UFO Newsclipping Service - 2009 07 - no 480

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, published by NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE as Number 480 in July 2009, focuses on recent UFO sightings and the organizations that investigate them. The cover features a striking image of a fiery object in the night sky with the headline "Fiery, Fast-Moving Object Seen In Sky." The issue includes reports from various locations in the United States and a historical piece on 'Foo-Fighters.'

Greene County, Tennessee Sighting

The lead story details an incident on Monday night, July 11, 2009, reported by The Greeneville Sun. Carl and Pauline Petsel, residents of Birds Bridge Road, along with their friend Patti Ritter, witnessed and photographed a fiery, fast-moving object in the night sky. Carl Petsel, a retired police officer, initially mistook it for fireworks but noted its rapid southerly movement. Pauline Petsel, an amateur photographer, captured several images. Greeneville Sun photographer Jim Feltman attempted to enhance these images. While Carl Petsel speculated it might be a meteor, Pauline was unconvinced, describing the object as appearing to drop vertically before making a sudden "right turn" and speeding away. She believed it moved horizontally below the mountain tops, while Carl thought it might have been higher. Patti Ritter described the object as orange, roughly three-quarters the size of the full moon, with "flames on it toward the bottom," and noted its rapid movement out of sight.

Boca Raton, Florida Sighting

An article from the Sun Sentinel (July 9, 2009) reports on a sighting in Boca Raton, Florida, where residents observed a mysterious green light around 9 p.m. on a Monday night. Witnesses described the object as moving in "crazy zig zagging" patterns for two and a half hours. Eric Vandernoot, an astronomer at Florida Atlantic University, ruled out the space station but suggested it was terrestrial, possibly debris from a satellite or a hoax involving a green laser on a balloon. However, witnesses insisted the event was real. A Boca Raton police officer also saw the green glow. Ryan Helfrich, a witness, stated it was "not a hoax."

Idaho Sighting

The "examiner" section reports on a June 30, 2009, UFO sighting in Idaho. A witness driving at night saw what they initially thought was an airplane about to crash. The object reportedly moved fast towards the ground, stopped abruptly, hovered momentarily, and then took off again. It then appeared to crash a second time but stopped again. The witness observed the object hovering 3 to 4 feet over a field, displaying bright blue and white lights in a pattern. Other vehicles had also pulled over to observe the phenomenon. The report notes that most UFO reports can be explained as natural or man-made phenomena.

New England MUFON and NEUFOR

Two articles focus on UFO research organizations. The first, from the Portsmouth Herald (June 18, 2009), introduces Steve Firmani, the newly appointed director of New England MUFON. Firmani aims to reorganize the six-state chapter into a more cohesive unit, addressing past issues of communication breakdown and instability. He has over 30 years of research experience and believes in investigating all possibilities. MUFON's investigative process involves ruling out mundane explanations such as weather anomalies or aircraft before considering other possibilities. The article mentions a case where blue flashing lights turned out to be a blown power transformer.

The second article, from The Metrowest Daily News (July 5, 2009), profiles the New England UFO Research Organization (NEUFOR), founded by Greg Berghorn and Joe Cambria. NEUFOR, a nonprofit with about 50 members, meets monthly in Framingham. They investigate a wide range of cases, from "high-strangeness, high-credibility" sightings to crop circles and abduction claims. Berghorn, a mechanical engineer, states his fascination lies in the questions rather than immediate answers. NEUFOR volunteers investigate between 30 and 50 unusual sightings annually, with most being explained as commercial flights, weather phenomena, or reflections. They maintain a 24-hour hotline and protect the confidentiality of witnesses.

Illinois Sphere-Triangle Sighting

An "examiner" report from June 29, 2009, details a sphere-triangle UFO sighting over Illinois, which was captured on video. This case is linked to earlier reports from Texas and Kansas describing a similar object. The Illinois witness observed a "cluster of lights which seemed to be travelling together in formation," described as roughly coplanar lights in a triangular arrangement, making no sound. The witness estimated its height to be similar to a passenger jet. The object was filmed for about two minutes. Ufologists are discussing whether this represents a new UFO shape. Dr. Mark Rodeghier of CUFOS advises caution when extrapolating trends from small numbers of reports but acknowledges the value of identifying micro-trends.

Michigan and California Sightings

Further reports from the "examiner" section include a Michigan sighting from June 28, 2009, where a witness saw "round bright lights" that were white and low in the sky, with a yellow dot later shooting through them. A California report from June 26, 2009, describes an object with an "orange glowing appearance, moving in straight line, not too fast but elegantly, made up of circular round looking light sources," which disappeared into haze.

Larry Klayman and UFOs

An opinion piece by Billy Cox from the Herald Tribune (July 10, 2009) discusses Larry Klayman's efforts to use FOIA requests to compel the government to acknowledge UFO data classified on national security grounds. Klayman, a former Judicial Watch boss, believes the government has been lying about UFOs and aims to challenge the official Air Force policy position. He plans to file for summary judgment based on inconsistencies in sworn testimony. The article notes that Klayman's activist group, Freedom Watch, has a website that does not yet mention its UFO-related actions.

Historical 'Foo-Fighters'

Two articles from January 2, 1945, one from the Winnipeg Free Press and another from the Dixon Evening Telegraph, report on "Foo-Fighters" encountered by American fighter pilots over Germany during World War II. Pilots described these as mysterious "balls of fire" that raced alongside their planes, appearing to be radio-controlled and capable of keeping pace with aircraft flying at high speeds. Lieutenant Donald Meiers described three types: a single red ball, a vertical row of three, and a group of about 15 lights. While pilots initially feared they might explode, there was no indication of damage to planes. Some pilots speculated they were designed as psychological weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around recent UFO sightings, the investigative processes of UFO research organizations, and the ongoing debate about government transparency regarding UFO information. The magazine presents witness testimonies, expert opinions from astronomers and researchers, and historical accounts, maintaining a stance of reporting on these phenomena and the efforts to understand them, while acknowledging that many sightings can be explained by conventional means. The inclusion of historical 'Foo-Fighter' reports suggests an interest in the long-standing nature of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This compilation of articles from various newspapers and journals, primarily from June and July 2009 with one historical piece from August 1946, focuses on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena across the globe.

Ghost Rockets Over Sweden (August 12, 1946)

This article from the Mason City Globe-Gazette reports on the mysterious "ghost rockets" that appeared over Sweden starting in July 1946. Initially dismissed as meteors, military officials soon confirmed the objects were real and that Sweden was a "target area for experimentation with remotely controlled missiles." Between July 9 and July 12, military authorities received 300 reports, with daily additions thereafter. Fragments examined by scientists yielded little, except for indications of coke and other common materials. The Swedish public remained calm, though puzzled as to why Sweden was a target area when uninhabited regions were available. The Stockholms Nedningen newspaper labeled the phenomenon "Ghost Rockets and Future War," highlighting the necessity for preparedness. The ghost rocket was generally described as a small object with a flaming tail, speeding at great height and vanishing quickly, often making no appreciable sound. Some reports suggested the missiles carried a self-destruction device, and military experts noted their long flight range, far exceeding that of early German V-2 rockets. One report mentioned a Swedish officer who saw a rocket during a recent flight, describing it as a streak of light trailing from a small dark body, resembling a comet.

Ghost Rockets Give Sweden The Jitters (August 13, 1946)

This article from the Record-Eagle continues the story of the "mystery rockets" over Sweden, noting that anxious citizens urged the government to identify the responsible country. A spokesman for the Swedish defense staff suggested the nation was "seized by a real ghost-bomb psychosis," and preliminary investigations proved useless. The newspaper Dagens Nyheter reported a missile moving across southern Sweden, described as "shaped like a giant torpedo and emitting a blinding light." Similar "cigar-shaped" missiles were sighted over central Sweden, and along the east coast of southern Norrland. Informed sources indicated government officials were watching developments closely, awaiting "supplementary evidence upon which to base possible diplomatic protests." Press comment suggested the government might be forced to take "resolute steps." Rumors circulated about Russian experimentation in Estonia, but there was no confirmation. The article also mentions two fishermen who saw a large rocket moving south over the Baltic Sea, and a farmer who reported seeing a rocket explode at low altitude. Defense staff officials suggested many reports might be "pure flights of the imagination," though some witnesses left no doubt that the missiles were indeed rockets.

UFO Frenzy Over Blazing Lights Seen Dancing Across Night Sky (June 4, 2009)

This Daily Mail article by David Wilkes describes sightings of "mysterious glowing orbs" or "orange lights" across Britain and Holland. The objects were reported to be darting silently in formation, weaving between each other with precision. Clusters of over 100 have been spotted, leading to speculation of an "armada of invading UFOs." Recent sightings occurred in Merseyside and Lincoln, with similar phenomena reported over Cambridgeshire, where one witness claimed each object was as big as a house. These sightings prompted defense officials to check their logs and excited UFO fans. Engineer Paul Slight photographed objects over Lincoln, describing 26 initially, then seven more, weaving through the crowd like "strange kinds of aircraft" before shooting off. RAF Cranwell stated its base was closed, ruling out its aircraft. The Ministry of Defence was examining claims that Merseyside lights were connected to an exercise involving HMS Daring. An ex-military source suggested the lights were dropped by jets to test the warship's radar. In Cambridgeshire, banker Scott Boswell described seeing over 100 lights flying less than two miles above his home, noting they were silent and not planes or balloons. Auberon Hedgecoe also witnessed lights, describing them as not planes, and the size of a building. A woman claimed the lights over Lincoln were Chinese lanterns, a theory supported by Nick Pope, former head of the MoD's UFO Project, who stated that "99 per cent of UFO reports involving orange lights in the sky these days are attributable to these lanterns."

Were Strange Orange Lights Really UFOs? (June 4, 2009)

This Daily Mail article by Ruth Lumley details an encounter with strange orange lights hovering above Shoreham. Karel Mc'Chambell and his daughter Kayleigh filmed two pulsing lights near Shoreham power station, followed by four more. Mc'Chambell described the lights as changing formation, disappearing and reappearing, and being bigger and brighter than stars, with no sound. He noted his computer reacted strangely while the lights were nearby. He contacted Sussex Police, who advised him to contact the Aeronautical Information System and the Ministry of Defence. A Sussex Police spokesman confirmed a report of bright orange lights that were growing larger and changing formation. The article also mentions a meteor shower over the Channel on Monday night, which coastguard stations reported as white and green flares, attributed by a spokesman to debris from a comet burning up in the Earth's atmosphere.

These Lights Were Not Lanterns (June 24, 2009)

This letter to the editor in the South Devon Gazette argues against the Chinese lantern explanation for orange lights. The author and his wife, along with other witnesses, observed five flying objects travelling in file, faster than helicopters, and climbing to a height of about half a mile. They were described as the size of a large family car, with two large orange lights at the front, but no navigation lights or flashing strobes. The author emphasizes that these craft were "definitely not Chinese lanterns; they were very fast, manoeuvrable and under control."

More Mysterious Geometry Shows Up Off The Coast (June 2, 2009)

This Thanet Times article reports on a second strange triangular object appearing on Google Earth off the coast at Kingsgate, described as a dark black object about 1,500 meters offshore. This follows a report of another mystery black object near Ramsgate. The triangular shape and lack of shadow suggest it is unlikely to be a ship or aircraft. The new object is twice the size of the one previously reported.

It's Not Aliens, It's Just The Weather! (June 25, 2009)

This Muswell Hill Journal article by Daisy Collins explores a theory by pensioner Elizabeth Bowles that "halos," a strange weather phenomenon, could explain recent UFO sightings of cube-shaped objects over Muswell Hill. Halos form when ice crystals in cirrus clouds split sunlight into spectrums of color. Bowles developed this theory after reading about halos in The Times' Weather Eye column. The article also mentions other sightings: actor Sam Lathem saw a cube-shaped "ship" with orange flares; Chris Penny saw an "airplane on fire" with four flashing lights; Sujesh Sundarraj saw a static colorless object; and Emma Hall saw a bright orange ball. The article suggests that while UFOs may or may not exist, some sightings can be explained by atmospheric phenomena.

Ukraine: UFO Lands In Village, Multiple Witnesses (June 20, 2009)

This Allnewsweb report details claims from residents of a small rural village in Ukraine, Brailov, who insist they were woken by an intensely bright white light. They reported electrical surges and a strange feeling of electrical currents. In the morning, three unusual imprints of "wheels with wheels" in a triangular formation were found in a resident's yard. Witnesses described the light and subsequent illnesses, including vomiting and high temperature. Radioactivity levels were high but not extreme. Metal traces were identified. Residents believe a UFO of extraterrestrial origin may be responsible.

Third UFO Sighting In A Week (July 3, 2009)

This Midweek Herald article reports on a further UFO sighting in East Devon, the third in a week. The phenomenon was spotted over Raymonds Hill, near Axminster. Eye witness David Kenning described seeing several orange lights in the sky, moving erratically and disappearing and reappearing. He stated the movements were not normal for aircraft and that they seemed to stay still before shooting off in another direction. Other recent sightings were reported over Payhembury and Sidbury.

Mile Wide UFO Seen By British Pilots (June 30, 2009)

This Mina article reports on one of the largest UFOs ever seen, observed by the crew and passengers of an airliner over the Channel Islands. Aurigny Airlines captain Ray Bowyer described a "cigar-shaped brilliant white light" that was later viewed through binoculars as a "very sharp, thin yellow object with a green area." He estimated it was about 10 miles away, but later realized it was approximately 40 miles away, and initially thought it was the size of a Boeing 737, but concluded it could have been as much as a mile wide. Bowyer then spotted a second identical object. The sightings were confirmed by passengers Kate and John Russell, who saw an "orange light" like an elongated oval, and an unnamed pilot with the Blue Islands airline. The Civil Aviation Authority noted that a Tri-Lander aircraft spotted the object, but stated that "certain parts of the report have not been published."

Did We See Real UFO Or Chinese Lanterns? (June 14, 2009)

This Hayling Islander article discusses emergency services being called after strange, glowing, orange orbs were spotted in the night sky over Hayling Island. David Powell and his son Lawrence saw six orb-like spheres, described as "perfectly still" and similar to the Plough constellation. Alan Campbell also witnessed six "really big, glowing, orange lights" that made no sound. A cyclist confirmed seeing them. Solent Coastguard received a call but found no one in distress. A meteorologist stated there was no weather explanation. Richard Judd, president of Hampshire Astronomical Group, was skeptical, suggesting they were Chinese lanterns or maroons. David Powell remains unconvinced, stating they were "not Chinese lanterns."

Not First Time We've Been Visited By ETs (May 28, 2009)

This Hampshire Chronicle Series letter discusses previous alleged extraterrestrial encounters in Winchester, referencing an earlier article about Cllr Adrian Hicks' encounter. The letter details incidents in 1976 and 1977 involving Joyce Bowles and Ted Pratt, who reported alien encounters after their car stopped on Chilcombe Road. The letter also mentions eight other sightings of glowing cigar-shaped UFOs in the Winchester area that weekend. The author believes there is "something going on in the Chilcombe military range area that has great significance for us all."

Mystery Over 'UFO' Images (June 13, 2009)

This Glasgow Evening Times article features home video clips that intrigued a Scots UFO expert. Evening Times reader John McGregor filmed what appeared to be a diamond-shaped object speeding through the sky, and later, a silver or orange ball-shaped object. McGregor described the images as a mystery he would love to solve. Ron Halliday, author of several books on the paranormal, stated that John had "certainly caught something on his video," but it was hard to make out exactly what. The article mentions that the orange sphere was estimated to be 200ft up. The first object was filmed over Govan, and the second over Paisley.

The Truth Is Out There... (June 12, 2009)

This article from the Hartlepool Mail discusses research into "strange lights" and "alien spaceships," suggesting evidence of extraterrestrials on Earth. It references Linda Moulton Howe's 1993 documentary on unexplained animal deaths, characterized by surgical-like injuries and bloodless excisions, which she attributed to extraterrestrials. The article mentions current investigations in Dartmoor and the Rea Valley, UK, showing similarities to Howe's findings. Lieutenant Philip J. Corso's 1997 information about creatures from another planet perpetrating these acts is also cited. The article notes that many US law enforcement officers agree with the extraterrestrial theory, citing instances of animals being beamed up into crafts. The author has completed a documentary called "Silent Killers" on these UK incidents.

The Great UK UFO Cover-Up Continues (June 11, 2009)

This Denbighshire Free Press article, a "Letter of the Week," addresses the Carrog UFO sighting and the inclusion of an image of three Chinese lanterns. The author argues that the lanterns did not solve the UFO mystery, stating that the farmer concerned refused to discuss the incident. The article notes waves of nocturnal lights over Wrexham, dismissed as lanterns, but the author argues it's statistically improbable for three to land on the same farm. The letter criticizes the Ministry of Defence for spending "hundreds of millions of your taxes annually" on investigating and covering up the UFO phenomenon, calling it "recession proof."

Ten Things You Never Knew About... Flying Saucers (Undated)

This listicle provides trivia about flying saucers and UFOs. It includes facts such as the origin of the term "flying saucer" from Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, the average number of daily abduction claims in California, US President Jimmy Carter's sighting of what was likely Venus, and the first country to depict flying saucers on postage stamps (Equatorial Guinea in 1975). It also mentions insurance against alien abduction, the names of US investigations (Project Sign, Grudge, Twinkle, Blue Book), the estimated number of Americans abducted by aliens, and the gender distribution of UFO sighting reporters.

Bigfoot? He's Real To These Folks (May 31, 2009)

This Appeal-Democrat article by Jessie Faulkner profiles David Paulides and his book "The Hoopa Project: Bigfoot Encounters in California." The book compiles numerous interviews from 2004 detailing alleged Bigfoot sightings and encounters in the Pacific Northwest, particularly Northern California. Paulides, a former police officer, was initially skeptical but was swayed by the scale of the reports and the testimony of longtime Bigfoot investigator Al Hodgson. The book includes illustrations of Bigfoot based on descriptions, noting a consistent lack of facial hair in most depictions.

Sky 'Rains Tadpoles' Over Japan (June 10, 2009)

This Telegraph article reports on baffling incidents of tadpoles falling from the sky over a coastal region in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture. Residents, officials, and scientists are perplexed. Clouds of dead tadpoles have fallen in a series of episodes. One man found over 100 dead tadpoles covering a car windshield. While scientists attribute such animal rains to strong winds, storms, or water sprouts, meteorologists in Ishikawa are unsure, as there were no reports of strong winds. Another theory involving birds carrying creatures is also dismissed.

Are UFOs Responsible For Cattle Mutilations? (June 1, 2009)

This Webster County Citizen article investigates reports of cattle mutilations, citing incidents in Wright and Douglas counties, Missouri. Rick Lynch describes a mutilated Hereford cow with precise cuts around the jawbone, removed tongue, and reproductive organs, with no blood or tracks. He notes his daughter reported seeing strange lights around the cows. Another Wright County farmer, Galen Jones, featured on the History Channel's "UFO Hunters," also reported strange lights during his cow's mutilation. The article mentions two calves in Douglas County with eyes and testicles removed. George Schlick, a retired police officer, believes these incidents are part of a "worldwide occurrence." The article also touches on Ken Storch, a MUFON investigator, and his interest in cattle mutilations, referencing Storch's experience with UFO sightings during the "Yom Kippur War."

Argentina - Abduction Interrupted? (June 22, 2009)

This Journal of Hispanic Ufology report, based on information from UFO researcher Quique Mario, details an incident in Argentina's La Pampa province. A woman claims to have witnessed UFOs and alleged cattle mutilation. She described occupants as tall (around 2 meters) and shorter (around 1.60 meters), with different behaviors, giving the impression of being like robots. In one instance, an object descended, and an attempt was made to abduct the witness and her five-year-old son, but her husband's intervention prevented it. The incident caused a commotion, and a radio journalist visited the scene. The report notes that "restlessness prevails in some areas and fear has caused some rural workers to stop working at night."

Pair Spot UFO Lights In Sky Over Cannington (July 1, 2009)

This Bridgewater Times article features Doreen Bunch and Alison Howard, who claim the Bridgwater area is a UFO hotspot. They reported seeing bright lights in formation in the sky over Cannington, initially thinking they were helicopters but realizing they flew too close together. The lights turned from dull orange to glaring white before disappearing. They also observed a second group of lights behaving similarly. They attempted to take photos on their mobile phones, but nothing appeared on the images. The story, which appeared in the Bridgwater Times, was subsequently posted on three UFO spotting sites.

UFO Seen By Entire City Of Chengdu, China (July 4, 2009)

This Allnewsweb report describes thousands of residents in Chengdu, China, witnessing a massive UFO event. The pulsating object was described as a luminous blue color that changed to red. The head of the Chengdu Buddhist Association called it a "Heavenly Body" and not a Chinese lantern or weather balloon. The article notes that All News Web previously exposed China's "Area 51" in the Chengdu district and that a crashed UFO was allegedly retrieved from the area in 1947. Many Chinese UFO researchers are not surprised by the number of sightings in the region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles include the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs, ghost rockets, strange lights), the efforts of individuals and organizations to investigate these sightings, and the varying explanations offered, ranging from weather phenomena and misidentification (Chinese lanterns, balloons) to potential extraterrestrial activity and government cover-ups. There is a clear division between skepticism, which often points to mundane explanations, and belief, which is fueled by eyewitness accounts, photographic/video evidence, and the sheer volume and strangeness of some reports. The articles collectively highlight a public fascination with the unknown and a desire for answers regarding these unexplained events, with a general editorial stance that leans towards reporting the phenomena and the ongoing investigations, while acknowledging the controversies and differing opinions surrounding them.