Magazine Summary
U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Summary
This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service from April 1988 covers various UFO sightings and investigations. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center reviewed photos of sky activity in Little River County, suggesting an aircraft was involved. Multiple reports detail sightings in North Dakota, Arkansas, Florida, and Washington, with witnesses describing various object shapes, lights, and behaviors. Organizations like MUFON are actively investigating these phenomena, classifying some sightings as 'credible and sound' while ruling out conventional explanations. The issue also touches on the controversial topic of alien abductions and the challenges of identifying such phenomena.
Magazine Overview
This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, number 225, dated April 1988, focuses on recent UFO sightings and investigations from various locations in the United States. The publication is co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke and is produced by the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service based in Plummerville, Arkansas.
NASA Reviews Sky Activity
The lead article details an analysis by Dr. Paul D. Lowman Jr. of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center regarding photographs of night-time sky activity in Little River County, Arkansas. Dr. Lowman interpreted the photos as showing celestial objects and aircraft, suggesting camera motion or tripod movement might explain some anomalies. He noted that the documentation was detailed and precise, but found nothing 'out of the ordinary' in the images themselves. His interpretation contradicted opinions from NORAD, the University of Arkansas, and local science teacher Bill Dempsey. Dr. Lowman encouraged observers to pay close attention to precise timing, direction, duration, brightness, and color in future observations, praising the local documentation as 'some of the most professional observations' the agency had received.
Countians Also UFO Watchers
This section reports on UFO sightings in Foreman, Arkansas, and Idabel, Oklahoma. Sharon Hill of Idabel described a flask-shaped object with flashing red and blue lights hovering over a field for about 20 minutes before accelerating away. She contacted the sheriff's department, which confirmed receiving multiple reports from the Little River County area.
More UFOs
This brief section notes several reported sightings of bright lights and hovering orange and blue balls in the sky near Staunton, Virginia, and Jake's Flat. An Augusta County Sheriff's deputy responded to a report of a vehicle being followed by a UFO but saw nothing unusual.
UFO organization calls sighting 'credible'
This article by Steve Berentson from the Whidbey News-Times reports on an investigation by the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) into a sighting by Dan MacIndoe and his family on January 21st. MUFON State Director Dr. Donald Johnson classified the sighting as 'credible and sound,' ruling out all conventional explanations. The object was described as a bright, orange-yellow stationary light that shot straight up, made a sharp right-angle turn, and approached the witnesses at high speed before disappearing. Johnson stated the case was classified as an 'unknown' due to factors like restricted military airspace, multiple witnesses, lack of sound, unusual lighting, and lack of wind.
UFOs: Are They Really Up There... Or Down Here?
By Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) Wendell C. Stevens, this article explores the diversity of UFO phenomena. Stevens notes that UFOs and their occupants vary widely in appearance, behavior, and technology, defying simple categorization. He discusses different craft shapes, materials, and flight capabilities, as well as the wide range of descriptions for alien beings. The article suggests that the complexity of these encounters makes it difficult to generalize, and that visitors may come from various locations across the galaxy and beyond. It also mentions a series of books titled 'UFO Photographs Around the World' as a resource for understanding this variety.
'Intruders' author says aliens are here
This piece introduces Budd Hopkins, author of 'INTRUDERS: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods.' Hopkins, an award-winning painter and sculptor, is also a meticulous investigator of UFO reports. His book focuses on the case of 'Kathie Davis,' an Indiana woman who recalls a series of alien abductions involving genetic experiments. Hopkins's work is based on interviews and corroborating testimony from hundreds of people worldwide who report similar experiences. The article highlights Hopkins's initial observation of a 'small, circular, metallic craft' in 1964, which led him to investigate UFO reports and document cases of alien abductions and physical examinations.
Resident witnessed unidentified object
This article features Kathy Karkutt of Romulus, Michigan, who recounts her experiences with unidentified flying objects. She describes seeing a 'large cowboy hat' shaped object with flashing lights in 1964, and later a 'bread box' shaped object with silver lights. Karkutt expresses fear but also a sense of helplessness, having called the police department about her sightings.
What Kind of Aircraft Was That, Tuesday Night?
This short piece from the Delaware Valley News-Eagle asks readers if they saw a low-flying object with white and red lights over Paupack, PA, on a Tuesday night. The craft was described as moving slowly, with a sound like a distant jet.
More area reports of UFO sightings
This article from the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown, PA, discusses additional UFO sighting reports received after a published account. Stan Gordon, who heads a statewide volunteer organization investigating strange happenings, reported several calls. One witness described seeing lights as an object floated across the road at a low level, noting its size and lights. Another report from Bucks County described a 'rectangular, gray metallic object' with lights. A wave of similar sightings was also noted in the Texarkana, Texas area, dubbed 'Big Bertha.'
Aliens have ignored earlier landing sites
This article by Dave Matheny discusses several attempts to create designated landing sites for UFOs, which have largely been ignored. Examples include sites in Lake City, Pennsylvania; El Cajon, California; and 'Spaceport Earth' near Mt. Rainier, Washington. The article notes that despite fanfare and publicity, these sites failed to attract extraterrestrial visitors.
Invasion? Pensacola cites UFO encounters
This Florida Today article reports on UFO investigators in Pensacola, Florida, looking into photographs submitted by a resident of Gulf Breeze. The businessman claims to have witnessed 16 UFO sightings between November 1987 and February 1988. One photo reportedly shows three disc-shaped objects, while another shows a spaceship hovering above a road. The businessman also provided videotape evidence and detailed unusual experiences, including encounters with a shielded creature and being struck by a blue beam. MUFON investigators Charles Flannigan and Donald Ware are involved, and physicist Bruce Maccabee has also examined the evidence.
More light in the Dakota night
This article from the Beacon in Beulah, ND, details Dan Huffman's sighting of six bright lights over Lake Sakakawea on February 26th. Huffman, a former military reconnaissance man, described the lights as stationary, evenly spaced, and intense. He noted the lights were too far apart to be ice fishermen and too bright to be spotlights. His wife also saw the lights. The sighting coincided with unidentified radar blips at Minot Air Force Base and a sighting by Victor Walker near Zap.
Mutual UFO Network International Director Visits Gulf Breeze, Believes Photos Authentic
By Walter H. Andrus, Jr., International Director of MUFON, this article details the investigation into UFO photographs taken by a resident in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Andrus states that the photographs are 'incredible' and represent one of the most amazing UFO cases he has investigated in 30 years. He commends the photographer for his sincerity and the Sentinel newspaper for its diplomatic reporting to protect the witness's confidentiality. The article also mentions that samples of the photographs have been sent for computer enhancement evaluation.
Foreman UFO sightings widespread
This article from the Northwest Arkansas Times reports on the widespread UFO sightings in Foreman, Arkansas, which began in late December. Over 200 reports have been received by the local sheriff's department. The sightings are noted for their duration and the number of people involved, with no military or commercial air explanations found. The article categorizes encounters into Close Encounters of the First, Second, and Third Kind, noting that while many sightings occurred, no direct contact with extraterrestrial life forms has been reported in the Foreman area.
Encounters categorized
This section, also from the Northwest Arkansas Times, further details the categories of UFO encounters: First Kind (visual sighting without physical impact), Second Kind (with physical impact), and Third Kind (sighting of occupants). It provides examples from the Foreman sightings, including those of Linda Carr, Debbie Dickey, Ricky Goodson, John Taaffe, Jim Williamson, and the French family, describing various lights and objects observed.
Daytime sighting
This short report from the Little River News in Ashdown, Arkansas, describes an Ashdown man's sighting of a bright, unusually shaped object in the western sky that appeared to be reflecting sunlight. He described it as a figure eight shape that accelerated off to the west in a split second, disappearing quickly.
UFO Column Draws Responses
This column from the Richmond Journal features a response from a reader who suggests that the author's previous articles on 'supernatural and psychic' experiences might be related to UFO abduction cases, recommending Budd Hopkins's book 'Intruders.' The author, Mr. Cox, acknowledges Hopkins's work and the concept of alien abductions but maintains his own experiences did not fit the typical abduction pattern. He also reiterates his belief that the UFOs he and his wife saw were not conventional helicopters.
List of area UFO sightings growing
This article from the Tribune in Bismarck, ND, details a growing list of UFO sightings in central North Dakota, including Dan Huffman's report of six bright lights over Lake Sakakawea. UFO investigator Don Johnson notes this is the most activity he's seen in nine years, suggesting it could be a new wave of activity or increased reporting due to media coverage. The article lists specific dates and locations of sightings in the Bismarck area.
Last year filled with unexplained sightings
This report from Spirit in Jeanette, PA, summarizes the activities of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) in 1987. PASU investigated hundreds of cases, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot reports, unusual sounds, and animal killings. A significant wave of UFO activity was noted from August to November.
Opinion: In the eye of Kalm's storm
This opinion piece reflects on a presentation about alien abductions and the 'New Age' movement's positive approach to the subject. The author, who attended a Women's Forum presentation, discusses her own experiences and calls the abductions a form of 'rape, seduction and totalitarian control.' She recounts a personal experience of abduction in 1973, involving 'almond-eyed' creatures and a feeling of suffocation, and notes similarities with Betty Andreas's book 'The Andreas' Affair.' The author also mentions Budd Hopkins and his research into UFO abductions, suggesting that aliens may not fully understand the impact of their actions on humans.
Encounters with UFOs? Kirkland man checks 'em out
This article profiles Donald A. Johnson, Washington State Director for MUFON, who investigates UFO sightings. Johnson, a Ph.D. in psychology, approaches investigations with skepticism but believes 'there's something there.' He discusses a recent investigation involving a Whidbey Island sighting and a related incident of 'vehicle interference' where a car's engine stalled and electronics malfunctioned. Johnson speculates that these phenomena might be related to 'super technology' or parallel universes, while remaining skeptical of abduction-by-alien stories.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent occurrence of UFO sightings across the United States, the efforts of organizations like MUFON to investigate and categorize these events, and the challenges of finding conventional explanations. There is a consistent emphasis on witness testimony, the variety of reported phenomena, and the ongoing mystery surrounding unidentified aerial objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting witness accounts and expert analyses while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers. The issue highlights the public's fascination with UFOs and the potential implications of these sightings for our understanding of the world and beyond.
The fact that this overflight occurred in restricted military airspace, together with the testimony of multiple witnesses, the complete lack of sound, the observation of the unusual lighting pattern on the object seen through magnification (a 135 mm camera lens), and the lack of wind combine to provide sufficient information to classify this case as an unknown.
Key Incidents
Dan MacIndoe and six family members reported a UFO sighting of a bright, orange-yellow stationary light that shot straight up, made a sharp right-angle turn, and approached their home at high speed.
A rural Bismarck family saw an object with flashing red, green, and white lights hovering above the road near McDowell Dam.
A mother and daughter saw a strange oval-like object.
Ray Griffin observed an object with rotating red, green, and white lights on the north side of Interstate 94.
Donna Mohl, Barb Grant, and Carol Walter saw an object with green, blue, and white lights darting from spot to spot.
A Bismarck mother and son saw an oval-shaped object with rotating green, red, and white lights over Hillside Park.
Kaye McIlhannon and two other women witnessed a brilliant, pulsating light hovering close to the ground in her backyard, described as the size of an automobile.
Dan Huffman reported seeing six bright, evenly spaced lights glowing in a line over Beulah Bay.
Victor Walker reported seeing a glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did NASA conclude about the photos from Little River County?
NASA's Dr. Paul D. Lowman Jr. interpreted the photos as showing celestial objects and aircraft, stating there was 'nothing out of the ordinary in them,' though he encouraged detailed future observations.
What is MUFON and what is its role in UFO investigations?
MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) is a civilian organization of trained professionals that investigates UFO reports, ruling out conventional explanations and classifying credible sightings as 'unknown'.
What are the primary categories used to classify UFO encounters?
The categories are Close Encounters of the First Kind (UFO seen close without physical impact), Close Encounters of the Second Kind (UFO with physical impact on the environment), and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (sighting or contact with 'occupants').
What is the significance of the Foreman, Arkansas UFO sightings?
The Foreman sightings are unusual due to the large number of people reporting them, the duration of the sightings, and the variety of descriptions, with no military or commercial air explanations found so far.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Dr. Paul D. Lowman Jr.Geophysics Branch Laboratory for Terrestrial Physics at the Goddard Space Flight Center
- Charles CooperExecutive Director, National Press Photographers Association
- Bill DempseyArkansas High School science teacher
- Ken WhiteArkla-Tex Skywatcher
- Sharon HillResident
- Steve BerentsonStaff reporter
- Dr. Donald JohnsonMUFON State Director
- Dan MacIndoeWhidbey Island resident
- Cornelia MacIndoeDan MacIndoe's mother
- Bruce MaccabeeOptical physicist and chairman of the Fund for UFO Research Inc.
- Walter H. Andrus, Jr.International Director of Mutual UFO Network
- Duane CookEditor of the Sentinel
- +8 more
Organisations
- NASA
- Goddard Space Flight Center
- Geophysics Branch Laboratory for Terrestrial Physics
- National Press Photographers Association
- North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock Planetarium
- Arkansas High School
- Arkla-Tex Skywatchers
- Mutual UFO Network (MUFON)
- Sony
- Fund for UFO Research Inc.
- Center for UFO Studies
- National UFO Reporting Center
- SWEPCO
- +6 more
Locations
- Little River County, USA
- Greenbelt, Md., USA
- Durham, N.C., USA
- Idabel, USA
- Oak Harbor, USA
- Staunton, USA
- Augusta County, USA
- Jake's Flat, USA
- Whidbey Island, USA
- Dugualla Bay, USA
- Pensacola, USA
- Gulf Breeze, USA
- Fort Walton Beach, USA
- Mobile, USA
- +6 more