UFO Newsclipping Service - 2010 01 - no 486

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" magazine, published by NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in January 2010, focuses on recent and historical UFO sightings and related topics. The cover highlights a decade-old UFO scare in Millstadt, Illinois, and features other sightings from around the world. The magazine includes articles on alleged encounters, witness testimonies, and investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena.

Millstadt UFO Scare: A Decade Later

The lead article, "A decade after UFO scare, some still eye skies," by Ken West, revisits the mysterious events of January 5, 2000, in Monroe County, Illinois. Melvern Noll, then 77, reported seeing a "flying house with windows" about 100 feet away, which moved slowly and silently before taking off southwest. Noll's call to the Highland Police Department was met with skepticism. Craig Stevens of the Millstadt Police Department also tracked the object, describing it as "huge" and "kind of V-shaped." The incident garnered national media attention, including television specials and mentions on the History Channel and by ABC anchor. Despite theories suggesting it was a craft from nearby Scott Air Force Base, many witnesses, including Shiloh Police Chief Gary McGill, believe "something was there." The article notes that Noll has retired and moved, Officer Ed Barton has died, and Officer Craig Stevens has moved out of state. Darryl Barker produced a DVD titled "The Edge of Reality: Illinois UFO, January 5, 2000," documenting the event.

Other Sightings and Reports

Triangle UFO over Lake Erie

An article from The Canadian National Newspaper reports on a witness lying on a boat pier at Lake Erie on December 26, 2009, who described a triangle-shaped UFO that hovered, moved slowly, and then disappeared. The sighting, logged as MUFON Case #21324, lasted several minutes. The object was described as flashing multicolored lights, moving silently, and appearing to be flat black. The witness noted the unusual lack of sound compared to other aircraft and the object's erratic movements.

The Tinley Lights

SouthtownStar reporter Jason Freeman recalls the 2004-05 alleged UFO sightings over Tinley Park, Illinois, in an article dated December 27, 2009. Thousands of residents witnessed three slow-moving red lights on August 21, 2004, with similar incidents occurring on October 31, 2004, and September 30, 2005. The "Tinley Lights" case is considered one of the best-documented UFO sightings. Freeman, an "open-minded skeptic," recounts his own sighting on a mild Halloween night in 2004, questioning whether it was proof of the paranormal or a prank. The sightings prompted hundreds of calls to police and were featured on the History Channel's "UFO Hunters." Theories ranged from misidentified planets to road flares tied to balloons, but no definitive explanation has been found.

UFO likely a remote-controlled airplane (Tracy, CA)

An article from the Tracy Press (November 25, 2009) discusses mysterious blue lights seen over Tracy, California. A witness, Jay Moini, reported seeing a deep blue light moving in ways no airplane or helicopter could. Traffic was stopped on MacArthur Drive due to the sighting. Speculation arose about secret government experiments or alien presence. Tracy police suggested the lights might belong to a radio-operated plane. A related report from ABC Channel 10 (January 14, 2010) details a similar sighting of strange blue lights over Tracy, which seemed to rise, fall, and blink, lasting for nearly 90 minutes. The witness doubted it was a remote-controlled plane.

Mysterious green lights at sea

The Daily Astorian (December 2, 2009) reports that the U.S. Coast Guard received numerous calls about bright green flares over the ocean, which were later determined to be a meteor shower. The "Beaver" moon contributed to the visibility of the shower.

Buzz Aldrin claims UFO sighting near the Moon

An article from ALLNEWSWEB (January 5, 2010) relays a claim by a Bolivian journalist that Buzz Aldrin confided in him about a UFO following the Apollo XI astronauts. Aldrin allegedly stated that the mission revealed humans share the universe with other intelligent beings, and that NASA made efforts to cover up the event. Aldrin's interest in Bolivia stemmed from seeing a flash of light he believed came from lithium mines.

Texas couple near Stephensville watches triangle UFO under 300 feet

By Roger Marsh, this article from The Canadian National Newspaper (January 4, 2010) details a sighting by a Texas couple on January 2, 2010, of a triangle-shaped UFO moving between 200 and 300 feet overhead. The pulsating object displayed red, green, and white lights. The craft was silent and described as having rounded edges with lights at the tips. They also observed a third "star like" object. The report is filed with MUFON.

Down-to-earth study of UFOs lands on ballot

The Denver Post (December 2, 2009) reports that Denver voters will be asked to approve the formation of a commission to study visitors from outer space. Jeff Peckman submitted enough signatures to get the issue on the ballot. If passed, Denver will create a seven-member commission to collect evidence of extraterrestrial visits.

Nanaimo couple spots UFOs flying over Mount Benson

Krista Bryce of The Daily News (December 30, 2009) reports on a Nanaimo, BC, couple who saw four unidentified flying objects over Mount Benson on Christmas Day. Chris Ansell and Kathleen Kirby described four orange lights that transformed into green glowing spheres before disappearing. Paul Greenhalgh of the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society suggested the lights might be part of the Big Dipper constellation or iridium satellites, but had no explanation for the erratic movements. Ansell stated he doesn't believe in extraterrestrials but acknowledges the vastness of the universe.

Witness reports UFO and EBE sighting in Puerto Rico

Edited by Albert S. Rosales, this report from The Canadian National Newspaper (December 24, 2009) details a sighting near Manati, Puerto Rico, on November 6, 2008. A witness and his family saw a large, teardrop-shaped craft emitting a loud humming sound, hovering a few feet above the ground. A human-shaped figure in a shiny blue suit emerged, placed a box on the ground, and scooped earth into it, emitting a red beam of light. The figure then re-entered the craft and disappeared. Later, similar ships were seen maneuvering in the sky.

Hacker Gary McKinnon's Extradition Battle

Two articles cover the legal struggles of Gary McKinnon. "Hacker loses final appeal against extradition to US" from The Independent (November 27, 2009) reports that the Home Secretary dismissed McKinnon's appeal to prevent extradition to the US, where he is accused of hacking into military and NASA computers. McKinnon, who has Asperger's syndrome, claims he was looking for evidence of UFOs. His mother, Janis Sharp, expressed concern for his mental state. The case highlights concerns about the UK's Extradition Act 2003. "Johnson grants Gary one small victory" from The Daily Mail (December 3, 2009) notes that the Home Secretary extended the deadline for judicial review proceedings by seven days, a concession criticized as insufficient.

Vatican Looks to Heavens for Signs of Alien Life

An Associated Press article (November 10, 2009) from Vatican City reports on a Vatican conference that gathered astronomers, physicists, and biologists to discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its implications for the Catholic Church. Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes, director of the Vatican Observatory, stated that questions of life's origins and existence elsewhere in the universe deserve serious consideration. He maintained that the discovery of intelligent beings would not contradict faith, as they would be considered "part of creation." The article notes the Church's evolving relationship with science, referencing Galileo and Pope Benedict XVI's emphasis on faith and reason. Scientists have discovered hundreds of exoplanets, and the discovery of alien life is considered a possibility in the near future.

Kecksburg Event Tough Nut to Crack

An investigative reporter is leery about NASA's claims of having no records of the 1965 Kecksburg incident, as reported by The Daily Courier (November 11, 2009). Despite numerous eyewitness accounts of an orange fireball, NASA insists it has no documentation. A New York journalist's seven-year campaign, including a federal lawsuit, yielded no records from NASA, though files on other fireball meteors were provided. The journalist claims NASA's historical records were handled in a "cursory, seemingly arbitrary way." The incident involved reports of a military removal of an acorn-shaped object. Stan Gordon, who researched the incident, produced a documentary. Ron Struble, chairman of the annual Kecksburg Old Fashion Days & UFO Festival, stated the festival helps raise funds for the local fire department.

Did Meteor Hit Near Dugway?

This report from the Deseret News (November 20, 2009) discusses new evidence suggesting a spectacular fireball meteor may have landed in Utah. A seismologist believes the meteor impacted Utah's west desert, with calculations pointing to the general vicinity of Granite Peak, southwest of Dugway. The location is on Dugway Proving Grounds, making a search unlikely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, often highlighting witness testimonies and the skepticism or lack of official explanation. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy or inadequacy in investigating UFO incidents, as seen in the Kecksburg and Gary McKinnon cases. The Vatican's exploration of extraterrestrial life suggests a growing openness to considering such possibilities within scientific and religious frameworks. The publication appears to present a range of UFO-related news, from alleged sightings to scientific and legal developments, without overtly taking a stance but rather reporting on the events and investigations.

This issue of WalesOnline, dated January 5, 2010, features a prominent article about a 'flaming UFO' sighting in Pontyclun, Wales, captured on video by a local grandfather. The issue also includes a collection of international UFO reports from late 2009 and early 2010, covering sightings in Russia, China, France, the UK, and South America, alongside discussions on potential explanations and government responses.

'Flaming UFO' Flight in Pontyclun

The lead story by Sarah Bunney details the experience of Brian Howells, a 64-year-old grandfather from Pontyclun, who recorded a 40-second video of a bright orange, ball-shaped object moving silently through the sky on a Sunday evening. Initially mistaken for a plane on fire due to its proximity to the Cardiff Airport flight path, the object's unusual flames led Mr. Howells to contact the airport and later South Wales Police. An officer visited Mr. Howells, and the footage was shared with RAF Kinloss, which identified the object as a meteor. Despite the official explanation, Mr. Howells' granddaughter was astonished, and the incident sparked local interest. Mr. Howells himself remains skeptical about alien life, believing there is always a rational explanation for UFO sightings.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police confirmed receiving a call about a 'large ball of fire' and that officers were informed by the RAF about meteorite activity at the time. Brian Spink of the Swansea Astronomical Society noted that meteor showers like the Quadrantids are common in early January. Dave Powell of Cardiff's Astronomical Society explained that meteors are debris burning up in the atmosphere.

UFO Pyramid Reported Over Kremlin

An article from The Telegraph (UK, Dec. 18, 2009) reports on a giant pyramid-shaped UFO sighted over the Kremlin in Moscow on December 9, 2009. This event coincided with mysterious lights over Norway on the same night, leading to frenzied speculation in Russia. The object was compared to an Imperial Cruiser from Star Wars and estimated to be up to a mile wide. Two video clips of the phenomenon, filmed by amateurs, were widely circulated on Russian television and YouTube. The object reportedly hovered over Red Square for hours. While Russian reports initially ruled out a UFO, police declined to comment. Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence UFO analyst, described one of the clips as 'extraordinary,' noting that it appeared to move behind a power line, ruling out a simple reflection. Jane's News stated they had no idea what it was.

Mystery Deepens Around Norway Spiral Light and Other Phenomena

Alfred Lambremont Webre's article in examiner.com (USA, Dec. 15, 2009) links the Dec. 9 Norway spiral light to the Kremlin pyramid UFO and similar vortex lights reported over Russia and China. Several interpretations are offered, including extraterrestrial communication intended as a message to the Russian military to cease missile development, or HAARP (High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program) as a weapon of mass destruction causing plasma light effects, possibly as a warning to Barack Obama or as part of a 'Project Blue Beam' mass psychological conditioning. Other theories suggest wormholes or experiments at the Large Hadron Collider. Jean-Charles Duboc of Exopolitics France posits that these events are symbolic communications from a higher civilization, serving as warnings against weapons development and offering hope for technological solutions to global problems. David Wilcock and Richard Hoagland independently suggested HAARP's involvement, with Wilcock's sources linking the Norway spiral light to Project Blue Beam.

The article also discusses vortex lights in China and Russia, noting similarities to the Norway event. Alternative explanations include missile failures, extraterrestrial phenomena, or HAARP-induced plasma lights. The possibility of a human-made Blue Beam construct is also raised.

Mass UFO Sighting in France Investigated

An ALLNEWSWEB report (France, Jan. 6, 2010) details a mass UFO sighting on New Year's Eve off the coast of France, near Bordeaux. French police on the Isle of Oleron confirmed they were investigating the incident after interviewing at least three independent witnesses whose testimonies were consistent. Lieutenant Bourdajeau stated it was not a hallucination, describing an egg-shaped object that appeared silently, hovered, and then sped off. One witness, Jean Louis Fesseau, a seasoned fisherman, confirmed it was not a flare or helicopter. The object was described as red and yellow, stationary for 12 seconds, and estimated to be about 600 meters offshore at a height of 300 meters. The police report is being handed over to GEIPAN, France's official UFO investigative body.

MoD Investigates Nine UFO Sightings in Suffolk

The Evening Star (UK, Jan. 15, 2010) reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) investigated nine UFO sightings in Suffolk in 2009. The article highlights that the MoD has released its last ever UFO files and has axed its UFO hotline and investigation unit, despite a near doubling of reported sightings to 643 in the UK. Nick Pope, a former MoD UFO expert, criticized the decision, calling it 'outrageous' and warning that leaving the skies unmonitored leaves the UK open to terrorist attack. The MoD stated that no UFO report over 50 years had revealed a threat to the UK and that investigations were an 'inappropriate use of defence resources.' Specific sightings in Suffolk included yellow objects like sparklers, a large black ball moving at 200mph, bright white lights, fast-moving orbs, and 'sparkler-like' craft.

UFO or Shooting Star?

The Halstead Gazette (UK, Jan. 5, 2010) features a report by Nina Morgan about villagers in Haverhill who believe they may have answers to a UFO sighting. A couple reported a bright white light, square in shape with a green aurora, descending rapidly and disappearing instantaneously. Christopher Warnes posted the sighting online. Another resident recalled customers hoping to see shooting stars. The vastness of the East Anglian skies and frequent aircraft traffic are noted.

UFO Spotted in Altrincham

A Messenger article (UK, Dec. 11, 2009) describes a sighting by an Altrincham resident of strange lights in the sky. The witness saw a very bright, whitish/orangish/reddish, jagged triangular object, followed by a smaller greenish/white circular object that moved with stunning speed and vanished. The witness described the object's maneuvers as 'mind boggling and just plain weird.' The main object then disappeared with an orangish/reddish flash.

New Mass UFO Sighting Sends Chinese Media into Frenzy

An ALLNEWSWEB report (China, Jan. 14, 2010) covers a mass UFO sighting in the Xinjiang region of western China, witnessed by millions. The event involved a star-like object that turned red, then green, morphed into a saucer shape, rotated, turned blue, and vanished. Some witnesses reported the UFO landing on a mountain. While the local Astronomy station declared it 'space-junk,' many witnesses believe it was extraterrestrial. Photos and expected film footage have emerged.

Inexplicata - The Journal of Hispanic Ufology

This section compiles several reports from Latin America:

• Argentina: Spanish Tourists Witness UFO in Cachi (Dec. 30, 2009): A group of Spanish and Argentinean tourists in Cachi witnessed two luminous, flashing objects. One object was described as oscillating, and another appeared later, moving with astonishing speed. Locals report frequent similar events, making Cachi a popular destination for UFO enthusiasts.
• Mexico: A UFO Report from MCIA (Dec. 24, 2009): An Aeromexico Boeing 737-800 crew reported spherical traffic near Cerro de la Estrella. Previous sightings include two spherical objects over Benito Juarez Airport and a photographed UFO during a thunderstorm. The article notes that many witnesses are qualified airline pilots.
• Argentina: Strange Lights Along the Chalchaquí River (2002): An older report describes a 'bright but not shiny, dull yet powerful' light observed by Silvia Aguirre and her neighbors. The light turned on and off intermittently for 15 minutes, appeared to be very large (over 50m), and emitted a beam. It later reappeared at a greater distance. The object was described as having a dynamic substance inside, like stirred gelatin, and its light was compared to ice or the moon's glow on a black background. The object split into two and rejoined to form a rhombus before vanishing.

Researcher Says We're Near the Heart of Bigfoot Country

A Herald article (Mount Shasta, CA, Dec. 2, 2009) discusses Siskiyou County, California, as a hotspot for Bigfoot sightings, with over 47 recorded locations dating back to 1850. David Paulides, director of North America Bigfoot Search, notes a high concentration of sightings near the Hoopa Reservation. His 'Hoopa Project' involved 45 interviews and site visits, aiming to understand why Bigfoot appears in the region. Paulides emphasizes a science-based approach, combining sightings, affidavits, and forensics. He suggests the Bigfoot population may be around 2,000, with coastal populations being more stationary due to diet. A composite sketch based on witness descriptions appears more human than ape-like. Hair samples analyzed so far indicate non-human DNA. The article lists several specific Bigfoot sightings in Siskiyou County from 1850 to 2005.

San Antonio Police Release 'Bigfoot' Sighting Call

A KENS 5 TV report (San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 7, 2009) covers a 911 dispatch call from a homeless couple reporting a 'Bigfoot' sighting. The couple described a large, hairy creature smelling awful, devouring a deer carcass, and screaming before running off. The creature was described as walking upright and being larger than the 6'3" husband. Police found no sign of the creature or the couple at the reported location in northwest San Antonio.

McDowell News: Water Happened to National Park's Lake?

Mike Conley's column in the McDowell News (Marion, NC, Jan. 13, 2010) discusses the inexplicable disappearance of a five-acre glacial lake in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, Chile, in 2007. Rangers found a 100-feet-deep crater where the lake once existed. Geologists theorized water seeped into underground fissures, but could not explain the absence of earthquakes. While climate change was cited, UFO enthusiasts proposed alternative theories, including UFOs draining the lake, a concept supported by previous tales of UFOs interacting with bodies of water.

Bizarre Calf Mutilations Found on Colorado Ranch

An AP Associated Press report (Colorado, USA, Nov. 25, 2009) details a series of calf mutilations on a Colorado ranch, leaving the rancher and sheriff's officials mystified. Four calves were found with skins peeled back, organs removed, and one with its tongue missing. No signs of human or animal attackers were found. A local UFO chaser, Chuck Zukowski, speculates that extraterrestrials are involved, noting another calf found with its ears removed near Trinidad.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained phenomena, primarily UFO sightings, but also touches upon Bigfoot and mysterious geological events. There's a clear emphasis on witness testimony, police investigations, and the challenges of scientific verification. The articles present various interpretations, from official explanations like meteors and natural phenomena to more speculative theories involving extraterrestrial intelligence, advanced technology (HAARP, Project Blue Beam), and even government cover-ups. The closure of the UK's MoD UFO department is highlighted as a significant development, suggesting a shift in official attitudes towards investigating such phenomena. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and the diverse range of opinions and investigations surrounding them, without definitively endorsing any single explanation.