UFO Newsclipping Service - 1983 06 - no 167

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated June 1983, presents a collection of recent UFO sightings and related news from various publications across the United States. The cover prominently features the headline, "What was that brightly colored object reported in area skies Thursday?", hinting at a significant event.

Key Articles and Reports

"In The Sky" - New Castle Resident Becomes a Believer

This article, by Seth Bengelsdorf and Steve Fraioli, details a sighting on a Thursday night before 9 p.m. in New Castle, NY. A resident, initially skeptical, became a believer after witnessing an unexplainable object. The object was described as a V-shaped array with "green and white lights" that made no noise and "hovered." The sighting lasted about five minutes. Observers noted the object alternated colors between white and green, moved from the south, returned to its original position, and then moved across the sky in a zig-zagging motion towards the north before disappearing. Police in Yorktown and New Castle, as well as residents in Mount Kisco and Chappaqua, also reported seeing similar lights. Sergeant Robert Cercena of Mount Kisco mentioned a call describing the object as "like a whitish owl" heading towards the police station. John Tower, supervisor for Westchester County Airport, suggested possible explanations like aircraft flying in formation or an aircraft with advertising mounted on its wing, noting that lights can appear "like a mess" from certain angles. However, one viewer stated, "It was not an airplane." Tower himself saw something in the sky but didn't believe it was a UFO, though he acknowledged that pilots flying under visual flight rules might not make radio contact.

"UFO's in Clay?" - Celina, TN Sighting

Reported in the Clay Statesman on March 31, 1983, this article details a sighting on Friday night, March 25, 1983. John McGongile of Turkey Creek noticed two strange lights hovering in the sky. He and Danette Jones drove to the home of Danette's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ray Jones, and the object followed them. Four people observed the object hovering above them, making no noise and having no discernible color in the dark. Danette Jones took two pictures of the object before it drifted away. Joe Ray Jones was unimpressed, stating, "I want to see the rest of Dallas." Sheriff's deputies were called but found nothing. McGongile contacted Nashville authorities to check radar, but nothing was showing.

"2 in Hayfork report seeing UFO at night"

This report from the Record-Searchlight, Redding, CA, dated April 5, 1983, describes a sighting in Hayfork, Trinity County. Elizabeth Amman reported a UFO hovering over a ridge four miles west of Hayfork around 9:20 p.m. on Monday night. Undersheriff Steve Hanover noted that UFO sightings are common in Trinity County, but this one was significant because Sheriff's deputy Ray Rudkin also saw a light in the same area. Ms. Amman described the light as bright white with a green light on either side. There were no other reports of this sighting.

"Theories abound for lights in sky" - Westchester and Putnam Sightings

This article from the Reporter Dispatch, White Plains, NY, dated March 31, 1983, discusses the numerous sightings of strange lights over Westchester and Putnam counties. Officials have proposed theories such as planes flying slowly and close together, dirigibles, or atmospheric disturbances, but no firm explanation has been found. Robert Fulton of the FAA stated that checks with the military and FAA radar showed no aircraft in the area at the time. Philip Imbrogno, an astronomer, is investigating the sightings for the Center for UFO Studies. He noted similarities to sightings in 1976, 1977, and 1980, particularly the V-shaped description. One popular explanation suggests the lights were from Cessna 150 planes from Stormville and Sky Acres airports. Ed Rose, director of airport operations at Dutchess County Airport, recalled seeing a slow-moving, V-shaped configuration of lights land at the airport one summer night. Ted Miracco, an employee at Sky Acres, corroborated this, stating that a few pilots fly in formation on Wednesdays or Thursdays. However, some witnesses dispute the airplane theory, describing objects that behaved unlike any aircraft. Mary Fauteux described an object that "just hovered there" and then had its lights go out and reappear. Robert McMahon described an object "as big as a house" that was not an airplane and made a humming sound. Imbrogno believes the airplane explanation is not suitable, especially for close-range encounters.

"ET phones Hurley? Area kids spot UFO"

This article from the Sunday Freeman, Kingston, NY, dated April 3, 1983, reports on a sighting by thirteen youngsters in Hurley. They described a grayish-white, blimp-like object with many colored lights that hovered and flew near their homes for several minutes around 9 p.m. on Thursday. David Bloch, 13, was among the witnesses. They were told by the FAA it might have been three planes in tandem, but they disputed this. They also contacted state police, who reported three other UFO sightings that night. One adult, Mimi Pagliaro, also saw the UFO briefly. Todd Hotaling and Tony Antonelli noted no fuel exhaust. The article lists other witnesses: Jennifer Pagliaro, Ryan Hotaling, Kevin Kapila, Tad Cranfield, Karin Schmitt, John Heins, Jennifer Hartman, and Neeta Kapila.

"UFOs? Government Officials Didn't Always Scoff"

This piece by Joey Ledford from the Journal, Alexandria, VA, dated April 28, 1983, discusses declassified government documents on UFOs. It indicates that despite public statements, officials took some reports seriously. The Fund for UFO Research has amassed 400 pages of once-classified FBI, CIA, NSA, and Air Force documents. While the Air Force officially closed Project Blue Book in 1969, stating most sightings were explained, 701 remained unexplained. A 1968 NSA report acknowledged that UFO phenomena witnessed by reputable scientists suggest they are not all hoaxes and that the theory of extraterrestrial intelligence "cannot be disregarded." The documents detail sightings as late as 1980, including a "ball of fire" in Oak Ridge, Tenn. (1949), "four disc-shaped objects" near the Savannah River Plant, SC (1952), a "round low-flying object" in Henderson, NC (1956), and a "red flare" near Cape Canaveral, Fla. (1956). An FBI report from 1967 detailed a Chesapeake, VA, man's claim of being taken inside a UFO by undersized creatures. Fred Whiting of the Fund for UFO Research emphasizes that these are government documents, not their own claims.

"Manchester lawyer crusades to end government silence"

This article from the Journal Inquirer, Manchester, CT, dated April 26, 1983, profiles Robert Bletchman, a Manchester lawyer and state director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Bletchman believes the U.S. government has been conspiring to keep the truth about UFOs from the public, fearing it would disrupt belief systems and challenge governmental authority. He cites documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealing government investigations by the Air Force, CIA, and FBI. He also mentions alleged CIA sponsorship of books by Arthur Godfrey and Walt Disney to discredit UFOs. Bletchman points to a Gallup poll indicating 11% of Americans have spotted UFOs and cites the discovery of thousands of animals found dead with organs surgically removed as evidence of scientific studies by UFOs. He believes humans are also being "picked up" and examined. He suggests aliens might be studying Earth or visiting for cultural tourism.

"Ike met space visitors, UFO session told"

This report from the Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ, dated May 15, 1983, covers a UFO conference where Timothy Beckley, publisher of UFO Review, discussed a supposed meeting between President Eisenhower and "UFO-nauts" in the mid-1950s at Edwards Air Force Base. Beckley admitted it was rumor but supported by a soldier who claimed to have attended. He believes Earth is visited regularly by beings from "one or more planets" and that visits are kept secret to avoid altering society. Phoenix lecturer Hal Starr suggested that the US and Soviet Union are withholding UFO truth to learn how the craft operate, believing whoever masters this technology first will "rule the world."

"UFOs Manchester lawyer crusades to end government silence"

This article from the Journal Inquirer, Manchester, CT, dated April 26, 1983, profiles Robert Bletchman, a Manchester lawyer and state director of MUFON. Bletchman believes the U.S. government has been conspiring to keep the truth about UFOs from the public, fearing it would disrupt belief systems and challenge governmental authority. He cites documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealing government investigations by the Air Force, CIA, and FBI. He also mentions alleged CIA sponsorship of books by Arthur Godfrey and Walt Disney to discredit UFOs. Bletchman points to a Gallup poll indicating 11% of Americans have spotted UFOs and cites the discovery of thousands of animals found dead with organs surgically removed as evidence of scientific studies by UFOs. He believes humans are also being "picked up" and examined. He suggests aliens might be studying Earth or visiting for cultural tourism.

"U.S. document says Air Force reported 3 UFOs"

This article from the News World, New York, NY, dated April 29, 1983, discusses a declassified Air Force document detailing the recovery of three "3-foot-tall beings" recovered in New Mexico. The document, obtained by the Fund for UFO Research, suggests that despite the Air Force's public stance, officials took some reports seriously. The article mentions a 1968 NSA report acknowledging that UFO phenomena witnessed by reputable scientists suggest they are not all hoaxes and that the theory of extraterrestrial intelligence "cannot be disregarded."

"Aussies seek to recover saucer"

This piece from the News World, New York, NY, dated March 19, 1983, reports on a private group, "UFO Recovery '82," aiming to salvage a crashed UFO in a bay along the south Australian coastline. The incident allegedly occurred in 1957, witnessed by seven people who saw a small, automobile-sized object engulfed in flames crash into the bay. The flight path reportedly left a burned trail, and the water steamed upon impact. The group is seeking $250,000 for the salvage operation. However, the article notes discrepancies in witness testimonies and a lack of substantiating documentation from the project head, Noel Martin.

"UFOs have a thing about WA"

This article from the Independent, Perth, W.A., Australia, dated April 3, 1983, suggests that UFOs are a reality and are distinctly interested in Western Australia. Research physicist Michael Borley of the Perth UFO Research Group states that "extra-terrestrials are here, and they do contact people." The article details several recent sightings in WA, including a round object with pulsating lights that caused car radios to go static, and a pyramid-shaped object with flickering lights. It also mentions a man who reported seeing lights and then being visited by four men who "materialised" into his room, demonstrating "super-human abilities."

"UFOs Seen Over Turkey"

This brief report from the Daily Yomiuri, Tokyo, Japan, dated May 2, 1983, states that unidentified flying objects were observed in Kayseri, a central Anatolian province. Citizens reported seeing interesting objects in the sky, and the Kayseri Meteorological Center confirmed these reports.

"Public lose interest in little green men"

This article from the Saturday Evening Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, dated March 19, 1983, discusses a decline in reported UFO sightings in Tasmania. Ron Jolly, president of the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre, believes people are becoming blasé about reporting or fear ridicule. He notes that the peak sightings in the seventies coincided with the space research program. Jolly emphasizes that aliens with intergalactic travel technology could cause harm if they wished, and he is sympathetic to witnesses but not gullible. He advises potential spotters to watch the sky between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. The center investigates reports by checking astronomical phenomena, aircraft, satellites, meteors, and balloons. Jolly also expresses skepticism about abduction claims, suggesting aliens would logically abduct individuals like Einstein or top surgeons.

"The day the UFO crossed Portadown"

This piece from the News-Letter, Belfast, Ireland, dated April 22, 1983, recounts a historical sighting in Portadown in 1796. A "great light" was observed in the sky, causing alarm among residents. The event is linked to local traditions and believed by some to have been a divine intervention to prevent conflict. The article notes the lack of modern technology like radio or television at the time and questions whether stellar technology was advanced enough for such phenomena. The origin of the event remains a mystery.

"The Pinkney Report: UFO chased car and then just disappeared"

This report by John Pinkney from PIX-PEOPLE, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia, dated May 2, 1983, details a motorist's experience in northern Queensland. The driver reported a loud mechanical noise and colored lights flashing around his car, followed by a "weird machine" chasing him. He stopped the car, and the object disappeared. A station owner reported seeing lightning-like flashes and the ground seeming to move. The report notes that UFO research societies worldwide have collected thousands of similar testimonies from motorists, some reporting radiation burns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsclipping Service include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena across diverse locations, the ongoing efforts by private groups and individuals to investigate these events, and the alleged government secrecy surrounding UFOs. There's a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a reality, with a focus on presenting witness accounts and evidence that challenges official explanations. The publication seems to lean towards the belief in extraterrestrial intelligence as a plausible explanation for many sightings, while also acknowledging the need for scientific investigation and the challenges in proving such claims. The inclusion of historical accounts and declassified documents suggests a long-standing interest and official involvement in the UFO phenomenon, despite public denials.

This issue of "Weekend PEOPLE" from the Yorkshire Post, dated March 28, 1983, prominently features "A sighting of ufologists" on its cover, highlighting a meeting of the Yorkshire UFO Society. The magazine delves into various unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings from around the globe, and related topics.

A Sighting of Ufologists

The cover story details the first annual meeting of the Yorkshire UFO Society, held at their headquarters in Centenary House, Leeds. Graham Birdsall, the society's chairman and a local government officer, addressed the media, emphasizing that ufologists are not cranks and that countries like Spain and France are taking the subject seriously with dedicated research establishments. He noted that while America likely has a similar body, Britain remains quiet about it. The meeting aimed to recruit members and raise public awareness. Attendees were shown slides of various sightings, with Birdsall distinguishing between fakes and actual UFOs, stressing the society's objective approach to separating fact from fiction.

The article recounts discussions on specific cases, including a Yorkshireman found dead with strange burns in Todmorden after disappearing from his Pudsey home, lights photographed above Rylstone, and red and blue lights that followed a North Yorkshire woman, leading to hypnotic sessions suggesting extraterrestrial contact. John Sears, chairman of the British branch of Contact International, defended the seriousness of ufology, drawing a parallel to how moon landings were once dismissed.

UFO Reports Gather Dust (Ottawa)

This section reports on the Canadian government's official stance on UFO sightings. According to officials at the National Research Council (NRC), hundreds of reports are filed but simply collect dust with no action taken. The article highlights the experiences of Sherry Stewner and Theresa Klym, who reported a diamond-shaped, metallic-colored object with bright lights near Winnipeg. Their experience was noted by a Canadian Forces Base sergeant as 'coherent,' but the report, like many others, was destined for the Public Archives without investigation.

Dr. Peter Millman, who chaired a secret committee in 1952-53 to assess UFO threats to Canadian security, concluded that there was no evidence of alien visitation. However, W.B. Smith, a department of transport engineer and a member of that committee, later undertook Project Magnet, believing in the "substantial probability of the real existence of extra-terrestrial vehicles."

The Pinkney Report: When Not Seeing is Believing

Investigative journalist John Pinkney shares personal anecdotes and theories. He recounts Mrs. Audrey Gaillard's experience of seeing an "apple-green haze" with an orb in its center over Menzies Creek, Victoria. Pinkney also shares his own puzzling experience of seeing a bright, golden object that "snapped off" like an electric bulb over a Melbourne beachside suburb, shortly after joking about never seeing a UFO.

Space Age Fears: Boys' UFO Tale to Go on TV

Three boys from Bo'ness, Scotland – Colin Rowley, Derek Grant, and Norman Hogg – reported seeing a dome-shaped object with a yellow-orange glow during an evening walk. Their account led to a film crew from the TV-AM programme "Data Run" coming to interview them. The boys described the object as silent and about 20 meters long, with flashing lights. Their parents, initially disbelieving, later considered the possibility after hearing of other sightings in the area.

UFO Puts on a Show (Victoria, Australia)

An unusual aerial sighting occurred in Tallygaroopna, Victoria, where Robert Weston, his father, and a friend witnessed a large, glowing object changing colors, with smaller objects circling it. The object was described as changing from green to red, blue, or purple. While weather officials suggested phenomena like low clouds or atmospheric inversions, the UFO Research Society believes widespread reports on a clear night warrant further investigation.

More Strangers in the Sky (Harlow, England)

Following previous reports, another unidentified flying object was seen over Hook Field, Harlow. Twelve-year-olds Sharon Poulter and Samantha Mott described a "cigar shaped" craft with "a lot of bright lights" and a silver outline that hovered briefly before disappearing.

Here's That Light! (Bendigo, Australia)

Amateur photographer Mike Evans captured an image of one of four strange, cylindrical objects that hovered over Bendigo, Victoria, changing color from white to red, green, and blue. Evans, initially skeptical, became a believer after witnessing the event and receiving numerous calls from listeners reporting similar sightings. The RAAF is investigating, with the film to be sent to the U.S. for analysis. An anonymous report suggested the lights were from a rock band's laser show, but the RAAF had no firm explanation.

Object in Sky Baffles Star Gazers (New Delhi, India)

Indian astronomers were baffled by a diffuse object in the sky observed for three consecutive nights. Dr. Bhatnagar of the solar observatory suggested it could be the head of a faint comet or debris from a space experiment, noting its movement and brightness visible to the naked eye.

Matat UFO Was My Lover's, Claims Woman

Former Natalian Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer claims to have traveled extensively in flying saucers and stated that a UFO sighted in Matatiele on Easter Monday was that of her extraterrestrial lover, Akon. She reported seeing Akon on Flying Saucer Hill in the Drakensberg.

Could it be Return of the UFO? (Bromley, England)

Mr. John Newcomb of Bickley reported seeing two bright orange lights hovering one above the other, descending slowly and silently above trees in Chislehurst, suggesting a possible return of UFO activity.

Duo Still on Trail of Mysterious 'U.F.O. Landing' in Forest (Rendlesham Forest, England)

Investigators Dot Street and Brenda Butler are probing claims of an extraterrestrial trio with a faulty flying saucer landing in Rendlesham Forest near the RAF base at Woodbridge in December 1980. A Ministry of Defence letter confirmed "unusual lights" were seen, but denied any contact with "alien beings." The investigators are hampered by a "hush-hush policy" and are preparing a book on the case.

Green Light Meant Go When Bakkie Had a Brush With a UFO (Beaufort West, South Africa)

Izak Ferreira reported a bizarre close encounter where his bakkie accelerated to 160km/h for over two kilometers while two greenish lights were visible in the sky. He believes the lights were not a meteorite and "can't be rationally explained." His wife, Alice, believes his story.

UFO Fever! Sightings Across State (Victoria, Australia)

This report details widespread UFO sightings in Victoria, Australia, with hundreds reporting cone-shaped objects with flashing lights. While weather officials suggested natural causes, the RAAF is investigating, and the UFO Research Society is sending researchers to interview observers.

RAAF Investigates UFO Sightings (Victoria, Australia)

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is investigating numerous UFO reports from central Victoria. Despite suggestions of a rock band using laser lights, the RAAF is maintaining a watching brief for national security reasons and sending questionnaires to observers.

If E.T. Visits Again, Mexico Stands Ready With Unique Airport

Mexico is building the world's first airport for unidentified flying objects (UFOs) on Oriental Mountain, south of Mexico City. The Mexican Futurology and Imagination Group, composed of witches and psychics, aims to entice extraterrestrials to visit. The project, costing about $3,300, involves colored lights on a mountain top to guide spaceships. The group also claims to have received 94 seeds from "luminous beings" to combat world hunger.

RAAF to Investigate Mystery Lights in Victoria

The RAAF is investigating reported sightings of mysterious lights over central Victoria. An anonymous caller suggested the lights were caused by a rock music band using laser lights, which were reflected by low clouds. The RAAF has not discounted this theory.

Translations of UFO Reports

• This section provides summaries of UFO incidents from various locations:
• Kinshasa, Zaire: A mysterious flying object emitted a blinding light and caused a strong explosion.
• Brasilia, Brazil: An attempt at contact with extraterrestrials at a Ufology congress failed.
• Chillan, Chile: A teacher claims to have witnessed a UFO landing and made telepathic contact.
• Calama, Chanaral, Chile: A gigantic UFO was seen, emitting intense colors.
• Ventanilla, Oruro, Argentina: A freight train was reportedly stopped for 15 minutes by an unidentified flying object.
• Moscow, Russia: An inventor built a flying saucer that can convert into a rolling vehicle.

Do Apemen Still Walk the Earth?

British archaeologist Myra Shackley believes that "almas," mysterious man-like creatures reported in Mongolia, are evidence of surviving Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. She cites numerous historical references and eyewitness accounts, including a detailed description of a creature killed in the Pamir mountains in 1925. The article discusses ongoing studies in Russia and the possibility that almas represent a population of Neanderthals who disappeared from the archeological record around 35,000 years ago.

Bump Sighted: Exchange Teacher At Rolla Gets Dad's Word On Nessie

Ms. Glynne MacDonald, an exchange teacher in Rolla, Missouri, plans to share information about the Loch Ness Monster with her students. Her father, Herb MacDonald, reported seeing a "bump" in the water near Loch Ness, which she believes was Nessie. The article notes that most locals are firm believers in the monster, despite numerous scientific investigations yielding no conclusive proof.

Former Policeman Offers Animal Mutilation Explanation

John Cox, a retired police officer, offers a rational explanation for cattle mutilations, suggesting they are the result of natural post-mortem deterioration and animal feeding, rather than cult activities or UFO experiments. He cites an article from Penthouse magazine that supports this theory, arguing that the perceived increase in incidents is due to widespread reporting.

Help, the Sky is Falling: Cop

Postville, Iowa, Police Chief Darwin Ellis claims his patrol car was battered by a "reddish-brown porous material" that dropped from the sky, possibly from a meteor shower. State officials plan to investigate the claim.

A Secret Formula for Giant Vegetables

This brief report mentions an annual harvest of giant vegetables in Mexico, with attempts to grow them using a "mysterious formula" and possibly extraterrestrial influence. It also touches on the idea of extraterrestrials influencing healing and the possibility of their involvement in atomic war.

The Nessiesary Monster

This brief news item from The Economist mentions "The Nessiesary monster," likely referring to the Loch Ness Monster, in the context of a news report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the ongoing human fascination with mysteries beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, presenting various accounts and theories related to UFOs, cryptids like the Loch Ness Monster, and even the possibility of surviving hominoids, while also including skeptical viewpoints and official explanations. The magazine aims to inform readers about these phenomena and the efforts to investigate them, often highlighting eyewitness accounts and the challenges faced by researchers.