UFO Research Newsletter - 1972 05 06 - Vol 02 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. II, No. 2
Date: May - June 1972
Publisher: UFO Research Associates (UFOR)
Description: A monthly report on unidentified flying objects, this issue covers a wide range of UFO sightings, expert opinions, and critiques of official investigations.

Worldwide Rash of Dramatic Sightings

The lead article, reported by independent investigator George D. Fawcett, details a significant increase in dramatic UFO sightings over the preceding eight months. These incidents span various locations globally, including Brazil, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Reported phenomena include UFOs emitting occupants, light beams, and sounds; objects that paced cars and planes; caused animals to react violently or be injured; exhibited electromagnetic effects; and left physical evidence such as landing impressions. Specific cases cited include:

• September 28, 1971: Near Niteroi, Brazil, UFOs stopped two automobiles, causing engine failure and treating motorists for shock.
• October 1, 1971: Sao Cristovao, Brazil, a witness photographed a red UFO emitting light beams.
• October 16, 1971: Saint John River, New Brunswick, Canada, twenty to thirty people observed an object land on a small island.
• Early November, 1971: Near the Mojave Desert, California, three hunters reported a car-sized UFO landing, from which an occupant emerged, leaving five round holes at the site.
• December 10, 1971: Montrose, Australia, a businessman photographed a bright disc.
• January 1, 1972: Nedre Lerfoss, Norway, a technician described a flying cigar with portholes that emitted a low sound and blue flames.
• Early January, 1972: Strongsville, Ohio, a student photographed a domed disc hovering for 30 minutes.
• January 21, 1972: Balls Ferry, California, witnesses saw a bright UFO maneuver overhead, and a tall occupant in a flight suit was observed.
• February 2, 1972: Near Davis-Monthan AF Base, Arizona, three A7 combat aircraft chased an oval-shaped object tracked by radar.
• February 8, 1972: Eden and Stoneville, North Carolina, UFOs reportedly circled a radio station and caused animal reactions. On the same night, an Argentinean Airlines crew saw a multi-colored object pace their aircraft.

Additional sightings from early 1972 include a triangular UFO over Oak Harbor, Washington; a 'flying car' pacing vehicles in Newport, Arkansas; a UFO circling a farmhouse near Larned, Kansas, which cut a fence and burned cattle; and a pear-shaped UFO near Mt. Airy, North Carolina, that reportedly illuminated a church cross.

UFOs as Part of University Course

Dr. Leroy Dubeck at Temple University is teaching a course titled "Unusual Physical Phenomena," which includes UFOs as a main topic. The course uses books like "The Condon Report on UFOs" and John G. Fuller's "Aliens in the Skies" as assigned readings, encouraging students to form their own opinions.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Evolving Views and Upcoming Book

The newsletter announces the upcoming publication of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, "The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry." Hynek, formerly the chief UFO scientific consultant to the Air Force, now believes that approximately 20% of all sightings are unexplained. He has publicly criticized the Air Force for "cover-up tactics" and for misclassifying unexplained cases in the defunct Project Blue Book. Hynek suggests that the government may be hesitant to admit the reality of UFOs due to fear of public panic.

Hynek also stated that reputable people, including scientists, are afraid to report sightings for fear of ridicule. He believes intelligent life likely exists in other solar systems and that UFOs, if visiting Earth, are from such systems. He posits that the UFO phenomenon might be too complex for current human understanding.

Critique of the Condon Report

Dr. James E. McDonald, in a dissenting view of the Condon Report, challenges its negative conclusions. He argues that the report analyzed only a small fraction of significant cases, omitted many puzzling ones, and included trivial ones. McDonald criticizes the report's argumentation as specious and biased, suggesting it exhibits bias in the opposite direction of what it accuses others of. He believes the report's defects amount to misrepresentation of case information and that its superficial examination of UFO evidence represents a setback for scientific inquiry.

Historical Physiological Effects

A report from the December 1886 issue of Scientific American details an incident near Maracaibo, Venezuela, where a family experienced radiation-like symptoms, including violent vomiting, facial swelling, and skin lesions, following exposure to a brilliant light and humming noise. The effects were noted to be similar to those caused by ionizing radiation.

Additional Facts on the Delphos Case

New details are provided on the November 2, 1971, UFO sighting near Delphos, Kansas. Ronald Johnson reported a bright, rumbling object that rose rapidly and disappeared, toppling a dead Chinese elm tree. An investigation revealed a phosphorescent ring on the ground and other trees with broken branches.

National Enquirer's UFO Reward

The National Enquirer is offering $50,000 for proof of extraterrestrial UFO craft, with an additional $5,000 for the best scientific evidence. UFOR is assisting the Enquirer's panel in appraising sighting reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently advocates for a more serious and scientific approach to UFO investigation, challenging official skepticism and perceived government secrecy. It highlights witness accounts, physical evidence, and expert opinions that support the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the publication of credible reports and scientific study, while lamenting the historical ridicule faced by witnesses and researchers.