UFO Newsclipping Service - 2009 06 - no 479

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" magazine, published by NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in June 2009, is identified as Number 479. The cover prominently features the title "UFO" and a headline announcing a "Sightings UFO conference descends on Galena," accompanied by a photograph of a man. The issue is priced at $5.00 and celebrates 40 years of circulation from 1969 to 2009. The editor is David Marler.

Article 1: UFO conference descends on Galena

This article, written by Bekah Porter for the Dubuque Telegraph Herald on May 29, 2009, reports on the "Out of This World UFO Conference" held at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, Illinois. UFO investigator Sam Maranto organized the event. Richard Dolan, author of "UFOs and the National Security State: An Unclassified History," is featured as a guest speaker. Dolan shares his personal experiences, describing his encounters as "strange in-the-light experiences" and noting that others have seen more significant phenomena. He has dedicated his life to documenting witness accounts.

Dolan explains his transition to becoming a full-time UFO researcher in the mid-'90s, initially studying history and the Cold War. He became convinced of the existence of UFOs after reviewing approximately 50 to 100 "really good documents" from government officials, alongside thousands of other UFO documents, physical evidence, and eye-witness accounts. He defines a UFO as an object seen typically in the atmosphere, space, or underground, doing things that are not conventional or explainable, which may or may not be alien-made.

Regarding the stigma associated with UFO witnesses, Dolan states that it is "intense," leading very few people to report their sightings. He firmly believes in other life forms, asserting, "They're not just out there. They're down here. They're doing stuff." The article also mentions other speakers, including someone who held Roswell evidence and a chief investigator from MUFON.

Article 2: UFOs Over Liberty, Texas

Written by Jim "Pappy" Moore for The Gilmer Mirror on May 30, 2009, this article details a sighting on Friday night, May 29, 2009. A commercial airline pilot reported a UFO resembling a rocket or missile flying directly at his aircraft at 13,000 feet, passing within 100 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration, FBI, and Liberty County Sheriff's Department met to discuss the incident, with the FBI acknowledging awareness.

The sighting is noted as being very similar to an almost identical one made over Liberty, Texas, in May 2008 by another commercial airline pilot. No source for the rocket or missile has been found for either sighting. The article also recounts the "Cash-Landrum Incident" from December 29, 1980, near Liberty, Texas. Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and her grandson Colby Landrum reported a large, intensely bright UFO producing tremendous heat, causing the car's surface to become extremely hot. Betty Cash experienced symptoms like blisters, nausea, and vomiting, which a radiologist concluded were due to ionizing radiation. Despite her pursuit of the incident, the federal government denied any military helicopters were in the area.

The article concludes with a statement about the nature of UFOs as "Unidentified Flying Objects" reported by credible witnesses, often dismissed with "short shrift" and subjected to ridicule.

Article 3: Is that a ... no, it's not

This piece from the Chicago Tribune, courtesy of CUFOS, features Art Maurer, head of the Joliet planetarium, cautioning the public about mistaking the International Space Station (ISS) for a UFO. Maurer explains that the ISS, recently outfitted with new reflective solar panels, will be particularly visible and bright. He notes that people often report sightings of Venus or Sirius as UFOs and anticipates that the ISS could be misidentified. He states that nearly 30 to 40 "flying saucers" are reported nightly in the country. The article mentions that the ISS's added solar panels enhance its brightness and will allow for a larger crew and more powered science experiments. The ISS will appear as a "fast-moving star" and is unlikely to be mistaken for an alien craft.

Article 4: Kansas City UFO Sightings on the Rise

Originally reported by Rebecca Sapakie for FoxTV4 in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 12, 2009, this article discusses an increase in UFO reports and interest in the local area. Margie Kay, Director of KC MUFON, states that sightings, which used to be one or two a month, are now occurring one or two a day. She recalls receiving 11 reports on a single day recently. Kay also notes a significant increase in online chatter, with one message board going from about 12 posts a month to 129 in January 2009. KC MUFON interviews witnesses, examines photos or drawings, and checks radar and weather reports to weed out fake reports. The government's official stance is that UFOs are natural phenomena, but Kay's group continues to search for answers. KC MUFON is hosting a "Mysteries of the Universe" conference on July 18.

Article 5: Boardman, Ohio, barbeque interrupted by triangle UFO

This report from examiner.com on June 11, 2009, describes a UFO sighting during a barbeque in Applewood Acres, Boardman, Ohio. A group of six friends witnessed a silent, triangle-shaped object with white/red flickering lights hovering above the treeline for about two minutes. A helicopter approached the object, and then the triangle craft moved away, its lights dimming. The witness testimony was entered into the MUFON database. The article notes that most UFO reports can be explained naturally or as man-made.

Article 6: UFOs over Colorado

This report from the Vail Daily on May 20, 2009, details recent UFO sightings in the Vail Valley area. Investigator Bob Fiske for MUFON seeks additional witnesses. Reports include an encounter with a craft and entities in Basalt on April 26, a silvery disc spotted over Buffalo Mountain in Frisco on May 4, and a fast-moving silent craft photographed at A-Basin on May 6. On May 7, three sightings occurred along the I-70 corridor, including a disc-shaped UFO that dropped an object. Witnesses in Avon reported a disc with flashing lights, and a woman in Eagle saw brightly flashing strobe lights. On May 9, a white cigar-shaped UFO was seen flying west of Vail.

Article 7: UFO BUFF BUILDING WIDE REPUTATION

Written by Dave Philipps for The Gazette in Colorado Springs, CO, on March 20, 2009, this article profiles UFO field investigator Chuck Zukowski. Zukowski, known for his meticulous documentation, approaches UFO investigations with a skeptical mindset, requiring photographic or video evidence for orb sightings. He has organized archeological digs near Roswell and inspected a carved stone found in New Mexico. He has appeared on the Sci Fi Channel and Coast to Coast a.m. Zukowski investigated two grotesque faces carved into sandstone at Ute Valley Park, which he believes are more likely related to the Ute people, though their style resembles Aztec or Mayan art. He doesn't believe the carvings are directly related to aliens but suggests they might be an American Indian record of an extraterrestrial encounter. He also mentions receiving a report of a dark grayish triangular object flying SW to NE.

Article 8: UFO: Faces to go in unsolved-case file

This article, continuing from page 3, discusses Chuck Zukowski's investigation into carvings at Ute Valley Park. Zukowski, who designs microchips by day, is known for his thorough investigations. He found two faces carved in sandstone, which he believes are likely Ute in origin but notes stylistic similarities to Aztec or Mayan art. He suggests they could represent an American Indian record of an extraterrestrial encounter. He is also investigating a report of a dark gray triangular object seen flying SW to NE.

Article 9: Multiple Colorado witnesses watch UFO dropping lights to the ground

This report from examiner.com on June 14, 2009, details multiple witness accounts from Colorado on June 13 of an orb-like UFO dropping smaller, bright lights to the ground. Witnesses described a large, bright orb, sometimes appearing red, that was rising from the treeline and dropping substances that were also bright but smaller. The object appeared to be about 1 to 1.5 miles away and at an altitude of 300 to 500 feet. The substance falling from the orb was described as a liquid-like substance. The object eventually faded to a small red light and moved west. Other reports from Colorado describe similar objects seen at distances of five to fifteen miles.

Article 10: Skeptical Valley newsman wrote about sightings

This article from the Antelope Valley Press in Palmdale, CA, dated April 27, 2009, revisits a column by Len Murnane from July 10, 1977. Murnane, a newsman, expressed skepticism about the "flying saucer" explanation but proceeded to write about three nighttime sightings in the Antelope Valley. One sighting, witnessed by Murnane and his wife, involved a powerful light that appeared as a large glowing white ball, then dimmed to reveal two smaller white lights marking wing extremities as the craft headed southwest. No sound was heard. Another witness, Jack Fisher, saw the same object. A third account came from Mary Denny, who saw a brilliant white ball that rose straight up and passed over her car. Clay Baggett reported seeing a bright light that took off at high speed, accompanied by a "whooshing noise." He also mentioned two men taking infrared photos and two chase planes being unable to get near the light. Officials at Edwards Air Force Base reported no orders were issued for the incident but did not deny it happened. Murnane concluded by questioning if there was a logical, simple explanation.

Article 11: 'Phantom Objects' Over U. S. Investigated by Air Force

This article, from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat dated November 5, 1957, reports on "Phantom Objects" investigated by the Air Force. The Army reported a huge, oval object "nearly as bright as the sun" spotted hovering near atomic bomb bunkers at White Sands Proving Ground, N.M. Sightings were made 17 hours apart by two military police patrols. Officials stated the phenomena had nothing to do with base activity. The report was one of many received nationwide, prompting an Air Force investigation. Scientists refrained from speculating on the "phantoms" or their connection to recent power failures. Earlier reports included a bright red light seen in St. Louis skies and a strange round object seen by Chicago police and firemen. In Texas, witnesses reported their autos stopping and lights going out upon the approach of a "phantom" object. In Martinsville, Va., a strange red glare was seen. In Covington, Ind., a combine engine went dead when a brilliant object passed overhead. The article also mentions Dr. Fred L. Whipple stating it was a physical impossibility to tie Sputnik I or II to power failures. The object was described as about 75 to 100 yards in diameter and egg-shaped.

Article 12: FLYING OBJECT PUZZLES SCOTCH RADAR OBSERVERS

This London Associated Press report from April 6, 1957, states that radar stations in Britain were alerted to look for a mysterious flying object tracked by Air Ministry observers over southwest Scotland. Three radar operators independently reported the object flashed across their screens traveling at 60,000 feet, then dived to 14,000 feet, made two whirls, and vanished south. Air Force officials confirmed no planes were in the area. The Air Ministry stated they were investigating and did not know what the object was.

Article 13: UFO over Knowle - or just airborne litter?

This article from the Bristol Evening Post, England, dated May 13, 2009, discusses a video submitted to YouTube showing a UFO flying over Knowle. The video, taken by Andy Hadlington, shows what appears to be a UFO buzzing twice. Hadlington described it as the "freakiest thing I have ever seen." He initially thought it might be a piece of metal or a low-flying plane. Denis Plunkett of the British Flying Saucer Bureau commented that there are ways to distinguish valid UFOs from hoaxes, emphasizing silence, invisibility, rapid changes in speed and direction, and multiple witnesses. He noted that camcorders can be abused and hoaxes created. The article also mentions a previous sighting in Bristol in November, where three bright red lights were seen flying over the city at helicopter height and speed without sound.

Article 14: Former minister a true believer in UFOs

This article from The Ottawa Citizen on June 1, 2009, profiles Paul Hellyer, a former Canadian defence minister, who is an outspoken believer in UFOs and alien visitation. Hellyer believes the future of our planet depends on aliens and suggests that harnessing gravity could enable interstellar travel. He backs his beliefs with written evidence and witness testimonies, stating that thousands have seen UFOs and can no longer be denied. Hellyer is also a conspiracy theorist, believing a global "cabal" has cornered the market on alien spacecraft, with downed craft being reverse-engineered. He claims he was "not in the loop" during his time as a cabinet minister. He compares his experience of seeing a UFO to that of ancient Native Americans who saw "alien visits" on the horizon, acknowledging it's a hard sell. The article draws parallels to science fiction, mentioning Dick Tracy's spaceship powered by gravity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO" magazine revolve around contemporary UFO sightings, investigations, and witness testimonies. There is a strong emphasis on documented evidence, with investigators like Richard Dolan and Chuck Zukowski seeking proof and meticulously documenting cases. The role of organizations like MUFON in collecting and analyzing reports is highlighted. The magazine also touches upon the skepticism and stigma surrounding UFO phenomena, as well as the official government stance of natural explanations or hoaxes. Historical cases, such as the Cash-Landrum incident and early Air Force investigations, are included to provide context. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, presenting various perspectives from believers, investigators, and skeptics, while acknowledging the challenges in proving the existence of extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of the TELEGRAPH, UK, dated June 3, 2009, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with multiple articles covering reports from various locations in the UK and beyond. The cover story highlights UFOs spotted in Cambridgeshire, with numerous witnesses reporting dazzling orange lights. Other articles delve into sightings in Suffolk, the mysterious 'Black Triangle' UFO, and government files on UFO encounters.

UFOs Spotted in Cambridgeshire

The main cover story details claims from Cambridgeshire residents who reported seeing up to 50 bright orange lights in the night sky around 11:30 pm in Huntingdon. Scott Boswell, a former pilot and soldier, captured some of the lights on his camera, noting they were not aircraft and had a constant heading and height. Auberon and Suzi Hedgecoe described the lights as an 'armada,' with each object the size of a building and no higher than 3,000ft. They woke their son and his friend to witness the spectacle. Another witness counted 35 lights.

UFO Mystery Hots Up Over Suffolk Skies

An article from the Evening Star, dated June 8, 2009, reports on a surge of UFO sightings over Suffolk. One person from Ipswich reported a silent 'orange fireball,' while others saw bright lights switching on and off over Bury St Edmunds. The article references a former soldier's report of 100 glowing orbs near Huntingdon. Martin Laurance shared his experience of seeing four bright, separately moving lights on May 16 and six similar lights on April 18, noting they were not Chinese lanterns and some switched on and off randomly. Other witnesses reported seeing 11 bright orange globes and two large, white shapes.

Mystery Object May Have Been One We Saw Earlier

This piece, from the Mablethorpe and Sutton Leader, discusses the 'Black Triangle' UFO, a type of craft observed for at least 20 years, possibly linked to US Military black projects. Peter Gregory contributes a photograph of a black triangle taken in Belgium in 1990. The article suggests that planes or helicopters sometimes appear during or shortly after UFO sightings, possibly to deter witnesses. Oliver Hallen, a UFO-watcher, questions the validity of triangular-shaped sightings, noting the diversity of UFO forms. He highlights a case from Topeka, Kansas, where a triangular object with three lights was seen. The article also touches on the theory that these sightings could be secret man-made hypersonic reconnaissance craft like the Aurora.

Residents Sight More Strange Lights

An article from the Shropshire Star (April 20, 2009) reports on residents seeing strange lights. Louise Butcher saw a light described as a 'huge ball of white light' over Church Stretton, and another woman saw lights heading towards the ground. Darren Perks recounts a sighting of a black triangle in 1993. Nick Pope, former UFO desk officer for the Ministry of Defence, is mentioned in relation to a current affairs program in Australia about a black triangle sighting.

UFO Encounters Keep Believers Investigating

This article from The Queensland Times (June 11, 2009) features Rita Haden, a member of the Ipswich UFO Group, who had a close encounter with a bright light hovering above her car in 1992. She described it as a 'big craft,' about 30-foot-long, with no wings or tail, and very shiny. David Keyworth, also from the Ipswich UFO Group, expresses his interest in extraterrestrial life.

Twenty UFOs Spotted Flying in Formation Over England

An article from The Sun (June 2, 2009) reports on over 20 UFOs spotted flying in formation over England. Paul Slight captured images of flickering yellow objects that dodged and darted before shooting into the sky. The objects were described as moving in different directions before disappearing upwards.

'UFO looked like a big, rubbish bag man'

The Cyprus Mail (June 16, 2009) reports a UFO sighting by a pilot on an Atlas Airlines aircraft, described as a bright object resembling a 'big man or a big rubbish bag.'

Mysterious Lincolnshire Triangle Reveals UFO Hotspot

An article from the Louth Leader (June 18, 2009) discusses a 'triangle' shape on a Google map that highlights UFO sightings in the Lincolnshire area. Nick Pope suggests the area could be a hotspot for UFO activity, possibly involving secret Russian reconnaissance aircraft or UAVs. The article mentions sightings at Brinkhill, off the Mablethorpe coast, and a recent sighting where an object dematerialised. It also notes that many reports of orange lights can be explained as flying lanterns, but a portion cannot.

Ex-UFO Researcher Details British Government X-Files

This piece from FOX TV NEWS (June 2, 2009) features Nick Pope, Britain's former top UFO expert. He states there's no 'smoking gun' proving UFOs exist but has seen enough evidence to be a believer. He details cases including a cigar-shaped object near an airliner and a photo that worried British officials. Pope explains that the UK decided to release its UFO files due to demand and the French government's decision to release theirs. He notes that the MOD has received over 11,000 UFO reports and that investigations are suffering due to the workload from Freedom of Information requests.

Matt Sims: Why are there so many close encounters on our doorstep?

Reporter Matt Sims from the Chester Evening Leader (May 12, 2009) reflects on the numerous UFO stories he has reported on in Wrexham. He notes that while some readers are skeptical, others share their own experiences. Sims admits to being an 'über-sceptic' in the past but is now less certain, acknowledging that UFO stories provide light relief amidst current global issues.

UFO Sighting? (Tavistock Time Gazette, April 30, 2009)

A report from Tavistock describes a sighting by Emma Cockayne and a friend of a black or grey diamond-shaped object with a red light or flame. The Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that reports are examined solely to establish if UK airspace has been compromised by hostile or unauthorised military activity.

Warning Over Sky Lanterns

An article from the Farnham Herald (May 8, 2009) warns about the fire risk posed by sky lanterns, which have previously been mistaken for UFOs. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service advises against their use due to the potential for starting random fires.

Motorist's Sighting Sparks Fresh UFO Plea

This Shropshire Star article (April 16, 2009) features Phil Hoyle, who runs the UFO Investigation and Research unit. He appeals for anyone who has spotted strange sightings to contact him, following a report by Fredrick Kershaw of a cigar-shaped UFO with four red lights. Hoyle notes that similar sightings have been reported along the Welsh borders.

Two UFO's Crash Land in Kazakhstan

A report from the Macedonian International News Agency (May 18, 2009) details two luminous balls falling from the sky near a village in Kazakhstan. Eyewitnesses described them as big balls with sparks falling off them. The objects were reportedly made of a 'weird' material and were silvery in color.

No Joke for Denise: Close Encounters Across the District, but is there a very simple explanation?

This Bradford Telegraph & Argus article (April 13, 2009) discusses sightings of glowing orbs above Bradford, Bingley, and Keighley. Denise Wilson described seeing four round red or orange glowing lights flying in formation. Retired solicitor Peter Knight reported seeing 20 red lights, and Derek Spedding saw strange-coloured objects. The article also mentions the tribute paid to Tony Dodd, a former police officer and UFO investigator.

1992 'UFO sightings' are still a mystery, according to latest Government files

This Louth Leader article (April 1, 2009) discusses the release of secret government documents on UFO encounters from 1989 to 1992. One report details a triangular craft seen over Louth with three lights forming the shape. The report concluded that many local people experienced automatic changes in TV channels that evening. Nick Pope, who investigated the case, stated that no explanation was ever found. Another section refers to the death of US pilot Captain William Schaffner in 1970, with speculation of a UFO connection, though official reports cite a training exercise gone wrong.

Irish X Files Exposed

An article from the Irish Daily Star (May 9, 2009) announces a book by Carl Nally and Dermot Butler that will expose government files on alien encounters in Ireland. They claim the state has its own 'X-Files' detailing crashes, sightings, and encounters with unidentified flying objects.

Tests Can't Identify Death Cause in Cattle Mutilations

This Trinidad Times Independent article (April 10, 2009) reports on inconclusive test results for cattle mutilations in Las Animas County, Colorado. Samples from two mutilated cows showed no signs of bleeding and no hemorrhage, suggesting the cuts occurred after death. Chuck Zukowski, a UFO investigator, noted that a complete necropsy would be needed for a full understanding of the cause of death. The article mentions previous mutilations and the ongoing mystery surrounding the phenomenon, with some investigators linking it to UFOs.

Politicians Can Help Find Some Answers

A letter to the editor of The Yuma Pioneer (May 7, 2009) discusses cattle mutilations and a possible 'implant' in a cow. The writer questions the perpetrators and suggests that if the government or military is involved, they could obtain necessary materials from slaughterhouses. The letter also mentions the proximity of significant US Army land holdings in Colorado to areas where mutilations have occurred and calls for political figures to help find answers.

Researchers Believe They Have Found Recent Bigfoot Print in Oklahoma

An article from the Tulsa World (May 27, 2009) reports that researchers from the Mid-America Bigfoot Research Center believe they have found a Bigfoot footprint in Oklahoma. The cast of the print measured 15% inches long and 5 inches wide, with clearly visible toes. Researchers also reported hearing 'vocalizations' recognized as Bigfoot's calls.

Scholar Writes Book on Bigfoot

This Times Standard article (April 24, 2009) announces a new book by Joshua Blu Buhs titled "Bigfoot: The Life and Times of a Legend." The book traces the history of Bigfoot accounts, from 19th-century wildmen to modern sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the ongoing investigation into these events. There is a clear interest in reporting on witness accounts, expert opinions, and government involvement (or lack thereof). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while acknowledging the skepticism that often surrounds the topic. The inclusion of articles on cattle mutilations and Bigfoot suggests a broader interest in unexplained mysteries.