ACOS Bulletin - Number 11

Magazine Overview

Title: A.C.O.S. BULLETIN
Issue: NUMBER ELEVEN
Date: SEPTEMBER 1977
Publisher: AUSTRALIAN CO-ORDINATION CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Country: AUSTRALIA

This issue of the ACOS Bulletin presents a collection of articles and research findings related to UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the investigation of physical evidence. The publication aims to foster a more mature and credible approach to UFO research.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by H. Griesberg & D. Seargent, calls for a more grown-up approach to UFO research, urging members to abandon "pseudo-espionage hocus pocus" and paranoid tendencies. They emphasize that official agencies like the CIA and KGB are unlikely to be interested in UFO research and that such behavior undermines the credibility of the field. The editors express concern that headstrong teenagers and even some adults might engage in "Star Trek"-like fantasies, which they believe are detrimental to serious research. They advocate for a scientific approach, free from wishful thinking, to gain respect from scientists and the public.

Editorial by J. Allen Hynek

Dr. J. Allen Hynek addresses the perceived arbitrariness in assigning many UFO reports to the IFO (Identified Flying Object) category. He clarifies that while space limitations prevent detailed explanations for each classification, there are sound reasons, often involving extensive phone calls to various agencies and witnesses, to identify these objects. Hynek stresses that focusing on provocative cases with potential scientific value is more productive than dwelling on minor sightings. He reiterates that uncritically labeling every sighting a UFO is wishful thinking and hinders research credibility. He also discusses how significant cases often surface years later, frequently from individuals who initially feared ridicule, especially for Close Encounters of the second or third kind.

Collection of Samples in Trace Cases by Dr. G. T. Stevens

Dr. G. T. Stevens introduces the application of thermoluminescence (TL) to the analysis of physical trace events associated with UFOs. This technique can detect the effects of ionizing radiation and heating on inorganic, non-conducting materials like soil, rock, and bricks. He notes that overseas scientists have used TL to study phenomena such as ball lightning and atom bomb effects. Stevens provides detailed guidelines for investigators on collecting samples, emphasizing the need for a large number of samples, careful labeling, precise location noting, and systematic grid patterns. He also specifies sample requirements for TL and conventional chemical analysis, including the collection of vegetation and artefacts. The article highlights that TL measures radiation damage, which is stable in quartz, allowing for the reinvestigation of old sites. Stevens urges groups to promptly visit sites with environmental effects like dead vegetation or discolored rocks and to send samples to ACOS or directly to him for analysis.

Some Notes on Ground Markings by Keith Basterfield

Keith Basterfield examines ground markings, a phenomenon often sensationalized by the media as "saucer nests." He notes that in Australia, few markings have been definitively linked to unusual aerial events, with Tully, Queensland being a notable exception. Basterfield categorizes eight examined markings into two groups: four where fungus was identified as the cause, and four where the cause remains undetermined. Only one case, Tooligee Hill, is noted as potentially having an associated unusual aerial event. The article details characteristics of 'fungus' rings (e.g., bare soil, white fibres) and 'ring effects' (e.g., rotated crops, associated UFO reports). Group 2 markings, like those at Tooligee Hill, Wokurna, and Bordertown, show anti-clockwise swirling. Discussions with various institutions, including the Department of Defence and CSIRO, have not yielded conclusive explanations for some markings. The article concludes that while similar markings exist elsewhere, strong evidence linking them to UFOs is lacking.

Fancy Flights or Flights of Fancy by D. Seargent

This speculative article by D. Seargent explores the possibility of human colonization of the universe. Seargent addresses two primary objections: the limited number of humans and the vast interstellar distances. He posits that with controlled population growth, humanity could populate habitable planets within 5,000 years. The article then delves into potential methods of interstellar travel, including instantaneous transference (ITF) through out-of-body experiences or technological 'hyperdrives,' and near-light-speed travel utilizing time dilation and space contraction. Seargent discusses a hypnotic experiment involving astral projection and a case of an artist whose 'astral projection' accurately predicted Mercury's surface features. He introduces the concept of 'hyperspace' as a realm where space and time are non-existent, and suggests that psychokinesis or entering 'wormholes' might allow travel through it. The article concludes with a thought experiment about three starships traveling to different galaxies, illustrating the profound effects of relativistic travel and hinting at a cosmic connection between distant civilizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical need for scientific rigor and mature investigation in the field of UFO research. The editors strongly advocate for evidence-based analysis, distinguishing between credible research and sensationalism or unfounded speculation. The use of scientific techniques like thermoluminescence for physical trace analysis is highlighted as a positive development. The speculative nature of space colonization and advanced propulsion methods also features, contrasting with the grounded approach to terrestrial UFO investigations. The overall editorial stance is one of promoting a responsible, scientific, and evidence-driven approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, while actively discouraging unsubstantiated claims and 'paranoid' interpretations.

This issue of "PERCEPTION AND UFO REPORTS" (Issue 10) is authored by Keith Basterfield and published by ACOS, likely in June 1977, given the context of the ACOS Bulletin. The magazine delves into the critical analysis of UFO reports, emphasizing the importance of perception, potential misinterpretations, and the human factor in understanding sightings. It presents case studies, research methodologies, and a comprehensive catalog of reported events.

Perception and Case Analysis

Keith Basterfield begins by discussing his approach to summarizing UFO reports, which involves determining if the facts align with the reporter's account. He provides an example from 1973 in Kalyan, South Australia, where a farmer reported his truck's engine and headlights failing when a light approached. Upon investigation, Basterfield's reconstruction suggested the light was moving parallel to the truck at a distance, and the vehicle's electrical failure might have been due to a faulty battery, which was found flat the next day. This highlights how a reporter's initial interpretation can differ from a more grounded explanation.

Another case involves a PMG employee in a small country town who reported seeing a group of orange lights very close to him. However, other witnesses in the same town described the lights as being far away. The explanation was found to be Army parachute flares fired from a testing ground 25 miles away, with the PMG employee's perception center misjudging the distance and size.

More recently, in February 1977, an elderly couple near Mt. Gambier reported rainbow-coloured lights following their car. Basterfield suggests the likely explanation was headlights of vehicles behind them, especially given the observation through the rear-view mirror on a hot night and the lack of change in size or brightness.

Basterfield stresses the need for critical examination of every case, noting that poor perception can make a case appear excellent initially. He advises investigators to ask specific questions, such as whether observations were continuous and if approaching/receding objects altered their angular size and brightness, to identify potential alternative geometrical situations.

He further elaborates on the Kalyan case, suggesting it could have been caused by a faulty battery terminal and a satellite. Basterfield advocates for a pro/con style discussion for each case, allowing strong cases to stand on their own merit.

UFO Reports - Vehicle Effects

This section details a research project by UFO Research Inc. to develop a specialist report form for cases involving vehicle effects. Basterfield requests organizations to use this form and share the data. A key aspect of the research involves checking for alterations in a vehicle's magnetic signature. The article explains that stressed steel retains a permanent magnetic imprint. If a car passes through a magnetic field, it will retain that field's pattern. The research aims to compare the magnetic signature of a vehicle involved in a UFO encounter with reference vehicles of the same model and year. Differences could indicate a physical fact related to the UFO phenomenon, suggesting the involvement of strong magnetic fields.

Basterfield mentions testing two cars in South Australia involved in close encounters and states that more data is needed from vehicles involved in 'pacings', 'stallings', and 'stoppings'.

Australasian Entity Reports - A Summary

This section presents a catalogue of eighty-six reported observations of unusual entities in Australasia. The format includes the date, location, entity sub-type, number of entities, height, object type, and publication reference. The data spans from 1868 to 1976, covering locations across Australia and New Zealand. The breakdown of entity types includes ERA, ER, ERC, and ERD. The table provides detailed entries for each report, including specific dates, locations, and descriptions of the entities and objects involved.

Plympton, South Australia, 29th February 1964

This is presented as the first in a series of documents providing basic details of a report. The Plympton case involves two boys who reported seeing a glowing disc-shaped object land in a paddock. An occupant, described as tall (around 7 ft.), wearing a tight blue-black tunic, purple cape, leather-like cap, and silver-studded gauntlets, emerged. His skin was copper red, and he wore a large belt. The object made a humming sound, and another figure briefly appeared at a window. The craft then lifted and sped away. Twenty other witnesses reportedly saw the object as it departed. The report also includes details from a taped interview with one of the witnesses, David Mathlin, who described the man's attire and appearance, and a report form detailing the object's colour (silver grey), size (25 feet long, 12-15 feet high), and duration of the sighting (3 minutes).

UFOs and the Human Factor

Basterfield discusses the vast amount of research dedicated to UFOs and the various interpretations, from 'flying saucers' and 'little green men' to serious scientific problems. He states his personal conviction that there is no evidence of extraterrestrial, ultraterrestrial, or supernatural visitors. However, he remains open to examining new data. He believes there are many causative factors for reports, not a single 'UFO phenomenon'. His research, spanning about six years and including numerous interviews, has led him to explain more sightings as probable known stimuli like aircraft and meteors. He notes that few sightings remain unexplained, often being too sketchy or involving 'close encounters'.

Basterfield highlights the role of psychology in witness reactions and how some witnesses resist explanations that contradict their beliefs. He mentions factors like Autokenesis and atmospheric scintillation that people may not understand. He also touches upon hoaxes, particularly in photographs, and how experience helps in identifying them.

He concludes that his research into Australian sightings suggests no evidence of anything unusual having happened. He believes most UFO sightings occur at night, and country dwellers are more likely to report them due to less education about stimuli like contrails and meteors, unlike city dwellers who report aircraft. 'Landing areas' or markings in paddocks are more common in the country. He anticipates that most such markings will eventually be explained naturally.

Basterfield then outlines 12 points explaining why most important or unusual sightings are reported during darkness. These include difficulty in determining angular size and distance, shrouding of finer details, interference from Autokenesis, the occurrence of 'night vision', the influence of fear and emotional experiences, and the impact of tiredness or intoxication on perception. He also notes that young people and older women (over 50) are more frequently involved in important close encounters, and suggests hormonal effects might play a role. He also mentions 'car-chasing' events, often explained as Venus, and the general realization that unusual things are seen at night.

He acknowledges that many researchers have biases and emphasizes the importance of unbiased work. He notes that the subject is also valuable for psychology students. Basterfield concludes that until it is proven that UFOs represent another form of intelligent life, critical analysis of reports is essential.

News from Around Australia

This section includes "READERS' VIEWS" inviting contributions, a "CHANGE OF ADDRESS" for UFO Research (Far North Queensland), and a list of "PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE". The publications include "THE MCDONALD PAPERS", "THE NEW GUINEA REPORT", and "THE ATKINSON DAM REPORT", with contact information provided for ordering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical investigation of UFO reports, the psychological aspects of witness perception, and the challenge of distinguishing genuine unexplained phenomena from misidentifications, hoaxes, and natural stimuli. Keith Basterfield's editorial stance is one of rigorous skepticism combined with an open mind for verifiable data. He advocates for methodical research, detailed questioning, and a multi-disciplinary approach that includes psychology. The magazine clearly aims to educate its readers on how to approach UFO reports with a critical and analytical mindset, moving beyond sensationalism towards a more evidence-based understanding.

This document, identified as page (20) of a publication, focuses on the upcoming "UFOCON THREE" conference and a collection of UFO sighting reports from around Australia. The conference is scheduled for November 12th, 13th, and 14th at the Chevron Paradise Hotel in Surfer's Paradise, Queensland. Preparations are well underway, with 17 participants registered and more expected. The article highlights Australia's significant advancement in UFO research, claiming it has risen to be among the world's top 5.

UFOCON THREE Conference Details

The conference promises a discussion of new ideas and investigation techniques. For the first time, public observers will be allowed to attend as silent observers for all three days. A list of confirmed papers includes:

1. Progress report on the Computer File.
2. An Overview of the CE2 Experience in Australia.
3. Notes on the apparent absence of contact, time lapse & abduction cases in Australia.
4. The use of Thermoluminescence in the measurement of radiation damage or heating effects caused by UFOs.
5. A study of Victorian Press Reports of 1954.
6. The Time Dimension.
7. On the Accuracy of beliefs.
8. Research into Entity Reports within Australasia.

Three additional papers are yet to be confirmed, including one on Imprint Patterns from overseas.

Items to be discussed at the conference include:

1. Procedures for documentation & analysis of trace cases.
2. Documentation of historical cases.
3. Documentation of a UFO report.
4. The RAAF and UFOs.
5. Effects on Motor vehicles when UFOs are present.
6. Regressive hypnosis techniques and their reliability factor.
7. Latest development in evaluation of photographic cases involving UFOs.
8. Early identification of flaps.
9. How can we make more use of ACOS scientific consultants.
10. Updating of the Australian UFO report form.
11. Special Investigation groups.
12. Exchange of UFO information between the groups.

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" Film

The Columbia Pictures film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is slated for release in Australia around January/February of the following year. The film, starring Richard Dreyfuss and directed by Steven Spielberg, cost approximately 21 million dollars and is expected to be a major success. The Australian Special Projects Co-Ordinator for Columbia Pictures is expected to attend UFOCON 3 to provide details about the film and discuss how it might benefit the public's understanding of UFOs. Further details will be published in the December issue of the ACOS Bulletin.

UFO Reports from Around Australia

The document then presents a compilation of UFO reports filed by state for the current year. Each report includes a case number, date, time, classification (CE1, CE2, CE3, NL, DD), reporting organization, and a description of the sighting.

New South Wales (NSW) Reports:

• NA 77001 (January 4, 1977): A man and his girlfriend sighted a large orange glow near Lithgow, which appeared to move overhead and enveloped their vehicle in fog. The glow was described as orange-yellow and intense towards the center. The event lasted 10 minutes.
• NA 77026 (March 15, 1977): A woman, her husband, and daughter observed a brilliant light outside their home in Gorokan. The light, stationary for three minutes, moved upwards as a disc-shape with blue lights and a golden glow.
• NA 77027 (Late May 1977): A boy observed an orange sphere with "windows" at low altitude on a farm near Orange. The object projected a long beam of light before moving over a hill. Subsequent investigations found physical trace markings, and samples are being analyzed.
• TA 77036 (February 3, 1977): Children at a youth camp saw a dome object with flashing lights and windows, which was spinning. A figure was seen in the center window before the object moved away.
• TA 77065 (May 30, 1977): A man noticed blue flashes from an object crossing the sky near Casino. The object moved slowly to the NW, and a neighbor watching television reported interference.
• TA 77097 (June 25, 1977): Two friends saw flashing lights above their car near Casino, described as a circle of rotating yellow and pink-red lights.

South Australia (SA) Reports:

• SA 77005 (January 20, 1977): A man awoke at Port Kenny to a bright flashing light in the sky and the ground illuminated. He saw a bright ball of light traveling along, which then suddenly took off in the opposite direction.
• SA 77061 (May 14, 1977): A 15-year-old boy and a friend saw one flashing light heading south at Mannum, followed by two more lights from the east and west. They converged and headed south, with the sighting lasting about three minutes.
• SA 77065 (May 20, 1977): A 16-year-old girl at Murbko saw a big red glow, about 5-10 yards wide, in a paddock. She reversed her car and saw the glow rising until it was lost from sight.

Western Australia (WA) Reports:

• WB 77007 (February 25, 1977): A 57-year-old woman reported an object moving from east to west, described as a row of lights rotating red and green. Approximately 25 people called a radio talk-back show about the same object, but airport radar detected nothing.
• WB 77010 (May 19, 1977): A group of workmen near Bunbury airport observed a silver disc or ball high in the sky. The object disappeared at noon and was observed again the following day by the same group and a journalist, who described it as spinning on its axis and sometimes resembling two merged disc-shapes.

Summary of Report Classifications

The issue also provides a summary of reports filed per state for the year:

• NSW: 2 CE1, 1 CE2
• S.A.: 6 NL, 2 CE1, 2 CE2
• TAS: 18 NL, 1 CE1, 2 CE2, 4 CE3, 1 DD
• WA: 11 NL, 2 CE1, 1 CE2, 3 DD

(Note: NL likely stands for Nocturnal Light, CE for Close Encounter, DD for Drone/Disc).

Additional Notes

The document mentions that there have been "a number of run-of-the-mill Nocturnal light reports" which have been omitted due to lack of space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion and detailed planning of UFO conferences in Australia, emphasizing the country's growing prominence in UFO research and investigation. There is a strong focus on the scientific and procedural aspects of UFO study, as evidenced by the list of papers and discussion topics for UFOCON THREE. The inclusion of the "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" film suggests an interest in how popular media portrays UFO phenomena and its potential impact on public perception. The extensive list of specific UFO sighting reports from across Australia demonstrates a commitment to documenting and analyzing these events, with a clear effort to categorize and classify them. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and promotion of UFO research within Australia, aiming to elevate its standing on a global level.