UFO Newsclipping Service - 1971 08-09 - no 28-29

Magazine Overview

This issue of "U.F.O." from August-September 1971, published by the UFO Research Committee, is a compilation of UFO sightings and related news from various sources. The publication aims to serve as an "International UFO Clipping Service" for research purposes.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Stupefies 2 Latin Motorists (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September 28, 1971)

Police in Niteroi, Brazil, reported that two men, Paulo Caetano da Silva and Benedito Miranda, claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object. They were treated for shock after their cars were reportedly followed and stopped by a low-flying object emitting a blinding light. The vehicles reportedly would not respond when they tried to speed away.

UFO reported (Times Record, Brunswick, Maine, June 30, 1971)

Four additional persons reported seeing a UFO in Topsham, Maine. The bright light attracted the attention of three people in a car traveling from Brunswick to Topsham, and was also observed by a resident of Cook's Corner. The object was described as floating leisurely, then veering southwest at great speed, leaving a glow but no sound of a motor or flashing lights.

Flying Saucer Probed (Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, September 12, 1971)

This article discusses a sighting in Westminster, Maryland, on August 1, where a farmer saw a "kind of a disc-shaped object" hovering above his field, its outline visible in lightning flashes. The report is from the files of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), which is investigating the case.

UFO Spotted Over Area (Northwest Arkansas Times, July 16, 1971)

A Fayetteville, Arkansas woman described an unidentified flying object as "pretty, but sorta scary." It moved from west to east, traveling fast, and was described as large, tapering, and throwing off sparks. It was in view for six to seven minutes before disappearing. Other residents also reported seeing a "large streak of fire in the sky."

UFO Sightings in Greene County (Greeneville Sun, July 29, 1971)

This report details several UFO sightings in Greene County, Tennessee, compiled by local researcher George Fawcett. These include a cigar-shaped UFO filmed against the Moon, a silver cigar-shaped UFO with a dome seen hovering, a reddish-orange UFO with a color halo, and an object resembling two inverted saucers with a spinning rim.

UFOs: Is Some Body Up There Watching Us? (Ventura Star Free Press, July 29, 1971)

Dr. James A. Harder, associate professor of civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, presented findings suggesting that UFO evidence, if applied to a capital offense, would prove the reality of unidentified flying objects beyond reasonable doubt, concluding they are extraterrestrial.

UFOs Reported (Tri-City Herald, Pasco, Washington, July 16, 1971)

Several residents south of Kennewick reported seeing "two bright red objects" believed to be the planets Mars and Jupiter, viewed as they made their nightly journey across the sky.

Fireball Is Mystery (Oklahoma City Times, July 9, 1971)

Reports of a blazing object plunging from the sky and exploding southeast of Yale, Oklahoma, triggered a search for wreckage. Witnesses described it as a burning plane with pieces falling off, emitting smoke, and exploding before hitting the ground.

Mystery Sky Fire in Area (Henryetta, Oklahoma, July 16, 1971)

Residents of Henryetta, Oklahoma, reported seeing a "brilliant light in the sky" that appeared to break into two pieces. Witnesses described it as a falling star with a trail, burning up before reaching the ground.

A Flare for Mystery (Oklahoma City Times, July 13, 1971)

This article concludes that a "flaming, spark-spouting, exploding ball of fire" seen near Yale, Oklahoma, was actually an old Army flare set off by a farmer to entertain a child.

'The UFO's fly again' (Meridian Towne Courier, July 15, 1971)

The author recounts his personal experience of seeing a UFO in 1967 and notes that at least 10 others have reported similar experiences. He describes the object as an incredibly bright light that moved with unheard-of speed, then hovered, divided into two, and disappeared. He also mentions the existence of a UFO reporting center at Selfridge Field.

Flying object colored 'pink' spotted here (Dominion News, Morgantown, West Virginia, July 2, 1971)

Mrs. Beverly Cramer reported seeing an unidentified flying object shaped like a half-moon and colored pink, hovering near the Maple Leaf Drive-in before disappearing quickly.

UFOs Reported (Jackson Daily News, July 11, 1971)

This report addresses a previous article about UFO sightings, with meteorologists suggesting that the "objects" seen were likely the planets Mars and Jupiter.

Reader Reports Seeing Some Flying Saucers (Greater Oregon Reader, June 18, 1971)

A reader shares experiences of seeing spacecraft, including three stars moving west and stopping, followed by small yellow lights, and later a larger star moving north with an airplane visible at a lower altitude.

Don't Make 'Light' Of UFOs... Awed Countians Are Believers (The Register, July 16, 1971)

This article discusses new "believers" in flying saucers who have spotted UFOs. It mentions a sighting in Westminster, Maryland, and contrasts it with explanations involving meteor showers or the planet Mars. It also notes that the closest approach of Mars in 300 years was occurring.

Saucer? Domed Plane? Strange Craft Fly LI Night Skies (New York Long Island Press, August 9, 1971)

Several residents of Long Island reported seeing strange craft with domes, rotating rims, and flashing lights. One report mentioned a printed sign saying "Allen Carpet Shops." An editor who went to investigate saw only a "big, fat full moon."

UFO Ruled Out (Springfield, Oregon News, August 11, 1971)

This article suggests that UFO sightings east of Springfield, Oregon, were likely a meteor shower, not a landing spacecraft. A pilot reported seeing three bright meteorites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reporting of unidentified flying objects across various locations, the descriptions of these objects (shapes, lights, movements), and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. Organizations like NICAP and APRO are actively investigating these phenomena, while official sources often attribute sightings to natural phenomena or misidentifications. The magazine's stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting the reports and the ongoing efforts to understand them, while acknowledging the skepticism they often face. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the desire to find credible explanations or confirmations.

Notable Quotes and Facts

• Dr. James A. Harder asserts that the evidence for unidentified flying objects is strong enough to prove their extraterrestrial origin.
• The Condon Report, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, concluded that most UFO sightings could be explained by natural phenomena, optical illusions, or satellites.
• Organizations like NICAP and APRO continue to investigate UFOs, facing challenges in overcoming public skepticism and a perceived press blackout.
• Some reports suggest that extraterrestrial visitors are holding off on visiting Earth due to fear of being worshipped as gods or feared as conquerors.
• The issue highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine UFO sightings and misidentified natural phenomena like meteor showers or planets.

FAQ

• What is the UFO Research Committee? The UFO Research Committee is an International UFO Clipping Service that provides research materials for UFO sightings.
• What was the Condon Report? The Condon Report was an intensive Air Force-sponsored study of UFO 'sightings' conducted under the supervision of University of Colorado Physicist Edward U. Condon, which was issued in 1969.
• What is NICAP? NICAP stands for the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, an organization that investigates UFO sightings.
• Why are people afraid to report UFO sightings? Dr. J. Allen Hynek states that the negative social climate created by the Condon Report has made people afraid to report unusual observations for fear of ridicule.
• What is APRO? APRO is the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, an international group that has been studying flying saucers for 20 years.

Title: SAUCER REPORT
Issue Date: June 21, 1971
Publisher: Aust. Press Cuttings Agency
Country: Australia

This issue of SAUCER REPORT, dated June 21, 1971, is primarily composed of news clippings from various Australian newspapers detailing numerous UFO sightings and related investigations. The cover story highlights a "terrifying" experience of a local woman in Gorae West and a UFO hunt in Launceston.

Key Articles and Reports

"Terrifying" experience: Local woman

This article details an encounter by Mrs. M. M. Smith of Gorae West, who, along with her two sons, watched a mystery object for over an hour. The object, described as a bright star that appeared to be saucer-shaped, made several low sweeps over their farmhouse, causing Mrs. Smith to express extreme fear. Her sons described the object as emanating a silvery flash and moving at great pace. This report is noted as one of many UFO sightings in the Western district.

U.F.O. hunt moves to L'ton

An investigation has been launched by the Tasmanian U.F.O. Bureau in the Launceston area following a report by a man who saw three lights (red, white, and blue) land in bush country. The bureau found a flattened area of undergrowth, approximately 10ft in diameter, though without a specific shape. The bureau is calling for anyone else who saw the lights to come forward.

Whatever happened to Flying Saucers?

Written by Arthur C. Clarke, this article reflects on the decline of the "flying saucer" phenomenon in public consciousness, attributing it to increased scientific knowledge and exploration. Clarke notes that while the idea of visitors from space is less prevalent, the scientific interest in extraterrestrial life has grown significantly. He discusses how astronomical discoveries and technological advancements have made the question of life on other worlds a central problem in astronomy. Clarke humorously concludes by describing his own sighting of a "flying saucer" as a brilliant light from a weather balloon.

"SAUCER' OVER THE GULF

This report from Mount Isa details a sighting over Burketown where residents adamantly claim they saw a UFO, not a jet. The object was described as a silver streak with no vapour trail and a red glow. While the Civil Aviation officer suggested it could have been a Qantas 707 jet, witnesses, including Postmaster Bert Lee, insisted it was something more mysterious. The cigar-shaped object was sighted at 6:38 p.m. and was visible for about 20 minutes. Previous sightings in the area are also mentioned.

Widow reports Xmas-tree UFO

Mrs. Helen Dalziel, a 70-year-old widow from South Perth, reported seeing a bright, pulsating object resembling a seven-point star on a Christmas tree. She watched the object for three minutes early one morning. She initially thought it was a plane or satellite but noted it wasn't moving and was much brighter than any star. She described it as looking like a "glorified, pointed Christmas tree star."

MARS BLAMED FOR UFO RASH

A Meteorology Bureau spokesman suggested that the planet Mars, being closer to Earth than usual, could explain a recent rash of UFO sightings in Sydney. The explanation followed reports of a huge, glowing disc-like object and other sightings. The bureau spokesman also mentioned atmospheric haze as a possible cause for fading or blurring of observed objects.

FOUR DELTA UFO SEEN OVER LAKE

This article reports at least six unidentified flying objects sighted around Canberra in three days. Three separate sightings include four delta-shaped objects over Lake George, a silver cigar-shaped craft near Tharwa, and a brilliant white object with a blue aura over the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking station. The Canberra Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society has dispatched a team to search for evidence of a possible landing.

NEDLANDS WOMAN SEES 'SAUCER' IN DAYLIGHT

Mrs. Robin Wong of Nedlands reported seeing a cigar-shaped object in daylight. She initially mistook it for an aircraft but noted it moved straight up and then came straight down. She stated that the object was very bright and had a haze around it. This sighting caused her to doubt her previous skepticism about flying saucers.

OINK! OINK! THERE'S A UFO IN BERNIE'S PIG STY

This report from Katoomba describes a pig farmer, Bernie Eddelbuttel, who sat in a communications tower waiting for a UFO after strange events occurred on his property. His relatives reported seeing a strange orange light that appeared as a ring of small lights, intensified until it hurt to look at, and then merged into one huge light before fading. The object was described as "unearthly." Police investigations found no evidence of anything unusual, but unusual static was noted affecting television.

UFO SIGHTING UPSURGE

This article from Canberra notes a significant increase in UFO sighting reports from the public. CUFORS (Canberra's Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society) is investigating a report of two lights moving in formation near Bungendore. The society is also exploring the possibility of these lights being aircraft used by mineral prospecting companies and is seeking verification from other witnesses. The article also mentions the development of "UFO detectors" by an Adelaide group.

Ufologists prepare for year of flying saucers

According to the Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Centre (UFOIC), 1971 is predicted to be a significant year for flying saucer sightings globally. Mr. Frank Wilks of UFOIC notes a quickening pace in reports and highlights Western Australia, particularly Perth, as a popular spot. The article links the heightened activity to the upcoming Earth-Mars conjunction, suggesting it might bring the "mysterious Red Planet" closer. Ufologists are urged to actively report sightings and conduct sky watches.

LETTERS to the Editor: UFOs are old hat folks!

J. G. Wiltshire writes that UFOs are not new, having been seen for thousands of years. He suggests that the "fear" and "awe" associated with them are easily explained and transient. Wiltshire proposes that phenomena like St. Elmo's Fire, auroras, and electrical particles can form "little electric discs" that whirl and crackle, describing a flying saucer as essentially such a phenomenon. He argues that the scientific age's accumulated knowledge complicates the interpretation of these sightings.

WHAT UFOS ARE NOT

Mr. John Reynolds, a science master, is scheduled to speak to SIRIUS about "Spatial Phenomena," aiming to clarify misinterpretations of UFOs. The talk will cover how natural phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs, and members are encouraged to participate in a national skywatch day.

U.F.O. team plan big survey

A team of UFO investigators is set to converge on Warminster for a large-scale survey, utilizing electronic equipment to detect magnetic disturbances. The survey, conducted by members of the Bedfordshire U.F.O. Society and the British U-F.O. Research Association, aims to check the time and location of every sighting. The week nearest to the anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting is highlighted as a popular occasion for UFO enthusiasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across Australia, the ongoing investigations by official bodies and private organizations, and the varying explanations offered, from scientific phenomena to unexplained aerial events. There is a clear emphasis on witness accounts and the desire for more concrete evidence and understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events, presenting both the sightings and the attempts at explanation, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs. Arthur C. Clarke's article provides a more skeptical yet scientifically curious perspective, contrasting the public's waning fascination with the growing scientific inquiry into extraterrestrial life.

Title: The "TIMES"
Issue Date: July 13, 1971
Country of Publication: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Sightings of UFOs

The cover of this issue prominently features the headline "Sightings of UFOs," indicating a strong focus on unidentified flying objects. A related article, "MYSTERY OBJECT SIGHTED," reports on a sighting in Baulkhain Hills, where residents described a mystery object hovering over the area. Officials from the Department of Meteorology and the Department of Civil Aviation were unable to explain the object, with the latter noting its "unusually bright color" suggested it was not a conventional aircraft.

Letter to the Editor: Critiquing a UFO Program

A letter from K. A. Sutton addresses an ABC television program titled 'Flying saucers and the people who see them.' Sutton criticizes the program for its perceived bias towards explaining UFOs as mistaken observations or figments of imagination, rather than exploring significant points. The letter questions the reliance on United States Air Force statistics on "unexplained" phenomena, citing Air Force Regulation 200-2 which requires minimizing "unknowns." Sutton argues that the actual number of "unknowns" would be higher if this regulation were strictly applied. The letter also points out that air force "explanations" for UFOs, such as meteorological balloons or misidentified planets, are often illogical. Furthermore, Sutton highlights the program's oversight of organizations dedicated to UFO investigation, like NICAP, and its failure to mention significant radar and radar-visual reports, such as a UFO tracked at 9,000 miles an hour in 1948.

International UFO Reports

The issue compiles several reports of UFO sightings from various international locations:

• Guernsey: Five people reported seeing UFOs, described as a "cluster of four spinning objects" and a "silvery disc." The objects were seen hovering, then rose to a higher altitude, changed formation, and flew off at high speed.
• West Bromwich, England: Two brothers, Gary and Glenn Spencer, spotted a "silvery and spinning saucer" near Jodrell Bank. They described it as a "silvery disc" hovering without moving before accelerating rapidly.
• Caterham, England: Mr. and Mrs. Desmond Walsh reported seeing a "cerise light" moving slowly across the sky, described as not a plane and accelerating at a fast rate.
• Tauranga, New Zealand: Mrs. Diane Hancock reported seeing a "large bright light and loud whirring sound" early one Saturday morning.
• Liverpool, England: A bright object hovering over Merseyside was suggested to be the Russian space station Salyut.
• France: Several sightings are reported, including an "incandescent object" near St.-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, a "yellowish luminous point, fist-sized, triangular in shape" near Sentein, and a "mysterious white object" appearing three times near Lausanne, Switzerland, with varying colors and trajectories.
• Switzerland: Reports include a "mysterious white object" near Lausanne and a "mysterious ball of fire" near St.-Aubin.
• Australia: Near Perth, two "balls of fire, one red, the other white," moving at approximately 800 km/hr, "attacked" a car on an isolated road. Geoff Richards and his wife Toni reported being followed by these objects, which performed vertical dives and reappeared repeatedly.
• Brazil: In Recife and Olinda, a "luminous spherical object" was observed for 15 minutes, with the Brazilian Air Force unable to explain or intercept it due to its speed.

Other Articles and Mentions

• Professor J. E. McDonald's Death: A brief mention notes the death of Professor J. E. McDonald, an atmospheric physicist and leading advocate for UFO study in the United States, who reportedly took his own life.
• "The Mendelov Conspiracy": A review of Martin Caidin's novel about UFOs, which suggests some UFOs are real and used to save the world from nuclear war, but with drastic consequences.
• Peter Read and UFOs: Several articles and letters discuss Peter Read's views on UFOs, particularly his appearance on a science program. Some question his qualifications and suggest his skepticism might be a "hoax." Others defend his approach, while some criticize his coverage as superficial.
• Taupo Fungus Report: An update on a UFO research team in New York awaiting a report on Taupo fungus samples sent for testing by an investigator.
• "Schoolgirl puzzled by tiny UFO": A report about a Hamilton schoolgirl who saw a small, bright object moving through the sky.
• "Taupo fungus report awaited": An update on a UFO research team awaiting results on fungus samples from Taupo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings across the globe, the ongoing scientific and public debate surrounding their nature, and the critical examination of official explanations and media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting of various sightings and perspectives, while also including critical analyses and questioning official narratives. There is a clear interest in presenting evidence from different sources, including eyewitness accounts, and exploring theories about the origin and nature of these phenomena. The inclusion of letters to the editor and reviews of books and programs indicates an engagement with the broader discourse on UFOs.