UFO Newsclipping Service - 1979 09 - no 122

Magazine Overview

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, published by Statesman of Calcutta, India, on July 13, 1979, presents a collection of international news items, with a particular focus on unexplained phenomena and unusual events. The cover story, "Half believe that something's up!", by Terence Dickinson, discusses a survey of scientists and engineers regarding their beliefs in UFOs and their origins. The magazine also features reports on UFO sightings from various locations, cattle mutilation investigations, and scientific discussions on unusual phenomena.

Close Encounter In W. Dinajpur

Reported by Nirmalya Banerjee from Islampur, West Dinajpur, India, on July 12, 1979, this article details an incident where an unidentified flying object (UFO) allegedly whizzed over the State Farm High School building on Tuesday night, causing severe damage. Corrugated tin sheets were blown off, and a kitchen collapsed. Eye-witnesses described a whistling sound, a ball of fire with sparks, and a mild tremor. Mrs. Sishu Bala Gain reported a piece of wire snapping off her arm. Mr. Debendra Ghosh described a ball of fire with a diameter of at least two feet. Carpenters working inside the school took shelter under benches, and one was slightly injured. Students inside the boarding house reported a gust of wind and shaking. The officer-in-charge of the fire station found the building shattered but no fire, though some sheets were hot and there was a smell of gunpowder. A senior police official noted rumors were spreading and the Physics Department of North Bengal University was asked to investigate.

Half believe that something's up!

Written by Terence Dickinson, this article discusses a survey of 1,200 scientists and engineers conducted by Industrial Research magazine. The survey revealed that over half believe UFOs exist and should be investigated, with 8% having observed a UFO and 44% believing they originate from outer space. Dickinson expresses surprise, as he expected scientists to be more skeptical. The survey also indicated that younger individuals (under 35) were more likely to accept UFO reality than older individuals (over 55). The article notes that no government-sponsored scientific UFO research is currently being conducted in the U.S. or Canada, despite past studies showing some UFO cases remain baffling. It mentions pressure on President Carter for a new study and NASA's decision that UFOs were unworthy of investigation, though some high-level NASA scientists reportedly disagreed.

Did They Really See a Saucer?

By Mollie Leach, this report from the Gazette, Eastbourne, England, dated July 18, 1979, describes an encounter by Karen Whittall and Helene Morssing. The two 16-year-old girls claim to have seen a genuine flying saucer at about 10:15 p.m. on July 2nd at the Sea-side fairground. They described the object as shiny, metallic, and shaped like half an egg.

'Who Saw the UFO' appeal

This brief item from the Evening Post, Nottingham, England, dated July 31, 1979, states that The Nottingham UFO Investigation Society is seeking information about a brightly glowing UFO reported at Cotmanhay, Derbyshire, on Sunday, July 15th. They are looking for eye-witnesses, including a car driver and a couple who were in the area.

Car 'chased by UFO'

This report from the Lancashire Evening Post, Preston, England, dated August 10, 1979, details a strange encounter where a car was reportedly chased for nearly seven miles by a mysterious UFO. Residents are worried about its return. Police at Ormskirk investigated reports of a bright light in the sky. Garry Carroll and Angela Gallagher reported the object hovered above them, disappeared, and returned. A police spokesman noted numerous reports of a bright light but could not confirm anything, stating it wasn't a light aircraft due to the lack of flashing lights. The Manchester-based Aerial Phenomena Investigation team is to investigate.

Playing tag with a UFO

By Beverly Creamer, this article from the Advertiser, Honolulu, HI, dated July 26, 1979, features David Crockett, a documentary filmmaker, who claims to have filmed intense reddish-white orbs that harassed a cargo plane at 13,000 feet above a New Zealand coastline seven months prior. Crockett states that the New Zealand government's explanation of Venus was incorrect, as Venus had not risen at the time of the sighting. The incident was reportedly picked up by radar, and Crockett shared the experience with four others. Bruce MacCabee, an optical physicist with NICAP, investigated and called it the first verified UFO sighting that cannot be explained. Crockett's experience led him to abandon retirement plans to promote his film. Experts suggest the Argosy freight airplane may have lost time during the encounter. Crockett describes the orbs as performing maneuvers, changing position, and at times appearing spherical with hazy lines, or flattened and longish. NASA reportedly estimated one maneuver required a speed of 14,000 mph. Crockett is now traveling worldwide to promote his film and lecture about the experience.

NAVY CHIEF IN UFO PROBE

This brief item from the Sunday Express, London, England, dated August 19, 1979, reports that Lord Hill-Norton, Admiral of the Fleet and former Chief of Defence Staff, is taking an interest in UFOs and has attended a meeting of the House of Lords study group on UFOs. He expressed that "There are things in this field that have not been explained to my satisfaction." The Earl of Clancarty, chairman of the group, welcomed his interest, stating there has been a cover-up in Britain over UFOs.

'Flat-headed alien in silver suit' faces inquiry

By Michael Farr, this report from the Daily Telegraph, London, England, dated August 27, 1979, notes a decrease in reported UFO sightings in Britain for the year, but highlights a report of a silver-suited humanoid with a flat head seen leaping like a chimpanzee in the Isle of Sheppey. Laurence Dale of the British UFO Research Association stated that the number of sightings is currently low with only 90 reports for the year, compared to 583 in 1977. The article also touches upon historical UFO reports, including 'ghost rockets' and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting that popularized the term 'flying saucer'.

UFOs: Has Russia found the answer?

By Antony Buzek, this article from the Daily Express, London, England, dated July 30, 1979, proposes that the Soviet Union has a scientific answer for UFO sightings: chemiluminescence. The article recounts several encounters reported by Soviet military and airline pilots, describing luminous, pulsating objects. However, Soviet scientist Dr. M. Dimitriyev suggests these are not UFOs but bands of chemiluminescence, which are chemical reactions in the atmosphere that can emit light. The article mentions a third incident where a bright object collided with an Aeroflot liner, causing an explosion and fire.

Mystery 'star' has observers baffled

This report from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Blackburn, England, dated August 16, 1979, details a UFO sighting over the Padiham area. Mr. John Wood described an object that appeared as a glow in the sky, moving too high and fast for an aircraft, changing direction, and crossing the same area three times. He is seeking information from others who may have seen a similar phenomenon.

UFOs 'Tail' Small Plane Over Saitama Prefecture

This article from the Japan Times, Tokyo, Japan, dated August 19, 1979, reports that three people aboard a Cessna plane spotted three unidentified flying objects (UFOs) over Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. The objects reportedly closely followed the plane. Two were orange and one was white. The pilot increased altitude to avoid collision. The objects were observed for about 15 minutes before the men flew directly to Chofu Airport, feeling spooked. Ikuo Yamazaki took several pictures as evidence. A blimp was also reported in the area at the same time, but the pilot stated the objects looked nothing like a blimp.

New terror strikes-as 'flying saucer' is spotted again

This report from the Evening Post, Luton, England, dated August 3, 1979, describes strange lights spotted in the night sky over Luton for the second time in a week. Witnesses described a saucer shape gliding slowly over the rooftops. Mrs. Brenda Cummings and her mother, Mrs. Lillie Sinclair, reported seeing four large, sparkling, silent objects that were too low and slow for a plane. They were seen going down behind trees after about 10 minutes. The British UFO Research Association is investigating.

Visit from space?

This report from the Sun, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, dated August 2, 1979, details a Westchester County police officer's sighting of a bright, glowing unidentified flying object over Lewisboro, N.Y. Officer William Shaughnessy described a large ball of white light that stopped, turned, and returned, flashing a greater brilliance. He saw the object for about one minute before it disappeared and then returned for about 45 seconds.

W. German Police Sight 3 UFOs

This Associated Press report from Ingolstadt, West Germany, dated September 19, 1979, states that Bavarian police reported independent sightings by about 10 officers of three unidentified flying objects that hovered silently and then rapidly disappeared. Workers at a local Audi-NSU plant first spotted the objects, describing them as very big, beaming brightly, and flying fast without engine noise, flickering yellow and red. The police also saw them, and a police patrol car in Weissenburg reported a sighting. One UFO hovered at about 1,500 feet before flying off at high speed. Police stated the observations were "beyond any doubt" and that they could not explain whether it was a visit from outer space or something else.

Clouds or UFO?

This report from the Evening Mail, Nelson, New Zealand, dated September 6, 1979, describes a puzzling sighting by Mrs. J. Hermiston of a bright orange glow in the sky. Dr. C. M. Stubbs of the Nelson Royal Society suggested that wisps of cloud could have given the impression of a moving light. The article also mentions an upcoming lunar eclipse.

Spacemen orange?

This report from Mendoza, Argentina, dated September 8, 1979, discusses Victor Corradi, a philosophy professor and researcher into UFOs, who claims that little men from outer space are orange, not green. He bases this on a photograph taken in February in Puente del Inca, showing an orange man about 15cm tall. The image appeared on a photograph taken by a doctor of his wife and daughters.

Delegates say UFOs not scoffed at now

This Associated Press report from London, England, dated August 27, 1979, covers a two-day congress on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) with 350 delegates from 16 countries. The delegates claim they are no longer laughed at and note that President Carter is among those who have reported seeing UFOs. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a professor and psychologist, speculates that some kind of intelligence, possibly extra-terrestrial or extra-dimensional, is behind UFO phenomena.

ARGENTINA: CASILDA ON THE ROUTE OF THE UFOS

This article from Clarín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, dated June 8, 1979, details numerous UFO sightings in the Casilda region of Santa Fe province, Argentina, which has been dubbed the "route of flying saucers." Residents report seeing unknown aerial objects for extended periods. Mechanic Pedro Tomás Marasco described a "ball of fire" that followed his car for 13km, hovering over power cables and lighting up the surroundings. He noted a lack of noise but a significant amount of heat. Police inspector Amado Escobar also reported following the trajectory of an object. The article suggests these appearances may be connected to the Carcarañá river and have led residents to look at the sky more inquisitively.

Conclusions of a UFO Congress

This report from Clarín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, dated June 21, 1979, summarizes conclusions from a UFO Congress held in Bogotá, Colombia. The congress rejected the idea of collective hypnosis and affirmed the existence of UFOs, proposing the name LDV (Extraterrestrial Directed Vehicles) for them. It stated there is minimal proof of EDVs navigating toward Earth, citing radar detections, radioactive residues, and photographs from space. The congress also concluded that Earth has been visited by beings from other worlds since immemorial times, with the goal of investigating Earth's evolution. It warned against "Urolatry" (worship of UFOs) and refuted the idea that extraterrestrials are the origin of religions. The congress also noted that technological advances are not always parallel to ethics and spiritualism.

UNUSUAL: FROM SPAIN TO PUERTO RICO WITHOUT GETTING OFF THE CAR!

This article from Radiolandia 2000, Buenos Aires, Argentina, dated June 29, 1979, recounts an extraordinary experience of Juan and Manuel Montoya, who were traveling from Valencia to Huelva, Spain. They encountered a thick fog, and when it lifted, they found themselves in Puerto Rico, far from their intended destination. They were disoriented and had to seek help from the consulate to return home.

SEVERAL UFOS SIGHTED IN PAYSANDU

This report from Crónica, Buenos Aires, Argentina, dated July 19, 1979, describes a UFO fleet crossing the sky over Paysandú, Uruguay, appearing as four orange-reddish fire balls forming a cross. Witnesses reported the objects descended near the ground before resuming flight at high speed without noise. The maneuvers were compared to bombing runs.

THEY SIGHT A "UFO," MANNED BY BEINGS WITH ENORMOUS HEADS

This report from Diario de Avisos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, dated March 10, 1979, details a sighting in Rivera, Uruguay, of beings with enormous heads, protected by transparent helmets, manning a strange oval-shaped ship. Witnesses described the ship as emitting luminosity and moving at high speeds. The article notes this is a recurring phenomenon in the area bordering Brazil.

Mysterious UFOs appeared many times

This report from People's Journal, Philippines, dated April 29, 1979, states that 30 mysterious flying objects, described as egg-shaped with different colors, appeared over Bogo, Cebu. Similar UFOs were seen in Iligan City and other locations in the Philippines. The objects were reportedly seen at a distance of one thousand feet.

Mysterious animal deaths in Taco

This report from El Día, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, dated May 12, 1979, mentions mysterious animal deaths in Taco, Tenerife Island, with two German shepherds and three goats found dead without hearts and blood.

UFO OVER LISBON

This report from International Telex, Lisbon, Portugal, dated July 16, 1979, describes a luminous object emitting intense blue light observed over Lisbon. The phenomenon was seen by airport personnel and aircraft crews. Some motorists reported their vehicles losing considerable power when the object passed by. Meteorological services suggested it could have been an aurora borealis.

'Monster' Could Be Elephant

This Associated Press report from London, England, dated August 6, 1979, presents a theory by Dr. Dennis Power and Dr. Donald Johnson that the Loch Ness monster might be an elephant. They cite similarities between descriptions of Nessie and how elephants swim, noting their bulk and trunks can resemble the monster. They also mention an elephant that swam ashore after falling from a ship near Loch Ness.

Greek mechanism recorded movement of heavenly bodies

By Earl Lane, this article from the Times-Post News Service (Newsday), dated July 22, 1979, discusses Robert Deroski's reconstruction of an ancient Greek instrument called the Antikythera mechanism. Made around 87 B.C., the device, composed of gears and plexiglass, is believed to have been a calculator for tracking celestial bodies. Deroski's model, with 2,200 gear teeth, highlights the sophisticated technology of ancient Greece. The original mechanism's remains were discovered in 1901 near the island of Antikythera.

Gobs of green goop

This Canadian Press report from Ottawa, Canada, dated July 7, 1979, describes mysterious blobs of green goo that fell from the sky near Lachute, Quebec. Richard Charlebois found a large piece of green ice, described as 5 meters square and six centimeters thick. The RCMP is investigating the possibility that the blob is congealed waste from a passing airplane. A Mississauga man also reported a flaming blob of stuff falling on his backyard picnic table the previous month.

Two Convinced of Mutilation

By Gail Olson, this report from the Rio Grande Sun, Espanola, NM, dated August 9, 1979, states that Gabe Valdez, a State Policeman with extensive experience in cattle mutilation investigations, and Howard Burgess, a retired Sandia Labs scientist, have verified that a cow found in Truchas was a victim of mutilation. They noted leg breaks, missing tongue, udder, sexual organs, and one eye, with scrapings on the other eye. The article criticizes the lack of immediate official investigation, with Dennis Martinez expressing disgust. Neil Bockman, an independent investigator, also verified the mutilation. Senator Harrison Schmitt expressed concern about the lack of immediate investigation and is seeking more funding for the FBI's study.

Another cow mutilation found

This report from the Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark., dated August 13, 1979, details the discovery of a mutilated 4-year-old heifer near Enola. The udder, sexual organs, one eye, one ear, and the tongue were removed. A local youth reported seeing a silver helicopter in the area. Investigators believe the cow had been dead for several days.

Suspected mutilation reported

This report from the Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark., dated August 31, 1979, describes a suspected cow mutilation where the sex organs and heart were removed from an 8-month-old heifer. The calf had been dead for about four days. A helicopter was reportedly seen in the area the previous Thursday.

'Bigfoot' Walks Again In Martin County

This article from the Star, Indianapolis, IN, dated August 10, 1979, reports sightings of the legendary Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, in the wooded hills of the Hoosier National Forest in Martin County. Two men, William Tharp Jr. and Andy Keith, claim to have seen the creature, described as man-like, about six feet tall, weighing 500 pounds, with black fur tinged with gray. Tharp claims he has seen it three times and once wounded it. Keith reported smelling a strong dead fish odor after seeing the creature cross the road. Law enforcement agencies have received no substantiated reports.

Purple blobs puzzle experts; Earth origin in doubt

This Associated Press report from Frisco, Texas, dated September 8, 1979, discusses three purple blobs found on a front lawn that have defied analysis. Geochemist Doug Blanchard of NASA stated they contained uranium and a strange pattern of lead specks, and were unlike anything found on Earth. He suggested they might be a rare form of meteorite or a remnant from a larger space object that burned off during atmospheric entry. The blobs were placed in freezers for testing.

Clinton Urged To Begin Probe Of Mutilations

This Gazette State News report from Little Rock, AR, dated August 15, 1979, details the Arkansas Humane Society's call for Governor Clinton to appoint a task force to study cattle mutilations. B. J. Kready of the Humane Society highlighted concerns about sensational headlines and the need for scientific investigation. Doug Foley of the State Police presented a slide show of Arkansas mutilations, noting "classic" cases in Benton County with surgical precision and lack of blood. Ken Rommel, investigating mutilations in New Mexico and other states, emphasized the need for professional investigation similar to homicides.

Abominable Snowman Is Subject of Search By Russian Climbers

This report from the Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, AR, dated August 16, 1979, states that a Russian mountain climbing team is searching for an Abominable Snowman spotted in the Pamir Mountains. Igor Frantsevich Tatsl is leading the expedition, his fifth trip into the mountains. Tatsl has gathered information about the creatures and interviewed witnesses since discovering evidence at a campsite in 1974. The newspaper mentions that in 1977, one member of the team spotted the creature again.

LRAFB releases flight paths

This report from the Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark., dated August 31, 1979, indicates that Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) has released a list of general flight paths taken by their helicopters in response to reported sightings in areas of possible cattle mutilations. The helicopters are used for various support and rescue operations. The sightings began to be reported in connection with cattle deaths and possible mutilations.

Santa Fe: Mutilation Probe Progressing Okay

This United Press International report from the Journal, Albuquerque, NM, dated August 17, 1979, states that Governor Bruce King reported the investigation into alleged cattle mutilations in New Mexico is progressing satisfactorily. He noted that Ken Rommel, a former FBI agent hired under a federal grant, found that carcasses examined showed all died from natural causes or normal predatory attacks.

'Natural Incidents' Don't Explain All of Them

By John S. Workman, this article from the Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, AR, dated September 5, 1979, discusses the ongoing debate about cattle mutilations. Authorities are encouraging the term "unexplained deaths" and discouraging sensational press treatment. Lt. Carl Evans of the State Police reported 39 such incidents in Arkansas since April 1978. Dr. Charles S. Hatfield, a veterinarian, described "surgical-type situations" in two cases involving bulls, with precise incisions and removal of organs. The article mentions the discovery of drugs in some animals, including succinyl choline chloride and mescaline. George D. Boswell of the FAA noted reports of helicopters near alleged mutilation sites but no accident reports. Dr. Oren L. Kelsey, the state veterinarian, believes most incidents are due to scavengers but does not rule out other explanations. The article outlines various theories, including natural causes, vandalism, cults, and extraterrestrials, with officials largely dismissing the latter.

2 'Blobs' of Earthly Origin, NASA Scientist Concludes

This Associated Press report from Houston, dated September 9, 1979, states that geochemist Doug Blanchard of NASA concluded that two purplish blobs found in Frisco, Texas, have industrial origins, not extraterrestrial. The presence of lead, unlikely in meteorites, led to this conclusion. Blanchard explained that the blobs contained lead and were a "strange concoction of stuff that could be easily put together in a lab or industrial situation." Further chemical studies were planned.

Veterinarians say buzzards responsible for mutilations

This report from the Log Cabin Democrat, Conway, Ark., dated August 16, 1979, features two Morrilton veterinarians, Dr. Norman Gray and Dr. Tom Brown, who claim buzzards and other scavengers are responsible for mutilated cattle carcasses. They stated that cows often die from natural causes like black leg and respiratory diseases, and buzzards then feed on them. They attributed the "mass hysteria" to the current fashion of such reports. They specifically mentioned cases with surgically precise cuts and cauterized wounds, but maintained buzzards' sharp beaks could mimic this. Doug Foley of the State Police noted that only cases in Benton County last year showed "strange" qualities.

Animal Mutilations

This article from the Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, AR, dated September 5, 1979, delves into the "natural incidents" theory for cattle mutilations. It highlights that while many incidents can be explained by natural deaths and scavenging, some remain unexplained. Authorities are encouraging a change in terminology to "unexplained deaths" and discouraging sensationalism. Lt. Carl Evans reported 39 unexplained cattle deaths in Arkansas since April 1978. Dr. Charles S. Hatfield described "surgical-type situations" in two cases, noting precise incisions and removal of organs. The article also touches upon the discovery of drugs in some animals and the FAA's awareness of helicopter sightings near alleged mutilation sites. Dr. Oren L. Kelsey believes most incidents are due to scavengers but acknowledges some remain unexplained. Various theories are discussed, including human vandalism, cults, and extraterrestrials, with officials largely dismissing the latter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of FOREIGN NEWS are UFO sightings and cattle mutilations, presented as unexplained phenomena that are attracting scientific and public attention. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events with a degree of skepticism, highlighting witness accounts and expert opinions while also acknowledging the lack of definitive explanations. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and a cautious approach to sensationalism, particularly concerning cattle mutilations, where authorities are urging a shift towards more rational terminology and investigation methods. The issue also touches upon the historical context of these phenomena and the differing views within the scientific community.