UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. V, No. 12
Date: May - June 1978
Publisher: UFO Research Associates (UFOR)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the UFO Research Newsletter delves into several intriguing UFO cases and reports from around the world, with a focus on physical evidence and witness testimony.

Alien "Claim Jumpers" -- Bizarre Encounters (California)

The lead story details the experiences of Clinton and Jane Chapin, a couple in their 70s mining in the rugged Trinity Mountains near Redding, California. They reported two encounters with UFOs that left them ill and produced physical evidence. The first encounter occurred on October 30, 1969, when an egg-shaped object with a flat bottom, about the size of a Volkswagen, rose from the ground and ascended rapidly up the canyon. The object was described as cream to light gray, with no lights or windows, and made no noise. Following the sighting, the Chapins discovered an oval depressed spot on the ground, which was cold to the touch and slightly discolored. They also found a pile of unusual-looking sand and a 'glob' of heavy metal about half the size of a fist. Analysis of the sand revealed it was primarily silicon with minor traces of other elements, not naturally formed, and possibly altered by intense, brief heat. The metal 'glob' was found to be composed of a puzzling variety of metals, mostly copper, with tin, iron, chrome, silver, thorium, and silicon, suggesting it was not from the local mining claim. The Chapins reported a second encounter on December 29, 1976, where a similar UFO emitted a ray or force field, causing them to lose consciousness. They also reported being visited by mysterious scientists interested in their experience and materials, who took them out of state for examination.

UFO Light Illuminates Witnesses (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

On March 1, 1978, Glenn A. Ricci and Claire A. Gallery reported observing a large, bright light approaching on Fox Chapel Road near Pittsburgh. The object, described as large and awkward with bright lights, scanned the sky with powerful beams. A smaller, long, thin object with flashing red, white, and blue lights was also seen. The UFO made a 180-degree turn and headed towards the larger object. Later, Ricci and Gallery observed the UFO again, described as huge and massive, oval-shaped, with scanning lights, hovering over the Highland Park reservoir. It emitted a bright light beam onto the witnesses. Over 300 calls related to the object were received that night, with statements taken from over 140 witnesses.

Largest Concentrated New Zealand Flap Reported (November 1977 - February 1978)

This section details a significant UFO flap in New Zealand, primarily in the Waimata Valley and Gisborne areas. Sighting characteristics included occupants, objects causing physiological effects, photographic evidence, landings, and emitted light beams and sounds. Specific reports include:

• A farmer fired at a humanoid attempting to abduct his dog from a UFO resting on the ground.
• A humanoid in a metallic silver suit and red boots was observed.
• Three color shots of a UFO emitting brilliant green, red, and orange lights were taken.
• An object emitted a soft, clear light causing a tingling sensation, and sea birds reacted strangely.
• A blue, red, and green object was seen in the sky.
• A 'mother ship' with 'scout ships' was observed.
• A silver object, 'slightly oval-shaped' and the size of a medium aircraft, was seen near Gisborne Airport.
• An object landed in a paddock, and investigators found no physical evidence, though one member sighted a hovering disc-shaped object emitting blue light.
• A UFO about 30 feet across, red on top, blue in the middle, and green on the bottom, caused animals to flee.
• Five hunters observed an object swooping over the area.
• A brilliant yellow object hovered and shot straight up.
• A UFO was seen hovering over a road, then quickly rose and disappeared.
• A UFO paced a woman's car.
• An object also paced a car and sped off into the valley.
• A UFO hovered over roads and sped toward Young Nick's Head.
• A red object flew toward the valley, joined by a blue UFO, and both disappeared.
• An object was seen traveling at high speed from the sea.
• Two brilliant, red, blue, and green UFOs sped over a house.
• Witnesses observed a 'bright object' and a 'rectangular object' that lit up the sky.
• A bright, silver, bone-shaped object emerged from a cloud, trailing sparks.
• A brilliant light extended to form a tube or bar shape, then flashed and retracted.
• An oval-shaped, orange-red UFO moved erratically and disappeared.

Object Leaves Physical Evidence:

• January 19, Waimata Valley: A UFO resting on a hillside left a large, burned-off area with scarred wood and blackened earth.
• January 19, Waimata Valley: A brilliant UFO hovered and disappeared behind trees multiple times, described as small, egg-shaped, glowing orange.
• January 19, Gisborne: A small white light turned in a W-shaped curve before heading to sea.
• January 24, Te Hepara: About 16 round, shiny metallic objects, described as 'grapes,' were observed in a geometric V formation.

Additional Witness in Connection with Hallstrom Case

Floyd P. Hallstrom reported observing a UFO with a large dome and portholes while flying over Santa Monica, California. Ten minutes later, Mel Smith observed a ball-shaped UFO rotating in a slow counterclockwise motion near Downey, California, with two lights visible. The object picked up speed and vanished toward Beverly Hills.

Hynek Featured Attraction at Los Angeles UFO Meet

This section covers a UFO conference held in Los Angeles on May 13, featuring a five-hour discourse on UFOs. Special guest Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), was a popular speaker. Other speakers included Adrian Vance, Floyd P. Hallstron, Lt. Col. Robert F. Bowker (USAF-Ret.), Philip Klass (described as a 'detective debunker'), and Dr. Edwin C. Krupp. The discussions covered various classic UFO cases, explanations, and the potential significance of UFOs for scientific understanding. Hynek hinted that UFOs might signal the beginning of a scientific revolution and mentioned astronaut Deke Slayton had seen a UFO, with the number of physical evidence reports climbing to 1,189. Other speakers included Dr. Alvin Lawson and Ann Druffel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently presents witness testimonies and physical evidence related to UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into the UFO phenomenon, documenting cases with detailed descriptions, witness accounts, and scientific analysis where available. The publication highlights unusual aspects of sightings, such as physical traces, electromagnetic effects, and the composition of recovered materials. The inclusion of reports from various locations, including California, Pennsylvania, and New Zealand, suggests a broad scope of investigation. The coverage of the New Zealand flap indicates a focus on significant, concentrated periods of UFO activity. The report on the Los Angeles UFO meet underscores the ongoing public and expert interest in the subject, with a notable presence from established researchers and organizations like MUFON and CUFOS.