UFO Newsclipping Service - 2003 03 - no 404

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, Number 404, dated March 2003, focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, investigations, and historical accounts. The cover story highlights Jeff Challender, a Sacramento resident who meticulously analyzes NASA mission footage for unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Jeff Challender: Scrutinizing NASA Flights

The lead article introduces Jeff Challender, a 49-year-old man disabled by a spinal injury, who dedicates himself to watching and recording NASA shuttle footage. He believes that NASA cameras are capturing glimpses of UFOs, though he is unsure of their origin—whether alien spacecraft, space animals, or secret government experiments. Despite skepticism from debunkers who suggest he's seeing ice particles or space junk, Challender insists that the white spots he observes moving across his screen cannot be explained by normal means. He is described as one of a handful of UFO trackers worldwide who specifically scope NASA flights for clues. George Filer, a retired Air Force major and UFO website operator, praises Challender's expertise, stating he has more expertise than anyone outside the government. Challender uses a sophisticated setup of VCRs, VHS tapes, DVD burners, and a powerful computer for his work. He began taping missions in 1997, initially for personal documentaries, but in 1999, he witnessed an illuminated, pulsating dot that whizzed across the screen, followed by other white dots moving erratically. This sparked his ongoing investigation. Challender dismisses 'flying saucers and little green men' routines, focusing on the unexplained phenomena on NASA video. Fred Brown, executive producer of NASA Television, disputes Challender's claims, stating NASA is unaware of any visuals of extraterrestrial activity and that if they were trying to hide such things, they wouldn't broadcast them on NASA Television. Seth Shostak, an astronomer at the SETI Institute, suggests Challender might be seeing liquid or ice particles near the camera, but acknowledges the need for caution. He also questions why SETI would spend millions searching for alien radio signals if Martians were common. Jack Kasher, a retired physicist, has reviewed Challender's findings and supports his conclusion that the objects are not ice particles. Challender is also involved with Project P.R.O.V.E. (People Recording Orbiting Vehicles from Earth). Cynthia Siegal, director of the Sacramento chapter of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), notes the prevalence of UFO reports and trains 'field investigators.' The National UFO Reporting Center recorded two Sacramento-area reports in December: a 'cigar-shaped craft' and a 'triangular craft with three large white lights.' Linda Willitts works on Project Disclosure to promote credibility for UFO buffs.

Aurora, Texas: The 1897 Crash

Another article revisits the legendary 1897 flying saucer crash in Aurora, Texas. The story recounts how a flying saucer allegedly sputtered over the town square and crashed into Judge Proctor's windmill, killing the alien pilot. Townsfolk reportedly found hieroglyphics and buried the creature and its craft. Janet Derting has opened a store called 'Area 114' to celebrate this legend and promote the town. Jim Marrs, a conspiracy theorist, believes the story has persisted and that the town's rural nature helped keep it quiet, unlike Roswell, New Mexico. However, Rosalie Gregg, chairwoman of the Wise County Historical Commission, and other sources suggest the crash was a hoax, citing interviews with people who were children at the time and claim it did not happen. Despite skepticism, the legend endures, with some residents still convinced something occurred.

French Government UFO Research (Sepra)

A report from The Times, London, details the work of Jean-Jacques Velasco and his department, Sepra, at the state-run National French Centre for Space Studies (CNES). Sepra is the only permanent government-financed scientific project in a developed country dedicated to analyzing unidentified aerospace phenomena (UAP). Velasco emphasizes that his department has shown that a category of events exists that cannot be explained by the classical physical scheme, involving lights or objects on abnormal trajectories, sometimes noiselessly. He notes that in extreme cases, people claim to see objects with beings. Velasco is careful not to claim extraterrestrial visitation but states that events occur for which science has no explanation. He draws a parallel to the French Academy of Science's initial dismissal of meteorites. Sepra, established in 1977, has received about 6,000 reports, with 12.5% (around 750 cases) being precise, detailed, and inexplicable, categorized as unidentified phenomena. The department conducts extensive investigations, including psychological and social background checks of witnesses and analysis of physical evidence, such as ground samples showing heat and compression in the Trans-en-Provence case. Velasco concludes that while UFOs exist, their interpretation remains a challenge.

Other Sightings and Interpretations

Several other articles report on various UFO sightings and related topics:

• Corvallis, Oregon: A letter suggests that UFOs appearing during times of war might be a form of communication, questioning if they are alien or a message about something else existing.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: An article discusses the Raelian sect's interpretation of Genesis 6, claiming that 'divine beings' mentioned in the Bible were extraterrestrials who created life on Earth. The sect's founder, Claude Vorilhon (Rael), believes cloning is the key to eternal life. Bible scholars and religious figures largely reject this interpretation.
• Geelong, Victoria, Australia: A bright orange ball hovering in the sky was captured on film and is under investigation by UFO researchers. The object reportedly accelerated, stopped, hovered, and changed from orange to white before disappearing.
• Staffordshire, England: Reports of triangular-shaped craft flying low and silently have increased, leading to speculation about stealth bombers or extraterrestrial craft. Police are reportedly interviewing UFO hunters.
• Bridlington, England: Amateur video footage shows a brilliant white shining object making rapid movements over the coast, joined by smaller, triangular objects. The footage is described as 'sensational' by UFO Magazine editor Graham Birdsall.
• Norwich, England: A look back at UFO sightings in 1953, when dozens of people reported seeing flying saucers and strange lighted objects, even prompting discussion in the House of Commons.
• Widnes, England: A mother and daughter reported seeing a mysterious object hovering high in the sky with green lights, described as cone-shaped.
• Yorkshire, England: Police are investigating UFO sightings, with researcher Russell Kellett reporting seeing five saucer-shaped objects. The incidents are being taken seriously due to heightened security concerns.
• General Observation: A piece reflects on the vulnerability of being monitored by superior intelligence and suggests that such beings might be benevolent observers rather than hostile invaders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the ongoing efforts to investigate them scientifically and anecdotally, and the public's enduring fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. There is a clear distinction made between rigorous, scientific investigation (as exemplified by Jeff Challender and Sepra) and more speculative or anecdotal accounts. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from scientific analysis to historical accounts and personal testimonies, while acknowledging the skepticism and challenges inherent in the field.

This issue of the Western Daily Press, dated December 12, 2002, features a prominent cover story titled "Abducted by aliens?" which highlights the work of James Basil, a West student who has established a support group and database for individuals who claim to have experienced alien abductions or other paranormal phenomena. The magazine also includes articles from other publications covering a range of related topics, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot, and the nature of intuition.

Abducted by aliens? Contact James for support and counselling

This lead article by Ruth Wood introduces James Basil, a 23-year-old student from Bristol who founded the Foundation For The Research Of Extraordinary Trauma And Support For Abductees (FRETSA) in 2001. FRETSA offers a database of counsellors, psychotherapists, witnesses, investigators, and researchers to support 'paranormal witnesses'. Basil's own experiences, beginning in childhood with sightings of 'little men' and humanoid lizards, led him to stop talking about them due to social stigma. He was advised by psychologists to find others with similar experiences, prompting him to create FRETSA. Basil recounts a detailed childhood encounter at age five involving a 'lizard with a humanoid form' standing on his bedpost. He also describes waking up in a room with no windows surrounded by other children, and once in what appeared to be the bottom of a ship looking out at Earth and stars. The article provides contact information for FRETSA via its website and email.

New sighting of strange light in sky (York Evening Press, Feb. 4, 2003)

This brief report from Yorkshire, England, details sightings of a strange, star-colored, brilliant light moving in the skies above York. Phyllis Moody, 87, reported seeing the light in the Acomb area, ruling out it being a plane. Second World War veteran John Boughton also reported seeing a brightish yellow light vanish behind a cloud near Barmby Moor. The sightings follow a previous report of a similar light above Strensall.

Light in the sky (York Evening Press, Jan. 31, 2003)

Another report from Yorkshire describes a "bright light in the sky" spotted by Julie Skelton while driving on the A64. She described it as hovering for about a minute before disappearing. The light was seen against a dark and overcast sky. The sighting occurred at approximately 11:20 am on a Monday.

Documents give credence to UFOs (Western Daily Press, Jan. 25, 2003)

This letter to the editor by PG Croft comments on the media's interest in recently released, albeit censored, government documents confirming a UFO incident at a nuclear armed RAF/USAF base in Suffolk in late 1980. Croft notes that the Rendlesham Forest incident is well-known to those interested in the subject and criticizes the media for adding 'wacky embellishments'. The writer questions whether the release of documents will lead to fair and balanced reporting, highlighting a past 'concerted effort from all branches of the establishment to ridicule and condemn' those who report such incidents, particularly skilled civil and military aircrew.

Oh baby! New dad spots giant UFO over the Chase (Cannock Chase Mercury, Oct. 3, 2002)

Winston Wilding, 38, reported seeing a 'ginormous' unidentified flying object over Cannock Chase at 11:30 pm. He described it as aircraft carrier-shaped, three times the size of a Jumbo Jet, with lights all around, hovering silently over the woods. His two friends also witnessed the object. Wilding, who had previously been skeptical, changed his mind after this sighting. Graham Allen of the Staffordshire UFO Group had no other reports of the sighting, and RAF Cosford Squadron Leader Vic Kinnin stated they had received no reports, which is unusual.

UFO sightings over quarry (Wells Journal, Jan. 16, 2003)

This article by Matthew Smith continues a series on local myths and legends, focusing on UFO sightings. It discusses the Foster Yeoman's Merehead Quarry case near Shepton Mallet in January 1978, where night workers reported seeing a bright red glow moving at speed. Electrical equipment malfunctioned during these sightings. The UFO Information Exchange Library investigated but found no direct evidence. The investigation noted that UFO activity often occurs near large bodies of water, and the quarry was near reservoirs. Examination of damaged electrical items showed melted wiring, supporting the theory that UFOs could affect power supplies.

UFO hunter seeks reports of sightings in Wales (Western Mail, Jan. 15, 2003)

Phil Hoyle, of the UFO Investigations and Research Unit, is appealing for reports of UFO sightings in Wales. He highlights Wales' history of UFO sightings, including a Roswell-type alleged crash in the Berwyn Mountains in 1974 and sightings over Swansea in 1998. Pembrokeshire is considered a UFO hot spot, with sightings in the mid-to-late 1970s, including a saucer-shaped object near Broad Haven school. Hoyle recounts his own experience in March 2000, seeing a bright white sphere from which a small red object shot out and darted erratically. He believes governments are aware of UFOs and possess advanced technology. Retired vet Randall Jones Pugh, author of 'The Dyfed Enigma', also believes in UFOs, citing animal reactions as evidence. However, Martin Griffiths, a senior lecturer, dismisses UFOs as modern mythology, suggesting that most sightings near airbases have human explanations.

UFO spotted (Craven Herald, Nov. 1, 2002)

A resident of Gargrave, Neil Brotherton, reported seeing a strange, illuminated bowl-shaped object over Sharphaw on October 3rd, responding to an appeal by UFO researcher Donald Cooper.

Fishy tale of Margate UFOs (Isle of Thanet Gazette, Oct. 11, 2002)

Fifty years prior, four objects were spotted in the sky above Margate jetty. An angler, Tony Higgins, described seeing four 'dinner plate' shaped objects with a luminous glow flying in perfect square formation at high speed. Coastguards and US airmen based at Manston reported no unusual activity.

What did they see? (Citizen, Aug. 22, 2002)

This article recounts an incident where a man and his friends saw an orange glow in the sky that appeared boomerang-shaped with a tail of fire. The object was described as travelling silently at high speed. The Citizen suggests the sighting might have been Asteroid 2002 NY40, which passed Earth at a distance of 330,000 miles, though astronomers state it would have been fainter than the faintest star.

UFO SEEN OVER TIJUANA, MEXICO (Terra.cl and Gran Diario Regional El Mexicano, Sept. 7, 2002)

Dozens of residents in Tijuana, Mexico, reported seeing a noiseless, luminous object approximately 50 meters in diameter hovering at low altitude on September 1st. The object remained suspended for several minutes before rising and vanishing. The event is being investigated by 'Grupo Xendra de Mexico'.

UFO PURSUIT IN SOUTHERN CORDOBA (Circulo Ovnilogico Riocuartense, Sept. 16, 2002)

A family traveling in a pickup truck witnessed an intense red light in the sky with flashes of great brightness, described as an arch of light. The object appeared to be about to fall but changed course. This sighting occurred in an area known for anomalous nocturnal manifestations.

ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS ATTACK: CHUPACABRAS RETURNS (Primera Hora, Oct. 7, 2002)

This report details the reappearance of the 'Chupacabras' in Puerto Rico, with pets (rabbits, duck, rooster, hen) found dead with clear incisions. The animal deaths are attributed to the mythical creature or possibly a human. The article also mentions missing dogs and the possibility of stray dogs, apes, or exotic animals being responsible, or even rats and mice during drought seasons.

REPORT FROM POLICE COMMISSION INVESTIGATING COLLISION OF OBJECT IN SUSQUES (Jujuyaldia.com.ar, Oct. 9, 2002)

A police investigation into a resident's claim of seeing a shiny object fall from the sky and produce a tremor and loud report in Susques, Argentina, has reportedly concluded with 'we found nothing'. However, new claims from other settlements have led to a new group of investigators being commissioned.

Desperately seeking Sasquatch (The Oregonian, Jan. 6, 2003)

This article profiles Ray Crowe, who runs the International Bigfoot Society and has dedicated 11 years to searching for Bigfoot. Crowe possesses casts of tracks, hair samples, and eyewitness accounts, but lacks a body. He dismisses Ray Wallace, who faked Bigfoot prints in 1958, as a 'phony'. Crowe believes the news of Wallace's death might deter people from reporting sightings. He theorizes Bigfoot is crepuscular and active at twilight and before sunrise. The article also mentions the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization and their ongoing efforts.

Local author to sign new Bigfoot book (Union-Bulletin, Sept. 12, 2002)

This is a brief announcement about Vance Orchard, a retired journalist, signing copies of his new book, "The Walla Walla Bigfoot."

Editor's Notes: Something was out there (Chronicle, Dec. 9, 2002)

Michael Wagar recalls a boyhood experience on Hood Canal where he heard crashing footsteps in the woods that seemed to be stalking him, leading him to suspect it was a Bigfoot encounter. He also discusses Kevin Lindley, a Bigfoot believer who claims to have DNA evidence from hair samples that points to a higher ape not identified in the world. Wagar expresses hope that Bigfoot is real and volunteers to join Lindley's group on a future expedition. The article contrasts this with Russ Mohney's skepticism, who argues that evidence of scat and foraging would exist for such a large animal.

It was a dark and froggy night... (Calgary Herald, Oct. 18, 2002)

This article recounts an unusual weather phenomenon in Calgary, Alberta, on August 4, 1921, when dead frogs were found strewn across the pavement after a storm. David Phillips, a senior climatologist, includes this story in his 2003 Weather Trivia calendar, noting it as an authentic event.

Bigfoot hoax isn't an end to the enigma (Idaho State Journal, Dec. 31, 2002)

Alec Jennings discusses the legacy of Ray Wallace, who allegedly faked Bigfoot footprints in 1958. Jennings notes that the Sasquatch enigma predates Wallace, citing a 1785 record of large, hairy giants in North America and a 1941 plaster cast of a footprint. He recounts a personal experience during a film production where he and others found 12 imprints in a remote area, questioning if they were Sasquatch tracks. Jennings concludes that 'our barefoot friends' are still alive in the Pacific Northwest.

India's Mystery Booms (Sun, Jan. 4, 2003)

This brief report mentions explosive sounds, described as 'mystery booms' or sonic booms, plaguing the Gujarat region of India, being investigated by seismologists. The sounds have caused damage and occurred in an area previously devastated by an earthquake.

Rethinking thinking (USA TODAY, Feb. 27, 2003)

This article explores research into the human mind, particularly controversial work by biologist Rupert Sheldrake. Sheldrake argues that phenomena like telepathy and the sense of being stared at are normal, not paranormal, and that the mind extends beyond the brain. His theories, including 'morphic fields', are debated by peers. The article also discusses the concept of intuition, with psychologist David Myers noting its prevalence and usefulness but cautioning against relying solely on 'gut feelings', as they can be inaccurate. The piece highlights the need for scientific scrutiny of such phenomena.

Seeking Sasquatch: Man hunts north woods for Bigfoot (Leader-Telegram, Aug. 9, 2002)

Dennis Murphy, a 54-year-old hunter from Plymouth, Minnesota, is searching for Sasquatch in northwestern Wisconsin. He claims to have spotted two 'aging Bigfoots' 30 years ago and captured an image of Bigfoot on camera recently. Murphy believes Bigfoot exists, citing anecdotal evidence and the work of the Big Foot Research Project. He dismisses hoaxes and emphasizes the shy, nocturnal nature of the creature. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials remain skeptical, suggesting sightings could be large bears.

Local Sasquatch expert featured on Discovery Channel program (Idaho State Journal, Jan. 9, 2003)

This article announces that Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, an Idaho State University associate professor known for his research on Sasquatch, will be featured in a Discovery Channel Science Mystery Series program titled "Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science." The program will include Meldrum's footprint research and an evaluation of the gait of a Sasquatch from the Paterson film. Meldrum expresses hope that the documentary will encourage a more serious scientific look at the question.

Quantum science 'beams up' matter (National Post, Jan. 30, 2003)

Physicists have successfully teleported matter, making it disappear from one location and reappear in another. A Swiss team led by Nicolas Gisin achieved this by teleporting quantum bits ('qubits') over two kilometers of fibre optic cable. While this demonstrates the possibility of teleportation, scientists caution that teleporting humans is not feasible with current technology. The article explains quantum teleportation using the concept of 'entanglement' and notes that it is a complex but understandable phenomenon within quantum mechanics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles revolve around unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the mystery of Bigfoot. There is a clear division between those who actively seek evidence and believe in these phenomena, often citing personal experiences and anecdotal accounts, and those who approach the subjects with skepticism, emphasizing the need for scientific proof and offering rational explanations. The articles showcase a range of perspectives, from support groups for abductees to scientific investigations and debunking of hoaxes. The overall stance appears to be one of exploration and reporting on these diverse claims, acknowledging both the fascination and the controversy surrounding them. Some articles lean towards validating the experiences of witnesses, while others highlight the scientific challenges and potential for misinterpretation or fabrication.