UFO Research Newsletter - 1978 07 08 - Vol 06 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO RESEARCH NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. VI, No. 1
Date: July - August 1978
Publisher: UFO Research Associates (UFOR)
Country: USA
Price: $.60 (U.S., Canada and Mexico); $.80 (foreign) per copy

This issue of the UFO Research Newsletter focuses on a significant period of UFO activity, particularly a "concentrated flap" in the Syracuse, New York area from November 1977 to May 1978. It details numerous sightings, investigations, and witness accounts, alongside reports from other regions and discussions on the broader implications of UFO phenomena.

New Yorkers Experience Concentrated Flap

The lead article details a series of UFO sightings within a 50-mile radius of Syracuse, New York, occurring between November 1977 and May 1978. These sightings were characterized by objects that shook houses, were tracked on radar, caused electromagnetic effects, lit up surrounding areas, frightened witnesses, and produced possible physiological effects. UFOR credits Robert Barrow of Syracuse for investigating and reporting on these events.

The sightings reportedly began on November 23, 1977, in Plymouth, with Thomas Colledge describing a "tremendous roar" and an "arrowhead-shaped object" about the size of a house, estimated at 80 feet long and 50 feet wide. The object shook his house, lit up the yard, and emitted flashing red and white lights, described as similar to "Delta wings." Mrs. Colledge noted the lights formed a cross as it moved away.

Ten minutes later, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Travers and their son in Syracuse witnessed a similar object, described as a "manta ray" shape, about 80 feet from front to back, with rows of lit windows. Their son described it as "triangle-shaped" with two gigantic white lights underneath and reddish-orange flames from the back.

Other sightings in the Syracuse area included:

• March 30: Joseph LaBella observed an "unusually brilliant" light behind his car, experiencing static on his FM radio.
• April 5: Dennis Kiteveles and his family saw a revolving, oval-shaped object over Baldwinsville that caused a power blackout affecting thousands of homes.
• April 6: William Colton and Robert Waltz reported a bright ball of white light that stopped and then displayed flashing red, green, and blue lights.
• April 7: Six boys and two girls in Southwood saw three lights that hovered and lit up an area.
• April 9: Paul Cunningham and friends observed a large, "airliner"-sized UFO outlined in orange over Onondaga Hill.
• April 29: A couple reported an "L-shaped antenna-like structure" that paced their car, described as roughly 50 feet long with a shorter section at a 45-degree angle.

International and Regional Sightings

The newsletter also includes reports from outside New York:

• May 3, Cazenovia, NY: Debbie Ballway and Bobby Barrows observed a round, fluorescent UFO with colored lights that emitted a humming sound.
• Maryland, April 23 & 25: John Lutz investigated sightings including an oval-shaped UFO near Cumberland and an object with rectangular windows and lights near Baltimore, where occupants were reportedly seen.
• England, 1977: A summary of the "1977 UFO Flap in England" details numerous sightings from January to June, including discs disappearing into cloud, hovering objects over factories, a silvery diamond craft, purple objects causing power drain, a tubular craft, and a pyramid-shaped UFO.

UFOs Tracked on Radar During Earthquake

On February 16, 1978, personnel at a radar installation on Shemya Island, Aleutian chain, observed "five round, glowing objects" that hovered, zipped back and forth at incredible speed, changed color, and moved faster than any aircraft. These "unidentified blips" appeared on radar screens. Simultaneously, an earthquake shook the island. The Alaska Air Defense Command later confirmed an earth tremor and unidentified blips on radar, but concluded the lights were planets and the radar returns were due to high waves.

Book Reviews

Two book reviews are featured:

• "UFOs -- God's Chariots? Flying Saucers in Politics, Science, and Religion" by Dr. Ted Peters: The review notes the book's premise that extraterrestrial beings share basic religious concerns with humans. It categorizes UFO sightings into three models: "interstellar diplomat," "research scientist," and "celestial savior." The review finds the book thought-provoking and superior to most UFO works.
• "UFO Encounters of the Fourth Kind" by Art Gatti: This review is highly critical, describing the book as a "cut-and-paste rehash of UFO reports with sexual overtones." It discusses claims of men with "extra something" from advanced beings, Uri Geller's psychic gifts, and alleged sexual liaisons of various figures with "women from outer space." The reviewer advises readers to save their money.

Gallup Poll Reveals "Solid Majority" Believe UFOs Real

A nationwide Gallup poll conducted in March revealed that 57% of those aware of UFOs believe they are real, while 27% doubt their existence. The poll also indicated that 11% of Americans have seen a UFO, and 90% of those witnesses believe UFOs are real. The poll further suggested that individuals with college educations, younger people, and those living in the Far West are more likely to have sighted a UFO and believe in their existence. Ninety-three percent of the adult population have heard or read about UFOs, with 51% believing "we are not alone in the universe."

Memphis Policemen Win Annual Enquirer Award

Five S.W.A.T. team police officers from Memphis, Tenn., were awarded $7,500 by the National Enquirer for providing "the most scientifically valuable evidence on UFOs in 1977." The officers reported seeing a "giant, metallic, triangular UFO 'as big as a football field'" that suddenly shot out of sight at phenomenal speed.

Object Apparently Causes Home to Vibrate, Inflicts Burns

In Kerman, California, Mrs. Lisa Harrison reported her home vibrating and hearing a "loud whirr" while seeing two lights moving southward. Nanette Pallesi, a neighbor, also heard a humming sound. In a separate incident, Police Officer Manuel Amparano in Fresno, California, observed a round UFO hovering over a cotton field. He later sought treatment for first-degree burns on his face, neck, and hands, filing a workman's compensation report for injuries suffered "while watching a UFO."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings with a focus on detailed witness accounts and investigative efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while also maintaining a critical perspective, particularly evident in the book reviews and the debunking of certain claims. The publication aims to document evidence and explore possibilities, distinguishing between credible reports and what it deems sensationalism or potential hoaxes. There's an underlying theme of public interest and belief in UFOs, supported by the Gallup poll data, contrasted with the skepticism often encountered from official or scientific circles.