UFO Newsclipping Service - 1983 09 - no 170

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated September 1983 (Number 170), focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, with a prominent cover story detailing a 'convincing' close encounter. The publication is co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke and appears to be a compilation of various news clippings related to the UFO phenomenon.

Close Encounter Convincing

The lead article, by Merle Bird of the Capital-Journal, recounts the experience of John Stroud and Chris Borchert, who claim to have had a close encounter with an unidentified object on June 16, 1983, at 10:30 p.m. They describe seeing a silent, lit object with steady and blinking lights that passed over Burnett's Mound. Initially mistaking it for a helicopter or airplane, they realized it was neither. Stroud described the object as having a 'dense look' and making a sound like wind. Borchert noted its complete illumination and steady lights, unlike reflections. They estimated it was within a thousand feet of them. The object moved to the west of Forbes Field, and they described it as 'huge,' 'bigger than a football field,' and somewhat like the ship in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' but not as round, with 'supports' and 'landscaped' features resembling a city. Stroud expressed conviction that it was evidence of other life forms and that the object was 'making observations.' Borchert speculated about advanced life forms counteracting gravity. They discussed the possibility of a message but concluded the object did not seem to be trying to make contact, perhaps adhering to a non-interference principle. Borchert also suggested they might be as scared of humans as humans are of them. Stroud's parents were convinced it was an extraterrestrial visitor. The woman who cuts Stroud's hair also shared a similar experience. Stroud mentioned being given the name of a local doctor who investigates sighting sites. Both witnesses felt their lives were changed by the experience, with Stroud stating, 'Every time I'm out I'm constantly glancing up.'

Public Service Announcement

A public service announcement from Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) urges individuals with knowledge of alleged alien bodies kept at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base since a 1950 crash in New Mexico to come forward. CAUS, which had a 'Petition For Writ Of Habeas Corpus Extraterrestrial' dismissed, plans to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain records such as autopsy reports, metallurgical analyses, and photographs. They are seeking sworn testimony from a 'Cosmic Watergate' witness.

Planes Behind Part of UFO Sightings

An article by E.B. Walzer from the Reporter Dispatch (July 15, 1983) suggests that some UFO sightings might be explained by small, single-engine planes flying in formation. Philip Imbrogno, an investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, is quoted as saying this could explain '75 percent' of his paperwork related to sightings since March 24, particularly V-shaped lights. However, Imbrogno acknowledges this doesn't explain larger, silent, hovering objects. The article describes Walzer and Imbrogno staking out Stormville Airport in Dutchess County and observing planes in a V-formation. They later encountered people at the airport who were defensive and evasive about the planes.

Bright Ball of Light Spotted Over 8 Counties

This clipping from the Press Democrat (July 8, 1983) reports on a bright ball of light seen across eight California counties on a Thursday night. Residents described it as a white glow with a green tail, moving slowly. A spokesman for the UFO Reporting Center in Seattle suggested it fit the description of a meteor, and Vandenberg Air Force Base stated no missiles were launched that could account for it.

UFO Censorship?

A letter to the editor of the Oregonian (August 6, 1983) by Henry Korman criticizes the federal government's alleged deception regarding UFOs. Korman cites the Supreme Court's rebuff of requests for UFO documents and suggests that the government can withhold information based on 'military security.' He posits that UFOs might be U.S.-made military weapons, explaining the censorship.

'I Finally Saw a UFO,' Woman Says

An article by Seth Mendelson from the Detroit News (July 19, 1983) reports on Louise Guarasci's sighting of a silent, disc-shaped object in Tomkins Cove, New York. She was convinced it was a UFO after six other witnesses confirmed seeing something strange. James Hoyt, a parking valet, initially thought the lights belonged to a formation of airplanes, similar to those reported near Stormville Airport.

UFO(?) Sighted Sunday Night

This brief report from the Herald-Leader (June 16, 1983) mentions Grace Newton and Howard Evans reporting a large, oblong red object in the sky that moved slowly and silently, flickering on and off. They described it as much larger and brighter than previous UFOs they had seen.

UFOs: Visitor Eyes Evidence of Strange Phenomena

By Jim Gersbach, this article from the Camas-Washougal Record (July 26, 1983) profiles Ruby Moore, a 71-year-old grandmother who collects UFO sightings. Moore, a former civilian aerial observer for the Air Force, recounts seeing two strange crafts in Colorado in the 1950s. She describes an orange object shooting sparks and a round, silvery, fluorescent object. Moore believes UFOs are extraterrestrial, citing the difficulty of man-made objects penetrating U.S. airspace undetected. She suggests that aliens might be interested in humanity. Moore has collected hundreds of accounts and notes that people are often afraid to report sightings due to fear of ridicule. She provides advice on reporting sightings, including getting multiple witnesses and documenting details. She also mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek and the Center for UFO Studies.

Three Say They Saw, Well, Uh, a, Uh, UFO

By Mike Burbach of the Herald (July 30, 1983), this article details sightings by Mark Anderson and Marion Bjerk near Grand Forks, North Dakota, and truck driver Marvin Dobos near Staples, Minnesota. Anderson and Bjerk described a golden-colored, cigar-shaped object that turned blueish. Dobos reported seeing a flash that got his attention, which then disappeared. Both witnesses expressed a newfound belief in UFOs after their experiences. Lt. James Stratford of Grand Forks Air Force Base stated the Air Force had no involvement.

Reality Or Illusion? What Are Those Things in Sky?

This article by Joe Vargo from The Times (July 29, 1983) focuses on Walter Andrus, the founder of MUFON. Andrus's interest began in 1948 when his son pointed out 'silver balloons' in the sky. Now 62, Andrus is dedicated to understanding UFOs, their occupants, and their intentions. He believes scientists who research the data acknowledge UFOs are real. MUFON, with 1,100 members in 75 countries, aims to scientifically study UFO evidence. Andrus describes UFO encounters in four categories: Close Encounter of the First Kind (visual sighting), Second Kind (physical evidence), Third Kind (seeing creatures), and Fourth Kind (being taken aboard a UFO). He details the physical characteristics of alleged abductors. Andrus asserts that no weapons have been seen on UFOs and their power source is undetermined, possibly nuclear or microwave radiation. He criticizes government explanations for sightings, calling it a 'Cosmic Watergate.' The article also includes a debunking perspective from Philip Klass, who dismisses UFO theories as 'ridiculous' and suggests the government's interest was in Soviet psychological warfare. Klass is skeptical of abduction claims.

Sightings of UFOs Reported

This clipping from the Montgomery Co. Record (July 26, 1983) reports on residents in the Doylestown, Pennsylvania area seeing a constellation of 10 to 15 slow-moving specks of light. Tina Atchley compared the sight to 'ET coming to see me for my birthday.' Authorities at local naval stations and police departments had no explanation for the sightings.

Rutledge Takes UFO Research to England

An article from the Southeast Missourian (August 26, 1983) announces that Dr. Harley Rutledge, a physics professor, will present his research on UFO sightings in Southeast Missouri at the Third International UFO Congress in England. Rutledge, author of 'Project Identification,' will speak alongside Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

The Alien Obsession of Professor Leo Sprinkle

By Mike Shay, this article from The Post (July 31, 1983) profiles Leo Sprinkle, a psychology professor at the University of Wyoming who studies UFO contactees and abductees. Sprinkle, who has interviewed and hypnotized hundreds, calls Ufology his 'compulsion.' He describes the typical stages of a UFO contact experience, from initial sighting to dreams and physiological symptoms. He uses hypnosis as his primary investigative tool, despite acknowledging its imperfections. Sprinkle has chronicled stories in a paper titled 'UFO Contactees: Captive Collaborators or Cosmic Citizens?' He notes that many people fear reporting sightings. Dr. J. Allen Hynek calls Sprinkle's work 'noteworthy' but questions the reliance on hypnosis. Sprinkle's own UFO experiences include seeing a metallic object over the Flatirons in 1956 and a childhood encounter. He sees his work as helping people understand themselves and the UFO phenomenon.

Readers Asked to 'Tell All' About UFO Encounters

This letter to the editor of the Journal (August 23, 1983) from Larry W. Bryant of CAUS reiterates their pursuit of UFO-related documents through the Freedom of Information Act, focusing on autopsy reports and physical evidence of crashed UFOs. CAUS is seeking a 'Cosmic Watergate Deep Throat' to provide sworn testimony.

UFOs, If So, Then Why?

This article from The Times (August 8, 1983) discusses Larry B. Bryant, director of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), and his attempts to obtain UFO documents from the Air Force. The Air Force claims no records exist because they deny UFOs exist. Bryant is seeking information on 'crashed saucers' and their occupants. The article mentions Project Blue Book and the government's alleged efforts to suppress information.

Man Saw Dream Light Summer Sky

By Rodney Bowers, this article from the Southwest Times Record (August 16, 1983) features John Shellenberger's account of seeing a bright, dog-biscuit-shaped object on June 13, 1983. He took five Polaroid photos of the object, which he watched for about 45 minutes. Shellenberger did not report the incident to authorities, fearing ridicule. Dr. Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies expressed interest in the photos and noted that a 45-minute sighting is unusually long.

Latrobe Area Saw Alien Craft, Man Says

This article from the Tribune-Democrat (September 6, 1983) details a sighting by a Latrobe, Pennsylvania resident of a large, metallic gray craft, estimated at 250-300 feet long, hovering above trees. The object had two rows of square windows and emitted a bright orange light. Stan Gordon, director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained, investigated the incident. Reports of a strange, high-pitched sound and severe headaches were also received from the area. A similar sighting was reported in Jeannette the same morning.

Study Of UFOs Attracts Students To N.C. College

By Elissa McCrary, this Associated Press article (September 5, 1983) reports on a UFO studies course at Gaston College in North Carolina, taught by George Fawcett. Fawcett, a UFO investigator, notes the shift from 'crackpots' to scientists in UFO research and believes the government has withheld information. He highlights that other countries are also investigating UFOs and that North Carolina has a high number of sightings.

Jean Rook on the Trail of the Big 'UFO' Mystery

This article by Jean Rook from the Daily Express (July 15, 1983) describes her investigation into 'White Holes'—circular patterns appearing in cornfields in Britain. Rook explores various explanations, including whirlwinds, hoaxes, and hail. She also touches upon UFO spotters who believe these phenomena are related to extraterrestrial visitors, referencing the movie 'E.T.' Rook visits the 'Warminster Triangle,' a known UFO hotspot, and describes the precise symmetry of the holes, suggesting they were made by something that 'come down, rotating very slowly.' She notes the lack of entry or exit marks and the untouched barley around the rings. Local farmer's wife Mrs. Petronel Payne also expresses skepticism about weather-related explanations. Rook concludes by sitting in the center of a 'hole' and reflecting on the mystery.

Brief Encounter with Space

This article from Midweek (August 23, 1983) announces the third International UFO Congress in Lane End, England. The event features researchers from America, Canada, and Europe, with Dr. Stanton Friedman, a Canadian nuclear physicist, expected to present evidence that 'flying saucers are real.' The congress will also showcase photographs of UFO sightings from Norway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the challenges of obtaining credible evidence, and the skepticism faced by witnesses and researchers. There's a strong undercurrent of belief in the reality of UFOs, often presented as extraterrestrial spacecraft, and a critical stance towards government secrecy and attempts to debunk or explain away sightings with mundane causes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the reporting of sightings and the pursuit of scientific study into the phenomenon, while acknowledging the difficulties and ridicule involved.

This issue of the Yorkshire Post, dated July 18, 1983, features a prominent article on a new theory about UFOs by Jenny Randles, director of investigations for the British UFO Research Association. The magazine also includes various reports on UFO sightings from around the world, as well as articles on other unexplained phenomena like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

'Lights fantastic': Jenny Randles' New Theory on UFOs

The lead article, "Lights fantastic," by David Shearing, introduces Jenny Randles' efforts to establish UFO research on an analytical basis. Randles, a 25-year-old investigator, aims to move beyond the public's perception of UFOs as merely 'flying saucers' associated with extra-terrestrial beings. She notes the difficulties faced due to public skepticism and discreet resistance from authorities, with reports often being filed away by government bodies like the Ministry of Defence. While some sightings can be explained by conventional means (e.g., aircraft lights), Randles highlights the thought-provoking nature of unsolved cases.

Randles' new book, "The Pennine UFO Mystery," explores incidents in Lancashire and Yorkshire. She proposes a theory that certain geographical areas may act as "windows" for untapped energy sources that could explain the UFO syndrome. She recounts an incident near Headingley railway station where a British Rail employee reported being levitated by an unseen force after seeing a green, cheese-like object. Another incident involved two schoolgirls in Meanwood claiming to have seen a rocket-like object land. Randles suggests these phenomena might be linked to "Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena" arising from geological structures and energy sources.

UFO Sightings Around the World

The issue compiles several UFO sighting reports from various locations:

• Melbourne, Australia (July 22, 1983): Three policemen reported a UFO that "played fun and games" with them, appearing and disappearing over the Melton area. Chief Inspector Paul Hickman described it as a cross between a Harrier jet and a helicopter, about 30ft long and 20ft wide. A police helicopter was to search for it.
• Yorkshire, England (July 20, 1983): Over 30 UFO sightings were reported in the East Pennines area since January, with March and April being particularly active. Mark Birdsall of the Yorkshire UFO Society noted that the East Pennines is Britain's best area for such sightings. Incidents included a large, glowing circular object hovering above a woman in Grassington and a man discovering a scored tree after hearing a siren and seeing an orange glow.
• Bridgwater, England (August 2, 1983): A UFO sighted during a thunderstorm was described by Graham Knewstub, spokesman for the British Flying Saucer Bureau, as possibly a "spaceship looking for a place to land." A housewife reported seeing a "huge spaceship" fly over her house, and five other people also witnessed the event.
• Stockholm, Sweden (July 23, 1983): Three teenage girls reported an "incredible" experience where a "shimmering sort of 'thing'" about the size of a large car hovered above them. Their digital watch stopped during the encounter.
• Mitcham, England (August 19, 1983): A "potato-shaped" unidentified flying object was spotted, described by a police spokesman as possibly shooting stars, though witnesses reported alarmed calls.
• France (various dates and locations): Multiple reports detail UFO sightings, including a "totally luminous red sphere" in Villa Gesell, Argentina (reported via Buenos Aires); a UFO that disintegrated into luminous particles in Gutierrez District, Argentina; a strange object near Rosario, Argentina; a basketball-sized object emitting powerful light over Shanghai, China; a UFO recorded on tape in Bilbao, Spain; a powerful white light and a beam of light in Mendoza, Argentina; a luminous object over Mataram, Indonesia; a "stretched-out shape" object near Marignane; a large saucer-shaped object in Violes; and a "strange light" and "funnel-shaped object" in Limoges and surrounding regions.
• Quebec, Canada (August 19, 1981): A puzzling case at Marieville involved nine people witnessing a flat blue disc with a red dome flying low and zig-zagging, leaving physical traces in a field.
• France (July 17-18, 1983): A fireman in Sommerecourt claimed to have been abducted by a "ball of flame" UFO, describing the crew as "fat, ugly little men with pointed ears."

Other Unexplained Phenomena

Bigfoot

The Herald-Standard (July 11, 1983) features an article about Walter Brundage, a self-proclaimed Bigfoot researcher who travels extensively to investigate sightings. Brundage, who has spent over $1,000 on his hobby, believes Bigfoot is a shy, elusive mammal with human and ape-like characteristics. He has interviewed witnesses and taken polygraph tests, aiming to find photographic or film evidence. The Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU), founded by Stan Gordon, also investigates Bigfoot reports, along with UFOs and other phenomena, collecting physical evidence and testimony.

Loch Ness Monster

The Evening Express (July 18, 1983) reports on firemen in Inverness puzzling over a large black object seen on Loch Ness, initially thought to be a boat but later disappearing. The Times (September 1, 1983) features American businessmen Rikki Razdan and Alan Kielar preparing to use sophisticated sonar equipment and biopsy darts to investigate the Loch Ness Monster, emphasizing they do not intend to harm the creature. The Wall Street Journal (August 16, 1983) discusses the historical depth of Nessie sightings, referencing a 7th-century account, and argues for the validity of evidence beyond eyewitness testimony, including sonar contacts and film sequences. The Gazette (September 16, 1983) includes a letter from Hugh C. Hamilton refuting the idea that Nessie sightings only began 50 years ago, citing a 7th-century account. Another letter from Richard D. Smith argues that evidence for large, unidentified animals in deep lakes is substantial and dismisses explanations like floating logs or otters.

Other Reports

• Wisconsin State Journal (June 26, 1983): An article explores the legend of "lost pyramids" in Rock Lake, Wisconsin, with theories ranging from ancient Indian structures to glacial formations.
• Milwaukee Journal (July 3, 1983): An article discusses Rupert Sheldrake's controversial "morphic resonance" theory, which suggests that learning becomes easier over time due to a collective memory field shared by species.
• Syracuse Herald American (August 14, 1983): Reports a sighting of "Champ," the Lake Champlain monster, in the northern portion of the lake.
• Waco Tribune-Herald (July 22, 1983): Specialists are investigating holes found in a pasture near Bynum, Texas, which are believed to be not meteoritic but possibly from unauthorized drilling, though low-level radiation was detected.
• Texarkana Gazette (September 16, 1983): A witness claims to have seen a "big bird" wider than his ambulance, with a hump on its head and a pouch near its throat.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, and the ongoing efforts to investigate and understand them. There's a clear interest in presenting both witness accounts and scientific or theoretical perspectives, as seen with Jenny Randles' new theory and the compilation of global UFO reports. The articles also touch upon other enduring mysteries like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, highlighting the human fascination with the unknown and the challenges of empirical investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, while also acknowledging the skepticism and difficulties involved in such research.