UFO Newsclipping Service - 1990 03 - no 248

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated March 1990, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO sightings, research, and related phenomena. The publication focuses on credible accounts and investigations, aiming to provide a serious look at the subject.

UFO Researcher: 'They are here'

This article features Bruce Maccabee, a UFO researcher and U.S. Navy civilian employee in physics research. Maccabee discusses his investigation of the 'Gulf Breeze UFO Case' near Pensacola, Florida, detailing encounters and abductions experienced by a local couple. He presents photos taken by Ed and Frances Walters, noting the object's rotation and the mystery of its power source. Maccabee recounts an incident where Ed Walters was engulfed in a blue mist while taking photos, feeling immobilized and hearing mechanical words. Walters also reported smelling a cinnamon-like odor and feeling as if he were sucked into the beam. Maccabee mentions that Walters had been abducted multiple times by aliens and that other UFO reports might be misidentifications of known objects like Venus.

UFO sightings attributed to secret U.S. aircraft

This piece by Paul Dellinger discusses Tony Gonsalves, a businessman who constructed a model of the Stealth B-2 bomber. Gonsalves suggests that secret government aircraft, powered by 'UFO technology,' are flying around, citing the silent, boomerang-shaped craft seen in recent years. He believes the money allocated for aircraft development went into these craft and that the government may have recovered crashed flying saucers. Gonsalves' talk at Wytheville Community College drew agreement from some attendees who believed they had seen such experimental aircraft. He is compiling information for a book.

Looping fireball dazzled observers in Northeast

This report by Richard Saltus details a spectacular fireball observed across the Northeast. The object changed colors, executed a fiery loop, and was visible for over 10 seconds. Walter Webb from the Museum of Science explained that fireballs occur when space fragments burn in the atmosphere, and occasionally they can skip off air layers. Reports came from various locations, and the sighting was noted by the Scientific Event Alert Network at the Smithsonian Institution.

UFO bulletin: We're not alone. Aliens eat our cows - and more

This article by Steve Johnson covers a lecture by UFOlogist Thomas Stults at the Chicago Public Library. Stults claims that 'we are being investigated by seven to nine alien races' who conduct scientific experiments and may be improving the human gene pool. He asserts that astronauts have seen UFOs, citing Neil Armstrong's alleged warning from advanced craft. Stults also controversially claims that President Nixon's resignation was due to UFOs and that the government is coordinating a 'planned educational approach' to prepare the public for the discovery of alien life, citing increased UFO-related advertising as part of this campaign. He also mentions the 'MJ-12 papers' and a supposed alien-for-American swap.

Fewer UFO sightings in 1989

This report by Wash Gjebre notes a decrease in reported UFO sightings in Pennsylvania in 1989 compared to the previous year. Stan Gordon of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained recorded 168 UFO sightings, with 27 remaining unexplained. The article also mentions other unexplained incidents, including ice falling from the sky and Bigfoot sightings. Specific UFO reports include silent, luminous objects, sightings pursued by military jets, and triangular aerial objects near power stations.

WMU professor studies UFOs

This article profiles Michael Swords, a professor of natural sciences at Western Michigan University and editor of the Journal of UFO Studies. Swords, who had a personal UFO sighting in his youth, discusses his academic approach to studying anomalies. He has contributed to publications like Cryptozoology Journal and developed a WMU course on 'Science and Para-Science.' Swords emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methods in UFO research and aims to legitimize the field through his journal, which publishes scientific analyses and discussions on UFOs.

How Close Are Those Flying Saucers?

This section explains J. Allen Hynek's classification of UFO encounters: Close Encounters of the First Kind (CE-1) involve observation; CE-2 involves interaction with the environment; and CE-3 involves occupants of the UFO, potentially leading to contact or abduction. It notes that these encounters occur within 200 yards of an observer.

What Kind of UFO Was It?

Michael Swords categorizes UFO sightings into 'Explainable' (e.g., artificial objects, astronomical phenomena, psychological anomalies) and 'Unexplainable' (e.g., 'glow-balls,' trace cases, abductions, and the 'X' category for individual close encounters). He estimates that 95% of sightings have mundane explanations, while the remaining 5% may not involve extraterrestrials.

UFO club skeptical of tales

This article introduces a new chapter of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) in Pompano Beach, Florida. The group aims to document outer space phenomena seriously, with investigators like Jack Marino and chapter founder Mark Hunziker focusing on real evidence rather than tall tales. Hunziker shares his interest in UFOs, sparked by an experience while working as a flight attendant. The group is interested in documenting claims of silver disks shooting out of the ocean and glowing objects hovering over schoolyards.

In the Dark: Strange Light Seen by Thousands May Have Been Meteor, Some Say

This report details a strange blueish-green light seen by thousands across the Eastern United States. Experts suggested it could be a large meteorite, but NORAD stated it was not a man-made object re-entering. The object's unusual behavior and duration led some to believe it was something else. Reports came from various police departments and sheriff's offices.

Sports writer sees basketball floating in sky

This humorous piece by Brenda Rutherford recounts a sports writer's sighting of a large, burning object resembling a basketball in the sky over Wythe County. She considers the possibilities of it being a true UFO sighting, a meteor, or her own imagination.

Forum Hears About 'UFO Visitors'

This article covers a Bay Ridge Forum meeting where three women shared their stories of 'close encounters' with 'alien visitors.' Lorie Barnes, secretary to author Whitley Strieber, described her alleged encounters. Bensonhurst sisters Sarah Hartmann and Sherri Tenenbaum also shared experiences, linking them to 'the Visitors' whose faces appear on Strieber's books.

Was it junk? Maybe so, but it sure lit up the sky

This article discusses a bright, slow-moving light seen by people across the western half of the nation before dawn. Experts like Edward Ney, a physics and astronomy professor, suggested it might be re-entering space debris. The North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) tracks man-made objects in orbit, but none were reported to have fallen on that day. The phenomenon's direction of travel and duration led to speculation about its origin.

Meet your neighbor

This profile introduces Michael Farmer, a 'paranormal investigator' from Cedar Ridge who is interested in hearing people's stories about unusual phenomena, including UFO sightings. Farmer has had personal experiences and is trying to start a local chapter of the UFO Contact Center International.

Readers are asked about strange lights over the Pacific

Columnist John Bogert discusses reader inquiries about mysterious lights over the Pacific Ocean. He recounts a conversation with a woman who asked about UFOs and mentions receiving several calls about strange lights. Bogert also refers to a retired engineer, Walter Engel, who reported seeing lights and fighter planes near the coast, and an Air Force major who acknowledged similar reports but urged keeping an open mind.

Serious hobby: Finding explanation for strange stuff

This column by Danny McKenzie features James Crocker, a contractor who dedicates his free time to finding explanations for inexplicable phenomena, including UFOs and Bigfoot sightings. Crocker formed the Phenomena Research club and is investigating cases like a disappearing Russian rocket and mysterious booms.

Fyffe enjoys link to a serious UFO

This article addresses the seriousness of UFO sightings in Fyffe, Alabama, and the ridicule faced by witnesses. It mentions a public service announcement featuring the town and its link to UFOs, emphasizing 'Don't Drink and Drive' and 'Buckle Up.' The town's connection to UFOs is presented as a serious matter.

Questions frequently asked about UFOs

This Q&A section, featuring MUFON investigator Joe Barron, addresses common questions about UFOs. It discusses the existence of official reports, the suppression of evidence, why some people see UFOs and others don't, the possibility of faked evidence, and the reasons for UFOs being sighted in specific locations like Gulf Breeze. It also touches on the origins and duration of alien presence on Earth and advises on what to do if one sees a UFO.

Most frequently asked questions about the local UFO phenomena

This section addresses questions about local UFO phenomena, including sightings in nearby counties and the Sentinel newspaper's coverage of UFO stories. It mentions the ongoing publication of the 'Gulf Breeze Sightings' book by Edward Walters and Frances Walters, and the Sentinel's stance on treating such reports as potentially extraterrestrial.

MUFON NEWS: Six local teens spot UFO in Gulf Breeze

This MUFON news brief reports on a sighting by six teenagers in Gulf Breeze, Florida, who observed a UFO shaped like a toy top with various lights. Their parents also reported a similar sighting. The article mentions that the object was observed near the Gulf Breeze Police Department and was pursued by two jet airplanes.

Mysterious Quake

This report discusses unexplained tremors and mysterious explosions that have occurred in the Panhandle area and beyond. Leonard Stringfield, a MUFON investigator, suggests a correlation between these 'skyquakes' and UFO sightings, noting their occurrence during periods of high UFO activity.

Ed Walters publishes book on UFO experiences

This article details Edward Walters' decision to publish a book, 'The Gulf Breeze Sightings,' about his UFO experiences. It highlights the extensive investigation, including lie detector tests, voice stress analysis, and clinical hypnosis, conducted to support the testimony of Gulf Breeze witnesses. The article emphasizes the scientific analysis and credible accounting of these bizarre events.

UFO photo update

This section discusses a UFO photo taken by Brenda Pollak in Gulf Breeze, which showed a ribbon of light changing colors 110 times. The Sentinel compared it to a photo of 'heat lightning' taken 20 years prior, but experts like a nuclear physicist and the American Meteorite Society concluded it was not heat lightning or a meteor due to its duration and color changes.

UFOs visit?

This brief report mentions a caller to the Sheriff's Department in Watauga County, North Carolina, who reported spotting an unidentified flying object in the Big Hill Road area. An officer dispatched to investigate did not find the object.

Salter to teach class on extra-terrestrials

This article announces a new course at UND titled 'UFOs, ETs, and Close Encounters,' taught by John Salter, Jr., state director of MUFON. Salter, who claims to have had a close encounter with friendly humanoids, will cover UFO technology, encounters, and extraterrestrial phenomena.

Its a bird! Its a plane! No! Its a UFO at Tulot?

This article describes a husband and wife in Tulot, Arkansas, who have witnessed lights hovering over the St. Francis River for weeks. They reported the sightings to the County Sheriff's Department, and an officer confirmed seeing the lights, described as two objects with changing colors and a bright white light. The objects made no noise and appeared at different times and altitudes.

UFOs keep close contact in desert

This article discusses UFO sightings in the desert, with a focus on a pilot who reported seeing strange lights and craft that did not appear on radar. The pilot believes there is something out there and that millions of stars and planets exist. The article also touches on the idea that spacecraft and their crews are rarely pictured as hostile, and that advanced, benign creatures might be devoted to human welfare.

Springfielders debate, defend, debunk UFOs's report

This article covers a debate in Springfield regarding UFO reports. It mentions a pilot who saw strange lights and craft and believes there is something out there. The article also touches on the idea that spacecraft and their crews are rarely pictured as hostile, and that advanced, benign creatures might be devoted to human welfare.

UFO Sentinels sign off on book signing

This brief article mentions that Frances and Ed Walters, authors of 'Gulf Breeze Sightings,' were signing books. It also notes that the Sentinel newspaper has been covering UFO sightings extensively and defends its editorial stance on the topic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO sightings, the possibility of alien visitation, the role of government in UFO phenomena, and the scientific study of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while encouraging an open mind, though acknowledging the skepticism surrounding the topic. The publication aims to document and analyze UFO-related events rather than sensationalize them, differentiating itself from speculative or hoax-driven content.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from the Swanage & Wareham Advertiser, dated September 7, 1989, focuses heavily on the burgeoning phenomenon of crop circles and UFO sightings. The cover headline, "Ever-increasing circles Phenomenon could hit Dorset cornfields next," sets the tone for a deep dive into these mysterious occurrences. The publication also includes articles from other regional newspapers, broadening the scope of UFO and mystery reports.

Crop Circles: A Growing Mystery

The lead report by David Haith details the alarming spread of crop circles across Britain, with a particular warning for Dorset farmers. While the county has so far been spared, sister counties like Hampshire and Wiltshire have seen numerous incidents. The article highlights "Circular Evidence," a new book by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, which links the phenomenon to UFOs. Colin Andrews, a chief electrical engineer, urges farmers to report any sightings and assures them of discretion. He dismisses hoaxes, noting that genuine circles have distinct characteristics. Theories for their formation range from natural phenomena to UFO activity, with some reports of strange sounds and electromagnetic effects occurring near circles.

One specific case in Braintree, Essex, involved a 24ft by 23ft circle with complex flattened patterns. East Anglian UFO investigators also reported sightings of a circular craft with red, white, and green lights over mid-Essex and the Thames Estuary.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Beyond crop circles, the magazine features numerous accounts of UFO sightings. A report from the Yorkshire Post details an event in Ossett where 500 enthusiasts gathered for a presentation by investigators Anthony Dodd and Dr. Henry Azadehdel. They claim to have evidence of a "manned" UFO shot down over South Africa, with alien beings captured. The UFO was reportedly taken to Wright Patterson air base in Ohio.

The Yorkshire Evening Press reports on a baffling sighting in York, where a couple saw a bright, "cigar-shaped" object hovering over the racecourse. Despite checks with local air bases, no explanation was found.

• Other reports include:
• A "flying saucer" sighting by three boys in Cwmtillery, Wales, described as silver, disc-shaped, with luminous lights and no noise, followed by a fireball.
• An increase in UFO sightings in South East Essex, with 19 families claiming contact with aliens, often involving lost time.
• A Laycock pensioner witnessing a glowing, capsule-shaped object that hurtled low across the night sky.
• A UFO investigator visiting Swan Hill, Australia, to look into reports of mysteriously emptied water tanks and strange circles in crops.
• A report from Herne Bay, England, about mysterious lights seen in the sky, described as intense beams with no noise, leading to speculation about aircraft or something more.
• Police in North Staffordshire being baffled by an unidentified flying object that hovered over a beauty spot for two hours, causing car radios to go dead.
• A report from Southend, England, about silver discs and orange lights seen in the sky, with no noise.
• Partygoers in South East Essex reporting sightings of two large black disc-shaped objects.

Scientific and Paranormal Investigations

The issue also touches on broader themes within the UFO and paranormal community.

• Abductions: A review of Edith Fiore's book "Abductions" discusses her theory that psychological trauma stems from alien abductions, with patients recalling suppressed experiences under hypnosis.
• Ogopogo: Several articles focus on the legendary lake monster "Ogopogo" in Okanagan Lake, Canada. Ken Chaplin's video footage of a long, snake-like creature is presented as significant evidence, leading to discussions about its protection and scientific study. Experts from the Vancouver Public Aquarium and the University of B.C. initially suggested it was a river otter, while provincial government experts leaned towards it being a beaver, a conclusion Chaplin disputes due to the creature's size and appearance.
• Bigfoot: An article discusses a legal dispute between Bigfoot researchers Erik Beckjord and Mark Francis, with Beckjord's harassment charges dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. Beckjord advocates for a paranormal Bigfoot, while Francis believes in a literal, physical creature.
• Lost Atlantis: An article profiles Linda Q. Perrin, an Omahan involved in a scientific expedition near Bimini, Bahamas, searching for evidence of the lost continent of Atlantis. The expedition is investigating large stone blocks underwater, believed to be part of an ancient ceremonial building.
• Animal Mutilations: A report discusses scientists studying animal mutilations, attributing them to sophisticated methods, possibly by lasers, and suggesting UFOs or unpublicized military testing as potential causes.
• Soviet UFOs: An article touches on Soviet UFO reports, with an astronomer claiming to have found evidence of an alien civilization with advanced technology. The role of Soviet media in reporting these phenomena is also discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are mystery, unexplained phenomena, and the growing public interest in UFOs and related subjects like crop circles and cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific investigation. The inclusion of various newspaper reports suggests a widespread and persistent interest in these topics across different regions.

The magazine highlights the increasing number of sightings and the efforts of various research groups and individuals to understand these events. There's a clear emphasis on the unexplained nature of many incidents, with authorities often unable to provide definitive answers. The articles collectively paint a picture of a world where the boundaries of known science are being challenged by phenomena that defy easy explanation.