UFO Newsclipping Service - 1985 01 - no 186

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated January 1985, presents a collection of articles and reports detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena. The publication aims to document and analyze these events, featuring witness accounts, expert opinions, and historical context.

UFOs Seen by Valley Folks

This lead article by Jeanne Stuckwish explores the reluctance of individuals to report UFO sightings due to skepticism and the tendency of scientists to offer logical explanations. It highlights several accounts from Phoenix and Sun City residents, including "David," who reported two separate sightings: one of a mint-green object darting in the sky near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and another of a "monstrous" object with blue and white lights seen near South Mountain. Another account features "George" witnessing a ball of fire, and "Tina" and "Chris" describing a bright, trailing object that disintegrated. The article also touches on the possibility of these sightings being burning meteorites, as suggested by TV station KPNX.

Betty Hill's Vivid Memory of UFO 'Close Encounter'

This article from the Sentinel (Keene, NH) dated September 20, 1984, revisits the famous "close encounter of the third kind" reported by Betty Hill. Twenty-three years after the alleged incident near Franconia Notch, Hill remains convinced that alien spacemen are visiting Earth. She recounts being taken aboard a spaceship with her late husband, Barney, and being interrogated by its occupants. The details of the encounter were recalled later through hypnosis. Hill states that the experience has broadened her perspective on the world and that she has spotted UFOs on several occasions since.

What is it? A UFO?

Another Sentinel article (October 16, 1984) reports on a UFO sighting over Keene, New Hampshire. Patrolman Earl Nelson of the Keene Police Department received numerous calls about a strange craft hovering over the city. Sergeant John C. Zeller described a "white oblong aircraft with no marking" hovering about 100 feet above his police cruiser. The object was also seen over Swanzey and Roxbury. Robert J. Gribble of the UFO Reporting Center in Seattle notes that while most UFO sightings (about 85%) have mundane explanations, the Keene case remains unexplained, particularly the low, slow hovering.

Signal for Help: UFO Scientist Wants Close Encounter with Retirees

This article from the Daily News Sun (Sun City, AZ, October 2, 1984) introduces Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Hynek, a renowned UFO researcher, is seeking retirees in the Sun City area to assist with his research. He hopes to establish an international UFO research facility based in Phoenix. Hynek emphasizes that he is not seeking financial contributions but rather volunteers with diverse backgrounds to help translate UFO literature from various languages and to investigate sightings. He highlights the global nature of UFO reports and his scientific approach to the phenomenon, aiming to move beyond skepticism and ridicule.

What was it?

This piece from the Daily News (Newburyport, MA, November 30, 1984) questions a sighting by Ana and Per Hoel of a large, triangular, noiseless craft with red and white lights over Shore Road. The article acknowledges the public's fascination with UFOs and the difficulty in dismissing such accounts, even while maintaining skepticism. It explores various potential explanations, from conventional aircraft to atmospheric oddities, while also hinting at more extraordinary possibilities.

Hovering Craft Had 'Green and Red Pulsating Lights'

This Union Leader article (October 18, 1984) details a sighting by Police Sergeant Jack C. Zeller in Keene, New Hampshire. Zeller described a stationary object hovering about three or four feet off the ground, with green and red pulsating lights. He noted the object had no landing gears or wings. The article also mentions other reported sightings in the Keene area and quotes Dr. J. Russell Harkay from Keene State College, who suggests that planetary conjunctions (like Mars and Jupiter) or atmospheric conditions might explain some sightings, though he acknowledges that some reports remain unexplained.

2nd UFO Sighting Reported

This Sentinel article (October 19, 1984) reports a second UFO sighting in Keene, NH, following the one described previously. A resident reported a triangular UFO on Thursday night, distinct from the white oblong craft seen earlier in the week. The article notes the increasing number of reports and the efforts of organizations like the Mutual UFO Network to investigate.

UFO Reported

A brief report from the Sun (Durham, NC, November 29, 1984) details Marlena Grover's sighting of an orange-colored, triangular-shaped object with lights on the front and rear while driving in Durham.

UFO: Seeing one can change your life in unexpected ways

This article by Shirley Hallett in the Sentinel (Waterville, ME, October 4, 1984) is a personal account of a life-changing UFO encounter on I-95 in Maine. Hallett describes seeing a bright, motionless object with an unusual color and intense light. The experience led her to become deeply interested in UFOs and to question official explanations. She recounts interactions with individuals claiming to be from government agencies and discusses her evolving perspective on history and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Hallett notes the surge of UFO reports along the East Coast and the efforts of researchers to investigate.

The Last UFO War

This extensive article by Brad Lemley from The Post (Washington, DC, October 28, 1984) delves into the ongoing debate between UFO proponents and skeptics, focusing on the prominent figures of Bruce Maccabee and Philip Klass. It examines classic cases like the McMinnville sighting and discusses historical UFO reports dating back to ancient times. The article highlights Maccabee's belief in genuine extraterrestrial phenomena and Klass's persistent debunking of sightings through prosaic explanations. It also touches upon government investigations into UFOs, the growth of UFO research organizations, and the psychological aspects of belief and skepticism.

Celebrity Sightings

This section lists several celebrities who have reported seeing UFOs, including former President Jimmy Carter, Muhammad Ali, astronaut Gordon Cooper, and various performers. Carter's sighting in 1969 is detailed, along with a skeptical analysis suggesting he may have misidentified the planet Venus.

UFO reports continue

This Times article (Gloucester, MA, November 29, 1984) reports on multiple sightings in the Cape Ann area, following the initial account of Ana and Per Hoel. The Hoels described a large, triangular craft with red and white lights hovering noiselessly. The article notes that other residents have come forward with similar accounts, and discusses the efforts of the Mutual UFO Network to collect and analyze these reports. It highlights the unusual nature of the sightings, particularly the detailed descriptions of the craft and the duration of the observations.

UFO Sighting No Halloween Trick

This Centre Daily Times article (October 28, 1984) focuses on a sighting by Melvin Morrissey in Snyder Township, Pennsylvania. Morrissey described a large, circular object with amber and red lights hovering above the treetops. The article explores the investigation by local police, a retired FAA investigator, and a UFO Network investigator, none of whom could definitively explain the sighting. It also mentions other witnesses in the area who reported seeing strange lights or objects around the same time. The article contrasts Morrissey's account with potential explanations like aircraft lights or atmospheric phenomena.

Two witnesses detail Snyder Twp. UFO sightings

This Mirror article (Altoona, PA, October 26, 1984) follows up on the Melvin Morrissey sighting, introducing another witness, Sonya Eckberg, who reported seeing a similar object off Janesville Pike Road on the same night. Eckberg described a large, round object with lights. The article notes the interest from the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained and mentions other reports from the area, including a case where a car was reportedly lifted off the ground by a UFO.

Local couple sights unidentified aircraft

This Times article (Gloucester, MA, October 26, 1984) details the sighting by Ana and Per Hoel in Magnolia, Massachusetts. They described a bright, stationary light that approached them, revealing itself as a triangular craft with red and white lights and a spotlight. The craft hovered low, making little sound. The article notes that no other official reports of aircraft activity were available for that time and location.

More Cape Ann UFO sightings reported

This Beverly Times article (November 29, 1984) expands on the Magnolia sighting, reporting that the Hoels received several calls from people who had seen similar phenomena. These accounts included sightings at Stage Fort Park and near Pebble Beach, with some witnesses reporting triangular shapes and unusual lights. The article highlights the efforts of the Mutual UFO Network to document these events.

UFOs Over Washington

This section provides a brief overview of selected UFO sighting accounts reported in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas, including incidents from 1952, 1960, 1964, 1965, and 1973. These reports involve radar detections, sightings of multiple objects, and encounters with objects described as moving rapidly or hovering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in extraterrestrial visitation. The publication appears to adopt a neutral stance, presenting various accounts and expert opinions without definitively endorsing any single explanation. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings and encouraging further investigation, particularly through organizations like CUFOS and MUFON. The articles highlight the challenges in explaining UFOs, the psychological impact on witnesses, and the potential for government secrecy or cover-ups, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification and hoaxes.

This issue of the magazine, dated November 11, 1984, features a prominent cover story titled "Researcher Charts UFO Sightings" by Mitchel Benson. The publication appears to be a compilation of articles from various sources, indicated by the multiple datelines and publication names. The overall theme revolves around UFOs, Bigfoot, and other unexplained phenomena, with a focus on research, eyewitness accounts, and folklore.

Researcher Charts UFO Sightings

J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer and professor emeritus from Northwestern University, is featured discussing his analysis of 400 credible UFO sighting reports collected by the Center for UFO Studies. He notes that the best chance for seeing a UFO is while driving, particularly on a lonely road. His analysis revealed that 46 percent of sightings involved hovering objects, 46 percent involved silent movement, and 21 percent reported vertical takeoffs. Hynek emphasizes that his center studies UFO reports, not UFOs themselves, and identifies himself as an "enemy of pseudo-science."

Philip Klass, a senior editor at Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine, challenges Hynek to present his evidence to the National Academy of Sciences for an impartial verdict. Klass believes that simply collecting more reports is not enough and a new approach is needed. Hynek, however, states he lacks the time and funds for such an exhaustive investigation.

Everyday's Halloween for Pursuer of UFOs, and Other Phenomena

This article by John B. Gibson profiles Diane Enion of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research. Enion investigates reports of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, strange nocturnal noises, and creature sightings like Bigfoot and large black panthers. She notes that some sightings have left impressions in the soil indicating significant weight. Enion is also researching a case in Luzerne County involving strange lights and poltergeist activity, which has proven frustrating. She describes a tape recording from the Luzerne County site that captured chanting and groaning sounds, possibly related to a historical mass murder at the property.

Divers Seek UFO, Fame, Fortune in Sound

An Associated Press report details a scuba team's preparation to search the waters off Lummi Island, Washington, for an object that reportedly splashed down after being seen as an unidentified flying object. The team leader, John Walker, claims seismic radar detected an egg-shaped object on the sea floor. The operation was delayed due to weather and equipment issues. Walker hopes the endeavor will bring fame and fortune, suggesting the object could be worth millions.

Plane Claim Upsets UFO Man

This article by Lisa Peryman discusses a claim by author Neil Illingworth that the 1978 Kaikoura flying saucer incident was caused by a United States spy plane, the "Black Bird," made of carbon fiber and undetectable by radar. Australian UFO researcher Murray Stott disputes this, stating there is no hard evidence to support the claim and that such research would be confined to areas with more US presence. Illingworth stands by his theory and is working on a film script about secret weapons systems being tested in New Zealand.

Mystery Sky Lights

A brief report from Wigan, England, mentions Mrs. Brenda Catterall of Thames Drive, who believes she saw a UFO over Hindley Green. She described strange lights in the sky that were not like stars and appeared in a long straight line.

Unidentified Official Secret

This "Comment" piece from Ipswich, England, discusses the UFO sightings at the Woodbridge air base, noting the "Keep Out. Ministry of Defence Property" signs as a reason for public suspicion. The authors of the book "Sky Crash - A Cosmic Conspiracy" are credited for investigating the phenomenon, and other possibilities like weapons testing or satellite recovery are mentioned.

Peter Warren Speaks: Bumps in the Night, Lights in the Sky

This article from Manitoba, Canada, reports on the Manitoba Mysteries Research Association, which investigates UFO sightings and Sasquatch reports. Chris Rutkowski, a UFO specialist, believes all sightings should be properly investigated. The association is open to researchers and investigators of various paranormal phenomena and maintains a 24-hour hotline for reports.

Teenagers Claim a UFO Sighting

Michele Bergin, a 17-year-old from Sittingbourne, England, reported seeing a kite-shaped object with white lights and orange sparks moving in a zig-zag path on Hallowe'en night. Her family and friends also witnessed the object on subsequent nights. The report was passed on to RAF Manston for collation of UFO sightings.

Crawling Along Bear Trails Through a Virgin Wilderness

This is the sixth in a series by Tom Stienstra about the Blue Creek wildlands in the Klamath Mountains, focusing on Bigfoot. The article describes the challenging terrain and the search for Bigfoot footprints. It mentions the famous 1968 Bigfoot film and discusses the difficulty of finding definitive proof. The article also touches on local Hoopa Indian legends and beliefs about Bigfoot and other spirits.

Atlantis Divers Uncover Circus Arena

A report from Moscow details a Soviet research expedition that claims to have found evidence of Atlantis, including a circus arena and structures, at a depth of 300 feet. However, the physical evidence, including a white stone, turned out to be a net sinker, and black stones appeared to be natural basalt. Despite the lack of definitive proof, the archaeologists remain convinced of the site's significance.

Photo and Prints of Creature a Mystery

This piece discusses the ongoing mystery surrounding Bigfoot sightings and footprints. It analyzes the famous Patterson film and expert opinions on its authenticity, as well as the challenges in interpreting footprint evidence due to varying sizes and stride lengths. The article concludes that despite evidence, proof of Bigfoot's existence remains elusive.

Cookie Cutter? Eerie Force Uproots Big Divot

This science report by Hill Williams describes a baffling geological event in Okanogan County, Washington, where a three-ton chunk of earth was inexplicably plucked from a plateau and moved 73 feet. Geologists are unable to explain the phenomenon, which occurred near a site of a minor earthquake. The displaced earth had vertical walls and a flat bottom, described as if cut by a "giant cookie cutter."

Was it a UFO that landed in the forest?

This article from Colchester, England, investigates reports of a UFO crash-landing in Rendlesham Forest. It mentions a tape recording allegedly made by a colonel during a search, which captured sounds of a strange red light and unidentified objects. British ufologists are demanding a public inquiry, claiming suppression of evidence.

UFO's... Sunday Sighting

A brief report from Vulcan, Alberta, Canada, describes a couple who witnessed a pink and reddish light blocking the road while driving. They were unable to identify the phenomenon and now believe in UFOs.

A wild time in Tibet

This brief report from Peking mentions a story about a wild woman who looked like a bear and had two offspring with a Tibetan herdsman after forcing him to live with her in a Himalayan cave. It also mentions another story about a wild man holding a woman captive.

Rumblings of Unknown Origin Gave County Case of the Shakes

This report from San Diego, California, details a series of unexplained shakes and booms that rattled the area. Seismologists and military officials could not identify the cause, ruling out earthquakes and sonic booms. The event remains a mystery.

Deaths But No Mutilations

This report from Baker, Oregon, concludes that there have been no livestock mutilations, attributing observed damage to scavenger birds and natural causes like bloat. Laboratory tests are pending for some cattle deaths.

Better make way! Bigfoot's heading for San Jose

This article announces the screening of the film "In the Shadow of Bigfoot" in San Jose, California. It discusses the film's producers, believers in Bigfoot, and the film's content, which includes witness interviews and analysis of footprints. The article also includes a negative film review by Glenn Lovell, who criticizes the documentary's authenticity and sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and other unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and investigations, often presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions while acknowledging the skepticism and the need for scientific inquiry. There is a clear interest in separating fact from speculation, particularly in the context of UFO reports and Bigfoot lore. The articles often highlight the challenges in obtaining definitive proof and the ongoing efforts of researchers and enthusiasts in these fields.