UFO Newsclipping Service - 2011 01 - no 498

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated January 2011, is Number 498 and has been in circulation since 1969. Edited by David Marler and Co-edited by J.D. Scarpellini, it is published from P.O. Box 1001, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA, and priced at $5.00.

New Zealand Defence Force Files Released

The lead story, "UFO believers glad the files are out there," dated December 22, 2010, from ONE News in New Zealand, reports on the release of thousands of top-secret New Zealand Defence Force files concerning UFO sightings. More than 2000 pages of material, dating from 1952 to 2009, have been made public. These files include correspondence, reports of sightings by private individuals and military personnel, investigations by various departments, newspaper clippings, and letters from individuals claiming contact with alien beings. Notably, the files contain information about New Zealand's most famous UFO footage, filmed 32 years ago near the Kaikoura Coast, described by witness Lloyd McFadden as a craft that "sort of hovered along the treeline, then darted sharply up and to the left." Investigators initially suggested explanations like a squid boat, atmospheric conditions, or a possible meteor. However, UFO sighting researcher Suzanne Hansen stated the lights were "obviously not Venus, a squid boat or muttonbirds flying south" and were "certainly something that is unidentified and non-conventional."

The complete Air Force investigation into this mystery is part of the released files. The papers were held by Archives New Zealand and were set to be made available in February after public requests. The Defence Force removed personal identification from the files to comply with the Privacy Act. The files also include a 1961 sighting by a respected Air Force officer of a mysterious cigar-shaped object. Hansen, who has investigated UFOs for over 35 years, has campaigned for the release of these documents, viewing the move as a step toward openness.

Experts Call On UN To Prepare For Extraterrestrials

An article from January 10, 2011, originating from Texas, U.S., titled "Experts Call On UN To Prepare For Extraterrestrials," reports on a special edition of the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A. Scientists suggest that the United Nations (UN) should prepare a course of action for potential contact with extraterrestrials. The special issue, according to Alok Jha, focuses on the search for extraterrestrial life, from astronomy and biology to the political and religious implications of alien contact. Professors John Zarnecki and Martin Dominik argue for an overarching framework governed by an international body, suggesting the UN's Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is well-suited for this task. COPUOS, established in 1959, reviews international cooperation in peaceful outer space uses. The paper also includes studies by Professor Simon Conway Morris, who advises preparing for alien contact with species that may share human-like tendencies towards violence, and Professor Ted Peter, who reflects on the impact of extraterrestrial contact on world religions. Peters suggests that traditional religions might need to evolve into "astrotheologians" and that contact could expand the religious vision of creation as a gift from God.

UFO Sightings and Research

Several articles detail specific UFO sightings and related research:

• North Dakota Witness Reports UFO Under 500 Feet: By Roger Marsh, dated December 20, 2010, from examiner.com. A North Dakota witness reported a silent blue-white object, estimated to be 300-500 feet away, moving at a high rate of speed on June 25, 2010. The object displayed no FAA-required lighting configurations and maintained a constant intensity. The report was filed with MUFON.

• Speculation Trumps News, as Usual: By Billy Cox, dated January 13, 2011, from Sarasota, FL. This article discusses speculation surrounding alleged UFO documents released by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. It mentions reports of a Raelian UFO sect claim of cloning, a Japanese cabinet debate on UFOs, and a Belarus KGB chairman's statement on the lack of involvement with paranormal phenomena.

• British scientist Simon Conway Morris believes there are only two possibilities for alien life; either we're alone or aliens exist, and they are out to get us. By Mike Wall, SPACE.com Senior Writer, dated January 10, 2011. This article discusses Conway Morris's study, published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, which posits that alien life, if it exists, would likely be similar to terrestrial life due to predictable evolution and would be acquisitive and resource-hungry. The lack of contact suggests we may be alone. The article also references Stephen Hawking's warning about aliens mining Earth for resources. Another study by psychologist Albert Harrison suggests that the discovery of alien life would likely inspire delight rather than pandemonium, possibly starting with microbes or electromagnetic signals.

• Vietnam Veteran: UFO threat to pilots must be dealt with now: By Bob Shmidt, dated January 16, 2011. A Vietnam veteran shares his experience of a UFO encounter near San Diego and argues that UFOs pose a serious risk to pilots. He calls for the FAA and ICAO to include UFO study in pilot training and for the FAA to be transparent about alien craft.

• The Cash-Landrum UFO incident, 30 years ago today: By Cherlyn Gardner Strong, dated December 29, 2010, from Tucson, AZ. This article recounts the 1980 incident in Texas where Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Landrum's grandson encountered a diamond-shaped object emitting intense heat, leading to radiation-like symptoms. Despite a lawsuit against the U.S. government, the case was dismissed due to lack of proof.

• Wellington, West Palm Beach UFO sightings were probably floating lanterns, expert says: By Mitra Malek, dated January 4, 2011. Brian Vike, founder of The Vike Factor, suggests that New Year's weekend sightings of glowing orange and red lights in Florida were likely floating lanterns, not unidentified objects.

Historical UFO Reports and Investigations

• 'SAUCER' REPORTS MOUNT: From THE LIMA NEWS, August 2, 1952. This article compiles reports of mysterious objects seen in California, Ohio, and Korea. It mentions efforts by jet fighters and a DC-3 to intercept them, radar sightings, and theories ranging from extraterrestrial visitors to heat mirages. The article also notes a flurry of reports in Colorado Springs, with interceptor planes on standby.

• New Zealand's X-files are out: By Stacey Wood, Michelle Duff, and Kirsty Johnston, from The Dominion Post, December 23, 2010. This article details the release of secret Defence Force files, including sketches of a "spacecraft," correspondence about alien contact, and reports into the Kaikoura mystery. It notes that the Defence Force no longer has an official interest in UFOs, with most sightings being dismissed as explainable phenomena.

• RUDE SHOCK WHILE GETTING THE COWS: This section details the Kaikoura UFO sighting of December 21, 1978, which involved a Wellington radar team and an Argosy cargo plane crew reporting strange lights and radar readings. The investigation concluded that most sightings could be explained by natural phenomena, though the government's conclusion was met with skepticism. It also mentions early UFO groups in New Zealand, such as the Civilian Saucer Investigations (New Zealand) led by Harold Fulton, and claims by George Adamski about flying saucers. The article also recounts the 1959 sighting of a "Silvery Spaceman" by Eileen Moreland and the 1955 "Captain Rainbow" sighting, which was attributed to the planet Venus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing public and official interest in UFOs, the release of government documents, and the scientific and societal implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The articles highlight a spectrum of views, from believers eager for disclosure to official bodies that tend to explain sightings as natural phenomena or misidentifications. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, the challenges of UFO research, and the need for continued investigation and open discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse perspectives and events, providing a platform for both believers and skeptics, while acknowledging the historical significance of UFO phenomena.

This issue of 'The Sun' from December 29, 2010, titled 'Truth STILL out there', focuses on the 30th anniversary of Britain's biggest UFO mystery: the Rendlesham Forest incident. It also covers various UFO sightings, the potential revelations from WikiLeaks about UFOs, and a series of unexplained mass animal deaths.

Rendlesham Forest Incident: 30 Years On

The main article revisits the Rendlesham Forest incident with former US airmen John Burroughs and Jim Penniston, who claim it was a cover-up of extraterrestrial visitors. They recount their experience of encountering a triangular UFO in the early hours of Boxing Day, 1980, noting its impossible speed and strange symbols on its side. Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt's subsequent investigation found high radiation levels and malfunctioning equipment. The article dismisses sceptics' explanations like burning manure or lighthouse beams, highlighting witness insistence on a government whitewash and allegations of brainwashing.

UFO Hotspots and Sightings

The issue details several UFO hotspots, particularly in New Zealand. Between April 3 and May 12, 1972, chunks of 'space debris' were found in Ashburton, identified as US and Russian satellite components. In August 1982, three sightings were reported in the Marlborough region, including a two-metre-high figure and flashing lights. Christchurch Airport also reported a 'pulsating orange and white light'.

Recent sightings are also discussed, with Wellington not exempt. In 2000, two UFOs were sighted above Roseneath. A 1998 sighting in Porirua described a large, oval, reddish-pink object. In January 1995, three teenagers reported a star-like object moving in a 'zig-zag fashion' above Eastbourne.

Rendlesham: 'Apollo Capsule' Cover-Up Theory

A separate article by Jonathan Barnes for the East Anglian Daily Times proposes a theory that the Rendlesham 'UFO incident' was a cover-up for blundering US helicopter pilots. Host Mark Murphy of BBC Radio Suffolk explored the idea that the 'alien spacecraft' was actually an early Apollo space rocket capsule dropped after a helicopter accident on Boxing Day 1980. Graham Haynes, founder of the Cold War Museum, suggested the capsule was being recovered by a helicopter that crashed, leading to the event.

WikiLeaks and UFOs

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, revealed that secret US diplomatic cables contain 'references to flying saucers'. This news sent UFO fans into overdrive, with UFO expert Nick Pope expressing eagerness to see the documents. The article notes Assange's controversial role in releasing classified files and his current legal troubles.

MoD Restrictions on Cradle Hill

An article from the Sutton Coldfield Observer discusses the Ministry of Defence imposing restrictions on vehicle access to Cradle Hill near Warminster, a known UFO hotspot. The MoD cited issues like dog mess, littering, and abuse of troops. The hill, popular with UFO spotters and horse riders, has a history of sightings dating back to the 1960s.

UFOs Over Yorkshire and Shropshire

The Scarborough Evening News reports on multiple UFO sightings in the North of England, dubbing it a 'hotspot'. Russ Kellett, a Filey-based UFO investigator, was interviewed by ABC News and Japanese TV stations about these sightings. The article also mentions a triangular craft with yellow lights seen over Oswestry, Shropshire, which was identical to one seen over Rotherham and Harrogate.

Bizarre Animal Deaths

Several articles report on a series of mysterious mass animal deaths occurring worldwide in late 2010 and early 2011. This includes thousands of blackbirds and starlings in Louisiana and Arkansas, nearly 100,000 fish in the Arkansas River, and large fish kills in Brazil and the Chesapeake Bay. Officials are investigating, with theories ranging from viruses to cold stress. The Vero Beach, Florida, article also mentions dead cows in Wisconsin and questions whether the phenomenon is moving up the food chain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the enduring mystery of UFOs, the possibility of government cover-ups, and the unexplained nature of unusual phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these topics, presenting various theories and witness accounts without definitive conclusions, while also highlighting skepticism and official explanations where available. The coverage of animal deaths suggests a broader interest in unexplained events impacting the natural world.