UFO Newsclipping Service - 1996 06 - no 323

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated June 1996, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO sightings, alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena. The cover story, "E.T. VISITS LAGUNA?", discusses alleged crop circles found in Laguna Canyon, California, and the differing opinions on their origin. Other articles delve into the scientific analysis of flying saucers by engineer Paul Hill, various UFO sightings reported across the United States, and the ongoing investigation into the Roswell incident.

E.T. Visits Laguna?

The main article on the cover, "E.T. VISITS LAGUNA?", details the appearance of concentric rings in the grass on a slope near the San Joaquin Hills toll road in Laguna Canyon. While some, like Ed Sherwood, believe these formations are signs of extraterrestrial communication, others, like biologist Margot Griswold, suggest they were man-made. The report includes the account of Tom Ross, who spotted the circles with his son and believes they are not man-made, possibly indicating extraterrestrial activity. Skeptics are mentioned, including British artists who have admitted to creating crop circles.

Traditional "Bubba” Sighted Over P’cola Bay

This report from Pensacola Beach, Florida, describes a sighting on May 3rd of a single red light over Pensacola Bay that remained stationary for three minutes. It then changed to a brilliant white, expanded in size, and faded away. The witness, a member of a local skywatch group, noted the object's unusual behavior.

Maverick Engineer Took Scientific Look

This article focuses on Paul Hill, a maverick engineer who worked at NASA's Langley Research Center. It highlights his research into flying saucers, detailed in his book "Unconventional Flying Objects: A Scientific Analysis." The piece describes Hill's experiments with a jet-thrust device and his attempts to develop new laws of physics to explain UFO phenomena. His daughter, Julie Hill, was instrumental in getting his book published posthumously. The article also mentions an upcoming paranormal phenomenon show called "Borderlines" that would feature Hill.

UFOs Not Just Flight of Fancy

This article from Santa Barbara, California, introduces Donna Higbee, who has become an advocate for UFO research and education. Higbee, a hypnotherapist and organizer of a support group for abductees, believes in the importance of preparing for future impacts of extraterrestrial phenomena. She arranges public lectures featuring UFO researchers and authors, including Robert Dean, who claims to have read top-secret NATO studies on UFO activity.

Piece of Metal Brought to UFO Museum to Verify Authenticity

This report from Roswell, New Mexico, discusses a piece of metal brought to the UFO Museum, allegedly linked to the 1947 Roswell UFO crash. Max Littell of the museum is seeking to verify its authenticity. The metal was tested and found to contain about 85 percent silver and 15 percent copper on one side, and pure silver on the other. While no unknown substances were found, the report notes that silver and copper are basic elements found on other planets. The analysis suggests the metal came from a larger object that suffered a catastrophic event, but it does not definitively prove its extraterrestrial origin.

Metal Test Results Create Questions

Following up on the previous report, this article details the metal test results from the alleged Roswell UFO crash debris. The analysis, conducted by the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, found the metal to be composed of silver and copper, with traces of sodium, aluminum, silicon, iron, chromium, sulfur, and chlorine. Analyst Chris McKee stated that the piece came from a larger object that experienced a catastrophic event, but its composition does not rule out terrestrial origins. The article mentions that nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman finds the combination of silver and copper interesting and suggests further testing by a commercial lab.

The Truth Is Out There, Say UFO True Believers

This article from Cleveland, Ohio, explores the beliefs of UFO enthusiasts, including Ray Stanford, founder of Project Starlight International, who claims to have witnessed a UFO in 1956. The piece discusses the skepticism of figures like Philip J. Klass, an editor at Aviation Week & Space Technology, who remains unconvinced without credible evidence. It also touches upon the General Accounting Office's report on government documents related to the Roswell incident and the growing number of Americans who claim to have been abducted by aliens, citing Dr. John E. Mack as a prominent proponent of abduction experiences. The article links rising interest in UFOs to a mistrust in government and discusses the debate between believers and debunkers.

Analysis of Metal Fails to Refute Claims of Crash

This report from Roswell, New Mexico, analyzes the metal fragment linked to the alleged 1947 UFO crash. Analyst Chris McKee stated that the piece came from a larger object and suffered a catastrophic event, but its composition of natural elements does not definitively prove it is extraterrestrial. The article notes that the metal was not part of the Project MOGUL weather balloon experiments. The UFO museum is working to track down the original owner of the piece.

Abductees Against 'Nova'

This article from Boston, Massachusetts, reports on a controversy surrounding an upcoming WGBH program about UFO abductions titled "Kidnapped by UFOs?". Participants and researchers like Budd Hopkins and Dr. John E. Mack claim that the "Nova" producers have misrepresented their accounts and sensationalized the evidence, portraying abductees as "weak-minded patsies." Hopkins accuses the producers of "mangling the truth" and "tampering with evidence." Mack's office is preparing a rebuttal and considering legal action for defamation.

Strange Lights in Sky Over Casper

This article from Casper, Wyoming, details reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and strange lights observed over Casper Mountain. Residents and investigators, including Dave Zerbe, have reported helicopters flying in formation at night, with some claiming to have scraped paint from the craft and heard Russian being spoken. Agencies like the FAA and Wyoming National Guard have no explanation for the sightings. The article also mentions Larry Hause's photographs of unidentified flying objects over Mongul Hill and Greg Hansen's sightings of craft landing on a mountain.

Keep an Open Mind When Tracking UFOs

This article from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, discusses the ongoing interest in UFOs and the efforts of enthusiasts like Larry Hause and Todd Novack to track and document sightings. It highlights reports of strange lights over the Cumberland Valley and the efforts of astronomers to search for extraterrestrial signals. The article also mentions the creation of an extraterrestrial highway in Nevada to promote tourism and discusses the characteristics of crop circles.

UFOs Hovering Over Central Illinois

This article from Bloomington, Illinois, explores the local UFO investigation scene, featuring Paul Russell, head of the Central Illinois chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). It discusses "skywatches," the search for "angel hair" (a substance believed to be cosmic pollution from spacecraft), and the experiences of UFO investigator Gary Hart. The article notes a tapering off of UFO sightings after the 1970s but suggests a potential resurgence. It also touches on the debate between believers, debunkers, and those who remain indifferent.

Unofficial Top Places to See UFOs Across America

This section provides a list of locations where UFO sightings are reportedly more common, including the Hudson River in New York, Gulf Breeze in Florida, the Spoon River Valley in Illinois, Sedona in Arizona, and Roswell in New Mexico. It offers tips on when and where to look for UFOs, suggesting dark, clear nights and areas away from light pollution. The article also mentions the possibility of military testing in some areas.

Suspected UFO Reported Over Snowshoe Mountain

This report from Alamosa, Colorado, details a sighting of a bright red fireball over Snowshoe Mountain on March 22nd. Witnesses described it as looking like a plane exploding, with "fizzly tails." No local authorities could confirm the sighting, but there were other reports of UFOs over Greenie Mountain in the same region. The article mentions that the comet visible at the time did not match the description of the object.

Bright Lights Cause Big Stir in Valley

This article from Pueblo, Colorado, reports on a woman in the San Luis Valley who observed a "light" hovering near Mount Blanca for four consecutive nights. The woman, identified as Helen Willhite, sounded "credible" to the sheriff's office. The report notes that strange lights are not unusual in the San Luis Valley, with previous reports of blue lights and objects described as shooting tracers at each other.

Zig-Zagging White Light Sighted in Area

This report from Gulf Breeze, Florida, details two separate sightings of a similar nature. On May 3rd, Chrissy and a friend observed a "star" that was zig-zagging erratically and disappearing and reappearing. On May 8th, Chrissy, her mother, and a friend saw a bright white "star" with similar movements. The witnesses described the object as a "bright white ball of light" and noted a large flash that lit up the sky at the end of the second sighting. The sky conditions were clear on both nights.

Resident of Unicoi Establishes Center for UFO Research

This article from Johnson City, Tennessee, introduces Stacey McGee, who has established the United States UFO Information and Research Center in Unicoi. McGee publishes a newsletter called "Skywatch" and aims to create a communication network for UFO and astronomy enthusiasts. The newsletter features testimonials of sightings and abductions, and McGee plans to host a UFO, Crop Circle and Alien Contact EXPO. He also envisions building a museum and theater dedicated to UFOs and alien encounters.

Woman Spots UFO in Sky

This report from Burlington, Iowa, describes a woman who reported seeing an unidentified flying object over Division and Plane streets. She described it as a "round, sort of octagon, very strange looking" object with "really bright headlights, moving real slow." She compared it to pictures of flying saucers and stated it was neither a helicopter nor an airplane. The sighting was referred to the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) for further investigation.

'These Things Are So Far Beyond Us. It's Leading Up to Something and We'd Better Be Ready.'

This article from Bloomington, Illinois, discusses the ongoing investigation into UFOs in Central Illinois. It features Paul Russell, head of the Central Illinois chapter of MUFON, who believes that UFOs are beyond human understanding and that humanity should prepare for future contact. The article also mentions the work of UFO investigator Gary Hart, who has spent significant resources on equipment to track sightings. It notes a decrease in reported UFO sightings in recent years but suggests a potential upswing. The piece touches on the debate between believers, debunkers, and those who remain indifferent, highlighting the difficulty in proving or disproving the existence of aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, alien abductions, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The publication appears to lean towards presenting UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation, featuring accounts from researchers, witnesses, and experts. While acknowledging skepticism, the overall tone suggests an open-minded approach to the possibility of extraterrestrial life and technology. The articles highlight the persistence of UFO reports across different regions and time periods, underscoring the enduring mystery surrounding these phenomena.

This issue of "Foreign News" from January 26, 1996, compiled from various UK regional newspapers, delves into the persistent fascination with UFOs and unexplained phenomena, particularly in light of the popular "X-Files" television series. The cover story, "It's the final frontier for the X file tourists," highlights the work of UFO experts in Morecambe, England, who are investigating new photographs of alleged flying saucer sightings. The Lancashire Evening Post reports on the efforts of the Lancaster UFO Network (Lufon) to document these sightings, including a time-lapse photograph capturing a peculiar object.

UFO Experts Probe Flying Saucer Photos

Photographer Steve Meads captured images of a strange, fast-moving object above Morecambe bay, described by ufologist Simon Lewis as moving like a recoiling spring, not driven by any known propulsion system. Lufon members are planning further investigations, including sky-watches with video and infra-red equipment. Experts are also considering a link between the sightings and nearby nuclear installations like Heysham power station. The UFO Magazine is reportedly interested in featuring the photograph, and the sightings are expected to be discussed at a major UFO conference in Morecambe on February 18.

Children Terrified by Their UFO Encounter

The Courier & Advertiser reports a frightening encounter in Broughty Ferry, Scotland, where three 12-year-olds were traumatized after seeing a "burger" shaped craft hovering silently above them in Orchar Park. The children described the object with domes and coloured lights, which shone triangular lights at them, causing them to panic and flee. Their drawings and accounts were remarkably consistent. Astronomer Brian Kelly expressed bafflement at the description of the lights, stating that known celestial bodies like Venus or Sirius would not produce such colours. Police and RAF Leuchars reported no similar sightings or incidents.

Flashing Lights Mystery Deepens

The Observer in Watford, England, covers reports of strange flashing lights in Bushey. Police are mystified by these phenomena, having received multiple calls. A sales planner, Andrew Elsen, described seeing two red lights moving at high speed, which later turned into a V shape above a cemetery. PC Nick Mortimer is investigating, noting that while some suggest kite flying with lights, he believes the sightings are more significant. George Creighton, editor of The Flying Saucer Review, commented that such lights are common and often unreported, suggesting that more significant events are suppressed.

Lost in a Timewarp: Power to Heal is from 'Ghosts'

The Chronicle & Echo from Northampton, England, features Elsie Oakensen, a former head teacher who claims she was abducted by aliens and given healing powers. Her story, detailed in her book "One Step Beyond," began on November 22, 1978, when she encountered a grey, dumb-bell shaped object with lights above the A5 road. She experienced a time anomaly, with her journey taking 15 minutes longer than usual. Elsie believes these "ghost beings" have given her healing hands, which she uses without charge. She also claims to have developed psychic art abilities. The article notes that the "X-Files" has created a more sympathetic climate for UFO investigators.

Pilots in UFO Riddle Praised for Speaking Up

The Evening News in Manchester, England, reports on two pilots, Captain Roger Wills and First Officer Mark Stuart, who reported a possible UFO sighting. Their "air-miss" report described a wedge-shaped flying object seen near Manchester Airport. After a year-long investigation, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has admitted they could find no plausible explanation. Their boss, Peter Tanner, praised the pilots for speaking up despite knowing they might face ridicule.

The triangular shape of things to come!

The Lancashire Evening Post discusses the increasing number of triangular UFO sightings above Morecambe, leading to a conference hosted by the North Lancashire UFO Investigation Group. Researchers like Simon Lewis are taking these sightings seriously, suggesting they could be advanced military technology. The conference aims to explore these mysteries, moving beyond the "sci-fi crank" stereotype.

Close Encounters of the Flying Object Kind

The Swindon Evening Advertiser features Paul Horwood, a founder member of Swindon's Borderland Phenomena Research Group, who has been observing the skies since the 1970s. He shares experiences of unexplained glows and erratic movements. The article also highlights Wiltshire as a significant county for UFO phenomena, mentioning the 'Warminster Thing' and alleged alien abductions. Philip Mantle of the British UFO Research Association notes that while some sightings can be explained by military activity, others remain mysterious.

Flying Saucers or Flights of Fancy?

The Evening Chronicle (Oldham) and Evening News (Edinburgh) explore the question of UFO belief. The article references the Manchester Airport incident and the official admission of no explanation. It quotes Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, calling the pilots' report "remarkable." Civil servant Nick Pope, formerly of the Ministry of Defence UFO desk, discusses his own journey to believing in UFOs and the skepticism he faced. The Rendlesham Forest incident is cited as a major UK UFO case with multiple witnesses and physical evidence.

UFO Couple See the Light

The Evening News (Edinburgh) reports on Jimmy and Margaret Allan's sighting of a bright red flashing light over the Pentlands, described as sounding like a Hoover. Scotland's top UFO expert, Ron Halliday, is investigating. Another report details Callum Scott's claim of seeing three UFOs on Silverknowes esplanade.

Flying Triangles Baffle UFO Buff

The Lancashire Evening Post highlights the surge of triangular UFO sightings above Lancaster and Morecambe, prompting a major UFO conference. Simon Lewis notes the prevalence of triangular shapes and suggests they might be advanced military technology.

Riddle in the Sky

The Metro News (Manchester) reports on the official investigation into the British Airways jet incident, confirming that the wedge-shaped object remains untraced. The article also touches upon the "truth is out there" theme, referencing the X-Files.

UFOs Seen Above Loch Ness and Bigfoot

The Patriot (Harrisburg, PA) announces a course on "Unexplained Mysteries" at Harrisburg Area Community College, taught by Dr. William E. Stoffel, focusing on scientific examination of legends like the Loch Ness Monster and UFOs. Meanwhile, the Farmers Weekly (Cohuna, Australia) features reports of "bright lights in the sky" and UFO sightings, with residents convinced of extraterrestrial life. The Victorian UFO Society notes fewer recent sightings in the district.

'Goatsucker' Invades Tucson Home

The Citizen (Tucson, AZ) reports on the "Chupacabra" legend spreading into Texas. Jose Espinoza claims a creature with red eyes and a wrinkled face visited his home. The article details the creature's description and its alleged attacks on livestock, originating from Puerto Rico and spreading through Latin America.

Moon Visionary Charges NASA with Cover-up

The Associated Press reports on Richard Hoagland's claims that NASA has hidden evidence of artificial structures on the moon, based on Apollo photographs. NASA denies these claims, stating all findings have been made public.

Military Research Questions Raised

The Empire (Juneau, AK) covers a legislative hearing about the HAARP project, with concerns raised about its potential to alter the atmosphere and control minds. Supporters describe it as benign energy research, while critics fear its military applications.

Student's Site Traces Trail of Haunting Chupacabra

The Constitution (Atlanta, GA) features a Princeton University student who created a website dedicated to news about the chupacabra, a creature originating from Puerto Rico known for attacking farm animals. The site aims to track sightings and theories about the creature.

Investigations Continue in Deaths

The Sand Mountain Reporter (Albertville, AL) details ongoing investigations into cow mutilations in Marshall County, Alabama, by the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Lab reports are pending, and investigators are examining the possibility of both predator attacks and more unusual causes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent public interest in UFOs, alien encounters, and other unexplained phenomena, often framed within the context of popular culture like "The X-Files." There's a clear editorial stance of presenting these reports and investigations with a degree of seriousness, even when acknowledging skepticism from the scientific community. The articles highlight witness accounts, expert opinions, and ongoing investigations, suggesting that while many phenomena may have rational explanations, a core of mystery remains. The inclusion of diverse reports, from local sightings to international legends like the Chupacabra, underscores the global nature of these interests. The overall tone is one of exploration and inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities without necessarily endorsing every claim as fact.