UFO Research Newsletter - 1973 08 09 - Vol 03 No 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Newsletter, Vol. III, No. 5, published bi-monthly by UFO Research Associates (UFOR) for August-September 1973, focuses on significant UFO encounters and investigations. The cover headline highlights "THE WHITE SANDS ENCOUNTERS," detailing three previously undisclosed incidents from the 1950s involving UFOs interacting with launched missiles at White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M. The newsletter also includes a comprehensive section on UFO detection instruments being developed and numerous sighting reports from April to September 1973, spanning various locations globally.

The White Sands Encounters

The lead article details three incidents from the 1950s at White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M., obtained by investigator Paul C. Cerny. The first incident, occurring in late Summer or Fall 1955, involved a small, football-shaped object appearing a few feet above and ahead of a large ground-based missile during its launch. This object was visually observed by ground crews, recorded on movie film, and the incident was subsequently hushed up with the films confiscated.

The second incident, from 1957, involved approximately 30 to 40 personnel preparing for missile test firings. During the second day, numerous small unidentified objects appeared on radar scopes at higher altitudes. On the third day, a large elliptical target was observed on radar screens, which then merged with a fired missile on screen and moved out of range, with no trace of the missile ever found.

The third incident, from 1958, involved 30 tracking and range crew personnel observing a jet bomber. A small ball-shaped object approached rapidly behind the bomber. As the bomber released its missile, the tracking equipment locked onto the missile, but the mysterious ball darted ahead and confused the trackers, who then locked onto the UFO. The UFO veered off, speeding upward while the missile went in another direction.

UFO Detection Instruments Being Developed

This section reports on sensitive instruments designed to detect and monitor UFOs, being developed by 18 scientists at the University of California at San Diego. J.F. Herr, a group spokesman, stated the instruments aim to detect and measure certain effects produced by UFOs. One concept involves a central processing unit for simultaneous recording of signals on magnetic tape. Individual instruments are designed to be built by individuals with limited technical knowledge, with a component cost limit of $100. The group has perfected a state-of-the-art magnetometer with high sensitivity and a frequency range of 0.1 to 10 Hertz, employing an induction coil sensor. Other instruments under development include an electrometer, an automatic camera system, and a three-channel radio frequency interference detection system.

Scientists Investigate Missouri Sightings

This article summarizes recent UFO sightings investigated in Missouri and other states during April-June 1973. Reports included UFO detectors confirming landings, objects causing electro-magnetic (E-M) effects, lights illuminating homes, objects making 'incredible turns,' photographic evidence, responses to car headlights, possible plane chases, and landings leaving physical evidence. Witnesses included police officers, a sheriff, reporters, and a former Air Force radar operator.

Several specific Missouri sightings are detailed:

• June 12, 1973 (St. Charles, Mo.): Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baumbach observed four 'brightly glowing balls of whitish light' moving erratically at high speeds.
• May 6, 1973 (North of Nemo, Mo.): Sheriff W.V. Kennedy witnessed a UFO that changed colors from pink to red to green to blue.
• April 27, 1973 (Glover, Mo.): David Swaringim and others saw a UFO, described as triangular-shaped with two red lights and one green, hover over the American Smelting and Refining Plant stack.
• April 6, 1973 (Charleston, Mo.): Dorothy Thompson's television set blinked out, and she then saw an egg-shaped object with red and white lights at treetop level.

Detective Darrell Tullock described objects making 'incredible turns,' hovering, and accelerating at speeds faster than any known aircraft.

Reporter Sees "Extraordinary Phenomenon"

Robert H. Forister, a newspaper columnist, and a friend investigated sightings in Piedmont, Mo., and observed an amber-colored UFO. Forister described it as an 'extraordinary phenomenon' that disappeared suddenly, leaving him with a profound sense of wonder.

UFO Hovers Over Plant

On April 27, 1973, in Glover, Mo., a UFO described as triangular-shaped with two red lights and one green hovered over the American Smelting and Refining Plant stack for about 10 minutes before moving north and disappearing.

UFO Causes Physiological Effects, Animal Reactions

This section reports on a UFO observed near Mahomet, Ill., on December 19, 1967, which caused the witness to become violently ill and a dog to react strangely. The witness, Maryellen Kelly, described a frightening experience involving a UFO that moved at incredible speed, causing her to develop a headache, red face, bloodshot eyes, and a prolonged period of illness.

Object Frightens Missouri Family

UFOR received a report concerning a UFO sighting in Columbia, Mo., on June 28, 1973. James E. Richard and his family witnessed a large, bright, orange and white light that illuminated the entire area, caused trees to sway, and cut off all electricity and communications. Strange tracks were found on the meadow the next morning.

Sighting Capsules

This section provides brief summaries of numerous UFO sightings from April to May 1973, reported from various locations:

• April 6, 1973 (Kirkwood, Mo.): A steady amber light moving north at about 100 feet.
• April 8, 1973 (Perth, Ontario, Canada): A sparkling, yellow-orange to red, jerky, fast-moving object.
• April 8, 1973 (Carmarthen, Wales): A shining horse-shoe shaped object moving slowly.
• April 9, 1973 (Colac, Victoria, Australia): A UFO with a bright light trailing a heavy white cloud of smoke.
• April 10, 1973 (Athena, Mo.): An object with white, red, and amber lights that circled, with the white light being almost blinding.
• April 12, 1973 (Jersey Shore, Pa.): An object described as a 'star, but much larger and shinier' that changed color.
• April 17, 1973 (Los Molinas, Calif.): Two large bright white lights with an aura or halo effect.
• April 23, 1973 (Pevely, Mo.): Approximately five objects with bright white light and flashing red and green lights.
• April 23, 1973 (Collinsville, Ill.): An object emitting a flashing red light that changed color.
• April 23, 1973 (Richwoods, Mo.): A luminous object darting back and forth like a firefly.
• April 27, 1973 (Nanticoke, Pa.): A red flashing light.
• April 29, 1973 (West Australia): An object with lights that kept flaring and receding, hovering for 15 minutes.
• April 29, 1973 (Shamokin, Pa.): A UFO with a bubble and silver lights that landed.
• April 30, 1973 (Slough, England): A saucer with a little red light at the back and smoke coming out of the bottom.
• May 2, 1973 (Reading, Pa.): A blinking object.
• May 7, 1973 (Lake Ontario, Canada): Lights that looked like they may have been reflected from a small community.
• May 9, 1973 (Ballarat, Victoria, Australia): A red glowing object that traveled pretty fast.
• May 10, 1973 (Schaumburg-Elk Grove Township, Ill.): Very large and pulsating lights.
• May 14, 1973 (Riverside County, Calif.): A large object that broke into two chunks and exploded on impact with the earth.
• May 15, 1973 (Alexandra, New Zealand): A large round ball with white lights and a haze on each side.
• May 15, 1973 (Carleton, England): An oval-shaped object about twice the diameter of the moon, which became elongated and changed position.
• May 17, 1973 (Temuka, New Zealand): An unidentified couple saw objects pass over during an 11-minute period.
• May 18, 1973 (Pekin, Ill.): An object with a dome emitting an orange light that hovered, then headed toward the Illinois River.
• May 18-19, 1973 (Springfield, Mo.): A blue, cylindrical, fast-moving object with lights on all sides.
• May 20, 1973 (Motu, New Zealand): Four bright objects traveled to the northeast.
• May 26, 1973 (Morwell, Australia): An object crashed into an overhead high voltage wire, disrupting electrical service.

Important Notice

The newsletter will transition to a bi-monthly publication schedule starting with the next issue (October-November 1973) due to time constraints. Subscribers will continue to receive 12 issues. The editors reserve the right to return to a monthly schedule if major news breaks. This change is intended to allow the editor more time for follow-up investigations, correspondence, and overall newsletter improvement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of UFOs interacting with military activities (as seen in the White Sands incidents), the ongoing scientific effort to detect and understand UFOs through technological development, and the widespread nature of sightings across diverse geographical locations and witness types. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific findings without overt skepticism, while also noting possible conventional explanations for some sightings. The emphasis on scientific methods and data analysis, as highlighted in the Missouri investigation section, suggests a commitment to rigorous inquiry.