UFO Newsclipping Service - 1977 05 - no 97

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 1977, is a compilation of news reports and articles concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It features a mix of eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and analyses of UFO phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Contacts Are Real, Dr. Hynek Tells Students

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a professor of astronomy at Northwestern University, told high school students that UFO contacts are real. He cited the case of two Mississippi fishermen who claimed to have been examined aboard a spaceship. Hynek suggested that other planets might also have beings lecturing about the possibility of life on Earth. He also noted that President Carter was expected to make disclosures about UFOs.

2 Sightings Of UFOs Near Anchorage

Reports from Anchorage, Alaska, detail two unidentified flying objects sighted on April 23. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar approach controller reported seeing four blips that gyrated unusually on his radarscope before moving rapidly. A Northwest Orient Airlines crew also reported sighting an unidentified flying object. FAA spokesman Cliff Cernick stated that while natural explanations are possible, the objects moved at a rapid rate of speed.

Negatives of UFO Blank; Investigation Continues

This article from Morgan Run, Pennsylvania, reports on the failure of photographs taken of a UFO to develop. Robert Cowell of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research stated that the blank negatives were a disappointment. Despite the lack of photographic evidence, Cowell believes Burton Woods' story of seeing a craft hovering over a field is valid. Woods reported experiencing headaches and blurred vision after the sighting, which are considered typical symptoms of UFO exposure. The research team is analyzing sketches made by Woods.

UFO Hunters Gaining Respect

This section highlights the growing respect for UFO research. Dr. J. Allen Hynek notes that public opinion has shifted, and astronomers are now reporting sightings. He also discusses the three types of 'close encounters' he will speak about.

Space Shuttle Engineer Wants Study of UFOs

John Schuessler, an aerospace engineer with McDonnell-Douglas Corp., advocates for aerospace engineers to investigate UFO phenomena. He believes that too many people, including experts, have sighted UFOs for the phenomenon to be ignored. Schuessler emphasizes that UFOs are as real as engineering and that studying them could lead to new discoveries.

President Carter Spotted a UFO

Hayden C. Hewes, director of an international UFO bureau, revealed that President Carter reported seeing an unidentified flying object in 1969. Carter described the object as "bright as the moon," changing colors and shapes, and moving erratically. The sighting occurred while Carter was governor of Georgia.

UFO is Reported in Harrison

Kenny Ray Leach reported seeing a strange, noiseless object with four bright lights flying east to west near Cynthiana, Kentucky. The object then turned 90 degrees, revealing a mass that appeared cigar-shaped. Leach described it as "gigantic, huge."

Woman Confirms March 10 Sighting Of UFO's Here

Mrs. George Johnson of Fallston, Maryland, along with her two daughters, confirmed seeing four flying saucers on March 10. They described the objects as saucer-shaped, low to the ground, and silent, similar to a report made by Norman Turner.

More UFO Reports Given

This section compiles several brief reports: a woman in Panama City saw a bright red light that filled the air and shone on the water, which then appeared to change form and display crosshairs when viewed through binoculars. Two boys playing baseball in Olney saw three cigar-shaped objects. A group of ladies discussed seeing a red light that turned bright and sped away. A woman in Hammond reported seeing a similar phenomenon.

UFO 'Invades' Grant Sunday

Kentucky State Police Dispatcher Allen Spillman received numerous reports of an unidentified flying object sighted in Grant, Harrison, and Owen counties on a Sunday night. Witnesses described a teardrop-shaped object with red, green, and white lights. Spillman, who also saw the object, described it as not being an airplane, helicopter, or blimp.

UFO Near Tollhouse

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Reeder of Tollhouse, California, reported seeing two diamond-shaped objects moving from west to east at high speed. These objects were also seen by airmen at March Air Force Base and sheriff's helicopter crews.

First UFO Parley Labeled a Disaster

A report from Acapulco, Mexico, criticizes the first international congress on UFOs for its "frivolous presentations" and low attendance, which led to a financial disaster for the organizers.

Lovell Discounts UFOs

Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. expressed disbelief in aliens visiting Earth but acknowledged the possibility of intelligent life on other planets. He stated he doesn't believe UFO stories about people going for rides in UFOs.

What Did She See Over St. Andrew's?

Margaret King of Panama City, Florida, described a bright red light that hovered motionlessly over St. Andrew's Bay. When viewed through binoculars, the object appeared smaller and had "crosshairs" on its face. She initially thought it might be a fire but later realized it was something else entirely.

Olney Boys See UFO's

Two boys playing baseball in Olney, Pennsylvania, reported seeing three cigar-shaped objects hovering in formation before speeding off.

'Invisible College' of Scientists Investigates UFOs

Dr. Jacques Vallee, a French astronomer, discusses the informal network of scientists studying UFOs, which he calls "the invisible college." He notes that scientists often face ridicule for their research. Vallee has compiled data on about 2,000 close encounters and believes UFOs are material, physical objects with advanced technology. He suggests that the phenomenon is not necessarily extraterrestrial but could involve other scientific concepts.

1977 Sightings: Mystifying, As Always

This article details several UFO sightings in Southern California during March 1977, noting their broad media coverage. Reports include a rotating, dome-shaped object, a "blown-up pancake" with lights, and a bright light hovering over a neighborhood.

Scientists, Lay 'Ufologists' Clash at UFO Congress

The article describes a conflict at a UFO congress in Acapulco between scientists and lay "ufologists." Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Jacques Vallee, representing the scientific approach, emphasize the need for rigorous research and caution against sensationalist claims. They acknowledge the existence of unexplained phenomena but avoid definitive conclusions about extraterrestrial origins.

Physicist Tracks UFO 'Coverup'

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, expresses his conviction that governments are covering up evidence of UFOs, likening it to a "cosmic Watergate." He believes that UFOs are intelligently controlled spacecraft and that the public should be made aware of this reality to foster an "earthling orientation."

Morgan Run Man Says He Encountered UFO

Burton Woods of Morgan Run, Pennsylvania, reported an encounter with a UFO that he photographed. He described the object as large and teardrop-shaped with a green glow. Woods has since suffered from headaches and burning eyes.

Strange Light

A dairyman in Walthall County, Mississippi, reported seeing a beam of light that stopped near his farm and appeared to be a huge eye of light. The object moved and emitted a cloud before shooting off at high speed.

Where to Report Sightings

This section provides information on reporting UFO sightings, noting that most reporters are educated and that their interest in UFOs often increases after a sighting. It directs individuals to the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois.

UFOs: Some Are Hoaxes

This article warns that not all UFO reports are genuine, citing examples of hoaxes, including a plastic bag with a wire frame and candle, and a box kite with a candle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, featuring both scientific and eyewitness perspectives. There is an underlying theme of potential government secrecy or a "cover-up" of UFO-related information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of data while acknowledging the challenges posed by public skepticism and sensationalism. The publication aims to inform readers about ongoing UFO research and reported sightings.

This issue of the Register, dated April 17, 1977, features a cover story titled "UFO Mystery Grows: Countians Sight Strange Objects." The magazine delves into numerous UFO sightings reported in Orange County, California, during 1976, alongside international reports and other unexplained phenomena.

UFO Sightings in Orange County

The lead article highlights three significant UFO reports from Orange County in 1976: two Long Beach girls witnessing a domed saucer with rotating windows; an El Monte woman and her niece observing a zig-zagging ball of light following their car; and a Fullerton family reporting an object "as big as a house" floating silently by. The UFO Report Center of Orange County, a 24-hour hotline service, collects these reports. Professor Lawson of the center emphasizes the importance of credible witnesses and detailed descriptions, noting that while most reports (about 80%) can be explained by natural phenomena or aircraft, the remaining 20% remain unexplained.

Lawson provides guidelines for witnesses, urging them to carefully note details like shape, speed, sound, and movement, and to seek corroborating witnesses. He also suggests familiarizing oneself with common aerial phenomena such as planets, blimps, and aircraft to avoid misidentification. The article mentions that helicopters, with their bright spotlights and relatively quiet operation, can be mistaken for UFOs.

International UFO Reports

The magazine also compiles UFO sightings from around the world:

• Sweden: Numerous reports from various locations including Övre Soppero (a cigar-shaped object with a smaller egg-shaped object emerging), Borgholm (a large, moon-sized object with a yellow light that changed size and disappeared), Laxsjö (a round object bathing in light and a red "textile" thing), Backe (an intensive shining object swinging in the air), Tranås (a "cigarr" and a light traveling at high speed), Adak (a strong, oblong light that circled and pulsated), and Rosvik (a pine apple shaped object with a changing light).
• Canada: Reports include a potential lake monster in Lake Pohenegamook, Quebec, with sightings dating back to 1874, and a planned expedition by a scuba diver to film it. Another report details a "blue flash" cigar-shaped object seen over Vancouver airport.
• Australia: A report from Canberra mentions a mysterious red light seen near Adelaide, likely identified as the planet Venus. Another from Burnie, Tasmania, discusses the work of the Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre (T.U.F.O.I.C.), which recorded 29 genuine sightings out of 175 reports in 1976, with many other reports attributed to astronomical phenomena, aircraft, or other mundane causes.
• United Kingdom: Reports from Haverfordwest, Wales, detail a schoolboy's sighting of a blue flashing light that transformed into an orange cigar shape, and other sightings in the region, including a claim of a car being mobilized by a flying saucer.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

Beyond UFOs, the magazine touches upon other mysteries:

• Bigfoot: A detailed account of mysterious footprints found near Eatonville, Washington, attributed to a large, possibly eight-foot-tall creature with long strides, weighing an estimated 300 pounds. The footprints were studied by a P-I team, and a soldier from Ft. Lewis reported being overcome by the sight of a Sasquatch.
• Earthquake Prediction: A brief mention of research suggesting that animals like cockroaches, catfish, rats, and horses may be sensitive to impending earthquakes, potentially foreshadowing seismic events.
• Bermuda Triangle: American author Charles Berlitz claims to have discovered a pyramid on the seabed in the Bermuda Triangle, larger than the Cheops Pyramid, suggesting a highly developed ancient civilization may have existed in the area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the persistent and enigmatic nature of UFO phenomena, highlighting the challenges in explaining sightings and the ongoing efforts by various organizations and individuals to investigate them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena while also stressing the importance of critical evaluation and ruling out mundane explanations. The article suggests that the mystery of UFOs is far from being solved, with President Carter's pledge to make official U.S. information available to researchers offering a potential turning point.