UFO Newsclipping Service - 1988 09 - no 230

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 1988, focuses on a reported increase in UFO sightings in various districts, particularly in Pennsylvania. The publication features articles detailing specific sightings, witness accounts, and the perspectives of UFO investigators and researchers.

UFO Sightings on Rise in the District

The lead article by James W. Siehl highlights the observations of Stan Gordon, director of a Greensburg-based clearinghouse for strange happenings. Gordon notes a "most unusual, continuous wave" of sightings that have occurred month after month, with a definite increase in observations that cannot be explained. Cambria County is identified as a leading area for these reports, with 30 UFO-related incidents received this year. Specific sightings mentioned include a bright glow with a humming sound near Nanty Glo, an object with red and green flashing lights in Nanty Glo, and a hovering, zig-zagging object in Daisytown.

The article also discusses unusual activity near the Homer City generating station, including slow-dropping fireballs and two bright lights at high altitude that criss-crossed paths, with one object descending close to the ground and emitting a hissing sound. Witnesses described this object as "a large dome-shaped thing" resembling a soldier's helmet with lights on its legs. A search for a downed plane in the Homer City area, prompted by a high-pitched sound, yielded no results.

Further reports include a 15-year-old girl in Mundys Corner who saw a saucer-shaped object emitting streaks of light and sparks, described as having a "tractor-trailer roar." Art Leman of Mutual UFO Network is quoted regarding this sighting. The article also recounts an experience of Art Leman where he observed what he thought was the planet Mars, which then inexplicably vanished.

Spaced Out with Morton Downey Jr.

This article by Richard Johnson reports on talk show host Morton Downey Jr.'s intention to explore his own alleged abduction by extraterrestrials through hypnosis. Downey recounts an incident in 1953 where he experienced missing time after seeing a brilliant light and feeling electrified. Dr. Jean Mundy, a psychology professor, discusses the potential for uncovering memories through hypnosis and the psychological implications of such experiences, noting that while not all memories are automatically true, the consistency of abduction stories makes them hard to ignore. Mike Luckman of the New York Center for UFO Research suggests Downey feels there is a "cover-up going on."

UFO Reports Continue (Sentinel, Gulf Breeze, FL)

Several short reports from the Sentinel detail UFO sightings in the Gulf Breeze area. One report includes a photograph of a large round orange object seen over the beach. Another describes a sighting of a white light by five minutes before it disappeared. Brandon Wheeler and friends reported seeing a big white ring over trees that grew brighter. A Whisper Bay resident saw "something strange" with blinking red and white lights that made a weird turn. Bruce and Diane McNutt described seeing a big orange light that "shot off to the west very fast."

Further reports from Janice Frye detail a sighting of an object similar to one seen on a news special, described as low, about 20 feet above trees, with bright white lights and no sound. Another report describes a round, flat object with yellow-orange colored lights moving at high speed. Allison Brown reports on two 12-year-old girls who watched a spiral object the size of a dining room table, spinning with colored lights, for about 30 minutes.

Letters to the editor from Jason Carter and David Sominski describe seeing a bright light near the Bay Bridge that would disappear and reappear, sometimes coinciding with the passage of Navy planes. Bruce MacAbee, a scientist who studied Gulf Breeze UFO photos, is quoted regarding the difficulty of faking the images. Mayor Ed Gray III of Gulf Breeze is mentioned as having called the sightings a "hoax," a statement that has drawn criticism from residents and investigators.

Alien alerts: Local study group shares UFO tales

This article by Meryl Maschal introduces Pat Stein, who claims to have seen unidentified flying objects. Stein attributes his sightings to being in the "right place at the right time" and believes evidence of extraterrestrial life will emerge in his lifetime. The article also features the Central New Jersey-Pennsylvania UFO Study Group, led by Pat Marcattilio, who shares his own UFO sighting from 1965. The group discusses "masked memory" and abduction experiences, referencing the Betty and Barney Hill case. Marcattilio believes the government covers up UFO information, citing the MJ-12 organization. The article also mentions MUFON and its field investigator, Pat Marcattilio, who investigates local sightings and has collected evidence, including a burned area near Cape May. Marcattilio expresses a philosophical view that "alien" beings are messengers from God.

Many sight mysterious object in sky

This article by David Lee Preston reports on numerous sightings of a mysterious object on August 21, 1988, across several states. Maj. Alex L. Mondragon of NORAD suggests it might have been a meteor from the Perseid shower, but Robert J. Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center discounts this, noting the object's horizontal movement and unique trajectory. Witnesses described it as a "contrail" that broke off into a "bright red object" traveling at a very high altitude.

District UFO sightings increasing

This report from The Tribune-Review notes that the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) has observed a significant increase in unexplained UFO reports. Stan Gordon, PASU's director, states that the number of unexplained cases far exceeds previous years. While many sightings are misidentifications, the increase is puzzling. The article mentions military aircraft and planets as common misidentifications. Paul Johnson of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research reports that his organization's sightings have been constant, with October and March being peak months, and mid-week days, especially Wednesday, being busiest.

Incidents near power plants are highlighted, including a large, noiseless, football-shaped object and a cigar-shaped object. A case near Harrison City involved a spherical object that caused a car's radio to go dead and the engine to stall. The article also mentions large disks emitting beams of light and a "three-tiered cruise ship"-like object reported in February.

PASU to display material

This brief article announces that PASU will hold a UFO display on August 20th in observance of National UFO Information Week, featuring UFO documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

Is this 'contact' in Mercer County?

This article by Nancy Northrup details a sighting by Victor Walker, a farmer near Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. Walker describes seeing a large, glowing, tail-shaped light that faded away. He initially thought it was a burning building but realized it was something else. He estimates the object was semicircular, 40-50 feet across, with bright, flame-like colors and uniform shapes. Don Johnson, a MUFON investigator, notes that while MUFON has had reports from Burleigh and Morton Counties, this is the first in Mercer County.

Handling hoopla: Proposed Elmwood UFO center draws media

This article by Dawn M. Aerts discusses the town of Elmwood, Wisconsin, which has become a focal point for UFO interest due to numerous sightings. The town is considering a proposal by the UFO Site Center to build a multi-million-dollar landing site. Mayor Larry Feiler believes Elmwood's history of sightings makes it a suitable location for contact and research. The proposal has attracted significant media attention, including from national news outlets.

UFO frightens cows near Eden

This report by Pat Zietlow describes a dairy farmer, John Dins, who witnessed a large, oval or saucer-shaped object with orange lights that frightened his cows. The object was stationary and silent. Similar lights were reported over Lake Michigan, and in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where residents reported seeing a series of bright red lights and a yellow band. The Air Force suggested these might be flares from a B-52 bomber testing its defense system, though some residents remained skeptical.

UFOs: Is there anyone there?

This article by Brenda Hiles profiles Ivan White, a state section director for MUFON, who believes strongly in extraterrestrial life. White dismisses skeptics like Philip J. Klass, who attributes most UFO reports to misidentifications. White acknowledges that some reports are unreliable and that planets like Venus are often mistaken for UFOs. He has not captured a UFO on film but has spoken to people who have made sightings. The article also touches on the media's potential to ridicule witnesses and the fear of public disclosure.

UFO Sightings Reports Continue (Sentinel, Gulf Breeze, FL)

This report details a sighting by Truman Holcomb of a circular object with a bright orange light, followed by a blue beam. Holcomb, a retired Air Force aircraft mechanic, stated it was "absolutely not an aircraft." The sighting occurred near a location where "Ed" had previously photographed a UFO. The report notes interference on Holcomb's television during a previous sighting and barking dogs in the neighborhood. Other neighbors reported seeing an unusual orange-yellow light. The article also mentions missing pets in the area.

Unsolved Mysteries to Air Segment on Gulf Breeze UFO

NBC's "Unsolved Mysteries" plans to air a segment on the Gulf Breeze UFO phenomenon, with director Raymond Bridges expressing impressiveness with the credibility of witnesses.

Air Force claims UFO actually B-52

This article reports that the Air Force attributed UFO sightings over Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to flares dropped by a B-52 bomber testing its defense system. While the Air Force suggested this explained the sightings, some residents remained skeptical.

Editorial and Letters to the Editor

The editorial section addresses the controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings, with the Mayor of Gulf Breeze, Ed Gray III, reiterating his belief that the sightings are a "hoax" based on information from "knowledgeable people" and broadcast journalism. He states his position is not based on Ray Stanford's report, which he acknowledges has been recanted. The editorial argues that the mayor's stance is premature and wrong, and that the discussion of a hoax overshadows the experiences of other witnesses. Letters to the editor from Donald M. Ware (MUFON State Director) and Robert E. Reid (Colonel, USAF Ret.) challenge the mayor's statements, urging him to present his evidence and questioning the basis of his conclusion.

View Points

Charlie Somerby writes an open letter to Mayor Ed Gray, defending the credibility of UFO witnesses and expressing disappointment with the mayor's "hoax" statement. Somerby recounts his own sighting with his wife and draws parallels to published photos. He argues that as the 21st century approaches, people should be aware of sensational events and that the government's refusal to recognize UFO authenticity is problematic. He suggests the mayor owes an apology to those who have reported sightings.

Behind The Scenes

This section discusses the ongoing media attention on the Gulf Breeze UFO case, including reports of phone calls and visits from readers and sighters. It mentions a video tape of a "UFO" with a sound similar to a "Test Pattern" on TV. The article also notes that the photographer of a round, orange object signed his name as Mike Johnson from Birmingham, Alabama, and seeks contact information for him. The Sentinel reaffirms its policy of printing non-libelous letters and offering space for UFO investigators to share their theories.

Believers, skeptics at Gautier UFO talk

This article by John Fulmer reports on a UFO conference in Gautier, Mississippi, featuring UFO abductee Charles Hickson and UFO encounter expert Budd Hopkins. Roy Rumbly, a skeptic, attended the conference but remained unconvinced. Hickson recounted his abduction experience, and Hopkins discussed his research on UFO abductions, suggesting a pattern of close encounters and the possibility of a hybrid human/alien race. Hopkins's theories about aliens following specific bloodlines and collecting genetic samples for hybridization are detailed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the increasing frequency and inexplicable nature of UFO sightings, the role of government secrecy and potential cover-ups, the psychological impact of alleged abductions, and the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations like MUFON and PASU. The editorial stance, as reflected in the letters to the editor and the Sentinel's own reporting, appears to be open to investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for objective evidence and critical analysis. The publication provides a platform for both believers and skeptics, encouraging the sharing of information and theories.

This issue of Surfcomber magazine, dated August 3, 1988, features a cover story titled "UFO update: Searching the Milky Way for saucers in the night." The publication focuses on UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the ongoing debate surrounding extraterrestrial life and unexplained phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Witness Accounts

The magazine presents several personal accounts of UFO sightings. Dan Clements, a 69-year-old resident, recounts seeing a blue disk traverse the sky in 45 seconds in 1975. Mary Crockett describes witnessing two luminous, oval-shaped, pale metallic green ships moving in military precision. The article notes that while many people report sightings, physical evidence is scarce, leading to skepticism and questioning of witnesses' veracity.

Historical Context and Evidence

The modern history of UFO sightings is traced back to World War II, with a significant event being pilot Kenneth Arnold's report of disklike objects near Mount Rainier in 1947. An estimated 70,000 sightings have been reported since then, with many more going unreported. The article highlights the lack of physical evidence, with Clements stating, "I always say that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Despite this, there have been numerous sightings involving multiple witnesses and collected photographs and videotapes, though none have been scientifically validated.

Scientific and Expert Opinions

Barbra Dillenger, a teacher of psychology and metaphysics, suggests that scientists in the space field are afraid to publicly discuss their beliefs about UFOs due to potential public panic or professional repercussions. James Pasavento, a planetarium director, acknowledges the possibility of other life forms in the universe, stating, "It is remarkable that, given the sheer number of stars and our efforts to find life, we have never detected any signs of living organisms, let alone intelligent life." Dr. Wes Leffingwell, a dentist, expresses belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors.

Cultural Impact and Public Perception

The magazine explores how popular culture has influenced public perception of UFOs and aliens. The shift from fear, exemplified by Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast, to excitement and acceptance is noted, with movies like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "E.T.," "Star Trek," and "Star Wars" cited as examples. The article suggests that more people are now willing to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors.

Government Cover-up and Public Reaction

A government cover-up of UFO evidence is a recurring whisper. Experts believe the government might be wise to avoid causing public panic. Clements describes the potential impact as "tremendously upset the world we live in... It would be plain traumatic."

Notable Books and Recent Sightings

The article mentions a boom period for UFO believers, citing three best-selling books: "Communion" by Whitley Strieber, "Intruders" by Budd Hopkins, and "Light Years" by Gary Kinder. A number of recent sightings are reported, with a majority coming from Australia.

Specific Incidents and Related Phenomena

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• 1975: Dan Clements' sighting of a blue disk over Escondido.
• San Francisco Peninsula: Mary Crockett's sighting of two oval ships.
• 1978: A sighting in La Mesa involving up to 80 witnesses.
• 1947: Kenneth Arnold's report near Mount Rainier.
• 1947: Dr. Robert Perry's involvement in a downed saucer recovery in Great Falls, Montana, and another incident in White Sands, New Mexico.
• 1938: Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast causing panic.
• 1980: A large UFO sighting over Southend and parts of Essex and Suffolk.
• Crop Circles: The issue touches upon crop circles, with reports from Oadby, Leicestershire, and discussions on potential causes, including UFOs, whirlwinds, and lightning strikes. Dr. Terence Meaden suggests fair-weather stationary whirlwinds as a cause.
• Lizard Man: A report from South Carolina details sightings of a seven-foot-tall, red-eyed, three-toed creature.
• Bigfoot: The article includes discussions on Bigfoot sightings, footprints, and the theory that it might be the surviving Gigantopithecus. Professor Grover Krantz of Washington State University is mentioned for his research.
• UFOs in the UK: Several reports from the UK are featured, including sightings over Stafford, alleged UFO activity over Baxenden Golf Club, a taxi driver's encounter in South Tyneside, and a large UFO seen over Southend.
• Chinese Lake Monster: A brief mention of Chinese scientists searching for a mysterious creature in Lake Karnaci.
• Livestock Mutilations: A discussion on livestock mutilations, with law enforcement considering insurance fraud as a possible cause alongside cult activity or UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO phenomena, the challenges of obtaining credible evidence, the skepticism from mainstream science, and the public's enduring fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs, while acknowledging the possibility of their existence and the impact of such phenomena on society. The magazine encourages readers to maintain an "open mind."