UFO Newsclipping Service - 1992 09 - no 278

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 1992, is a compilation of articles and reports from various newspapers across the United States, focusing on UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and related phenomena. The publication aims to document and present these accounts, often highlighting eyewitness testimonies and the ongoing debate surrounding the existence and nature of UFOs.

Key Articles and Reports

'Not A Firefly - Not A Plane - What Is It?' (ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL - Aug. 21, 1992) This article details a sighting on August 8, 1992, near Fort Pickens, Gulf Breeze, Florida, by the Gulf Breeze Research Team (GBRT). A blinking blue-white light was observed by about fifty to sixty people. Research scientists from Canada, California, and Maryland were present with equipment to measure microwave radiation and infrared light. The object approached from the west, travelled at a low elevation, moved erratically over sea oats, and then travelled east over the highway. Patti Weatherford, a witness, described the light's rapid movement and proximity. A research physicist from Stanford University recorded its microwave emissions and estimated its altitude to be between twelve and fifteen feet. Dr. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist, was also a witness.

'UFO' in Night Sky Keeps 911 Ringing (EAGLE, Butler, PA - Aug. 31, 1992) This report covers numerous calls to 911 in Butler County, Pennsylvania, on August 31, 1992, from residents who spotted an object in the night sky. Eleven-year-old Danny McChesney and his father were among the first to see it. The Butler County Communications Center received over 40 calls between 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Witnesses described it as looking like a 'moon floating by' and being very large. Stan Gordon, director of The Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained, stated that while a blimp was in the area, hundreds of people saw the object and gave similar descriptions, suggesting more than one thing was seen.

UFO Update (ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL - Aug. 28, 1992) This letter to the editor from Larry E. Arnold describes observations made near the Three Mile Bridge in Gulf Breeze during July 29 - August 3. On July 29, a bright white light 'novaed instantaneously.' The next evening, a white light appeared, brighter than a star, moved upward and toward the southwest, leaving a trail. Arnold also commends the Gulf Breeze Research Team for their commitment and sincerity in documenting UFO phenomena. He mentions hearing about UFOs seen underwater, boaters being burned by lights, and a case of spontaneous human combustion.

...or was that a UFO that landed at Lukens Steel Co. Wednesday? (RECORD, Coatesville, PA - June 13, 1992) This article reports that two Lukens Steel Co. security guards and another worker allegedly saw an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) land on the company's property. The woman who first saw the object was reportedly told by her husband about the incident. Lukens' spokesperson Evelyn Walker confirmed that a security guard saw an unusual object and the company is investigating. Meteorologist Ken Hagy noted that while UFO sightings often occur in groups, Wednesday was clear and cloudless, which is unusual for weather-related phenomena that can create illusions.

The Great Pie-Plate Missile Fiasco of 1947 (FORT LEWIS RANGER, Tacoma, WA - July 23, 1992) This illustrated story by Staff Sgt. Bob Rosenburgh recounts the events of 1947, starting with Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine 'saucer-shaped disks' near Mt. Rainier. The media quickly picked up on the story, leading to widespread reports of 'disks' and 'flying saucers' across the US and Canada. The Air Material Command launched an investigation. The 116th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was dispatched to Idaho to investigate reports of saucers landing on a mountainside. The article discusses various explanations offered at the time, including weather balloons, optical illusions, and even experiments in atomic energy. It notes the public's fascination and the eventual decline of widespread reports due to a lack of hard evidence and the media's use of sarcasm.

Strange Lights Hover Near Skywatchers On Beach (ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL - Aug. 28, 1992) This article, by Bruce Morrison, MFI, details a sighting on August 15, 1992, at Fort Pickens Road, Gulf Breeze. Morrison observed a white strobe light moving erratically at low altitude. Several other people also witnessed the object as it moved through the parking lot and sea oats, disappearing in a northerly direction. A chart recording microwave radiation went 'crazy' at the moment the strobe passed. The article mentions other anomalous light reports from Shoreline Park and Pace, indicating ongoing UFO activity. It also highlights the work of Bruce and Anne Morrison in forming the Gulf Breeze Research Team.

United pilots report UFO, aviation magazine says (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, Tucson, AZ - Sept. 3, 1992) This Associated Press report states that a United Airlines jumbo jet crew reported a close encounter with an unidentified aircraft that passed at supersonic speed beneath their 747 near George Air Force Base. Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine reported the incident. Los Angeles air traffic controllers did not spot the craft on radar, and Edwards AFB radar data showed no military craft in the area. The pilots described the dark-colored craft as similar to an SR-71 spy plane but with rounded edges, lacking wings but having a tail.

Debbie Tomey: Key 'Intruders' Figure Unfolds Personal Story (ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL - Aug. 21, 1992) This article features Debbie Tomey, a central figure in Budd Hopkins' book 'Intruders,' who shared her experiences with the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON chapter. Tomey described her encounters with extraterrestrials, starting with a strange object landing on her Indianapolis home's lawn. She detailed how these encounters led her to seek help from Budd Hopkins and undergo hypnosis to recall her experiences. Tomey expressed a desire to help others who have had similar terrifying experiences and to assure them that there is 'nothing to fear.'

Soldier says Ouija Board spirits told him, friends to leave Army (DISPATCH, Columbus, OH - July 28, 1992) This article reports on Vance Davis and five friends who went AWOL from their Army intelligence posts, claiming Ouija Board spirits told them they were needed to lead the world through an impending cataclysm. The group was arrested in Gulf Breeze, Florida. An Army investigation found no evidence of espionage, and they received honorable discharges. Davis claims the spirits predicted the Gulf War and the 1990 Iran earthquake, and that they were destined to teach and prepare people for world chaos, including the return of Jesus Christ and the Rapture. The spirits allegedly told them to 'Leave, just leave.'

Valley UFO buff waits for the telephone to ring (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Phoenix, AZ - July 20, 1992) Ray Maurer, director of the Arizona chapter of the Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON), has set up a hotline for people to report UFO sightings. Maurer believes that determining the cause of these sightings—whether alien spacecraft or mass delusion—would be 'the biggest news story of the century.' He notes that 90 percent of reports have earthly explanations, but the remaining 10 percent are unexplained. Maurer's interest began in childhood, and his wife is also a MUFON member. The Arizona chapter has received only two calls in its first month.

Strange aerial object stirs national interest (EXPRESS-NEWS, San Antonio, TX - June 23, 1992) This article recounts historical reports of 'great airships' in 1897, which caused a stir after Robert Hubbard was reportedly dragged by a mysterious aerial object. The wave of sightings included 'cigar-shaped' craft with glowing red lights, and reports of landings and even an explosion in Aurora, Texas, where the pilot's body was described as 'not of this earth.' The article suggests that some stories might have been hoaxes, but the phenomenon was revisited by UFO researchers in the 1960s.

Sedona woman says alien 'abductees' in need of counseling (COURIER, Prescott, AZ - May 18, 1992) Sandra Bowen, a psychic consultant in Sedona, Arizona, offers counseling to people who believe they have been abducted by aliens. She states that these individuals often experience fear and confusion and need help to process their experiences. Bowen believes Sedona attracts UFOs due to its unique environment and that she can communicate with extraterrestrial beings. She describes aliens as tall and iridescent with large eyes. She also discusses the role of crystals and the belief that aliens are here to help humanity due to environmental destruction.

Austin woman forms UFO encounter group (NEWS-TELEGRAM, Sulphur Springs, TX - Aug. 3, 1992) Jean, a 53-year-old Austin woman, has formed a group for people who have had encounters with aliens. She believes she experienced alien encounters in the 1940s and wants to provide a safe space for others to share their stories without fear of harassment or ridicule. Jean notes that many people who report abductions feel they are mentally unwell or that the government is covering up the truth.

'UFO' takes fascinating look at close encounters (DISPATCH, Columbus, OH - Aug. 20, 1992) This review discusses the video 'Contact UFO: Alien Abductions,' which features interviews with UFO experts like John Mack and Stanton T. Friedman. The video explores the history of UFOlogy since World War II and includes accounts of alleged abductions, such as the Betty and Barney Hill case. The review notes that while hypnosis is used to recall experiences, the consistency of details across different abductees is striking. The producers are praised for avoiding sensationalism.

Baton Rouge area has a history of UFO sightings (SUNDAY ADVOCATE, Baton Rouge, LA - Aug. 30, 1992) This article by Steve Culpepper details the history of UFO sightings in the Baton Rouge area, dating back to the 1950s. It mentions a 'UFO watch' event in 1957, where thousands gathered in City Park. The article highlights numerous reports from credible observers, including pilots and police officers, over several decades. It also touches on the role of organizations like the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the historical context of UFO phenomena, including media coverage and public perception.

'Seismic' plane doesn't exist, Air Force claims (ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL - Sept. 4, 1992) This article reports that the Secretary of the Air Force, Donald Rice, stated that a secret supersonic plane suspected of causing seismic shocks in Southern California does not exist. The Air Force is investigating the reports of mysterious shock waves recorded by seismologists at Caltech. While Rice denied the existence of such a plane, he acknowledged that the Air Force still has classified experimental projects.

If Mysterious Lights Are Flares, Where Are Gulf Breeze Officials? (ISLANDER, Pensacola Beach, FL - Sept. 4, 1992) This article, based on an analysis by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, discusses objects with bright red and white lights observed in the Gulf Breeze area. Maccabee's analysis of video and photographic data suggests objects of substantial size, possibly 7 to 11 feet wide, were traveling at speeds of 20 mph or more. He suggests these could be pyrotechnic devices like flares, posing a hazard to the community and airways. The article questions why local authorities have not investigated this potential danger.

Alien abductions? or global psychosis? (REGISTER CITIZEN, Torrington, CT - June 26, 1992) This article by George Earley explores the phenomenon of alien abductions, questioning whether they are real extraterrestrial events or a form of global psychosis. It references Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and the USAF's attempts to explain away UFO reports. The article discusses the Condon Committee's findings and the rise of abduction claims, citing polls that suggest millions of Americans may have had such experiences. It highlights a conference at MIT where scientists and alleged abductees gathered to discuss the topic.

UFOs Won't Go Away (MORNING CALL, Allentown, PA - March 19, 1992) This article by Pat DeFrancisco discusses the enduring nature of the UFO phenomenon, starting with Ken Arnold's 1947 sighting. It notes the Air Force's Project Blue Book and its eventual conclusion. The article touches on claims of government cover-ups, human-alien biological experiments, and collaboration between the US government and extraterrestrials. It features perspectives from UFO investigators like Stanton T. Friedman, Dr. Jacques Vallee, and John Mittl, who offer different theories on the nature and origin of UFOs, ranging from physical spacecraft to spiritual manifestations.

Reports of unexplained said to be on rise in area (TRIBUNE-REVIEW, Greensburg, PA - Aug. 11, 1992) Stan Gordon, director of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU), reports an increase in local sightings of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and Bigfoot. PASU investigates these reports, with most having logical explanations, but a significant number remaining unexplained. The article mentions crop circles in Butler County and UFOs over Fayette and Somerset counties, as well as reports of hidden or unknown animals and abduction phenomena.

Garner is ready to hear UFO tales (SUNDAY ADVOCATE, Baton Rouge, LA - Aug. 30, 1992) This article profiles W.L. 'Barney' Garner, Louisiana state director of MUFON, who dedicates his retirement to investigating and documenting UFO reports. Garner emphasizes a scientific approach but acknowledges the potential validity of other perspectives. He notes that UFO sightings have decreased due to government ridicule but believes the public's belief remains strong. Garner also discusses the concept of a multi-dimensional universe as a possible explanation for UFOs and psychic phenomena.

There's evidence of something, but who knows what? (FREE PRESS NORTH, Canton, OH - June 3, 1992) This article features Paul Rozich of the Tri-County UFO Study Group, who has collected materials related to UFOs, including photographs of alleged alien bodies from a 1948 crash site in New Mexico and a NASA film showing numerous disc-shaped objects. Rozich also possesses documents purportedly related to 'Operation Majestic-12,' signed by President Harry Truman, which he believes indicates a government cover-up. The group is in contact with a similar group in the former Soviet Union.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters throughout history and into the present day. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony, with numerous accounts from ordinary citizens, pilots, and even military personnel. The possibility of government cover-ups and the scientific investigation of these phenomena are also central themes. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, appears to be one of open inquiry and documentation, presenting various perspectives and evidence without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. The publication seems to aim at informing the public about the ongoing UFO mystery and encouraging further investigation.

This issue of The Morning Call, dated August 12, 1992, presents a collection of articles primarily focused on UFO phenomena, cryptozoology, and unexplained events. The cover story, "Was it 'cosmic Watergate' in Roswell 45 years ago?", highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the 1947 Roswell incident, with UFO proponents alleging a government cover-up and the Air Force denying any official records.

Roswell Incident and Government Cover-up

The lead article by Gannett News Service explores the Roswell incident, featuring UFO lecturer Stanton Friedman and science writer Don Berliner who accuse the U.S. government, particularly the CIA, of a cover-up. They cite videotaped depositions of witnesses and drawings of 'humanoids' found with the wreckage. The U.S. Air Force, through Maj. Dave Thurston, maintains it has no records of such an event and that its UFO research concluded in 1969 with no evidence of threats to national security. Archivist Ken Schlessinger confirms that the National Archives and Records Administration also contains no official mention of the 'Roswell incident.' The article also mentions a 1989 NBC 'Unsolved Mysteries' re-creation of the alleged crash.

UFO Sightings and Conferences

Several articles detail UFO sightings and related events. A report from the Midwest Conference on UFO Research in Springfield, Missouri, highlights the growing credibility of 'ufology,' with experts like George Knapp and John Carpenter discussing extensive research and statistics suggesting millions of Americans may have had alien encounters. The conference featured speakers on abduction research (Budd Hopkins), crop circles (George Wingfield), animal mutilations (Linda Howe), and UFO photo analysis (Bruce Maccabee).

Other reported sightings include a blue flashing light over Lincoln, England, described as moving at enormous speed; strange lights and UFOs over Butts Brow near Eastbourne; a mysterious egg-shaped object over St. Dogmaels, Wales; and a UFO hovering over a West Hallam field in England.

Crop Circles and Their Origins

The phenomenon of crop circles is explored in multiple articles. A report from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, discusses farmer Edwin Fuhr's 1974 sighting of five metallic, rotating machines that left circular depressions in his canola field. Experts from the Centre for UFO Studies found no reason to dispute his report. Another article from Hungary describes crop circles in Szekesfehervar, with theories suggesting they are caused by extraterrestrials living in higher dimensions, leaving geometric patterns bent by magnetic fields. However, a report from Vancouver, B.C., quashes UFO theories for crop circles near Hobbema, Alberta, attributing them to an unintentional drop of crop seed.

Cryptozoology: Bigfoot, Sea Serpents, and Mutilations

The issue also delves into the realm of cryptozoology. An article from Sydney, Australia, discusses Aboriginal rock carvings, with a tribal leader refuting claims they depict spacemen, instead interpreting them as reincarnated spirits. In the Pacific Northwest, Bigfoot enthusiasts gathered at Eagles Cliff Campground, with experts like Grover Krantz giving reported sightings a '50-50' chance of authenticity. Krantz's new book, 'Big Footprints: The Scientific Evidence for Sasquatch,' is mentioned. The decline in sightings of Bigfoot, Ogopogo, and Cadborosaurus (sea serpents) is noted, with theories ranging from extinction to a shift in public interest towards New Age phenomena. A report from Vancouver, B.C., discusses the efforts of researchers trying to find the elusive Cadborosaurus, with the last confirmed sighting in 1987. Meanwhile, a separate article from Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, discusses the investigation of cattle mutilations, with speculation pointing towards cults or UFOs, and a lack of definitive answers.

Unexplained Phenomena

Other unexplained events include powerful tremors baffling Dutch scientists, with theories including meteor strikes, and a mysterious growth found on a NASA satellite (LDEF) that baffled scientists, who ruled out fungus or mold and are seeking global input.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and alleged government cover-ups, the scientific and skeptical approaches to investigating unexplained phenomena, and the enduring public fascination with creatures and events that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various viewpoints and evidence, encouraging investigation while acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of hoaxes or natural explanations. There is a clear effort to distinguish between sensationalism and serious research, particularly in the fields of ufology and cryptozoology.