UFO Newsclipping Service - 1972 08 - no 40

Magazine Overview

This issue of U.F.O. August 1972, published by the UFO Research Committee, is a compilation of news clippings detailing numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United States and beyond during July and August of 1972. The magazine appears to be a collection of reports from various newspapers and wire services, focusing on witness accounts, official investigations, and expert opinions.

Key Articles and Reports

"You'd Blow a Fuse, Too! No Bug Like People, Says Youth UFO Shy of Red Lights" (Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, Aug. 26, 1972)
This article details Greg Faltersack's experience in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he saw a large orange circular object hovering at tree-top level. The object reportedly caused his car's electrical systems, including lights, horn, and radio, to fail. He described the object as going "beep, beep" before taking off. A similar sighting was reported in Hartford, Wisconsin.

"UFO Seen in Albany" (Greater Oregon, Albany, Oregon, July 21, 1972)
Sharlene Yocum of Albany, Oregon, reported seeing a hovering object with clusters of red and white lights that shot upwards out of sight after about 15 minutes. The object made no sound and maintained a steady altitude before accelerating rapidly.

"IS U.S. CONCEALING U.F.O. INFORMATION?" (Santa Ana, Calif. Register, Aug. 16, 1972)
This article questions whether the U.S. is still investigating UFOs after the termination of "Project Blue Book." It suggests that a federal agency may be secretly investigating UFOs and that a high-level government cover-up might be in place. The article promotes an investigative series titled "The Continuing UFO" written by Robert B. Klinn and David Branch.

"Flying Saucer Report No. 1" (Renton, Wash. Record Chronicle, Aug. 16, 1972)
A Kennydale family reported being awakened by a "roaring noise" and seeing a round, brown object in the sky for 10 to 15 minutes. They described it as "nothing like anything ever heard before."

"UFO Sighting Is Reported" (Merced, California Sun-Star, Aug. 2, 1972)
William E. Eldridge, a fire department dispatcher, and others reported seeing an "afterburner" type of light over northeast Merced. The object climbed and leveled off multiple times, appearing to travel in a northern direction. California Highway Patrol and Castle Air Force Base officials had no immediate reports.

"Farmer Fired At Tricky 'UFO'" (Fort Beaufot, South Africa, Reuter)
Police and a farmer opened fire on an unidentified flying object described as a ball of fire that changed color frequently. The object dodged the rifle fire and flew away.

"None Agog Over UFO Sightings" (Scott City News Chronicle, July 20, 1972)
This article discusses UFO sightings in Dighton, Kansas, noting that residents are not overly concerned, while news teams from NBC have descended upon the town. Police Chief M. R. Shelton has received more calls from newsmen than from locals. The sightings have occurred for months, typically appearing from the southwest.

"UFO Sightings Attract Attention" (Garden City Telegram, July 22, 1972)
This clipping reiterates the media attention on Dighton, Kansas, UFO sightings. An NBC news team from Chicago filmed interviews. W. B. Nicholson, an associate of Battelle Memorial Institute, was also in town investigating. One report mentions a farmer near Amy, Kansas, who found a 20-foot diameter circle with dead weeds.

"Covering the UFO" (Kansas Press Service, July 27, 1972)
This piece reflects on the media's coverage of the Dighton UFO phenomenon, noting that some residents found the NBC television coverage amusing. Police Chief Shelton expressed frustration with the media's handling of the reports.

"Fireball Surprised Experts Yesterday" (Spokane Daily Chronicle, Aug. 10, 1972)
A fireball seen across the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains was likely not part of the Perseids meteor shower, according to Dr. Paul W. Hodge of the University of Washington. The object was seen by thousands and described as a brightly colored aircraft by one pilot flying at 7,500 feet.

"Did Radar Track Fireball?" (Walla Walla, Wash. Union Bulletin, Aug. 12, 1972)
This article questions whether a fireball seen on Thursday afternoon was tracked by radar. An FAA official stated the object was likely beyond radar range, while unnamed officials at Fairchild Air Force Base reportedly tracked an object on radar that left no sound and traveled at high speed.

"Mass UFO Sightings In Kansas" (Arkansas Democrat, Aug. 11, 1972)
Central Kansas law enforcement agencies reported numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects, described as fiery red objects that sometimes turned white and had a greenish tint. The objects were seen hovering and moving at varying speeds.

"Kansas Mystified As UFOs Multiply" (Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, Aug. 18, 1972)
Police Chief M. H. Shelton of Hays, Kansas, expressed bewilderment over the increasing UFO reports. A theory suggests a mother ship is hovering high over the earth, dispatching smaller craft. The sightings in the area form a near-equilateral triangle.

"UFO Adopts Kansas Town" (Capper's Weekly, Aug. 13, 1972)
For several months, Dighton, Kansas, has been visited by an unidentified flying object described as a cluster of bright lights. Police Chief Shelton noted that the object remains stationary until an investigating policeman radios another car, at which point it moves. Forbes Air Force Base reported no low-level flights over Dighton.

"Boone Crater" (NEWSstory, July 18, 1972)
This story details the discovery of a crater on Bill Atkinson's farm in Boone, Iowa, which he believes was caused by a "strange bright light" or UFO. The crater contained particles of silver-like dust. Similar craters were found on other Iowa farms.

"Puzzling Holes On Iowa Farms" (Capper's Weekly, July 18-25, 1972)
This article expands on the mysterious depressions found on Iowa farms, including Leslie Poling's farm in Boone. The holes were filled with a silverlike dust. Investigations ruled out lightning and meteorites, with speculation pointing towards spaceships or meteors.

"UFO Seen Flying Over Harbor" (The Bull Mountain Bugle, Aug. 9, 1972)
Two Solona families in Florida reported seeing a bright yellow light, like a light bulb, with smoke trailing, hovering over Charlotte Harbor and following automobiles. The McCormack family had seen the object three times.

"A Plane, UFO or Maybe a Flare?" (The Bull Mountain Bugle, Aug. 9, 1972)
Residents in the Carter's Mountain area, Virginia, reported seeing an object in flames crash into the mountain. A Virginia State Police helicopter searched the area, but no trace of anything was found. Speculation included a plane, UFO, or flare.

"'Just A Lot Of Hot Air'" (Florida Times-Union, July 15, 1972)
Sheriff's department in Warsaw, Indiana, suggested that recent UFO reports might be "a lot of hot air." They theorized that fallen objects were plastic laundry bags with birthday cake candles lit, reacting like hot air balloons.

"skeptical space writer sees a UFO!" (Chicago Today, July 20, 1972)
Peter Reich, aerospace writer, recounts his first UFO sighting: a blinking red light traveling at high speed over Lake Michigan, which stopped, reversed course, and disappeared. He notes that the object behaved contrary to the laws of physics.

"Flying Saucer Seer Says She Sipped No Sauce In Sight" (Lebanon, Ore. Daily Report, Aug. 1, 1972)
This article describes a sighting by a woman in Lebanon, Oregon, who saw a triangle of lights resembling a saucer. She described it as having bright orange-red lights and propulsion units at the rear. A similar sighting was reported in Shawano, Wisconsin.

"UFO Reported in 4 Counties" (Milwaukee Journal, July 29, 1972)
Reports of unidentified flying objects were made in Shawano, Waupaca, Outagamie, and Brown Counties, Wisconsin. One witness described a brilliant blue saucer hovering over a shopping center.

"Portlanders Chase UFO Around City" (Oregon Journal, Aug. 12, 1972)
Two groups of young adults in Portland, Oregon, chased an unidentified flying object around the city for about an hour. They described it as a round object with numerous white lights, revolving around the center.

"Airborne Sign Sparks UFO Flurry" (Oregon Journal, Aug. 12, 1972)
This article clarifies that the "flying saucer" sightings in Portland were actually an advertising airplane with a reader-board sign. The service, Skylight Aerial Advertising, began operating nightly.

"Group concerned with UFO sighting" (San Bernardino, Calif. Daily Report, July 29, 1972)
This clipping discusses the California UFO Research Institute (UFORI) and its interest in investigating UFO reports, assuring witnesses that their identities will be protected.

"Flying Saucer Seen Hovering At Fishing Creek" (Cape May County Gazette, July 13, 1972)
A flying saucer was reportedly sighted hovering about 75 feet above a house near Fishing Creek, New Jersey. A photographer from the County Gazette staff photographed the object.

"UFO puts on quick show for baffled Eugeneans" (Eugene, Oregon Register-Guard, Aug. 11, 1972)
Russ Morgan, a former science fiction cartoonist, reported seeing a bright, pulsating light darting around the sky at high speed over the Oregon Cascades. Scientists suggested it might have been a fireball.

"Strange Night-Flying Object Over Peninsula Was USAF Plane" (San Mateo, Calif. Times, July 27, 1972)
Reports of a large, bright object seen over San Mateo County were investigated. While some residents heard roaring engines, possibly from jet fighters, the object was later identified as a USAF plane.

"Other Planet Life Is Possible, Says Expert" (Orange Co. Eve. News, July 23, 1972)
Ronald Smith, director of Tessman Planetarium, stated that the existence of earth-like planets with life is practically certain and that Earth may have been visited by outer space explorers. He discussed the challenges of communicating with UFOs.

"Fireworks or Vice Versa" (Gaffney, S.C. Ledger, July 5, 1972)
An unidentified falling object was reported to have crashed in the Grassy Pond-Boiling Springs area. Witnesses described it as an airplane, a meteor, or a flying saucer. Investigations yielded no lost aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the consistent descriptions of objects with unusual characteristics (lights, shapes, speeds, and behaviors), and the ongoing efforts by individuals and organizations to investigate these phenomena. There is also a persistent undercurrent of skepticism and the possibility of government cover-ups or misidentification of conventional aircraft or natural phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of clippings, appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO reports, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts without definitive conclusions, while also acknowledging alternative explanations.

This issue of the Chicago Tribune, dated Wednesday, July 19, 1972, features a prominent article on UFO sightings, with additional news clippings from various international sources detailing similar phenomena. The main cover story, "Investigator of UFO Sightings for 25 Years Believes in Them," by Darrell Sifford, delves into the experiences and beliefs of UFO investigator George D. Fawcett.

Investigator of UFO Sightings for 25 Years Believes in Them

The article begins with a re-creation of a typical UFO encounter, describing a policeman's disbelief at seeing an oval craft with a dome and a small, man-like occupant exiting. This encounter in Gaffney, South Carolina, is one of over 600 investigations by George D. Fawcett.

Fawcett asserts that UFOs are real and that sightings fit a discernible pattern. He claims to be able to distinguish genuine sightings from hoaxes. He discusses the common characteristics of these sightings, noting that 70% occur between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. in isolated, sparsely populated areas.

Witnesses to close encounters often report temporary physiological effects: difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, dimming vision, drowsiness, and skin tingling, sometimes described as tiny electrical shocks. Fawcett suggests these effects might be caused by the occupants rendering witnesses immobile for study. He also notes similar effects on animals, such as cows frozen in fear or horses with missing bodily fluids, implying a form of 'sampling' is occurring.

Fawcett speculates that alien beings might be studying humanity with the intention of future contact, contingent on human progress. Alternatively, they might choose to ignore humanity, akin to scuba divers not interacting with fish.

He believes these extraterrestrial civilizations are far more advanced, having solved issues like war, crime, and disease. He expresses optimism that humanity could eventually join them in space exploration and colonization, provided they don't self-destruct. However, he also acknowledges the possibility of hostile extraterrestrial civilizations.

Regarding the timing of potential contact, Fawcett compares it to the return of Jesus, stating it could be imminent or far off.

When asked why governments generally dismiss UFOs, Fawcett attributes it to the danger of causing public panic.

Australians Study Cosmic Furor for Emerging Life

Another article reports that Australian scientists believe they have detected a chemical turmoil 30,000 light years away that could ultimately lead to the creation of life. This suggests that life creation might be a regular occurrence in the vast cosmos. The phenomenon was a gaseous cloud detected by Australia's radio telescope in Parkes, New South Wales. Scientists identified molecules that are considered 'building blocks' for amino acids, the basis of Earth life. This detection was made possible by a highly sensitive spectrometer developed at Monash University.

UFO Sightings from Various Locations

The issue includes several news clippings detailing UFO sightings from different regions:

• Canada:
• Campbell's Bay, Quebec: Residents reported a mysterious bright orange light appearing nightly for four days. Police were called to observe it, and about 30 people gathered to watch. Similar sightings were reported in nearby areas, and strange circular burn marks were found in fields near Westmeath and Chapeau after 1969 sightings.
• Ottawa: Residents reported seeing red and green arrow-shaped objects and other strange lights in the sky.
• Elliot Lake, Ontario: A 16-year-old girl reported seeing a round, orange disc travelling across the sky, emitting humming and beeping sounds.
• Geraldton, Ontario: Hundreds of citizens observed an unidentified flying object for over two hours, described as a cylinder or cigar-shaped with a light at each end, hovering and moving erratically.
• Montreal: The airport received calls about a bright stationary object, later identified as a Quebecair flight.
• New Zealand:
• Kaitaia: A peculiar travelling light, possibly a star or Venus, was observed over the aerodrome, moving east to west.
• Whitianga: A boat reported a brilliant white light, believed to be a meteor, which exploded.
• Palmerston North: A youth reported seeing three silver objects flying in a line, and a similar sighting was reported by another pupil.
• England:
• Coventry: A Leamington woman reported seeing a red, green, and silver UFO with a fantail and flashing lights hovering over the city.
• Australia:
• Grafton: Dozens of people reported a bright orange light or a cigar-shaped object in the sky.

Other Phenomena and Explanations

• Fireballs and Meteors: Reports of red fireballs streaking across western Canadian skies were likely meteorites. A bright light seen off Whitianga, New Zealand, was also believed to be a meteor that exploded.
• Northern Lights: A spectacular display of northern lights was seen in parts of Ontario and Quebec, attributed to an intense storm on the sun's surface.
• Misidentification: A bright stationary object reported near Montreal was identified as a Quebecair flight. A sighting in Toronto was attributed by an observatory official to the planet Venus, though the witness remained unconvinced.
• Historical UFO: A report from Newbury, England, discusses a torpedo-shaped object sighted in 1909, which was described as a 'dirigible' or 'airship' but remains a mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings reported globally. The articles present witness accounts, some scientific speculation, and occasional official dismissals or alternative explanations. The Chicago Tribune, by featuring Fawcett's strong belief and extensive investigation, appears to lend credence to the reality of UFO phenomena, while also presenting other reports that range from the unexplained to those with more conventional explanations. The overall stance is one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, particularly when investigated by credible individuals or involving multiple witnesses.