UFO Newsclipping Service - 2009 02 - no 475

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO newsletter, published by NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in February 2009 as Number 475, focuses on recent UFO sightings and related discussions. The cover headline, "There's more out there' Terrestrials meet to talk about extra-terrestrials," sets the tone for a collection of articles exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon.

Terrestrials Meet to Talk About Extra-Terrestrials (Bucks County Courier Times)

By James McGinnis, Staff Writer, this article reports on a Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) conference held at Bucks County Community College. Nearly 700 people attended to discuss a recent "flap" of UFO sightings in the area, with MUFON State Director John Ventre stating there were close to 120 incidents in 12 months over Bucks County. Attendees ranged from "curious" to "enthusiastic skeptics." Michael Skane described the crowd as "blue-collar people." Rich Ansbro shared his personal experience of seeing a "massive" UFO over Sea Isle City, N.J., five years prior, describing it as "two or three football fields in size." Walter Bain expressed a "curious mind when it comes to UFOs" but was disappointed by the lack of new evidence presented at the conference. Michael Cherkowksy noted the amount of "air traffic over Levittown." Evidence presented included lab reports of chemicals found on leaves from a tree reportedly "sprinkled" by a UFO, which Ventre called "one of the best cases we have for trace evidence." However, a question arose about an element listed not being on the periodic table. David Jacobs, a Temple University professor teaching a UFO course, presented illustrations of alien experiments, some sexual, conducted on humans. He expressed confidence in alien visitation, calling the speed of light and vast distances between stars "fake arguments." William Birnes, host of the History Channel's "UFO Hunters," suggested that President Obama might be more liberal in releasing classified documents, potentially leading to UFO disclosure.

Forget Roswell, UFOs to Invade Bucks County (The Morning Call)

By Brian Callaway, Of The Morning Call, this article previews the MUFON conference. It notes a surge in unidentified flying objects reported in the region, with 312 sightings in Pennsylvania in the past year. Bucks County alone had 71 sightings in 2008, significantly more than other parts of the state. The article mentions sightings over attractions like Sesame Place and Oxford Valley Mall. John Ventre, director of MUFON Pennsylvania, observes that skepticism is receding in the Philly area due to the number of witnesses. The article details how MUFON investigators debunk about 80% of reports, but in Bucks County, only 20% were discounted, with 10% being hoaxes and 10% having plausible explanations, leaving the other sightings unexplained. Potential explanations for local sightings include the Willow Grove Naval Air Station, though base officials did not respond to inquiries. David Jacobs, a history professor, is highlighted as a speaker who researches extraterrestrial life and believes people are more willing to consider alien life possibilities now than decades ago, though academia and science remain resistant. Jacobs' research on alien abduction stories suggests that the phenomenon is real. He believes extraterrestrials are likely curious observers rather than hostile beings.

Mufon conference focuses on Bucks UFO sightings (Trend - Trevose, PA)

By Megan Doherty, Editor, this article also covers the MUFON conference. Bob Gardner of MUFON reports having nine open cases from the previous month and serves as the state section director for MUFON. He and fellow investigator Elise Simon investigated numerous UFO sightings in Bucks County that began in early July 2008. Gardner notes that the entire five-county region saw a dramatic increase in sightings, from nine in 2007 to 142 in 2008. MUFON's mission is to investigate UFOs for humanity's benefit. Gardner urges an open mind, stating he believes "we are not alone in the universe" but remains skeptical when approaching investigations. He describes his process of responding to reports, gathering information on size, shape, lights, and effects on electronics. Gardner mentions that media attention has increased UFO awareness. He and Simon were featured on the Discovery Channel's "UFOs Over Earth," which led to more reports. Many Bucks County sightings involved boomerang or triangle-shaped objects with white lights and one red light, or cone/cylinder-shaped objects. Gardner's first UFO encounter was in Bensalem in January 1989, seeing a "cylinder-shaped black object." He believes the conference will open minds.

Website gives likely explanation for sky circle (Albany Democrat-Herald)

By Steve Lathrop, Albany Democrat-Herald, this article suggests a plausible explanation for a circular jet trail seen in the mid-valley sky. A reader suggested the contrail was from newly manufactured commercial airliners being tested by Boeing. The website FlightAware.com shows a flight path from Boeing Field in Seattle that extended as far south as the mid-valley and returned, matching the observed loop-the-loop pattern. Boeing officials were not reached for comment.

BCCC probes close encounters of the Bucks kind (Bristol Pilot)

By Laura Irwin, Special to the Pilot, this article reports on the MUFON State Conference held at Bucks County Community College. Over 400 residents attended to discuss UFO sightings in the tri-state area. Pennsylvania reportedly has the highest number of UFO sightings in the country. Bill Birnes, editor of UFO Magazine and host of "UFO Hunters," suggests that increased sightings may be due to skywatchers trusting media accounts more than a spike in activity. MUFON's numbers have grown, with sightings tripling from 2007 to 2008 (97 to 312). Dr. David Jacobs presented his research on alien abductions, gathered through hypnosis from about 150 abductees. He theorizes that abductions are intergenerational and aimed at breeding "hybrid" or half-human, half-alien beings who can assimilate into society. Attendees like Ray Orelman expressed belief in extraterrestrials, while Brian Segal of Bensalem sought "physical proof." MUFON encourages reporting sightings of balls of light, star-shaped craft, or silvery discs.

A case of UFO Ping-Pong (Joplin Globe)

By Brad Belk, Columnist, this article revisits a case from January 1967 when multiple local papers reported sightings of "bluish-green objects" in Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. Witnesses included police officers and citizens. Sgt. Finley of Pittsburg Police described an object with "vivid blue-green with flashing lights." Joplin Police Lt. Hickman observed an object for nearly an hour, describing it as "about 1,000 feet high and looked about as big as two houses," maneuvering as if controlled. Additional sightings occurred in Northeast Oklahoma, Springfield, and Newton County. A scientific team led by Professor Robert Low from the University of Colorado investigated, concluding that three of six sightings were identified (astronomical objects, chemical release-rocket), while three remained unidentified. The FAA reported no official radar sightings. Dr. Ross Anderson suggested refraction could cause optical illusions. The article notes the contrast between logical explanations and the belief in extraterrestrials. A downed U.S. Weather Bureau radiosonde was found, potentially explaining some sightings.

'Flying Discs' Reported Sighted As Bombers Cruise Over Korea (La Grande Evening Observer)

By Dean W. Dittmer, WASHINGTON (U.P.), this article from February 19, 1952, reports that the Air Force disclosed objects resembling "flying discs" had been sighted over Korea by crew members of two U.S. bombers. An investigation was ordered. Eyewitnesses described the objects as globe-shaped, bright orange, and emitting occasional flashes of bluish light. The Air Force's open-minded attitude contrasted with its previous skepticism towards "flying saucer" stories.

'High Speed' Objects Entering Our Atmosphere, Admiral Says (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (AP), this article from January 17, 1957, features Retired Rear Adm. Delmer S. Fahrney, former head of the Navy's guided missiles program. Fahrney stated that reliable reports indicate "objects coming into our atmosphere at very high speeds" that cannot be duplicated by current technology. He suggested "an intelligence" directs these objects due to their flight patterns. Fahrney announced the formation of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) to collect and investigate UFO reports. He has no preconceived ideas about the origin of these objects but believes they involve "tremendous amount of technology."

Strange lights in the sky followed by an ear-splitting boom, so... Did a UFO do this? (The Daily Mail)

By David Wilkes, this article from January 9, 2009, investigates a bizarre incident at a wind farm in Conisholme, Lincolnshire, England. Witnesses reported seeing orangey-yellow spheres and a "massive ball of light" with "tentacles" in the sky, followed by an ear-splitting bang. The next morning, one of the 60ft blades of a 200ft turbine was found ripped off, and another was twisted. UFO experts, like Nick Pope, former head of the Ministry of Defence's UFO Project, expressed excitement, believing that the damage could provide evidence of alien life due to potential residue from a collision. Alternative explanations included ice on the turbine, lightning strikes, or human sabotage. The article notes the oddity of aliens choosing such a remote location. Sheila, a nearby resident, saw or heard nothing.

Lights in the sky, inexplicable damage to a windfarm and hundreds of UFO-watchers hunting for clues... how a small, barren corner of Britain this week became ET's unlikely new home (Daily Express)

By Simon Edge and Martin Stote, this article from January 9, 2009, also covers the Conisholme, Lincolnshire incident. It describes the damage to a wind turbine after reports of strange lights and flashing orange spheres. Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, stated that they had no explanation at the moment and were analyzing the damage. Retired farmer John Harrison described seeing a "massive ball of light" with tentacles. Dorothy Willows saw a "low-flying object skimming across the sky towards the turbines." Lincolnshire County Councillor Robert Palmer also reported seeing a "bright, round light." The article mentions that the damage requires significant force. Russ Kellett of the Flying Saucer Bureau reported a high number of calls about unexplained activity. The article notes that 29 sightings of unidentified flying objects were reported in Lincolnshire in the past decade. Local novelist Karen Maitland suggests that folklore and natural phenomena, like phosphorescent gas, could explain some lights. She also points to military bases and bird migration routes as factors. The article mentions that the fallen blade was sent to Germany for analysis.

UFO puzzle: it was the Guardian wot done it (The Guardian)

By Esther Addley, this article from January 9, 2009, investigates the Conisholme wind turbine incident. John Harrison described seeing a "massive ball of light" with tentacles. Dorothy Willows saw a "low-flying object skimming across the sky towards the turbines." Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, found the UFO theory the "best one that we have currently got." The article reveals that Emily Bell, director of digital content for The Guardian, and her brother arranged a firework display for their father's 80th birthday party two miles from the wind farm on the night of the incident. Bell's mother, Bridget, suggested that the fireworks might have been mistaken for UFOs. Vince acknowledged that fireworks could explain the lights but not the catastrophic failure of the turbine, for which metal fatigue or a large piece of ice were considered. The article notes that the Financial Times' energy editor, Ed Crooks (Emily Bell's husband), was also beaten to the story.

Windfarm damage blamed on UFO (The Telegraph)

By Alastair Jamieson, this article from January 15, 2009, reports that the damage to a wind turbine at Conisholme, Lincolnshire, could have been caused by a UFO, according to its owners. UFO enthusiasts believe the incident was caused by a mystery aircraft. Ecotricity, the owner, stated that while investigations were ongoing, they were not ruling anything out, noting the "unique" extent of the damage. Russ Kellett reported over 30 calls from witnesses seeing a low-flying object. Other experts suggested mechanical failure, ice, or chunks of ice falling from other turbines. The Ministry of Defence stated it was not investigating as there was no evidence of a potential threat to UK airspace.

Lights in the sky and a broken wind turbine: evidence of little green men? (The Daily Telegraph)

By Matthew Moore, this article from January 9, 2009, discusses the Conisholme incident. Locals feared aliens had crashed after seeing mysterious glowing orbs before a turbine was destroyed. Dale Vince stated there was no explanation at the moment. Witnesses described orangey-yellow spheres, some with tentacles. Dorothy Willows saw a "low-flying object skimming across the sky towards the turbines." Robert Palmer, chairman of East Lindsey district council, also saw lights and was keeping an open mind. Experts like Fraser McLachlan of GCube suggested mechanical failure as a more plausible explanation, citing instances of blades separating due to hairline cracks weakened by ice or poor attachment. Professor Christopher French of Goldsmiths University suggested aircraft, satellite debris, or meteorites as more likely explanations than aliens traveling light years only to crash into a turbine.

Aliens probably not to blame for mangled turbine (The Times)

This article from January 9, 2009, suggests that the mysterious wrecking of a wind turbine in Conisholme, Lincolnshire, was likely caused by mechanical failure, not aliens, as suggested by Fraser McLachlan, chief executive of GCube. UFO groups reported numerous calls about strange lights in the sky at the time of the incident. Robert Palmer, a local council leader, saw a bright white light with an orange edge. McLachlan stated that such blade failures occur several times a year. The article also mentions Emma Jacobs' piece in the Financial Times, which noted that the "UFO hits wind turbine" story in The Sun was likely explained by a firework display at Ed Crooks' father-in-law's 80th birthday party.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. There's a focus on recent events, particularly the surge in sightings in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and the mysterious incident involving a damaged wind turbine in Conisholme, England. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting both eyewitness accounts and expert analyses, including scientific and skeptical viewpoints. The publication seems to favor reporting on unexplained phenomena while also exploring plausible, mundane explanations, often highlighting the contrast between the two. There's a clear interest in providing a platform for witnesses and researchers to share their findings and theories.

This issue of The Sun, dated February 4, 2009, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent cover story about a police detective who investigates UFOs in his spare time.

Cops & Saucers: By Day a Serving Bobby, By Night UFO Investigator

The lead article introduces Gary Heseltine, a 48-year-old detective constable with the British Transport Police who has spent six years compiling the PRUFOS (Police Reporting UFO Sightings) database. Heseltine believes police officers are credible witnesses due to their training in providing dispassionate, detailed descriptions. His latest report highlights 50 new cases involving 106 officers, bringing his total recorded sightings to 310. Heseltine's own interest in UFOs began at age 15 when he witnessed a bright white object followed by power cuts. He also recounts two personal sightings: three lights in a perfect triangular formation in 1999 and a white sphere in 2007.

The article details the case of PC Alan Godfrey, who reported a diamond-shaped UFO in Todmorden, West Yorks, in 1980. Godfrey experienced radio failure, blinding light, and a memory gap, later claiming under hypnosis to have been taken aboard the craft and examined by small creatures. He faced ridicule at work for his experience.

Heseltine's database includes a report from a 76-year-old retired officer who had remained silent about a close encounter for 35 years, involving three green spheres seen in Crofton, West Yorks. Two other retired officers reported an incident in 1966 near Bristol Airport where their car and lights failed, and a 100ft-wide, oval-shaped object hovered 500ft above the road for ten seconds before disappearing.

Heseltine expresses his belief that mainstream science will eventually discover life on other planets.

Brian Snaps 'Doughnut UFO'

This section reports on a 'doughnut-shaped' UFO captured on a mobile phone camera by Brian Lee, 55, near Conisholme Wind Farm in South Somercotes. Lee was taking sunset pictures on December 9 when he noticed the object. He initially kept the photo private but decided to share it after reading other UFO stories in the Louth Leader. He stated he has no interest in hoaxes and found the sighting strange. The report also mentions Gail Cross of Louth, who saw four orange lights moving in formation over Louth on January 3, the night before a wind turbine was damaged.

More UFO Sightings in Police 'X-Files'

This article from the Nottingham Evening Post details figures released by Nottinghamshire Police, showing 21 UFO sightings reported in the county between November 2003 and October 2008. The force advises the public to contact the Civil Aviation Authority but does receive occasional UFO reports. In one instance, a suspected UFO seen in Beeston was identified as a police helicopter investigating a green laser.

The report notes that these figures add to a Ministry of Defence list of UFO sightings across Britain, including ten in Nottinghamshire between 1999 and 2006. PC Lee Roberts, leader of the Ashfield Paranormal Investigation Unit, reports being inundated with calls regarding lights in the sky and unknown formations, suggesting increased public awareness of their work.

UFO Expert Stunned by His Own Close Encounter

Ex-RAF man Ian Taylor, a UFO expert with 50 years of study, recounts his own close encounter above Aberdeen. He saw a glowing orb, red with a yellow core, gliding slowly across the night sky for several minutes. Using binoculars, he described the object as having a defined ball-like structure with a secondary light-shape attached. Taylor believes it was self-generating and not a terrestrial device due to its slow, steady movement and lack of a trail. A spokesman for NATS stated there was no record of an unknown aircraft on radar at the time.

Cigar-Shaped UFO Snapped and Chopper Buzzed: Close Encounters Above Sandwell

This Sandwell Chronicle article reports on a sighting by Sharon Derby of Tipton, who photographed a cigar-shaped object floating in the sky. Her father-in-law, Graham Rogers, contacted the Birmingham UFO Group, who investigated. Experts noted the unusual shape made typical explanations difficult. The article also mentions Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich East, calling for information about a police helicopter being buzzed by a UFO over Sandwell Valley, which nearly caused a crash.

The Truth Is Out There with Richard D Hall

Richard D Hall discusses his experiences receiving UFO stories from the public, often from people afraid of ridicule. He notes that while 95% of sightings have logical explanations, 5% remain unexplained. He plans to follow up on reports, including one man claiming to have unpublished photographs of a UFO.

Yes, There IS Life on Mars AND 40,000 Other Planets

This Daily Star article reports on a study by astrophysicists at Edinburgh University claiming that aliens exist on 40,000 other worlds and are likely smarter than humans. The study suggests conditions are right for life on 361 planets in the Milky Way, but the total number of inhabited worlds could be much higher. The aliens are unlikely to resemble 'little green men' and may be too different for communication. The study also mentions the possibility of life on Mars.

Fighter Jets Called to UFO Over Athens

This article from The Sun describes how F-16 fighter jets were scrambled after the pilot of a London-bound passenger plane spotted a brightly-lit object over Athens in October 2007. The Greek Air Force monitored the UFO, but it vanished before contact could be made. A Greek Air Force officer suggested it might have been Venus, but UFO expert Mike Cohen dismissed this, suggesting aliens might be interested in Greece.

Government UFO Expert Denies Claim that MoD is 'Rewriting History'

This Western Daily Press article addresses claims by crop circle expert Colin Andrews that the Queen, Margaret Thatcher, and the MoD covered up official interest in crop circles. Nick Pope, former Government UFO expert, denies these claims, stating that while the MoD downplayed its interest, there was no cover-up. He acknowledges the political sensitivities when the Royal Family is involved. The article references the summer of 1989 when crop circles gained global attention, and Andrews' claim that the MoD investigated the phenomenon.

Flying Saucers Spotted in Collier Row

This Romford Recorder article reports on a double sighting of UFOs in Collier Row and Dagenham. A local family described seeing two black and silver flying discs pirouetting, while another witness saw unexplained aerial phenomena. The sightings are logged on Canadian-based UFO websites. The article also references a previous report of a mysterious orange hovering spacecraft over Romford in 1994.

Aliens are Coming – Armed with Cigars and Grapefruits

This Stoke-on-Trent Sentinel column by John Woodhouse humorously reflects on numerous UFO sightings reported in North Staffordshire over the years, including unidentified small men, alien abductions, and various shaped objects. Woodhouse suggests that many sightings have rational explanations, possibly related to secret military trials, but acknowledges that some remain unexplained. He also jokingly expresses a desire to be abducted by aliens for a holiday.

What If Aliens Smash Your Car?

This Grimsby Evening Telegraph article, referencing a UFO allegedly wrecking a wind turbine, explores what would happen if a UFO crashed into a car. Adrian Flux, a car insurance broker, outlines potential disasters covered by comprehensive policies, such as monkeys, falling urine, meteors, pianos, kangaroos, and gridlock caused by a criminal. However, it states that an accident caused by a UFO attacking a car would be considered an act of war and not covered. In the case of a UFO hitting a wind turbine and causing damage to a car, the driver's best hope is the UFO pilot's insurance, otherwise, their own policy might cover it, affecting their No Claims Bonus.

Intelligent Life 'On 37,964 Planets'

This Daily Telegraph article reiterates the findings of the Edinburgh University study, estimating that up to 37,964 planets in the Milky Way could host intelligent life. It notes that contact might take 300-400 years and that alien civilizations could be far more advanced than ours. The article also mentions that the number of UFO sightings logged with the Ministry of Defence more than doubled to 285 in the previous year.

Watch the Skies!

This Wakefield Express article features Martin Blackburn, an English tutor by day and UFO analyst by night. Blackburn believes that while most sightings are hoaxes, some point to genuine evidence of alien life. He suggests that some sightings might be explained by weather or secret military experiments, but others could be from extraterrestrial visitors. He believes that if a UFO landed in Wakefield, humans would have nothing to fear, as aliens might be coming for help or simply be 'nosey'.

More City Sightings

This section from the Wakefield Express reports on additional UFO sightings across the city following a previous report. It mentions a strange object hovering above Kirkthorpe, and a photograph taken by James Ward being analyzed by UFO experts. It also details sightings of a bright comet-shaped light in Stanley, orange orbs in Shay Lane, Walton, an orange light in Horbury, and two bright orange triangles seen on Christmas Day in Sandal.

Black Cats Are On the Radar

This San Francisco Chronicle article discusses reports of 'black panther' sightings in Bay Area parks. Wildlife scientists believe these are likely mistaken identities of house cats or mountain lions seen in poor lighting, as there is no proof of black panthers in the region. The article lists several parks with suitable mountain lion habitat. It also includes personal accounts of sightings and discusses the rarity of mountain lion sightings.

Russian Priest to Investigate Bigfoot Sighting in Siberia

This RIA Novosti report details a group, including the Russian Orthodox Bishop of Kemerovo, setting out to investigate a reported bigfoot sighting in the Tashtagol area of Siberia. Hunters claimed to have spotted 'hairy humanoid creatures' near Azass Cave. The report notes that while anthropologists have never studied bigfoot or yeti bodies, numerous reports exist. A scientific expedition is being organized for the summer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. There's a clear interest in credible witnesses, particularly police officers, and a willingness to explore both scientific and anecdotal evidence. The tone ranges from serious investigation to humorous speculation, with a general underlying belief that there is more to the universe than currently understood. The articles collectively suggest a growing public interest in UFOs and a desire for answers, with some suggesting that mainstream science will eventually confirm the existence of alien life. The issue also touches on the historical aspect of UFO investigations, including debates about government cover-ups and the challenges of documenting and explaining these phenomena.