25, 1970): Flyvere jagtede 657 balloner
• Reports of UFOs over Esbjerg and Ringkøbing led to military aircraft being dispatched. The objects were identified as weather balloons, possibly from American meteorologists, that had descended to lower altitudes.

United States (Los Angeles Times, August 20, 1970): Russian Urges Aid in Search for Space Life
Soviet scientist Vitali Ginzburg called for international cooperation to search for extraterrestrial life. However, British physicist Anthony Hewish called the project "stupid at the moment," citing the immense cost and low chance of success.

Canada (Quebec Le Soleil, June 13, 1970): Discovery of a Mysterious Crater at Coleraine (Gaspe Pen., Quebec)
A crater, about 25 feet in diameter and 50 feet deep, was discovered in Coleraine, Quebec. Hypotheses included a meteorite impact or a flying saucer landing. The vegetation around the crater was dead, and trees tilted towards the sun. The discovery was being investigated by the Proxeter Research Center.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the widespread reporting of unidentified flying objects and aerial phenomena in the summer of 1970. The magazine presents a variety of sightings, ranging from metallic objects falling from the sky to silent, luminous craft. While some reports are attributed to natural phenomena (meteors, planets) or man-made objects (balloons, aircraft), a significant portion remains unexplained, fueling public interest and speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and presenting them to the reader, allowing for interpretation while highlighting the persistent mystery surrounding many sightings. There's a clear effort to include international reports, suggesting a global interest in the topic. The inclusion of scientific explanations alongside eyewitness accounts indicates a balanced approach to reporting on UFO phenomena.

This issue, titled "UFO's in the 50's - Part 10," compiled by Mr. James D. Wardle, presents a collection of UFO sightings and related phenomena primarily from the 1950s, but also includes more recent reports from 1970. The publication draws from various newspapers and sources, including the Topeka Daily Capital, Deseret News and Telegram, Rocky Mountain News, and Danish and German publications.

Radar Net Alerted For 'Mystery Object' (November 6, 1957)

A significant portion of the issue details a nationwide radar alert issued by the U.S. Air Force on November 5, 1957, to watch for a "brilliant mystery object" reported flying in erratic patterns over Texas, New Mexico, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Topeka Daily Capital reports that the Air Force had alerted its radar network and that the U.S. Coast Guard cutter "Sebado" had made radar contact with the object, described as a "brilliant planet" moving at speeds between 240 to 900 miles per hour and frequently changing direction. The Air Defense Command had not yet confirmed radar contacts. The article also mentions sightings in Kansas City and Willis, Oklahoma, with descriptions ranging from a "strange craft" to a "brilliant, mysterious light."

Object In Sky Seen At Casper (November 6, 1957)

Two residents of Casper, Wyoming, reported seeing a round, shiny flying object that caused their car engine to stall and act sluggish. The object was described as being as big as a house with two pointed peaks and glowing like aluminum.

Venus' Object Draws Various Explanations (November 6, 1957)

This article discusses the "Venus-like object" sighted by the Coast Guard vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Explanations ranged from the actual Sputnik II to "bubbles of hot air." Air Force investigators were reportedly on hand when the cutter "Sebado" arrived in Pensacola, Florida. The crew saw the white object for three to five seconds but tracked it on radar for 27 minutes. Early morning risers along the Florida west coast also reported sightings. The object was also thought to be the Russian satellite Sputnik II. Officials at the Savannah River plant of the Atomic Energy Commission declined to comment.

Object Hinted From Neighboring Planet (November 4, 1957)

Dr. Lincoln La Paz, a leading meteoricist from the University of New Mexico, stated that a mysterious cigar-like object sighted over West Texas and New Mexico was "either man-made" or could be attributed to "meteoritic phenomenon." He dismissed the idea of "little people from Mars or Venus." The article also mentions an expert, James A. Lee, who believes a mysterious object seen in West Texas and New Mexico was a "space craft from one of the neighboring planets."

Air Force Continues Check On Engineer's UFO Report (November 7, 1957)

Authorities at the Air Force Missile Development Center in Alamogordo, New Mexico, were investigating the report of a base engineer, James W. Stokes, who claimed to have sighted an unidentified flying object. Stokes described an egg-shaped object that caused his car radio to fade, his engine to quit, and several other cars on U.S. Highway 54 to stall. He reported feeling a surge of heat but hearing no sound. The object was described as moving from the east, making a shallow dive, and then speeding away to the northwest.

Mysterious Object Stalls Automobiles Along Isolated Highway in New Mexico (November 5, 1957)

This article reiterates the report from James Stokes, an electronics engineer, who saw an egg-shaped object on a desert highway near Alamogordo. Similar reports came from Levelland, Texas. Stokes described the object approaching from the northeast, causing his car radio to fade and his engine to die. He also noted that ten other automobiles had stopped. The object was described as moving away toward the Organ mountains. He felt a wave of heat but heard no sound, and noted the object had no visible portholes or vapor trail. The article also mentions a report from Clovis, New Mexico, about a "fire ball" and a sighting by Sheriff Weir Clem and his deputy in the Levelland area.

UFO-mysteriet endnu uopklaret (July 26, 1970)

This Danish article reports on UFO sightings in Denmark. It details the experience of police officer Evald H. Maarup near Haderslev, who observed a luminous object that caused his patrol car to stall, its engine to overheat, and its radio to go dead. The article states that experts have not yet found a natural explanation. Pilots from Flyvestation Skrydstrup, who were flying in the area at the time, confirmed that the phenomenon could not have originated from their aircraft. Other witnesses, including two residents from Funen, also reported seeing luminous objects, though with less dramatic effects.

Færre „besøgende” paa vor klode (July 26, 1970)

This Danish article discusses a decrease in UFO reports in Sweden. The Swedish Air Force, which has been investigating reports since 1965, received no reports in the first half of 1970, compared to about 30 in the previous year and around 1,000 sightings in 1948. The Swedish Air Force's report suggests that most sightings can be explained by meteors, astronomical phenomena, aircraft, rockets, or balloons. Only about 5% remain unexplained, with some attributed to foreign aircraft or space debris. The article also mentions that the Swedish Air Force now requests written reports.

Flyvende tallerken var en papirballon (July 24, 1970)

This article from Aalborg Stiftstidende reports on an incident in Yugoslavia where a mysterious flying object was mistaken for a flying saucer. It turned out to be a large paper balloon, about two meters in diameter, launched by three 13-year-old boys. The balloon, heated by burning gasoline, created a spectacle in the night sky, with witnesses describing it as an oval ball moving at high speed. The incident was even featured on Yugoslavian television.

Eifel-Bewohner sucht Bilder von „Ulos“ (July 29, 1970)

This article from Pfälzer Tageblatt reports on a tax official from Mayen, Germany, named Wörner, who claims to have found an "observation transmitter from another planet." He describes it as a marble-like sphere with a needle-like object inside. He states he has been in contact with Washington and Moscow regarding his observations and that he has found about fifty such unidentified flying objects. An expert from the Copenhagen University observatory dismisses the idea of it being a telemetersender, stating it's impossible for such a device to fall to Earth.

Svenskerne bekæmper forurening ved Hanö (August 19, 1970)

This article from Bornholms Tidende reports on an oil pollution incident in the Baltic Sea, discovered by a Swedish plane. A four-kilometer-long oil slick was found 35 kilometers off the coast near Ahus. The Swedish coast guard deployed vessels and a helicopter to combat the pollution. The article notes that Sweden has been using a significant amount of oil-combating agents.

Jeg har haft den samme oplevelse ved lynnedslag (August 19, 1970)

This article from Aktuelt (S) features a letter from a reader, G. Kransager, who suggests that the Haderslev police officer's experience with a mysterious object might have been a lightning strike. Kransager recounts a similar experience where a lightning strike caused his car to stall, his headlights to fail, and his watch to be damaged. He believes that experts will likely conclude that the Haderslev incident was also a lightning strike.

UFO'en set i Han Herred (August 26, 1970)

This article from Fjerritslev Avis reports that two men from Han Herred, Denmark, saw a luminous object with a long tail moving at high speed in the sky on a Thursday evening. They reported their observation to Flyvestation Skrydstrup. The article also references the Haderslev incident involving police officer Evald Hansen Maarup, noting that experts have not yet found a natural explanation.

Apparizione all'alba per gli automobilisti: Visto anche a Ostuni il "disco volante" (July 17, 1970)

This article from Corriere del Giorno reports a sighting of a luminous object resembling a "flying saucer" near Ostuni, Italy. Several motorists witnessed the object, described as flat with a dome emitting intense red light. It descended to a low altitude, moved horizontally, and then ascended rapidly, leaving a luminous trail. Possible explanations included experimental aircraft or extraterrestrial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unidentified flying objects (UFOs), mysterious lights, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The articles present a mix of eyewitness accounts, official investigations, and speculative theories. There's a clear interest in documenting these events, with a particular focus on the details of the sightings, the associated physical effects (like car malfunctions), and the challenges faced by authorities in providing definitive explanations. The issue also includes a contrasting report of a mistaken identity (paper balloon) and a piece on environmental concerns (oil pollution), suggesting a broad scope of reporting beyond just UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the information and the ongoing investigations, while acknowledging the public's fascination with these mysteries. The inclusion of a reader's letter suggesting a natural explanation for a UFO sighting indicates an openness to various interpretations.