UFO Newsclipping Service - 1974 06 - no 62

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated June 1974, presents a collection of articles and reports related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The cover story, "Is That Spot A Real (Yawn) UFO?", highlights a professional photographer named DeGriff who captured an image of a mysterious object on film, only to encounter official disinterest from the Air Force.

"Space Object' Lost in Red Tape"

The lead article details DeGriff's experience after taking a photograph of a white object on May 17 in Tacoma. Despite an airman at McChord Air Force Base mentioning a visual sighting over Mercer Island that night, local police had no record. However, two policemen did witness red and green lights. The Air Force's interest waned after confirming the object was on the slide. DeGriff was advised to fill out a form for the state Office of Emergency Services, where Dyer Downing evaluates sightings for threats. Downing stated that the primary concern is not 'from the other side' but rather the potential for traffic jams and mass fear caused by sightings.

Reports Still Logged

This section provides a summary of typical UFO sighting reports received by the State Office of Emergency Services. These include a 13-year-old boy's sighting of a dark blue object with lights, a 56-year-old woman's report of a domed-shaped object, and an object seen at 2,000 to 3,000 feet with headlights. The reports indicate a decrease in UFO activity in recent years, with a slight pickup in the previous year, mostly consisting of individual, unrelated sightings.

News Briefs: "Resident Tells Of Seeing UFO's"

This brief report from Bremerton, Washington, dated May 24, 1974, describes Rex Crossen Sr. and his wife seeing four unidentified flying objects on May 24, 1974. The objects were described as circular, approximately 50 feet in diameter, with eight to ten bright spots that would fade and reappear. They were seen riding on their circumference across the northern sky.

"Some Of Mt. Airy UFOs Solved, Many Are Not"

This article from the Mount Airy News (May 24, 1974) discusses UFO sightings in Mount Airy and Surry County. George D. Fawcett, a UFO investigator, states that 25% of investigated cases remain unexplained, paralleling findings from the U.S. Air Force Project Blue Book and the Condon Committee studies. Fawcett notes an increase in UFO reports globally in 1974 and mentions new Air Force projects and a toll-free number for reporting encounters. An incident involving an object from an oval blue UFO landing on a roof in Ararat, North Carolina, is mentioned, with the object identified as a parasitic plant fungus.

"UFO Sighting Really Far Out"

This piece from the Mount Airy News (May 24, 1974) by Dick Frazier describes a sighting that had a logical ending: the object was not flying. Audley Higbie of Olive Township reported a stationary object flashing red, green, and white. Trooper Dan Cook investigated and, with FAA controllers, identified it as a 'pulse star' due to atmospheric conditions.

"UFOs sighted at Drumheller"

A report from the Edmonton Journal (May 22, 1974) states that residents in Drumheller, Canada, reported between five and 28 unidentified flying objects described as 'lit up like cigarette ends.' The mystery was later explained as special flares released from aircraft involved in a hail research program.

"UFO conference"

This section answers a reader's question about an upcoming UFO convention in Anaheim, California. The convention is open to the public, with tickets available for workshops and lectures. Notable speakers include Astronaut Col. James B. Irwin and former captured U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. Actor William Shatner is scheduled to be the guest of honor at the opening banquet.

Australian Executive Describes Startling UFO Cases In Homeland

This article, the first part of an interview with an Australian business executive named Herbert Moody, details his experiences and investigations into UFO cases in Australia. Moody recounts a sighting in April 1966 near his home in Victoria and another incident at Westhall. He describes a UFO that appeared to be hovering and then moved away. Moody also investigated a case where a car's headlights bent, and he saw a UFO. He mentions that the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization) investigated his photograph and found the object to be approximately 400 yards away and 300 feet up.

"The Continuing-UFO"

This ongoing section continues the narrative from the Australian executive's interview. Moody discusses a case in Hamilton, Victoria, where a building contractor experienced a frightening encounter with a UFO. The witness reported his car's headlights bending, and he saw a glowing object with lights. Moody also mentions that the Australian Air Force tries to explain away UFO sightings or ignore them.

"Southeast 'tour' UFOs continue"

This report from Ketchikan, Alaska (AP), notes that unidentified flying objects are continuing their tour of southeast Alaska. A physician and state ferry employees reported seeing two intensely bright objects. The objects appeared to be rotating and gave off an intense yellowish-white light.

"The Red Lights? Who Launched All The Flares In The Sky?"

This article from San Jose, California (April 29, 1974), discusses mystery red lights observed over the city. These lights were later identified as ordinary roadside emergency flares attached to transparent plastic balloons, possibly part of a hail research program.

"UFO Was 'Fright Of His Life'"

This is Part II of the interview with Herbert Moody. He recounts another sighting in Australia where a UFO appeared to be hovering over a clearing. The witness described it as a metallic-appearing, half-spherical UFO with a protrusion. Moody also discusses Dr. Condon's skepticism and the Condon Report's findings, noting that a significant percentage of cases remained unexplained.

"Mystery Lights Over San Jose"

This report from San Jose, California (April 28, 1974), details two mystery lights observed in the sky. An FAA controller confirmed sighting at least one of the red-to-orange-colored lights. The objects disappeared quickly and did not appear on radar. The possibility of them being weather balloons was ruled out.

"UFO Sighted At Ash Grove"

This article from The Joplin Globe (May 3, 1974) reports that local law enforcement officers were investigating reports of an unidentified flying object seen in the sky in the Ash Grove, Missouri area. The object was described as oblong with an orange glow. The Springfield Weather Bureau stated there were no weather balloons in the area.

"Perennial Nonbeliever Dr. Condon Still Says 'No' To UFO's"

This article critically examines Dr. Edward U. Condon's persistent skepticism regarding UFOs. It contrasts his statements with the findings of his own Colorado Project, which left a significant percentage of cases unexplained. The article questions why Condon continues to issue statements at variance with known facts about UFOs and suggests that his stance has hindered research and news coverage.

"New Zealand Resident Claims Glowing UFO Buzzed His Auto"

This report from New Zealand details Eric Marks' encounter with a UFO. Marks described a 'bell shape' object glowing like car lights, which followed his car. He also reported seeing a bright light bigger than a star. Captain Bruce Cathie, an airline pilot and UFO researcher, believes the object was a spaceship.

"Flurry Of UFO Sightings Startle Pennsylvanians"

This article reports on a series of UFO sightings in Pennsylvania. Two state game commission officers saw a glowing cigar-shaped UFO. Other sightings included a pulsating light and objects that appeared to be attached to single objects. One motorist reported that his car lost power and radio reception when a UFO flew close.

"Space Ball' Made On Earth-Navy"

This article from Jacksonville, Florida, discusses a mystery sphere found by the Betz family. The Navy identified it as a stainless-steel ball, eight inches in diameter, with no seams. While the Navy suggests it's an ordinary object, the discoverers remain convinced it might be from outer space due to its unusual properties and movement.

"Whining Steel Ball Called Man-made 'Chinese Puzzel'"

Dr. J. Allen Hynek describes a whining 22-pound stainless steel ball found in a remote area of Florida as a 'Chinese puzzle.' The ball obeys gravity, has no odor, gives off a high-pitched sound when shaken, and has an outer shell of stainless steel. Hynek stated there was no evidence to suggest it was extraterrestrial.

"Florida's Mystery Steel Ball Rivalled By Sutherlin Sphere"

This article mentions a steel ball found in Bellingham Bay, Washington, by Ernie Hicks in 1938. The ball is seamless, about nine and a half inches in diameter, and weighs about 33 pounds. It contains a liquid described as diamond blue, which turns black when shaken. The origin of this ball remains a mystery.

"Flying Saucer Panel to View Sphere Found on an Island"

This report details a 21-pound stainless steel sphere found on an island near Jacksonville, Florida. The Navy identified it as a large ball bearing. However, Navy investigators found smaller spheres inside, and Mrs. Betz reported that her dog whimpered and covered its ears when near the object, suggesting it emitted sounds above the human ear frequency.

"Experiences With UFO's Still Real to Believer"

This section provides an update on Charles Hickson, who claims he and a friend were floated aboard a UFO and examined by alien creatures. Hickson states the spaceship has visited him three times since then and given him a message for Washington. He has shared his story on national television programs and met with Erich von Daniken. Another report mentions an underwater object seen by a fisherman, confirmed by coast guardsmen.

"CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES"

This section lists UFO reports received by the Center for UFO Studies in May 1974, categorized by date, location, number of witnesses, and type of sighting (e.g., NL - Nocturnal Lights, CE - Close Encounter, DD - Daylight Disc).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings despite official skepticism and the challenges in explaining these phenomena. The articles highlight witness testimony, the characteristics of reported UFOs, and the ongoing efforts of private researchers and organizations to collect and analyze data. There is a clear emphasis on the unexplained nature of many cases, contrasting with the dismissive stance of some scientific and governmental figures like Dr. Condon. The publication seems to advocate for continued investigation and open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that it represents a genuine mystery that warrants further study.

This issue of CR: Skylook, featuring reports from April 1974, presents a diverse collection of UFO sightings and related phenomena from across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The cover story, 'The night I became a UFO believer' by Larry Sicinski of the Spectator Staff, recounts a personal encounter with a bright, fast-moving light. The issue also includes reports on Bigfoot and Sasquatch, indicating a broader interest in unexplained phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Canada:

• Hamilton, Ontario: Larry Sicinski describes a brief sighting of a bright light moving quickly, which vanished in seconds, leading him to shed his skepticism about UFOs.
• St. John's, Newfoundland: Several people reported seeing a 'big, orange, glowing ball' resembling an airplane on fire. Mrs. Wilfred Boone described it as 'scared the wits out of me,' and Mrs. Janet Crummey noted it hovered before disappearing, leaving a black shadow.
• Drumheller, Alberta: Reports of 'unidentified flying objects' described as 'lit up like cigarette ends' were solved as a weather modification program by ERA Instruments Ltd., aimed at reducing hailstone size through cloud seeding.

Australia:

• Melbourne: Royal Australian Air Force investigators were looking into widespread reports of unidentified flying objects. Some people reported lights following them, and a police crew in Melbourne pursued an object.
• Parkes: Two objects were sighted in the early hours of the morning, described as very bright and making a 'fluttering' noise. Police constables observed them, and they disappeared over the Parkes Airport.
• Queensland: The RAAF, the Queensland U.F.O. Bureau, and the Department of Physics at Queensland University received numerous reports of UFOs and mysterious flying lights. Some sightings were attributed by Dr. J. Ross and Squadron Leader R. Bertram to the planets Venus and Jupiter, while others might have been bolides (large meteors).
• Ipswich: A nurse reported seeing a huge, luminous object with an open doorway and indentations like windows, which she initially thought was a floodlit house.
• Chandada: Three children were frightened by a strange object in the sky, described as having two large eyes, greenish-blue in color, leaving a luminous trail.
• Sydney: Police received reports of two unidentified flying objects, described as brilliantly colored lights that moved higher before disappearing over the airport. A watchman at the saleyards and a constable observed them.

New Zealand:

• Upper Hutt: A mysterious object, described as a silver sphere with crescent-shaped wings, was sighted for several hours. Mr. P. Wah, head of the science department at Taita College, was sure it was not one of the two balloons he released during an experiment.
• Wellington: A mysterious cylindrical-shaped object with delta or crescent-shaped wings was reported in the Hutt Valley. Two RNZAF Skyhawk jets flew over the area but found no trace. A police officer provided the object's position to the pilots, but they could not make visual contact. The object was estimated to be about 25,000 feet up.
• General: Mr. H. H. Fulton, director for New Zealand of the Mutual UFO Network, criticized public officials and some press representatives for rushing to sponsor unlikely answers to UFO sightings, detracting from potential scientific interest.

Bigfoot and Sasquatch Reports

• Klam-Ity Kourier, California: Greg Michael, 19, reported seeing a 'Bigfoot' creature, described as almost seven feet tall, hairy, and pungent-smelling, near Gray's Falls.
• Edmonton Journal, Canada: Ron Gummell of Calgary claims to be a believer after seeing two Sasquatch creatures, described as 12 feet tall and covered in hair, on the David Thompson Highway.
• Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Washington: Police found hair on brush near Maple Valley where Tony McLennan reported being confronted by a creature over six feet tall with glowing red eyes and dark hair. A path through the brush lent credence to the report.
• The Dalles, Oregon: A search party financed by an anonymous donor is looking for Bigfoot. Peter Byrne has opened a 'Big Foot-Sasquatch Exhibition and Information Center' in The Dalles.
• Arkansas Democrat: A report about an unidentified submarine leaving Swedish waters after being trapped by the Swedish Navy.
• Tacoma News Tribune, Washington: Tony McClennan reported seeing a creature resembling a Sasquatch near Maple Valley, described as six to eight feet tall with red eyes and long, hairy arms.
• Edmonton Journal, Canada: Ron Gummell, a skeptic, became a believer after seeing two Sasquatch creatures on the David Thompson Highway.
• Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Washington: Police are investigating hair found near a reported Sasquatch sighting in Maple Valley. The hair was described as 'dark' and 'very coarse.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and cryptid sightings (Bigfoot, Sasquatch). There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness accounts, official investigations (or lack thereof), and attempts to provide explanations, ranging from astronomical bodies to weather modification. The tone suggests a fascination with the unknown, with some articles highlighting the skepticism faced by witnesses and the challenges of scientific investigation. The inclusion of Bigfoot and Sasquatch reports alongside UFOs indicates a broader interest in phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events, presenting various perspectives, and acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many sightings.