UFO Newsclipping Service - 1983 11 - no 172

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated November 1983, presents a collection of articles and reports detailing various UFO sightings and related phenomena from around the world. The cover story, "Are the UFOs Becoming Obsolete?" by Matt Seiden, questions the declining official interest in UFOs while presenting a personal encounter with a mysterious aerial object. The issue also includes reports from the USA, Australia, and the UK, covering a range of sightings, witness testimonies, and discussions on potential government cover-ups.

Are the UFOs Becoming Obsolete?

Matt Seiden recounts his personal experience of seeing a large, V-shaped object with multiple lights crossing the sky. His attempt to report the sighting to the U.S. Air Force was met with the response that UFOs are no longer monitored. He was directed to private organizations, eventually speaking with Sherman Larsen, a volunteer investigator who receives about 1,500 reports annually. Seiden's investigation also involved contacting the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a local airport, neither of which could confirm any conventional aircraft that matched his description. A woman from the Stormville flying club suggested the object might have been a training flight from People's Express, attempting to 'spook people.'

Return of the UFO

This editorial comments on the recurring nature of UFO flaps and expresses hesitancy to dismiss reports, especially from law enforcement officers and officials. It discusses recent reports of unidentified flying objects near the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant, followed by the discovery of a hoax involving garbage bags. However, the editorial notes that a Limestone County deputy reported being pursued by a strange bright light, and other officers also reported seeing strange lights that night, suggesting a possible continuation of the phenomenon.

UFO Sighting Reported (Bend, OR)

An observer at Pine Mountain Observatory east of Bend reported seeing an unidentified flying object on Tuesday evening. The object, described as multi-colored lights, flew north from the Fort Rock area over the observatory and disappeared to the west. The sighting was relayed to Professor Jim Kemp at the University of Oregon.

Women View Strange Object in Sky Near Duncan Gap

Nancy M. Mullins and Nancy B. Mullins reported seeing a strange object near Duncan Gap. They described it as a large, house-sized light with beams, appearing crystal-like, white, and glimmering. Dr. Bill Hooper, head of the observatory at Clinch Valley College, commented that it would be difficult to determine what the object was, speculating it might have been the moon in a crescent shape, with trees giving the appearance of windows.

Some Sightings May Be Valid, Says Scientist

This article features Dr. Bruce Cordell, a geophysicist and planetary scientist, who believes that at least some UFO sightings are valid. He defines UFOs as anything in the sky that cannot be identified and notes that planets can sometimes be mistaken for UFOs. Cordell has interviewed many people who have sighted 'saucercraft' and believes they exist on some level, possibly manned by 'advanced beings.' He discusses the government's sporadic efforts to investigate UFOs and the difficulty scientists face in studying the phenomenon due to anecdotal data and hoaxes. Cordell also mentions the CIA's covert interest in UFOs and groups claiming the government is holding extraterrestrial humanoids. He discusses the 'deception theory' and the possibility of crashed saucercraft.

UFO Coverup?

Larry Bryant, director of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, claims the U.S. government is covering up evidence of extraterrestrials being stored at military bases, including Langley Air Force Base. He is seeking verification of his belief that the military recovered a crashed craft in New Mexico in 1950 and may be holding aliens. Bryant cites a declassified government document from March 22, 1950, detailing the recovery of three flying saucers with humanoid occupants. He states that North Carolina ranks fourth in the country for UFO sightings and that 57 percent of the public accepts UFOs as reality.

Langley Holding Extra-terrestrials, Author Says

This article reiterates Larry Bryant's claim that extra-terrestrials are being held at Langley Air Force Base. Officials at NASA's Langley Research Center and the Air Force Base deny any knowledge of such storage. Bryant believes his organization has the right stuff to prove his allegation and refers to a declassified government document about a UFO crash in New Mexico. Maurice Parker, a spokesman for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, stated that no extra-terrestrials are held at Langley. David Griffard, chief of public affairs at Langley Air Force Base, also denied any such presence.

Cosmic Watergate?

This piece discusses the Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) organization and their 'Cosmic Watergate?' conference, alleging a massive government cover-up of UFO research. Lawrence Fawcett, an authority on UFOs, claims the government has overwhelming evidence of UFO existence and that these crafts pose a threat to national security due to their advanced technology. Fawcett is compiling a 'Sauceriana Collection' of UFO research. He cites a declassified document from March 22, 1950, detailing the recovery of UFOs and humanoid occupants. Fawcett notes that North Carolina ranks fourth in UFO sightings and that 98 percent of Americans are aware of UFOs.

Arundel Police Investigating UFO Sighting

Anne Arundel County police and fire officials are investigating a reported UFO sighting in Pasadena. Charles Williams Knight reported seeing a large round object illuminate his home, land on his lawn, and then vanish without noise, leaving dark spots on the grass. Fire officials collected samples of the grassy area.

'I'm Just the Ad Person'

This personal account describes a series of UFO sightings experienced by the author and neighbors in Junction City, Oregon, during the summer of 1966. The sightings involved a large glowing light that made erratic movements and a disk-shaped object that landed in a field during daylight. The author reflects on how these experiences brought the community together.

Garrett Family Watching, Logging UFO for 6 Years

The Garrett family has been observing and logging UFO sightings for six years from their home near Garrett, Pennsylvania. They have witnessed a brightly lit object, oval in shape with two spotlights, which moved swiftly and silently. Subsequent sightings described a delta-winged object surrounded by a green haze with amber lights on its underside, estimated to be the size of a football field. The last sighting was accompanied by a sound like a 'rush of air.' The family believes many people have seen similar objects but are not reporting them.

How 'UFO' Came Down to Earth and Surprised a Weatherman

A Cape Weather Bureau employee, Izak Ferreira, reported a 'close encounter' with a UFO near Beaufort West. While driving to work, his vehicle was propelled forward at high speed despite braking, and the lights he saw moved upwards and disappeared. He later tested his vehicle and found it could only reach a top speed of 120 km/h, compared to its usual 160 km/h.

UFO 'CHASED' BY CAR

This article reports on a UFO sighting in Leeton, Australia, involving Doreen Shepherd and her daughter Jenny. They described an oval-shaped object that became bright red and had lights like windows. The object hovered around their car and seemed to follow them. Similar reports have occurred along a line from Western Melbourne to Williamstown. The RAAF has denied knowledge of the sightings.

New UFO Sighting (Ballarat, Victoria)

A reader reported seeing an object gliding slowly eastwards over Ballarat, described as beautifully proportioned with six lights forming a slight wedge shape. The object was obscured by buildings and trees after about 20 seconds.

Those Mystery Flying Objects

The Griffith district in NSW has also experienced UFO sightings. Senior Constable Dave Cohen reported two incidents: a young boy witnessing a strange object with red and blue lights, and another sighting of a flashing light that changed colors from white to blue and red, appearing diamond-shaped.

'Cigars' in Sky Start UFO Mystery

In Kendal, England, families reported seeing 'fat cigar' shaped objects lit by bright flashing lights. Mr. Jim Palmer described the objects as having red and green lights and a large blue-white flashing light. He observed two such objects and believes they were UFOs, not planes or helicopters.

Brothers Who Keep a Check on UFOs

Graham and Mark Birdsall, co-ordinators of the Yorkshire UFO Society, have documented over 300 UFO sightings in Yorkshire. They highlight a photograph taken by two policemen of three large white glowing balls of light at Cracoe Fell as significant photographic evidence. The brothers believe that UFO sightings in a specific area of North Yorkshire are regular and involve definite shapes, not just lights.

A Hobby Out of This World

Gary Rowe, founder of the National UFO Laboratory in North Wales, discusses his lifelong interest in Ufology sparked by a personal encounter. He runs lectures and a club for UFO enthusiasts and investigates reports from across Britain.

County Man Spots a 'Silent' U.F.O.

Benjamin Franklin of Rowston, England, reported seeing bright lights in the sky, described as a round object with a brilliantly lit and flashing bottom half. The object remained for about 10 minutes before flying away silently and much faster than any aircraft he had seen. His wife also witnessed the sighting.

ET Could Be for Real!

This brief mention refers to a book, 'The Evidence For UFOs' by Hilary Evans, which discusses various explanations for UFOs, including psychological, natural, and extraterrestrial possibilities, as well as secret government tests. The author concludes that some UFO instances are indeed extraterrestrial.

Telford UFO Spotter Fears Cover-up

Mr. Pat Judson, of Telford, is compiling a book on UFOs and believes The Wrekin area has become a focal point for mysterious aerial activity, with 16 sightings reported since August 12. He claims to have received information from RAF Shawbury, which he alleges was later denied. Judson appeals to people in the area who have had similar experiences to contact him.

Waiting for the Spaceships

This article describes a skywatch event organized by Ken Rogers on Cradle Hill near Warminster. Despite the gathering of around 200 people, the author did not witness any UFOs, only satellites. The article touches upon the skepticism surrounding organized skywatches and the lack of serious research into the phenomenon. It also mentions other sightings in the area, including strange circles in cornfields and unusual noises.

Railwayman's Weird Sighting

This piece recounts the experience of a British Rail employee who reported seeing a solid triangular-shaped object hovering over a railway line in Headingley. The object reportedly caused his footsteps in the snow to disappear for a stretch, suggesting he was lifted and gently lowered. The article also mentions other sightings in the area, including a steel-blue ball of light seen by police officers.

'U.F.O.' Goes Past Window

Mrs. Phyllis Grant of Llanelli claimed to have seen a 'strangely lit, mysterious aircraft' that was oblong-shaped and surrounded by smaller, brightly lit objects. She described seeing windows and shapes inside the object, which moved at a remarkable speed. She is convinced it was a UFO and not a conventional aircraft.

Mystery Lights in Road Centre

This article details the encounter of police officer Alan Godfrey with a UFO in Todmorden. He described a dome-shaped object with a line of five windows, hovering in the middle of the road. His radio communication failed, and he later found himself 100 yards down the road with the object gone. The article also mentions similar sightings by other police officers in the Halifax area.

Adel Sky-watchers Saw

This report focuses on a UFO sighting in Adel, Leeds, where residents observed strange flickering lights in the night sky for over an hour. Amateur photographer Michael Tebbs captured time-exposure photographs of the lights, which he described as turning red, blue, green, and white, and moving at tremendous speed. The Air Traffic Controllers at Leeds Bradford Airport stated it was not one of their aircraft and that they received reports but could not trace or see anything.

Couple Seek UFO Spotters

David and Dorothy King of Folkestone are appealing for others to come forward with similar UFO experiences after witnessing 'a brilliant white light hovering over Folkestone' that moved at considerable speed. Their daughter, Dot, a UFO investigator, is convinced her parents saw a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistence of UFO sightings despite official disinterest, the challenges of scientific investigation, the role of witness testimonies, and the persistent allegations of government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, encouraging reporting and investigation while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misidentifications. There is a clear emphasis on presenting diverse accounts and perspectives, from personal encounters to expert opinions and official denials.

This issue of the Keighley News, dated September 30, 1983, focuses on the 'Meanwood Landing' mystery, presenting it as a significant event with witness accounts and an illustration of the alleged craft. The magazine also features a range of other UFO-related stories and investigations.

The 'Meanwood Landing' Mystery

The lead story details the 'Meanwood Landing' mystery, with a striking cover image of a dome-shaped object. The article describes a sighting by Lyndsey Taylor, who drew a diagram of the object. The accompanying text suggests that the object was 'dome-shaped' and that the landing occurred in Meanwood, Yorkshire.

Close Encounter in Aldershot

Another prominent article recounts the experience of pensioner Alfred Burtoo, who claims to have had a close encounter with 'little green men' while fishing on the Basingstoke Canal in Aldershot. Burtoo alleges that he was taken aboard a flying saucer by beings dressed in pale green suits, who communicated with him in a 'sing-song voice' with an accent between Russian and Chinese. Omar Fowler of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena is quoted as being convinced of Burtoo's story, calling it 'the most sensational thing that has ever happened.' Burtoo's wife, Margery, also expresses belief in his account.

UFO Buzzes Politicians

A report from the News of the World details an incident where a car carrying radio chatshow host David Jacobs, along with politicians Shirley Williams and Jonathan Porritt, was 'buzzed' by a UFO. The object was described as a 'brilliant ball of white light with a tail' that shot across their path at supersonic speed.

Jet Pilot Fired Shot at Saucer

This section reveals a dramatic report of American Air Force pilots attempting to shoot down a UFO. A radar site reportedly picked up a UFO traveling at 700 mph, which then slowed to 100 mph. Two F-86s were scrambled, and one pilot fired at the saucer, described as 'definitely saucer-shaped,' but failed to hit it. The UFO then vanished rapidly. The report is said to be from a secret manual for American pilots.

Flying Flutter

Michael Howell, a joiner from Yorkshire, is reportedly trying to claim £70,000 from Ladbroke's for a £700 wager on aliens landing on Earth, following the news of the Suffolk UFO sighting.

Suffolk UFO Landing and Investigation

Reports from Ipswich Evening Star and Evening News (Manchester) discuss a UFO landing in Tangham Forest, Suffolk, in December 1980. UFO investigators are reportedly deluged with information from local people. The article mentions that USAF official reports of the sightings have been published, leading to renewed interest. Det. Chief Inspector Norman Collinson and solicitor Harry Harris are among the researchers calling for a public inquiry into the incident, citing official documents that allegedly prove a 'close encounter' by USAF security men. Lt Col Charles Halt's report on the incident is mentioned.

'Space Craft Landing' Call for Inquiry

A team of Manchester UFO researchers is calling for a public inquiry into reports of 'flying saucer' landings near an air base in Suffolk. Jenny Randles, national director of research for the UFO Research Association, states that the evidence warrants an inquiry. The researchers claim official documents prove USAF security men had a 'close encounter' with an unidentified flying object that landed in a forest near RAF Bentwaters base in December 1980.

Bentwaters 'UFO' Dismissed as Lighthouse

A contrasting report from the Sunday People dismisses the News of the World's claim of a UFO landing in Britain. The Sunday People suggests the light seen was from the Orford Ness lighthouse. They quote an officer for the Forestry Commission who explains how the lighthouse light can appear at ground level through the trees. The News of the World, however, reiterates its story, claiming more UFO sightings have been reported since their initial report.

Abducted by Extra-Terrestrials (Summary)

This section summarizes a report from LE JOURNAL DE QUEBEC about an individual, referred to as 'Mr. X,' who claims to have been abducted by beings with gray-green skin and almond-shaped eyes. The beings reportedly attached devices to his body and took a skin sample. Mr. X also claims to have brought back a small block of metal from the spaceship.

UFO Sightings Round-up (International)

The issue includes a comprehensive list of UFO sightings from various international locations:

• Argentina: A bright and colored UFO in Entre Rios; a UFO followed a businessman for 200 km near La Plata; a 'jogging' UFO seen in Rivadavia; a UFO sighted in Rosario; and a UFO seen in Cerros Colorados, La Rioja.
• Bolivia: Residents in southern Bolivia are frightened by strange flying objects with blinding lights.
• Chile: A luminous 'cigar' shaped UFO was seen in Arica.
• Italy: Two 'conical' UFOs with colored lights were sighted in El Bolson, Rio Negro, and another in Villotta de Chions and Cesena.

Pyramid Construction Theory

An article discusses Dr. Joseph Davidovits' theory that the ancient Egyptians created synthetic stone for the pyramids, casting them like cement rather than quarrying them. This theory is met with skepticism by many archeologists.

Lake Okanagan Monster Reward

A reward of $1 million is offered to anyone who can prove the existence of the legendary 'Ogopogo' monster of Lake Okanagan.

Bigfoot and Cryptozoology

Several articles touch upon the subject of cryptozoology, the study of hidden animals. Dr. Warren Cook, an archaeologist and historian, is presented as a 'Bigfoot' believer, discussing a documentary titled 'In the Shadow of Bigfoot.' The article also mentions sightings of Bigfoot in New England and the ongoing search for creatures like the Loch Ness Monster ('Nessie') and 'Champ' in Lake Champlain.

Sea Serpent Sighted

An article reports on a sighting of a 100-foot-long sea serpent off Stinson Beach, California, by five witnesses. Descriptions of the creature vary, with some mentioning three humps and others four.

Mysterious Fallout

A report from Shelby, North Carolina, details an incident where a mass of partially frozen, brown 'goop' fell from the sky into a backyard. The source of this 'unidentified fallen refuse' remains unknown, with theories ranging from aircraft toilet waste to something more mysterious.

Nessie Sinks: The Big Hunt

This section reviews the 'Nessie hunting' season on Loch Ness, Scotland. Despite considerable activity from researchers and expeditions, the year appears to have been quiet with few confirmed sightings. The article mentions various methods used to search for the creature, including sonar equipment and trained dolphins. It also touches upon other alleged cryptid sightings and research efforts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in presenting witness accounts, even those that are sensational, alongside reports of official investigations and skepticism. The magazine appears to lean towards exploring the possibility of these phenomena, while also acknowledging the scientific and skeptical viewpoints. The inclusion of international sightings and the discussion of cryptozoology suggest a broad interest in the unexplained.