UFO Newsclipping Service - 1972 07 - no 39

Magazine Overview

This issue of U.F.O. magazine, dated July 1972, focuses on a variety of alleged unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related phenomena reported from different parts of the world. The cover story highlights mysterious silver dust and craters found in Iowa fields, with a local researcher attributing them to alien spacecraft. Other articles detail sightings in Kansas, England, Australia, and New Zealand, featuring accounts of unusual lights, ground markings, and aerial objects.

UFOs 'Invade' Iowa Fields

The lead article by William Atkinson, a member of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), discusses the discovery of silver dust and craters in three Iowa soybean fields near Story City, Goldfield, and Laurens. Atkinson dismisses the Iowa State University report attributing these to lightning, emphasizing the consistent width and depth of the craters and their spacing of approximately 50 miles apart. He believes these were caused by "spaceships from intelligent beings from an alien planet." Atkinson notes that farmers are reluctant to report such phenomena, fearing ridicule. He also states that there has been an "increased activity" of UFOs in Iowa and the rest of the country, with the silver dust confirming this upswing. He speculates that "invaders" may have found Earth boring and left.

Kansans Unshaken By UFO Visitor

This report from Dighton, Kansas, describes a recurring unidentified flying object observed by local police and citizens for several months. The object is described as a "fiery red cluster of bright lights" that hovers about 300 to 500 feet high, usually west of town. Despite the sightings, the community remains "relatively unconcerned." Police Chief M. R. Shelton initially thought it might be military infrared photography but noted the object moves away whenever it is approached. The UFO has been sighted multiple times a month, typically between 11 p.m. and early morning, since late February. Local residents have taken the sightings calmly, though some have become more serious and ask to be notified if it is spotted again. Forbes Air Force Base stated they had no low-level flights in the area, and their planes fly well above 50,000 feet.

'Flying object' baffles the experts (England)

A weekly report from Maidstone, England, details a puzzling "flying object" sighted on a Tuesday night. Several residents reported seeing a bright object moving eastwards over the town. Councillor Ronald Streetley described it as "like a 'car in the sky,' travelling fast with all its headlights blazing," but lacking normal navigational lights. He noted a flashing red light, yellow and blue lights, and a bank of lights at the rear, with a sound similar to an aircraft engine. The Ministry of Defence Air Department filed the report, but authorities had "no idea what it was." Neither the Meteorological office nor the Royal Observer Corps could offer an explanation.

UFO's Return--Swooping and Swishing...

This article, dated July 1, 1972, from San Bernardino, California, discusses a sighting of a "strange 'thing'" late Saturday night and early Sunday, June 18. The author expresses puzzlement that such an event received little mention. The report includes accounts from three witnesses who saw an "orange object, cigar-shaped" moving erratically over the western horizon. Area weather experts suggested possible causes like light refraction from the rising sun or sheet lightning. Wendell Porth, meteorologist-in-charge at the Tampa area Weather Bureau, noted that unusual refractions in semi-tropical areas are common, and clouds at high altitudes can reflect sunlight. He emphasized the difficulty in predicting the cause of every sky sighting.

George Airmen Sight a Bright Orange Object

This report from George AFB describes two airmen, Gary Corley and Randolph Wogoman, who verified each other's report of seeing a "bright orange object" around 1 a.m. The object appeared to be 375 feet in diameter and sank behind a building southwest of their post. They reported it to the air police and local sheriff's office, but no evidence of a landing was found.

What Was It? (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)

This article from June 20, 1972, addresses questions about a bright fire seen in the sky over Canfield Mountain. George Cambridge, land operations officer at Fairchild Air Force Base, suggested it was "space junk"—part of boosters, rockets, or other space vehicles—or possibly a meteorite. He noted that "space junk" is a natural phenomenon that will become more frequent due to increased space exploration. While meteors typically enter the atmosphere at an angle, this "space fall" seemed to come straight down, burning to cinder ash about 200 miles above the earth. Residents Jim Dolan and Mrs. Henry Scheller also described the sight, with Dolan comparing it to a "Roman candle, only bigger and longer lasting."

Housewife declares 'flying saucer' landed in her yard

This report from Leeds, USA, details an incident where a "flying saucer" allegedly landed in the yard of the Robert Taylor home. The object, described as about six feet in diameter, was constructed of a heavy-textured metallic fabric with a white enamel coating. It reportedly separated into two parts during its descent, landing 20 feet from the house. The housewife, "Peanuts" Taylor, was astonished, and her husband had previously been given erroneous directions by a deputy sheriff when reporting the incident. The Air National Guard had no information about the event.

Fireball Lit Up Skies In Inland Empire Area

This article from Kellogg, Idaho, describes a large fireball seen across the Inland Empire skies around 1:30 a.m. Residents and police observed the phenomenon, with some describing it as lighting up the sky like "daylight." Art Jacobson, a local rancher, heard an explosion, surmising the fireball hit the ground. Deputy Sheriff Vie Lees described it as a "large arc welder light." A Gateman at Bunker Hill reported thinking the burning object was a satellite re-entering the atmosphere.

WITNESS CLAIMS ANSWER TO FLYING OBJECTS MYSTERY

This article from Van Nuys, California, reports on flying objects spotted near St. Genevieve's High School, described as green trash liners filled with gas, tied with string and reflective material. An official at the Van Nuys Airport tower had no reports and suggested scientific experiments at the high school might be responsible.

Third Bare Earth Circle Appears

This report from Tokoroa, New Zealand, details the discovery of another circular bare patch of earth on a farm, marking the third such occurrence in the district within three months. The patch was found on Mr. K. S. Cox's farm and was observed by his neighbor, Mr. C. M. White. Similar to other patches, it was completely devoid of grass, and explanations like fungi, weedicide, grass grub, or cattle milling were discounted.

PROTEST GROUP OR U.F.O.

This article from Campbell River, B.C., Canada, mentions a strange flashing light seen by duck shooters and the discovery of peculiar spheres in mid-Canterbury, Australia. It questions whether these are related to a protest group or UFOs.

UFO WAS STAR

A Hastings amateur astronomer, Mr. A. McPherson, claims photographic proof that a "UFO" seen over Havelock Hills was actually Canopus, the second brightest star in the sky. He explains that the barrel-shape was due to optical distortion from using high-powered telescopes on stars low in the sky.

UFO, 37 claim sightings

Mr. Russell Orr of Hastings, New Zealand, has reportedly received 37 telephone calls reporting sightings after he and three policemen saw an unidentified flying object on Friday morning. Orr stated that other people in the Waimarama-Ocean Beach area had also reported seeing the object in a northwesterly direction.

UFO by Napier couple over Kawekas

A Napier mother and son reported seeing an unidentified flying object "searching" the Kaweka Ranges with searchlights on Thursday night. They described "two lights, one on top of the other," with beams of white light that seemed to search the bush in a zig-zag pattern. The object moved erratically and disappeared after about 10 minutes.

Was object a bright star?

This article discusses a suggestion by Mr. A. McPherson that the UFO seen from Hastings was the star Canopus. He explains that Canopus is a bright star and its appearance could be due to optical distortion. He also mentions a 10-year-old boy's description of a bright object that fits the appearance of Canopus.

UFO hits again - may be..

Tokoroa farmers in New Zealand are puzzled by frequent visits from UFOs, with another mysterious circular patch of bare earth found on a farm. This is the third such patch in three months, and it is almost perfectly circular and devoid of grass.

UFO men say marks are 'saucer nest'

Investigators in Sydney, Australia, examined marks on the ground at Warragamba and are convinced it is a UFO landing site. Professional golfer Ron Sarina discovered the marks, described as a flattened circular area of grass with indentations that could be from landing gear. Soil samples were taken for analysis.

UFO 'LANDING' SITE EXAMINED

This report from Sydney, Australia, details the examination of strange marks on the ground at Warragamba, identified as a UFO landing site. The marks include a flattened circular area of grass and indentations. Investigators took soil samples for analysis.

Unidentified visitors at Richmond Park

Seven UFOs reportedly "touched down" in Richmond Park, England, last week. Miss Shirley Devereux described seeing "a conglomeration of lights" that hovered over the park and then moved erratically. She reported the phenomena to the police and the London Planetarium.

WINGATE RESIDENTS PUZZLED BY U.F.O.

Residents of Wingate, England, were puzzled by a mysterious "flying electric light bulb" that lit up the night sky. Eyewitnesses described a "brilliant light" that moved erratically and then shot upwards at great speed, with a loud noise. Some speculated it was a satellite re-entering the atmosphere.

One was taken by UFO chaser John West-the other was mocked up by our photographers in the darkroom

This article profiles John West, a UFO hunter who moved to Australia nearly ten years ago. West, who has a background in electronics, is a field investigator for UFO International Centre in Sydney. He shares stories of alleged UFO encounters, including a woman who claimed regular visits from a "machine" that landed in her garden. West also presents photographs he took, which he believes show UFOs, estimating their height at 70 miles and suggesting they did not originate on Earth. He advocates for gradually educating the public about UFOs and has started his own project, UFO Shadow, to uncover UFO information.

'A UFO RIDDLE'

A young journalist, Leon Symons, claims he was "buzzed" by an unidentified flying object in Forest Gate, London. He described the object as "so bright you could not miss it," "bigger than any star but more yellow than silvery," and moving erratically. He stated it was definitely not an aircraft. Police reported no other sightings in the area. The article also mentions two policemen in neighbouring Waltham Forest reporting a massive UFO flying low over London.

'Phooey to U.F.O.'

This article from Putaruru, New Zealand, presents a farmer, Mr. K. S. Cox, dismissing publicity about a bare patch of earth on his farm as "all damned nonsense" and stating there are no flying saucers on his property. He suggests a calf had been "slipped" and other cows milled around.

UFO 'landing site' mystery probed

This report from Sydney, Australia, revisits the investigation of strange marks on the ground at Warragamba, identified as a UFO landing site. The marks include a flattened circular area of grass and indentations. Investigators took soil samples for analysis.

Eastern Daily Press UFO search

An advertisement in the Eastern Daily Press seeks information from readers about sightings of unusual aerial objects and unexplained ground markings in East Anglia during the week of May 21-27, 1972, particularly over Taverham on May 24. Correspondence will be treated with confidence.

CANADA UFO search

This brief item from Perth Courier, Ontario, Canada, mentions two pieces of news concerning UFOs: a Perth resident who believes they spotted an unidentified flying object, and an advertisement seeking information on unusual aerial objects and ground markings for a Canada-wide study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of U.F.O. magazine are the prevalence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the search for explanations (ranging from natural events to alien technology), and the suggestion of potential government secrecy or cover-ups. The magazine appears to present a wide array of witness accounts and investigative efforts, often highlighting the mysterious nature of these events and the difficulty in finding definitive answers. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various perspectives and encouraging further investigation, while also acknowledging skepticism and alternative explanations.

This issue of the "Salmon Arm Observer" dated June 14, 1972, under the title "Here and there in B.C.", compiles notes of interest from various weekly newspapers, edited by Edgar Dunning. The publication focuses on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, drawing from Canadian and Australian sources, and also includes historical clippings from the 1960s.

UFO Sightings in Canada

The primary focus is on a sighting in British Columbia, where a man from Willow Point photographed a UFO over Quadra Island on April 24, 1972. The object was described as circular, discus-shaped, hovering, and spinning for about 15 minutes, with lights flashing randomly around its rim. The photographer, wanting to avoid being labeled a "kook," submitted the photo for analysis to specialists at Canadian Forces Base, Comox. However, the base's information officer, Capt. Tony Brett, stated that they would have no record of such an object on their radar, as it only monitors military air traffic, and the local airport had no equipment to track it. The Upper Islander newspaper featured the story and one printable photograph.

Another significant Canadian report comes from High Level, Alberta, detailing an encounter on May 26, 1972. Three local citizens, traveling north, reported being followed by a "huge" object for approximately fifty miles. The object reportedly broke into segments, wandered in the sky, and then fused together again, all without sound. It glided from side to side and was reported to the RCMP. The witnesses, concerned about not being believed, had radioed ahead to their employer, who also observed the phenomenon.

UFO Sightings in Australia

Several Australian sightings are also featured. In Wagga, New South Wales, on June 4, 1972, a Riverina farmer claimed to have seen a "flying saucer" while milking cows. The object was described as saucer-shaped with a fiery tail, about five times its own length, hovering motionless over his property. His wife also witnessed it, describing it as a "silvery object on its side with the sun shining on it." The object veered, dipped, and had a "brilliant red tail streaming out behind."

Further Australian reports include a sighting near Junee on June 4, 1972, where a woman reported an unidentified flying object. Additionally, an experienced glider pilot reported seeing an object with a bluish tinge at Downside, near Wagga, visible for about 10 seconds as it travelled across the horizon. He described it as too slow for a satellite and not fast enough for a meteor, possibly a reflection off a metal object.

A Coolamon family also reported seeing a white, unidentified flying object with a "flaming red tail" hover over the Riverina for 15 minutes on Sunday morning, June 4, 1972. The object, described as "white elliptical shaped," was initially stationary before tipping up and shooting off to the right with a bright red tail.

Historical UFO Reports (1960s)

The issue includes several clippings from the 1960s, offering a historical perspective on UFO phenomena:

• Chicago, USA (August 31, 1960): Helen Gibbs described a UFO as "flickering-changing colors-from red to green, gold and white" sailing west across the sky. Other witnesses reported a similar object that was moving too slowly to be an airplane.
• Chicago, USA (September 1, 1960): Several residents reported seeing an orange or reddish object traveling from north to south. Floyd Wolski and friends were watching for the Echo I satellite when they saw the mystery object.
• Medford, Oregon, USA (September 13, 1960): Reports from the Medford Mail Tribune detailed a cigar-shaped object with rows of lights sighted over the western part of the valley. Another report from Hilts, California, described two unidentified flying objects, one moving slowly for three hours and the other at high speed.
• Moscow, Soviet Union (February 5, 1961): Pravda was conducting a campaign to "rectify errors" by scientists who referred to flying saucers as real facts, attributing them to natural light refraction phenomena. However, the article noted concern over reports of saucers seen over the Soviet Union, including a photograph claimed to be an optical effect.
• Washington D.C., USA (October 15, 1960): Rep. Edgar W. Hiestand claimed the Air Force was holding back saucer data, stating there was evidence flying saucers were real. The Air Force, however, rejected this, stating they had found no evidence that UFOs were anything but natural phenomena.
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA (September 2, 1960): A mysterious reddish object circling the earth, which appeared to leave a vapor trail, was photographed by a Grumman Aviation Engineering Corp. tracking camera. The object was reported to be traveling east to west, unlike man-made satellites, and was about a tenth the size of the Echo I balloon satellite.
• Freeport, Illinois, USA (September 1, 1960): An unknown object, brighter than a star, white, and moving very rapidly, was sighted over Freeport. It was seen by several persons and made a wide turn before heading back.
• Greenwood, South Carolina, USA (September 2, 1960): The National Space Surveillance Control Center was attempting to work out an orbit for a strange object reported several times recently. The object's east-to-west motion complicated analysis, and it was noted that many reports indicated speeds faster than the Echo I satellite.
• Montague, California, USA (September 20, 1960): Residents reported seeing a silver, dome-shaped object with red, green, and white flashing lights hovering in the Bald mountain area.
• Hornell, New York, USA (September 19, 1960): An unidentified flying object was sighted over California, San Fernando Valley, Santa Ana, and Texas. Moonwatchers at Trinity University reported no U.S. satellites were due over the area when the object was seen.
• Ottawa, Illinois, USA (September 3, 1960): Dayton residents reported seeing a mysterious light traveling across the sky in the opposite direction of the Echo I space balloon. The object appeared as a star flashing rapidly on and off.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent reporting of unidentified flying objects and aerial phenomena across different geographical locations and time periods. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these reports, presenting witness accounts, and noting the ongoing efforts by scientific and military bodies to explain or identify these objects. There's an underlying implication of public fascination and a desire for answers, contrasted with the often inconclusive or dismissive official responses. The inclusion of historical reports suggests a long-standing interest in the subject and a pattern of similar sightings over decades. The issue highlights the challenges in definitively identifying such phenomena, with explanations ranging from natural atmospheric events and optical illusions to potential extraterrestrial craft, while also touching upon the possibility of withheld information by authorities.