UFO Newsclipping Service - 1997 03 - no 332

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated March 1997, is number 332 and published by Lucius Farish. The cover headline proclaims 'The hills are alive with the swooping of UFOs,' indicating a focus on recent sightings.

UFOs: North Country Sightings Real 'Flap'

This article by Lorna Colquhoun reports on a significant increase in UFO sightings in the North Country of New Hampshire during January and February 1997. The phenomenon is described as a 'flap' by MUFON investigator Sandra Black. Beverly Higgins recounts a personal sighting of an oval-shaped object with windows and a green light. Black has investigated nearly a dozen such reports since January 15th, noting that the sightings are appearing in local newspapers with less ridicule than before. Peter Geremia, MUFON state director, mentions the state chapter's efforts to recruit new members and investigators. Several specific sightings are detailed, including one on Route 26 of a large saucer-shaped object and another in North Stratford of an object the size of a house with pink and blue lights.

UFO reported in South County

This brief report from the Journal Staff details a mysterious green object seen streaking across South County skies on Friday night, emitting beams of light. Similar sightings were reported in California shortly after. Peter Davenport of the National Unidentified Flying Objects Reporting Center noted the descriptions did not sound like typical meteor sightings. The Federal Aviation Administration stated they had received no such reports.

Strangers in the night

This article by Connie Lauerman from the Chicago Tribune discusses Whitley Strieber's experiences with UFOs and aliens, beginning with his 1985 encounter detailed in his book 'Communion.' Strieber has undergone extensive tests, including hypnosis, lie detector tests, and medical evaluations, to understand his experiences. He notes the public's fascination with UFOs, citing movies like 'Independence Day' and shows like 'The X-Files,' but observes that his own accounts of real experiences have a smaller audience. Strieber is exploring new theories, including the possibility of implants and the role of 'visitors' in human consciousness. He has received over 200,000 letters from people reporting similar experiences, varying from standard abduction scenarios to more complex and strange encounters. The article also touches on the challenges of scientific study in this field due to lack of funding and the potential for misidentification of phenomena.

UFO Researcher Gordon Issues Annual Report

This report from the Bulletin in Latrobe, PA, details UFO researcher Stan Gordon's annual findings for 1996. Gordon, who has been investigating UFO sightings since 1969, received numerous calls across Pennsylvania. While many incidents are explained by natural phenomena or misidentifications, Gordon notes that some reports remain unexplained. He highlights sightings reported by trained observers like pilots and state troopers. The article lists several specific incidents from Pennsylvania in early 1997, including a multi-colored object in Crabtree, large footprints in Fayette County, a diamond-shaped object in Centerville, and triangular objects in Allegheny County. Gordon also continues to pursue information on the 1965 Kecksburg UFO incident.

Skywatch Diary (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL)

This entry by Carole Baker covers sightings from November 1996 to January 1997. It mentions a sighting near Bagdad, Florida, of an elongated, oval object with colored lights. Another entry discusses an anomalous light seen near Santa Rosa Island. The diary also notes the upcoming Fifth Annual Project Awareness Gulf Breeze UFO Conference.

Illinois crop circle stumps UFO investigator

This article from the Herald Argus reports on a crop circle discovered west of Grayville, Illinois, investigated by UFO and paranormal investigator Michael Christol. Christol found little evidence to explain the phenomenon and is sending samples for analysis. He theorizes that microwave energy from satellites could be responsible. An oil-field worker also reported seeing eerie lights in the area.

Throw back veil of secrecy

This letter to the editor discusses the renewed media interest in UFO phenomena and the frustration researchers face in obtaining data from government archives. The author mentions former President Jimmy Carter's alleged UFO sighting and his unfulfilled promise to release information. The letter emphasizes the abundance of unreported sightings and the challenge of sifting through this data.

UFO editorial was unscientific 'dupe literature' along government lines

William R. Lyne of The New Mexican responds to a previous editorial, arguing that the government disseminates 'dupe literature' to deceive the public about UFOs and cattle mutilations. Lyne asserts that cattle mutilations are secret government experiments and flying saucers are man-made government machines, not alien craft. He criticizes the reliance on 'scientists' from labs involved in such research and advocates for a rational, non-mystical approach to understanding these phenomena.

Flying-Saucer Art Invades New York

This New York Times Service article by Trip Gabriel reports on the growing presence of UFO and alien-abduction themes in art, fashion, and music. Several downtown exhibition spaces are showcasing such art. Artists like John Sheldon, who creates ET sculptures, and Andre Van Pier, with his UFO-inspired fashion, are featured. The article suggests that this trend reflects a search for answers beyond traditional sources, apprehension about the millennium, and distrust of government.

Air Force jet caused alarming sonic boom

This report from the Mail Tribune explains that a loud boom heard in Oregon and Washington was caused by an Air Force SR-71 Blackbird jet breaking the sound barrier during a training mission. Despite the official explanation, a Medford pilot reported seeing 'three strange lights' pursued by military jets around the same time.

Objects Seen In Sky

This article by Jeff Linville from the News, Mount Airy, NC, discusses recent unexplained sightings in the western Piedmont region. George Fawcett, a UFO researcher, has received numerous reports. Two incidents are detailed: one involving four people who saw a large, silent, flashing object described as half the size of a football field, and another where Jack Edwards described an oval-shaped object with bright lights, as big as a jumbo jet. Fawcett notes that many sightings can be explained, but some remain mysterious. The article also touches on the historical context of UFO sightings and public fear of ridicule.

'Punk UFOlogist' recalls Gallup Incident

Malcolm Brenner's article from the Independent in Gallup, NM, features Christopher O'Brien, a self-described 'punk UFOlogist.' O'Brien discusses his book 'The Mysterious Valley,' documenting UFO sightings and animal mutilations in the San Luis Valley. He recounts a childhood encounter with bug-like creatures. The article also details the 'Gallup Incident' of 1983, involving a mysterious blast, meteor sightings, and military activity, which O'Brien believes may have been related to a UFO crash. He expresses a belief that much of what is reported as UFO activity might be military tests.

Confession adds fuel to UFO Roswell museum releases book detailing dying man's story about alien ship

This article from the Avalanche-Journal reports on a book released by the International UFO Museum in Roswell, NM, detailing the deathbed confession of Jim Ragsdale. Ragsdale claimed to have witnessed a 20-foot disc crash near Roswell in 1947, contradicting the military's official explanation of a weather balloon. Max Littell, a UFO museum volunteer, produced the book and video, highlighting Ragsdale's account as the first eyewitness testimony of a craft landing. The article discusses the implications of Ragsdale's story for the Roswell incident, including the possibility of two alien spacecraft colliding and the military's cover-up. It also touches on the mysterious death of Ragsdale's girlfriend and subsequent burglary of his home.

Ancient bowl at UFO Museum might have come from aliens

Julie Marie Brown's article from the Daily Record in Roswell, NM, discusses an exhibit at the International UFO Museum and Research Center exploring the connection between ancient cultures and extraterrestrial life. The museum has received a new artifact, a pre-Columbian compote bowl depicting figures with 'space helmets,' which is part of the exhibit. Deon Crosby, the museum's director, believes ancient cultures had contact with advanced lifeforms. The exhibit also includes a replica of the Palenque Astronaut and research on Anasazi artifacts.

Skywatch Diary (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL)

This entry by Carole Baker notes a quiet week for sightings in the Pensacola area. It mentions a sighting of a large, bright circular object over the ship channel, described as circular and hovering. The witness, Gary Ramon, believes it was not an aircraft. The diary also mentions the upcoming Project Awareness Gulf Breeze UFO Conference.

UFO sightings being reported

This article from the San Pedro Valley News-Sun reports on UFO sightings over the Dragoon Mountains in Arizona, as cited by MUFON. Witnesses describe flying objects appearing at night, often with white strobe lights, and sometimes approaching in greater numbers. MUFON investigator Whitey Reese emphasizes the importance of an open mind in investigating such phenomena, while adhering to a strict scientific method. The article also touches on the government's potential role in UFO secrecy and the possibility of extraterrestrial craft traveling over Belgium.

Clinton man says government covering up UFO sightings

Samar Abulhassan's article from the Macomb Daily details Chester Grusinski's testimony of spotting a UFO in 1958 while aboard the Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. Grusinski describes a 'cigar-shaped' figure and claims the government, including the CIA, has withheld information about the incident. He has collected documents from other witnesses and believes the government is preparing the public for future revelations about extraterrestrial life.

Skywatch Diary (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL)

Carole Baker's entry from December 1996 describes a sighting of a large, bright orange light over a power sub-station in north Pensacola. The object emitted sparks and interacted with the power station. Two smaller balls of light emerged from the larger one, and the entire phenomenon disappeared when cars approached. The witnesses described the object as perfectly round and hovering silently. One witness had previous UFO sightings. The entry also mentions the upcoming Project Awareness Conference.

A favorite spot for UFO visits?

Jack Warner's article from The Constitution in Atlanta, GA, discusses LaGrange, Georgia, as an area known for UFO sightings. John Thompson, state director of MUFON, believes the area is a 'hotbed' for sightings due to increased investigation. He shares a story about a bell-shaped object photographed by an anonymous source, 'Mr. Z.' Thompson discusses the challenges of investigating such phenomena, including public ridicule and the difficulty of obtaining concrete evidence. He also mentions talking to people who claim to have been abducted and examined by aliens. The article touches on the possibility of military involvement and the need for instrumentation to record electromagnetic disturbances.

In Person: Looking Into the Alien Ex Machina

This article by Russ Loar from the Los Angeles Times profiles physicist Bob Wood, a former director at McDonnell Douglas, who is dedicated to understanding the technology behind UFOs. Wood believes that extraterrestrial visitors have been coming to Earth for a long time and that their technology can be replicated. He investigated UFO reports for McDonnell Douglas for two years, which convinced him of the phenomenon's reality. Wood is particularly interested in the 1965 Rex Heflin sighting in Orange County, California, and is using computer technology to analyze the photographs taken. He notes that while most sightings have earthly explanations, a few remain unexplainable, and there is no consensus on whether the visitors are friendly or hostile.

Skywatch Diary (Islander, Pensacola Beach, FL)

Carole Baker's entry from February 1997 discusses Whitley Strieber's new book, 'The Secret School,' which explores his ongoing experiences with 'visitors.' Baker recommends the book for its reassuring perspective on interacting with these beings. The entry also promotes the Fifth Anniversary Project Awareness Gulf Breeze UFO Conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the prevalence of UFO sightings, particularly in New England, and the growing public interest in the phenomenon, often fueled by popular media. There's a consistent emphasis on the scientific investigation of UFOs, with MUFON playing a central role. The issue also touches upon the challenges of government secrecy and cover-ups regarding UFO information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the reporting and investigation of sightings while acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and the possibility of misidentification. Several articles highlight the personal experiences of witnesses and the psychological impact of these encounters. The potential for advanced, possibly military, technology to be mistaken for extraterrestrial craft is also a recurring point of discussion.

This issue of 'Foreign News' presents a compilation of international newspaper clippings, primarily from late 1996 and early 1997, focusing on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related unexplained phenomena. The collection highlights a global interest in these topics, featuring reports from the UK, USA, Australia, and Israel.

Changing Perceptions of Aliens

An article by Jo Knowsley discusses the evolution of alien imagery, noting that 'little green men from Mars are history.' The modern alien is now predominantly depicted as a 'little grey man with huge oval eyes.' Patrick Huyghe, an authority on UFOs, has documented this shift in his book, 'The Field Guide to Extraterrestrials,' suggesting that public expectations influence the perceived appearance of aliens. Huyghe acknowledges that some sightings might be influenced by contemporary fears, such as those prevalent during the Cold War, but maintains that a significant number of sightings cannot be rationally explained.

UFO Sightings and Intercepts

Several clippings detail specific UFO sightings:

• Isle of Man Incident: A part-time cleaner, using the pseudonym Dawn Milburn, reported seeing a slow-moving oval or wedge-shaped object over St. John's, Isle of Man, on September 13, 1996. The object was allegedly surrounded by two black unmarked aircraft. Coincidentally, a large Territorial Army exercise involving RAF jet fighters was taking place in the same area.
• Thanet Sightings: The Thanet Times reported multiple sightings of a 'Flying Triangle' object, described as a large triangular object surrounded by little red balls of light. UFO experts suggest the area might be targeted by alien beings.
• Reading Sighting: A resident of Tilehurst reported seeing a 'weird triangle of light' with bright lights at each point, which appeared much larger than a plane and was silent.
• Skegness Sightings: Multiple eyewitness accounts of strange lights and objects over the sea off Skegness were reported, including a solid object with two large circular opaque lights and a bright light that moved erratically.
• Lincolnshire Incident: Strange lights were spotted over Woodhall Spa and surrounding areas, with reports of a mystery object hovering and unusual radar contacts, prompting investigations by police, the coastguard, and the RAF.
• Cornwall Sighting: A cigar-shaped silver 'ship' was spotted high in the skies near Tregony, described as 200ft long and moving at tremendous speed.
• Salisbury Plain Incident: A soldier, under hypnosis, recalled being terrified by beams of light from a black triangular aircraft during a night exercise in 1990.
• Derbyshire Sightings: The 'flying triangle' has been reported frequently over Derbyshire, with descriptions including red, yellow, and white lights, and the craft turning on its side.
• Walthamstow Sighting: An eight-year-old boy reported seeing a large orange triangle hovering over his garden, with three lights and a bright glow.
• Israel Sightings: UFO magazine editor Mark Birdsall noted an increase in UFO sightings in Israel over the past four years, with reports including an Air France jet being chased by a strange object and sightings of ellipsoid-shaped craft emitting green beams.

Government Involvement and Secrecy

Several articles touch upon the role of government agencies in investigating UFO phenomena. The Ministry of Defence in the UK has a dedicated office, referred to as Britain's 'X-Files' team, that handles unexplained sightings. However, their investigations are often low-key, involving reviewing reports rather than field investigations. The concept of 'classified' information and the 30-year rule for releasing documents are mentioned, suggesting a deliberate effort to keep certain information from the public. The possibility that governments might be studying natural phenomena that cause UFOs, rather than aliens themselves, is also raised.

Cattle Mutilations

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the persistent mystery of cattle mutilations. Ranchers like Jean Barton and John Nino describe finding livestock with sex organs, tongues, and ears precisely removed, with no apparent struggle or significant blood loss. Investigations by law enforcement have yielded no conclusive results, leading some to consider extraterrestrial involvement. Linda Moulton Howe, a writer and investigator, has documented numerous cases and suggests that the precision of the cuts and the lack of evidence point away from typical human perpetrators. Theories range from cult activity to genetic experimentation by aliens.

Scientific and Skeptical Perspectives

While many reports focus on the unexplained, some voices offer alternative explanations or express skepticism. Jenny Randles, a UFO-logist, criticizes the tendency to link UFOs directly with aliens, arguing that it damages serious research. She suggests that UFOs might be natural phenomena or advanced energy sources, separate from the existence of extraterrestrial beings. Similarly, some law enforcement officials, like Lt. Jim Cronin, dismiss alien theories, attributing the incidents to human culprits or natural causes. The scientific community's struggle to explain phenomena like crop circles and cattle mutilations, often citing 'plasma vortices' or 'brief, intense heat,' highlights the ongoing challenge of understanding these events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these clippings are the persistent nature of UFO sightings and alien encounters, the public's fascination with the unknown, and the perceived secrecy surrounding official investigations. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, appears to be one of presenting a wide range of reports and perspectives on UFO phenomena, from eyewitness accounts and expert analyses to skeptical viewpoints and the challenges faced by investigators. The compilation suggests a belief that these phenomena warrant serious attention and investigation, even if definitive answers remain elusive.