UFO Newsclipping Service - 2010 09 - no 494

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, published by NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, is dated September 2010 and is identified as Number 494. The cover features a prominent "UFO" logo and a headline in memoriam of Wendelle Stevens (1923-2010), a notable UFO research pioneer. The magazine includes a variety of articles detailing recent and historical UFO sightings, witness testimonies, potential explanations, and discussions about alleged government cover-ups.

In Memoriam: Wendelle Stevens (1923-2010)

The issue begins with a tribute to Lt. Colonel Wendelle Stevens, a retired USAF officer and UFO research pioneer who passed away on September 7, 2010. Stevens was born in 1923, served in the US Army and Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater, and later served as a US Air Attaché in South America. He retired from the USAF in 1963 and worked for Hamilton Aircraft until 1972. He is survived by his three daughters, seven grandchildren, and his wife, Susan Trude-Stevens. His service was held at the Southern AZ Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ.

Return Performance: Military jets chase UFO over Arizona town

An article from examiner.com dated August 17th, 2010, reports on an incident from August 16, 2010, in Lake Havasu City, AZ. A couple reported seeing 8 to 10 jets chasing a boomerang-shaped UFO with "extremely bright, strobing lights." The UFO reportedly displayed a bright red light that stopped abruptly, changed direction, and then stopped again before maneuvering at extreme speeds and altitudes, making no sound. The conventional aircraft were heard, but the UFO was silent. The couple described changes in speed, direction, and altitude that are not possible with currently known technologies. The event lasted for 30 to 45 minutes.

Some ideas offered to explain flying objects (Richmond County Daily Journal, Sept. 15, 2010)

This article by Philip D. Brown explores explanations for unidentified flying objects reported over Hamlet, NC. Mark Easter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) stated that while most sightings are explainable, about 5% are puzzling. Hamlet Police Chief John Haywood was unaware of specific reports but mentioned ongoing testing at the airport. Airport Manager Doile Haigler explained that Army troops were conducting Robin Sage exercises, involving frequent helicopter training, which might be mistaken for UFOs. Richmond County Public Works Director Brian Land confirmed military activity was mostly during daylight hours. Reader Kimberly Kennedy suggested the International Space Station as a possible explanation for lights seen Monday night, noting its brightness and lack of blinking. U.S. Army veteran Jamie Puckett identified the description as possibly an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior reconnaissance helicopter, noting its camera and hovering capabilities. The article also mentions North Carolina as a UFO hotspot and the process for reporting sightings to MUFON.

Chicago O'Hare UFO: Leslie Kean Revisits 2006 'Sighting' on "Colbert Report" (The Huffington Post, Aug. 27, 2010)

This piece revisits the November 2006 incident where United Airlines employees at Chicago O'Hare Airport reported seeing a "flying saucerlike object." Journalist Leslie Kean, author of "UFOs: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Go On the Record," discussed the sighting on "The Colbert Report." Kean noted that while the story received attention, it eventually faded, and the government never officially commented, though the FAA dismissed it as a "weather phenomenon." Kean emphasized the need for more investigation into such sightings.

Possible solution to mystery of the orbs (Green Bay Press Gazette, Aug. 25, 2010)

This article by Samantha Hernandez suggests that a local DJ, Dan O'Hern (The Unknown DJ), may have solved the mystery of bright orange orbs spotted by the Platt family. O'Hern believes the orbs were sky lanterns, similar to those he saw released at a wedding. He described them as small, flame-retardant paper balloons that travel with wind currents. The Platt siblings saw four orbs moving in a straight line. While Lauris Platt isn't entirely convinced, citing the speed and consistency of movement, Todd Schlosser of The Sky Lanterns explains how wind currents can make lanterns appear to move fast and horizontally. He also notes that lanterns flicker for about 30 seconds to a minute before going out. Schlosser suggests that if the lights lasted five to seven minutes, they were likely sky lanterns. The article also mentions another sighting by a sheriff's deputy and a police officer of over a dozen bright, floating lights near the Bayview Bridge, which authorities suggested might have been sky lanterns released near a resort.

UFO Over Dinwiddie? (WTRV CBS Chan. 6, Sept. 8, 2010)

This report details calls received by police dispatch in Dinwiddie County, VA, after blinking lights were captured in the night sky. Witnesses described an aircraft that appeared to be on fire or breaking up. The incident was initially treated as a potential airplane crash, but authorities later learned it was a military training exercise from nearby Fort Pickett. State police helicopters flew over the area as a safety measure.

Did hunter's infrared camera capture images of UFO? (Los Angeles Times, Aug. 26, 2010)

Lisa Brock-Piekarski of Fort Worth, TX, reported finding mysterious lights in the background of infrared camera images taken at her family's hunting spot. She described the lights as resembling a "Frisbee" with several lights going around symmetrically. The images were taken over a two-hour period by a motion-activated game camera. Brock-Piekarski could not identify the cause and expressed hesitation about returning to her hunting blind alone. The hunting land is near Sheppard Air Force Base, which did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Simpsonville Man Believes He Caught UFO On Camera (WSPA, Sept. 6, 2010)

Jawad Ashey of Simpsonville, SC, reported seeing a blue light in the sky that started small and grew larger. He captured the event on video, stating it lasted about three minutes and that he was a skeptic but is now a believer. WSPA meteorologist Dan Bickford stated there was "nothing unusual" in the atmosphere. Ed Richards, an astronomy enthusiast, noted that while Venus and Jupiter are visible, they do not fit the phenomenon. He emphasized that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Ashey now considers himself an "amateur UFO hunter."

Is the truth out there? Southwest Florida weighs in on Tuesday night lights off coast (Naples News, Sept. 15, 2010)

This article discusses a mysterious light display over the Gulf near Naples, FL, on a Tuesday night. Residents reported orange or yellow lights flickering in stationary and V-shaped patterns, which were recorded on camera phones and posted online. Naples Fire Department Chief Steve McInerny reported numerous 911 calls. Senior Airman Katie Spencer of Homestead Air Reserve Base explained the lights were flares dropped by F-16 jets during routine training exercises. However, witnesses found the official explanation lacking, particularly regarding the stationary patterns. Ian Carrier speculated the flares might have been attached to parachutes, but Spencer insisted they were standard flares that fall. Some residents, like Kevin Dinger, expressed skepticism about the Air Force's explanation, questioning if they were telling the truth.

South Carolina woman reports falling cylinder-shaped object (examiner.com, Sept. 15, 2010)

A South Carolina woman reported seeing a cylinder-shaped object with three bright lights and a "blurry background" moving vertically in the sky on September 13, 2010. The witness described the object as "pure confusion," extremely close, and jerky yet not moving. She was too stunned to grab her camera. The object was described as "2-d than 3-d" and disappeared after making three elliptical maneuvers and accelerating rapidly. MUFON case # 25433.

UFO Sightings: Scientists Wonder If There Is Coverup (Anaheim Bulletin, April 30, 1973)

This article details allegations by Robert B. Klinn and David Branch regarding a potential government cover-up of UFO information. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former scientific consultant to the U.S. Air Force on UFOs, revealed that he found hints of a federal agency investigating UFOs. He consulted on Project Blue Book and noted that a UFO report from Saigon in 1967, involving five large, illuminated discs pursued by jet aircraft, was classified as "Information Only" and ignored by the Air Force. Hynek questioned why military jets were involved if the sighting was not taken seriously. The article also mentions a similar incident near Yucca Valley, California, involving military jets chasing a huge UFO, which was also kept secret.

Evidence Mounting To Support Claim Of UFO Cover-Up (Anaheim Bulletin, May 2, 1973)

This follow-up article presents new evidence corroborating a federal cover-up of UFO information, specifically a Saigon sighting and a California incident. Five witnesses, including a top scientist, observed U.S. military jets chasing a large UFO over the Southern California desert. The object, described as accelerating eastward and growing in size and brilliance, was estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 feet altitude. It stopped and hovered, then accelerated at tremendous speed and disappeared. Military jets were seen pursuing it. The unknown object then reappeared, made more maneuvers, and accelerated away. The article notes that scientists like Dr. James A. Harder believe in a covert U.S. operation regarding UFOs.

Churchill 'ordered cover-up of wartime UFO sighting' (Daily Mail, Aug. 5, 2010)

This article reports on secret files suggesting Winston Churchill ordered a cover-up of an encounter between an RAF aircraft and a UFO during World War II. The allegation comes from a scientist whose grandfather was a bodyguard to Churchill. The scientist claimed Churchill and U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower discussed the incident, with Churchill stating it should be classified for at least 50 years to prevent "mass panic" and "destroy one's belief in the Church." The files, released by the National Archives, did not find records of the discussion but noted that UFO files from that era were likely destroyed. The article also mentions other UFO-related matters in the files, including the UK's Joint Intelligence Committee discussing UFOs in 1957 and RAF jets being scrambled 200 times a year during the Cold War.

UFO 'spotted' by girl and mum (Harborough Mail, July 22, 2010)

A 13-year-old girl, Tania Allsop, and her mother, Karin Jenkins, reported seeing a strange saucer-shaped UFO above Desborough. They described a blue object hovering, which they initially mistook for a purple light. The sighting is noted as the latest UFO mystery in the Harborough area, with previous reports often explained as Chinese lanterns. Other unexplained sightings include a silver object and a metallic-looking object photographed near train tracks.

Wartime prime minister accused of hushing up sighting to avoid panic (Metro London, Aug. 5, 2010)

This article reiterates the claim that Winston Churchill ordered a cover-up of a WWII UFO sighting involving an RAF reconnaissance plane. The pilot reportedly encountered a "strange metallic object" that matched the aircraft's course and speed before disappearing. The account, made in 1999 by the grandson of a Churchill bodyguard, suggests the incident was to be kept secret for 50 years to prevent "mass panic and destroy one's belief in the church." The MoD stated that UFO files from that era would likely have been destroyed. The article also mentions a "Wasted wager" slip from Ladbrokes regarding aliens landing on Earth and a note about RAF jets being scrambled to intercept UFOs during the Cold War.

UFO WAS NO METEOR-FRIGHT (Wales on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010)

Pat Evans, who claims to have seen a glowing UFO on a hillside in the Berwyn Mountains on January 23, 1974 (the "Welsh Roswell" incident), dismisses Ministry of Defence suggestions that it was a combination of an earthquake and a meteor. Evans described the object as "unidentified" and stated it had to have been flown there. She reported hearing a "huge bang" and seeing a brilliant light. The MoD inquiry concluded that witnesses generally reported a bright light falling towards the horizon, with an expert suggesting a "fireball" visible over the UK that night. However, witnesses like Evans remain unconvinced, with one stating "That 'something' came down in the Berwyn Mountains on that night I am certain."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine consistently explores the theme of unexplained aerial phenomena, often contrasting witness accounts with official explanations. There is a recurring focus on alleged government cover-ups, particularly concerning historical incidents involving military aircraft and UFOs. The magazine presents a range of sightings, from recent events in Arizona and Florida to historical cases like the "Welsh Roswell" and alleged WWII encounters. The editorial stance appears to favor presenting witness testimonies and investigative claims, often questioning official narratives and highlighting the enduring mystery surrounding UFOs. The inclusion of a tribute to Wendelle Stevens underscores the magazine's commitment to UFO research and history.

This issue of the Lancashire Evening Post, dated August 5, 2010, focuses on the release of declassified Ministry of Defence (MoD) documents related to UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena in the UK. The main cover story, "MP Nigel and the ex-X Files," highlights inquiries received by MP Nigel Evans from constituents reporting mysterious events.

MP Nigel and the ex-X Files

By Ben Robinson, this article reveals that for years, top-secret documents containing claims of UFO sightings and unexplained events were hidden from public view. Thousands of MoD documents have now been declassified and published, including numerous inquiries lodged with Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans during the mid-1990s. Constituents wrote to Mr. Evans asking for explanations about sightings and phenomena they could not explain.

Among the inquiries were claims of witnessing a flying object or plane crash off Morecambe Bay in October 1996, and a similar occurrence off the Island of Lewis in Scotland. One letter detailed strange happenings on the night of October 26, 1996, including an earth tremor felt in Lancashire and a large power cut in Morecambe, with people questioning a connection. The same letter mentioned an incident over Preston on November 17, 1996, where five people witnessed a large triangular UFO, and five days later, a large, silent aircraft was observed being intercepted east of Preston. The constituent questioned if the Americans were testing a new aircraft.

The documents include a response to a parliamentary inquiry lodged by Mr. Evans, which confirmed there were no recorded incidents of unauthorized military incursions of UK airspace on November 17 and 22, 1997. John Spellar MP, then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the MoD, stated that while down-to-earth explanations like aircraft or lights could be found, diverting defense resources for such purposes would be inappropriate. He assured that the integrity of UK airspace was maintained through continuous Royal Air Force policing.

Speaking after the release, Mr. Evans expressed his fascination with the subject of UFOs, stating, "It is a fascinating subject, people like to think there is something out there." He added, "If there is life out there I would be delighted if they chose the North West of England."

Former superintendent also saw red beam in night sky

By Dan Bloom, this article reports on Dr. Adrian Greaves, a retired police superintendent with a PhD, who claims to have spotted a UFO. Dr. Greaves, 66, was in his garden looking at satellites when he saw a red laser beam shoot across the sky. His wife initially disbelieved him until she read about a similar sighting in the Kentish Express. Dr. Greaves' sighting occurred at exactly 10:23 pm on July 24. He described it as a crystal clear night and saw a completely silent red beam from high up that crossed the sky in about four seconds, calling it "out of this world-literally."

Dr. Greaves, who has written history books, stated he was not a conspiracy theorist, humorously adding, "I may be retired but I'm not nutty yet." He mentioned his pilot brother had shown him interesting things, but this sighting was unique.

The truth is out there: flying saucers over Fife

By Stefan Morkis, this Dundee Courier & Advertiser article discusses claims of alien abduction in Fife, according to hundreds of MoD files. The documents reveal that UFOs were taken seriously enough to be discussed by the Joint Intelligence Committee in 1957. By the end of the Cold War, the MoD's stance shifted, and by 1997, it was regarded as solely a public relations issue.

The files include details of phenomena that landed on the MoD's UFO desk before it closed. Areas like Falkirk are noted as Scottish hotspots for sightings. The article details a claimed abduction near Falkland in September 1996, where two women driving home saw bright lights and a large triangular craft with a dome. Later that evening, they saw a blue glow and dozens of small figures in a field.

Eyewitness drawings of UFOs, including one described as 'like a space station,' are featured. The article also mentions a "cigar-shaped" object above Lancashire in 1977, a "strange, glowing object" near RAF Woodbridge in 1980, an alleged alien invasion in Morecambe in 1997, a black triangular craft in Stanley, County Durham, in 1995, and a circular "space station" in Gwent, South Wales, in 1998.

Extra-large Terrestrial: Airport's Giant UFO

By Lynsey Haywood in The Sun, this piece highlights a report of a spaceship "20 times the size of a football field" seen hovering over Manchester Airport in 1995. A sketch of this craft, described as oblong with a curved front and small nozzles at the rear, was sent to the MoD by a UFO expert. Other sightings included in the MoD files are a "cigar-shaped" object above Lancashire in 1977, a "strange, glowing object" near RAF Woodbridge in 1980, an alleged alien invasion in Morecambe in 1997, a black triangular craft in Stanley, County Durham, in 1995, and a circular "space station" in Gwent, South Wales, in 1998. Former MoD official Nick Pope commented on the scale of these sightings.

Chinese lanterns behind string of 'UFO' sightings

By James Scott in the Kentish Express, this article suggests that Chinese lanterns being set off have been blamed for a series of UFO sightings over Ashford. Welder David Gisby filmed two orbs of light, one emitting a red beam, on July 24. The story gained traction online, but readers came forward with explanations involving Chinese lanterns launched for celebrations, including a wedding and a birthday memorial. Some witnesses, however, remained unconvinced, describing the lights as moving in formation and at speeds inconsistent with lanterns.

Witness: Berywin oddity

This brief report from the Daily Post Wales mentions a UFO sighting where a bright orange/yellow flame was seen in the sky, moving at constant speed. More than 10 such lights followed, some individually and others in clusters. The witness stated they had never seen anything like it.

More St Albans UFO sightings

By Aimee Brannen in the Advertiser, this article details more UFO sightings reported in the St Albans district. Following a report of peculiar lights seen on August 29, several residents reported similar phenomena. Objects were described as travelling very fast and in a straight line, not believed to be Chinese lanterns. Ken Collins reported seeing something faster than aircraft, and Liz Gurgur described lights strung in a straight line, spaced equally, moving fast. Gill Welsman reported red lights moving quicker than hot air balloons but slower than planes, described as translucent oval shapes. An anonymous witness reported a bright yellow/orange flame in the sky.

Linda Lusby suggests a possible explanation for recent sightings is the International Space Station, noting that the times of her sightings correlate with reports of the ISS.

UFO sighting in St Albans

By Aimee Brannen in the Herts Advertiser, this report details UFOs spotted zooming across the sky in St Albans. A London Colney resident reported seeing more than 10 orange glows on August 29, traveling too fast to be Chinese lanterns. The man and his wife also heard a loud bang. He described the objects as unidentifiable and mentioned taking photographs. He estimated the objects were five to six thousand feet up and varied in shape, with one resembling a question mark.

Secrets reveal UFOs over Hartford

This Northwich Guardian article discusses newly released documents revealing UFO sightings above Cuddington and Hartford dating back over a decade. The files include drawings and letters. One incident on July 9, 2000, involved a Hartford resident recording footage of an unusual-shaped craft that revolved in a regular motion. Another on July 11, 1998, reported two triangular-shaped objects flying above Cuddington, merging into one with a tail. In both cases, the MoD confirmed no military aircraft were in the area and no foreign breach of airspace was evident.

Chinese Airport Closed over UFO Appearance

A brief report from Pravda states that an unidentified flying object disrupted air traffic over Hangzhou, China, causing Xiaoshan Airport to close and flights to be rerouted.

Hundreds see UFO over Vladivostok

By Masha Dimitriov, this article from Vladivostok reports hundreds of residents seeing a bizarre UFO hover over their city on September 14. The triangular-shaped UFO with four golden lights was seen for hours, and some witnesses took photos. One light broke free and shot upwards. While some suggest Chinese lanterns, other witnesses are unsure, noting Vladivostok's history of alleged alien events.

The truth is out HERE!

This Manchester Evening News article highlights top-secret files revealing UFO sightings over Manchester, including a giant UFO the size of 20 football pitches spotted in 1995, and a mid-air scare for two pilots who saw a mystery craft hurtle past their jet. The incidents are among hundreds of sightings revealed in files released by the MoD and National Archives, covering 1995-2003. The jet incident involved Captain Roger Wills and First Officer Mark Stuart, who reported a solid object, not a bird or balloon, moving at high speed with no sound. Air traffic control records showed no known traffic at the time, and the incident remained 'unsolved'.

Churchill Accused Over Wartime Cover-Up

This section reports on allegations that Sir Winston Churchill covered up a close encounter between an RAF aircraft and a UFO during World War II, ordering secrecy for at least 50 years to prevent 'mass panic'. The claim comes from a scientist whose grandfather was one of Churchill's bodyguards.

Sightings that mystified

This article from the East Anglian Daily Times discusses the Rendlesham incident and other UFO inquiries dealt with by the MoD. It mentions a witness who saw a "plate-like" disc, lit from below, floating above the A14 in April 1997. The MoD's response stated they examined reports solely to establish if there was any defence significance and found no corroborating evidence of unauthorized military aircraft. The files also reference other reported sightings in Suffolk in 1999.

WRITER'S APPEAL FOR UFO DETAILS

By Nick Ive in the Oxford Mail, this piece details an appeal from an author of a book on UFOs for witnesses to a sighting over an Oxford school nearly 40 years ago. A former pupil reported a mystery object over Cutteslowe Primary School in the summer of 1976. The author, John Hanson, suggests that many sightings occur over or near ancient landmarks, possibly due to energy lines, and that UFOs might be a natural phenomenon.

'GREY DISC' UFO PASSES OVER HOME

By Joe Bill in Your Maidstone, this article features a homeowner, Fiona Goodwill, who claims to have seen a large grey disc with bright orange lights just metres away from her house in Maidstone. She dismissed explanations like Chinese lanterns or aircraft, noting the objects moved silently and purposefully.

Bigfoot, Nessie and Little Green Men

This CISONWIRE report questions the existence of various cryptids and aliens, referencing recent Bigfoot sightings in Nebraska and Chupacabra reports in Chile, as well as the enduring legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Dr. Melvin Willin's book, "Ghosts Caught on Film," is mentioned, which explores such phenomena.

Deseret News - Hundreds gather to tell stories of Bigfoot

By Lynn Arave, this Deseret News article reports on a "Dave's Bigfoot Show" event in Huntsville, Utah, where hundreds gathered to share stories of Bigfoot sightings in the Ogden Valley area. Sightings date back to 1968, with accounts of large footprints, strange creatures, and even alleged interactions with Bigfoot. The event organizer, David L. Carver, plans a "Bigfoot 2" show.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this collection of articles are the declassification of government UFO files, the persistent public interest in unexplained aerial phenomena, and the variety of eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance across the various publications appears to be one of reporting on these events and documents, often presenting both the official explanations (or lack thereof) and the eyewitness perspectives. There's a clear emphasis on the sheer volume of reports and the ongoing mystery surrounding many of these sightings. The articles also highlight the public's desire for answers and the government's historical approach to managing information about UFOs, ranging from serious investigation to dismissal as public relations issues. The inclusion of Bigfoot and other cryptid reports suggests a broader interest in the unexplained beyond just UFOs.