UFO Newsclipping Service - 1972 09 - no 41

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "U.F.O. SEPT." newsletter, dated September 1972, is a compilation of UFO-related news clippings from various US newspapers, curated by the UFO Research Committee. It focuses on sightings and investigations from August 1972, highlighting eyewitness accounts, potential physical evidence, and expert opinions.

Key Articles and Reports

Alaska Reports Saucers: An Associated Press report from August 27, 1972, details sightings in Alaska, including an incident near St. Michael where an Eskimo Scout and his wife reported a football-shaped object landing in the ground, leaving a depression and burned grass. Army advisor Capt. Tom Williams investigated the site, noting a 'cerie feeling.' Similar reports from Stebbins, Alaska, involved 20 residents witnessing an object.

Scientist Convinced UFOs Really Do Exist: An article from The Indianapolis Star (August 16, 1972) features Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center and professor of astronomy at Northwestern University. Hynek, who previously consulted for the Air Force's UFO study, states he is convinced UFOs exist, having evaluated 15,000 sightings. He notes that while 80% can be explained, the remaining 20% are difficult to dismiss, suggesting a phenomenon too complex for current understanding. He also implies government fear of public panic as a reason for secrecy.

Flying Saucer? (Letter to the Editor): A letter published in the Anchorage, Alaska Daily Times (September 11, 1972) describes a bright object seen shortly after 3 a.m. that shot across the sky at high speed, prompting the writer to wonder if it was a flying saucer.

Sighting Of UFO Reported: The Times-Democrat (Orangeburg, S.C., July 29, 1972) reports a pilot's sighting of an unusual object with a brilliant light, lacking navigational lights and sound, moving at an estimated 60-70 mph.

Search Fails To Find UFO 'Big As A House': The Indianapolis Star (September 15, 1972) recounts a report from Burlington, Colorado, where a farm family claimed a UFO as big as a house landed in a cornfield. Deputies searched the area but found no evidence.

Youngsters See 'flying saucers': The Times News (Lehighton, Pa., August 16, 1972) reports seven youths claiming to have seen two round, silver objects with white lights hovering over Mahoning Mountain.

UFO or advertising gimmick?: The Pennsville Progress (August 2, 1972) details a sighting by Mrs. John N. Moore and her family of a round object with bright lights that hovered. Police offered an explanation involving an airplane used for advertising, which the family did not accept.

'HOLES' FOUND ON A 4TH FARM: The Des Moines Register (July 19, 1972) reports on mysterious depressions found in a soybean field in Iowa, similar to previous incidents. Soil samples were sent for analysis, with initial findings suggesting lightning or meteor impact, though some experts suspect extraterrestrial craft.

Doubts UFOs Cut Holes in Ground (Letter to the Editor): A letter in the Des Moines Register questions the UFO explanation for the Iowa craters, proposing meteor impact as a more plausible cause due to the universe's age and the short existence of humanity.

Silver Dust Out Of This World?: An article from the Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, S.D., July 28, 1972) discusses mysterious depressions ringed with silver dust found on Iowa farms, with a spokesman for the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization suggesting they were caused by UFOs.

Strange Object In 1922: A query to the Medford Mail Tribune (July 30, 1972) asks about a reported strange object seen over downtown streets 50 years prior, which attracted crowds but was never identified.

Meteors Mistaken For Distress Flares: An Arkansas Gazette clipping (October 6, 1972) notes that meteors caused confusion in the North Sea, with ships mistaking them for distress flares.

White Substance Adds To Credibility Of UFO Report: The Indianapolis News (September 13, 1972) highlights Dr. J. Allen Hynek's assessment of a UFO sighting near Delphos, Kansas. A ring on the ground and a mysterious white fibrous substance were found, with Hynek stating the evidence strongly suggests UFOs exist.

Reward Offered For UFO Proof: The Dighton Telegram (August 4, 1972) reports that the National Enquirer offered $50,000 for proof of a Dighton UFO. A local resident, Pam Krehbiel, and her friend reported seeing the object, and her father found a burned circle in a field.

More on UFOs Comments: An article by Vance Ehmke references a lecture by Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist and UFO expert, who presented objective statements about UFOs. Friedman suggested that UFOs are likely advanced craft from off-earth, noting common characteristics like size, shape, and behavior.

Sightings Of 'UFO' Reported: The Fort Scott Tribune (August 26, 1972) details reports of UFO sightings in the area, with police confirming 'something' in the sky. Explanations ranged from weather balloons to the planet Venus.

2am... AND A RED LIGHT SCARES JOHN TO DEATH: A story from the Peterborough Evening Telegraph (August 23, 1972) recounts John Burgess's terrifying experience of being chased at 75 mph by a bright red light, which he identified as a UFO.

UFO Sighted Off Okinawa: A report from the Modern Space Flight Association/UFO Newsletter (September 24, 1972) details a TWA flight crew sighting an unidentified flying object traveling at 'outer space speed' southeast of Okinawa. The object was described as a brilliant bluish-white ball, similar to a space object but too fast for a comet.

Unconventional Craft Seen Over Logan: The Logan Republican (August 24, 1972) reports on sightings by Curt Baker and others of a round object with white and red lights over Logan, Kansas. Similar sightings were reported in Hays and Phillipsburg.

Iolan reports strange light heading north: The Iola Register (August 22, 1972) features a report of an elongated, brilliant, steady light seen moving north, which the witness ruled out as an airplane or star.

UFO Spotted In Area Of Raccoon Park: The Beaver County Times (August 21, 1972) mentions a report of an unidentified 'fireball' observed over Raccoon State Park, described as the size of a washtub with varying colors.

May be answer to UFOs: The Goodland Daily News (August 22, 1972) suggests that mischievous teenagers releasing gas-filled balloons with small flashlights might explain some reported 'strange red lights' in Hays.

UFO Sighted By Local Residents: The McPherson Daily Sentinel (August 23, 1972) reports that local employes of W-R Mill sighted an unidentified flying object with brilliant lights forming a triangle shape.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the challenges in their investigation and acceptance. Eyewitness accounts from diverse locations and backgrounds form the core of the reports, often describing unusual lights, shapes, and behaviors. A significant undercurrent is the skepticism faced by witnesses and the scientific community's varying stances, from Dr. Hynek's conviction of their existence to other explanations like meteors or misidentifications. The role of the media in reporting and potentially sensationalizing these events is also evident, as is the public's fear of ridicule, which hinders reporting. The editorial stance, as presented by the UFO Research Committee, is to collect and disseminate these reports for research purposes, implying a belief in the importance of investigating these phenomena despite conventional explanations or dismissals.

This issue of the Modern Space Flight Association/UFO Newsletter, dated September 27, 1972, focuses on recent UFO reports and photographic evidence. The newsletter is based in Osaka, Japan, with a chairman named Jun-Ichi Takanashi.

UFO Report: UFO Photographed Over Okinawa

The lead story details an alleged UFO sighting and photographic event over Okinawa, Japan, on September 22, 1972. Around 8:00 p.m. Japanese Time, a bright object, described as a yellowish-white belt of light and brighter than the moon, moved from west to east in the north-northwestern sky. The object was observed by a senior high school student, Masahiro Asanuma (21), and about 40 schoolmates while attending a Summer Schooling Camp. Asanuma captured the object on film using a Cannon 50mm camera, releasing the shutter four times. The first two shots were failures, but a 5-6 second exposure caught the object. The object disappeared into clouds about two minutes later. Witnesses described it as moving with a slow speed, not like a comet, and trailing a tail like a meteor. The shape in the picture is described as singular and difficult to interpret, with speculation that it might be the trail of the object rather than the object itself. The report notes that similar photos were taken in other parts of Japan, including Fukushima Ken and Morioka City. The newsletter mentions that TWA and KLM pilots also reported sightings around the same time, but notes a discrepancy in the reported speed and direction, questioning if it was the same object.

Other witnesses in various parts of Okinawa, including Daitojima, Koza City, Kunigami-Mura, Ogimimura, and Naha City, also reported seeing the object. A salary man in Nago City described it as less bright than a star and moving slowly, like a landing airplane.

The newsletter states that they are trying to acquire the actual photos for further inspection and are contacting members in Okinawa for more information.

UFO Hunt Ended in an Accident (Australia)

This article from the Kempsey Court of Petty Sessions on Thursday reports on a witness, David John Murray, who claimed he was a passenger in a car chasing an unidentified flying object when the vehicle crashed. The incident occurred on July 3, 1971, on the Belgrave Falls Road near Sherwood. Murray stated he had accidentally struck the defendant, Derrick John Cooke, in the face after pointing out what he thought was a UFO. The magistrate, Mr. R. Meehan S.M., found the offence proved and fined Cooke $10 plus court costs. Mr. Meehan suggested the blow by Murray could have caused a momentary lapse of concentration and that the defendant might have been in a state of elation seeing the strange object. He concluded that the damage was done as the car rounded the bend, before the blow occurred.

Flying Saucer Reported (New Zealand)

This report from Auckland, New Zealand, notes that reported sightings of UFOs are not as groundless as some might believe. On June 28, two Glen Eden children, Wendy (13) and Stuart (10) Beaumont, reported seeing a flying saucer hovering above a neighbor's house at 3 a.m. They were awakened by terrified horses and barking dogs. The object looked like a 'flying dustbin lid' and was watched for about a minute. Their father, Mr. J. H. Beaumont, who has also seen a UFO himself, does not doubt their credibility.

Saucers Reappearing! (Australia)

This section reports on two phone calls received by a newspaper about a strange light in the western sky that was changing colors from yellow to red and orange. One caller watched the light for some time, while the other watched it for about 10 minutes, describing it as bright with no noise. The Sydney Weather Bureau could offer no explanation other than it might be a star, and had not received any other calls about strange lights.

We're on the UFO track! (Australia)

Mr. Frank Wilkes, research officer for the UFO Investigation Centre, claims that Orange was a direct 'cross-over' point on plotted routes of unidentified flying objects, based on a grid system of 'approved' sightings. He states that UFOs fly in straight lines and turn at 90 and 45-degree angles. Other crossover points in the district include Newbridge, Cargo, Molong, and Canowindra. Wilkes believes UFOs move by electromagnetic propulsion and that cigar-shaped objects are 'mother craft' carrying smaller 'saucer-like' ships. His organization sends out report forms to people who make sightings, which are then investigated and filed. Numerous reports from the Orange district have not yet been filed. Notable sightings include one by Mr. R. Shepnerd of a bright red, pulsating object followed by a smaller white object, and one by Mrs. Phyllis Malion of a cigar-shaped, glowing object.

Spaceship landing? (Australia)

This article from Brisbane reports that the Flying Saucer Research Bureau believes six aliens may have landed on the Beenleigh Road, near Kuraby, around 2 a.m. on Wednesday night. A frightened man reported seeing a large, hissing object resembling a spaceship. The man's wife contacted the bureau, expressing her husband's fear of ridicule. Bureau president Mr. Roy Russell considers it a potentially genuine and significant sighting, similar to reports from other parts of the world. This is reportedly the first such sighting made in Brisbane.

Night Sky and UFOs (New Zealand)

This is a letter to the editor from Harold H. Fulton, who complains about the handling of UFOs on the 'Night Sky' program, specifically criticizing Peter Read. Fulton argues that Read is not an authority and that his presentation of a Hawke's Bay sighting was one-sided. Fulton claims to have spoken with the prime witness, a professional photographer, and three police officers who observed the object for over an hour. He states the object was a sharp, firm half-cigar shape and did not gyrate or 'boil' as Mr. Read demonstrated. Fulton also asserts that the telescope was properly focused and that the object moved easterly at a constant altitude. He criticizes Read for accepting the findings of an amateur astronomer who was not an eyewitness. Fulton expresses concern about the premature dismissal of observations and belittlement of witnesses.

Peter A. Read, President of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, replies to Fulton. Read states his analysis is also based on personal contact with witnesses and toll calls. He refutes Fulton's claims, stating the object *did* fluctuate or pulsate and waver. Read also corrects Fulton on telescope focusing procedures, explaining that one focuses on nearby objects before distant ones. He argues that the Hastings astronomer, who photographed the area, should be considered an eyewitness. Read defends his authority, stating he has observed the sky for 25 years and is conversant with telescopes. He also addresses Fulton's accusation of 'meddling' and 'black magic,' asserting he is merely an observer.

Mystery Light Over City (New Zealand)

A transport bus driver and a toll collector in Auckland reported seeing a mysterious white light explode like '10 million candles' over the Harbour Bridge. The light was cigar-shaped and hovered over Auckland before bursting into a powerful glow and then fading. The Auckland weather office could not explain the source of the light.

Ball of light (England)

This brief report suggests that a fault in electricity supplies in the Cemmaes Road district may be responsible for sightings of 'unidentified flying objects.' It also mentions a schoolboy reporting a 'huge green-coloured light' moving down the Dovey Valley before the lights went out. Manweb engineers suggest it was 'ball lightning,' an uncommon phenomenon.

UFOs in the Bible? (England)

This letter to the editor by H. Wilson suggests that UFOs are not new and have been present for thousands of years, quoting from the Book of Zechariah (Chapter V, Verses 1, 11) which describes a 'flying roll' of significant size.

Coastguard and police see UFO over Norfolk (England)

An unusual blue light, described as a 'large ball lit from within,' was seen over Norfolk by a Happisburgh coastguard and North Walsham police. Attempts to account for it failed. Gorleston coastguards confirmed no air exercises were scheduled. Some reports mentioned two objects, like large balls or bags lit from inside, heading south. The objects were described as having a neon-type fluorescence, leaving a white trail and emitting orange lights.

UFO sighting may have been satellite (England)

A Stockton man, Bert Lacy, reported seeing a bright light in the sky that he initially thought was a UFO. A Ministry of Defence spokesman suggested it might have been a satellite, as it appeared to be moving from south to west.

New UFO magazine (New Zealand)

This brief note mentions that the current upsurge in UFO interest is leading to the production of a new UFO magazine in Auckland, bringing the total to five. It also notes the upcoming film 'Chariots of the Gods' showing in Auckland.

German Made Flying Saucers in World War II (South Africa)

This article from Johannesburg reports a theory that flying saucers are secret weapons developed by Germany in World War II and are being tested by the Soviets. The 'Rand Daily Mail' published a story with this headline and a photograph of a disc-shaped object.

UFO landing "for sure" (Australia)

Investigators examining strange marks on the ground at Warragamba are convinced an unidentified flying object landed there. Professional golfer Ron Sarina discovered the marks on his property. Mr. Frank Wilks, Director of Unidentified Flying Objects Research Projects of Australasia, stated, 'It is a landing site for sure.'

UFOs Halt Brazilian Soccer Game (Brazil)

Eight unidentified flying objects interrupted a floodlit soccer match watched by 2000 people near Rio de Janeiro. Witnesses claimed seven of the objects were following a 'mother-craft.' The noiseless craft emitted an orange-colored light.

UFO Investigator Says... Reliable Evidence in Many UFO Reports (New Zealand)

UFO investigator Mr. H. H. Fulton told Feilding Rotarians that hardly an hour passes without a UFO report somewhere in the world. He highlighted the number of 'witnesses of high esteem' who have come forward. Fulton expressed concern that Peter Reid prematurely dismissed an observation in Hastings. He stated that while astronomy and space flight are within Reid's expertise, the UFO field requires more serious investigation.

Bright Light Observed South of City (Australia)

Dr. R. K. McFarlane observed a bright light, described as an 'immense firework,' at 10:31 p.m. near Kew Hospital. The light, coming from the southeast, had a neon-type fluorescence, left a white trail, and emitted orange lights. It descended at an angle of about 30-35 degrees and disappeared while still large. An officer from the meteorological office confirmed seeing a similar object for about two seconds, possibly a rocket or flare. Just before disintegrating, it gave off a brilliant green glow from which three orange balls separated and disappeared. No sound was heard.

UFO Sighted Again (Australia)

This report from Amiens describes a sighting by grazier Mr. Glyn Moss of a large, bright red object on Sunday night. The object changed shape, appearing diamond-shaped and spinning, then reverting to an S shape, and later to the shapes of numerals five and six before disappearing. Moss watched it for several hours through binoculars. R.A.A.F. personnel at Amberley Base stated that unusual sightings are difficult to explain without evaluating all facts and advised reporting to the police.

UFO Sighting Claimed (Australia)

The postmaster of Magges, 15 miles south of Waikerie, reported sighting a 'very bright, big red light' over his farm. He stated it was not a plane and travelled at great pace towards the southeast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing number of UFO sightings globally, the challenges of photographic and witness evidence, and the varying approaches to investigation by different organizations and individuals. The newsletter appears to maintain an open stance towards UFO phenomena, presenting various reports and witness accounts without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and critical analysis, as seen in the exchange between Harold H. Fulton and Peter A. Read.