UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 02 - no 199

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated February 1986, presents a collection of articles detailing UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena from late 1985 and early 1986. The publication focuses on witness accounts, expert opinions, and potential explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena.

Army Says One UFO May Have Been Flare

This article, by Donald St. John and John Leaning, addresses two apparent UFO sightings in Boxboro, Massachusetts. John Rasmuson, a public affairs officer at Fort Devens, suggested that a sighting on Saturday night might have been a military flare fired by a reserve unit. He explained that flares descend slowly on a parachute, creating a bright light. However, Patrolman Stephen Trefry, one of the police officers who witnessed the lights, strongly disputed this explanation, stating the objects were moving diagonally and blinking, which flares would not do. Rasmuson added that activity at Fort Devens might not explain a separate Friday morning sighting at 7 a.m. off Prescott Road. Marcie Robinson reported seeing "two round orange balls" high over a pasture, and though normally skeptical, found this sighting unusual. A UFO investigating center was scheduled to interview Trefry and his partner, Robert Morrill, who reported seeing two bright yellow lights around 10:10 p.m. the previous Saturday. They described the lights as round, about 20 feet apart, and the size of a car door, moving in a definite direction before disappearing. The National UFO Reporting Center cautioned that 90 percent of sightings are attributable to known phenomena but would investigate close encounters.

Local Physicist Feels Photograph Will Interest UFO Investigators

This article from the Bulletin Journal (Cape Girardeau, MO) reports on Dr. Harley Rutlege, chairman of the physics department at SEMO University, who believes a satellite photograph of an unidentified flying object will generate significant interest among UFO investigators. The photograph, taken in October 1978 by a civilian employee of the Air Force at a base in Anchorage, Alaska, is considered significant because it's an officially verified government satellite photo of a UFO. John T. Smith and James Bounds, who acquired the photo, spent weeks trying to identify the object. They presented it to Dr. Rutledge, emphasizing their scientific approach. The photo shows a semi-rectangular object traveling at 4,000-4,500 miles per hour and climbing out of the atmosphere. Smith and Bounds stated that the object did not belong to the U.S. or Soviet Union at the time. They stressed it was a clear object, not just a blinking light. While national newspapers offered substantial sums for the photo, Smith and Bounds decided to pursue a scientific study. Dr. Rutledge plans further research, including determining the object's location when photographed and consulting other experts.

'Sighting' of UFOs Prompts Probe

This Boston Herald article by Eric Fehrnstrom details a team of UFO investigators arriving in Boxboro, Massachusetts, to gather witness accounts of recent sightings of mysterious glowing objects. Jim Melesciuz, director of the state chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), noted the consistency in witness descriptions of orange balls of light. Boxboro patrolman Stephen Trefry and his partner, Robert Morrill, were among the first to report seeing two round orange balls pulsating over treetops on October 19th. Since then, eight other people have reported similar sightings. Melesciuz stated the group would collect data on weather, air traffic, and military maneuvers to identify the objects. Witnesses like Lin Haire-Sargeant described seeing two orange balls, larger than headlights and pulsating, which disappeared and reappeared later with four objects. A Boxboro housewife and her children also reported seeing two bright orange lights over an open field.

Flying Object in Night Sky Unidentified

This article from the Record (Hackensack, NJ) by Jim Consoli discusses an incident where Teterboro Airport officials initially identified a V-shaped object with red and white pulsating lights as advertising planes. However, they later retracted this explanation. Joe Burns, a supervisor at Teterboro, stated that no advertising planes were seen. The FAA officially logged the object as unidentified. A Trans World Airlines pilot reported seeing a "V-shaped object with several center lights" over Kennedy International Airport. Westchester County Airport officials suspected pilots playing tricks, but had no proof. Alex Zuchniewicz, Teterboro airport supervisor, initially suggested advertising planes based at the airport, but later expressed uncertainty. Dominick Mezzina, a Navy veteran, reported seeing the object and was told by Teterboro that it was on radar but unidentified. Rich Manzi also reported seeing the object.

Christmas Day Lights: Maulians Report UFO

This Maui News article reports on the sighting of strange lights over Maui on Christmas night. The Maui Police Department, after determining the lights were not from Santa's sleigh or reindeer, suggested inquiries be made with the Coast Guard, which had received no calls. The FAA could offer no explanation, other than mistaking them for helicopters. A Delaware State Police communications officer confirmed reports of a UFO sighting, but a helicopter check yielded negative results. Wayne D. Ellingsworth, director of emergency operations for Sussex County, received three calls about a strange object, described as a ball of light with orange streamers. He contacted Dover Air Force Base, which reported heavy air traffic that night.

Physics Department Professor Verifies UFO Photograph

This article from the Arrow (Southeast Missouri State University) by Lesley Tritschier details Dr. Hartley Rutledge's verification of a UFO photograph taken by a U.S. satellite in October 1978. The photograph, obtained by John T. Smith, a staff communications officer at a U.S. Air Force base in Alaska, is considered the only official government satellite photo of a UFO. Smith and his business partner, James Bounds, commissioned Dr. Rutledge to authenticate the negative. Photographer Steve Robertson verified that the negative was not altered. Dr. Rutledge described the object as looking like a vehicle with a front viewing window and a hump over the top, possibly with rockets mounted on the side and top. Smith stated the object was traveling at 4,500 feet per hour and over 4,000 miles per hour, ruling out jet-propelled aircraft but not rocket-propelled aircraft. Rutledge believes the craft is likely Russian or American but does not rule out it being a UFO.

Mysterious Lights Seen Over Harvard

This Harvard Post article by Ann Levison reports on multiple sightings of brilliant orange lights over Harvard and Boxborough, Massachusetts. Boxborough police officers Stephen Trefry and Robert Morrill reported seeing two bright lights hovering and then disappearing. They later saw the lights again, described as about 20 to 30 feet above treetops. Harvard residents Yvette Grimes and Lin Haire-Sargent also reported seeing two round objects, the size of the moon, pulsating and emitting a low hum. They later saw four objects. John Rasmusen of Fort Devens confirmed mortar training with flares was conducted that night, but stated it was unlikely the officers would have seen flares from the fort at that time. Marcie Robinson reported seeing orangey lights on October 25th. The article also discusses the Harvard College Observatory's search for extraterrestrial intelligence, noting it uses receivers, not transmitters.

Velasques' Personal Recollections of Close Encounters

This Register article by Tom Krattenmaker profiles Jim Velasques, a Gabrielino Indian leader who claims to have experienced dozens of visits from "Etherians" (space beings) over four decades. He interprets the biblical passage about Ezekiel's whirlwind as a description of a spaceship. His primary evidence is a 1959 black-and-white snapshot taken by a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy during a UFO convention, showing a bright column topped by a hazy, white circle. Photographer Rene Laursen suggested this was a photographic anomaly called "halation." Velasques recounts an experience in 1947 where he was told he had a message for humanity and, in 1959, was taken aboard a craft where he was shown the location of heaven. He believes the "Etherians" are human-like and have a different understanding of the universe. UC Berkeley Professor William Simmons finds the concept unusual for Native American culture, where spirits are typically depicted as animals.

Did It Come From Outer Space?

This Register article by Tom Krattenmaker revisits the controversy surrounding Jim Velasques' claims of alien contact, linked to a dispute over Indian artifacts in Orange County. The article discusses a 1959 photograph taken by a reserve deputy, Franz Ackerman, showing a saucer-shaped light over an Indian religious site. Sheriff's personnel and archaeologists dismiss the photo as a photographic quirk or "halation," lacking scientific evidence of alien visits. Velasques uses the photograph to support his people's claims of contact with alien astronauts. Joe Karr, a former deputy sheriff, recalls the controversy over Ackerman's photo, which he attributes to a "flaw in the photographic material." Velasques, however, believes it was a lucky shot. The article also mentions the 3,000-year-old rock formation at El Toro, which Velasques claims symbolizes his ancestors' link to outer space.

Area Man Sees UFO

This article from the Alamance News by Tammy Apple reports on Henry T. Clauer of Burlington, NC, who claims to have seen a UFO on February 6, 1983, while stationed at Camp Lejeune. According to an analysis by the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), Clauer and a fellow serviceman observed a "dim, oval-shaped object" hovering silently. Clauer's radio picked up an unusual signal, possibly French, which coincided with the object's appearance and disappeared with it. The analysis, completed by R. H. Coddington, concluded that Clauer likely observed a UFO and that electromagnetic effects were involved. Coddington suggested the signal might have been an international broadcast, possibly from "Voice of America," which Clauer's radio was susceptible to receiving.

'Cosmic Watergate' Keeps UFO Group Busy

This Journal article by Steve Vogel profiles Larry Bryant, a federal employee who runs the Washington office of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS). Bryant is dedicated to uncovering what he calls "Cosmic Watergate" – a government cover-up of UFO information. CAUS is a 100-member organization seeking to compel governments to release information about flying saucers. Bryant has amassed a large collection of UFO-related documents, including a 1978 military police incident report describing an "unidentified being" shot by an MP. He also cites a declassified Air Intelligence Report about a 1955 train trip in the Soviet Union where officials allegedly saw a flying saucer. A key piece of evidence for Bryant is a 1950 memo to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, detailing the recovery of three "flying saucers" with occupants in New Mexico. Bryant filed a lawsuit seeking the release of alien bodies, which was dismissed. He now advocates for a congressional investigation.

People Who Claim They Were Abducted by Aliens Are Not 'Crazy,' Study Shows

This News American article by Anita Lewis discusses a study funded by the Fund for UFO Research Inc. on nine UFO "abductees." The study, conducted by psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Slater, found no evidence of mental disorders among the participants, suggesting their experiences were consistent with those of individuals who have undergone traumatic events. Virginia Horton and Steve Kilburn are mentioned as individuals who, under hypnosis, recounted experiences of abduction and being taken aboard alien spacecraft. Hopkins, a UFO researcher, notes that injuries in the same general area without tears in clothing are common in abduction cases. The article also touches on the psychological effects of abduction, including fear, anxiety, and phobias.

NASA Officials Stumped by Strange Light, Boom

This News Tribune article by Susan Burgess reports on a mysterious bright light and boom observed 400 miles north and south of the Cape Canaveral launch site on a Tuesday. NASA spokesman Charles Redmond was stumped, initially suggesting the sound was the shuttle breaking the sound barrier, but later reconsidered due to the time delay. He speculated the light could be from an Air Force helicopter or fighter plane, and the sound from a jet afterburner. Residents reported the boom occurred about 12 minutes after the shuttle launch, ruling out the shuttle as the direct cause.

Tracing UFOs Is His Life Work

This News Tribune article by Joe Manteneri profiles John DeHerrera of Fullerton, CA, who has dedicated 30 years to investigating UFOs. DeHerrera aims to prove that UFOs are real and to understand their nature. He recounts a significant investigation in Van Nuys involving two mothers and a pilot who witnessed a glowing object. DeHerrera emphasizes the importance of eyewitness accounts and detailed descriptions. He also mentions his attempt to claim a $10,000 reward offered by Southern California Skeptics for proof of paranormal ability, criticizing the skeptics' methods and alleged unwillingness to pay.

Strange Lights in Sky

This Daily Nugget article by Gord McCulloch reports on multiple sightings of strange lights in the sky across various centers, including North Bay and Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Jack St. Onge reported seeing a green light that appeared to be the size of a full moon, which later split into two smaller spheres with light beams. He also mentioned another man who had seen similar objects but was hesitant to report them due to fear of ridicule. Rheal Viau reported seeing a yellow sphere, then a purple ball, and then a white sphere, all with light beams. Barry Armstrong of Environment Canada confirmed similar sightings were reported that morning. Master Sgt. Don Weston of CFB North Bay stated there was no indication of strange objects being sighted.

UFO Talk Brings Promise of More

This Bucks Examiner article reports on a UFO talk at Abergele library that attracted significant interest, with 15 people attending. Head librarian Mr. Bryn Davies noted the demand for lectures on UFOs and other topics. Mrs. Margaret Fry gave a talk illustrated with an exhibition, which will be on display until the end of the month. The findings of a national survey on alien invasion preparedness, conducted in Chesham, will be given to the House of Lords UFO Study Group.

Family 'Terrified by UFO'

This Evening News article describes a family on a remote farm in Edgworth, England, who claimed to be terrified for three hours by a UFO. The owner, his wife, and daughter reported seeing a mysterious white glow that appeared low in the sky. Air Traffic Control at Manchester reported nothing on radar. The family friends also witnessed the object. UFO expert Steve Balon is investigating the case.

UFO Was It Venus?

This Evening News article, following up on the Edgworth "white glow" mystery, suggests the phenomenon could be explained by astronomical factors. Jenny Randles, director of investigations for the National British UFO Association, believes the object was likely the planet Venus or a bright star, citing optical illusions caused by bright lights low in the sky. She notes that UFO sightings are remote and that the object remaining in the area for three hours makes an astronomical explanation more probable. Randles also mentions auto-kinesis, a phenomenon where perceived movement is due to eye movement, as a possible explanation for the object's apparent motion.

UFO Chaser: Somebody Is Watching Us

This Salisbury Post article by Kathy Chaffin profiles George Fawcett, who has investigated UFOs for 41 years. Fawcett believes that 90 percent of people who see UFOs never report them due to ridicule. He states that while most reports are explainable, some remain a mystery. Fawcett has investigated sightings in Rowan County, including one that left a 30-foot circle with an 18-inch ring of potassium deposits. He discusses the psychological effects on abductees and the possibility of government cover-ups. Fawcett dreams of building a million-dollar UFO museum and research center. He also mentions the possibility of aliens studying Earth and taking samples of water, rocks, vegetation, animals, and humans. He believes UFOs could help humanity understand its purpose and solve global problems. The article also touches on the belief that UFOs are signs of Armageddon or "fallen angels."

UFO Over Salisbury

This Associated Press article describes Sylvia Bagby's sighting of a round, red object, as big as a house, over Salisbury, NC. She described it as shining through the trees and revolving, with a yellow halo. The object disappeared and reappeared as a bright star shape. Bagby felt a tingling sensation and experienced insomnia for a week. She reported the sighting to the sheriff's department, who laughed, leaving her feeling alone.

UFO Sighting Sends Theories Flying

This Courant article by Tracy Gordon and Deborah Peterson reports on a sighting of a "narrow bar of lights" over Highland Lake in Torrington, CT. Over 200 people witnessed the object, which authorities suggested could be small planes flying in formation or ultra-light aircraft. However, witnesses described it as unlike airplanes, with some sketching it as a "cigar with square windows." Philip Imbrogno, a field investigator for the Center for UFO Research, stated that similar sightings have been reported along the East Coast since 1983. He disputed the small aircraft theory due to the close proximity of the lights. Witnesses described the object as a long object with brilliant white lights or flashing green and red lights, and some reported a humming sound. The Torrington Police Department received over 200 calls. A police officer described seeing a "V formation like a bat" that appeared to be standing still. Bradley International Airport reported no unusual radar activity, but the object was reportedly at a level not picked up by radar in the Torrington area. Larry Graber, director of Dutchess County Airport, mentioned rumors of small aircraft flying in formation. The FAA stated that flying in formation is not against regulations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsclipping Service include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges faced by witnesses in being believed, and the ongoing efforts to investigate and explain these sightings. There is a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts and expert analyses, while also acknowledging the skepticism and potential government cover-ups surrounding the topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs, but leaning towards the belief that many sightings warrant serious investigation and cannot be easily dismissed.

This issue of the magazine, dated December 14, 1985, focuses on investigations into UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena, with a prominent article titled "Malcolm's search for ghosts and U.F.O.s." The cover features Malcolm Robinson, president of the Scottish U.F.O. Network, who is dedicated to investigating strange occurrences across Britain.

Malcolm's Search for Ghosts and U.F.O.s

The lead article introduces Malcolm Robinson of Alloa, who dedicates his spare time to investigating the paranormal and strange phenomena, particularly UFO sightings. Robinson estimates that 95% of reported UFOs are identifiable objects, but a small percentage remain unexplained. He expresses surprise that world governments do not take the subject more seriously. While he hasn't definitively seen a UFO himself, he recounts an experience at Loch Ness in 1979 involving a half-moon shaped, orange object. He also shares a compelling story from 1979 about a forestry worker named Bob Taylor who encountered a silvery grey object and two smaller objects near a clearing, leaving behind triangular and circular holes in the ground and ripped trousers.

Robinson is co-writing a book with Bill Gibbons on UFO sightings in Scotland. Gibbons, currently in the Congo searching for a creature called 'mokele mbembe,' has a different perspective, believing UFOs are extraterrestrial, while Robinson is more open to other explanations. Robinson also investigates hauntings and has encountered numerous tales of haunted houses, though he personally has not experienced paranormal activity himself. He mentions investigating the haunted King's Stables Inn in Stirling.

UFO Sightings and Investigations Across Britain

Several other articles detail UFO sightings and related investigations:

• Brighton Evening Argus (Nov. 26, 1985): Reports on Cyril Parsonage, a retired engineer inspired by UFO sightings, who is developing a blueprint for a flying machine based on gyroscopes. He has not seen a UFO but is fascinated by descriptions of them spinning.
• Cumberland Evening News (Jan. 7, 1986): Features Stan Hebson, a pensioner from Carlisle, who reported seeing a large, cigar-shaped UFO facing towards Scotland.
• Westmorland Gazette (Nov. 29, 1985): Discusses a survey in Kendal where a majority of people believe in life on other planets and the possibility of an alien invasion.
• Weekly Post, Isle of Wight (Jan. 17, 1986): An appeal from E. Morris of the Cheshire UFO Studies Centre for information about a photographed UFO sighting on May 2, 1982, described as an orange ball of light travelling at approximately 200 mph and an estimated height of 150 feet.
• Lancashire Evening Telegraph (Jan. 8, 1986): "Terror hovers in the sky" reports on a Darwen businessman and his family who were terrorized for three hours by a strange white glow above their remote farmhouse. The article also references past UFO sightings in East Lancashire, including the case of policeman Alan Godfrey who claimed to have been 'interrogated' on board a spaceship, and Zygmunt Adamski's mysterious death.
• Lancashire Evening Telegraph (Jan. 7, 1986): "3 hours of fear from UFO" details the businessman's experience, noting that air traffic control detected nothing on radar. UFO investigators are examining the incident.
• West Lothian Courier (Jan. 10, 1986): "Policemen Spot UFO" reports on two officers in Armadale who saw a luminous flying clothes pole-like object.
• Mercury, Leicester (Dec. 2, 1985): "Throwing a light on UFO" discusses sightings of a triangular shaped object with unusual lights over Leicestershire, investigated by the Leicester UFO Investigation Centre.
• UFO 'had red flashing lights': A report of a UFO seen on the same night as the Edgworth sighting, described as a large round object with flashing red lights.

International UFO Reports

The issue also includes international reports:

• Chile, Peru, Bolivia: Reports of UFO fleets flying over these countries, with sightings described as cigar-shaped and intensely orange. Professor Alex Clavijo reported seeing an elongated body similar to a cigar.
• Argentina: Discussions on the 'UFO Phenomenon' featuring experts like Roberto Banchs and Alberto Rafael Frutos. A large UFO reportedly landed on a hillside in Cordoba, burning vegetation over a 100-meter area.
• Italy: Four pilots reported seeing a squadron of UFOs in the sky over Ponza, Teano, and Sorrento, described as luminous points flying in formation.

Other Strange Phenomena

Beyond UFOs, the magazine touches on other mysteries:

• FORTEANA NEWS (Oct. 10, 1985): "'Creature' pesters East Pennsboro" details residents' experiences with a Big Foot-like creature, attracting numerous gawkers. The article also mentions sightings of bobcats and mountain lions.
• Stonewall Argus/Teulon Times (Oct. 30, 1985): "Mutilated cow arouses suspicion" reports on a cow found killed under suspicious circumstances, with its tongue and udder removed, leading to speculation of a demonic ritual.
• Sunday Express (Dec. 15, 1985): "REDS FIND 'NESSIE'" reports that Soviet scientists have identified the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon in Kazakhstan as whirlpools.
• Daily Telegraph (Feb. 6, 1986): "COMET PATHS GIVE CLUE TO MORE PLANETS" discusses evidence for two unknown giant planets far beyond Pluto.
• Herald, Melbourne (Oct. 8, 1985): "Von Daniken: I was not wrong" features author Erich von Daniken discussing his theories about ancient astronauts and alien visitations, supported by ancient texts.
• Skagit Valley Herald (Dec. 9, 1985): "WSU professor says he won't give up search for Bigfoot" profiles Grover Krantz, a professor of physical anthropology, who has spent 15 years searching for Bigfoot.
• Arkansas Gazette (Jan. 26, 1986): "Controversial energy device to be examined by bureau" reports on Joseph W. Newman's controversial energy device, which defies the laws of physics.
• Wisconsin State Journal (Nov. 25, 1985): "Search for lost dinosaur lacks money" discusses the expedition's search for the Mokele-mbembe in the Congo.
• Times, Los Angeles (Oct. 31, 1985): "Things That Go Bump Day, Night" explores the mysterious noises in Moodus, Connecticut, known for centuries.
• Daily News, Lebanon, PA (Oct. 10, 1985): "Police Chief Smells Farce In Bigfoot Case" discusses sightings of Bigfoot in Pennsylvania, with the police chief suspecting pranks.
• Inquiry Magazine (Oct. 11, 1985): An interview with Carl Sagan, discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the nature of the universe, and the dangers of nuclear war. He questions the 'Star Wars' program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with the unknown, particularly UFOs and paranormal phenomena, and the ongoing efforts to investigate and understand these mysteries. There's a clear editorial stance that encourages open-mindedness and thorough investigation, even when dealing with subjects that are often met with skepticism. The articles highlight eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and the challenges faced by researchers in gaining official recognition or funding for their work. The issue also touches upon broader existential concerns, such as the potential for nuclear war and humanity's place in the universe, as discussed by Carl Sagan.