UFO Newsclipping Service - 1984 06 - no 179

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated June 1984, features a prominent interview with UFO expert Bob Baker, who expresses confidence that humanity is not alone in the galaxy. The magazine also includes various reports on UFO sightings, 'missing time' incidents, and investigations from different regions.

UFO Expert Confident Man Not Alone in Galaxy

In an interview with Eric Lawlor for the Houston Chronicle, Bob Baker, an astronautics engineer and UFO scientist, shares his views on the existence of extraterrestrial life. Baker believes that the vastness of the galaxy and the rapid evolution of life make it highly improbable that Earth is the only inhabited planet. He dismisses the idea that UFOs are simply natural phenomena or solely extra-terrestrial activity, stating that they usually come in pairs and are typically elliptical. Baker emphasizes the unreliability of single-frame pictures and eyewitness accounts, suggesting that people can delude themselves into believing they've seen something extraordinary. He supports SETI (Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence) as a cost-effective method for detecting signals from other civilizations. Baker, who has been involved with UFO research since the 1950s and served on a Senate committee investigating UFOs, is now president of West Coast College.

Letters to the Editor

Brent Raynes of Waynesboro, TN, contributes two letters. The first, dated May 11, 1982, details his investigation into 'missing time' cases, including one involving a couple in Knoxville who experienced a blank memory on July 27, 1952, followed by nightmares and subsequent UFO sightings. He notes the controversial nature of hypnotic recall but suggests it may not be entirely unreliable. The second letter, dated May 18, 1982, discusses a case in Manassas, Virginia, where a subject reported abduction by beings with white skin, large eyes, and huge heads, recalling a leader with a different head shape. Raynes questions whether these experiences are visitations of alien technology or 'Magonia type fantasies' and ponders their impact on human history.

UFOs and Missing Time

An article by Brent Raynes discusses the phenomenon of 'missing time' in relation to UFO sightings. It references Jacques Vallee's book 'Passport to Magonia,' which chronicled numerous UFO accounts involving humanoid entities. The article highlights that 'missing time' cases are disturbing and often involve subjects reliving scenes through hypnosis, describing short humanoids with specific physical characteristics. It also recounts a suggestive story from the mid-1930s in Beech Creek Road, where a young man encountered 'dwarfish men' and subsequently found himself at the bottom of a hill, questioning whether it was repression or mental manipulation.

Decatur's Shirley Lynch Leads Local Group That Takes UFOs Seriously

Gary McDaniel reports on Shirley Lynch of Decatur, Georgia, who has been appointed state section director for MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). MUFON is a 15-year-old scientific organization dedicated to UFO research. Lynch aims to coordinate investigations in Rockdale, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties, hoping to break the mystery of UFOs. She notes that Georgia has relatively few reported UFO sightings compared to the Midwest and Southwest. Lynch believes the government may be covering up information and that most reports come from credible individuals. MUFON investigators collect eyewitness testimony, sketches, and soil samples. The article also mentions a UFO sighting in Waycross, Georgia, in January 1984. Lynch emphasizes that MUFON keeps names confidential and provides a hotline number for reporting sightings.

The latest on UFOs and E.T.s

This USA Today report summarizes discussions from an American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting. Experts debated whether UFOs exist, with James Oberg suggesting most sightings are explained, while J. Allen Hynek noted consistent patterns in well-substantiated cases that are inconsistent with everyday phenomena. The consensus is that there is no proof of alien spacecraft visiting Earth. Regarding psychic phenomena, James Randi calls most reports hoaxes, but Stanley Krippner suggests they might be extensions of our senses. On extraterrestrial intelligence, Frank Drake estimates thousands of civilizations in the universe, but Eric Jones questions their absence, suggesting Earth might be the first. The consensus is to 'keep searching.'

Have UFOs returned? Ask the folks in Jesup

Jingle Davis reports on a mass sighting of unidentified flying objects in Jesup, Georgia, on April 26. Nearly 30 people, including Sheriff Jim Poindexter, reported seeing brightly lit objects of spectacular dimensions moving silently at speeds of around 100 mph. Witnesses described them as not being airplanes or helicopters. Ray Poppell reported seeing two large objects hovering, followed by a field that became intensely bright. He believes the objects were either from outer space or government experiments. The sheriff's office checked with Fort Stewart, which denied any involvement.

Agvice Plus: X MARKS THE SPOT

Jim Hoobler recounts an experience where a man named Bill Steffen reported a UFO landing on his milo field in Clay County, Kansas. The landing site was an 'X'-shaped crater, about a foot deep and 20 feet long, with dirt thrown 15 feet away. There were no tracks or other signs of life. Hoobler took K-State specialists to the site, who were also baffled and took pictures.

Lights Prompt Sightings

Reports from Jesup, Georgia, describe unusual lights in the night sky causing several people to report UFO sightings on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Darrel Burnett described eight yellow lights moving towards the ITT Rayonier mill at high speed, 'floating at treetop level.' The object disappeared when it reached the Wayne County-Long County bridge. Police confirmed multiple calls about the sightings.

Minister Scans Skies For UFOs

Katherine Boyette reports on the Rev. Ralph Savarese, a minister in Shubuta, Mississippi, who has been appointed state section director for MUFON. Savarese, who saw a UFO in 1967, believes they come from outer space and were not developed by the military. He has seen two other UFOs since but did not report them due to being laughed at previously. He is available to investigate local sightings.

U.F.O. Authority Speaks To Club

George D. Fawcett, a UFO investigator, spoke to the Granite Falls Rotary Club, presenting slides of UFO sightings worldwide. He highlighted the inconsistency of UFO properties with everyday objects and phenomena, and discussed the implications of UFOs for military security, scientific advancement, and theology. Fawcett noted that government files on UFOs were classified higher than the Manhattan Project and that a court ruling allowed the scientific community access to NSA UFO files.

Mystery of mass unsolved

Karen Hausch reports on David Thompson, a 15-year-old from Duncan, British Columbia, who witnessed a 'soccer ball burning' object fall from the sky and land on Beverley Street. The object, described as a yellow, concave mass, sizzled and melted away. Science teachers at Quamichan are baffled, and samples are being sent for examination.

US interest in night sky 'UFOs'

John Hargreaves reports on UFO sightings in Rossendale, England, despite government denials. American reporters have shown interest in these incidents. Many witnesses have seen unexplained objects in the sky, but fear ridicule. The article mentions a 'red cigar-shaped object' and a 'flaming object' that fell from the sky.

P-c: The flashing blue light I saw in the sky

This report details a sighting by P-c Richard Milthorp of North-West London, who observed a domed UFO flashing blue, green, and red lights. The object moved erratically and disappeared eastward. Air traffic control confirmed no aircraft were in the area. The report was passed to Scotland Yard and the Civil Aviation Authority.

UFOs: Out of sight? Out of mind?

Jonathan Confino writes about Bob Boyd, who claims to have seen a UFO in the UK. Boyd describes a craft that was silent, hovered, and was observed by many people. He notes that the government has been secretive about UFOs, and that the Air Force's explanation of the Venus sighting was unconvincing.

Official U.F.O.

This article discusses a photograph taken by American photographer Robert Abbey of a UFO that allegedly landed in a field near Easthampton, Massachusetts. The object is described as a metallic disc with a dome. The article also mentions a sighting by a police sergeant in Twin Peaks, California, who saw a 'dome-shaped object' hovering over a naval base.

Two more sightings highlight mystery

This article from the Chronicle, Lake Charles, LA, details two UFO sightings. One involved a police sergeant in Twin Peaks, California, who saw a 'dome-shaped object' hovering over a naval base. The second involved a man in Adlington, UK, who saw a 'golden ball with a tail' and a 'red cigar-shaped object' over his village.

UFOs: riddle invasion

This article from the Cumberland Times, Cumberland, MD, discusses the ongoing mystery of UFOs and the lack of definitive answers. It mentions that many UFO reports cannot be explained by conventional means and that the government may know more than it reveals.

UFOs Fact, Fantasy? Experts Divided

This UPI report summarizes a panel discussion at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting. J. Allen Hynek stated that UFO reports, many from credible observers, show a 'strange consistency' and cannot be explained by ordinary means, suggesting a 'UFO phenomenon' worth studying. Arthur Clarke advocated for ignoring UFOs until hard physical evidence, like a landing, is available. James E. Oberg suggested most sightings are explainable, with the rest being a 'normal residue of unsolved cases.'

Keeping an eye on UFOs

Bob Downing reports on Americo E. Candusso, a member of the Akron-based Flying Saucer Investigating Committee for over 22 years. Candusso is baffled by a mysterious circle in a wheat field in Carroll County, Ohio, discovered in 1965. The circle had physical evidence including bare ground, flattened wheat, and abnormally high levels of zinc and iron. Candusso also recounts a 1960 incident involving four teenagers who encountered a bell-shaped, metallic-looking robot-like object. He believes the government knows more about UFOs than it has revealed and challenges the conclusions of the Condon Committee.

Scientists' Session Peers at the Far-Out

Charles Petit reports on a session at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting. J. Allen Hynek stated that UFO reports reveal patterns that cannot be explained by known phenomena, suggesting they might represent events or processes new to science. Arthur Clarke expressed skepticism, calling for 'malign neglect' until hard evidence like a UFO landing emerges. The search for extraterrestrial intelligence signals was also discussed, with disagreement on the likelihood of finding anything.

We're 20 years behind the times

An editor's letter to The Journal criticizes newspapers for treating the UFO problem with a 'tongue-in-cheek' approach, suggesting they are '20 years behind the times.' The letter highlights J. Allen Hynek's view that UFO reports display 'strange consistency' and cannot be explained by ordinary means, and mentions Arthur Clarke's call for hard physical evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of UFO sightings and the 'missing time' phenomenon, the ongoing scientific and public debate about the reality and origin of UFOs, and the perceived government secrecy surrounding the topic. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles and letters, is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, with a mix of expert opinions ranging from confident belief in extraterrestrial visitation to skepticism pending concrete evidence. There is a clear emphasis on the need for continued investigation and a desire to move beyond dismissive attitudes towards UFO reports.

This issue of the magazine, dated April 1984, features a prominent cover story about a schoolgirl's sighting of a flying saucer in Sutton, England. The magazine covers a wide array of UFO and unexplained phenomena reports from various international locations, including Australia, Canada, the Soviet Union, and the United States.

Key Articles and Reports

"Awakened by noise Saw flying saucer sail across sky" (Sutton & Cheam Herald, April 26, 1984)

This article details a sighting by 13-year-old Amanda Holmes of Sutton, England, who claims to have seen a flying saucer on a Monday morning. She was awakened by a loud noise, which she described as different from that of a plane, and saw an object shaped like a conventional saucer but without lights, sailing across the sky towards Croydon. Her mother corroborated hearing a strange noise.

"RAAF gives up chase for UFOs" (West Australian, May 3, 1984)

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has adopted a new policy regarding UFO investigations, now preferring to call them Unusual Aerial Sightings (UAS). The RAAF will only investigate sightings that suggest a "defence for national security implication." Reports not deemed to have such implications will be recorded and passed on to civilian research organizations. The Defence Minister, Mr. Scholes, stated that past investigations had been "time-consuming, unproductive," and led to significant man-hours of follow-up action. The RAAF receives between 110 and 150 sightings annually, with about three percent remaining unexplained.

"UFOs: THE MYSTERY DEEPENS" (Chorley Guardian, May 3, 1984)

This report from Adlington, England, adds another twist to a local UFO mystery. Alfred Glover, a baker, claims to have seen the same sight reported the previous week by Mrs. Joan Lawrenson, but his sighting occurred five years prior, in November 1978. Glover described seeing a "thing gliding along from north to south" on a moonlit night, which was silent and appeared to glide rather than fly. He observed it for about 10 minutes, waking his wife to confirm his sighting.

"Gordon's blow: no UFOs" (Telegraph, Sydney, May 8, 1984)

Defence Minister Gordon Scholes has apparently declared UFOs a "back number," announcing that the RAAF will only investigate sightings with national security implications. Information on UFOs (or UASs) will be recorded and passed to civilian research organizations. The article suggests pilots are tired of investigating "frivolous reports."

"UFO could be rocket, say RCMP" (Cowichan Leader, April 26, 1984)

In Duncan, B.C., Canada, the RCMP is investigating a mysterious flaming object that fell from the sky. The object is thought to be a sophisticated homemade rocket. David Thompson, 15, who witnessed the first object land, sent samples for identification, which indicated it was composed largely of phosphorous. A second flaming object landed in the same area during the week of April 1. Police are seeking information and believe a teenager may be responsible, as the necessary equipment for building rockets is available in school science labs.

"PCs spot a UFO" (Daily Mirror, May 4, 1984)

Two policemen filed an official UFO report after seeing a mysterious object glowing red, white, and blue in the sky over Wealdstone, London. About 20 officers witnessed the object for an hour after receiving numerous phone calls. A secretary, Terri West, described it as "zapping about all over the place." The police report is to be studied by the Defence Ministry.

"FURTHER U.F.O. SIGHTING" (Chorley Guardian, April 26, 1984)

This report details further developments in the Adlington UFO mystery. Two weeks after a story about a "golden ball" sighting, two more residents reported seeing something "bright and inexplicable." Mrs. Joan Lawrenson described seeing a "line of lights in the sky" over Chorley from her car on the M61, which she watched for her 25-minute journey home. She noted it looked like a large, lit-up aircraft but seemed to hang in the air.

"Valley UFOs brought down to earth" (David Perry, May 1, 1984)

This article addresses a formal denial by the British government of reports of UFOs over Rossendale and claims of alien landings. Junior Defence Minister John Lee stated "No, Sir!" to a question about unusual radar traces, and Junior Transport Minister David Mitchell also denied reports of unauthorized landings. The article mentions a witness who claimed to have seen a "bright red cigar-shaped object" hovering over Sharneyford.

"UFO evidence to support pleas for action" (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1984)

Evidence of UFO activity in Rossendale and district is to be sent to the government and Ministry of Defence with a plea for action. Local tailor Mike Sacks, an investigator for the Manchester UFO Research Association, stated that they have been collecting evidence for seven years and want the government to take the subject seriously. He cited an instance where an object was spotted in Blackpool, then Leyland, then Stacksteads within minutes, suggesting a flight path that could be worked out. He also mentioned a sighting by a 15-year-old girl in Rawtenstall.

"RAAF now has correct UFO policy" (Morning Herald, May 19, 1984)

This letter to the editor by Bill Chalker of UFO Research argues that the RAAF's UFO investigations have historically been based on national security and political expediency. Chalker, who had access to RAAF UFO files, contends that many unexplained cases contain extraordinary details deserving scientific scrutiny. He believes the new policy, which focuses on national security implications and allows civilian groups to investigate, is appropriate.

"'Monster UFO' shakes farmer" (Sun, May 17, 1984)

In Brunkild, Manitoba, Canada, farmer Karl Wroblewsky reported finding a circle of holes and compressed grass in his field, suggesting a "monster of a UFO." There were 10 holes, the largest 30 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Wroblewsky wants an expert from the Manitoba Planetarium to investigate. He also recalled finding a large hole in the snow in mid-winter after his dog howled strangely, smelling of sulfur.

"UFO watch will still be kept" (Sunday Independent, May 6, 1984)

The WA UFO Investigation Centre in Perth, Australia, believes that UFO sightings information could improve now that the RAAF has withdrawn from investigations. Centre spokesman Michael Borley stated that many people were unhappy with the RAAF's attitude, and that reports given to the RAAF often got lost. The centre has received 78 reports in the past four months, with half being explained.

"UFO visits denied" (Evening News, May 2, 1984)

The British government has officially denied reports of alien beings landing in Lancashire. In response to a question from Tory MP Sir Patrick Wall, the Ministry of Defence stated there were no unusual radar traces or reports of unauthorized landings in the Rossendale Valley. The article mentions alleged sightings, including a Salford police inspector claiming to have seen an "unearthly white object" and a coalman reporting two "silver-suited aliens."

"Mystery sightings" (Winsford Guardian, April 26, 1984)

Stargazers in Winsford, Cheshire, reported seeing a strange unidentified flying object hovering over the town, described as having a strong beam of light and no similarity to a helicopter or aeroplane. The object reportedly drifted slowly with various lights going on and off. There were 45 sightings reported throughout the North West on that Sunday evening.

"Russia prepares for a close encounter" (Times, May 30, 1984)

The Soviet Union has established a special commission to investigate unidentified flying objects (UFOs) under former cosmonaut Pavel Popovich. This follows an incident in Gorky in March 1983, where air traffic controllers spotted a "flying cigar" object that did not respond to radio signals. The object was described as steel-grey, cigar-shaped, about the size of an airliner, and was visible on radar for 40 minutes before vanishing. The commission aims to examine all sightings of moving objects or flashing lights.

"Elementary UFO" (Daily Telegraph, June 1, 1984)

This brief article notes that the Soviet Union's decision to set up a UFO commission reminds the author of a similar commission in Moscow in the 1960s, which mysteriously disappeared. It also mentions a sighting of "bright spheres" in the Gorky area.

"Many UFO reports are taken very seriously" (Times, May 13, 1984)

This historical overview discusses Australia's early UFO investigations, starting with a 1950 sighting near Bass Point. It details how the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence investigated reports, often attributing them to meteors or aircraft, but sometimes finding inexplicable phenomena. The article highlights the Woomera sightings and the eventual decision to focus investigations only on those with national security implications.

"UFO spotted hovering over town" (Daily Sun, May 22, 1984)

Two policemen and a couple in Mt Isa, Queensland, Australia, reported seeing a spherical, white UFO surrounded by flashing red, blue, and green lights hovering over the town for more than 30 minutes.

"Soviets set up probe on UFOs" (Globe and Mail, May 30, 1984)

This report confirms the Soviet Union's establishment of a commission to investigate UFOs, headed by Pavel Popovich. The commission will examine sightings of moving objects or flashing lights. The article details the Gorky incident and mentions that while most reports can be explained, some well-documented sightings remain baffling. It also notes a phenomenon witnessed by hundreds in Byelorussia and Central Russia, later identified as a satellite burning up.

"Bigfoot may be a big joke, but what if he's real?" (Daily World, April 4, 1984)

This article discusses a proposed ordinance in Skamania County, Washington, to make killing Sasquatches a misdemeanor. It highlights the views of Roy Craft, who founded the local newspaper and advocates for the protection of Bigfoot. The article also touches on the potential danger of hunters and the ethical considerations of pursuing such creatures.

"Sasquatch hunt points to humanity's dark side" (Review, April 5, 1984)

This opinion piece criticizes Mark E. Keller's plan to hunt Bigfoot with a rifle, deeming it "stupid and disgusting." It questions the motivation behind such a hunt and criticizes the blessing given by anthropologist Dr. Grover Krantz. The author expresses dismay at the potential exploitation of the wilderness and the creature itself.

"Reader gives his thoughts on Bigfoot" (Union Bulletin, May 6, 1984)

This letter to the editor responds to a planned Bigfoot hunt, questioning the hunters' expertise and right to kill the creature. The writer suggests satisfaction with pictures, plaster casts, or bones. The letter also commends county commissioners for enacting Bigfoot ordinances.

"Don't anyone dare shoot a sasquatch around Skamania" (Post-Intelligencer, April 17, 1984)

This article reports on Skamania County, Washington, passing an ordinance to protect Sasquatches, declaring them an endangered species and the county a "sasquatch refuge." Willfully killing a Bigfoot is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by jail time or a fine. The ordinance was favored by residents who appreciate the area's reputation as a Bigfoot habitat. The article includes testimony from Datus Perry, who claims to have sighted 10 creatures, and Fred Langbehn, who described encounters on his ranch.

"Island riddle of a giant cat" (Sunday Express, April 29, 1984)

Reports of a large, cat-like animal, more the size of a large dog with strange pointed ears, have emerged from the Isle of Wight. Miss Elizabeth Dowers described seeing the creature staring back at her. The mystery deepens as the island is cut off from the mainland, and neither the local zoo nor wildlife park has reported missing large cats. Isle of Wight County Council leader Maurice Barton also reported seeing the creature, describing it as a large cat with a bushy tail, about the size of an Alsatian dog, with a mottled greeny-brown coat.

"Oregon woman seeks to protect Bigfoot" (Times, May 19, 1984)

Klamath County, Oregon, is considering a request from Donna Young to protect the legendary creature known as Bigfoot. Young, who claims to have seen the creature three times and is publishing a book on the subject, asked the county to enact an ordinance barring its hunting.

"Citizen sights a Whatsit" (Post-Intelligencer, June 19, 1984)

A caller reported spotting an eight-foot-tall, hairy, naked man-like apparition near Spanaway, Washington. Sheriff's deputies investigated but found nothing. The caller seemed "perfectly legit," and a neighbor's dog was reportedly frightened by something at the same time.

"It's a REALLY Big Game Hunt - for Dinosaur" (Wayne Co. News, May 10, 1984)

This article discusses engineer Herman Regusters' expedition into the People's Republic of the Congo in search of a live dinosaur, known as mokele mbembe. Regusters claims to have seen a creature "the size of two hippos" in a remote lake. He plans another expedition with more sophisticated camera equipment. He also claims to have a tape recording of the creature's roar.

"Odds And Ends" (Various dates)

• This section includes several brief reports:
• Partial spontaneous combustion: Dr. John Overton described a case in Nashville in 1835 where a mathematics professor's leg ignited with a flame several inches long.
• London flying fish: Ron Langton found five flounders and a whiting on his lawn in London after a storm, possibly picked up by a whirlwind from the River Thames.
• Cattle Deaths Still a Mystery: Three calves were found dead in North Dakota with one ear missing, and authorities have no explanation.

"Does a 'monster' lurk in Lake Conway waters?" (Log Cabin Democrat, May 27, 1984)

This article recounts a report from George Dillon of Mayflower, Arkansas, who claims to have encountered a "Frogman" or "monster" in Lake Conway. Dillon described the creature as weighing 75-80 pounds, with green spotted skin, a monkey-like head, blue lips, no teeth, webbed fingers with claw-like nails, and broad shoulders. He stated it was about nine feet tall and made heavy breathing noises. The article also includes skeptical commentary from newspaper editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, government investigations, and unexplained phenomena from around the world. There is a clear interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, as well as cryptids like Bigfoot and lake monsters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and official reports, while also including skeptical viewpoints and historical context. The magazine seems to aim to inform readers about ongoing mysteries and the efforts to understand them, whether through scientific investigation or witness testimony.