UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 03 - no 200

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, identified as Number 200 and dated March 1986, is a compilation of various reports and articles related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The publication originates from the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, with co-editors Farish and B. Dyke. The cover prominently features the headline "Flying objects over Tucson still unidentified radar tracked them, people saw them, no one claims them," accompanied by an illustration of a UFO and a radar screen.

Tucson UFO Sightings

The lead article details the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects observed over Tucson, Arizona. Radar tracked these objects, and multiple people reported seeing them, yet no official claims were made regarding their origin or nature. Martha Ann Grill is quoted describing UFOs she saw over Avra Valley, noting their round, red appearance and revolving motion.

UFO Investigations and MUFON

The issue highlights the work of UFO investigators, particularly Norma White, an Assistant LifeStyles Editor and a state section director for the Mutual Unidentified Flying Objects Network (MUFON). White, who has personally seen 25 UFOs, investigates sightings and explains that MUFON is a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding these phenomena. The article details MUFON's thorough training for investigators, including a manual that explains celestial phenomena and helps identify potential causes for sightings. White emphasizes that a UFO is defined as anything seen in the sky that is not recognized, and that many people are hesitant to report sightings due to ridicule.

Notable UFO Cases and Reports

Several specific UFO incidents are detailed across different regions:

• Fayette County, USA (October 12, 1985): A couple reported a softball-sized light following their car, hitting it, and the appearance of an "entity."
• Pennsylvania (1985): The Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) documented numerous strange incidents, including UFO sightings, strange animal sightings, and unusual atmospheric events. While many reports were explained as misidentifications (planets, meteors, aircraft), some UFO sightings, like those related to space projects (Cosmos 1530, a sounding rocket launch), remained unexplained. PASU exchanges information globally and encourages residents to report sightings.
• South Carolina (various dates): George D. Fawcett, a state director for MUFON, has investigated numerous UFO experiences. He notes that South Carolina has a high number of reported UFO encounters, following global patterns. Specific incidents include a Saturn-shaped UFO near Gaffney in 1966, a domed saucer blocking a road in Jonesville in 1973, and a multi-colored domed saucer near Blacksburg in 1973. Fawcett believes UFOs exhibit intelligent control but their origin is unknown.
• North Carolina (various dates): Several sightings are reported, including a Saturn-shaped object near Lincolnton in May 1985 that caused power failures and telephone interference, a round, white object near Lowesville in October 1985, and two bright, oval-shaped objects near Matthews in December 1985. Sylvia Bagby of Salisbury reported seeing a large, red, star-like object in November 1985.
• Iowa County, Wisconsin (January 5, 1986): Several people, including the sheriff, reported seeing a strange light that moved very fast, which Sheriff Nick Basting suspected was an airplane's landing light.
• Bolton, England (January 6, 1986): A couple claimed a UFO followed their car at speeds up to 50 mph. Experts debated whether the object was Venus or Jupiter, with one expert dismissing these explanations.
• Reading, England (January 11, 1986): A man reported a close encounter of the third kind, meeting an alien and being taken to a ship. UFO researcher Stephen Chetwynd notes that while most sightings can be explained, a small percentage remain mysterious.
• Hartlepool, England (January 9, 1986): Jack Kramer and his family witnessed an unidentified flying object with a circle of white lights sinking to the ground.
• West Lothian, Scotland (January 12, 1986): Sergeant Jimmy Begg reported seeing a red-orange colored object falling from the sky, which he officially recorded.
• El Paso, Texas (February 12, 1986): Sgt. Clifford E. Stone discussed his 20-year study of UFOs, asserting that the government has classified reports and that UFOs pose a potential threat to national security.
• Coronado, California (January 9, 1986): Three residents reported seeing an unidentified flying object land, described as a clear plastic "bubble."
• Glendale, South Carolina (February 16, 1986): Reports of an explosion and low-flying lights led to a search for a crashed aircraft, but no evidence was found. Some believed it was a hot air balloon, while others were convinced it was something else.

The Aurora, Texas Incident

The issue delves into the persistent legend of the Aurora, Texas UFO crash from April 19, 1897. The story involves a cigar-shaped aircraft, a collision with a windmill, and the discovery of a "not of this world" pilot. Tommy Blann, a UFO investigator, believes an explosion occurred but questions the extraterrestrial nature of the pilot, suggesting a man-made craft. The article notes the town's decline after 1891 and the sensationalism surrounding the event, particularly in relation to the movie "Aurora Encounter."

UFOs and Public Perception

A poll conducted by the National Science Foundation suggests that a significant portion of Americans believe in UFOs and other unconventional phenomena, indicating a potential confusion between real and fictional technologies. The poll also highlighted varying levels of public understanding regarding technological issues.

Movie Review: 'Aurora' no close encounter of any kind

This section reviews the movie "Aurora Encounter," criticizing its low-budget production, poor acting, and weak script. Despite the review's negative tone, it acknowledges the film's basis in the historical Aurora, Texas incident and notes the performances of Spanky McFarland and Mickey Hays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges in investigating and explaining UFO sightings, and the public's fascination with and belief in UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various reports and expert opinions without definitively concluding the nature of all observed phenomena. There is an emphasis on distinguishing between hoaxes and genuine unexplained events, and a recognition that some cases remain a mystery despite extensive investigation.

This issue of the PROVINCE newspaper, dated February 2, 1986, is titled 'IN SEARCH OF UFOS' and focuses on the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects through various articles, interviews, and translated reports from around the world.

Key Articles and Features

Look Up!

The lead article introduces Vancouver Planetarium director David Hurd, who admits his belief in UFOs is based on faith rather than scientific proof. It also features Bob Stephens, an independent space researcher camping at Hay River, N.W.T., with two giant radio-telescopes, seeking $100 million to enhance his SETI efforts. Stephens believes other planets must host intelligent life and that detecting signals is a matter of technology and matching 'homework.' The article contrasts this with the U.S. approach, where Harvard and NASA receive federal funds for SETI, while Ottawa is perceived as prioritizing other research. Chicago astronomer Allen Hynek, who examined UFO data for the U.S. Air Force, is also mentioned. University of B.C. space expert David Vogt is quoted as saying research into life on other planets is 'just guesswork' due to lack of data.

Stephens has personally invested $30,000 to $40,000 in his research. Hurd, who has fielded about 2,000 UFO reports in 10 years, states that 'all but one had some logical explanation,' but that one 'was a true mystery.' The planetarium plans a summer show titled 'The Alien Equation.'

The UFO Season is Here

This section, originating from the GRIMSBY EVENING TELEGRAPH, highlights Les Sallis of Bransholme, Hull, as a prospective investigator for the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASAPP). Sallis is available for immediate contact and is compiling a file on the psychic history of the South Humberside and North Lincolnshire area. He notes that 'UFOs seem to come in cycles' and predicts 1986 will be a 'good year' for sightings. Sallis, a former civil servant in the Ministry of Defence, describes himself as a skeptic, admitting that 'four per cent of the things I have come across I am still not convinced about.' He mentions the unsolved case of a possible starship landing in Rendlesham Forest and a December 1982 sighting at Winthorpe, near Skegness, of a lit-up triangular craft. Sallis also notes that UFOs often appear where 'ley lines' converge, which are often sites of ancient activity.

'A flying fireball'

This article by Greg McIntyre details the experience of Rosa Waldner, who claims she and her husband John witnessed a 'fireball' the size of a house on Halloween night, 1974, near Surrey, Canada. The object hovered silently, changing from a 'bluish, sparkling light' to an 'orange color of fire.' John Waldner, initially a skeptic, was also shocked. The object had a red cloud underneath and was circled by lights, pulsing in rainbow colors. It zigzagged rapidly before flying south. Despite reporting it to the Surrey RCMP, no one else had reported a sighting. Friends and neighbors believe their story, though they often ask if they are sure of what they saw.

ENCOUNTERS OF THE B.C. KIND

This piece profiles John Tanner, a radio broadcaster who has had three UFO sightings. His first was at Okanagan Lake at age 13, where he saw an aluminum-colored disc. Later, he saw three 'saucers' in V-formation. His most recent sighting was in Vancouver, of a bright light over the ocean that blinked off and was then illuminated by a searchlight, before taking off rapidly. Tanner categorizes his sightings as 'first kind' encounters, distinct from 'second kind' (affected by the sighting) or 'third kind' (contact with an alien).

RUSSIAN JET WINS DOGFIGHT WITH UFO

A small box highlights a story about a Russian jet reportedly winning a dogfight with a UFO, accompanied by an illustration. The text states that the Russian jet 'wins dogfight with UFO.'

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE B.C. KIND (continued)

This section continues with the profile of John Tanner, who has had multiple UFO sightings. It also mentions a spokesman at a UFO information centre in Toronto stating there hasn't been a good sighting in Canada in over two years.

GAZETTE, Katoomba, N.S.W., Australia - Jan. ?, 1986: Unusual sighting

This report details Jim Cary's experience on January 2, 1986, where he claims to have seen an 'electromagnetic distortion' over Mt Boyce and Mt Piddington. He described flickering sheets of red light, a high section in the middle resembling a mountain but without symmetrical form, and 'huge silver pillars' emitting intense white light. He watched the object for about two hours. His boarder also saw the phenomenon. Cary believes it may have been an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) and noted that the object intermittently shot out arches of red electrical energy. He contacted police and the Department of Aviation but found no explanation.

GLOBE AND MAIL, Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Feb. 22, 1986: Some of the groups believe 'Jesus Christ is the commander of a fleet of spaceships'

This article by Salem Alaton profiles photographer Doug Curran and his book 'Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space.' Curran traveled extensively to document individuals and groups who believe in UFOs, describing them as 'folk concepts of outer space.' He met people who see flying saucers as 'God wrapped in stainless steel,' including the head of the Unarius Educational Foundation, whose deceased husband is reportedly 'working on Mars.' The article discusses how these groups often incorporate Jesus Christ into their beliefs, seeing him as a commander of spaceships. Curran notes the common theme of a 'Universal Mind' and the adaptable nature of Christianity for these beliefs. He also touches on the love-hate relationship with technology among these groups and their fear of the atomic bomb. Curran's work is described as a 'respectful memoir' and not just a survey of 'cranks, misfits and eccentrics.' He explains that his interest is not in UFOs themselves but in the 'essential fact of human existence: the need for order and hope' that these beliefs represent. The article also mentions the 'Great Airship Mystery' of 1896-97 and the proliferation of sightings in the 1940s and 1950s.

DORSET EVENING ECHO, Weymouth, England - Feb. 5, 1986: The man who records strange sightings

This article focuses on Frank Marshall, who has been investigating UFO reports for BUFORA for over 26 years. Marshall collects newspaper clippings and magazines on the subject, noting that UFO sightings seem to occur in patterns and that 1985 was a quiet year, but 1986 has started well. He believes that 'one good sighting often being the forerunner of a series of visitations.' Marshall himself has never seen a UFO 'for certain,' though he has had 'a couple of possibles.' He expresses hesitation about a direct encounter, fearing it could be harmful. He estimates that 'six to ten per cent of sightings cannot logically be explained.' The article mentions specific areas in Dorset known for sightings, such as around Rampisham and Eggardon Hill. Marshall fears many people don't report sightings due to ridicule and notes that official explanations often seem 'ridiculous.' He points to historical accounts, including Bible stories, cave drawings, and Latin records, as potential evidence.

BOROUGH TIMES, Barnet, England - Jan. 30, 1986: Strange object is seen

This report from Barnet details claims by Mrs. Pat Callaghan and her son Paul who saw a 'mysterious triangular-shaped object' on January 19. They described it as having lights that separated and beams coming down, making an engine-like noise. They were surprised and interested, not frightened. The object reportedly moved over their house.

SUNDAY MIRROR, London, England - March 2, 1986: EXCLUSIVE Pilot shocked by close encounter CHARLES IN UFO RIDDLE

This article reports on a UFO mystery involving Prince Charles. The pilot of his RAF VC-10 radioed air traffic control to report a 'glowing red object' in the sky. Four other aircraft also reported sighting a similar 'UFO' over the Irish Sea. Investigations have ruled out conventional explanations. UFO expert Tim Good suggests that advanced beings might be aware of the significance of a Royal flight.

SUNDAY MIRROR, London, England - March 9, 1986: ANOTHER UFO! by Royal Appointment CHARLES IN UFO RIDDLE

This article follows up on the Prince Charles UFO incident, reporting a 'mystery craft' over Windsor Castle. A red, glowing machine, the size of a Mini, was seen hovering near the battlements in broad daylight. The article links this to the earlier sighting involving Prince Charles, questioning why 'Royals have been singled out for close encounters.'

DAILY EXPRESS, London, England - Feb. 5, 1986: Sky fireball shocks town

This report describes a 'huge fireball' that left a blazing trail across the sky over Windsor, Berkshire, stunning workers. Police found no trace of the object, and air traffic officials reported no planes in the area.

TRANSLATIONS

This section contains translated reports of UFO incidents from various locations:

• Hoachanas, Swaziland (April 26, 1985): A 'light ball' reportedly 'sucked' a farm dam dry. Mr. Hannes Voges and his wife Caty witnessed the event, describing it as a 'ghost light.'
• Hoachanas, Swaziland (May 3, 1985): A follow-up report on the 'light ball' phenomenon, with possible explanations including vacuum formation. A farm worker reportedly saw the light ball empty three farm dams.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (October 12, 1985): Hundreds of residents saw a brilliant object hover for 20 minutes before falling into the sea. The event was observed by many, and an investigator suggested it could be a case for 'Ufology.'
• Zagreb, Yugoslavia (January 1, 1986): A group of unidentified flying objects appeared over Zagreb, described as oval-shaped, moving soundlessly and with great velocity, leaving a green trail. A West German airliner captain confirmed seeing six objects.
• Dalarna Region, Sweden (February 13, 1986): Soren Wetterskog and his wife witnessed a 'shining white ball' that flamed up and disappeared.
• Dalarna Region, Sweden (January 9, 1986): Ingrid Wedberg saw a 'green light' that moved erratically and disappeared rapidly, described as a 'bus with green light' and a 'cheese-dish cover.'

POST-INTELLIGENCER, Seattle, WA - Jan. 4, 1986: Horse killings puzzle deputies

This article reports on the unexplained killing and mutilation of two registered horses in Thurston County, Washington. Chief Criminal Deputy Neil McClanahan stated it was the first such case in recent history and that investigators are considering various possibilities, including a satanic cult or revenge. The horses' throats were cut, and the genitals of one were removed. A fence was also cut. Investigators have conferred with Mason and Pierce County authorities regarding similar, though not identical, past cases of cattle and horse mutilations.

EVENING TELEGRAPH, Coventry, England - March 3, 1986: Block of ice hits school

This brief report, accompanied by a photo of ice fragments, mentions 'Mr Thatcher and fragments of the ice that fell from the sky.' The context is unclear without the full article, but it suggests a phenomenon involving ice falling from the sky.

DAILY NEWS, Bangor, ME - Nov. 16-17, 1985: USM's Ghost Buster: Tracking 'Dover Demon' and other phenomena

This article profiles Loren Coleman, director of the University of Southern Maine's Institute of Fortean Studies. Coleman investigates 'weird and unexplained' phenomena, including large black panthers, ape-like creatures, giant birds, lake monsters, ghost trains, sea serpents, and the 'Dover Demon.' He approaches investigations like a 'Watergate investigative reporter,' first seeking common explanations. Coleman has written four books on his investigations and is well-known internationally, though less so in Maine. He believes in cycles for certain phenomena, such as sea serpent sightings every 30 years. Coleman does not make scientific judgments about the origin of phenomena like 'Big Foot' or UFOs, suggesting they may be projections into the 'collective unconscious' or results of natural phenomena. He details the 'Dover Demon' sighting in Dover, Massachusetts, in April 1977, and notes Cree Indian legends of similar creatures. The article also mentions criticism from John Cole of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, who faults Coleman for overlooking easy scientific explanations.

HORIZONS: LLOYD GEERING: Sir Fred Hoyle: fascinating new picture of the origins of life.

This brief section introduces Sir Fred Hoyle and his challenge to the Darwinian theory of origins, particularly its reliance on natural selection and random variations. Hoyle, a physicist and astronomer, argues that life did not originate on Earth and cannot be explained solely by mindless change. He proposes that the universe is teeming with micro-organisms and that comets act as messengers between stars.

ARKANSAS GAZETTE, Little Rock, AR - Nov. 29, 1985: Scientologists expect to weather disclosure about interplanetary despot

This article discusses the Church of Scientology facing public ridicule due to the publication of secret documents blaming world troubles on an 'interplanetary tyrant named Xemu.' Church officials, however, predict continued growth. The documents, referred to as 'upper-level technology,' trace mankind's troubles to Xemu's actions 75 million years ago. The church promotes reaching 'full potential' through methods from L. Ron Hubbard's 'Dianetics.' The article also mentions legal battles and a breakaway faction led by David Mayo, who charges less for counseling.

POST-INTELLIGENCER, Seattle, WA - Dec. 2, 1985: Two Bigfoot searchers pay beastly price for persisting

This article profiles Rene Dahinden and Grover Krantz, two dedicated Bigfoot researchers. Dahinden, a Swiss immigrant, lives alone and earns a meager living from his research. Krantz, a professor of physical anthropology at Washington State University, has had his career potentially damaged by his pursuit of Bigfoot evidence. Both have invested significant time and money, with Dahinden claiming his search has cost him $100,000. Dahinden is critical of scientists, believing they have not given Bigfoot a fair chance. Krantz, while acknowledging Dahinden's passion, views him as a 'mental case.' The article discusses the Patterson-Gimlin film and Krantz's use of infrared equipment. It also mentions other researchers like Cliff Crook and Steve Sampson, and the cultural impact of the Bigfoot legend.

STAR, Auckland, New Zealand - Jan. 13, 1986: NZ settled by whites first, says expert

This article presents the theory of Australian archaeologist Rex Gilroy, who believes ancient Middle East explorers, rather than Polynesians, first discovered New Zealand. Gilroy points to evidence of rock inscriptions and stone structures. Rangi Walker, chairman of the Auckland District Maori Council, refutes this, identifying the 'white-skinned folk' as Patupaiarehe, or fairies, in Maori legends.

STAR, Auckland, New Zealand - Nov. 6, 1985: Tide May Hold Key To Enigma in Stone

This article discusses a new theory by New Zealand scientist David Beach regarding Stonehenge. Beach believes the prehistoric monument was an uncannily precise tide predictor, used by ancient Britons to safely cross the English Channel. His theory is based on complex astronomical analysis, including the tilt of the moon's orbit and lunar influences around 2800 BC. He suggests the 'Windmill Hill people' used this knowledge for navigation. The article contrasts Beach's theory with other explanations for Stonehenge, such as an eclipse predictor or a temple for sky worship.

STAR, Auckland, New Zealand - Jan. 9, 1986: Comet may become space vehicle next time around

Astronomer Carl Sagan suggests that comets could be used as space vehicles for future solar system exploration. He believes it's technically feasible to land on a comet and ride it, particularly after it has passed the sun and its ice has refrozen. Sagan highlights the advantages of comets, including the presence of water, minerals, and organic molecules, making them ideal 'way stations' for astronauts. He mentions Halley's Comet as an example and suggests the possibility of 'leap-frogging' from comet to comet for travel.

STAR, Auckland, New Zealand - Jan. 2, 1986: on computer

This brief report from London discusses the claim that the ghost of Thomas Harden, an expelled Oxford dean from the 1500s, is communicating through a micro-computer. The Society for Psychical Research is investigating, though remains skeptical. Harden reportedly sends messages in 16th-century English, and his communicated facts have proven historically correct.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, and the human quest for understanding and meaning. There's a clear interest in witness accounts, scientific investigation (and its limitations), and historical mysteries. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from believers and researchers to skeptics and those seeking rational explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and incidents without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also highlighting the persistent human need to explore the unknown and find order and hope in the universe. The inclusion of translated reports and diverse geographical locations suggests a global perspective on UFO phenomena.