UFO Newsclipping Service - 1971 06-07 - no 26-27

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O.
Issue: #26
Date: June-July 1971
Publisher: UFO RESEARCH COMMITTEE

This double issue of "U.F.O." magazine, published by the UFO Research Committee, addresses the perceived decline in UFO sightings and the ongoing debate surrounding their existence. The publication acknowledges the extreme lateness of its service for this month, promising the August issue will be on time.

The Decline of Sightings and Public Interest

The lead article, "Seen a UFO Lately? Sightings Fall Sharply From Sky-High Figure," from The Wall Street Journal, reports a significant drop-off in UFO sighting reports since 1968, accompanied by growing public apathy. John Acuff, a member of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), expresses his continued belief in flying saucers despite the trend. NICAP maintains that UFOs are genuine and unexplained, contrasting with the findings of the 1968 Air Force-financed study directed by astrophysicist Edward U. Condon.

The Condon report, a massive 1,465-page document, concluded that most sightings could be explained by natural phenomena, such as weather inversions, balloons, bright stars, satellite parts, hoaxes, and optical illusions. Following this report, the Air Force folded its controversial Project Blue Book in 1969. An Air Force spokesman noted only one unidentified object report for all of 1969, which turned out to be someone seeing a 717 for the first time.

Carl Sagan, director of Cornell University's Laboratory for Planetary Studies, suggests the phenomenon's disappearance is tied to deep-rooted factors in human personality, such as the desire to believe in something mystical. However, hard-core enthusiasts believe the saucers will make a dramatic return, with some predicting an increase in reports as early as August when Mars will be closer to Earth. Gabriel Green, president of the Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America Inc., believes the extraterrestrial visitors fear being worshipped or feared, but will eventually intervene to solve U.S. problems, possibly making initial contact with astronauts on a future moon trip.

Ivan Sanderson, director of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, theorizes that UFOs originate from another invisible universe on another space-time continuum, and their inhabitants can manipulate time warps to appear physically.

Skepticism and Continued Research

Despite the general trend, NICAP rejects the Condon report's conclusions and plans to transfer data from 10,000 sightings onto punch cards for computer analysis to find "telltale subtleties or relationships." G. Stuart Nixon, NICAP's secretary-treasurer, notes that the "negative social climate created by the Condon report" makes people afraid to talk about their experiences, and the press is ignoring the subject. He also laments public distraction by other concerns like the Vietnam War and the economy.

Some scientists remain unconvinced by the Condon report. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of Northwestern University's astronomy department, states that a careful reading reveals a "30% ratio of unexplained cases." He recounts a visit to an Iowa soybean patch where a 40-foot circle of scorched plants suggested a large heat source had been held above the ground. Hynek laments the lack of an official agency for reporting such strange happenings.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics also urged renewed scientific investigation, finding a "small residue of well-documented but unexplained cases" characterized by high credibility and abnormality.

Donald H. Menzel, a Harvard University astrophysicist, dismisses UFOs as a "great waste of time," attributing them to natural explanations like high-flying spider webs or ice crystal reflections. An Air Force spokesman reiterates that there was never evidence of extraterrestrial origin or technology beyond present-day scientific knowledge.

Ronald Bracewell, a Stanford electrical engineer, suggests that people are now more sophisticated and attribute strange sightings to natural causes rather than reporting them as UFOs.

Notable Incidents and Reports

Dr. McDonald's Death: The issue notes the death of Dr. James E. McDonald, a University of Arizona physics professor known for his controversial stands on UFOs and the supersonic transport plane. He was found dead in the desert, with deputies citing apparent suicide. He had reported six months prior that the Supersonic Transport plane could cause cancer due to chemical reactions from its exhausts.

Windschitl Farm Mystery: A strange phenomenon occurred at the Arnold Windschitl farm in Stewart, Minnesota, involving a 10-foot circle of burned corn. Arnold reported being awakened by a strange wind, quacking ducks, and a power interruption.

'Ghost Light' Phenomenon in Clare, Michigan: Multiple articles detail a mysterious "ghost light" appearing nightly in the swamps near Clare, Michigan. Described as a moving object that chases cars and hovers at high speeds, it has attracted numerous spectators and sparked theories ranging from swamp gas to pranksters and even extraterrestrial visitors. Local police and residents are baffled, with some attributing it to natural causes or misidentification, while others insist it is a genuine phenomenon.

UFO Sightings in New Jersey: Residents in Union and Middlesex Counties reported seeing unidentified flying objects. Initial reports described a brightly lit object like an airplane or a "gigantic plane wing with lights." However, an 11-year-old girl from Elizabeth identified one such object as a blimp advertising a radio station. Other reports described a helicopter with a lighted sign or an object resembling a "movie marquee."

Spencer Report of UFO Sighting: Warren L. McCarthy of Spencer, Massachusetts, reported seeing a flying saucer while fishing. His account was supported by his sons and a friend. Stephen F. Putnam, a UFO researcher, believes McCarthy saw a UFO. Another sighting in Dorchester described a bright orange, kite-shaped light with a tail.

Ted Chenoweth's NICAP Presentation: In Cupertino, California, Ted Chenoweth of NICAP presented on UFOs, discussing the reliability of witnesses and the need for research. He stated that NICAP's working hypothesis is that UFOs exist as a physical reality of an unexplained nature, but they have not yet captured one to prove their theory. He highlighted the importance of a civilian agency like NICAP to assemble relevant evidence.

APRO's Computerized Clearing House: L. J. Lorenzen of APRO announced plans for a computerized clearing house to link nationwide UFO research, aiming to fill the void left by the closure of Project Blue Book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the apparent decline of UFO sightings and public interest, contrasted with the persistent belief of dedicated enthusiasts and researchers. The Condon Report serves as a central point of contention, with many questioning its conclusions and advocating for continued scientific investigation. The magazine highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including the lack of official government support, the fear of public ridicule among witnesses, and the need for organized data collection and analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the ongoing debate, giving voice to both skeptics and believers, while emphasizing the continued efforts of private organizations like NICAP and APRO to explore the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the Berkeley, Calif., Gazette, dated May 27, 1971, features a prominent article titled "UFO Problem Just Won't Go Away" by Mike Culbert. The magazine delves into the persistent nature of UFO sightings and public interest, contrasting official stances with eyewitness accounts and investigative efforts.

UFO Problem Just Won't Go Away

The lead article by Mike Culbert addresses the ongoing UFO phenomenon, noting that despite government-sponsored investigations, the problem persists. A poll conducted by Industrial Research Magazine revealed that 54% of 2,700 respondents believe in the existence of unidentified flying objects, and 80% found the federal Condon Report, a 1,500-page summary of a two-year federally funded investigation, to be not definitive. The Condon Report, conducted at the University of Colorado, had ostensibly aimed to probe 646 'unsolved' UFO cases referred by the U.S. Air Force. While not denying circumstantial evidence, the report downplayed UFOs as a subject for further scientific study. However, a key investigator dissented from the report, authoring his own dissenting report.

The poll also indicated that 8% of respondents claimed to have seen UFOs. Of those who believed UFOs existed, 32% thought they originated in outer space, 27% believed they were natural phenomena, 5% thought they were U.S. aircraft, 0.6% believed they were Communist secret vehicles, and 35.4% were undecided. Regarding the government's transparency, 76% answered 'no' to the question of whether the government had revealed all its information concerning UFOs, though 51% agreed that the government should not support further research.

The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), a major UFO-monitoring group, noted a lull in sightings but anticipated a potential 'storm' in the fall of 1971 and winter of 1972. APRO's theory, shared by many 'ufologists,' suggests that credible UFO sightings occur in statistically and geographically traceable waves. Past 'flaps' were noted in 1947-1949, 1952, 1954, and 1966, with the 1952 flap over Washington, D.C., stimulating direct CIA involvement. The article also points out parallel shifts in the Soviet Union's approach to UFOs, suggesting both superpowers decided in late 1969/early 1970 to 'de-materialize' the UFO problem.

Eyewitness Accounts and Investigations

The issue includes several reports of UFO sightings from various locations:

• May 12, 1971, Colusa, California: Ronald Tistoresi reported seeing a bright blue light descending with sparks on Highway 20, six miles east of Meridian. He felt cold and a strange impulse to stop the car, but his girlfriend urged him to continue. Lt. Robert Young of Beale AFB, acting as a private citizen and APRO field investigator, investigated the site but found no burned areas, suggesting it could have been a flare, though the light was blue. Investigations into power line issues and a car accident in the area did not provide a conclusive explanation.

• New Zealand Sightings: The magazine features numerous reports from New Zealand newspapers, highlighting a surge of interest and sightings.
• April 17, 1971, Taupo: Reports from the Taupo Times and The Dominion detail sightings of 'genuine' UFOs. Captain B. L. Cathie, an Auckland airline pilot and UFO investigator, noted that descriptions matched well-established facets of UFO appearances over the past 25 years. He theorized that major UFO 'flurries' occur during planetary oppositions (close approaches of Earth and Mars), citing historical instances like 1909 and 1924. He also mentioned the unusual characteristics of Mars' moons and speculated about their potential use as a stepping stone by advanced civilizations.
• April 23, 1971, Taupo District: The Taupo Times reported two separate sightings by sober citizens. Roger Morel and Robin Duncan Hay described an object shaped like an inverted ice cream cone or Mexican hat, with green lights on top and revolving orange and yellow lights at the base. Mr. J. C. Hall described a bright star that grew larger, with a green light on top and revolving orange lights. Both witnesses were adamant about the reality of their sightings.
• April 26-27, 1971, New Zealand: Several reports emerged, including one from Patea where numerous people saw a long streak of flame in the sky. Mr. B. K. Chamberlain, a science master, suggested it might be an overseas aircraft leaving a vapor trail, while others described it as a rocket plane emitting a trail of flame. In Mosgiel, Mrs. K. L. Round reported seeing an object like 'a flame of fire' and small surrounding objects. The Christchurch Star reported a 16-year-old pilot seeing a slightly-elliptical object that changed color and moved in a curved trajectory.
• April 27, 1971, Ngaruawahia: Reports mentioned motionless red, green, and gold lights seen by families, described as circling a 'star.' Mr. L. G. Thickpenny observed seven such lights.
• May 4, 1971, Taupo Area: Truth newspaper reported five 'eerie rings' discovered near Taupo, similar to those found near Ngatea. A helicopter pilot, Mr. R. D. Nairn, found the circles, which contained a fungus-like growth. Captain Bruce Cathie investigated these circles, believing they were not natural and possibly linked to UFO activity.
• May 5, 1971, New Zealand: The Evening Post reported on the Patea sighting, with Mr. J. Watt suggesting it could be the planet Antares or Jupiter. Mr. B. K. Chamberlain reiterated his theory of an overseas aircraft or ballistic missile.

• May 1, 1971, England: The Basingstoke Gazette reported Mr. Alan Andrews seeing about six or eight bright yellow lights in formation moving across the sky.

UFO Investigator Captain Bruce Cathie

An article by Neil Anderson in the May 1, 1971, Truth newspaper highlights UFO investigator Captain Bruce Cathie. It states that Cathie possesses a Government document approving his activities and a letter of support signed by an Auckland MP. Cathie claims to have evidence of land-based activity related to UFO sightings, controlled from outside New Zealand by groups developing anti-gravity power. He alleges the existence of electronic transmitting and receiving gear at numerous points in New Zealand, which he has confirmed through a grid map of an anti-gravity system. Cathie believes the government is aware of his work and is content for him to continue his investigations as an individual.

Debunking a Hoax Story

Another article in Truth, titled 'Stranger than fact dept: Farmer Amos who was he?', investigates a story from the American magazine Saga claiming that a 39-year-old farmer, Amos Miller, died on February 2, 1968, in New Zealand, allegedly killed by a force from a flying saucer. The article, attributed to Peter Guttilia, suggests the incident was hushed up by New Zealand authorities. However, Truth's investigation, including checking with Auckland's coroner, revealed no record of Amos Miller's death, concluding the Saga story was a hoax.

Scientific Explanations and Skepticism

Some reports in the issue offer potential scientific explanations for sightings. Mr. D. Dickinson, a DSIR technical officer in Wairakei, suggested that many 'mystery lights' seen in the Taupo area could be bright stars, with atmospheric moisture causing light refraction that splits light sources into various colors and magnifies apparent shapes. Mr. J. Watt of Whangamata suggested sightings could be explained by the proximity of planets like Antares or Jupiter. However, the issue also presents numerous accounts that defy easy explanation, emphasizing the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the public's belief in them, and the perceived lack of transparency from governments. There's a clear tension between eyewitness accounts, investigative efforts by private citizens and organizations like APRO, and official or scientific attempts to explain away the phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from believers, investigators, and skeptics, while highlighting the ongoing nature of the UFO mystery and its impact on public consciousness. The frequent reports from New Zealand suggest a particular focus on that region during this period.

This issue of The Chronicle, dated April 27, 1971, focuses heavily on a surge of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings reported across New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, Australia. The main cover headline, "More UFO's Reported," signals the extensive coverage dedicated to this phenomenon.

UFO Sightings Across New Zealand

The issue details a "rash of unidentified flying objects" seen throughout New Zealand in the week leading up to April 27, 1971. Reports came from diverse locations, including Mosgiel, Patea, and Taupo.

In Mosgiel, Mrs. K. L. Round reported seeing an object like "a flame of fire" above her television aerial. Mr. A. J. Doig, chairman of the Beverly Begg Observatory, stated the object did not appear to be a normal astronomical phenomenon and was "strictly in the UFO category."

Taupo experienced multiple sightings. On the Napier-Taupo highway, a single UFO was sighted. On Saturday night, numerous people reported an object hanging motionless over the Wairakei Valley from 7 pm to midnight. On Sunday, two Taupo residents observed an object over Acacia Bay through field glasses, noting red, green, and yellow lights but unable to determine its shape. These followed earlier sightings in Taupo, including one on April 15 by Mr. It. Morel and Mr. R. D. Hay, who saw a cone-shaped object with flickering orange and yellow lights. On April 18, Mr. J. Hall and his wife also reported a similar object.

In Balclutha, Mr. Alan Ludlow described seeing a "white, long, bullet-shaped object travelling from north to east and going very fast high above the railway station." It was in view for five to ten seconds.

International and Australian Reports

Reports also extended beyond New Zealand. The Evening Post (Wellington) covered a mysterious object seen on Saturday evening by people at Titahi Bay and Packakariki, and many residents at Patea. The director of the Carter Observatory, Mr. W. J. H. Fisher, stated no reports had reached his observatory but suggested it could be a high-flying aircraft, though its long observation time ruled out a meteor.

Mrs. A. L. Petrovic described an object seen near Patea as a "long white streak, very bright and frightening," which she watched for 10 minutes.

In Australia, The Examiner (Launceston) reported on a flattened area of grass and bushes at Lynchford, near Queenstown, Tasmania, found by Mr. Clifford Archer. He described a loud humming noise preceding the discovery of the area, which was flattened in a swirling pattern, with no apparent damage to the grass itself. Mr. Archer and another resident reported seeing strange lights in the sky around 2 am for three consecutive nights.

The West Australian reported on a puzzling light in the sky seen by Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Woolley in Wanneroo, Perth. They described a large, reddish-yellow, pulsating but stationary light that travelled rapidly, zig-zagged, and then disappeared.

Canberra also had sightings, with two people reporting a UFO flying low at high speed. The Canberra Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society sought further reports.

Expert Opinions and Theories

Captain B. L. Cathie, an Auckland NAC pilot and author of a book on UFOs, expressed confidence in predicting UFO appearances using a mathematical equation. He stated that while some sightings might be hoaxes, many were genuine, and that scientists likely knew more than they were willing to reveal.

Mr. B. K. Chamberlain, a science master at Patea High School, described an object seen over Patea as a "rocket plane emitting a trail of flame," possibly an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Mr. E. Barling, a UFO Investigator for Auckland University, asserted his belief in the existence of UFOs and suggested scientists were aware of their operation. He noted that sightings were more common than people thought.

In contrast, Dr. Eric Lindsay, director of Armagh Observatory, identified a bright object seen in the North West sky as a "very bright meteor or fireball" that exploded in the air. He noted the unusual agreement among various reports.

A report from the French Gendarmerie Nationale indicated instructions were issued to police to be vigilant for UFO landings, with accounts of two "unreported landings" being considered largely substantiated.

Radar Tracking and Scientific Skepticism

A report from Truth detailed a mysterious object tracked by Christchurch meteorological radar at a phenomenal height of 63,274 feet, climbing at a rate of up to 7000 feet per minute. The object's speed was so great that the radar could not maintain lock.

Some scientists remained skeptical, with the Statesman (Calcutta) quoting an opinion that most sightings, barring occasional meteors, could be explained by illusions, spots on the retina, or "ball" lightning. The article also mentioned the French Gendarmerie's instructions as potentially leading to reports from "credulous country cops."

Ormond C. R. Warren, writing to The Chronicle, questioned Captain Cathie's claims of scientific proof, stating his own research was no more scientific than a speed limit and that he could not change his opinion until shown scientific proof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the widespread and persistent nature of UFO sightings, often accompanied by descriptions of unusual lights, shapes, and behaviours. There is a clear tension between witness accounts, which often express conviction about the reality of the phenomena, and scientific or official explanations that often attribute sightings to known phenomena or dismiss them as misinterpretations or hoaxes. The articles highlight public fascination and a desire for concrete answers, while also acknowledging skepticism and the challenges in definitively identifying these objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting the events and opinions without taking a definitive side, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Title: Walthamstow Independent
Issue Date: March 26, 1971
Publisher: Romeike and Curtice Ltd
Country: England
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: UFO Sighting Over Walthamstow

The cover story details a dramatic UFO sighting reported by Roger Cruickshank, 22, over Walthamstow, England, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Cruickshank, while driving home, witnessed a flying saucer described as "the size of three buses" with a dome on top and underneath. He reported the object was glowing and moving at great speed, appearing to swoop low over his car before disappearing towards Tottenham. The sighting prompted alerts to London Airport Police, Air Traffic Control, and Southern Command. A police spokesman confirmed that reporting such incidents is standard procedure. Cruickshank appeared visibly shaken by the experience.

Second Flattened "UFO" Spot Found in Lynchford

Another mysterious flattened area of land has been discovered in Lynchford, Australia. This area is described as being the same size and shape as a previous find. Clifford "Bluey" Archer found the flattened patch of grass, approximately 15 inches high, on a Wednesday afternoon. He reported being awakened by a loud humming noise the previous Tuesday morning but saw nothing. His housemate, Mr. S. Holdsworth, also found a similar flattened area. Both areas are located about 150 yards from Archer's house and 100 yards apart. The grass in these areas is flattened in a swirling pattern, despite a lack of significant wind in the region. Residents have also reported seeing strange lights in the sky around 2 am for the past three nights.

An agricultural science expert from the University of Tasmania suggested a freak wind as a possible explanation, but noted it would be difficult to confirm without examining the site. No helicopters, machinery, or animals were present in the areas.

Flying Saucer Alert for French Police

In France, detailed instructions have been distributed to the country's 65,000 gendarmes on how to respond to potential flying saucer landings. The alert, published in the gendarmerie's staff magazine, includes accounts of two previously unreported "landings" by saucers, which are reportedly substantiated by police evidence.

One incident cited occurred on July 1, 1965, in Upper Provence, where a peasant observed a machine with six legs and a small, one-meter-high creature. A second creature in the machine reportedly warned its colleague, who then climbed back into the saucer. Investigations at the reported site revealed traces of a machine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Walthamstow Independent focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts, physical evidence of alleged landings, and official responses from authorities in different countries. The magazine appears to document and report on unexplained aerial phenomena and related events, highlighting public interest and the actions taken by law enforcement and scientific bodies. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting these events with a degree of seriousness, providing details of sightings, locations, and witness testimonies.