UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 02 - no 355

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE
Issue: Number 355
Date: February 1999
Publisher: Lucius Farish
Country: USA

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service provides an in-depth, objective look at the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It features articles that explore witness testimonies, investigative findings, and the broader implications of UFO sightings.

An objective look at UFOs by Robert A. Galganski

Robert A. Galganski, an engineer, presents an objective analysis of UFOs, acknowledging the vast number of well-documented reports compiled by researchers worldwide. He notes that while the subject is plagued by speculation and outlandish claims, a significant percentage of reports describe "true UFOs" that remain unexplained by science after competent investigation. Galganski highlights "close encounters," events occurring within 500 feet of witnesses, which reduce the likelihood of misidentification. The article details the physical evidence found at some UFO sites, including ground imprints, altered soil properties, and damaged vegetation. It emphasizes that most UFO witnesses are credible individuals from diverse backgrounds, not just the stereotypical 'ignorant bumpkin.' Galganski criticizes the scientific community's dismissive attitude towards UFOs, comparing it to historical resistance to accepted scientific facts like meteorites and continental drift. He concludes that the phenomenon warrants serious scientific study.

More MacKenzie Repercussions

This section details the aftermath of Rockford Police Officer Royal MacKenzie's story about a silvery, metallic substance retrieved from the Roswell crash site. MacKenzie has been overwhelmed by media attention and numerous offers from researchers. The article mentions publications that delve into extraterrestrial civilizations, past life therapy, and cosmic history, citing Albert Einstein's alleged mental transmissions. It discusses Linda Moulton Howe's book, "Glimpses of Other Realities," which posits alien races manipulating human evolution, and mentions the concept of 'Greys,' 'Blond Humanoids,' and 'Reptoids.' The article also touches upon unusual animal deaths associated with UFOs and strange beings. Howe's work includes an interview with a former U.S. Army man who witnessed a person rising into a glowing object via a beam of light. The piece also references the 'Men in Black' (MIBs) and contactee messages about world disaster and government agreements with alien beings.

Q&A on the News

This Q&A segment addresses a reader's query about reporting a UFO sighting near Kennesaw Mountain. The Federal Aviation Administration refers such reports to the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle and the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Contact information and websites for both organizations are provided.

UFO lectures spout some alien ideas by Tom Maurstad

Tom Maurstad reviews Omega Communications' six-volume set, "The UFO Experience," which presents scholarly lectures on UFO phenomena. While primarily aimed at UFO enthusiasts, the series offers entertainment for the uninitiated, exploring topics like 'What Aliens Want' and 'Physics and Flying Saucers.' The review humorously describes the experience of watching these tapes as visiting an alien world and introduces the term 'Yoofologist.'

Star Gazing: Big Lake Park incident remains a mystery by Bob Allen

Bob Allen revisits the Big Lake incident from December 17, 1977, where a flaming object fell into Big Lake Park. Despite investigations and metallurgical tests (chiefly iron with nickel and chromium), no plausible explanation has been found. The material's composition precludes meteoric origin. Allen notes that the incident involved 11 witnesses and that fragments of the material are still held by some residents. He concludes that after 21 years, the occurrence remains unexplained.

'Big Lake Park incident remains a mystery' (Letter to the Editor)

This letter disputes Bob Allen's conclusion that the Big Lake Park incident was a hoax. The writer argues that the logistics of creating such a molten mass and transporting it to the site would be impossible for pranksters. The writer's nephew, who was the first on the scene, described a bright object impacting with a flash and a boom, followed by molten metal on the dike. The letter also mentions that snow was falling only in Big Lake Park that night, suggesting unusual atmospheric conditions possibly related to the object's impact and subsequent steam production.

Support for Net Pioneer's UFO Theory by Jon Swartz

Jon Swartz reports on Joe Firmage, an Internet pioneer who resigned from his position due to his beliefs in aliens and UFOs. Firmage's theory links major historical religious and technological events to extraterrestrial visits, including a close encounter in his Los Gatos home. The article highlights positive reactions from readers, with many viewing Firmage as an earnest, brilliant individual. It references "The Day After Roswell" by Colonel Phillip J. Corso and Bill Birnes, which suggests high-tech inventions originated from a Roswell spacecraft crash. The article also notes some more extreme claims, such as alien implants and extraterrestrials in cold storage at the White House.

Foreign News: Irene Bott - Sighting defied her logic

Irene Bott, founder of the Staffordshire UFO Group, shares her experiences and beliefs about UFOs. She recounts a large turnout for the group's first meeting and a story from an elderly gentleman who had carried a UFO experience with him for 40 years. Bott describes her own childhood sightings and a 1990 experience of a light orange ball moving erratically. She emphasizes the personal nature of these experiences and the support offered by her group to those who have been abducted or witnessed strange phenomena. Bott suggests UFOs might be interdimensional rather than extraterrestrial.

Foreign News: Tony Pace - Over most people's heads

Astronomer Tony Pace offers a skeptical perspective on UFO investigations. He criticizes the lack of scientific training among many UFO enthusiasts and their tendency to accept eyewitness reports without question. Pace attributes many sightings to misidentified celestial objects, aircraft, comets, and fireballs. He acknowledges that about 3% of cases remain unexplained and notes that UFOs can affect electrical systems of cars. Pace believes that while it's possible we've been visited by extraterrestrials, the study of UFOs has regressed to simplistic 'plastic green men' narratives. He quotes Arthur C. Clarke: "A sufficiently advanced technology would be indistinguishable from magic." Pace concludes by promoting an upcoming meteorite display as tangible visitors from other worlds.

Survey of Vancouverites: The truth is in there by Murray Whyte

This article presents findings from a Vancouver magazine survey of 700 residents. It reveals that 31% believe in alien visitations, 56% have smoked marijuana, and 88% believe in alternative medicines. The survey highlights Vancouver's diverse views, with distinctions between different regions of the city and its suburbs. The article suggests Vancouverites are more open to 'cosmic things' and 'alternative things.'

Bright lights prove we're not alone

This piece reports on claims by UFO researchers in the East Midlands, UK, who have video footage of strange bright objects. It details two cases: one of a hovering object above Ilkeston and another of a changing-colored object over Marehay. The Burton Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Group (BUFOIG) is collecting these reports. The article mentions sightings near TV and radio masts, military bases, and quarries. It also describes a case where a cow was found with its neck broken after a UFO allegedly shone a light down on a farmer's field.

UFO investigator opens his X-files by Emily Taylor

Emily Taylor investigates Eric Morris, founder of the British UFO Studies Centre (BUFOSC), who claims to be the 'most controversial UFOlogist in the UK.' Morris emphasizes BUFOSC's active approach, including fieldwork and investigations, contrasting it with other groups focused on the internet. He recounts an incident where he gained access to RAF Rudloe Manor, dismissing claims of it being a top-secret base. Morris believes BUFOSC is a victim of a smear campaign and has experienced his car being tampered with. He is currently investigating a case of possible paranormal activity involving dead cows. The article notes increased media interest in BUFOSC due to 'The X-Files,' but Morris feels public fascination is waning.

Who, or what, left Tryon's crop circles? by Doug Gallant

This article describes three large crop circles found in John Visser's winter rye field in Tryon, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The circles, connected by paths, have flattened the grain within them. The origin of the circles is unknown, with theories ranging from pranksters to aliens. Visser states the circles have been present since mid-August and were first noticed by a pilot. He dismisses the idea of alien involvement but suggests a 'little twister' could have caused them. The circles will soon be destroyed by farming.

Meteors theory in '30 UFOs' sighting

A Wrexham man and wife reported seeing '29 to 30' round orange balls moving across the sky. The objects were described as not being aeroplanes and moved slowly. Police received another report of an object in the sky over Holt/Rossett, which was believed to be a laser light. Another theory suggested a meteor shower, which can produce yellowish/orange glows.

Police report UFO riddle by Jeremy Stern

Two Horsham police officers, PC Julian Deans and PC Sarah Ames, reported a UFO sighting involving five circular bright lights moving in a snake-like motion. The lights were observed for about 30 minutes, with one being twice the size of a jumbo jet. A bright beam of light also appeared on the road. The sighting is being investigated by Sky Search, which notes the flight characteristics suggest an advanced aerial craft, but whether it's extraterrestrial is debated. The article mentions previous UFO reports in the area and encourages anyone with information to contact Sky Search.

Expert says Ireland is newest hotspot for alien spaceships by Jim Dee

Self-taught UFO expert Eamon Ansbro claims Ireland is a preferred destination for UFOs, predicting sightings in Dublin and Boyle. He suggests reasons for this include Ireland's political neutrality, Druidic past, and 'Irish hospitality.' Ansbro believes large, camouflaged craft conduct automated surveillance of Earth, ejecting smaller UFOs to orbit and scan. He theorizes that ancient Megalithic tombs serve as 'vortexial energy points' or navigational beacons for alien craft.

UFO reports shrouded in mystery

This article discusses the release of documents by the Canadian Defence Department, known as CIRVIS reports, detailing various unexplained sightings across Canada. Examples include a round yellowish light disappearing over a Yukon lake and a large triangle-shaped object with no lights making a loud noise. While some sightings, like a 'large greenish flare,' are attributed to meteors, others remain baffling. The report mentions an incident where two cone-shaped UFOs followed a woman's car in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., and a sighting of glowing objects in Ottawa. A woman in Coral Harbour, N.W.T., reported a large blue ball changing color and speed. The June 1997 Yukon sighting of a black, triangle-shaped object over Lake Laberge is also noted as unexplained.

Flying object sighted near Gough's Bay by Gill Cooper

This article reports on a UFO sighting near Gough's Bay, Victoria, Australia, prompting a public investigation by the Victorian UFO Research Society. A local man described seeing a dark, inverted dinner plate-shaped object with a dome, moving in a zig-zag motion at high speed. The object was reportedly about six feet across and made a 'whooshing' sound. The society is seeking further information from anyone who witnessed similar phenomena in the area.

Strange encounter on link road

A Tiverton man, Steve Lovering, reported seeing a cigar-shaped object speed across the sky, hover, and then shoot off at high speed. He described it as being about the size of a tennis ball but appearing half-a-mile away. Lovering, who has a passing interest in UFOs, was adamant about his sighting and mentioned another person in Cullompton who had seen something strange at the same time. Police had not received any other reports of UFOs or bright lights.

The Bala incidents: A case for Mulder and Scully? by Jill Tunstall

Jill Tunstall investigates the Berwyn Mountains Mystery, focusing on a 1974 incident involving an earthquake, a blaze of light, and an egg-shaped craft. Leading UFO investigator Margaret Fry believes the incident is unusual for UFOs to be sighted in the aftermath of earthquakes. Reports from farmers describe seeing craft landing and taking off. Fry suggests the incident may involve 'secretive men in suits' and mentions claims of 'coffin shaped' boxes being loaded onto MOD vehicles, with soldiers allegedly removing 'bodies' to Porton Down. Fry, whose father was an MI5 officer, has investigated UFOs for 40 years and admits to occasional doubts despite having seen her first extraterrestrial craft in 1955.

Strange - but true?

This article notes a wave of UFO sightings in the Yorkshire region over the past two months, including strange lights above Goole and Immingham. Reports mention a huge ring with lights and an elliptical-shaped object. The Hull UFO Society (HUFOS) and the local UFO Research and Monitoring Agency (UFORMA) are investigating and seeking information from witnesses.

Riddle of a UFO over Craigside

Ryan Jones recounts an experience from 15 years prior where his dog stopped barking and looked skyward. He then saw a huge bright light approaching, hovering, making computer-type noises, and shooting off at high speed. Jones asked others if they had seen it, but they hadn't. He notes that similar UFO reports have been investigated in the Mansfield and Swanpool areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs from various angles, including objective analysis, witness testimonies, investigative reports, and skeptical viewpoints. A recurring theme is the contrast between credible, documented sightings and sensationalized speculation. The publication seems to lean towards presenting evidence and encouraging serious study of the phenomenon, while acknowledging the challenges posed by misidentification, hoaxes, and the scientific community's reluctance to engage. There's an underlying suggestion that something significant and unexplained is occurring, warranting further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives without definitively endorsing any single explanation for UFO sightings.

This issue of the EXAMINER, dated September 11, 1998, features a prominent cover story titled "Alien traffic over M62?" by Denis Kilcomons. The article investigates mysterious lights observed by hundreds of people in the Pennine sky, questioning whether they were due to microlight aircraft, meteors, a laser show, or extraterrestrial visitors. The magazine also includes a "Community Review" section with a report from Canada about a UFO sighting near Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, and a "Looking Back" section that compiles historical UFO reports from various newspapers dating back to 1952.

Alien Traffic Over M62?

The main article details the investigation into the February 2, 1998, sightings over the Pennines. Russel Callaghan, a film and photograph expert from the UFO Magazine, analyzed video footage and concluded that the lights were indeed UFOs, noting they were not detected by airport radar and moved at speeds below that of light aircraft. Witnesses described the lights following the M62 motorway at speeds around 60 mph, disappearing much faster than a jet aircraft. The article links these sightings to similar phenomena reported in Adelaide, Australia, and by a US Air Force telescope in Hawaii.

Russel Callaghan is presented as a speaker at the 17th Leeds International UFO Conference. The magazine also highlights a report by Dr. Colin H. Ridyard, sent to the British Government, which argues that UK airspace has been penetrated by unidentified craft with advanced capabilities, suggesting their origins are "truly alien."

Dr. Ridyard cites examples, including a B737 pilot who reported a wedge-shaped craft passing extremely close. The article mentions that information about the Leeds UFO Conference is available via a freephone number, and UFO Magazine is available for £2.25.

Community Review: UFO Spotted Near Esterhazy

This section, dated December 19, 1998, from the Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, Canada, CR: G. Conway, details a sighting by farmer Willard Sikora on August 25. Sikora observed an object with multiple rows of red lights moving across the sky at night. He described it as higher than a road and longer than a semi-trailer, suspecting it was round. The object stopped near a microwave tower before disappearing. Sikora dismissed explanations of falling stars and stated he had no reason to lie.

Looking Back: Historical UFO Reports

This section compiles several historical accounts of UFO sightings:

• Jets Sent on Trail of Sky Ghosts Shown Up on Radar Screens (July 28, 1952, JOURNAL, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada): Reports that radar at Washington National Airport and Andrews Air Force base picked up unidentified objects, prompting jet fighter patrols. Pilots reported seeing lights but could not make direct contact.
• 'Flying Saucer' Fleet Fills Washington Sky (August 6, 1952, DAILY NUGGET, Toronto, Ontario, Canada): Describes a heavy concentration of unidentified objects on radar screens over Washington, moving at about 60 miles an hour. Planes were sent to intercept but saw nothing.
• Says Scientists Reproduce 'Saucers' in Vacuum Bell (August 6, 1952, DAILY NUGGET, Toronto, Ontario, Canada): An article suggesting that U.S. army engineers may have reproduced atmospheric phenomena that explain 'flying saucer' sightings using a vacuum bell.
• Ice Cutters See Swooping 'Saucer' (February 1, 1957, STAR, Montreal, Quebec, Canada): Tom Cameron and Bob Cole reported seeing a flying saucer on Lake Anima Nipissing, described as an aura of light that swooped and soared at speeds greater than a jet plane.
• Coast Guard Sights Unknown Objects (Date not specified, likely related to Aug 6, 1952): A photo released by the Coast Guard shows four 'unknown objects' in a 'V' formation over Salem, Mass., Air Station.

Strange Light Hangs in Northern Sky

Reporter Sees 'Saucer' Over Cobalt Mine (November 6, 1957, STAR, Montreal, Quebec, Canada): John Hirst reports on a sighting over the Cobalt Mine where a reporter saw a 'saucer' described as a spinning disc with a bright light. The object was observed for about 20 minutes.

Travels at 900 m.p.h.

RAF Jets Outspeeded By Mysterious Object (April 30, 1957, STAR, Montreal, Quebec, Canada): Reports that RAF jets were outsped by a mysterious object over England. The object was described as a fast-moving, silent craft, and the Ministry of Aviation was investigating.

Many Mystery Objects Wednesday Night

Many Mystery Objects Wednesday Night (November 12, 1998, NEWS, Taos, NM): This article, though dated later, appears to be a compilation of historical sightings. It mentions a sighting in 1970 where a farmer saw a bright light and a silent object. It also references a 1960 incident where a pilot saw a large, disc-shaped object. The article notes that the Ministry of Aviation has a significant number of UFO reports, with many involving objects that outspeed conventional aircraft.

'Thing' Trips Saucer Alarm at Shirley Bay Sighting

'Thing' Trips Saucer Alarm at Shirley Bay Sighting (November 5, 1998, FORTEANA NEWS, Georgia Straight, Vancouver, B.C., Canada): This article discusses a UFO sighting at Shirley Bay, Ottawa, in 1967. A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) radar operator reported an unidentified object that tripped alarms. The object was described as a disc-like craft that hovered and then accelerated rapidly. The article also mentions a sighting by a commercial pilot near the same area.

Monsters of the Deep

This section, dated October 29-November 5, 1998, from the Georgia Straight, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, CR: G. Conway, shifts focus to cryptozoology, specifically the legend of Ogopogo in Okanagan Lake. John Kirk, a former journalist and president of the British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club, shares his research and personal sightings of the lake monster, describing it as a large, pale, ridged creature with a horselike, horned head and six appendages. Kirk has compiled his research into the book "In the Domain of the Lake Monsters." The article also mentions other cryptozoological subjects like Sasquatch and Cadborosaurus.

Bigfoot Pic Was Faked

This article from January 11, 1999, ADVOCATE, Baton Rouge, LA, CR: W. Theriot, discusses a dispute over the authenticity of the Patterson-Gimlin film, a famous piece of footage allegedly showing a Bigfoot. Enthusiasts Cliff Crook and Chris Murphy claim that magnified frames reveal a bell-shaped fastener at the creature's waist, suggesting it was a man in a costume. This assertion is contested by other Bigfoot researchers like Ray Crowe and Rene Dahinden, who defend the film's credibility.

Waiting for ET to Call to Call

This article, dated January 19, 1999, DAILY NEWS, Anchorage, AK, discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial communication. It mentions that scientists believe Earth's radio signals have reached distant stars and that there may be a need to prepare for potential contact. The article also touches upon the challenges of detecting extraterrestrial signals and the ongoing search for intelligent life beyond Earth.

Mystery Creatures Swarm Their Way into Juneau

This article, dated January 19, 1999, DAILY NEWS, Anchorage, AK, reports on local residents in Juneau, Alaska, who have reported sightings of mysterious creatures. The article mentions that the creatures are described as dark-brown worms, and that the local authorities are investigating these reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs), mysterious creatures (cryptozoology), and the ongoing human fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of witness accounts and expert analyses, while also acknowledging skepticism and scientific inquiry. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from those who firmly believe in the reality of UFOs and cryptids to those who seek rational explanations or question the evidence. The inclusion of historical accounts suggests a long-standing interest in these topics, and the mention of government investigations indicates a perceived seriousness in the subject matter.