UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Newsletter, Volume II, Number 3, dated June-July 1972, is published monthly by UFO Research Associates (UFOR) and focuses on reports of unidentified flying objects with unusual characteristics. The newsletter provides a platform for sharing witness accounts, investigative findings, and analysis of UFO phenomena.

Objects with Strange Characteristics Reported

The newsletter presents several recent UFO sightings from various locations. In Orland, California, Robert McGarr and his sons reported a bright white disc that approached, zig-zagged, and descended, emitting a high-pitched hum before retreating. The sighting lasted approximately 2 1/2 minutes. Other reports from seven states and four foreign countries include UFOs that may have caused 'code transmissions,' landed, lit up hillsides, split apart, exhibited 'movable shafts,' caused electromagnetic effects, paced automobiles, emitted loud sounds, or appeared as 'meteorites' that hovered. Witnesses included control tower operators, U.S. Coast Guardsmen, police officers, and a newspaper photographer.

April Reports from Pennsylvania

In east Greensburg, Pennsylvania, three UFOs were observed emitting orange sparks. After about 15 minutes, one object split apart, and all three quickly ascended and disappeared. Other sightings in Central Westmoreland County included three red objects near the Latrobe Steel plant, with reports of a round, bright object dropping 'debris.' A metallic substance was found in a field near West Point and was being studied by the Westmoreland County UFO Study Group. Earlier in April, an orange object hovered over Greensburg for 10 minutes before disappearing at high speed. Another report described an orange 'pill capsule'-shaped UFO hovering about 20 feet off the ground near Hempfield High School, emitting sparks.

Hynek Book Revealing (A Book Review)

This section reviews Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, 'The UFO Experience; A Scientific Inquiry.' The review suggests that while the book may not contain startling revelations, it is significant as it confirms that the Air Force's Project Blue Book was a 'farce' and the Condon report lacked scientific acceptance. The book highlights the scientific community's general disregard for the UFO phenomenon, often characterized by 'militantly negative' attitudes and 'laughter of science.' Hynek's work is praised for its confirmation of an 'Invisible College' of scientists interested in UFOs. However, the review notes the omission of key figures like Dr. James E. McDonald and Major Donald E. Keyhoe from Hynek's acknowledgments. The book's value is seen in its insights into the workings of Project Blue Book and the University of Colorado UFO Project.

Work Valuable for AF and Colorado Insights

The review emphasizes that the book offers valuable insights into the machinations of Project Blue Book and the University of Colorado UFO Project, despite some reports being familiar to dedicated ufologists.

Strange Characteristics (Continued from page 1)

Further reports include an object approximately 20 feet in diameter with a fin tail and flat bottom, featuring three rectangular windows emitting bright light. In California, Officer Elmer Hobbs reported a bright yellow 'saucer' near Derby. The object was observed for five minutes, flying east, and was reportedly seen in Mojave and at Edwards Air Force Base. In Waterbury, Connecticut, a triangular-shaped object, 'the size of a 707,' with lights and a red blinker, was observed. Another account described a UFO larger than a 747 with white and blue lights, flying slowly and silently. Mr. and Mrs. Sal Verderame also saw a similar craft. Mrs. Frank Fazzano described an object that looked 'like a clam shell' and hovered over buildings.

UFO Lights Up Hillside

In Joseph, Oregon, witnesses saw a 'very bright light' descend near Ruby Peak, illuminating the entire hillside. A second object joined the first, and they disappeared behind the peak, changing colors from white to red to orange. A report from Wallowa described a 'meteorite' descending into Bear Creek Canyon, floating, moving erratically, and then speeding away. In western Wyandotte County, Kansas, a 'long object with red lights' was spotted, moving erratically before landing briefly and taking off.

Expert Witnesses Spot Object

In Muskegon, Michigan, Carl Van Dam and an attendant saw a 'yellowish white' light that changed colors. The object reappeared, flying faster, then stopped and dimmed. Police officers, including Chief Lawrence Clarke and Chief Robert L. Kerschner, along with Sgt. Harold Merkle and Sgt. Orville Smith, also observed the object, noting its brightness and color changes. U.S. Coast Guardsmen and a photographer also witnessed it. A report indicated that the Coast Guard UHF frequency was filled with a strange 'code transmission' that blocked voice transmissions. Control tower personnel at Muskegon County Airport also witnessed the UFO, and FAA officials stated it was not an airplane, star, planet, or weather balloon. The Air Force was requested to investigate but stated 'Selfridge AF 3 is not Interested.'

UFO Paces Automobile

Near Payson, Illinois, a woman and her daughter reported a bright light heading toward them. The UFO was described as about five feet in diameter with two legs and red, green, and white lights. It paced the car and passed over the vehicle.

Reports From England

In England, John Pevitt saw a 'strange light' hovering in front of his automobile. Other reports from the same area described a huge, spinning, hovering disc and a 'lamp bulb' object passing low over houses. Sightings were also reported from France, including a brightly lit 'saucer' landing in a field and a farmer experiencing 'total electric power failure' as it took off.

Results of the Sunya UFO Course

Dr. Robert F. Creegan reports on a UFO course taught at SUNY-Albany. The research from student journals revealed a number of unstudied cases, with some substantial ones slated for field investigation. A significant portion of students expressed interest in repeating the course. The analysis of journals suggested a consensus that early studies established the possibility of unknown technology in UFO phenomena, with a third of students believing it to be extraterrestrial.

"Blockage" of "Scientific Information" Established

The newsletter discusses the perceived blockage of scientific information regarding UFOs. It notes that besides AF regulations, blacklists exist in private corporations in the aviation, space, and electronics industries. This blockage is seen as affecting the quality of reports rather than the quantity. The course at SUNY-Albany aimed to provide a 'low profile' approach, but proved memorable for active participants, with administrative and professional opinion remaining positive.

1966 Sighting Involves Prominent Businessman

A disc described as 'lit up like a church steeple at night' passed over a car three times near Fremont, Indiana. The object, whitish-gray with a dome and 'portholes,' hovered slightly above the ground. It approached within 15 feet of the vehicle, then rose higher. The object then started swinging in a wide arc and took off at a terrific speed.

Science in Default: 22 Years of Inadequate UFO Investigations

Dr. James E. McDonald, in the final part of a series, argues that no scientifically adequate investigation of the UFO problem has been conducted in the 22 years since the 1947 sightings. He criticizes the superficial examinations of UFO reports and the tendency to dismiss all sightings as misidentified phenomena, ignoring the residue of significant reports. McDonald states that science is in default for failing to conduct adequate studies of this problem, which has aroused widespread public concern. He notes that the climate of thinking, influenced by the Condon Report, makes securing new investigations difficult, yet calls for them.

Scientists Ignore Problem

McDonald highlights the general reluctance of both the public and scientists to engage with the UFO phenomenon. He points out that credible witnesses are often reluctant to report, and few scientists have investigated puzzling reports. This has resulted in a lack of general scientific recognition of the scope and nature of the UFO problem. The Condon Report is deemed inadequate, with its extensive padding and questionable conclusions.

Enquirer Panel Investigates Delphos Case

The National Enquirer's scientific UFO reward panel is investigating the Delphos, Kansas, case. Young Ronnie Johnson reported a toadstool-shaped UFO that rumbled and temporarily paralyzed him and his dog. The object left a glowing circle on the ground, which was dry despite recent rain and appeared blistered and burnt. Soil samples from the circle showed unusual properties, including not absorbing water normally and containing higher levels of calcium. A 'white fibrous material' was also found. Dr. J. Allen Hynek noted that the soil suggested heat radiation. The Enquirer is offering a $50,000 reward for proof that UFOs are from outer space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the unusual nature of reported UFO phenomena, emphasizing witness testimony and the search for physical evidence. There is a critical stance towards official investigations, particularly the Condon Report, which is frequently criticized as inadequate and biased. The publication champions the idea that UFOs represent a serious scientific problem that has been neglected by the mainstream scientific community. The editorial stance supports the pursuit of rigorous investigation and acknowledges the possibility of unknown technology, potentially extraterrestrial, being involved. The newsletter also serves as a conduit for information from various UFO research groups and publications, fostering a sense of community among those interested in the subject.