UFO Newsclipping Service - 1971 12-1972 01 - no 32-33

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O. SYMPOSIUM
Issue: 32/33
Volume: 1971-2
Date: December - January 1971-2
Publisher: UFO Research Committee
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the UFO Research Committee's publication, U.F.O. #32/33, covers a range of UFO-related topics from late 1971 and early 1972. It features a symposium held at the University of Arizona, detailed reports of specific sightings from various locations, and scientific discussions about the possibility of life beyond Earth and the nature of UFO phenomena.

University of Arizona Symposium

The cover story highlights a three-day UFO symposium at the University of Arizona, sponsored by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization and the UA student chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, a biologist from Utah State University, stated that it is "almost incomprehensible that earth is the only place there is life," emphasizing the vast number of potentially habitable planets in the universe. He also discussed his work on Martian biology, suggesting life could exist under conditions very different from Earth. Salisbury noted that while there is near-conclusive evidence against intelligent life on Mars, photographs have not yielded definitive proof.

John C. Munday, a biophysicist from the University of Toronto, presented two cases of UFO sightings. The first involved six children and seven adults in Colombia who witnessed a UFO, and a man who approached it later died with symptoms similar to radiation sickness. The second case involved a woman who experienced skin reddening and drying after seeing an orange craft. Munday suggested using technical means like polygraph tests and infrared film to study UFO witnesses and potential radioactive effects.

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, a psychologist from the University of Wyoming, reported that 95% of UFO sightings are not reported to authorities and that 90% of all sightings are not reported. He also noted that UFO reporters are generally "normal persons" and not "kooks and cultists," despite their "unreasonable claims." Sprinkle concluded that the "childlike part of us wishes to be believe in UFOs, while the parent part of us cautions against such acceptance."

Specific Sightings and Incidents

Mystery Alert in Oklahoma: Four individuals, including Bill Eckhardt and his family, reported hearing what sounded like a highly sensitive communications alert between the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) and military installations. The conversation allegedly included phrases like "NOPAD. Tinker line two. Red alert." NORAD officials, however, stated that no such conversations emanated from their command post and that the term "red alert" would not be used in such contexts.

Delphos, Kansas Sighting: A 15-year-old boy, Ronald Johnson, reported seeing a bright, whistling object that rose rapidly into the sky, leaving behind a glowing, phosphorescent ring on the ground and a dead Chinese elm tree. Investigations by law enforcement and a weather bureau office were conducted, and soil samples from the ring showed no radioactivity. A photograph of the ring was taken by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department.

Cavetown, Maryland Lights: Several residents reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) over the Holiday Acres subdivision. The object was described as a large, bright white light with occasional flashing red lights, appearing to circle the area and change speeds. Maryland State Police Tpr. Earl Schlotterbeck also observed the object, unable to determine if it was an airplane.

Santa Ana, California Hunters' Sighting: Three hunters reported seeing a disc-shaped object, followed by a football-shaped object that descended and a humanoid figure emerging. They found five round impressions in the ground where the object reportedly landed. NICAP (National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena) was investigating the incident.

Alabama 'Ghost Light': Frank Huff of Aliceville reported seeing a peculiar, bluish orb, described as a "ghost light," periodically appearing in the Pickens County area. He noted that it seemed to grow larger as it approached and that other people had also witnessed it. One explanation offered was a mixture of oxygen and gases, referred to as "swamp gas."

Priest River, Idaho Lights: Police Officer Donald Nelson and other witnesses reported seeing bright red lights visible in the sky north of Priest River. The objects appeared stationary at times and moved in various directions. Fairchild Air Force Base investigated, but radar reports were negative.

Ohio Shed Blaze: Fire officials in Alliance, Ohio, were investigating the possibility that a UFO crashed into a storage shed, causing it to catch fire. A "magnesium-like" substance was found near the origin of the fire.

England Sighting: A TV crew from independent ATV network spotted and filmed a round, orange and yellow object spinning in the sky over Enstone, England. This sighting was highlighted as potentially making UFOs "respectable" due to the quality of documentation and multiple witnesses.

Illinois Object Fall: Armintta Raypole reported a smouldering object falling in her yard, followed by more pieces of unidentified material. The material was described as porous, grey, and rock-like, and was being examined by Greenville College.

Yakima Valley Sightings: Bill Vogel of Toppenish, Washington, reported multiple sightings of bright, unidentified objects in the sky, some described as tear-drop shaped with segmented tails, others as cigar-shaped. These sightings were often observed through binoculars and photographed, with scientists unable to offer explanations.

Scientific Research and Observations

Evidence of Life in Space: A report from the 1971 Pacific Conference on Chemistry and Spectroscopy indicated that extraterrestrial amino acids have been found in a meteorite. Dr. Peter Moulton of NASA's Ames Research Center described "non protein" amino acids found in the Murchison meteorite, suggesting they may be billions of years old and not of terrestrial origin. Dr. Fred M. Johnson discussed finding molecules of porphyrins in the Milky Way galaxy, and Dr. George Preston challenged statements about the "cosmic abundance" of elements based on his study of stars with intense magnetic fields.

Life Elements in Space: Two Columbia University scientists, Goesta Wollin and David B. Ericson, created amino acids in a laboratory without water, using only substances known to exist in outer space. Their findings suggest that compounds important for the origin of life may form in interstellar space and on the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing scientific interest in UFO phenomena, the detailed reporting of specific sightings from various locations, and the ongoing debate about the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The UFO Research Committee and its publication appear to be dedicated to collecting and disseminating information on UFO reports, encouraging subscribers to send in any relevant materials. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation and documentation, aiming to move UFO studies from the realm of mere speculation to a more scientifically grounded understanding, as exemplified by the symposium and the emphasis on credible evidence and witness testimony.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2, 1971, focuses on an increase in UFO sightings and the efforts to understand these phenomena. The cover story highlights that people are seeing more UFOs in the area, with Mount Airy man George D. Fawcett keeping a tally of these sightings. The magazine features numerous reports from various locations, including the USA, Australia, and England, detailing witness accounts and the characteristics of the observed objects.

UFO Sightings and Witness Accounts

The lead article by Charles Osolin introduces George D. Fawcett, a UFO researcher who has been collecting and analyzing UFO sightings for 25 years. Fawcett notes a significant increase in reports, particularly in the Mount Airy area, and believes that the quality of sightings has improved. He suggests that people are more willing to report due to less fear of ridicule. Fawcett also mentions that about 25 percent of sightings investigated by the Air Force's Project Blue Book were unexplained.

Steve Loosenort, a teenager from Walker, USA, recounts seeing a "great big bright red ball with blue and white lights following a plane" and describes the object as "yoyo shaped." He had five witnesses with him and reported the object hovering about six feet in the air before disappearing.

D. R. Moult reports on an experience in Norfolk, Australia, where he and others witnessed a bright, pulsing light that moved erratically. He describes the object as "elliptical in shape" and notes that it was not an aircraft.

Several reports from Australia detail sightings of "flying saucers." Mr. A. R. Moseley from Montrose took a photograph of an object he described as "unidentified flying object (UFO)" and "a real bright satellite." In White Rock, eleven people claimed to have seen a "flying saucer" over the mountain.

Reports from England include a schoolboy, Leslie Farrell, who photographed an "unknown object" near Toorooka, described as "helmet-shaped" and ringed in orange-red. Mr. Frank Wilkes, director of research for the UFO Investigating Committee of Australia, stated the object could not be identified.

PC Ray Parker and PC Denis Giles reported seeing a "massive object" over Waltham Forest, described as "larger than a jumbo jet" and moving incredibly fast and silently. Another report from England describes an "orange ball in the sky" seen by police and a cadet.

Jim Pendrigh, from Leigh, England, recounts seeing "two bright lights" hovering in the sky, which he initially dismissed as "nutcases" but later changed his mind.

Scientific Investigation and Organizations

The magazine highlights efforts to approach UFO phenomena scientifically. George Fawcett explains that the Midwest UFO Network is expanding its reporting network to correct issues with public publicity and reporting locations. He also mentions that some material from a UFO was sent to the National Investigation Committee for Aerial Phenomena.

An article discusses a symposium on UFOs organized by the South Australian division of the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (Anzaas). Dr. M. J. Duggin emphasizes the need for scientists to have an open mind and not dismiss UFOs, suggesting that scientific investigation could lead to significant discoveries. Mr. Keith Basterfield, administrator of the Aerial Phenomena Research Group, notes that the movement is becoming more scientific with the use of infra-red detectors and other equipment.

Dr. Herbison Evans, a computer scientist, suggests a "new UFO approach" is needed, proposing the construction of 1000 observation stations worldwide to actively look for UFOs.

Specific Incidents and Details

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• Salisbury, USA (August 19, 1971): A businessman reported seeing colored UFOs and an object that landed in his yard, leaving a circle of burned grass.
• South Johnstone area, Australia (Friday night): Two locomotive men reported a "flying saucer" landing, becoming speechless and requiring medical attention.
• Kembla Heights, Australia (October 26, 1971): An unidentified flying object hovered over a bowling club and shone spotlights on a car.
• Lucknow, Australia (October 29, 1971): Four people in a car saw a large unidentified flying object with orange lights and a vapor trail.
• Walthamstow, England (October 15, 1971): Two policemen saw a "massive object" described as cigar-shaped with a white light, moving incredibly fast.
• Shropshire, England (October 27, 1971): Dozens of people reported a "pencil-slim" or "up-turned saucer" object moving across the sky.
• Christchurch, New Zealand (November 1, 1971): Two women saw a large, oval-shaped, orange glowing object.
• Leigh, England (October 8, 1971): A man saw "two bright lights" hovering and then moving away rapidly.
• Shropshire, England (October 30, 1971): Three boys spotted an "orange cone UFO."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing number of UFO sightings, the willingness of people to report them, and the growing interest in scientific investigation. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific perspectives without outright dismissal. There is an emphasis on the need for more rigorous data collection and analysis. The editorial stance leans towards encouraging further research and understanding of these unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging that some sightings may have conventional explanations.

This issue of "They Went That-Away" focuses on a significant wave of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings reported across England during October 1971. The publication compiles numerous accounts from various newspapers, detailing the shapes, colors, behaviors, and perceived speeds of these mysterious aerial phenomena. The magazine highlights the public's fascination and confusion, with many individuals reporting experiences that defy conventional explanations.

Warminster and Beyond: A National Phenomenon

The lead article, "THAT-AWAY," suggests that areas like Warminster, previously known for UFO activity, are now being joined by other locations such as Walthamstow, Buckhurst Hill, and Epping in reporting strange aerial events. The author expresses a personal belief in UFOs, spurred by police reports. Descriptions include cigar-shaped objects with red and green lights, and later, objects with flaming orange or pink glows. The possibility of Russian spy-ships is mentioned, but the author leans towards the idea of advanced extraterrestrial visitors.

Specific Sightings and Witness Accounts

Newport, England: Women reported a red, cone-shaped object travelling backwards. It was described as having flames coming from it, not like a plane's exhaust, and maintaining its height and course. Police and Cambrian Airways control tower reported no unusual sightings.

Blackburn, England: Harry Hindle, a cinema projectionist, saw an oval object moving like a flying saucer. While police were informed, Jodrell Bank suggested it might have been the planet Jupiter. Hindle remained unconvinced.

Malvern Hills, England: A family soccer match was interrupted by sightings of three UFOs, described as one stationary, one spinning, and one moving fast and flashing like a "ball of fire."

Napton, England: Two men saw a dull red glow in the sky, described as bright as the moon and moving low, not much higher than trees. It tipped over at one stage and was visible for several minutes.

Rock Ferry, England: Two commuters reported a mysterious object in the sky that dropped rapidly with a large flare before stopping and then moving off horizontally.

Bedworth, England: A mother reported seeing two mysterious cigar-shaped objects, one changing shape and color before disappearing.

Penn, Wolverhampton, England: Fifteen young people reported seeing four pulsating, star-like objects moving in a straight line, dimming and disappearing.

Shrewsbury, England: Reports described a "transparent conical shape" hovering, accelerating, and leaving an orange vapour trail.

Minchinhampton, England: A bright yellow cone-shaped object was seen, throwing a short trail. An ITV crew also filmed an unidentified flying object in the Cotswolds around the same time.

Walthamstow, England: Francine King reported a white cigar-shaped object hovering over St Mary's Churchyard, which then flew off quickly, leaving a white vapour trail. Her father also witnessed the event, noting the unearthly stillness of the object.

Norwich, England: Two early morning bus travelers reported seeing a "big ball of fire" with silver lights, which disappeared. The Meteorological Office suggested it might have been a meteorite.

Salop, England: Reports of a "transparent conical shape" hovering and accelerating were identified by the Meteorological Centre as a high-flying aircraft with a condensation trail lit by the sun.

Tyneside, England: A "massive silver-coloured flying saucer" was sighted, described as "as big as five or six Jumbo jets put together." It was seen hovering and then rising vertically into the clouds.

Whitby, England: A "giant bullet-shaped flying object" was seen hovering, described as having no wings and eventually disappearing into a cloud.

Essex, England: Defence officials were checking reports of two large, saucer-shaped objects flying from the coast towards London, described as having flashing lights.

East Lancashire, England: A "strange flashing light" was seen flying low and silently, thought by some to be a comet or plane.

Shropshire, England: Three young boys spotted an orange-colored cone UFO that vanished and reappeared.

Norfolk, England: A "white, diffused ball a bit smaller than the moon" was reported, with some suggesting it was a "false moon."

Dagenham, England: Families reported seeing a "pink blob" and a "very fast moving object" hovering over the area.

Cwmbran, Wales: Julie Taylor reported seeing the same red cone-shaped object seen in Newport.

Bedford, England: Three boys reported seeing a bright light over Bedford that stopped, became brighter, and then shot off.

Penrith area, England: A "curious light patch" described as an elliptical shape, larger than the full moon, was seen.

Bozeat, England: Several people saw an object described as a "little cloud, about the size of the moon" that changed shape and remained visible for about 20 minutes.

Hindley Green, England: A "small cigar-shaped silver object" was seen hovering.

Banbridge, Northern Ireland: A "flying saucer" was reported, described as an oval-shaped blob of hazy white light.

Guernsey, Channel Islands: A holidaymaker claimed to have seen a cluster of four spinning objects described as silvery.

Shaldon, Devon, England: A violent flash of lightning and thunder, described as "50 million volts," caused mysterious aches and paralysis, leading to speculation about meteorites or sinister outer space phenomena.

Explanations and Skepticism

While many reports remain unexplained, some authorities offered explanations. The Ministry of Defence suggested that most sightings could be explained by aircraft, satellites, debris, celestial objects, or weather balloons. The Royal Observatory suggested meteors burning up on entry or satellites re-entering the atmosphere. The Meteorological Office pointed to noctilucent clouds or weather balloons. However, many witnesses remained unconvinced, insisting their sightings were not conventional aircraft or natural phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sheer volume and variety of UFO sightings across Britain, the persistent public interest in the phenomenon, and the ongoing debate between those who believe in extraterrestrial visitors and those who seek more mundane explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of seriousness, acknowledging the persistence of unexplained sightings and the public's desire for answers, while also presenting official explanations where available. The magazine highlights the mystery and intrigue surrounding these aerial phenomena, suggesting that the "flying saucer" controversy was far from over.