UFO Newsclipping Service - 2011 05 - no 502

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" (Newsclipping Service, Number 502, May 2011) compiles various reports and articles related to UFO sightings, government investigations, and conspiracy theories. The cover story focuses on a "UFO Flap in Kansas City, Missouri" investigated by MUFON. The magazine includes a review of Annie Jacobsen's book "Area 51," which posits the base is home to espionage programs rather than aliens, and coverage of National Geographic specials on alien invasion and Area 51.

UFO Flap in Kansas City, Missouri

An unusual amount of UFO activity was reported in the Kansas City area during April and May 2011. The Missouri Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) received multiple reports of orange orbs and a large silver UFO. These sightings occurred over a 9 1/2 hour period from May 14th to May 15th. Witnesses described objects moving in the clouds, some at speeds up to 90 mph before slowing down. One report detailed a large, round, orange-colored UFO. Another described a large Grey metallic saucer-shaped craft with a dome. The article also mentions reports from April, including a retired police officer who saw a triangular craft and a 4' tall green entity, experiencing two hours of missing time.

Review: Annie Jacobsen's "Area 51"

This section reviews Annie Jacobsen's book "Area 51," which explores the secret history of the US military installation. The book is described as a levelheaded account of long-hidden U.S. weaponry and espionage programs. Jacobsen's research is attributed to physicist Edward Lovick and a network of witnesses. The book covers nuclear weapons testing, surveillance technology, and "overhead" espionage. It mentions figures like Col. Richard S. Leghorn and Col. Hervey S. Stockman. Jacobsen's controversial theory connects the 1947 Roswell incident to Stalin-era Soviet intrigue and suggests UFO rumors were used as cover for US intelligence activities. The review notes the book's author's dedication to research, citing an instance where an EG&G employee reluctantly revealed the truth about Area 51's secrets.

National Geographic Channel Specials

This part discusses two National Geographic Channel specials: "When Aliens Attack" and "Area 51 Declassified." "When Aliens Attack" is described as a discussion on how Earth would respond to an alien invasion, noting the difficulty in preparing for unknown alien forms. "Area 51 Declassified" promised previously unrevealed pictures and stories from those who worked at the installation. The review suggests that the specials reveal Area 51 was used to develop Cold War spy planes, with Spartan conditions and an all-male workforce, rather than alien compounds. The specials are noted for not conclusively disproving theories, allowing them to continue circulating.

Ufologist Questions Government Cover-ups of Roswell, Area 51

This article features ufologist Dennis Balthaser, who questions the government's accountability regarding the truth about UFOs and secret projects like Area 51 and underground bases. Balthaser believes the government is failing to disclose information about the 1947 Roswell incident, citing a Roper poll where 72% of Americans believe the government is hiding information about UFO activity. He argues that the public is ready to know the truth, even about recovered bodies. Balthaser presented evidence of falsified government photos and claims related to the Roswell incident, based on interviews with numerous witnesses. He expresses frustration with UFO research, seeking answers from good research and science. He critiques the Air Force's explanation of the Roswell incident, pointing out that crash test dummies were not invented until after the event. Regarding Area 51, he mentions the testing of secret aircraft like the F-117A Stealth bomber and rumors of underground levels. Balthaser also touches upon underground bases, mentioning a rumored site in New Mexico for biogenetic research, and questions the purpose of the great pyramids, suggesting they were not tombs and may be unfinished.

UFO Conference Set for Kingman

This article announces "The Arizona UFO Sightings First Annual Kingman Conference," focusing on a reported UFO landing near Kingman, Arizona, on May 21, 1953. The conference features presentations by UFO researchers, including Don Schmitt, who will discuss archaeological dig projects at the alleged Roswell crash site, and Michael Schratt, who will talk about a body believed to be extraterrestrial found in the Kingman crash wreckage. The conference aims to gather information from witnesses before it's too late, with a "Contact Day" field trip to the crash site and a sky watch.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: U.S. Bomber Crewmen Report: 'FLYING SAUCERS' SEEN IN KOREA

This is a reprint of a Washington Daily News article from February 19, 1952. It reports that the Air Force disclosed objects resembling "flying discs" were sighted over Korea by crew members of two U.S. bombers. The objects were described as globe-shaped, bright orange, and emitting a bluish light. The Air Force ordered a full investigation, noting that this report was taken seriously due to the circumstances under which it was reported by military personnel. The objects were seen flying parallel to the B-29 bombers over Wonsan and Sunchon.

REVEALED: THE 33 REPORTS TO POLICE

This article from Wales Online details 33 reports of strange crafts in North and West Wales over the past decade, released by Dyfed-Powys Police. Only five reports were explained as human activity. Examples include a round unknown craft causing a car engine to stop, and glowing green triangular lights hovering above a house. The article also features interviews with UFO investigator Phil Hoyle and astronomy lecturer Martin Griffiths, who expresses skepticism. Joe McGonagle, a UFO sighting researcher, believes intelligent life exists but doubts visitation to Earth, emphasizing the lack of tangible evidence.

'UFOs are a familiar sight in the borough'

This article from the Bromley Times discusses the release of over 8,500 pages of previously classified UFO reports by the UK's National Archives. Dr. David Clarke, a professor of folklore, highlights a 2003 sighting in Bromley, Kent, where two adults and a child saw red flashing lights accompanied by a whirring noise, confirmed by a police helicopter crew. While possible explanations exist, the report remains unexplained. Dr. Clarke notes that the government has collected thousands of reports, many of which are bizarre and not yet explained by science.

NORTH KENT: Reports of sightings are made public

This article from the Dartford & Gravesend News Shopper discusses government documents detailing UFO sightings in North Kent. John Jenkins, chairman of Truth Research Investigations, responds to these releases, expressing doubt about alien visitations despite the reports. The documents detail sightings in Dartford and Gravesham, including a fleet of eight UFOs and a cartwheeling object. Jenkins suggests that military personnel's reports are the most interesting but are often kept secret.

FBI X-FILE: ALIENS REALLY DID LAND

This article from The Sun reports on a secret FBI memo from 1950, claiming that three circular spaceships crashed near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947, each containing three alien bodies. The memo, attributed to agent Guy Hottel, suggests that US radar interfered with the craft's controls. British expert Nick Pope calls these documents "the real-life X-Files" and potential proof that UFOs are real. The article also briefly mentions an idea for tracking aliens by watching asteroid belts for signs of mining operations.

The truth is out there in these UFO papers

This article from the Faversham News covers newly released top-secret documents detailing UFO activity above Faversham and other parts of Kent. Reports include flying saucers, a "spinning top," and a close encounter with a missile-shaped object. One motorist reported UFOs hovering over his car. The documents also mention a 1967 incident involving six "flying saucers" that was initially treated as an alien invasion but turned out to be a student prank. Another report describes a "silver spinning top" seen at a cafe, and three UFOs resembling "silver tinsel stars" seen near a Tesco store.

Was distant roar a cigar-shaped alien craft?

This article from the Richmond & Twickenham Times reports on a sighting in Barnes, England, where a man contacted the Ministry of Defence after seeing a "cigar-shaped vehicle" with flashing lights over his house. The MoD suggested it could have been an airship, but the witness was terrified. This sighting is among thousands revealed in previously classified documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the alleged government cover-ups of these events, and the ongoing investigation into the Roswell incident and Area 51. The articles collectively suggest a strong public interest in UFO phenomena and a desire for transparency from authorities. There is a clear focus on witness accounts, investigative journalism, and the release of previously classified documents as key sources of information. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of articles, leans towards presenting these phenomena as significant and worthy of serious investigation, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific rigor.

This issue of the Bexley Times, dated March 10, 2011, focuses heavily on the release of declassified Ministry of Defence (MoD) UFO files, under the headline "UFO 'X-Files' released... but are we all alone?". The publication also includes articles on crop circles and the Loch Ness Monster, alongside a report on the Gary McKinnon extradition case, which is linked to his interest in UFOs.

UFO 'X-Files' Released

The lead article by Kate Nelson highlights the release of over 8,500 pages of UFO-related documents by the National Archives. Dr. David Clarke, an expert in folklore and supernatural culture, is credited with pressuring the MoD to release these files. Kent is identified as a hotspot for UFO activity, with several reports detailed from the area. One report from Bexley on September 27, 2000, describes "revolving lights" and a "spinning tornado" in a field. Another from September 1998 mentions an object "larger than a plane" with "red and blue" lights. The article also notes that the government closed its UFO investigation unit in January 2010, leaving no single entity to collaborate on UFO reports. Dr. Clarke spent five years researching these files and was recruited by the MoD for the disclosure project. A notable incident mentioned is the 1967 prank where six flying saucers were placed in fields around Britain, including Bromley, as a hoax by Christopher Southall and Roger Palmer.

Top-Secret Files Reveal Hundreds of UFO Sightings

This section by Thom Morris delves deeper into the released documents, detailing hundreds of previously top-secret UFO sightings. A report from Folkestone harbour on January 28, 2001, describes a "silver spin top bobbing at height 300ft" for ten minutes. The same witness later reported seeing three "silver tin sel stars" over an Ashford Tesco on April 4, 2001. Another incident in Tenterden on August 13, 1999, involved a "large brilliant light in the sky" that moved off quickly. Police were also called to Hythe following a report of a "squashed elongated disc with a yellow glow". The 35 files released contain approximately 8,500 pages, including photographs and drawings.

Release of Secret Files Shines Light on UFO 'Close Encounters'

This article, attributed to Darren Devine, discusses how the released files reveal UFO sightings discussed at the highest government levels. It mentions reports from Wales between 2002 and 2005, including objects with legs spinning over the Valleys, a flying disc above Newport, and a black object over Rhyl. A specific sighting on January 31, 2005, describes an orange ball of light with "spiderish legs" over Port Talbot, and on July 12, 2003, two round black objects were seen spinning over the Rhondda. The article also touches on a triangular-shaped object tracking a Lancaster bomber during an air show in Withernsea, Yorkshire, on June 15, 2002, which the MoD suggested might be a commercial helicopter. It notes that 15 unidentified aircraft were detected on radar approaching the UK between January and July 2001, leading up to 9/11, with only one UFO report on September 11 itself. The files also include information on US policy regarding UFOs and potential psychological warfare applications. Dr. David Clarke is quoted again, emphasizing the increased interest in UFO sightings following the Freedom of Information Act requests. UFO enthusiast Russ Kellet expresses suspicion about a missing ship's logbook related to an incident off Norway.

Doughnut-Shaped Phenomenon

A separate report details a doughnut-shaped phenomenon photographed by a retired RAF officer in Sri Lanka in March 2004. The object had an orange ring with a white/cream finger, a glowing head, and a second cloud of colour. The photographer believed it was an "air burst" and MoD investigators advised him to contact Sri Lankan authorities.

ARE WE ALONE?

This section features astronomer Eamonn Ansbro, who claims UFOs regularly visit Earth and that he can predict their appearances with 80 percent accuracy. He believes governments are aware but helpless. Ansbro, who has built a research-grade observatory in Co Roscommon, Ireland, prefers the term "Anomalous Observational Phenomena" over UFOs. He recounts stories of sightings and claims there is "compelling documentation" of physical objects with advanced flight characteristics. He advocates for "Search for extra-terrestrial visitation" research, criticizing conventional SETI strategies.

Bobbies Dazzled by Mystery Sighting

This letter to the editor from Harry Gibbs recounts a sighting in 1957 near Keynsham, England, while he was a Somerset Constabulary officer. He and his colleague witnessed a "terrific blue and white explosion" high in the sky, followed by two trails of debris that changed colour from red to orange before fading. The object was stationary and silent, and Gibbs was told by an RAF officer that it was seen in multiple locations across the UK and France, and was not an aircraft or atomic bomb.

Close Encounter of a Hit

Steve Glen, a songwriter and record producer, shares his experience of a UFO sighting on the A41 by Henly's Corner. He and his writing partner Mike Burns, along with other band members, witnessed a massive object, described as "about four or five houses wide," with an orange cloud emanating from it. This event inspired the song "No Doubt About It," which became a hit for Hot Chocolate.

Visitors from Outer Space?

Mike Hallowell's column discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life and spacecraft visiting Earth. It references the notorious Roswell Incident in 1947 and the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980, where military witnesses reported seeing strange lights and a pyramid-shaped UFO. The article mentions ongoing reports of metal fragments from alleged "sky crashes" being made available for analysis, possessing bizarre qualities.

In Search of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster

This article by Darrell Laurant features Henry Bauer, a Virginia Tech science professor emeritus, who has made multiple trips to Scotland to research the Loch Ness Monster. Bauer is "about 95 percent certain" of the third option: that a family of Nessies still occupies the lake. He discusses theories about the creature's origins and mentions the upcoming "UFOs at the Lake Conference" which includes UFO investigators and individuals who claim to have been abducted by aliens.

Another Crop Circle Discovered in Indonesia

This report from JakartaGlobe details the discovery of a new crop circle in a rice field in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java. The circle, described as 90 meters long and 30 meters wide, consists of two circles topped with hexagons. The group Beta-UFO, which investigates UFO sightings, discovered it and plans to send photos for further examination.

'What on Earth?' Probes Mysteries of Crop Circles

Jeannette Catsoulis' review of the documentary "What on Earth?" describes it as a "cheery, chummy documentary" exploring crop circles. The film merges interviews with photographs and film of various patterns, with enthusiasts convinced of an intelligence behind the designs. The documentary focuses on the patterns themselves, described as "fantastically precise whorls and curlicues."

An Ignoble Extradition

Duncan Campbell's article discusses the case of Gary McKinnon, a hacker with Asperger's syndrome facing extradition to the US. The article highlights new evidence of McKinnon's medical history and family history, suggesting that extradition would breach his human rights. It mentions that McKinnon's interest in UFOs led him to hack into NASA and Pentagon computers. The article also draws a parallel to the refusal of Switzerland to extradite Roman Polanski, suggesting the UK could also refuse the US request.

Lords to Debate on Hacker's Case

This report from the Enfield Gazette states that members of the House of Lords are to debate the future of Gary McKinnon. The debate was initiated by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass, following a letter sent to Lords and MPs explaining Gary's situation. Mrs. May, the Home Secretary, had previously halted extradition proceedings and is awaiting a new assessment of McKinnon's medical evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, government transparency, and the intersection of science, belief, and skepticism. The publication appears to present a balanced approach, featuring expert opinions, eyewitness accounts, and investigative journalism. There is a clear interest in UFOs and related mysteries, with the release of government files serving as a central focus. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging inquiry and presenting information from various sources, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. The inclusion of articles on crop circles and the Loch Ness Monster suggests a broader interest in fortean phenomena. The coverage of the Gary McKinnon case, linking his hacking to UFO research, further underscores the issue's focus on the unexplained and the potential for government cover-ups or public interest in such matters.