UFO Newsclipping Service - 2011 02 - no 499

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated February 2011, features a cover story on Peter Davenport, director of the National UFO Reporting Center. The magazine highlights Davenport's work, his unique base of operations in a former missile bunker, and his strong conviction that UFOs are real and that governments are aware of extraterrestrial visitation. The issue also includes reports on various UFO sightings and historical cases.

Peter Davenport Believes in UFOs

The main article profiles Peter Davenport, a prominent UFO investigator who operates the National UFO Reporting Center from a former intercontinental ballistic missile bunker in Harrington, Washington. Davenport, who has run the 24-hour hotline since 1994, estimates that 90 to 98 percent of sightings are explainable, but he believes the remaining percentage points to genuine unexplained phenomena. He funds the center himself, costing between $500 and $5,000 a month. Davenport's passion for UFOs began in childhood, and he took over the UFO Center from its previous director in 1994. He is known for his detailed knowledge of cases and is respected within the ufology community, having been contacted by the FBI regarding UFO reports.

Davenport purchased the missile bunker in 2006 for $100,000. The bunker, originally part of the Atlas Missile Site No. 6, was decommissioned in 1964. He initially envisioned rehabilitating it as his home and office, but the scale of the project has proven daunting. He laments the dismissal of UFOs by mainstream science and believes the government is aware of UFOs but fears the public reaction if the truth were revealed.

Davenport is critical of sensationalized media coverage of UFOs, noting that despite public belief in UFOs, the topic is often treated with ridicule. He cites historical UFO sightings, including the 'Fireball Case' in Pennsylvania and the 'Travis Walton case,' as significant events. He also recalls his own seminal UFO sighting at age 6 in St. Louis in 1954, describing a blindingly bright red object that moved in an S-shaped pattern, which he concluded was 'not something of man's construction.'

Recent UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine includes several recent witness reports:

• May 19, 2010, Congress, AZ: A witness reported an encounter with a red orb that appeared to be searching the ground, then morphed into two tiny red lights and pursued the witness's car at 90 mph. The object was described as a spherical orb, about the size of a softball, bright red, and composed of swirling dots of light.
• January 5, 2011, San Francisco, CA: A black silent triangle was reported hovering over a field.
• January 4, 2011, Powers Lake, WI: Three large fireballs were seen hovering for at least five minutes before racing south.
• January 3, 2011, Renton, WA: A flash of light was observed moving toward Lake Washington.
• January 2, 2011, Adrian, PA: A green light and a round circle were seen hanging over the area.
• December 31, 2010, Arlington, WA: Three pairs of glowing red/orange light formations were observed at midnight.
• December 29, 2010, Poulsbo, WA: A golden oval appeared to be lit up, skimming the sky.

Historical UFO Cases and Events

The Phoenix Lights

Davenport considers the 'Phoenix Lights' incident on March 13, 1997, to be the 'Holy Grail' of UFO research and the best proof of something 'out there.' Thousands of residents witnessed five V-shaped objects and bright stationary lights over Phoenix. The objects were described as enormous (three football fields long), silent, and moving slowly at about 30 mph, hovering at times. The case was never officially investigated by the U.S. government after the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969.

Rendlesham Incident

An article from the Ipswich Evening Star (December 29, 2010) covers the 30th anniversary of the Rendlesham Incident, which occurred in late December 1980 near RAF Woodbridge. The event involved unexplained lights seen by USAF security police officers John Burroughs and Jim Penniston. The article notes the presence of UFO experts, commentators, and firsthand witnesses at a reunion event, discussing the timeline and physical evidence of a UFO landing.

Other Historical Mentions

• The 'Fireball Case' (August 25, 1995, Pennsylvania): Described as looking like a 'nuclear explosion.'
• Travis Walton Case (November 5, 1975): A forester reportedly encountered a hovering disc in Arizona.
• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (June 24, 1947): Arnold reported seeing nine crescent-shaped objects, leading to the term 'flying saucer.'
• Roswell Incident (June or July 1947): A rancher reportedly found debris from a crashed craft, which the military attributed to a weather balloon.

Government Awareness and Scientific Skepticism

Davenport believes the government knows UFOs are real but is reluctant to admit it due to potential public fear and chaos. He also notes that mainstream science is dismissive of UFOs, frustrating investigators who may believe in the possibility but fear losing credibility. Robert B. Frost, a former Boeing engineer and friend of Davenport, echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the government would always refute any proof presented.

Davenport is also developing a 'passive' radar system that could potentially detect UFOs by analyzing reflected radio waves, which he believes could radically change the debate over UFOs.

International Sightings

• Albuquerque Tribune (August 2, 1952): Reports of an 'unidentified object' near Los Alamos, with three jet planes from Kirtland AF Base investigating. The object was described as shiny and metallic. Other reports from Lancaster, CA, near Japan (Canadian destroyer sighting), and Tokyo are also mentioned.
• The Canadian National (February 13, 2011, Detroit, MI): A witness reported a bright, oval object over the Detroit River, noting the absence of navigation lights and engine noise.
• ABC TV Chan 4 (January 28, 2011, Salt Lake City, UT): Several witnesses reported three red lights hovering in formation over Utah County, dropping what appeared to be flares.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation, often highlighting the disconnect between public belief and scientific or governmental acknowledgment. Peter Davenport serves as the central figure, embodying the dedicated, albeit sometimes controversial, UFO investigator. The editorial stance appears to support the idea that unexplained aerial phenomena are real and that there is a significant amount of data and anecdotal evidence that warrants further attention, even if official channels remain skeptical or secretive. The recurring theme is the persistent search for truth in the face of skepticism and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries about our place in the universe.

This issue, compiled from various regional UK newspapers and a Spanish-language source, covers a range of UFO-related incidents and theories from late 2010 and early 2011. The primary cover story from the Morecambe Visitor (Dec. 29, 2010) highlights UFO investigator Pat Regan's claim that the recent earthquake in the Morecambe and Lancaster area was a warning from UFOs.

UFOs Blamed for Earthquake (Morecambe Visitor, Dec. 29, 2010) Pat Regan asserts a link between UFOs and earthquakes, citing past occurrences. He was alerted to the situation by coastguard officer Paul Harrison. The tremors were felt across Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire, areas that Regan claims have experienced heightened UFO activity. Local residents, including Karen Dickinson and the Bailey sisters, reported feeling the quake. The British Geological Survey dismissed Regan's theory, explaining earthquakes occur due to tectonic plate movement. The BGS is seeking information on the quake's effects, particularly concerning nuclear power stations like Heysham 1 and 2.

UFO Writer Seeks Help to Probe Saunton Craft (North Devon Journal, Dec. 23, 2010) Former police detective John Hanson is compiling an encyclopedia of British UFO sightings called 'The Haunted Skies'. He is researching a 1987 incident at Saunton Sands, North Devon, where a large craft hovered for 20 minutes, and a smaller craft departed and returned at high speed. Hanson is appealing for witnesses to this event, which was allegedly seen by over 20 people. The series will also document other North Devon sightings, including one in Holsworthy in 1967. Hanson, initially skeptical, became intrigued after his son investigated a sighting, dedicating 15 years to research.

Alert: UFOs in UK - Quake an Alien Warning (Daily Star, Jan. 5, 2011) This brief article reiterates Pat Regan's claim that the earthquake in northern England was an alien warning, referencing his book 'UFO: Search For The Truth' and mentioning sightings of orange balls flying at high speed over Cumbria.

Second UFO Sighting on Moorland (Daily Star, Jan. 5, 2011) Steven Street reported seeing a fast-moving bright light over Rombalds Moor in early December. He described it as silent and travelling close to the ground. This sighting follows a report from a Menston man who witnessed a similar object over Rombalds Moor.

Biker's Alien Encounter (Scarborough Evening News, Jan. 4, 2011) Russ Kellett, a UFO investigator from Scarborough, recounts a personal encounter from autumn 1988. While riding his motorcycle near Skipton, he was enveloped by a bright light, experienced a feeling of floating, and lost track of time. Upon returning home, he discovered his face, neck, and hands were burned. Kellett, who has dyslexia, taught himself to read after the incident to research UFOs. He has since investigated UFOs and the paranormal, running a website for people to report sightings.

Every time Huw Lloyd Ventures on to the Peaks (The Sun, Jan. 31, 2011) This article details a mysterious event from January 23, 1974, involving Huw Lloyd, then 14, in the Berwyn Mountains, Wales. A loud bang and earth tremors were followed by a brilliant light. Police officers enlisted Huw's father's Land Rover to investigate a suspected plane crash. Huw drove the officers and witnessed an incredibly bright light. Later, a document from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency revealed a military operation codenamed 'Photoflash' was scheduled for that night, involving aircraft and powerful flashes. Investigator Russ Kellett believes three separate craft were flushed out of the ocean, leading to an engagement. Theories include a meteor shower, earthquake, or alien craft. A piece of strange metal was recovered, and Huw's sister found a lump of rock with unusual properties.

Mystery of 'Welsh Roswell' Deepens (Daily Post Wales, Dec. 28, 2010) This article elaborates on the Berwyn Mountains 'UFO' incident, known as the 'Welsh Roswell'. A document from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirms a military operation, 'Photoflash', involving aircraft and flashes, was scheduled for the night of the incident. Investigator Russ Kellett believes military craft were involved in an engagement with three craft flushed from the ocean. He cites witness accounts of aliens assisting injured individuals from a craft. The government officially backed a meteor theory, but witnesses remain unconvinced.

Radio Star Sees Stars (Bracknell & Forest Standard, Jan. 27, 2011) Richie Firth, producer for DJ Christian O'Connell's Absolute Radio show, reported seeing strange lights above Bracknell at 3:58 am on Monday. He described a horizontal light with three dotted lights above it, resembling a crown, which disappeared after two seconds. Firth believes it was a spaceship.

Nuclear Theory on Forest UFO Claims (East Anglian Daily Times, Jan. 5, 2011) Robert Hastings, author of 'UFOs and Nukes', claims the 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO incident may be linked to the presence of nuclear weapons. He suggests UFOs hovered over the Nuclear Weapons Storage Area (WSA) and directed laser-like beams. Hastings believes UFOs are monitoring the nuclear arms race, with similar incursions reported at other USAF bases. The East Anglian Daily Times is investigating this mystery with BBC Radio Suffolk.

Is the Truth Out There? (Cambridge First, Dec. 23, 2010) HUGH MORRIS meets Cambridge's UFO Skeptics. The article discusses the prevalence of UFO sightings and the skepticism of groups like 'Skeptics in the Pub'. Ian Ridpath, editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy, argues that belief in UFOs stems from human delusion and a tendency to delude others. Andrew Holding of Skeptics in the Pub aims to provide logical explanations for sightings, while Malcolm Robinson, who runs a website for believers, notes the increasing popularity of Chinese lanterns as a potential misidentification.

County UFO Expert's Claim (Shropshire Star, Jan. 18, 2011) Shropshire UFO expert Phil Hoyle claims US President Barack Obama will soon announce that world leaders are aware of extraterrestrial visitors. Hoyle cites sensitive information from top US security intelligence and notes a significant increase in reported UFO incidents in Shropshire and Powys.

You Don't Scare Us, ET (The Daily Mail, Jan. 10, 2011) Psychologist Dr Albert Harrison argues that the public is no longer fazed by the idea of alien contact, citing increased technological advancement and surveys showing widespread belief in aliens. The article also references a paper by evolution expert Professor Simon Conway Morris, who argues that the chances of intelligent alien life are low and that Earth has not been visited.

Another Crisp Sighting of Dudley Dorito (Express & Star City Final, Jan. 19, 2011) Security officer Glyn Richards reported seeing a triangular UFO, dubbed the 'Dudley Dorito', in the Black Country, followed by another UFO. This is the third reported sighting of the 'Dudley Dorito'. The article notes that many people are now accustomed to such sightings, with some attributing them to military aircraft.

Air Force Makes Contact with the UFO Phenomenon In Argentina (El Tiempo / Planeta UFO, Feb. 18, 2011) Commodore Jorge Tealdi, press officer for the Argentinean Air Force (FAA), discusses the creation of a commission to investigate celestial phenomena. The FAA aims to safeguard airspace and investigate unexplained objects, not necessarily alien spacecraft. Tealdi emphasizes the need for credible reports, prioritizing cases that affect air safety. He notes that Brazil and Uruguay have similar commissions. The commission will include specialists and collaborators, including ufologists.

Madison Lab Solves Blackbird Die-Off (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jan. 7, 2011) This article, though not directly UFO-related, is included in the collection. It reports that the mass deaths of thousands of blackbirds in Arkansas were caused by blunt-force trauma from flying into homes and cars, likely due to startling noises like fireworks. Theories of chemical pollutants or UFOs were dismissed.

Signs of Contact or Con Game? (La Crosse Tribune, Jan. 13, 2011) Retired agronomist Lou Greub suspects that while some crop circles are made by pranksters, others are likely created by aliens or beings from another dimension. Greub became interested in crop circles in the late 1970s and has visited formations in England, where most are reported. He notes that witnesses sometimes report bright flashes of light or balls of light in the fields. Greub believes crop circles are a form of communication and does not rule out other dimensions as a cause.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this collection of articles revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien activity, and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear division between those who believe in extraterrestrial visitation and those who offer more conventional explanations, such as misidentification, natural phenomena, or hoaxes. Several articles highlight the role of military operations and government secrecy in UFO cases. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on these claims and investigations, presenting both believer and skeptic viewpoints, while also acknowledging the public's increasing familiarity with the concept of alien life.