UFO Newsclipping Service - 1985 11 - no 196

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, number 196, dated November 1985, is a compilation of articles from various newspapers across the United States, focusing on UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and related investigations. The co-editors are Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke.

The Aurora Encounter: Martian Debate

The lead article, "Did martian die? Debate lives on in town" by Preston Lerner, revisits the 1897 UFO crash legend in Aurora, Texas. While some residents maintain that an alien pilot was buried in the Aurora Cemetery, others dismiss the story as a hoax. A film producer, Phil Flora, is working on a movie titled "The Aurora Encounter," which uses the legend as its plot. The article recounts the original newspaper report from The Dallas Morning News by S.E. Hayden, which described an airship crash and a pilot not of this world, identified by a local U.S. Signal Service officer as possibly from Mars. However, historical research by Etta Pegues suggests the story was fiction, with no evidence of a windmill or an alien burial. Despite the skepticism, some residents, like Bonnie Oates, recall older people swearing that something definitely happened.

Russell UFO Report

A brief report from Hutchinson, KS, states that Russell County officials are ready to close their books on a UFO report unless further confirmation arises. A single caller reported a bright, round light speeding east to west, hovering for about an hour, with no blinking lights but a "bleep" sound. Dispatcher Liz Dockstader took the call from a man who refused to give his name.

'The Andreasson Affair': Fact or Fiction?

By Maryanne Reynolds, this article discusses a presentation by national UFO expert Raymond E. Fowler about the case of Betty Aho Andreasson's alleged abduction. Fowler claims the government has hindered the public's acceptance of UFOs by refusing to declassify military information. He notes that while government reports affirm the existence of UFOs, they do not prove alien entities. Andreasson underwent 25 hypnotic regression sessions, detailing an abduction on January 25, 1967, by 3-foot-humanoid creatures. Psychologists agree that such experiences are not figments of imagination. Fowler concluded that Andreasson told the truth as she knew it and is a sound human being. He also criticized the government for withholding information on this "very important matter which affects not only the populace of the United States but mankind itself."

Arthur Schindler: "I know what I saw, and they're real"

This story by Jode Vickerman features Arthur Schindler of Amherst, who claims to have seen UFOs multiple times. He describes a large, dish-shaped object with yellow lights and a "castle" on top, emitting blue and white beams. Another Amherst resident, Steve Horosz, also reported seeing a hovering object. Officials at the Oberlin Air Traffic Control Center stated that no objects were picked up on radar. Schindler suspects a government cover-up.

UFOs are reported by two in Lahar

A brief report from Lahar, WA, mentions two residents reporting an unidentified flying object. A man reported seeing a bright, round light speeding east to west. Another report describes a "strange metallic, triangular object hovering or on legs." The sightings were not confirmed by authorities.

UFO Inquiry Group Formed

David Gomez reports on the formation of SAUS (Students Against UFO Secrecy) at the University of New Mexico, founded by Rodney Towers Beaton. The organization aims to educate the public and gather information about UFOs. Beaton claims to have obtained declassified FBI documents from the 1950s, suggesting a government conspiracy to keep UFO information secret. He believes aliens are peaceful and possess advanced technology.

U.S. covering up visits of aliens, UFO expert says

Robert Hastings, a self-employed researcher, claims the U.S. government is covering up secret recoveries of UFOs and alien corpses. He alleges that the CIA and FBI have worked to refute UFO existence and ridicule witnesses. Hastings bases his claims on documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, including a 1952 CIA memorandum recommending a policy to minimize public concern about UFO sightings.

Incident at Exeter: Twenty years after

Will Fay's article revisits the 1965 Exeter, New Hampshire, UFO incident. Norman Muscarello reported seeing a large object with red pulsating lights, which was investigated by police officers Reginald "Scratch" Toland, Eugene Bertrand, and David Hunt. The incident became the subject of John Fuller's best-selling book, "Incident at Exeter." While Bertrand and Hunt are now reluctant to discuss the event, Toland remains a firm believer, influenced by the credibility of the officers who witnessed it. Muscarello expresses bitterness that he received no compensation for his experience while the author profited.

60 unidentified aircraft tracked over Tucson

Daniel R. Browning reports that a local air-traffic controller and a police helicopter pilot tracked about 60 unidentified aircraft over Tucson. The objects were traveling at about 250 knots. Authorities are not investigating, citing that no laws were broken. The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) is studying the incident, with director Coral Lorenzen stating it's unlike anything they've seen before.

Butte, area residents see mystery sky lights

Dan Carter reports on sightings in Butte, Montana. Larry and Norell Sears saw eight or nine lights in a staggered formation. Lorraine McIntee and Frances Poor also reported seeing three sets of bright lights in a V-shaped formation. Observers at Bert Mooney Airport and Malstrom Air Force Base reported nothing unusual. The lack of sound was noted in both sightings.

'U.S. test gone wild' brings suit

John Kelso writes about a lawsuit filed by Vickie Landrum, Betty Cash, and Colby Landrum, who claim radiation poisoning from a diamond-shaped flying object surrounded by military helicopters near Dayton, Texas, on December 29, 1980. They allege it was a government experiment gone awry. The plaintiffs suffer from medical problems, including sunlight sensitivity and skin issues. The case is awaiting action in U.S. District Court.

UFO sightings near Ft. Devens draw attention

Jim Hill reports on multiple sightings of two small, glowing orange spheres near Ft. Devens, Massachusetts. While officials suggested flares, a UFO expert team arrived to investigate. The consistency of witness descriptions is noted, with the objects described as small orange balls of light hovering at tree level.

For UFO Hunter, Seeing Is Believing

Monica Allen profiles William Chapleau, state president of the Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network (MUFON). Chapleau recounts two personal experiences with UFOs, including a time loss incident and a sighting of a Saturn-shaped craft. He investigates UFO reports seriously, treating them like murder mysteries. He receives about 100 reports monthly and investigates about a quarter of them. Chapleau believes that extraterrestrial beings may be visiting Earth for study and that increased space missions might provoke them. He also connects Bigfoot sightings with UFO events.

UFOs: Sorting fact from fiction

Frank Rossi discusses David Jacobs, a history professor and author, who is critical of many UFO claims, particularly the idea of a crashed UFO being hidden by the government. Jacobs believes the government's Project Blue Book was an attempt to identify all aerial phenomena to prevent panic and counter potential Soviet infiltration. Rossi also touches on the Roswell incident and the possibility of secret government testing. Jacobs believes that if the government possessed a crashed UFO, the secret would have inevitably escaped due to the number of people involved.

Stories continue of outer space alien buried in Aurora Cemetery

This section addresses a reader's inquiry about the Aurora, Texas, alien burial legend. It reiterates the story of a 1897 spaceship crash and the burial of the pilot. It mentions a 1973 investigation by UFO officials who found the story to be fiction, with historians and citizens labeling it a hoax. Metal detectors used by UFO hunters yielded ambiguous results regarding the origin of metal fragments found near the alleged crash site. The cemetery association prevented further digging into the suspected grave.

UFO sightings reported in area

Peter Cooper reports on UFO sightings over Fairfield County, CT. Air traffic controllers suggested the objects were likely a formation of planes, but some residents described them as flying saucers, blimps, or "flying boomerangs." A teacher, Mark Napoli, described seeing a V-shaped object moving slowly.

Search for UFOs -- any clues?

This article, likely a continuation from another page, features an interview with William Chapleau, who discusses his experiences and investigations into UFOs. He describes a sighting of a craft shaped like Saturn. He also mentions the connection between Bigfoot sightings and UFO events, and his theory that extraterrestrial beings might be interested in nuclear activities. He investigated a cattle-kill incident in Dummerston, Vermont, which he believes may have been caused by a UFO.

UFO author details sightings

This article seems to be a continuation, focusing on UFO author David Jacobs and his views on UFO phenomena. It mentions his skepticism about crashed UFOs being hidden by the government and his research into Project Blue Book. It also briefly touches on the Roswell incident and the possibility of secret government testing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent debate over the reality of UFO sightings, the possibility of government cover-ups and secrecy, and the investigation of alleged alien encounters and abductions. The articles present a mix of eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and historical research, often highlighting the skepticism of authorities versus the conviction of witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and investigations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the Yorkshire Post, dated August 24, 1985, features a lead story titled "Something bright was winking through a cloud, but it was only good old Jupiter, on the blink as usual," by Reginald Brace. The article explores the phenomenon of UFO sightings, particularly in an area of North Yorkshire dubbed 'Flying Saucer Alley.' The issue also includes a variety of other articles and reports on unexplained phenomena from around the world, including UFO sightings in Argentina, Sweden, and Chile, as well as discussions of mythical creatures, strange lights, and unusual sounds.

Flying Saucer Alley: North Yorkshire's UFO Hotspot

The main article by Reginald Brace delves into the world of Ufology, highlighting the experiences of the Yorkshire UFO Society. Graham Birdsall, the society's founder, expresses frustration at the lack of personal sightings despite 18 years of investigation. He notes that most sightings are explained away, with only about two percent remaining unexplained, which keeps investigators interested. The article mentions several specific cases from the area, including a hovering object seen by two policemen at Cracoe Fell, a Mexican hat-shaped craft with silver-suited men reported by a miner's wife, a battery of lights seen over a car, and a glowing craft that drove a farmer off the road. The society's 'Operation Skywatch' in Carleton, near Skipton, aimed to draw attention to their activities, though sightings so far have been routine, with a reddish glare and a 'tadpole' shaped object being the most notable.

International UFO Reports

The issue compiles UFO and strange phenomenon reports from various international sources:

• Hayle, Cornwall, England (September 6, 1975): Mrs. Dilly Foster, a schoolteacher, reported seeing a large, bright, egg-shaped object hover over her home for an hour, emitting a strange radiance. Investigations by Culdrose and RAF St. Mawgan yielded no conventional explanations.
• Oxfordshire, England (October 3, 1985): Contact International UK reported a flood of calls regarding sightings of 'golden balls' and other unidentified flying objects. Two sales representatives on the M40 reported seeing five brilliant white lights streak beside their car, and three young women in Charlbury saw strange white lights resembling flying saucers.
• Salta province, Argentina (August 19, 1985): Hundreds of phone calls reported a UFO at low altitude near Resistencia. The appearance of two UFOs near an Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737 and the fall of an alleged meteorite near Cafayate contributed to a 'collective psychosis.' Witnesses described the objects as moving at great speed with blue flashes.
• Salta province, Argentina (August 18, 1985): A loud explosion and bright light were reported on a hill near Cafayate, described as an 'enormous fireball.' Police investigations concluded that nothing abnormal was seen from the air.
• Santiago, Chile (August 17, 1985): NASA experts agreed that luminous elements seen over Santiago were UFOs. Photographs showed objects with antennas and landing legs.
• Parana, Brazil (August 22, 1985): A UFO was seen flying over several cities, detected by air traffic control but unexplained.
• Iguazu waterfalls, Argentina (August 24, 1985): Hundreds of people witnessed a strange, ovoidal, luminous object hovering over the Iguazu waterfalls before moving towards Brazil.
• Lindesberg, Sweden (September 10, 1985): A brightly lit ball, about six centimeters in diameter, with a strong red light that turned white, was observed for 30 seconds.
• Pitea, Sweden (September 12, 1985): A bright, silent, nose-cone shaped object traveling from Northeast to South caused a telephone storm, observed by many people.
• Ronneby, Sweden (September 27, 1985): A comet-like object with a lighted tail and later a burning cross-shaped object were observed.

Mysteries of the World and Mythical Creatures

The 'Mysteries of the World' section by ORBIS Publishing highlights a series of books covering topics like Atlantis, King Arthur, the Loch Ness Monster, the abominable snowman, werewolves, mermaids, and UFOs. The 'Creatures from Elsewhere' book is specifically mentioned.

• Bigfoot: A meeting was held in Newcomerstown, Ohio, by Don Keating to discuss sightings of a 'human-like figure' described as being at least 7.5 feet tall with large footprints. Keating believes several such creatures exist within a 15-20 mile radius. Evidence includes footprint photographs and anecdotal accounts.
• Ogopogo: Two pictures taken on June 28 in Penticton, Canada, show a thirty-foot yellow and green object with humps above the surface, described as a serpentine creature. This sighting has fueled plans for a sonar search of Okanagan Lake.
• Mokele-Mbembe: British explorers were preparing to join African scientists in the Congo to search for this mythical creature, described as a cross between a long-necked dinosaur and a hippo.
• The Hairy Horror of the Hills (Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand): Sightings of a tall, stooped, red-haired creature, possibly a cannabis cultivator in disguise or a local legend, have resurfaced after a decade-long absence.
• 'Creature' in East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania (August 27, 1985): Residents reported an eerie, foul-smelling creature that silences dogs and makes a repetitive, big-animal sound. Police are investigating, with theories ranging from an exotic pet to a prankster.
• Colockum Creature (Wenatchee, Washington): A report of a 7 to 10-foot tall, hairy creature attempting to break into a residence was investigated by sheriff's deputies, who found no footprints.

Scientific Investigations and Speculations

• Cloudbusters in Spain: Spanish farmers in Pulpi believe 'darkling planes' are deliberately breaking up clouds, preventing rain and harming their crops. While some officials dismiss this as mass hysteria, others, including an engineer, claim to have seen the planes in action. Theories suggest tomato growers or multinationals are behind the practice.
• Spielberg Activates Giant Antenna for Alien Search: Steven Spielberg inaugurated a search for extraterrestrial radio signals using an 84-foot antenna at Harvard University. Project Meta, funded by Spielberg, is the most sophisticated system yet used to hunt for aliens.
• Tenth Planet: Soviet astronomers have calculated that a tenth planet in the Solar System, beyond Pluto, likely exists, possibly having torn Pluto from its orbit.
• Marfa's Mystery Lights: For over 100 years, strange lights, described as glowing balls, have been seen on Mitchell Flat in Marfa, Texas. Theories range from car lights and pranksters to reflections of distant lights, charged dust particles, phosphorescent minerals, or St. Elmo's fire. The lights are considered a unique aspect of the town.
• Hummer a Bummer (Richardson Bay, California): Houseboat owners are tormented by a mysterious, eerie humming sound that occurs at night during the summer. Investigations by sound engineers have failed to pinpoint the source, but the 'singing fish' (plainfin midshipman) is a leading suspect due to its mating calls.
• Carl Sagan's 'Contact': A review of Carl Sagan's novel 'Contact' discusses its themes of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence, the evolution of the mind, and grappling with superstition and pseudo-science. The novel is praised for its imaginative scope and optimistic outlook on humanity's place in the cosmos.
• Fortean Times and Robert Rickard: Robert J.M. Rickard, an archivist of the unexplained, compiles anomalous events for his magazine, the Fortean Times. His work includes reports of strange occurrences like showers of peas, fish falling from the sky, and unexplained piles of stones, demonstrating an open-minded approach to unusual phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, from scientific investigations into potential extraterrestrial life and natural phenomena to the investigation of folklore, myths, and alleged encounters with unknown creatures. There is a clear editorial stance that encourages the exploration of these mysteries, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers in many cases. The articles often highlight the human fascination with the unknown and the desire to find explanations for phenomena that defy conventional understanding. The inclusion of international reports suggests a global interest in these topics. The publication appears to be open-minded, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing them, inviting readers to consider the possibilities.