UFO Newsclipping Service - 2007 12 - no 461

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 2007, Number 461, focuses on the persistent questions and ongoing investigations into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The cover headline, "Scientists try to find answers for the strange sightings in the sky," sets the tone for an exploration of both scientific endeavors and anecdotal evidence.

Are They Out There? by David H. Levy

David H. Levy's article begins by referencing a moment during a Presidential debate where Democratic candidate Dennis J. Kucinich admitted to seeing a UFO. This seemingly lighthearted exchange prompts a more serious look at the phenomenon. Levy highlights the work of the SETI Institute, which, thanks to a donation from Paul Allen, is building the Allen Telescope Array in California. This array, with its planned 350 telescopes by 2010, aims to detect signals from space, not visiting craft, scanning as far as 1000 light-years away. The article notes that UFO sightings have a long history, appearing in Renaissance art and continuing to be reported today. Levy acknowledges that many sightings can be explained by natural phenomena like Venus or artificial satellites, citing an example of a pilot who witnessed a 'blazing fireball' that turned out to be a Russian rocket booster re-entering the atmosphere. However, he also mentions unexplained cases, such as Clyde Tombaugh's observation of green fireballs and Jack 'Triple' Nickel's encounter with a bright light. Levy expresses a personal belief that while humanity is likely not alone in the galaxy, extraterrestrial visitation is improbable due to the vast distances and fuel requirements. He concludes by encouraging continued observation and wonder.

NASA to probe self for UFO data

This article from the Chicago Tribune details a federal ruling requiring NASA to search its files for documents related to a 1965 incident in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania. Residents like Bill Bulebush claim to have seen an acorn-shaped object that smelled of sulfur. Despite government assertions that only a meteor passed by, a lawsuit filed by freelance journalist Leslie Kean, supported by the SciFi Channel, has compelled NASA to conduct a new records search. Kean's criteria for selecting cases involved avoiding those too similar to the Roswell incident. After NASA initially provided documents that were deemed inadequate, a federal judge expressed frustration, leading to a settlement that requires NASA to pay Kean $50,000 in attorneys' fees and conduct a more thorough search. The article also touches on the Kecksburg UFO store, which sells merchandise to fund equipment for the local fire department.

Sighting draws UFO research / Mysterious objects puzzle couple

These articles from the Albany Democrat-Herald report on sightings and the subsequent research. Raye and Derral Laufer of Lacomb, Oregon, reported seeing two silver, bullet-shaped objects and a glowing ellipse. Their report to the National UFO Reporting Center led to visits from MUFON investigators. Raye Laufer has since heard from numerous other people who have seen strange things in the sky. The articles also mention the historical context of UFO research, including the work of MUFON and the Oregon UFO Festival.

Spooklights' source is still unknown

This Tulsa World article explores the phenomenon of 'spooklights' in the border region of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. These unexplained lights have baffled observers for centuries, with legends dating back to the early 1800s. Theories range from supernatural explanations to scientific ones, with some suggesting they are ghosts or even 'controlled machines from outer space.' A 1946 Army Corps of Engineers study concluded the lights were of 'unknown origin.' The article mentions a now-closed Spooksville Museum that displayed information about the lights and notes that the phenomenon remains unexplained.

Hartinger talks about UFOs

This article from the Circleville Herald features Pete Hartinger speaking about the history of UFOs and their connection to Pickaway County. He discussed the history of sightings and recent updates.

Still the champ in UFO sightings / Since 1975, North Bergen had most reports in USA

This Hoboken Reporter article highlights North Bergen, New Jersey, as having the highest number of reported UFO sightings in the United States over the past 30 years. The article details the 1975 incident involving George O'Barski, who reported seeing an object and humanoid creatures collecting soil samples. It also mentions a doorman who corroborated parts of the sighting. The article notes that UFO investigators Ted Bloecher and Budd Hopkins became deeply involved in the O'Barski case, with Hopkins believing O'Barski was abducted. The piece also lists other reported sightings in North Bergen from 1979 onwards, including descriptions of glowing objects, diamond-shaped lights, and elliptical lights.

His father went to his grave in 1979 believing he'd seen a UFO.

This continuation from the Hoboken Reporter article details the Harold Stith case from 1979, where his car stopped dead in North Hudson Braddock Park, his radio went dead, and he reported seeing a spaceship with 'little grey men' who collected soil samples. Stith's son, Robert, believes his father was abducted and that the experience was real. The article also mentions Stith's dream predicting the Miss America winner, Cheryl Prewitt, and other reported sightings in North Bergen, including 'racing blips' and 'white and green diamonds.'

Clinton papers reveal science-fiction fans

This Associated Press article discusses documents released by the Clinton presidential library that reveal an interest in science fiction among administration officials. Files show a White House staff member's devotion to 'The X-Files' and the former president's push to connect the sci-fi channel at Camp David. While the documents do not offer proof of alien beliefs, they include articles forwarded to John Podesta about 'The X-Files' and a letter to President Clinton from the Project Starlight Coalition regarding extraterrestrials.

Panel: Reopen study of UFOs

This Washington Times article reports on an international panel of scientists, military personnel, and former officials who called on the U.S. government to reopen investigations into UFO phenomena. Organized by James Fox, director of the documentary 'Out of the Blue,' the panel included former Arizona Governor Fife Symington, who recounted a sighting of a 'massive delta-shaped craft' near Phoenix in 1997. Other panelists shared documented evidence of inexplicable encounters from various countries. Nick Pope, formerly with the British Defense Ministry, discussed the Rendlesham Forest incident, and retired U.S. Air Force analyst James Penniston recounted witnessing a triangular-shaped craft with lights in the Rendelsham incident. Retired Gen. Parviz Jafari of the Iranian air force also shared his encounter with a UFO over Tehran in 1976, noting that the Defense Intelligence Agency had documented it as a 'classic case' worthy of study.

Kecksburg UFO incident gets another look

This Tribune-Review article from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, highlights a federal judge's order for NASA to search its archives for documents related to the 1965 Kecksburg UFO incident. UFO researcher Stan Gordon praised the decision as 'unprecedented.' The article reiterates the claims of witnesses who saw a metallic object shaped like an acorn and mentions that the government has refused to release full reports, with the Air Force suggesting residents likely saw a meteor. The settlement requires NASA to conduct a more comprehensive search and pay Kean $50,000 in attorneys' fees.

Allen's Aliens For Keith Rowell, tracking UFOs in Oregon requires both skepticism and belief

This Oregonian article profiles Keith Rowell, assistant state director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in West Linn, Oregon. Rowell approaches ufology with a skeptical lens, emphasizing that 'being skeptical is a necessary part.' He has investigated numerous UFO claims and is knowledgeable about Project Blue Book. Rowell describes his own UFO encounter on his back deck, seeing an object bathed in suffused light. He also discusses the 1947 Roswell crash, asserting that the military captured a saucer and aliens, contrary to the 'high-altitude balloons' explanation. The article notes the financial struggles of groups like MUFON, which rely on shoestring budgets and membership dues.

UFOs in wartime

This Baltimore Sun article discusses Keith Chester's book, "Strange Company: Military Encounters with UFOs in WWII." Chester's interest was sparked by a childhood sighting of a red orb. His research involved documents from the National Archives, detailing sightings described as objects, lights, or flares. He found that military intelligence often classified these as 'phenomena' without definitive explanations. Chester also interviewed Leonard Stringfield, who reported a UFO sighting in 1945 while in the 5th Air Force, describing three luminous, disk-shaped objects near Japan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the scientific and governmental efforts to investigate them, and the personal accounts of witnesses. There is a clear emphasis on the need for transparency from government agencies and a call for more serious scientific study of the phenomenon. The articles collectively suggest that while many sightings can be explained, a significant number remain unexplained, warranting further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging skepticism but also acknowledging the validity of witness accounts and the importance of documenting these events.

This issue of The Washington Post, dated Sunday, October 21, 2007, features a prominent cover story titled "OPERATING IN A GALAXY OF DOUBT DISBELIEF AND DISMISSAL, UFO BUFFS MAKE THEIR CASE THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE," by Joe Heim. The article introduces the world of local UFO enthusiasts who gather to share their experiences and stories, challenging the common perception of them as 'wackos' or 'loonies.' The issue also includes excerpts from interviews with area UFO experts and buffs, as well as articles on Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

Cover Story: We Are Not Alone

Joe Heim's article introduces the reader to the dedicated community of UFO enthusiasts in the Washington D.C. area, who meet regularly to discuss their passion. Sue Swiatek, organizer and Virginia state director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), notes the increasing diversity of attendees over the years. The article highlights the upcoming conference "Mysteries of Space and Sky IV: Sixty Years of UFOs." It also marks several anniversaries: 60 years since the Roswell incident and the coining of the term 'flying saucer,' and 55 years since a wave of UFO reports in the Washington region. A recent case involving F-16 fighter jets pursuing an unknown craft is also mentioned. The article emphasizes that these enthusiasts see themselves as 'concluders' rather than 'believers,' arguing that evidence supports their conclusions.

Interviews with UFO Enthusiasts

The issue features Q&A excerpts with several individuals involved in UFO research:

• Don Berliner: An aviation and science writer and chairman of the Fund for UFO Research, Berliner shares his experience of seeing green fireballs in the late 1940s/early 1950s. He is convinced of UFO existence by the consistency of sightings by expert witnesses and the government's suspicious explanations for UFO reports. He believes UFOs might be visiting Earth for exploration or resources, and suggests that live video footage or physical evidence from the Roswell crash would aid acceptance.

• Paul Nahay: A computer consultant, Nahay's interest in UFOs began in fifth grade. He describes a personal sighting of a large, dark, rectangular object. He is interested in identifiable, intelligent craft and believes UFOs might be integrating with humanity. He finds skeptics frustrating and prefers to focus on studies and reputable books.

• Antonio Huneeus: A freelance science reporter and editor, Huneeus's interest began with a 1977 case in Chile. He had a UFO sighting in the Chilean Andes in 1988, observing strange lights. He believes there is a lot of great evidence, but the field is contaminated by rumors. He suggests that a dramatic, solid case with multiple witnesses is needed for wider acceptance.

• Sue Swiatek: A software analyst and MUFON state director, Swiatek's interest started at age 8 with the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case. She describes a personal sighting of a stubby, fuselage-like object. She is convinced by the fear and seriousness of local witnesses and believes UFOs are exploring Earth for resources or knowledge. She is generally unbothered by skeptics but notes that some question her Christian faith alongside her UFO beliefs. She suggests a major sighting or government disclosure would increase acceptance.

UFOs over Yardley, Lower Makefield

George Robinson recounts a personal experience of seeing a large, round disk UFO at night in the late 1970s, interrupting his viewing of 'The Waltons.' He notes that UFOs often appear at night and questions why. He describes the object as having a metallic skin, making old pickup truck-like sounds, and then surging upward and disappearing. He also references a sighting by a neighbor in 1992 of a dark, triangular object with red circular lights.

'Ufologist' catalogs sightings of odd things in the sky

Nicholas Geranios reports on Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center, which operates from a former nuclear missile site in Harrington, Washington. Davenport, who took over from founder Robert Gribble, has amassed thousands of UFO reports. He considers himself a skeptic, estimating that 90% of calls can be disproved, but acknowledges that some reports lack terrestrial explanations. The article mentions historical UFO events, including the 1947 Mount Rainier sighting that coined the term 'flying saucers,' and notes that governments and media are accused of suppressing information. It also touches on UFOs in popular culture and religion, and mentions former Arizona Governor Fife Symington's belief about the Phoenix lights and France's release of its UFO files.

NASA searching archive for details on Pa. UFO

This brief news item reports that NASA has agreed to search its archives for documents related to a 1965 UFO incident in Pennsylvania, following a Freedom of Information Act request. The incident involved an object that allegedly moved across the sky near Kecksburg, Pa., and was kept from public view by soldiers.

A side trip to Roswell on the road to the White House

Robin Abcarian discusses how presidential candidates have addressed UFOs. Dennis Kucinich admitted to seeing a UFO, citing Shirley MacLaine's account. Bill Richardson, as governor of New Mexico, acknowledged the importance of the Roswell mystery. The article notes that Ronald Reagan also claimed to have seen UFOs. It also mentions the website presidentialufo.com, which documents presidents' interactions with UFOs. Alejandro T. Rojas of MUFON suggests that the UFO issue is sometimes used to make politicians look bad.

Bigfoot and the repugnance of truth

Ryan Kenneth Peterson argues for the existence of Bigfoot, referencing the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film. He believes the technology to create such a convincing costume was not available in 1965. He contrasts the film with 'Planet of the Apes' and questions how a rodeo rider could have created such a realistic depiction. He suggests that truth about Bigfoot is problematic because it disrupts illusions.

Bigfoot, or just a bad-skinned bear?

This brief report from Ridgway, Pa., discusses a photo taken by a hunter of a creature that some believe is Bigfoot, while others suggest it's a bear with a skin infection. The Pennsylvania Game Commission leans towards the latter explanation.

Bigfoot returns

Beti Trauth reports on the 40th anniversary celebration of the Patterson-Gimlin film in Willow Creek, California. The event honors the filmmakers and features presentations by experts. The article highlights the ongoing debate about Bigfoot's existence, the efforts of researchers like Daniel Perez, and the scientific analysis of the film. It mentions James "Bobo" Fay, who claims to have had a recent Bigfoot sighting, and other researchers like Dr. Jeff Meldrum and John Bindernagel, who have written books on the subject. The celebration aims to present evidence and encourage discussion.

Guardian of the loch

Alan Parker writes about Adrian Shine, an expert on the Loch Ness Monster. Shine, who came to Loch Ness in 1973, now works to protect the area and debunk hoaxes. He discusses his early efforts using a homemade submersible and later sonar explorations, including Operation Deepscan. While he states he doesn't believe in the monster yet due to insufficient evidence, he acknowledges the power of eyewitness testimony. The article also mentions local historian Ray Owens and taxi driver Frank Davidson, who attribute disturbances on the loch to Nessie.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and belief in unexplained phenomena, primarily UFOs and Bigfoot. There is a consistent thread of individuals dedicated to uncovering the truth, often facing skepticism and ridicule. The articles highlight the importance of eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and the role of organizations like MUFON and the National UFO Reporting Center. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting the arguments and evidence from enthusiasts while also acknowledging the skeptical viewpoints and the need for rigorous scientific investigation. The issue suggests a growing acceptance of these topics, partly due to increased media attention and public interest, and the involvement of public figures.