UFO Newsclipping Service - 2010 11 - no 496

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated November 2010, Number 496, covers various UFO sightings and related news from late 2010. The cover story addresses a mysterious vapor trail seen off the coast of Southern California, which the Pentagon ultimately identified as an aircraft condensation trail, dispelling missile and conspiracy theories.

UFO Sightings and Reports

California Sighting

A report from Orlando, FL, dated Oct. 29, 2010, details a sighting by a California resident who observed a "long, flat rectangle" UFO hovering just above rooftops. The object made no noise, and the witness described it as having "back lights on a car" with red and white alternating lights, and two circular things on the bottom, possibly jet engines. The resident was unable to capture a photo as the object moved out of focus.

Louisiana Sighting

On October 24, 2010, a family in Louisiana witnessed a triangular UFO with a luminous white tail. The sighting occurred in the twilight and was described as an "extraordinary spectacle."

Oklahoma Sightings

Several residents near Stigler in Haskell County, Oklahoma, reported seeing triangle-shaped UFOs in September and October 2010. One sighting on September 16 involved an elongated triangle-shaped object over a field, leaving a circular area with a bare spot. Another sighting on October 26 described a black object, the size of a city block, with single rotating white lights on each corner, hovering above witnesses. These sightings were investigated by MUFON.

New Hampshire Sighting

A witness driving north on Route 93 in New Hampshire reported seeing a dark, unlit, triangular craft with three funnels hanging from its underside on October 22, 2010. The witness described it as similar to the thrusters at the bottom of a space shuttle and pulled over to draw a diagram.

Indianapolis, Indiana Sighting

On November 7, 2010, a college student in Indianapolis reported seeing a large, circular, mushroom-shaped object flying low over the IUPUI campus. The object was described as "15 to 17" times the size of a full moon and had red lights, particularly emanating from the center. The witness initially thought it was an airplane or helicopter but realized it was something else entirely.

Michigan Sighting

A Michigan couple reported a triangular UFO on September 21, 2010, that hovered above a tree line, surrounded by a "fog or smoke" with "long trails of lights much like tentacles." The object had a prominent light that turned red and then white. The object moved slowly and purposefully for about twenty minutes.

New York City Sighting

On October 13, 2010, several New Yorkers witnessed shiny, circular objects flying over Manhattan. While initially sparking speculation, these were later identified by Spanish newspaper El Mundo as yellow balloons released as part of a tourism promotion for Madrid's Gran Via. Another explanation suggested they were balloons from an engagement party.

Phoenix, Arizona Sightings

Reports of lights in the sky in Phoenix on Saturday night led to speculation about planes, balloons, or UFOs. Eyewitnesses described them as "meteors falling from the sky, with flames and sparks trailing behind them." The Phoenix Fire Department explained them as parachute exercises, and the U.S. Air Force identified them as flares from the Barry Goldwater Range.

Tucson, Arizona Sighting

On September 23, 2010, residents in Tucson reported a triangle-shaped UFO that flew over an intersection, causing traffic lights to flicker. Calls were made to KOLD News 13, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base stated they had nothing matching the description in the air.

Centreville, Virginia Sighting

Reports emerged of a bright blue light UFO over Centreville, Virginia, on November 8, 2010. Initially described as mysterious, it was later identified by FOX 5 as a remote-controlled glider plane flown by Tony Claridge as a hobby. The glider, decorated with blue LED lights, flies up to 400 feet high and can appear as a "fuzzy blue light" from a distance.

Analysis and Misidentification

The issue highlights instances where UFO sightings are attributed to mundane explanations. The Los Angeles Times article debunks the "mystery missile" as an aircraft trail. The examiner.com articles discuss how some sightings, like the Boston blue light UFO, were inspired by tabloid stories and potentially Photoshopped images. The Tucson Citizen article notes that some UFO reports are not taken seriously if they resemble "hobby craft" or are easily explained. The article also criticizes media outlets like Fox5 DC and NBC LA for publishing unverified accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, often juxtaposed with attempts to provide rational explanations. The publication seems to present a range of reports, from those that remain unexplained to those that are definitively identified as conventional aircraft, balloons, or other phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and exploring potential explanations, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown. There's an emphasis on witness testimony and the role of organizations like MUFON in collecting and analyzing such reports. The issue also touches upon the potential for disinformation and the challenges of distinguishing credible sightings from hoaxes or misinterpretations, particularly in the context of media reporting.

This issue of the Tulsa World, dated November 20, 2010, features an obituary for Barbara Bartholic, a prominent UFO investigator, artist, and art gallery owner from Tulsa, who passed away at age 71. The issue also includes several articles related to UFO sightings, military encounters, and related phenomena from various publications.

Barbara Bartholic: UFO Investigator Dies at Age 71

The lead article focuses on the life and work of Barbara Bartholic, who died on November 10, 2010, after suffering a stroke. Bartholic, originally from St. Louis, moved to Tulsa as a child. She initially pursued a career in modeling, working with well-known fashion designers in Los Angeles and New York City. After marrying Tulsa artist Bob Bartholic, she became involved in the local art scene, running two downtown art galleries and hosting a television show called "Arts Arena." However, her lifelong fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life led her to become a dedicated UFO investigator in the 1970s. Her research consumed her, leading to speaking engagements and field research. She was a consultant for the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and authored the book "Barbara: The Story of a UFO Investigator." Her sister, Catha Block, described her as having a marvelous sense of humor and a way of making people feel important. Bartholic was reportedly working on a documentary film about extraterrestrial life before her death. She was convinced that humanity is not alone in the universe and expressed a desire for her work to continue. She is survived by four children, her mother, one sister, six grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

From the Archives: Jet Planes Chase Mysterious Objects Over Mojave

This article, originally published in the Nevada State Journal on August 3, 1952, reports on an incident where the U.S. Air Force scrambled three jet planes to chase "weird, red objects" over the Mojave Desert. The objects were reported by official sources, including the Civil Aeronautic Authority and the Sheriff's department. The outcome of the chase, including whether any pictures were taken or the objects were observed closely, was not disclosed by military authorities. Several observers, including deputy sheriffs and CAA observers, reported seeing bright, red lights. One observer described the objects as "co-operative saucers," with one descending slowly and another remaining stationary before moving like a pendulum. The article also notes that flying saucer reports were mounting across the nation, and the Air Force was attempting to downplay the phenomenon, attributing sightings to mirages and light reflections. However, a small percentage of reports, including one with a Coast Guard picture, remained unexplained, prompting the Air Force to seek the aid of scientists.

Aliens Have Attacked Us: Cold War Nuclear Base Close Encounters Kept Top Secret

This article from the Sunday Express (England, September 26, 2010) reports on former U.S. Air Force officers planning to break their silence about alleged alien encounters at nuclear missile sites during the Cold War. These officers claim that UFOs attacked nuclear missile sites, causing malfunctions and preventing missiles from being fired. Charles Halt, former deputy base commander at RAF Bentwaters in Suffolk, recounts an incident where a UFO directed beams of light down into the base, near a nuclear weapons storage area. Halt and five other senior U.S. military officers were scheduled to hold a press conference in Washington D.C. to reveal their experiences. They allege that security services in both the U.S. and the UK attempted to suppress the significance of these events through disinformation. Bruce Fenstermacher, a retired USAF captain, describes a cigar-shaped UFO buzzing Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming in 1976. Jerry Nelson, a former U.S. Air Force captain, plans to share his experience of a UFO pointing a bright light at his missile base in New Mexico in 1964. Robert Salas recounts a 1967 incident where a launch missile malfunctioned after a UFO appeared. The officers intend to display declassified government documents to support their claims. The article also briefly mentions the Rendlesham Forest incident as "Britain's Roswell."

Thirty Five Years Later I Still Vividly Recall My Encounter with a White 'UFO' in the Sky

This letter to the editor of the Somerset Standard (England, October 14, 2010) is from Mr. R.B. Grist, who shares a personal UFO sighting experience. While driving near Westbury, he and his teenage daughters witnessed a large, white, circular object that was stationary for a time before moving abreast of their car and then speeding off. Grist, who served in the RAF, states that what he saw was not a planet or a craft made on Earth and believes UFOs exist.

'We Did See a UFO Near Suffolk Base': Former US Deputy Base Commander Speaks Out

This article from the East Anglian Daily Times (England, September 28, 2010) details Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Halt's account of a UFO sighting near RAF Woodbridge in December 1980. Halt, then deputy base commander, describes how security forces saw lights in the forest, leading to the discovery of a small, triangular, dark, metallic craft on three legs. Days later, he and others returned to the site and found indentations on the forest floor, increased radiation levels, and broken branches. Halt describes seeing a bright, glowing object that appeared to be winking and shedding molten metal, which then exploded into five white objects. He believes the object was under intelligent control and possibly from another dimension or extraterrestrial. Halt and five other senior U.S. military officers were calling for the release of 60 years' worth of files related to UFOs. The article also mentions the Rendlesham Forest incident as "Britain's Roswell."

UFO Expert Darren Perks Beaming into Homes

This article from the Shrewsbury Chronicle (England, October 14, 2010) features Darren Perks, a Shrewsbury-based UFO researcher who appeared on the History Channel's "Ancient Aliens." Perks recounts his own sighting of a slow-moving, black, triangular craft with a white light on March 30, 1993. The article notes that over 200 people across the UK reportedly witnessed similar phenomena that night. Perks, who has been featured in Australian media as well, discusses his interest in UFOs and his work with Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence UFO investigator. The pair featured in the "Ancient Aliens" episode, filmed in Rendlesham Forest and RAF Cosford, discussing various UFO incidents.

UFO Closes an Airport: Jets Divert to Avoid Crash

This article from The Sun (England, October 5, 2010) reports on an incident where a major airport in Inner Mongolia, China, was forced to shut down to prevent a collision with a UFO. The "flat and tubular" object hovered two miles from Bootee, then circled the airport before vanishing. Three flights were diverted. This was the third such incident in China that year, with previous airport closures reported in Zhejiang province and Hong Kong. The article quotes Nick Pope, a former Ministry of Defence UFO investigator, who stated that there are serious national security and air safety issues involved with UFOs.

Watching Them, Watching Us

This letter to the editor of the Clacton Gazette (England, September 23, 2010) discusses numerous UFO sightings reported in the area. The author notes the remarkable quality of these sightings, with observers meticulously recording details. The author also observes an increase in military helicopter patrols in the area, questioning their purpose and suggesting they might be monitoring local UFO activity. The author concludes that the military air activity is as baffling as the unidentified flying objects themselves.

Researcher Keen to Find Information on 1965 Town Meeting: Couple Issue UFO Appeal

This article from the Wiltshire Star (England, September 30, 2010) reports on John Hanson and Dawn Holloway, who are researching their second volume of the "Haunted Skies" series and are seeking information about a UFO meeting held at Warminster Town Hall in August 1965. They are looking for specific details or photographs from the meeting, which was chaired by Emlyn Rees. They also mention Fred Smith, a founder member of the Isle of Wight Society, as being present. The couple plans to write 11 volumes cataloguing UFO sightings across the UK.

I Saw UFO on Way Home from Work, Claims Driver

This article from the Clacton Gazette (England, September 30, 2010) features Victoria Whale, a self-proclaimed UFO skeptic who recounts a close encounter with a UFO while driving home from work. She describes seeing a dark shadow, which she initially mistook for a helicopter, but realized it had no lights and was silent. The object was hovering at about roof height, less than 100 yards away. She was frightened and decided to take a different route home in the future. Police reported no other sighting reports that night.

Strange Lights Caught on Camera

This article from the Wiltshire Times & Chippenham News (England, October 22, 2010) reports on Emma Chorley, a Bradford on Avon hairdresser, who photographed mysterious lights in the sky on October 10, 2010. Chorley, who initially didn't believe in UFOs, saw two lights outside her passenger window while driving near Lacock. She described them as looking like light bulbs but not like anything man-made, and they appeared to be travelling at speed. She stated they were not Chinese lanterns, and neither police nor air ambulance helicopters were in the area.

New Health Evidence Could Save Gary from Extradition

This article from the Daily Mail (England, October 9, 2010) discusses the case of Gary McKinnon, a computer hacker facing extradition to the U.S. for allegedly hacking into NASA and Pentagon computers. Home Secretary Theresa May is reportedly calling in a new medical expert to assess McKinnon's health, amid fears he might harm himself if extradited. McKinnon suffers from Asperger's syndrome. The article highlights that expert opinions suggest his mental condition poses a high risk of suicide if he is sent to America. The Home Office has previously insisted there were insufficient grounds to halt his removal on health grounds, but legal challenges have raised concerns about potential breaches of his human rights. The article also includes a "Daily Mail COMMENT" section urging the Home Secretary to act decisively and not betray promises made before the election.

Welsh 'Roswell' Defies Explanation

This article from the Western Mail Series (England, September 2, 2010) discusses the 1974 UFO sighting in the Berwyn Mountains, Wales, dubbed the "Welsh Roswell." While Ministry of Defence files attributed the incident to an earthquake and a meteor, a new book by Andy Roberts, "UFO Down? The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash," claims a key element remains unexplained. Roberts focuses on nurse Pat Evans' description of a "huge ball glowing and pulsating" on the mountain, which he argues was too large to be a meteor. Evans recorded her observation with a seismologist two days after the event. The article notes that the original Roswell incident involved the alleged recovery of alien debris. It also mentions other UFO reports over the UK on the same night as the Berwyn sighting and discusses inconsistencies in Mrs. Evans' recollection of the object's location.

Is El Chupacabra Roaming Waukesha County?

This article from the Oconomowoc Enterprise (Wisconsin, USA, November 4, 2010) reports on a strange, hairless creature with a long tail found in the backyard of the Rob Braun family in Wales, Wisconsin. The creature, which was eating fallen apples and pears, matched the description of El Chupacabra, a mythical creature from Hispanic folklore. Wildlife rehabilitators at the Wildlife In Need Center suggested it might be a fox with a severe case of sarcoptic mange, which causes hair loss and emaciation. The article explains sarcoptic mange and advises contacting the center if such an animal is discovered.

Wood County Wild Man Root of Bigfoot Legend?

This article from The Daily Tribune (Wisconsin, USA, October 12, 2010) discusses accounts of a "wild man" encountered in Wood County, Wisconsin, in the early 1900s. Local newspapers reported sightings of a man living in the forests surrounding Auburndale, described as "wild as a hawk" and possessing unusual agility. Reporters noted the man's speed and ability to elude capture. The article suggests that these accounts might be a precursor to the legend of Bigfoot. It also mentions similar cases of "wild men" in Plover and Colby, Wisconsin, who were captured and institutionalized.

Crop Circles: Why?

This article from the River Falls Journal (Wisconsin, USA, September 30, 2010) follows Lou Greub, a retired professor of agronomy, on his trip to England to investigate crop circles. Greub describes crop circles as unexplained formations made by laying down crops to form designs, often with mathematical, geometric, mythological, and astronomical themes. He notes that while some farmers are honored to have crop circles appear in their fields, others resent the crop loss and public trampling. Greub visited eight sites and was particularly intrigued by a large, spiraled design. He discusses various theories about their creation, including extraterrestrial visitors, government experiments, or microwave energy. Greub believes that crop circles are an attempt to convey a message and that June through August are the most active months for their appearance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged encounters with extraterrestrial phenomena, and government secrecy surrounding these events. Several articles highlight Cold War-era incidents involving military bases and UFOs, suggesting a historical pattern of unexplained aerial phenomena and official attempts to downplay or conceal information. Recent sightings from the UK and China are also featured, indicating the ongoing nature of these events. The issue also touches upon related topics such as the legend of El Chupacabra and the mystery of crop circles, broadening the scope of unexplained phenomena. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these events, often with a focus on eyewitness accounts and the efforts of researchers and former military personnel to bring information to light, while also acknowledging the skepticism and official explanations that often accompany such reports.