UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 05 - no 202

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 1986, is primarily dedicated to the passing of J. Allen Hynek, a pivotal figure in UFO research. The publication also delves into various UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader cultural impact of the phenomenon.

Obituaries: J. Allen Hynek, 75, NU professor and international expert on UFOs

This article by Kenan Heise in the Tribune (April 30, 1986) memorializes J. Allen Hynek, who passed away at 75. Hynek, an international UFO expert and Northwestern University professor emeritus of astronomy, coined the term 'close encounters of the third kind.' He consulted for the U.S. Air Force on UFOs for 20 years and established the Center for UFO Studies in 1973. The article highlights his skepticism about some reports while acknowledging his belief in extraterrestrial visitations, citing a case of fishermen taken aboard a spaceship as an example that convinced him. Hynek published the International UFO Reporter and maintained a UFO hot line. He was instrumental in Project Blue Book, a U.S. Air Force account of UFO sightings. His book, 'The UFO Experience' (1974), defined three types of close encounters: first kind (sighting), second kind (physical traces), and third kind (physical contact). Born in Chicago in 1910, Hynek earned degrees in physics and astronomy from the University of Chicago and held academic positions at Yerkes Observatory, Ohio State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Smithsonian Institution's Astrophysics Observatory before joining Northwestern in 1960. His colleague, William Buscombe, noted Hynek's advocacy for a modern astronomical telescope at Northwestern. Hynek is survived by his wife, Miriam, four sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.

J. Allen Hynek Dies; Led AF Investigation of UFOs

Burt A. Folkart's article in the Los Angeles Times (May 1, 1986) also reports on the death of J. Allen Hynek. It emphasizes his role in heading the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, initially approaching the subject with a critical view of 'kooks, nuts, ding-a-lings and cultists.' Hynek's work on Operation Moonwatch, a network to track American satellites, is mentioned, as is his role in facilitating U.S.-Soviet cooperation in space following Sputnik I. The article notes that Hynek concluded over 80% of UFO sightings were explainable, but the remaining 20% required further study, a conclusion that differed from the Air Force's final stance of no evidence. Hynek's founding of the Center for UFO Studies is detailed, along with his move to Scottsdale, Arizona. Steven Spielberg is quoted, noting Hynek's role as a technical adviser and his cameo in the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' named after Hynek's phrase.

Someone Out There Is Waiting for a Long-Distance Call From Earth

David Wharton's article in the Los Angeles Times (April 3, 1986) introduces the UFO Contact Newsline, a $2-a-call service offering news and transcripts of conversations between Eduard Billy Meier and Semjase, a 'celestial cosmonaut' from the Pleiades. Rusty Weaver and Paul Shepherd, the founders, aimed to provide public access to UFO information. The service features daily three-minute recordings narrated by Bill Jenkins and Dennis Weaver, covering news reports and scientific data. The article touches on Meier's alleged 130 visits from Semjase and the philosophical implications of life beyond Earth. Shepherd's fascination with UFOs began in 1980, leading him to research extensively. The article also mentions Dennis Weaver's involvement and his perspective on skepticism towards unusual subjects. The newsline had received about 300 calls a day in its initial week and a half, with plans to broadcast an extraterrestrial's voice recorded over South Africa.

MacLaine confidant in town

Kris Kodrich's article in the Wisconsin State Journal (April 3, 1986) features Charles Silva, an author and lecturer who claims to have had contact with extraterrestrials and been inside UFOs. Silva, described as a confidant of Shirley MacLaine, presented workshops and lectures in Madison. He believes UFOs visit Earth to ensure humanity doesn't destroy itself. Silva's own experiences include seeing UFOs in Peru and meeting a woman who claimed to be from another world. He became convinced of extraterrestrial existence after MacLaine's book, 'Out on a Limb,' described her experiences.

Barker Collection Comes to Library

This article from the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library details the acquisition of the late Gray Barker's extensive collection on unidentified flying objects. The collection, comprising about 100 books, letters, and UFO magazines, will be part of the library's permanent collection. Barker, who died in 1984, was known for his work as a writer and organizer of Saucerian Press. Inquiries about his work have come from as far as the USSR. The collection, which filled seven file cabinets, includes correspondence from individuals claiming UFO sightings or alien contact, as well as material copied from federal government documents. Barker's interest in UFOs reportedly began after the Flatwoods Monster sighting. He also published a monthly UFO newsletter and was an early adopter of computer technology for his material. The article quotes Barker on his fascination with those who contact 'space people' and his conviction that 'something is going on' related to UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and strange phenomena.

Whatever happened to UFOS?

Marjie Lundstrom's article in The Denver Post (April 20, 1986) explores the apparent decline in UFO sightings and public interest. Reporter Bill Jackson recounts a personal close encounter in 1975. The article notes that interest in UFOs has ebbed and flowed, with the current period being one of the lowest in a decade. The University of Colorado's 1966 study, which concluded further scientific investigation was unnecessary due to a lack of concrete evidence, is mentioned as a turning point. Several major UFO groups have disbanded, and the Center for UFO Studies acknowledges a decrease in reported sightings. Philip J. Klass, a journalist and author, suggests the media's sophistication and the fading mystique of space travel contribute to this decline. Richard Sigismond, a UFO investigator, believes that despite the lack of physical artifacts, the country and planet have been under surveillance by an unknown, advanced society. The article also touches on the Condon Commission's findings and the Air Force's conclusion that there was no evidence of mysterious objects, leading to the closure of Project Blue Book. Examples of alleged sightings, including a dry-cleaning bag mistaken for a UFO and a planet Saturn identified as an object, are presented, alongside more puzzling cases like a radar blip over an airplane. The article highlights the continued belief of UFO enthusiasts like Betty Ricigliano and Carol Del Duca, and the challenges they face in reporting their experiences.

Weird stuff: Highlights from the flying-saucer file

This article from The Denver Post (April 20, 1986) provides a historical overview of UFO sightings. It begins with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine disc-shaped objects, coining the term 'flying saucers.' The article notes the cyclical nature of sightings, rising in waves every five years. It recounts early descriptions like 'flying pancakes' and 'flying bananas,' and mundane explanations such as a carpenter's circular saw or swamp gas. The 'Mama disc and 5 babies' story from Palmdale, California, is mentioned. The article also covers the 'Wrong message' incident in 1965 where a small plane towed a lighted sign, and the 'insect idea' theory. The mysterious death of a horse named Snippy in 1967 is linked to the animal mutilation question. A 1975 incident in Arapahoe County, initially thought to be a UFO, turned out to be men around a campfire.

Britain Saw the First 'Saucers'—in 1290

J. Stubbs Walker's article in the Daily Mail (February 10, 1954) discusses the history and official treatment of UFO sightings. It notes that UFOs are now officially termed 'Unidentified Flying Objects' by the British Air Ministry. The article traces sightings back to Yorkshire in 1290, where a 'round, flat silver object like a discus' was seen over Byland Abbey. It states that thousands of sightings have occurred worldwide since 1947, with approximately half from America and hundreds from Britain. Both Britain and the United States have taken UFO reports seriously, with Air Force Intelligence conducting surveys. While official sources suggest most cases (around 85% in the U.S. and 5% in Britain) are explainable, a percentage remain unexplained. The article suggests that a degree of secrecy is necessary for national security and that personnel are instructed not to make public statements without high-level permission. It also mentions a case where a 'saucer' was identified as secret experimental equipment. The article notes that despite numerous sightings, no convincing proof of flying saucers has emerged, and photographs, such as those by George Adamski, have not been proven.

Was it a 'Saucer' They Saw over Norwich?

This second article by J. Stubbs Walker in the Daily Mail (February 11, 1954) details the sighting of a mysterious object by Mr. F. W. Potter, an amateur astronomer in Norwich, England, in October 1953. Potter and his wife observed a dome-shaped object with a pulsating light and a 'conning tower' for three and a half minutes. Potter, an experienced observer, was adamant it was not a meteor or weather balloon. His description and sketch bore similarities to George Adamski's photographs, but with a reversed image due to the telescope's optics. The sighting had not been officially investigated, and the Potters faced ridicule. The article also mentions a 'flaming tadpole' sighting over the Isle of Wight, Bognor, and Chichester, described as a brilliant green glowing head and a red, flaming tail, which lit up the streets and seemed to dodge clouds. This phenomenon was also reportedly seen in the Norwich area.

90,000-feet Radar 'Target' set 'Ack-Ack' a Puzzle

J. Stubbs Walker's third article in the Daily Mail (February 12, 1954) describes an incident during an R.A.F. Coastal Command exercise off the Yorkshire coast. Five R.A.F. aircrew observed a white object following a Meteor aircraft at about 10,000ft. The object was tracked for 20 minutes, losing height, hovering, and then speeding off at a rapid pace. The airmen insisted it was a solid object, not a balloon, due to its maneuvering and speed. A similar sighting was reported by Danish Air Force officers. The article highlights a sighting by radar experts at a Territorial heavy anti-aircraft regiment H.Q. in South London, where a target was tracked on radar at a height of 60,000ft. and a slant range of 90,000ft. Sergeant Harry Waller, a radar instructor, observed a white ball through a sighting telescope that seemed to glow. The radar response was unusually large and steady, leading Waller to doubt explanations involving meteorological balloons. The article also mentions a 'space' object seen causing a tree fire near Eganville, Ontario, Canada, where an oval metal object was found.

Student Claims He Saw UFOs Over Decatur

This brief article from the Herald (March 25, 1966) reports that 14-year-old Dave Peckham of Decatur, Illinois, claimed to have seen three strange, circular objects hovering over his house. He described them as made of grey-looking metal with dull yellow antennas and a 'hazy ring' underneath. The objects reportedly took off quickly when he alerted his mother.

'Flying Saucers' Are at It Again, Say Many Iowans

Jack Magarrell's article in the Sunday Register (August 8, 1965) discusses a wave of UFO sightings in Iowa. An railroad engineer reported seeing 10 disc-shaped objects in 1947. The article notes that in the preceding week, eight police officers in four Iowa counties reported seeing similar phenomena. Descriptions included 'cigar-shaped objects' and 'white objects with a slightly reddish tinge.' The article mentions that the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) has investigated over 5,000 'flying saucer' reports and disputes Air Force explanations. A specific incident from January 20, 1951, involving a bright light and a cigar-shaped object seen by pilots and a colonel of Air Force Intelligence at the Sioux City airport, is detailed. The article also briefly mentions a flurry of reports in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, with one object tracked by radar.

Radar Net Is Alerted For 'Mystery Object'

This article from the Daily Capital (November 6, 1957) reports that the Air Force alerted its nationwide radar network to watch for a 'brilliant mystery object' reported flying over Texas, New Mexico, and the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter 'Sebado' reportedly contacted the object several times, describing it as a 'brilliant planet' moving at high speeds and frequently changing direction. The Air Defense Command had received no radar contact reports, but the Air Force stated that while 98% of reports have natural explanations, none have involved national security. The article also mentions sightings in Kansas City and Willis, Oklahoma, including a craft described as a 'dirigible with part of its frame exposed' and a 'brilliant, mysterious light.'

UFOs Reported Seen Thursday Over Boulder

This article from the Daily Camera (February 12, 1965) reports that Nate Ervin, a University of Colorado junior, sighted six unidentified flying objects over Boulder. He described them as football-shaped with inverted 'V' wings, stark white, and flying in formation without sound, only a loud wind sound. Ervin noted their unusual maneuvers and rapid movements. The objects were seen moving from southeast to southwest at tremendous speed. The article also mentions a report from Frank E. Kraft Jr. in Kansas City and Glenn Northcutt in Willis, Oklahoma, regarding mysterious lights and crafts.

Scientists Study Film Of X15 Flight

This brief article from the Deseret News & Telegram (May 12, 1962) states that scientists were studying unidentified objects filmed during a recent X15 rocket flight. The objects were filmed by a U.S. coastguard at an air station after seeing four unknown objects in the sky.

Trailing UFOs easy; getting into print is harder

James Adams' article in the Edmonton Journal (November 10, 1985) discusses Douglas Curran's project and upcoming book, 'In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space.' Curran, a photographer, has spent eight years documenting UFO cultists and individuals who believe they are from outer space. The book, with an introduction by Tom Wolfe, faced production problems, including a botched print run. Curran expressed frustration and hoped the book would help him move on to new projects. The article touches on the legal wrangles and negotiations that delayed the book's publication. It highlights the 'dream-addled wackos, believers and fraudulent "professors"' that Curran has encountered, suggesting that in a landscape where 'nothing officially exists, absolutely anything becomes thinkable.'

They think someone's out there

Mark Muro's book review of Douglas Curran's 'In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space' in The Globe (March 6, 1986) praises the book's portrayal of UFO enthusiasts. The review highlights Al Thomas of Russellville, Arkansas, who is building a homemade flying saucer. It notes Curran's exploration of the human susceptibility to such beliefs and the 'rootless nation' aspect of American society where the search for order can lead to strange pursuits. The review mentions various individuals and groups featured in the book, including the Unarius Foundation and Betty Andreasson, and points out the common geographical locus of these tales in the American Southwest.

Answers to 'UFO' mystery

Mark Houldey's article in the Eastern Evening News (April 2, 1986) discusses a UFO mystery in Wramplingham, England, which was attributed to a powerful searchlight from Wymondham Abbey during a rehearsal. However, the article notes that police still had no explanation for an incident two weeks prior where a Wymondham girl was followed home by bright lights in the sky, which was unrelated to the searchlight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the legacy of J. Allen Hynek and the ongoing fascination with UFOs. There's a clear acknowledgment of Hynek's significant contributions to the field, from popularizing the concept of 'close encounters' to his role in official investigations. The articles present a spectrum of perspectives, from scientific skepticism and debunking efforts to the earnest beliefs of UFO enthusiasts and researchers. The issue highlights the historical context of UFO sightings, the challenges of official investigation, and the cultural impact of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the subject matter comprehensively, including both the scientific and the more speculative aspects, without definitively endorsing one viewpoint over another, though the obituary and related articles clearly position Hynek as a respected, albeit sometimes controversial, figure in UFO research.

This issue of the Yorkshire Post, dated April 2, 1986, features a prominent cover story titled "Anybody out there?" which delves into the phenomenon of UFO sightings, particularly highlighting Yorkshire, England, as a global hotspot for such activity. The magazine also includes reports on cattle mutilations, new scientific theories about comets, and other unusual occurrences.

"Anybody out there?" - Yorkshire's UFO Hotspot

The lead article focuses on the high incidence of UFO sightings in Yorkshire, with areas around Skipton being particularly active. Philip Mantle, a 28-year-old engineer and a key figure in the Yorkshire UFO Society, is interviewed. The society, with nearly 300 members, collects data on around 1,000 encounters worldwide. Mantle admits he doesn't know the definitive answer to what UFOs are but is convinced the riddle can be solved. The article mentions specific incidents, including a reported encounter in Normanton in July 1981 involving a miner's wife who described a silver-grey, tank-like craft with three figures in silver suits. Another significant event is the "Cracoe UFO," claimed to be the best daylight color photo of a UFO taken in the UK. The article also touches upon the government's alleged secrecy regarding UFOs and the ongoing debate about extraterrestrial visitations.

International Sightings and Encounters

Beyond Yorkshire, the magazine reports on UFO activity in other parts of the world. A piece from Italy details a series of sightings in Fogliaro, Varese, where Professor Jean Brissaud and his family observed a bright object moving at high speed and changing shape and color. The report also references earlier "white phenomena" in the Varese province and a vivid light sighting in 1970. From Argentina, a report from Capilla del Monte describes a flying saucer landing and leaving a large burned circle.

UFO Investigation Shropshire

A separate article by Toby Neal discusses the puzzling dearth of UFO sightings reported to UFO Investigation Shropshire. The group, comprising six members, notes a significant decline since 1985, with most investigated cases turning out to be military aircraft. Member Robert Edwards expresses surprise at this trend, as Shropshire was once popular for UFO reports.

Mystery Lights and Strange Phenomena

Several smaller reports detail unusual aerial phenomena. A woman in Hartlepool, England, Pat Simmons, recounts seeing a shimmering red light in the sky, changing her previous disbelief in UFOs. The Bromley Advertiser reports a graphic designer spotting a strange glowing red light above Bromley. Meanwhile, a report from Poland describes observations of three orange-colored objects moving in formation and another account details a pulsating, color-changing ball interacting with a second object.

Cattle Mutilations: A Persistent Mystery

Several articles address the ongoing mystery of cattle mutilations. A report from the Rocky Mountain News highlights Dave Perkins' decade-long investigation into these "phantom surgeons of the plains." The article details the precise nature of the mutilations, including the removal of sex organs, ears, and tongues, and the lack of blood, which leads Perkins to dismiss predator theories. He notes that while the phenomenon peaked in the 1970s, it continues sporadically. Theories explored include Satanic cults, government experiments, and extraterrestrial involvement. The article also mentions that ranchers are often reluctant to report such incidents for fear of ridicule.

Further reports from Alabama detail similar incidents, with authorities warning cattlemen about alleged "devil worship" activities linked to the mutilations. Investigators suspect a satanic cult may be responsible, with rituals possibly occurring around the full moon. The precise nature of the mutilations, including the removal of specific organs, puzzles authorities. Chris Hatcher, a psychology professor, suggests that while some incidents may be linked to cults, many are more likely attempts by disturbed individuals to draw attention to environmental issues or perceived alien visitations.

New Theories on Comets and Oceans

A scientific article discusses a startling new theory proposed by scientists at the University of Iowa. They suggest that small, icy comets, previously undetected, are constantly entering Earth's atmosphere, releasing water vapor that has accumulated over billions of years to form the oceans. This theory challenges current scientific understanding of planetary formation and the origin of water on Earth.

Other Unexplained Events

The issue also includes a brief report on a "mystery gas cloud" that hit Roswell, New Mexico, causing respiratory problems for residents, but its origin and composition remain unidentified. Another piece touches on the legend of the "wolf girl" of Devils River, Texas, a tale dating back 150 years. There's also a mention of mysterious sculptured heads found in Texas, with speculation about their prehistoric or Aztec origins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the mysterious, and the potentially extraterrestrial. The articles present various phenomena, from UFO sightings and cattle mutilations to scientific theories challenging established knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different perspectives and investigations without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. There's a clear interest in exploring the unknown and reporting on events that defy conventional understanding, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the mundane.