UFO Newsclipping Service - 1988 10 - no 231

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 1988, presents a collection of reports and analyses concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and potential extraterrestrial encounters. The publication features eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and discussions on the ongoing mystery surrounding these phenomena.

Fisherman Reports UFO Hovering Over River

Ernest Staricka, a retired iron worker and fisherman, reported a sighting on August 25th on the south fork of the Willapa River. While fishing, he observed a round, glowing object approximately 50 to 60 feet across, moving at 25 to 30 miles per hour. Staricka described wavy lines of light and points on the object, which he believed was a UFO. He noted the object hovered silently about 300 feet up, with no noise or smoke. His companion, who was not wearing sunglasses, found the object's brightness difficult to bear. Staricka reported the incident to local authorities, who stated no other unusual sightings were reported. Raymond Police Chief Tom Wilson acknowledged Staricka as a responsible person but indicated no further action would be taken.

Letters to the Editor

The 'Letters to the Editor' section includes brief responses to the question, "Do you believe in UFO's?". Residents like Ray Allison and Erika Ekman expressed belief based on personal sightings or general conviction. Others, like Joy Snow and Janna Deskins, expressed skepticism or attributed sightings to planets. Kim Carlson mentioned his mother saw one.

Mort's Close Encounter

A brief report highlights Morton Downey Jr.'s claim, made under hypnosis, of being abducted by a UFO in Connecticut. Michael Luckman, director of the New York Center for UFO Research, is mentioned as having hypnotized Downey. Downey reportedly described a gray fog, his car being lifted, sharp pains, and 43 minutes of missing time. A Downey spokesman confirmed the taping of the show.

Verdict Out on Gulf Breeze Aliens

This article discusses the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO photographs, with some researchers seeing flaws and others defending their authenticity. The case involves claims of abductions, alien contacts, and sightings of craft and beings. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist working for the Navy, is presented as a respected scientist who finds the Gulf Breeze UFO photos impressive, stating there's a "good chance" they are real. Philip Klass, a prominent UFO debunker, dismisses the photos as highly unlikely to be authentic. Maccabee has written a detailed report on the incidents, which he plans to present at a symposium. The article also touches on the photographer's insistence on anonymity and the potential for advanced technology in faking such evidence.

Gulf Breeze UFO Sighted Recently

A reader in Gulf Breeze, Florida, reported seeing two UFOs on September 12th. The first object was described as large and round, with three red lights that lit up and winked out. The second, smaller craft, appeared behind the first, with visible portholes and red and white lights. The viewer described the objects as moving fast and silently.

Film company rep expresses interest in UFO 'sightings'

A representative from 20th Century Fox contacted the Santa Rosa Press Gazette and Free Press expressing interest in UFO sightings in the area. The representative called the published photographs "obvious fakes" and was particularly interested in speaking with Gulf Breeze Mayor Ed Gray III.

Lights in Sky Called Atmospheric Disturbance

Reports of strange lights over Byram, New Jersey, on August 18th were attributed by meteorologists to an atmospheric disturbance from a storm. Eyewitnesses described lights as "like stars, but closer" that shot up and down, and a stationary pink cloud with a pulsating white light. The National Weather Service suggested that storm clouds can cause lightning to reflect, creating such phenomena.

Vista Telescope Buff Says He Sees Objects on the Moon

Fred Steckling, a Vista resident, claims to have seen objects on the moon through his telescope, including three "cigar-shaped" objects in the Archimedes Crater. He has written a book, "We Discovered Alien Bases On The Moon," asserting that the moon is not a dead world and evidence exists for clouds, water, an atmosphere, and vegetation. He believes government officials and NASA are withholding this information. Astronomy teacher Jim Pesavento dismisses Steckling's theories as unscientific, stating the moon is a sterile object. However, Steckling has received supportive letters and spoken at events in England.

Author Predicts 'Next Wave' Will Summon UFOs

Jose Arguelles, who proposed Harmonic Convergence, predicts another global New Age event on December 31, 1989, to signal a welcome to UFOs for contact with "super-intelligent space beings." He believes a synchronized "harmonic grid" of human thought is necessary for this contact, which he calls "the Next Wave," preparing humanity for technical assistance by 1992-93.

Those Flying Objects Are Still With Us

This article details sightings and investigations in the Berkshire region. Richard Wells reported seeing a flickering, multi-colored light that hovered for 45 minutes. Egremont Police Chief Michael Balcom investigated a report of a UFO and found three triangular patches of singed grass. The article discusses the military definition of UFOs and the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, which concluded most sightings were explainable, though 646 remained unknown. It also mentions the continued public interest in UFOs, citing Whitley Strieber's book "Communion."

UFO expert: Object sightings not just flights of fancy

Everett Walter, assistant state director for Mutual UFO Network Inc., presented information on UFO sightings, stating that about 1 million have been reported since 1947, with 80% explainable. He discussed evidence such as scorched grass and radioactive remnants. The article also touches on the Roswell incident and a film about it. In Fort Walton Beach, 46 witnesses reported seeing three objects.

'It Wasn't an Aircraft,' Says Local Lawman

A local lawman in Atoka County, Oklahoma, reported seeing a flaming orange, circular object late on a Sunday night that he stated was "definitely not an aircraft." He attempted to photograph the object, which moved south at high speed. He later found a circular scorched area on the property. Neighbors reported unusual animal behavior during the sighting. The lawman's photos were not displayed due to potential ridicule from colleagues.

UFO MEMORIES

This article recounts a close encounter experienced by two Charlotte Police officers, Ron Arey and Howard Dellinger, on December 27, 1977. Flying in a police helicopter, they observed two unidentified objects that were also tracked on radar by air traffic controller Ray Bader. The objects displayed remarkable speed and maneuverability, outmaneuvering the helicopter. The officers described the objects as globular white lights with a surrounding glow and a silver, parachute-like attachment. The incident attracted nationwide attention and investigation by major UFO organizations.

If you liked 'Communion,' get set for real adventure

This review discusses Whitley Strieber's book "Transformation: The Breakthrough," a sequel to "Communion." Strieber explores his "visitor experiences" and concludes he must deal with them as real. The review highlights Strieber's personal journey, his son's alleged abduction, and his investigation into the Roswell incident. It notes the book's popularity and its challenge to conventional notions of reality. The review also mentions Strieber's interpretation of phenomena in relation to spiritual life and his willingness to face criticism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the investigation into their authenticity, and the role of government secrecy or skepticism. The publication appears to present a platform for diverse viewpoints, from believers sharing personal experiences to experts analyzing evidence and debunkers offering alternative explanations. There is a consistent emphasis on the unexplained nature of many sightings and the ongoing public fascination with the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated June 14, 1988, published by TRUTH in New Zealand, delves into a variety of mysterious phenomena, with a strong focus on UFOs, ancient artifacts, and cryptids.

Tapanui Crater: A Spacecraft Catastrophe?

The lead story, "Explosion caused the Tapanui Crater says university lecturer," by John Wilson, presents the theory of Dr. Jan Pajak, a senior lecturer at Otago University. Pajak believes that a fleet of war-damaged, magnetically powered spacecraft experienced trouble and exploded over Otago hundreds of years ago, causing a massive explosion and the formation of the "Tapanui Crater." This event, he suggests, may have also caused widespread bushfires and contributed to the extinction of the moa. Pajak's investigation into Maori names in the area, such as "Tapanui" (big explosion), "Mataura" (glowing spacecraft), and "Waipahi" (place of the exploding fire), supports his theory. He likens the crater's formation to the Siberian Tunguska blast but emphasizes it was an above-ground explosion, unlike a meteorite strike. Pajak also links the crater to unusual atmospheric phenomena and the Tapanui 'flu' epidemic, suggesting residual radioactivity. He claims that "China-stones" found locally contain remains of plants, animals, and people, similar to those found at Pompeii.

UFO Sightings and Encounters Worldwide

The issue features numerous reports of UFO sightings and related events from various locations:

• Auckland, New Zealand: Rashid Hussain reported photographing a diamond-shaped, orange-yellow craft with a suspended headlight. However, the film developed with blank frames where the object should have been, leading Hussain to believe the craft could "fog the film." He noted the object made no noise and vanished over Henderson.
• Shrewsbury and Whitchurch, England: A "UFO Flap" has led to an increase in sightings, with reports of cylindrical and global objects. Centre chairman Mr. Eric Morris is investigating, noting that some witnesses claim to have seen UFOs with bright lights shining down on vehicles.
• Pagnell, England: UFO experts are baffled by unique video shots of a dazzling light, described as a silver egg, captured by amateur photographer Jerry Twaites. Witnesses described it as massive, the size of Wembley Stadium, and moving erratically.
• Stafford, England: Carole Goodwin reported seeing a UFO with flashing blue and red lights in 1981, which disappeared instantly. Her sketch of the object was remarkably similar to a sketch of a UFO seen recently in the area.
• Oldham, England: Coach-driver Mr. Paul Hartley reported seeing a glowing red flying saucer, described as large and fast-moving, on two separate occasions. Several passengers also witnessed the object.
• Oldham, England: Justin Grundy, 13, captured a photograph of a glowing red object that appeared in the sky, which he believes might be a space probe.
• Auckland, New Zealand: Aviation authorities were mystified by sightings of a bright, yellow-orange, triangular object flying around the city.
• Melbourne, Australia: The disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in 1978 is revisited, with his last radio transmissions mentioning a "bright object" hovering over his plane.

Alien Abductions and Psychological Impact

Several articles touch upon the phenomenon of alien abductions:

• North Truro, USA: Bob Matthews believes he was abducted by aliens 20 years ago after seeing a bright object. His story is set to be featured on "Unsolved Mysteries." Field producer Mary Benjamin notes that many abductees feel traumatized and are reluctant to go public due to societal dismissal of their experiences.
• Jenny Randles' Book: The book "Bewildering dossier of UFO Abductions" by Jenny Randles is reviewed, detailing over 200 documented cases. The review questions whether these experiences are real or psychological, noting that regression hypnosis has been used with varied results.
• Leeds, England: A former special constable, Martin Cohen, reported being abducted by aliens in a purple light at Roundhay Park. Witnesses also reported seeing a purple glow and a man in a grey suit. The British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Committee is investigating.

Cryptids and Other Mysteries

The issue also includes reports on other unexplained phenomena:

• Bigfoot/Big Muddy Monster: Stan Gordon of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) rates the sighting by Samuel G. Sherry Sr. as one of the best-documented Bigfoot cases. Sherry described a large, hairy creature that touched him. Other sightings in the area are also mentioned. Darwin Hart recalls seeing a large, hairy, thin creature crossing a road near Lawrenceville 35 years ago.
• Loch Ness Monster: Adrian Shine, a Loch Ness Monster expert, discusses sightings of other lake creatures like Chessie (Chesapeake Bay) and Champ (Lake Champlain), suggesting they enhance the possibility of the Loch Ness Monster's existence. He theorizes Nessie could be a large eel or a sturgeon, rather than a plesiosaur.
• Wildman of China: Scientists analyzing hair samples reportedly belonging to China's "wildman" suggest it proves the existence of a rare primate similar to humans.
• Loch Ness Sonar Reading: A sonar reading from the trawler Sapphire over Loch Ness registered an object estimated to be between 90 and 120 feet long, prompting investigation by monster hunter Adrian Shine.
• The Baghdad Battery: The article "The Baghdad Battery: Did Ancient Parthians Discover and Use Electricity?" by J. Antonio Huneeus explores the discovery of an ancient artifact that appears to be an electrical cell, possibly used for electroplating gold or silver, predating Volta's invention.
• Earth's Water Origin: The "Snowball from Space" theory, proposed by physicist Louis A. Frank, suggests that Earth's oceans were filled by millions of "snowballs" falling from space. New studies are lending support to this controversial idea.
• Worms Raining: Alice Dexter reported finding dozens of worms in her rainwater barrels after a storm, suggesting strong winds may have carried them from the air.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with the unknown, the challenges of verifying extraordinary claims, and the ongoing scientific and public interest in UFOs, cryptids, and ancient mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and witness accounts while acknowledging the skepticism and the need for evidence. The publication seems dedicated to exploring the fringes of science and folklore, providing a platform for diverse perspectives on unexplained phenomena.