UFO Newsclipping Service - 1987 02 - no 211

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated February 1987, features a cover story about a "City man spots UFO" in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on November 26, 1986. The magazine compiles various reports and opinions on unidentified flying objects from early 1987, covering sightings, investigations, and theories.

City Man Spots UFO

The lead article by Steve Plamann details the experience of Dale Goretske, a 29-year-old Waukesha resident, who reported seeing a UFO on November 26, 1986. While driving home around 11 p.m., Goretske noticed flashing red lights that he initially mistook for radio tower lights. As he got closer, he saw a structure in the sky, about 200 feet high, hovering and rotating. He described the object as a flattened triangle, approximately 75 feet wide, with flashing red lights at each corner and non-flashing white and red lights on the sides. The craft appeared dark brown or black and made no sound. Goretske watched for about 2.5 to 3 minutes before the object stopped rotating and moved away, crossing Highway A and disappearing over a stand of trees. He contacted the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, but the deputy he spoke with laughed and stated no other reports had been received. Officials at Crites Field and the Wisconsin National Guard reported no unusual aircraft activity in the area. The article notes that the last reported UFO in Waukesha County was in March 1984, and there have been at least a dozen other reports in the county over the past 20 years.

The Savvy Reader

This section discusses UFO investigations by the Air Force since World War II, noting that while thousands of sightings have been investigated, some remain mysteries. It mentions a strange UFO seen over Alaska in November, described as twice the size of an aircraft carrier with two smaller objects, which was also picked up on radar. The article explains how radar works and highlights that the Alaska sighting was taken seriously because multiple people witnessed it. It also touches on the concept of "foo fighters" seen by pilots in World War II and the popular image of "flying saucers." The section concludes by stating that while there's no proof UFOs are from outer space, their origin remains unproven.

Street Talk: What do you think of the airline pilot's UFO sighting?

This segment features opinions from several individuals regarding a recent UFO sighting by an airline pilot. Responses range from "Fantastic" and "I believe it" to skepticism and disbelief.

Belleville cop, others spot UFO

This article by Sharon D. Pitman reports on a UFO sighting by Belleville police officer Glen Kazmar and a companion on Thursday evening and again around 2:50 a.m. Friday. Kazmar described the object as a "clump of light" with red, white, and blue flashing lights that stayed in a pattern and blinked. He stated it was not an airplane or a star, and that it was significantly brighter than a normal star. Radar from the Chicago FAA center detected a slow-moving object that they could not identify. A Dane County sheriff's deputy and officers in Green County also reportedly spotted the object.

Space travelers could use atlas, travel agent

This article from the Mesabi Daily News reports on strange lights seen in the sky by residents of northeastern Minnesota. Two Duluth police officers, a Proctor police officer, and a state trooper reported a cluster of yellow and white lights traveling east to west at speeds over 200 mph. The author, Kevin Harter, expresses skepticism about UFOs consistently appearing in rural areas and questions why they don't visit more populated areas. He suggests that extraterrestrials, if they exist, are not very smart for only visiting remote locations.

UFO Sighting Confirmed By FAA, Air Force Radar

This article reports that the Japan Air Lines flight crew saw something unusual on November 17, 1986, over central Alaska. The FAA and Air Force acknowledged that something unusual appeared on radar near the 747. An FAA spokesman, Paul Steucke, stated that the incident was not "broadcast" to the public, leading to criticism that the government was not transparent. The article suggests the government might have kept the matter quiet for national security reasons.

Seattle man looks for UFOs

This article profiles Robert Gribble, who runs the National UFO Reporting Center from his home in Seattle. Gribble, a retired firefighter, has investigated thousands of UFO sightings for about 30 years, despite never having seen one himself. He believes UFOs are real and that the government is covering up their existence to prevent panic. His office contains a map of the U.S. with 3,500 pins representing "close encounter" sightings. He notes that most craft are described as disc-shaped, spherical, oval, triangular, or cigar-shaped, and often emit a humming sound.

Up on UFOs

This brief piece mentions George Eberhart, who compiled a listing of over 15,000 books and reports about UFOs, stating that "some phenomenon out there which behaves at odds with what we consider reality seems pretty well established from the evidence I have seen."

Are we alone?

This article discusses the vastness of the universe and the probability of extraterrestrial life. It presents a professor's calculation that there might be only about 10,000 stars in the universe with planets capable of supporting life. The author reflects on the immense distances involved in interstellar travel and considers the possibility that UFOs might be visitors from our own future.

Possible UFO spotted in rural Rose Creek area Friday night

This article from the Austin Daily Herald reports on a possible UFO sighting near Rose Creek, Minnesota, on a Friday evening. A 60-year-old rural resident reported seeing unusual lights. Deputies dispatched to the scene saw only stars, and the Law Enforcement Center contacted the Rochester Weather Bureau, which showed an aircraft in the area on radar. The witness described seeing two lights that slowed down and stopped, then revealed themselves as four lights: two star-colored lights moving in unison, and a smaller reddish-orange light and a pale white light revolving around them. He described it as looking like a helicopter moving underneath but couldn't make out its shape. The object was noiseless.

Just another UFO

This editorial comments on the routine nature of UFO reports, suggesting that even an extraterrestrial ship following an airliner for half an hour barely qualifies as news anymore, given the other major news stories of the time. It humorously suggests UFOs need a "media consultant" to get attention.

Question: Do you believe in UFOs?

This section presents brief opinions from Evelyn Kraft, Randall Nozawa, Kristi Rawls, and Tim Fandrich on whether they believe in UFOs. Responses vary from skepticism due to lack of proof to belief based on radar sightings and the possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system.

Ex-OSU professor theorizes alien beings

By John Hayes, this article details the theory of James W. Deardorff, a retired OSU professor of atmospheric sciences. Deardorff believes advanced, benevolent alien beings may be making unofficial contacts with selected humans, operating under a "leaky embargo" to avoid causing mass chaos. He suggests these beings communicate telepathically and may have technology thousands of years ahead of ours. Deardorff's views are considered unconventional by some in the scientific community.

'WE ARE NOT ALONE'

This article, featuring a photo of Robert Gribble, reiterates his belief in UFOs and the potential for humanity to change its outlook if it realized it was not alone. Gribble, who runs the National UFO Reporting Center, has investigated thousands of sightings and believes the government is covering up information. He describes the craft as technologically advanced, making human rockets seem like toys. He mentions a specific report from a Japan Air Lines pilot about a large, walnut-shaped aircraft.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes a letter from Robert S. Camburn, congratulating The Inquirer for its coverage of the Alaskan UFO incident. He criticizes the U.S. government for denying UFO sightings for 40 years, even those reported by credible individuals like Clyde Tombaugh. He urges the government to tell the truth to its citizens and the world.

UFO sighted in Rosslyn sky might be 'Christmas star' Sirius

This article by James Mulcahy reports on a UFO sighting in Rosslyn, Kentucky. Witnesses, including Constable Marcus "Pooter" Banks and Bill Hobbs, described an object with red and green lights that glowed and changed colors. Professor Thomas Boone from the Rauch Memorial Planetarium suggested the object was likely the star Sirius, attributing the varying descriptions to atmospheric conditions and imagination. However, witnesses like Hobbs and Banks insisted it was not a star. The article also mentions the Albins, representatives of MUFON, who investigated the sighting.

What was UFO pilot saw over Alaska?

This section contains brief opinions from Charles Canfield, Beverly Gardiner, Joyce Bass, and Mary Wallace regarding the Japan Air Lines pilot's UFO sighting over Alaska. Most express uncertainty or a lack of strong opinion.

Are UFOs surveying the Elk County area?

This article discusses a report of unusual lights seen over the Elk County area. It mentions that the lights were observed by multiple people and were described as bright, white, and moving in a peculiar manner. The article notes that the local sheriff's office received a call but found no evidence upon investigation. It also references a previous sighting in the area in 1984.

A night flight to remember

This article by Hal Bernton focuses on Captain Kenju Terauchi of Japan Air Lines, who reported seeing unidentified flying objects during a cargo flight from Iceland to Anchorage on November 17, 1986. Terauchi, who previously did not believe in UFOs, described the objects as having "very high technology and intelligence." The events have made him an international celebrity. The article also mentions the FAA reopening its investigation due to public interest and touches on tabloid coverage of UFOs, including a theory that Santa Claus is an alien.

Airplane's sighting of UFO has seasonal significance

This article discusses the Japan Air Lines sighting, noting that the FAA initially dismissed it as "swamp gas" but is now reopening the investigation due to public interest. It contrasts the tabloids' sensationalism with the more grounded reporting of UFO experts like Stanton Friedman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the perceived lack of transparency from government agencies like the FAA and the Air Force. There is a consistent undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief among some contributors and cited individuals that UFOs are real and potentially of extraterrestrial origin. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, providing a platform for various viewpoints, and questioning official narratives. The magazine seems to lean towards the belief that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon worthy of investigation and public awareness, rather than dismissing them outright.

This issue of DAILY NEWS, dated January 15, 1987, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on recent reports and ongoing investigations. The cover story highlights the National Center for UFO Studies' investigation into sightings in Dane County, Wisconsin, while other articles delve into a prominent sighting over Alaska by a Japan Air Lines pilot and explore broader themes of extraterrestrial encounters and skepticism.

UFO Sightings in Dane County, Wisconsin

The lead article, "UFO center investigates sitings in Dane County," reports on an investigation by the National Center for UFO Studies into a sighting by Belleville patrol officer Glen Kazmar. Kazmar and a companion observed a cluster of flashing red, blue, and white lights hovering in the sky southwest of Belleville. Police Chief Jack Pace confirmed Kazmar's report and noted that the sighting was also corroborated by other officers and that the FAA had confirmed a target on radar. Don Schmitt, a center investigator, is coordinating the investigation and is also looking into other reports in Wisconsin. The article notes that the Belleville dispatcher contacted the Aurora FAA, which confirmed a target without a transponder, though Schmitt suggests this is not unusual for smaller commercial aircraft.

Alaska UFO Sighting Explained

Another significant piece, "Scientists Explain UFO Sightings," addresses the November 17, 1986, sighting by Japan Air Lines pilot Kenjyu Terauchi over Alaska. Investigator Philip J. Klass, an editor at Aviation Week and Space Technology, suggests that Terauchi likely saw the planet Jupiter, which was exceptionally bright and visible in the reported location. Klass's calculations indicate Jupiter was about 10 degrees above the horizon, appearing at the pilot's altitude of 35,000 feet. Mars was also visible nearby. Klass, a long-time UFO skeptic, reviewed the FAA transcript and noted that Terauchi's claim of the object staying with him during a 360-degree turn was contradicted by his communications with air traffic controllers, who reported he lost sight of the object. The FAA is expected to release its findings in mid-February. Klass also mentioned that a United Airlines flight and an Air Force C-130 cargo plane in the vicinity did not report seeing the object. A reported radar "blip" was attributed to a spurious echo from mountainous terrain. Terauchi's second sighting on January 11 was explained by FAA officials as village lights reflecting off ice crystals, a conclusion Terauchi later conceded.

Other UFO and Paranormal Reports

Several other articles touch upon UFO and related phenomena:

• "UFO sited in area by Belleville policeman" (POST, New Glarus, WI, Jan. 21, 1987) details Glen Kazmar's sighting, including his description of the lights and his interaction with Dane County Sheriff's Department and Chicago O'Hare Airport.
• "Night-time UFO Sightings Continue In This Area" (RECORDER, Belleville, WI, Jan. 29, 1987) expands on the Belleville sightings and includes a report from Larry Jelle of New Glarus who saw a cigar-shaped object. It also debunks the possibility of it being a Goodyear blimp.
• "Author launches index of UFOs" (SUN-TIMES, Chicago, IL, Jan. 18, 1987) features librarian George Eberhart, who has compiled a comprehensive bibliography of over 15,600 works on UFOs and the extraterrestrial contact movement.
• "Jumping Jupiter, is that a UFO over Alaska?" (TIMES-DISPATCH, Richmond, VA, Jan. 14, 1987) reiterates the explanation of Terauchi's sighting as Jupiter, citing Philip J. Klass and contrasting it with the view of Walter H. Andrus Jr. of MUFON.
• "UFO sightings checked in southern Wisconsin" (DAILY JOURNAL, Stevens Point, WI, Jan. 27, 1987) connects the Belleville sighting to other reports in Wisconsin and Illinois, with Don Schmitt of the Center for UFO Studies investigating.
• "Frank's on the trail of aliens" (NEW IDEA, Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 13, 1986) profiles UFO investigator Frank Wilks, who believes in extraterrestrial visitation and warns of potential harmful radiation from UFOs.
• "UFOs - fact or fiction?" (SOUTH AUSTRALIA, Dec. 13, 1986) features Colin Norris, president of the Australian International UFO Flying Saucer Research Organisation, who believes governments are hiding proof of alien visitation.
• "Did the cornfield flying saucer return to an old haunt?" (SUSSEX EXPRESS, England, Dec. 24, 1986) discusses a sighting above Downs in England and its similarity to a previous incident involving cornfield rings.
• "'Quiescent period' over, watchers say" (FREE PRESS, Winnipeg, Canada, Feb. 2, 1987) suggests a resurgence in UFO sightings worldwide, citing an incident in Lorette, Manitoba, and the Alaska sighting.
• "Hey, Bigfoot, give us a call" (DAILY COURIER, Grants Pass, OR, Jan. 7, 1987) explores the possibility of Bigfoot's existence and its potential connection to UFOs, based on telepathic communication claims.
• "Okanagan monster" (FORTEANA NEWS, Tampa, FL, Sept. 28, 1986) discusses sightings of the legendary "Ogopogo" lake monster in Canada.
• "Rabbit-Dog Saga Continues Despite Scientific Doubts" (GAZETTE, East Hartford, CT, Sept. 25, 1986) reports on sightings of a mysterious half-rabbit, half-dog creature in Connecticut.
• "Author has new ideas on Bigfoot" (TAHOE DAILY TRIBUNE, South Lake Tahoe, CA, Sept. 12, 1986) features an interview with Virginia Swanson about her theories on Bigfoot and potential interdimensional travel.
• "Monks saw UFOs 800 years ago" (TRUTH, Auckland, New Zealand, Dec. 9, 1986) presents historical accounts of UFO sightings in medieval England.
• "Pyramids may have found tunnel" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 1, 1986) mentions a potential tunnel discovery related to pyramids.
• "New chip aids research for signals from space" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, Auckland, New Zealand, Nov. 1, 1986) discusses a new chip aiding research for extraterrestrial signals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, the role of skepticism versus belief, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear editorial stance favoring scientific explanations and debunking claims when possible, as exemplified by Philip J. Klass's analysis of the Alaska sighting. However, the magazine also gives space to ongoing investigations and the perspectives of UFO researchers and believers, acknowledging the persistent nature of these reports and the public's fascination with them. The inclusion of reports on Bigfoot and lake monsters suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena and cryptids.