UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 04 - no 201

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 1986, presents a collection of articles detailing UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena primarily from the early to mid-1980s. The publication focuses on eyewitness accounts, the efforts of UFO research organizations, and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine unexplained events and potential hoaxes or misidentifications.

New York-based 'Martians' Suspected in Area UFO Scare

This article by William Haskell investigates a phenomenon in New York where private pilots are suspected of creating UFO illusions. New York state police believe a group of pilots, who call themselves 'The Martians,' have been flying in tight formations at night, manipulating their lights to mimic airborne objects. This practice, initially a test of skill, evolved into entertainment. The article notes that this activity reportedly decreased after negative publicity and threats. The pilots are said to fly Cessna 152s and similar single-engine aircraft at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. The illusion of rapid movement or disappearance is achieved by simultaneously switching off navigation lights. The article also mentions a 'UFO-burger' that was once offered at the Stormville Airport snack bar.

Carole Yudain/Close Encounter?

Carole Yudain recounts a personal experience from November 21, 1985, where she witnessed strange lights and a large, dark, elliptical object gliding over treetops near her home in Greenwich, Connecticut. She describes a brilliant beam of white light followed by a massive object. Other listeners also reported similar sightings. The article mentions Robert E. Hagadorn, who saw lights on Route 84 East in New York, and Phil Ambrogno, a science instructor and UFO investigator, who believes these events are unexplained UFOs, possibly from outer space or secret government vehicles, and have been occurring for three years.

Rye's Peter Geremia is Hooked on UFOs

This piece profiles Peter Geremia, the New Hampshire State Director for MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). Geremia, an electronics engineer, became involved in UFO research after attending a lecture by Raymond Fowler in 1976. He dedicates himself to investigating reported sightings by conducting detailed interviews. Geremia suggests that the government might interfere in UFO cases due to fear of public panic or the potential gain of advanced technology. He notes patterns in sightings, such as 'daylight disks' in the mid-50s, night sightings in the 60s, and humanoids in the mid-70s. He also points to physical evidence like swirled grass patterns, dehydrated foliage, and magnetic field interruptions. The article references the famous Betty and Barney Hill abduction case and an incident in Exeter involving a hitchhiker who reported a UFO. Geremia also publishes a newsletter for MUFON members and highlights the organization's growing membership, especially during 'flaps' or nationwide trends in sightings.

Red Lights in Sky Puzzle Residents

This article from January 11, 1986, reports on blinking red lights seen hovering over Thomaston, Connecticut. Residents described large, elliptical aircraft moving silently and pausing before darting away. The Torrington Police Department suggested they were likely five light airplanes from Hudson, New York. However, witnesses like Paul Tracy and David Marcoux were unconvinced, noting the objects' size, slow movement, lack of noise, and unusual light patterns. Marcoux took 20 pictures of the craft, which he described as flying in a horseshoe shape before separating.

Egads, Ethel, They're Back!

This article from March 22, 1986, focuses on Hillsboro, New Hampshire, a town known for its frequent UFO sightings. The article describes how the community has become accustomed to these phenomena, with residents sharing stories of strange lights and vessels. Sherman Larsen of the Center for UFO Studies notes that Hillsboro's openness encourages more people to speak out. The article recounts several local incidents, including Lewis Pletcher's story of his car dying while a strange light was overhead, and James Gaskell's account of seeing a dirigible-like object with a 'conning tower' emerge and then depart at high speed. The article also touches on the skepticism within the town, with some residents, like the owner of the local restaurant, wishing the talk would stop. Police Chief Richard Robbins acknowledges that many people believe what they saw but are afraid of ridicule. The article also mentions a proposed nuclear waste dump site near Hillsboro, leading to speculation about government involvement.

Movie Gives Mickey New Outlook

This article, dated March 8, 1986, is a human interest piece about Mickey Hays, a 13-year-old boy with progeria, who was cast in the movie 'Aurora Encounter' because of his resemblance to an alien. The article focuses on how the movie experience positively impacted Mickey's self-esteem and outlook on life, transforming him from someone who felt like hiding to someone proud of being a 'movie star.' It details the producer's initial hesitation in approaching Mickey's mother and Mickey's own enthusiastic acceptance of the role.

The Town That Attracts 'Pink UFOs'

This article from March 30, 1986, explores Mount Shasta City, California, a town that has become a focal point for UFO enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. Legends surround the 14,162-foot volcano, with some believing it emanates positive energy and attracts UFOs. Dorothy Kingsland, who runs a metaphysical bookstore, believes Mount Shasta attracts UFOs and serves as a beacon of enlightenment, even reporting seeing a 'pink' flying saucer. Gladys Gale, a police dispatcher, also believes in 'beneficent space brothers' and has seen two large spaceships. The article mentions the legend of Lemuria and its survivors living inside the mountain. It also notes the town's tolerant atmosphere towards diverse beliefs, though 'gurus' don't survive there. The article contrasts these beliefs with the more grounded perspective of Or Apperson, co-publisher of the Mount Shasta Herald, who is amused by the stories and attributes the town's reputation partly to the mountain's prominent, free-standing nature.

'Golden Space Age' Sought

This article from March 18, 1986, reports on a group in Rocky River, Ohio, led by Maj. Colman VonKeviczky, a former member of the Royal Hungarian General Staff. The group, part of the Intercontinental U.F.O. Galactic Spacecraft Research and Analytic Network, Inc. (ICUFON), issued a resolution calling for open communication with extraterrestrials to usher in a 'Golden Space Age.' VonKeviczky believes the U.S. government and military are involved in a cover-up of UFO existence to prevent panic and potentially gain technology. He advocates for establishing contact rather than shooting at UFOs. The article details VonKeviczky's background and his belief that not all UFO visits are friendly, citing cases of injuries and deaths. The resolution was issued jointly with other international UFO organizations and was released in North America from Cleveland due to its strong UFO organization, the Cleveland Ufology Project.

Women Report UFO Hovering Over G-P

This brief report from March 26, 1986, from Bellingham, Washington, describes two women who reported seeing a gigantic bank of bright lights hovering over the Georgia-Pacific Corp. mill. They initially thought it was a blimp but described it as a 'flat cylinder' with lights on the bottom and top. Law enforcement and aviation officials did not confirm the sighting. The object reportedly remained for five minutes before moving north and disappearing. Officials from the FAA, Whatcom County Sheriff, and Bellingham Police reported no sightings.

She Studies UFO Encounters of Any Kind

This article from April 15, 1986, profiles Mildred Biesele, the state director of MUFON in Utah. Biesele, who has never had a personal UFO encounter, has spent years studying UFO phenomena and believes they are real. She will be lecturing and presenting a slide show on the history of UFOs. Biesele explains Dr. J. Allen Hynek's classification of UFO encounters (first, second, and third kind) and notes that studies of third-kind encounters, involving meetings with 'aliens,' reveal commonalities in traumatic experiences among abductees, regardless of their background. She acknowledges the embarrassment caused by sensationalists but emphasizes that careful follow-up often reveals a solid basis for even sensationalized stories. Biesele discusses various hypotheses about the origin of UFOs, including other worlds, outer space, and different dimensions.

McCarthy's Pond: The Mystery Remains

This article from January 19, 1986, revisits the mysterious events at William McCarthy's Pond in Wakefield, New Hampshire, on January 12, 1977. McCarthy and his children observed a black, box-shaped object on the frozen pond, which then dropped through the ice. Investigations by local police and Civil Defense officials reported high radiation readings, though officials later attributed this to defective equipment. The article notes that state officials were unable to duplicate malfunction reports and that nearly all residents were told not to discuss the incident. Attempts to drain the pond were unsuccessful. The article mentions that two maple trees near the pond were affected, one dying the following year. It also notes that McCarthy's digital watch stopped working during the incident. The official conclusion was that the hole was caused by natural shifting of ice, and there was no evidence of a UFO. However, the article suggests that a satellite containing a miniature nuclear reactor could account for the heat needed to melt the ice.

UFO Buffs Seek to Establish Down-to-Earth Scientific Image

This article from March 17, 1986, discusses a seminar for licensed UFO investigators held in Braintree, Massachusetts. The focus was on presenting a scientific image for UFO research, moving away from 'lunatic fringe' theories. Nancy Holmes, who saw a disc-shaped craft at 16, is mentioned as an attendee. Marge Christensen, MUFON's national public relations director, urged attendees to confine discussions with the media to UFOs. The article notes that some attendees, like Leonard Silverman, find the implications of UFOs fascinating and believe in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The seminar included lectures on critical thinking and public relations strategy. A document acquired through the Freedom of Information Act, detailing an alleged UFO sighting above Peru's Mariano Malgar Air Force base where a SU-22 aircraft fired on the object without effect, was also discussed.

More Lights Noted in Sky

This article from August 4, 1965, reports on continued sightings of mysterious lights in the sky over Cheyenne, Wyoming, and a boy in Denver who saw a red-and-white disc. Officials at the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) attributed the phenomena to astronomical events, suggesting the objects were likely the planet Jupiter or bright stars. A former Denver moon-watcher proposed that daylight sightings could be explained by sunlight glinting off the iridescent bodies of insects. The article details reports from Cheyenne, including cylindrical objects with cockpits and revolving red lights hovering over missile sites, and two lights seen east and west of the city. A boy in Los Angeles reported seeing a disc-like object over Denver with a high, whining noise and leaving a white contrail. A housewife in La Junta, Colorado, saw a silver lens-shaped object turning slowly in the daytime sky.

'Flying Saucer' Spotted in Okla.

This brief report from August 1, 1965, details a policeman in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, who reported sighting an unidentified flying object emitting red, blue, and white light. The object was observed hovering for about 45 minutes and was later located on radar by Tinker Air Force Base. Despite no authorized air traffic in the area, the object disappeared from radar scopes. Officials at Tinker had no information on the object's nature or origin.

Radar Crews Get Solid Fix on UFOs

This article from August 6, 1965, reports that personnel at a U.S. Air Force radar base in Michigan detected 'solid radar contact' with seven to 10 unidentified flying objects moving in a 'V' formation over Lake Superior at approximately 9,000 miles per hour. Other radar stations also reported spotting the objects, with one reporting electronic jamming. Seven other objects were spotted over Duluth, and jet interceptors gave chase but were outdistanced. The radar personnel requested anonymity.

Weird Lights Seen Hovering In Southwestern Kansas Sky

This article from February 9, 1955, describes two oil company employees and a National Guard officer reporting strange lights in the sky over southwestern Kansas. The lights were initially seen in a triangle formation and then appeared as a straight line. Chief Warrant Officer Charles Russell and other National Guardsmen observed the lights at the Great Bend Municipal Airport, estimating their altitude at 20 to 30 thousand feet. The lights were bright but did not emit beams and eventually faded out eastward. The report notes that unlike some other sightings, no color or sound was mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsclipping Service include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the efforts of civilian investigators and organizations like MUFON to bring a scientific approach to UFO research, and the skepticism and potential government cover-ups surrounding these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting eyewitness accounts and investigative findings without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous scientific analysis to differentiate between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or hoaxes. There is a clear effort to present UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious study, rather than mere fantasy.

This issue of "Foreign News" from January 24, 1986, primarily focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, featuring a mix of contemporary accounts and historical perspectives. The cover story, "Cabbie tells of dramatic chase with 'UFOs'" by Sylvia Watson, highlights a close encounter experienced by a taxi driver and his passenger. Another prominent article, "Survey reveals amazing Close opinion encounters of a shared kind" by Tony Cragg, discusses public belief in imminent alien invasion and official acknowledgments of unidentified atmospheric phenomena (UAP).

Key Articles and Reports

Cabbie's UFO Chase Sylvia Watson reports on a dramatic encounter near Farnborough where a young woman, Danielle Mansbridge, and taxi driver Gerry Hurn witnessed three bright orange lights hovering in the sky. The lights, described as not being aircraft or helicopters, disappeared suddenly. Local UFO expert Omar Fowler stated the description matched other sightings in the area.

British Public's Belief in UFOs Tony Cragg's article reveals a nationwide survey indicating that a majority of British people believe an alien invasion is imminent within five years. The article notes that even political leaders like Reagan and Gorbachev have discussed the possibility of alien threats. The Ministry of Defence has also acknowledged the existence of UAPs, prompted by pressure from the House of Lords. Cragg shares personal accounts from witnesses like Ilene Perry and June Skinner, who describe sightings of unusual aerial objects, emphasizing that these are not easily dismissed.

Historical UFO Sightings An article titled "The day a giant 'serpent' hissed through the skies" by June Moore explores spectacular UFO sightings before the 20th century. It details early reports from 1800 and 1806, including an object radiating light and heat that caused an explosion and earth tremor, and a conical saucer seen over London. The article also covers the "great airship mystery" of 1896-97, where thousands reported seeing large, cigar-shaped airships. It highlights the variety of shapes reported, including a serpent shape seen in 1888 and 1873, and mentions sightings of objects resembling 'green men'. Scientific observations by astronomers like Dr. Jose Bonilla and James C. Watson are also cited, suggesting UFO activity predates modern aviation.

Doug Curran's "In Advance of the Landing" John Oughton writes about Doug Curran's book, which documents North Americans who believe in alien spacecraft and visitations. Curran's focus is on the cultivation of these belief systems, often combining them with traditional religions. The article mentions Constant Bilodeau, who displays a 'Madonna, Our Lady of Outer Space,' and the Unarius Foundation led by Ruth Norman. Curran explains that sightings of UFOs show significant bulges in the last century, with a shift in perception from threatening to welcoming after the atomic bomb tests.

'Flying saucer' storm in a Welsh tea cup This report details numerous calls to police and airport switchboards in South Wales regarding a mystery array of bright lights. While officials attributed the lights to a military aircraft refuelling exercise, some witnesses, like Mrs. Marina Davies, remained convinced they saw a UFO, describing a craft that shot up and vanished.

Granger Taylor's Disappearance Keith Fraser reports on the mystery surrounding Granger Taylor, a UFO enthusiast who vanished six years prior. Fragments of human bone and truck parts were discovered at the site of a dynamite blast on Mount Prevost. Police assume the explosion occurred the night Taylor disappeared, closing a long-standing missing person case. Taylor had reportedly spoken of taking a 42-month ride in an alien spaceship.

UFOs Over Batley and Deeside Articles from the Bradford Telegraph & Argus and Evening Leader highlight ongoing UFO activity. Philip Mantle, a UFO investigator, discusses sightings over Batley and Dewsbury. Meanwhile, two taxi drivers in Deeside reported seeing a UFO, described as cone-shaped with flashing lights, which moved silently over the River Dee. North Wales UFO expert Mrs. Margaret Fry also received multiple reports from the Prestatyn area.

Fireball over Windsor An article from the Windsor, Slough & Eton Express describes a mysterious red fireball with trailing smoke seen over Windsor. Air and space experts, including the BBC's science correspondent, could not explain the phenomenon, ruling out meteors, weather balloons, and debris from the recent shuttle disaster.

UFO Probe in Eastwood An article from the Evening Echo reports on a probe launched after two men in Eastwood saw a long, pencil-shaped object described as not like any aircraft, possibly a military missile. BUFORA member Mrs. Lesley Duncan is investigating and encourages others to report sightings.

Mystery of Carleton Moor An article from the Evening Post details baffling incidents near Skipton, including a 14-year-old boy being temporarily blinded by bright lights and a UFO nearly striking a radar station. U.S. military officials were reportedly investigating the radar station incident.

Other Reports

• UFOs in Poland, Italy, and Sweden: Several translated reports detail sightings in these countries, including an An-24 aircraft crew observing a UFO over Lodz, Poland; two interesting UFO sightings in Italy involving contact with an 'entity'; mysterious prints found on a farmer's corn field in Virle, Italy; and a phenomenon observed over Bastad, Sweden, involving multiple bright, silent objects.
• College Quiz Over Girl Who Died in Flames: A report from the Daily Express discusses the mysterious death of a 17-year-old girl, Jacqueline Fitzsimons, who burst into flames. The incident is being investigated as a possible case of spontaneous human combustion.
• Link Seen Between Comet, Suicides: An article from the Arkansas Gazette notes a correlation between the reappearance of Halley's Comet and a wave of teen-aged suicides and airline crashes.
• Horned Frog Lived 31 Years in Stone: A historical note from the Post (Houston) recounts the discovery of a live horned frog that had been sealed in a cornerstone for 31 years.
• The Sun Was Eclipsed by Fields of Ice: A letter to the editor of The Times (New York) references Charles Fort's work, suggesting that fields of ice passing between the sun and earth could cause eclipses.
• Local 'Champ' Advocate Urges Vermont Protection: A report from the Saratogian details Joseph Zarzynski's advocacy for protective legislation for the alleged Lake Champlain monster, 'Champ'.
• Dog Joins Hunt for Wild Man: A brief report from the Globe and Mail states a police dog has been enlisted to track down the 'wild man of Hubei' in China.
• Mutilated Remains of 3 Horses Discovered: An article from the Houston Chronicle reports on the discovery of three mutilated horses found at a bank drive-in facility, suggesting a possible cult ritual.
• Israelis' Research Points to Bible's Divine Origin: An article from the Arkansas Gazette discusses research by Dr. Moshe Katz and Dr. Menachem Wiener, who used computerized analysis to suggest a single authorship and divine origin of the Old Testament.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence and mystery of UFOs across different time periods and geographical locations, the public's fascination and belief in these phenomena, and the challenges faced by investigators in finding definitive explanations. The magazine presents a stance that acknowledges the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena, giving voice to witnesses and researchers while also exploring historical context and potential explanations, however speculative. The editorial tone leans towards presenting the evidence and accounts without outright dismissal, encouraging an open mind to the unknown.