UFO Newsclipping Service - 1973 08 - no 52

Magazine Overview

This issue of U.F.O. August 1973, published by the UFO Research Committee, focuses on a collection of recent unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related phenomena reported across various locations in the United States. The cover story, "Birthday Landing For UFO?" by Stephen M. Johnson, highlights a recurring mystery in Iowa involving depressions and wilted crops in bean fields, suggesting a possible UFO landing.

Iowa UFO Incidents

The lead article details the mysterious depressions found in Howard Groves' bean field near Clarion, Iowa. These depressions, several feet in diameter and a foot deep, were accompanied by fragments of a silver-like metal and wilted crops extending for forty yards. Donald Slaikeu of Goldfield reported a similar incident on his farm exactly one year prior, sparking speculation about UFO landings. Wright County Sheriff Robert Shaw investigated both incidents and noted the identical nature of the damage, attributing it to intense heat that disturbed the ground violently, though he expressed wonder due to the coincidence.

Bill Atkinson, a UFO-watcher, believed a craft from outer space might have landed to make repairs or collect soil samples. The Slaikeu and Groves incidents are linked to similar discoveries in other Iowa locations like Story City and Laurens.

Further reports from Iowa include Chester and Charlaine Wolter of Fonda, who observed an unusual light for 45 minutes, described as a bright yellow light that changed colors and moved slowly. They ruled out Skylab due to its different movement pattern. In Brunsville, Alene Petersen and others reported seeing a strange, rose-colored, oblong light. Katherine Dickman and others also witnessed a vivid red, oblong object that appeared and disappeared quickly.

Missouri UFO Encounters

In Columbia, Missouri, James E. Richard reported an "unhuman" object approaching his home, which apparently shut off electricity and telephone service. He described a bright light and a "cold feeling." His daughter also witnessed the light, describing it as white and orange, illuminating the entire area. Richard noted strange thrashing noises and tracks in the meadow, unlike any animal he recognized.

Pennsylvania UFO Sightings

In Sunbury, Pennsylvania, an unexplained blue flashing object was observed hovering in the sky. Witnesses described it as a "silver-blue ball, or cone shape," ten times bigger than a star, moving silently and flashing blue. Another witness described it as "turning like a top and flashed blue about every four seconds."

Other State Reports

Pennsylvania: Mervyn J. Ray reported seeing a bright light in Adrian, Pennsylvania, which he described as brighter than a star and motionless, convincing him of the existence of UFOs.

Oklahoma: The Huckaby family in Buffalo reported seeing a bright light that followed their vehicle and hovered over a granary, leading them to believe in UFOs.

Arkansas: In McNeil, residents reported seeing a strange, star-like object displaying unusual characteristics, including a light beam, over the skies for several months.

Hawaii: In Olinda, Maui, Joseph Cabral reported seeing a rocket-like object that exploded in the air, leaving particles and smoke.

Colorado: Multiple reports from Greeley described three to four bright red objects flying in formation, traveling east to west. Some witnesses described them as "brilliant red, pulsating objects flying in formation too large to be aircraft."

New Jersey: In Oakland, a glowing red V-shaped object was reported hovering over the Ramapo Mountains.

Idaho: A bright red and blue flashing light was reported above Moscow Mountain.

Michigan: In Mt. Pleasant, a police officer reported seeing mysterious red and green flashing lights over a lake.

California: In Patterson, a small illuminated object was spotted hovering above a flagpole.

UFO Investigations and Analysis

The issue also touches upon UFO investigations. The International UFO Bureau Inc. is investigating an incident in Aurora, Texas, concerning alleged metal fragments from an 1897 UFO crash, though some details remain unconfirmed. The Westmoreland County UFO Study Group, composed of scientists and engineers, is actively investigating UFO sightings in the Greater Pittsburgh area, noting that while many have logical explanations, some remain baffling. They are analyzing photographs of a UFO taken near Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and have ruled out aircraft, astronomical bodies, and satellites.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former astronomical consultant to Project Blue Book, is presented as a "hard-nosed scientific challenger" who advocates for a more objective approach to UFO phenomena, using statistical techniques and international data collection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the articles is the difficulty in definitively identifying these phenomena, with explanations ranging from conventional aircraft and weather satellites to more speculative theories involving UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many sightings. The publication seems to aim at documenting these events and the ongoing efforts to understand them.

This issue of FOREIGN magazine, dated July 1973, presents a collection of reports and articles concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena from various international locations, including England, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The cover prominently features the headline "FREAK WINDS -U.F.O. THEORY," suggesting a focus on unusual atmospheric events and their potential connection to UFOs.

Articles and Reports

"FREAK WINDS -U.F.O. THEORY" (Evening Sentinel, Stoke - July 9, 1973): This article details two instances of unusual atmospheric phenomena. The first describes a series of whirlwinds that occurred in North Yorkshire, where objects were seen to hover and emit humming sounds. The second mentions a sighting of a 'green shapeless blob' by two youths in Kirkland Lake, Canada, which they reported to the OPP. Despite initial skepticism, the police investigated, but found nothing out of the ordinary. The youths reported the object was 'huge-green fiery object trailing green flames behind it.'

"Riddle of that light in the sky" (Evening Gazette, Colchester - July 5, 1973): Written by John Peachey, this piece recounts a personal experience of witnessing a UFO. The author describes the nervousness and anticipation of waiting to see a UFO, and the subsequent sighting of a 'shining dot of light' that sped across the sky. The article touches upon the spread of word in a village about regular sightings and the growing public interest.

"Kirkland Men Report A UFO" (Northern Daily News, Kirkland Lake, Ont. - June 27, 1973): This report details the experience of Bill Kulas and Danny Menard, who claim to have seen a 'green shapeless blob' eight miles west of Kirkland Lake. They reported the incident to Canadian Forces Base Ramore and were advised to report it to the base. The sighting is also being investigated privately by Bernie Houle, president of the local UFO chapter, who is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

"Pilot reports UFO" (SUN, Melbourne, Australia - July 24, 1973): Several people, including a pilot, reported seeing a 'blue-green object' flash across Melbourne's northern horizon. The object was seen at 5:47 p.m. and was described as circular, moving through an arc of about 40 degrees. It was visible for two or three seconds and moved faster than a flare. Observers in the control tower at Tullamarine and at Avalon's RAAF base also saw it, but it did not show up on radar screens.

"More UFOs seen in North" (Newcastle Evening Chronicle - July 3, 1973): This article reports on increased UFO sightings in the North-East of England. Police in Peterlee received numerous calls from people in the Wingate area who reported seeing two balls of light. This follows a spate of sightings on May 15. The latest sighting was made just after midnight. Police suggested it might have been night flying aircraft, but a large silvery disc-shaped object was also seen on May 15. Physics student David Salter suggested this could be a reflection of the sun on ice crystals.

"Strange Objects Sighted South Of Vermilion" (Standard, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada - March 14, 1973): This report details three separate sightings of an unidentified lighted object on March 5th, described as appearing like an oil rig with staggered, alternating yellowish-orange lights. The object was seen moving south and west, slightly above ground level, with a low humming sound. Information was sought from the public regarding this sighting.

"Residents see strange lights" (Boles Street Caravan Park): Six people reported seeing strange lights flashing across the sky. One eyewitness described a flashing light travelling west to east, which then changed course to the south. A smaller light dropped from the main object and followed it. The object was estimated to be at a height between 30,000 and 100,000 feet and was described as having an irregular path.

"Aliens in the sky?" (Transvaal, South Africa): This article discusses the perplexing nature of UFO sightings in the Transvaal. Mr. Frank Morton, a UFO investigator for the Planetarium, notes that many people have seen a silver cigar-shaped object moving along the horizon since April 23. The object appears on the north-eastern horizon and has also been sighted in Krugersdorp. A spokesman for the Northern Air Defence Sector refused to comment on the UFO's implications to national security.

"Mystery of UFO's light link" (RAND DAILY MAIL, South Africa - May 9, 1973): This report links an eerie noise and light experienced by Mr. Dirk Kruger of Queenstown to a potential UFO landing. Mr. Frank Morton, the Johannesburg Planetarium's investigator, stated that the noise is characteristic of UFOs and that the pug marks found on Mr. Kruger's lawn, along with the noise and lights, suggest a landing. The pug marks were burnt around the edges, with the grass inside still green.

"A whirr, a red glow and scorched grass" (YORKSHIRE EVENING POST - July 10, 1973): This article details the investigation by the Yorkshire branch of BUFORA into a sighting of a 'scorching red' UFO in North Yorkshire. The explanation provided was that the red glow was caused by a Very cartridge discharged during military training, and the burning on the grass was due to pollution from ordinary engine oil. The article also lists several other UFO sightings that were later explained as mundane phenomena, such as satellites, Jet Provosts, shooting stars, balloons, and reflections.

"More Moving Lights In Sky" (Manawatu Evening Standard, Palmerston North, New Zealand - May 18, 1973): Three men working at the Longburn Freezing Works reported seeing two brilliant lights moving in the sky, running abreast of each other. They initially thought they were watching the American Skylab, but the lights broke away from each other and disappeared over the Tararua Ranges. The flight was completely soundless.

"U.S. ASTRONOMER WANTS MORE RESPECT FOR 'SAUCER' REPORTS" (HERALD EXPRESS, Torquay - July 10, 1973): This article features Dr. J. A. Hynek, a leading American astronomer and former consultant to the U.S. Air Force's UFO investigating team. Dr. Hynek criticizes the air force for suppressing unexplained UFO reports and calls for rigorous scientific probes. He advocates for central scientific stations where citizens can report sightings with dignity and for an international clearing house directed by the United Nations. He notes that while most reports are explained, a significant portion remains unexplained and is obscured by ridicule.

"Mystery object seen over city" (Prince George Citizen, B.C., Canada - June 27, 1973): Several residents of Prince George reported seeing an unidentified flying object. Wally West described it as a 'huge helicopter with lights inside' that later 'went straight up and disappeared into the atmosphere.' The object was visible for about four minutes. The report notes that local authorities and the Canadian Forces radar base Baldy Hughes had no record of any aircraft in the vicinity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistence of UFO sightings globally, the challenges in obtaining credible explanations, and the scientific community's struggle for acceptance and resources in investigating these phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts alongside attempts at rational explanations, with a notable section dedicated to debunking previous sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the prevalence of misidentifications and hoaxes. The inclusion of Dr. J. A. Hynek's perspective highlights a call for more serious and dignified treatment of UFO reports by official bodies.