UFO Newsclipping Service - 1979 04 - no 117

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated April 1979, presents a collection of reports and articles concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from various locations in the United States. The publication aims to document and analyze these phenomena, featuring accounts from witnesses, investigators, and experts.

Key Articles and Reports

Copter Chased UFO at Loring Base

The lead story, from the DAILY NEWS (Bangor, ME, Jan. 20, 1979), reports on a UFO sighting at Loring Air Force Base in October 1975. Robert Kinn, a former Bowdoin College student, claims he and another student observed a helicopter-like object hovering over Brunswick Naval Air Station during the same period. The object was described as being more than twice the size of a normal helicopter, with red and white lights, capable of 90-degree turns and high speed. Military personnel at Loring reported a similar object hovering over their nuclear weapons storage facility for over 90 minutes on October 27, 1975. The object was tracked by radar and returned to the area twice more. Spokesmen for Brunswick station stated there had been no UFO sightings there in eight years, offering possible explanations such as a small plane making an emergency landing or a Hawker-Sidley AV-8 Harrier vertical-takeoff aircraft.

Our Neighbors Report Flying Saucers

An article from THE ENTERPRISE (Falmouth, MA, Feb. 20, 1979) highlights a rash of flying saucer sightings along the Rhode Island coastline. Thirty sightings were reported since the end of January, described by policemen, college students, and others. The objects were characterized as circular discs illuminated by intense green, blue, or white lights, or tubular objects illuminated in three distinct sections. A third of these sightings occurred during daylight hours, with the UFOs generally hovering over the water between 200 and 800 feet.

Society Studies Sighting in Sky

From the PRESS (Asbury Park, NJ, Feb. 4, 1979), this report covers the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained looking into sightings of an unusual, silent aircraft over Brick Township and Point Pleasant. Witnesses described a "strange orange object" that gave off no sound, hovered, and had a configuration unlike conventional aircraft. Robert C. Warth, the society's president, described the object as lenticular in shape, generally slow-moving, and flashing red or blue lights. He noted that UFOs are sometimes observed prior to and after earthquakes, though no direct relation was established.

UFO Sighting is Reported Over GW Plant and Milliken

This article from THE BREEZE (Johnstown, CO, Feb. 1, 1979) details a sighting by Bob Roberts, a security guard at Great Western Sugar Co. Roberts observed a large, round, pulsating white light that moved southeast towards the nuclear plant. He described two red and orange lights that appeared later. The object was estimated to be three times the size of a train light and moved at under 100 miles per hour without sound. Several other witnesses confirmed seeing the lights. Roberts, a 21-year Air Force veteran, stated the sighting was unlike any familiar aircraft.

Strange, Silent Object Seen Flying, Hovering

Reported in the PRESS (Asbury Park, NJ, Feb. 4, 1979), several residents of Brick Township and Point Pleasant reported seeing an unusual, silent aircraft. The craft was described as fairly large, bigger than a small airplane, all aglow with bluish lights, and shaped like a football cut in half lengthwise. It was also described as skimming about 20 feet over a house. A local policeman also sighted the craft, noting a distant drone-like noise. A Navy helicopter was on a routine flight in the area at the time, but its noise was described as different.

Others Saw 'UFO'; May Be Satellite

From the HERALD (Farmville, VA, Feb. 16, 1979), four individuals reported seeing a large, bright white light moving slowly and silently over the Rice area. They described it as larger than a star or airplane lights. Another witness, L.D. Phaup, Jr., suggested the object might have been the sun's reflection from a satellite, visible due to cloud cover. He noted that the angle of reflection would explain why it was only visible from a specific area.

UFO's: Still Shrouded in Mystery

This article by Fran Anderson from the CENTRAL POST (Kendall Park, NJ, Feb. 15, 1979) discusses a sighting by a Kendall Park family who observed what appeared to be three planes in formation connected by a dome. The object reportedly landed in a game preserve. Police were contacted but were not overly interested. Calls to UFO tracking stations yielded little response, with the family feeling that more than one report is needed for interest. The object was described as having red, green, and blue lights. An investigator from the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) declined to be interviewed, stating it was easier to investigate without publicity.

UFO sighted over Dixon?

The TRIBUNE (Dixon, CA, Feb. 22, 1979) reports four Dixon residents possibly spotting a UFO around noon on a Monday. They described a round object, not like a balloon, that moved toward Travis AFB. A police officer also witnessed the object, describing it as "like a frisbee that was dropped and floating down" with a blue, reflective color. The sighting was reported to the Phenomena Research National Reporting Center, which assigned it a low priority.

Auto Damaged in Mysterious Saturday Crash

This brief report from the RIDGWAY (EC) (PA) mentions a mysterious accident on Boot Jack Hill where a driver escaped injury but his car was damaged after striking a large object in a cloud of steam and smoke.

Jamestown family reports UFO sighting

The TIMES-JOURNAL (Russell Springs, KY, Feb. 22, 1979) details a sighting by the Tate Johnson family of strange lights in the sky. The objects were described as two objects bearing rotating red, green, and orange lights. The objects stayed in the same vicinity for a length of time, with a smaller object darting off and returning. The lights reportedly made a steady position while the larger object held a steady position. The objects were described as quite a distance away but were visible. The family stated they never knew whether or not they believed in such objects but that after this experience, Rose Johnson stated, "After this I believe."

UFO body snatchers took him for a ride, Hialeah man claims

From THE MIAMI NEWS (Miami, FL, Feb. 23, 1979), this article features Filberto Cardenas, a Hialeah businessman, who claims he was abducted by a UFO on January 3 and again encountered the same beings who revealed secrets of the future. Investigators from two psychic organizations believe him. Cardenas described the beings as short with red hair. The secrets revealed are not yet public. Patricia Hayes, founder of Projects Possible, stated that clairvoyants probed the case and concluded Cardenas was in contact with an alien energy. Hypnotherapist Jose Yedra supported Cardenas' account, restoring his memory of the abduction. Allan Hendry of the Center for UFO Studies expressed interest in the case.

UFO spotted near New Haven

The KENTUCKY STANDARD (Bardstown, KY, Feb. 22, 1979) reports on a sighting by an 86-year-old retired railroader, Cari Dawson, who saw a "round with a little tail, about a foot long, lit up all around" object moving southwest at about nine o'clock at night.

Startled Driver Reports UFO in Agawam

Reported in the DAILY NEWS (Springfield, MA, Feb. 22, 1979), Mary Roy described an object that appeared as a glaring sphere of light, hanging over her car and bathing the neighborhood in its glow. She and her passengers could not identify the object, which she believes "had to be a UFO."

UFO Reported

From the DAILY NEWS (Russell, KS, Feb. 23, 1979), two out-of-state motorists reported seeing a bright white light swooping low over their car and then speeding southward near the Waldo junction on US281 Highway. The object was described as frightening.

Kerman Fireball Sighting - A UFO?

This article from THE BEE (Fresno, CA, Feb. 23, 1979) details an encounter by Kerman police officer Manuel Amparano, who saw a "circular type thing, similar to a round fireball or a setting sun." The object moved rapidly in a southeasterly direction. Amparano recorded the sighting, made a drawing, and contacted various authorities and a phenomenon research center. He noted a brilliant, bluish light beam emanating from the object. He also reported burns on his chest, though the source was unknown.

Residents see 2 very bright objects in sky

ERA (Bradford, PA, March 24, 1979) reports two residents saw two very bright, pulsating, oval-shaped lights hovering over a hill. The objects appeared to move closer together and then apart before streaking off. The Federal Aviation Administration reported no aircraft in the air at the time.

Another UFO reported seen on Derrick Rd.

ERA (Bradford, PA, March 22, 1979) discusses a sighting near Derrick Road where a woman described a "bright white disc, traveling east at tree top level." The Federal Aviation Administration reported no planes in the area.

Pixley man sights UFO

From the ENTERPRISE (Pixley, CA, Feb. 28, 1979), Steve Jennings reported seeing a "light" hovering at about 1,000 feet. He noted it moved southeasterly at an estimated 300 miles per hour. Vickie Merritt also reported seeing a "really bright light" over the park area. Jennings managed to take several slide pictures, which showed four circles of light. Both witnesses observed the intensity of the light undulate.

Is Spaceman Buried In Small Texas Town?

This HERALD EXAMINER (Los Angeles, CA, Feb. 26, 1979) article discusses the legend of a spaceman buried in Aurora, Texas, following a spaceship crash in 1897. Residents are reportedly exasperated by periodic attempts to dig up the remains, with some believing it to be a hoax and others wanting proof.

Motorists watch UFO in Hancock

DAILY HERALD (Biloxi-Gulfport, MS, March 15, 1979) reports three motorists in Hancock County saw a large round orange glow surrounded by small green flashing lights, traveling above tree-top level along high tension power lines.

Unidentified object seen near Eldred by two men

ERA (Bradford, PA, March 13, 1979) details a sighting by two men near Eldred who saw two bright red lights flying over the roadway, described as a dome-shaped object with flashing red lights. They also reported seeing a bright gold, triangular-shaped object. Television interference was also reported.

Experts verify UFO sighting

This TIMES (New York, NY, March 27, 1979) article reports that a group of experts on aerial phenomena verified film of a brilliant moving object over New Zealand in December 1978 as the first verified UFO sighting. The film was made by a television crew. Scientists examined the evidence and could not find conventional explanations.

2 area pilots share skies with 'UFO'

The GLOBE-DEMOCRAT (St. Louis, MO, April 6, 1979) features two pilots, Hal Sperling and Paul Lewis, who followed a brightly lit, star-like object for about 110 miles from Pittsburgh to Cleveland. They described the object as moving erratically and changing colors. Air traffic control centers reported no radar contact. The object then blinked out.

UFO sighting breaks monotony of routine night patrol

DAILY HERALD (Biloxi-Gulfport, MS, March 15, 1979) describes a Harrison County patrolman who saw an intense white light with an orange tinge crossing the road ahead of him. He described the object as spherical and moving at high speed just above the tree line.

No UFO evidence found; 2 others report sightings

ERA (Bradford, PA, March 20, 1979) reports that no physical evidence was found for a UFO sighting near Eldred, but two other sightings were reported that night. One involved a yellow light moving towards Eldred, and another was a bright gold, triangular-shaped object. Television interference was also noted.

UFO 'scare' launches search

This article from THE ENQUIRER-JOURNAL (Monroe, NC, March 13, 1979) details Chris Altman's 1977 encounter with a UFO near Lost Hills. He described a large dome-shaped object and claimed to have been abducted by human-like beings. Altman has been working with MUFON and claims to have received warnings from the U.S. Air Force.

Did the UFO carry small space child?

DAILY HERALD (Biloxi-Gulfport, MS, March 19, 1979) reports on V.B. Phelps finding a strange, baby-like footprint with four spreading claws in his yard, near where he recalled a bright light the previous Wednesday night. He also found holes indicating metal rods may have been shoved into the ground. His son found similar holes.

Boy, hypnotist relive 'thing'-from-sky saga

The ARIZONA DAILY STAR (Tucson, AZ, March 20, 1979) recounts the experience of ten-year-old Warren Weisman, who, after being hypnotized, described seeing a bright object crash, followed by a man in a brown suit and a Pima County Sheriff's car. The object and car were gone when his parents returned. An investigation by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) reached a dead end, with possibilities including a drug drop or military re-entry.

National UFO researcher to probe area sightings

From THE DISPATCH (St. Paul, MN, March 8, 1979), Alan Hendry, chief investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, is investigating late February sightings of a saucer-shaped spaceship above the Twin Cities. He described the sightings as "very intriguing" and noted that the description of the object, seen by multiple witnesses, could not be explained by man-made phenomena.

SHE WAS 'PROBED'

THE DISPATCH (St. Paul, MN, March 1, 1979) reports on a woman who claims she lost an hour of time and felt "contaminated" after encountering three "glowing orbs" on a remote country road. Under hypnotic regression, she described being lifted out of her car, examined, and probed by an alien entity. Her experience significantly impacted her life and worldview.

3 Report UFO Near Grandview

ERA (Bradford, PA, Feb. 13, 1979) mentions three young men reporting an "mostly orange with a rod at the front with green and red flashing lights" object that dropped a red, brick-shaped object before disappearing.

UFO sighted north of Ocean Springs

DAILY HERALD (Biloxi-Gulfport, MS, March 16, 1979) reports an employee of Coca-Cola saw a large object with an orange tint to its rear, moving at tree-top level along Interstate 10.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent reports of unidentified flying objects across various regions, the challenges in obtaining official explanations, and the personal impact these sightings have on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious documentation and investigation, providing a platform for diverse accounts and expert opinions, while acknowledging the often unexplained nature of the phenomena. There is an emphasis on gathering credible reports and exploring potential explanations, whether conventional or extraordinary.

This issue of The Examiner, dated February 26, 1979, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on reports from West Yorkshire, England. The cover story, "Spot new tourists: flying saucers," highlights a surge in sightings in the South-West region of England, while other articles detail encounters in various locations across the UK and Wales.

'UFO views' - West Yorkshire Sightings

The main article details a series of UFO sightings in West Yorkshire over the preceding few days. In Leeds, two schoolgirls were so frightened by what they saw that they produced sketches. A resident of Springwood Hall Gardens in Huddersfield reported seeing a black object with a red fiery tail drifting over the moors at West Nab. The object was described as moving too quickly for a balloon and having the appearance of a rocket at take-off, but drifting rather than flying. Air traffic control at Leeds-Bradford airport and West Yorkshire police reported no unusual activity or objects.

Close Encounters in Other Regions

Beyond West Yorkshire, the magazine reports on other significant UFO encounters:

• Port Elizabeth, South Africa: Dr. I. R. Lang reported being paced by a spherical, silver, then grey, teardrop-shaped object for about an hour while driving. He described it as moving with phenomenal speed and not being of terrestrial origin.
• Consett, England: Five women on their way to work reported seeing a large, shining, oblong object with a star-like end that moved quickly down among the houses. Another resident reported seeing a red flashing light that stayed in one place.
• Bristol, England: A group of UFO watchers claimed that flying saucers were regularly being seen. Reports included a silver, cylindrical object with portholes hovering over Portishead power station and a grey, saucer-shaped object over Frampton Cotterell. A 16-year-old girl also spotted two spinning top-shaped "spacecraft" near Minehead.
• Haverfordwest, Wales: A police officer saw a UFO described as a "barrage balloon on top of a saucer" with four lights at each end, which accelerated to a fantastic speed. A schoolgirl described a UFO like a "squashed lighthouse, diamond cut." Four residents watched a black sphere climb into the sky.
• Waltham Abbey, England: Garry Matthews reported seeing a round object with a dome shape on top, hovering low above the ground, similar to a sighting reported the previous week.
• Wigan, England: Bright orange lights were reported moving slowly over Wigan's skyline, described as a globe-shaped light flying low over houses. A housewife watched a mystery object for two minutes before it disappeared amid a roar of engines. Security guards and police officers verified sightings.
• Yarmouth, England: A man reported seeing a bright yellow-orange object with about eight red lights flying over St. George's park.
• Broad Hinton, England: Mrs. Susan Jeffery and three children reported a close encounter with an oval-shaped object that flew over their car, described as having brilliant white/yellow spotlights underneath and a larger group of lights that glowed.

Ufologist's Predictions

Ufologist Mr. Randall Pugh suggested that the increasing number of UFO reports in the Pembrokeshire area could lead to closer encounters, similar to the "faceless spacemen sightings" of two years prior. He noted that while lights in the sky are common, the report of a black UFO was a first for the area.

Official Responses

In several instances, official bodies like Newcastle Airport and Leeds-Bradford airport reported no unusual radar activity or aircraft. The Ministry of Defence was also notified of some sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing frequency and variety of UFO sightings, the detailed descriptions provided by witnesses, and the growing interest in investigating these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious reporting on these events, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without overt skepticism, while also noting the lack of official explanations in many cases. The article highlights the public's fascination and sometimes fear surrounding these unexplained aerial phenomena.