UFO Newsclipping Service - 1986 06 - no 203

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated June 1986, number 203, is a compilation of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, primarily drawn from local newspapers across the United States. The service is co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke, and published by U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in Plumerville, Arkansas.

Ufology Isn't Fly-by-Night Field Say Local Newsletter Publishers

This article, by Christopher Scott of the Sun Staff, introduces the Aerial/Space and Phenomena Review, a monthly UFO newsletter assembled at Fort Devens by Army Staff Sgt. Raymond Keller and civilian Steve Firmani. Despite a small circulation of 250, the newsletter reaches international audiences and is recognized in ufology circles. It covers a range of topics, from alleged sightings to debunking misinterpretations. The article also references the U.S. Air Force's extensive investigation into UFOs between 1948 and 1969, which concluded no evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles or threats to national security was found. The Air Force investigated 12,618 reported sightings, determining most were misidentifications of aircraft, satellites, or natural phenomena. Only 701 were confirmed as unidentified. The Army also maintains a distance from ufology, though Fort Devens allows Keller to publish his newsletter on base.

UFOs Hover Over County

Written by Donna Daniels, this report details multiple sightings of unusual lights over Green Mountain Reservoir and Kremmling, Colorado, on April 20, 1986. The Summit County sheriff's department and local police received over twenty calls. Kremmling police officer Scott Koch witnessed stationary, colored lights. Law enforcement officers observed objects that appeared triangular with lights on the edges, hovering and then moving southwest. A jet plane was seen to veer around one of the objects. Witnesses, described as trained observers, were reluctant to discuss the event but did not deny its strangeness.

UFO! Three Flying Objects Seen

This article from the Summit Sentinel reports on a sighting on April 21, 1986, north of Silverthorne, Colorado. Sheriff Delbert Ewoldt, three deputies, a Colorado State Patrol officer, and Summit County Commissioner Dan Ulmer witnessed three stationary objects blinking red and green colors. The objects were seen from the Ute Peak Horse Ranch and appeared high in the sky, moving slowly before disappearing behind mountains. Two additional objects were sighted, forming a triangle. The FAA stated no planes were in the area, and Civil Air Patrol could not identify the objects. NORAD later confirmed the objects were not a threat to security. The article also notes a peculiar event where a Mars candy bar was found on Sheriff Ewoldt's desk the next morning.

Forensics Testing UFO Evidence

This report from the Mobile Register details the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences testing evidence from a UFO that allegedly crashed in Washington County. The incident, on March 5, left trees and plants damaged. Jim Small, a trace evidence examiner, stated the lab would look for explosive residue. Washington County Sheriff William J. Wheat had no idea what caused the explosion.

Movie Sparks Interest in Aurora UFO Legend

An Associated Press article discusses a movie based on the Aurora UFO legend, which claims a UFO crashed in Wise County, Texas, in 1807. Bonnie Oates, who owns the purported crash site, felt the movie was not an accurate representation of the legend. The article notes that scientists and historians often attribute the Aurora legend to a hoax by residents of a town bypassed by the railroad and affected by an epidemic. However, some longtime residents, like Leona Stankewitz, believe the legend to be true.

Longview Man Helps Texas-Based Group Check UFO Reports

By Mary Leigh Best, this article profiles Bill Wright, the MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) section director for Gregg, Upshue, and Rusk counties in Texas. Wright investigates UFO reports and sends data to MUFON headquarters. The article describes a sighting by a woman and her daughter near Owenton, Texas, of a large, orange and gray object that appeared to take control of their car. Wright, a photographer, is described as having a deep interest in UFOs, collecting government documents through the Freedom of Information Act. He believes government agencies take UFO phenomena seriously, despite official statements to the contrary.

Is it E.T.? UFO Sighted

This report from the Index-Tribune describes a California Highway Patrol officer sighting an unidentified flying object eastbound near Sonoma on May 23, 1986. The object was described as a large orange 'X' with white lights. At least 17 residents also reported sightings. Another resident reported a large, yellow flickering light near Sonoma Mountain that was noisy. The FAA could not explain the sighting, and the CHP has no established procedure for dealing with UFO reports.

Petaluma's Early Birds See UFO

By George Snyder, this article from the Chronicle details multiple reports of a mysterious lighted object seen near Petaluma, California, on May 23, 1986. Witnesses described it as X-shaped with small green, white, and orange lights, and not an airplane. Arlette Cohen, a radio news director, described seeing tiny lights hovering and then moving rapidly. A CHP officer also reported seeing a large, orange 'X' with white lights. Bay Area air traffic controllers could not explain the sightings. Robert Sheaffer of the Bay Area Skeptics speculated it could be an ultralight experimental aircraft, cautioning about optical illusions. Dee Dee Long of Ultralight Flight Inc. stated their craft cannot hover and are noisy.

'Something Almost Psychic'

This article by Marilyn Haddrill profiles Roswell, New Mexico, resident Sgt. Clifford E. Stone, who has been obsessed with UFOs since an encounter at age 8 in 1957. Stone has spent 20 years investigating UFOs, obtaining thousands of government documents. He believes government agencies continue to investigate UFO phenomena and take the possibility of alien visits seriously. He suggests a cover-up is in progress, citing censored government documents. Stone emphasizes his interest stems from his personal experience and a desire to understand what he saw.

Investigator Cites Rich History of New Mexico UFO Sightings

Also by Marilyn Haddrill, this piece highlights Roswell as a 'hot spot' for UFO sightings. It mentions documents and witness accounts of a saucer recovery near Roswell in 1947, with small humanoid bodies. A U.S. Air Force investigator reportedly recovered three crashed 'flying saucers' with three-foot-tall humanoid bodies. The article also references the Socorro police officer Lonnie Zamora's 1964 sighting of an object and figures, and reports of UFO sightings near Kirtland Air Force Base in 1980, including a radar blackout.

Who Needs Proof? UFO Buff Has Faith That Aliens Visit Us

By Michelle Williams, this Arizona Republic article features Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist who believes aliens visit Earth. Friedman describes aliens as typically gray, under 5 feet tall, slender, with big eyes, and multilingual. He asserts they are from outer space, not Mars. Friedman, a guest speaker at a National UFO Convention, bases his beliefs on numerous similar accounts of sightings and alleged abductions. He notes that governments are tight-lipped about UFOs due to potential impacts on nationalism. He believes aliens are concerned about survival and security and are monitoring Earth's inhabitants.

'UFO' Seen Over Petaluma

This Argus-Courier article by Rod Brewster reports on multiple sightings of an X-shaped UFO over Sonoma County on May 23, 1986. The California Highway Patrol described it as a large orange 'X' with white lights. Witnesses, including a CHP officer and radio news director Arlette Cohen, reported similar sightings. Air traffic controllers could not explain the phenomenon. The article also mentions reports of UFOs being chased by Brazilian air force jets.

Friend or UFO?

By Jay Rath, this article from The Isthmus details UFO sightings in Madison, Wisconsin, since 1947. It recounts several incidents, including a 'flying disc' sighting in 1947 by Nancy Goff, and a 'gliding missile' by Richard Y. Schulkin. Later sightings include a 'white light' in 1968, a 'lighted object' in 1970 that followed a boat on Lake Monona, and a reliable sighting in 1975 of an oval-shaped object by Madison police officers and gas station workers. The article also explores Native American legends of 'sky-men' and their craft, suggesting a possible connection to effigy mounds.

The Sky-Man Cometh

This section, likely by Jay Rath, delves into Native American legends about 'sky-men' who visited Earth in strange craft. One legend describes a visitor who 'dropped from above' and later departed in a bright star-like object. The article speculates on the meaning of an effigy mound in Baraboo, Wisconsin, suggesting it might be a representation of a visitor viewed from above.

A Good Night for UFO Watchers

By Don DeMain, this Tribune article describes a mysterious X-shaped craft with flashing lights seen in the Bay Area skies on May 23, 1986. Witnesses included a Sonoma County CHP officer and radio news director Arlette Cohen. The sightings are compared to past UFO frenzies, including the 1947 wave and the 1975 Colorado sighting. The article mentions the University of Colorado's Project Blue Book study, which concluded no evidence of UFOs, and the subsequent decline in UFO interest. It also references movies like 'Close Encounters' and 'E.T.' and other unusual reports.

J. Allen Hynek, Astronomer and U.F.O. Consultant, Dies

This New York Times obituary by Joan Cook reports the death of J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist and consultant to the Air Force on UFO research, at age 75. Hynek was a professor at Northwestern University and directed its Dearborn Observatory. He was involved in the Air Force's UFO research from 1948 to 1969, often examining reports firsthand. He became critical of the Air Force's methods, believing they were not scientific. Hynek founded the Center for U.F.O. Studies in Evanston. He coined the phrase 'close encounters of the third kind' and served as a technical advisor for Steven Spielberg's film. The obituary notes his work on the proximity fuze during World War II and his academic background.

Group Provides Refuge for UFO Believers

By Debbie Messina, this article from the Virginia Beach chapter of UFO Contact Center International discusses a self-help group for individuals who have had UFO encounters. Joyce Wilson shares her experience of heightened psychic sensitivity after an alleged alien encounter. The group provides a supportive environment for believers who often face skepticism. The article mentions that the group has 20 members and is one of the largest in the world. It also notes that many sightings by group members occurred between 1975 and 1980.

High Over Hutch

By Doug Ward, this Hutchinson News article details multiple reports of large, possibly military refueling flights being mistaken for UFOs near Hutchinson, Kansas, on May 22, 1986. Witnesses described diamond-shaped or cigar-shaped objects with red and white lights, moving silently. While FAA officials could not explain the sightings, an airport spokesman suggested they were KC-135 tankers from McConnell Air Force Base meeting F-4 fighters. Officials at McConnell denied refueling flights, but a spokesman at Lincoln Municipal Airport confirmed F-4s frequently fly from there. The article concludes that the objects were likely military refueling flights.

Addenda: In response to last week's question from the person who witnessed a large object flying over Lower Allen Twp.

This Patriot-News addendum addresses a previous inquiry about a UFO sighting. While official agencies found no unusual sightings, several readers reported similar objects, often described as a large triangle with three red lights, sometimes followed by a normal airplane. The article discusses possibilities like a C5-A transport plane but notes discrepancies with airport records. It concludes that while a logical explanation is likely, they are keeping an eye out.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across the United States, the efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate and document these phenomena, and the skepticism often faced by witnesses. The editorial stance, as reflected in the compilation of these diverse reports, appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without definitive judgment, while also acknowledging official investigations and debunking efforts. The inclusion of J. Allen Hynek's passing and his significant contributions to the field underscores the ongoing scientific interest in the subject, even amidst official dismissals.

This issue of "Foreign News" from May 7, 1986, focuses heavily on Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) reports and investigations from around the world, with a particular emphasis on incidents occurring in late 1980 and early 1986. The cover headline, "Star Wars? A load of old UFOs," and the sub-headline, "I don't believe in radioactive giant rabbits," set a tone that questions official narratives and explores unusual phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

Rendlesham Forest Incident (England)

The lead article, "I don't believe in radioactive giant rabbits," by Derek Jameson, revisits the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident. It highlights an official report by USAF Lt Col Charles Halt, who described a metallic, triangular, glowing object with pulsating red and blue lights that maneuvered through trees. The report also detailed three depressions found on the ground and recorded Beta/gamma radiation readings of 0.1 milliroentgens. The article criticizes the Ministry of Defence's lack of explanation and mentions the ongoing efforts of three British women investigators, Jenny Randles, Brenda Butler, and Dot Street, whose book "Sky Crash" is set to be published. Ralph Noyes, former head of MoD intelligence, is quoted as stating that the Ministry has "lied about this case" and "covered it up."

UFOs and Earthquakes

An article titled "Shaking news for UFO-lovers" reports on a study by Dr. Michael Persinger and Dr. John Derr, who claim that UFO sightings are related to earthquakes. They suggest that most sightings, often involving red, orange, or white lights, occur in the months preceding earthquakes and are typically within 20 kilometers of the epicenter. However, the scientists admit they cannot explain how this connection occurs.

Brazilian UFO Incident

Several articles detail a significant UFO event in Brazil around May 19, 1986. Reports from "USA TODAY," "O GLOBO," and "JOURNAL DO BRASIL" describe the Brazilian air force scrambling fighter jets (F-5E and Mirage III) to intercept multiple unidentified objects. Pilots reported chasing "luminous, flashing lights" and "colored ping-pong balls" that moved at high speeds and exhibited unusual radar signatures. Ozires Silva, president of the state oil company Petrobras, was among the first to report seeing the objects while piloting a plane. The Brazilian Air Force confirmed the phenomenon, stating that the objects could not be explained and that a commission was formed to investigate. Some reports suggest the objects were "like the flag of Italy" in color and moved in a zig-zag fashion.

Crashed UFO in South Australia

An article from "AUSTRALIAN" reports that an unidentified flying object that crashed into the sea near Victor Harbour on May 17, 1986, may have been a spy or land-resources satellite. Witnesses described the object as bright and large, leaving a trail. Air traffic controllers noted its trajectory was not typical of a meteorite. The RAAF stated it would investigate the reports.

"Just a flying visit to the pub!" (England)

This short piece from the "MAIL" recounts landlord Ray Grimes's sighting of a UFO near Woodstock. He described a brilliant white light that split into two, came together again, turned orange, and vanished. He insists he had not been drinking and was convinced it was not a plane, meteor, or planet.

Religion of UFOs and Belief Systems

An article from "THE SUN" (Vancouver) profiles photographer Douglas Curran's book, "In Advance of the Landing: Folk Concepts of Outer Space." The book explores UFO subcultures and how beliefs in UFOs have become akin to religion for some, often incorporating elements of existing faiths. Curran notes that UFO believers are often "average people" and not necessarily schizophrenic or paranoid, challenging common misconceptions.

Other UFO Reports

• A "BURTON DAILY MAIL" article discusses reports of "cigar shaped cluster of stars" being investigated by Derbyshire UFO experts after a couple reported seeing them for 14 consecutive nights.
• The "IPSWICH EVENING STAR" announces an updated version of the book "Sky Crash," which details the Rendlesham Forest incident.
• The "CHRONICLE" (San Francisco) reports on scientists preparing to inspect a mysterious object moored in deep water off the coast of Eureka, California, which was accidentally discovered by a research ship.
• The "POST" (Washington, DC) mentions renewed sightings of "Chessie," the Chesapeake Bay sea monster.

Scientific Theories on Comets and Disease

An article from "GUARDIAN" discusses Sir Fred Hoyle's theory that organic debris from comets could be responsible for spreading diseases. Data from the Giotto spacecraft's encounter with Halley's Comet, showing particles of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen of sizes similar to viruses, is presented as potential supporting evidence.

Yeti Sightings and Evidence

An article from "GUARDIAN" (London) examines the ongoing interest in Yeti sightings, particularly focusing on the famous footprints photographed by Eric Shipton. It discusses skepticism from figures like Sir Edmund Hillary and Professor John Napier, with some suggesting the evidence might be a hoax or misinterpretation.

Noah's Ark Formation in Turkey

An "ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT" article reports on a mysterious boat-shaped formation on a mountain in eastern Turkey, near Mount Ararat, which some explorers believe could be Noah's Ark. The formation's size and shape are said to correspond to biblical descriptions, though Turkish authorities have stated that only Turkish geologists will be allowed to excavate the area.

Yellow Springs Man's Yeti Search

A "JOURNAL HERALD" article details Bill Cacciolfi's expedition to the Himalaya Mountains to search for evidence of the Abominable Snowman, including examining alleged Yeti hair samples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and governmental explanations. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official denials and a focus on eyewitness accounts and independent investigations. The articles highlight the persistent public interest in UFOs, ancient mysteries, and unexplained events, suggesting a belief that there is more to these phenomena than is publicly acknowledged. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them, but giving them a platform.