UFO Newsclipping Service - 1999 04 - no 357

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated April 1999, number 357, is published by Lucius Farish and features a cover headline about 'A UFO sighting over the Atlantic'. The publication focuses on UFO phenomena, alien abductions, and related mysteries, drawing from various news sources.

UFO Sighting Over the Atlantic

The lead story details a UFO sighting filmed by Alois Aeauer on July 26, 1994, over the Atlantic Ocean while he was returning from Austria. Aeauer captured footage from an airplane window showing a small, white, square-shaped dot rising from behind clouds. He describes the object as not being an iceberg and notes that it appeared to split into multiple objects. Aeauer plans to send the footage to the TV show 'Sightings'. Towanda Airport Manager Carl Lafy suggested the object might be an oil rig platform, a view echoed by pilot Jerry Smith, who noted its stationary nature and lack of aerodynamic shape. Aeauer also recounts a previous sighting of a bright, silent, triangular object with lights.

UFOs Interest UNO Scientist

This article features Jack Kasher, a professor of physics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, who was to be featured on an NBC-TV documentary titled 'Confirmation' and on the Art Bell syndicated radio program. Kasher, who has investigated UFOs for about 12 years and worked for NASA, is known for his analysis of space shuttle film showing a bright object and a subsequent 'Star Wars' missile. He believes UFOs represent a real phenomenon, possibly physical visitors from other systems or dimensions, and notes that churches believe in angels. He has seen odd things in the sky, including a black, silent triangle with lights and lights making right-angle turns. He also mentions a support group in Omaha for those claiming to have been abducted. Kasher acknowledges the skepticism of figures like Philip Klass but finds credible evidence for the abduction phenomenon.

Alien Encounter Session

This segment reports on Glendale resident Franklin Ruehl, a doctor of nuclear physics, appearing on 'The Roseanne Show' to discuss alien abductions and UFOs. Ruehl lectures and writes on the topic and has hosted a show on the Sci-Fi Channel. The 'Roseanne Show' producer, Larry Ish, stated the show approaches alien abductions seriously. Ruehl proposes theories about alien involvement on Earth, including the possibility that aliens steered the asteroid that caused dinosaur extinction to facilitate the rise of mammals. He also speculates about diverse life forms on other planets. Ruehl notes that a man claiming abduction was very convincing. Possible reasons for abductions include repopulation, species enhancement, or experimentation.

Watching the Skies: Colorado Abuzz with UFO Sightings

This article from the Daily Times-Call reports on numerous UFO sightings in Colorado. John Kieren of Longmont described a van-sized silver ball hovering and whizzing around the Longmont airport. The National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) notes Colorado as a 'hot spot' for sightings, including a glowing red light over the Boulder foothills, a triangle craft west of Longmont, a cylindrical or boomerang-shaped craft over Boulder, and teardrop-shaped objects over Broomfield. The San Luis Valley is highlighted as a top UFO spot. Michael Curta, Colorado state director for MUFON, suggests many sightings can be explained as experimental military aircraft, but acknowledges some are difficult to explain. He mentions a cigar-shaped craft videotaped over Salida. Peter Davenport, NUFORC director, states that about 91% of sightings are explainable, fewer than 1% are hoaxes, and about 8% remain unexplained. Both Davenport and Curta are serious ufologists.

UFO Conference Gives Followers Close Encounters with Like-Minded

This article from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette covers the 11th Annual Ozark UFO Conference in Eureka Springs. The conference features speakers on topics like electromagnetic fields, UFO healing, crop circles, and alien abductions. Conference coordinator Lou Farish expects 350-500 attendees. Speakers include James M. McCampbell on electromagnetic fields and UFO healing, Ted Phillips on landed UFO cases, Antonio Huneeus on UFO events in Russia, Dr. Jack Kasher on abductions and physical evidence, Linda Moulton Howe on unexplained phenomena, Barbara Lamb on abduction research, Beverly Trout on 'alien confusion', Dr. J.A. Scarborough on anomalous photographs, and Wendelle Stevens on worldwide UFO photos. The conference also includes a vendor area for books and videos.

A Moment in (Recent) History: Rational explanations for UFOs

This article by Jon Baughman discusses various explanations for UFO sightings, categorizing them into rational explanations (airplanes, runway lights, planets), hoaxes, and unexplained cases. Baughman recounts a sighting by a Saxton resident of a metallic silver disk-shaped craft with no wings or tail. He debunks common hoaxes involving modified hats, frisbees, kites, and balloons. He also addresses the crop circle phenomenon, noting it has been debunked as a hoax. Baughman explains that bright planets like Mars and Venus can be mistaken for UFOs, especially when driving at night. He references electrical engineer Philip J. Klass, who attributes some sightings to 'ball lightning' or atmospheric phenomena causing radar echoes. Baughman also discusses the possibility of experimental or top-secret military aircraft, citing the 'Black Budget' and projects like the U-2 and F-117 Stealth fighter. He notes that while many sightings are explainable, some remain difficult to explain, as noted by Walter Sullivan in relation to the Condon report.

New Worlds: All That Is, UFO's & You, Too! Alien Abductions Continued

This column by Sunny S. Wolf explores alien abductions, suggesting that one in fifty adult Americans may have had such experiences. It discusses the similarity of these stories and the reasons people keep them secret. The column touches on historical reports of alien contact, including those by George Adamski and Daniel Fry, who described 'contactees' with blonde, blue-eyed, human-like beings. It also mentions Eduard 'Billy' Meier and the 'Talmud of Jmmanuel', which suggests alien involvement in Jesus' life. The article details common characteristics of abducting entities (short, whitish, grayish, or bluish beings; reptilian types; insectoids) and procedures experienced by abductees (brain scanning, probing, implantation, sampling). It also describes visions of other planets and Earth's future, and the concept of 'recycling souls'. The column suggests that abductees may be preselected and that near-death experiences share similarities with alien abductions, potentially indicating a shift in human consciousness or the emergence of a new species.

Local group has experience dealing with the unusual

This article from the Sunday Tribune-Review/News Record profiles Pat Madden Sullivan, founder of Experiencer Support of Pittsburgh (ESP), a group for individuals who have had unusual experiences, including UFO sightings and encounters with 'light beings'. Sullivan, who has a doctorate in consciousness, started ESP in March 1995 to provide a space for people to discuss their experiences without fear of ridicule. The group meets regularly and has hosted guest speakers. Participants Jean and Bob share their cautious experiences with extraterrestrials, including medical tests and visions. They find ESP supportive in confirming their experiences and connecting with others. Dr. William Kraft, a psychology professor, suggests that believing in such experiences can be helpful if it leads to a healthier life and doesn't impose on others.

Councillor reveals 30-year secret of a 'close encounter'

This article from the Cornish Guardian reports on Joan Vincent, chairman of the County Planning Committee, revealing her 30-year-old secret of a close encounter with a UFO in 1965 near St Dennis and Carthew, Cornwall. She and her husband Roy observed a large, dome-shaped, glass-like object with portholes in a field. They estimated its size and noted internal cabinets with dials. They feared ridicule, keeping the experience a family secret until now. Vincent believes the Rendlesham Forest incident, which she discusses, is one of the biggest cover-ups of modern times.

UFO encounters and other strange happenings

This review from the Daily Telegraph discusses several books on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. Fiona Pitt-Kethley reviews 'How to Defend Yourself against Alien Abduction' by Ann Druffel, 'Life Out There' by Michael White, 'From Other Worlds' by Hilary Evans, 'Alien Abductions' by Peter Brookesmith, and 'Truly Weird: Real-Life Cases of the Paranormal' by Mark Pilkington and Joe McNall. She notes the historical and literary context of alien visits and the use of hypnosis in abduction research. The review also touches on the 'face on Mars' theory and the book 'Martian Genesis' by Herbie Brennan. It mentions a neurophysiologist studying near-death experiences and a book on astrology by Gunter Sachs.

Author plans to take lid off UFO 'cover-up'

This article from the Eastern Daily Press reports on Georgina Bruni, an author who claims her upcoming book will reveal 'one of the biggest cover-ups of modern times' regarding the Rendlesham Forest incident. Bruni has spent two years researching the case, interviewing over 50 people, including military personnel. She plans to visit Rendlesham Forest to disprove theories that the lights seen were from the Orford Ness lighthouse. Her book aims to dispel myths, address disinformation, and challenge skeptics.

New book exposes a 'UFO cover-up'

This article from the Eastern Daily Times reiterates that author Georgina Bruni's new book will expose a 'cover-up' concerning the Rendlesham Forest UFO sighting. Bruni has spent thousands of pounds and 30 months researching the case, interviewing over 50 people. Her book, due next year, aims to reveal what happened before, during, and after the incidents. She dismisses theories that American servicemen were misled by the Orford Ness lighthouse, stating she will prove otherwise. The article also mentions former policeman David King and security guard Larry Warren, who have offered different accounts of the Rendlesham Forest events.

Experts knock 'UFO' sighting

This report from the Reporter details architect Jeremy Isherwood's video recording of a bright light in the sky, which he suspected was a UFO. Experts, including post-graduate astronomy student Simon Dye and space science advisor Peter Bond, suggested the object could have been the planet Jupiter, noting its brightness and position. However, they questioned the apparent size of the object. The article also mentions a similar sighting by Richard Vaughan near Aberdeen and Sherrie-lee Cowell, who videoed a bright light that appeared to be going backwards and forwards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of UFO sightings, alien abductions, and unexplained aerial phenomena from various locations. There is a consistent exploration of both skeptical explanations and the belief in genuine, unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting diverse accounts and theories, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the ongoing debate and research within the UFO community. Several articles touch upon the idea of government cover-ups or disinformation campaigns related to UFO incidents, particularly the Rendlesham Forest case. The role of skepticism versus belief is a prominent undercurrent throughout the articles.

This issue of the Independent on Sunday, dated November 22, 1998, features a prominent cover story titled "Police open their X-files on UFO encounters." The magazine delves into the experiences of retired and serving police officers who have come forward to share their alleged encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Police Open Their X-files on UFO Encounters

The lead article, by Jason Bennetto, highlights a group of over 20 police officers who responded to an advertisement in Police Review, inviting them to recount their close encounters. These accounts range from stories of alien abduction and medical examinations to sightings of large, light-filled objects hovering near their patrol cars. Some officers claim to have photographic evidence of these encounters.

The book "Policing the UFO," authored by Irene Bott, is set to collect these extraordinary stories. Bott chose to focus on police officers due to their societal position of trust, believing they are less likely to be dismissed as cranks. However, many officers have waited until retirement to speak out, fearing professional repercussions. The book will feature interviews with at least 20 former and serving officers and document up to 200 recorded incidents involving police worldwide, drawing some examples from previously unreleased Ministry of Defence papers.

• Reported encounters include:
• An officer who claims to have been abducted and medically examined by aliens in the 1980s, recalling the experience via hypnosis after disturbances to his vehicle and memory loss.
• A police officer who allegedly took five photographs of a UFO in the West Midlands during the 1980s, which were then confiscated by the Ministry of Defence.
• A policeman and policewoman who witnessed lights and a cylindrical object in the sky while on patrol.
• An officer who saw a disc-shaped object hovering 20 feet above the road.
• A police officer who, in the 1970s, observed a wedge-shaped object in the sky, approximately four storeys high and 50 feet long.

Declassified Ministry of Defence papers from the 1950s to the 1970s are also mentioned, detailing investigations into police sightings and incidents at military bases, including accounts of helicopters being dispatched after UFOs. The county of Sussex has also reported several incidents, with one occurring as recently as the month prior to publication.

Irene Bott emphasizes that a UFO is simply an unidentified flying object, not necessarily 'little green men.' She notes that many officers are reluctant to speak openly while still serving due to potential career damage. However, some officers, including an Inspector, have contacted researchers and are prepared to be named. Two serving officers recently reported seeing UFOs in the past month.

Nick Redfern, an author assisting Bott, highlights the credibility of these witnesses, stating their willingness to face ridicule demonstrates the strength of their convictions.

One of the individuals who came forward is former Police Constable John Hanson. His encounter occurred on June 14, 1995, near Redditch, Worcestershire. He described seeing a silver, pear-shaped ball of light hovering over a tree, followed by a red, cigar-shaped object. He witnessed the pear ball move, change shape, and then fuse with the cigar object before both disappeared. The entire event lasted about five minutes and occurred at 10:35 pm. A similar sighting was reported 20 miles away on the same night. Hanson clarified that he was not referring to 'flying saucers or space men' but rather an 'unidentified object - some form of energy source.'

Mother-to-be Sees the Light - Twice

Another article reports on Toni Jordan, a 17-year-old mother-to-be from Tipton, who claims to have witnessed mysterious flashing lights twice in the same night. The first sighting occurred at 7:40 pm on a Wednesday, described as a multi-coloured glow in the sky, which she and her mother observed performing aerobatics before flying away. Later that night, while being driven home, she saw a similar coin-shaped object flying low. Jordan, who is five months pregnant, stated she was so scared she almost went into labour. She described the object as 50p shaped with red, blue, and yellow flashing lights. A police spokesperson confirmed no reports of extraterrestrial activity were received for Tipton on that night.

Other UFO-Related News and Theories

Several other articles touch upon UFO phenomena:

• 'UFO hunter at MoD 'kidnapped by aliens': This article from the Sunday Times details claims by Nick Pope, who ran the Ministry of Defence's UFO investigations, that he was abducted by aliens in Florida. He reportedly wandered inside a spacecraft without meeting any aliens. His experience was kept secret until now due to concerns about being labelled a crank.
• Town ties mud cure to UFOs: An article from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports on Chilca, Peru, where locals believe mud baths have healing powers attributed to alien spaceships harvesting materials from the ocean. The town even has a sign proclaiming it "The Preferred Site for Interplanetary Ships and Beings." The article notes the town's high birth rate of twins, which locals attribute to the 'Twin Maker' pond.
• Scots 'will see more UFOs': Nick Pope, a former government UFO investigator, predicts an increase in UFO sightings in the UK leading up to the year 2000, particularly in Scotland due to its cultural significance with Hogmanay.
• UFO center set to open in Mexico: This piece from the Daily News discusses Carlos Diaz's plan to open a UFO information center in Tepotzlan, Mexico, a town known for frequent sightings. Diaz believes the area's copper-laden mountains and energy fields attract extraterrestrials.
• The truth, probably: An article from The Times discusses Joe Firmage, a wealthy New Ager who is investing heavily in a project to release documents he claims prove the US government recovered alien corpses from a crashed UFO in 1947.
• UFO rumours are sunk by Navy chiefs: The Royal Navy quashed speculation that parts of a UFO sighted two years prior had been recovered from the sea off the Western Isles, confirming the parts were from a crashed Royal Navy helicopter.
• Mysterious object seen in sky over Burley: A report from the Ilkley Gazette details a sighting by Valerie Fawcett of a bizarre, dart-like object with bright lights hovering over trees near Burley Woodhead.
• UFO researcher won't believe until E.T. leaves calling card: Chris Rutkowski, a UFO researcher, remains skeptical without definitive proof, despite tracking numerous sightings in Canada. He notes that while many cases are explained, a core group remains unexplained.
• Invaders from inner space: An article from the National Post explores a social theory suggesting UFO sightings reflect cultural phenomena, hopes, and fears, changing with scientific knowledge. It cites historical examples of phantom sightings attributed to contemporary beliefs, such as Swedish explorer Andree's balloon or phantom aeroplanes during WWI.
• Truth stranger than fiction as author claims Capital is Mecca for space visitors: This Evening News article discusses Ron Halliday's book 'UFO Scotland,' which posits Edinburgh as an "inter-dimensional alien area" with a high rate of reported UFO sightings. It includes accounts of a woman who believes her husband is an alien and a suspected cover-up at Edinburgh Airport.
• UNKNOWN FORCE WAS BEHIND CORN CIRCLES, CLAIMS HOAXER: Doug Bower, who previously claimed responsibility for creating corn circles, now believes an "unknown force" programmed him to do so, reigniting theories of extraterrestrial involvement.
• Bid to solve UFO mystery: A report from the Chronicle details Dave Rose's ongoing investigation into a UFO sighting over Swansea Bay, seeking other witnesses.
• 58 per cent of males believe in aliens: An article from the Express presents survey results indicating that over half the UK population believes in alien intelligence, with men being more likely to hold this belief. It also touches on public distrust of government transparency regarding UFOs.
• Solway becoming UFO hotbed: This Annandale Herald report notes an increase in UFO sightings in the Solway area, with some remaining unexplained, though others are attributed to natural phenomena like the star Sirius.
• Chehalis dentist says mystery goo is earthly, super-absorbent polymer: This article from The Chronicle debunks 'goo' sightings, with dentist Dr. James Lee identifying the substance as cross-linked polyacrylamide copolymer, a product he previously sold for cold packs and potting soil.
• A geochemist from Sudbury today unveils the latest theory to explain the formation of giant rings in the forests of northern Ontario and Quebec: This National Post article discusses a theory proposing that giant forest rings are formed by natural batteries created by electrochemical processes in the earth, rather than biological or extraterrestrial causes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with official investigations, public belief, and scientific inquiry. There's a recurring theme of skepticism versus belief, with researchers and officials attempting to provide rational explanations while acknowledging the persistence of unexplained cases. The articles highlight the human tendency to interpret the unknown through the lens of current cultural beliefs and scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these phenomena and theories, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing expert opinions and scientific investigations where available. The role of media in reporting these events and the public's fascination with the unknown are also evident throughout the articles.