ACOS Bulletin - Number 14

Magazine Overview

Title: A.C.O.S. BULLETIN
Issue: NUMBER FOURTEEN
Date: JUNE 1978
Publisher: AUSTRALIAN CO-ORDINATION SECTION, CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Country: AUSTRALIA

This issue of the A.C.O.S. Bulletin is a journal of UFO studies, registered as a Publication Category B. It is dated June 1978 and is the fourteenth issue.

Editorials

The issue features two editorials. The first, by H. Griesberg & D. Seargent, discusses the significant increase in public awareness of UFOs in 1978, attributing it to President Carter's statements, the release of classified information in the USA, and popular films like "Close Encounters" and "Star Wars." They anticipate a sustained level of public interest, but also a rise in 'crackpots' and cultists. The editors stress the importance of maintaining scientific rigor in investigations and distancing the organization from sensationalism or 'crackpotism' to preserve credibility.

The second editorial, by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, addresses the common physicist's dismissal of UFOs. Hynek challenges such dismissals by posing a series of questions, emphasizing that the existence of UFO reports, their global nature, and their origin from responsible witnesses are facts, not matters of belief. He argues that while the physical nature of UFOs as interplanetary craft may be debatable based on current technology, the phenomenon of UFO reports itself is real and warrants scientific investigation. He urges clarity in stating what one does not believe in regarding UFOs.

Articles and Features

On the Strange Case of Dr. 'X'

By Dr. G. Stevens, this article examines a significant UFO sighting reported by Aime Michel. The sighting involved two disc-shaped objects with vertical and horizontal antennae, emitting a light beam. The objects merged into one, approached the witness, and then dematerialized with a loud bang. Stevens highlights three aspects that suggest the objects were not 'real' in the conventional sense: their interpenetration and merging, apparent dematerialization, and details on the underside that defied the laws of perspective. He proposes an interpretation where a single scout ship approached, examined the witness, and then retreated, with the dematerialization and merging explained by the object traveling backwards in time relative to the observer.

The Brock Lighthouse Pictures a Hoax Revealed

By K. Basterfield, this article investigates photographs taken at sea off the Victorian coast in March 1965, which appeared to show an object moving around the moon. The witness, Walter Jacobs, an amateur photographer, claimed the object was a bright yellow-orange glow that moved. However, after reviewing the data and pictures, Basterfield concludes the phenomenon was likely a camera lens reflection. Professor C.D. Ellyet suggested reflection or refraction of moonlight by ice crystals in clouds. Further investigation revealed that the object was not seen at the time the pictures were taken, only appearing in the developed prints, negating the verbal testimony and supporting the lens reflection theory.

Of Crazy Correlations and Useless Information

By D. Seargent, this piece critiques the methods of writers like Von Daniken who use correlations between archaeological finds and astronomical constants to support theories of ancient superior intelligence. Seargent presents a 'useless' correlation involving the Plank-Wheeler length in quantum physics, the radius of a bacterial virus, and the radius of the observable universe, demonstrating how seemingly significant correlations can be coincidental and meaningless. He uses this to illustrate how both profound scientific questions and pseudo-science can be subject to misleading correlations.

A Summary of Australian Close Encounters Reported During 1977

By K. Basterfield, this article details several close encounter UFO reports from Australia in 1977. These include:

• January 4th: Near Lithgow, NSW, two travelers encountered a diffuse circular glow that enveloped their car in fog.
• January 20th: Near Port Kenny, SA, a farmer witnessed a bright flashing light that resolved into a bright ball of light which then sped off.
• February 3rd: Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania, saw children report a spinning "dome" with flashing lights and a figure.
• April 18th: Port Macquarie, NSW, a man observed a bright white light that approached, then retreated and disappeared.
• July 4th: South Australia, a car experienced electrical failure when an oval light passed overhead.
• July 22nd: Cal Lal, a blue "trapezoid" object was seen stationary before disappearing.
• August 9th: A red glowing ball was observed rising into the air.
• August 26th: Orange, NSW, an orange sphere with "windows" was seen resting on the ground, leaving physical traces.
• May 30th: Oppossum Bay, Tasmania, a "silver ball, edged with red and with a red tail" was reported.
• June 23rd: Tasmania, a rectangular shape with a pink flashing light was observed.
• June 25th: Casino, two friends reported pacing flashing lights.
• July 2nd: Tasmania, a bright red light caused a car's engine to stall.
• July 30th: Birdwood, SA, a large pink "Jumbo jet" looking object reportedly landed and took off vertically with no noise.
• August 17th: Mt. Magnet, two people reported being paced by a light, and later saw three pulsating red and green objects land.

Some Thoughts on UFOs from Behind the Iron Curtain

By H. Griesberg, this article summarizes a speech by Dr. U.U. Zigel from Moscow. Zigel traces the history of UFO interest from 1947, noting the 1952 Washington sightings and the formation of groups like "Bluebook." He claims the US government passed laws to suppress UFO information and released false data, citing Menzel and the Condon committee. Zigel states that officially registered UFO sightings in the USSR number 3,000, and recounts a 1976 incident in Nalchikom and a 1956 pilot's report of a UFO maneuvering with a commercial flight. He discusses a US tracking station with powerful equipment that recorded UFOs traveling at high speeds and making sharp turns, suggesting capabilities beyond known physics. Zigel also mentions that approximately 50% of reported UFOs are 60-80 meters in diameter, with some much larger. He includes cases of electromagnetic effects, such as engines stalling, and physical trace cases involving burnt ground, unknown green liquid, and landing impressions. The article also touches on astronaut encounters with UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the need to distinguish credible reports from sensationalism, and the analysis of specific UFO cases, particularly those occurring in Australia. The editorial stance strongly advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach, urging researchers to remain objective and avoid speculation or association with unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on maintaining the credibility of UFO research as a scientific endeavor, even if it means occasionally acting as 'debunkers' to clarify misinterpretations or hoaxes.

This issue of "U.F.O. REPORTS FROM AROUND AUSTRALIA" (Volume 13, Issue 13, dated November 1977) is published by ACOS and focuses on UFO sightings and related research, primarily from Australia.

Article: Professor Zigel's Theories on UFOs and Alien Types

The issue begins by discussing Professor Zigel's observations on UFOs, noting their frequent appearance near army installations and during military maneuvers. He also mentions 'angel hair,' described as a 'jellylike, foul smelling, fast evaporating substance, with veins through it.' Zigel identifies 14 photographs of aliens worldwide, classifying them into three types:
1. Aliens approximately 1 meter high, with large heads, wide shoulders, small bodies, and legs.
2. Aliens of European type, resembling people from Europe.
3. Giants, 3 meters tall, possessing gigantic strength.

A specific case from May 1975 is detailed, where a UFO hovering over a tracking station responded to a signal with the value of pi to 7 decimals in a two-numbered system. The report also references the well-known Betty and Barney Hill case.

Zigel speculates on the purpose of UFOs, presenting a theory that humans are the product of experiments by another civilization. He cites USSR Professor Porshnev, who suggests that humans have existed in their current form for no more than 20,000 years and that apes are a dying branch, not direct ancestors. The theory posits that civilizations on Earth may have existed multiple times, dying out and returning. A congress on polycivilisation was held in Yugoslavia in 1975. The article notes a ban on UFO publications in the USSR, citing concerns about misinformation, and references a 1968 article in PRAVDA calling the UFO problem imaginary.

In conclusion, Zigel asserts that UFOs represent a distinct phenomenon whose nature is unknown. He advocates for careful scientific research to solve this mystery, marking the beginning of an era of sky study.

Article: UFO Sighting Value System by K. Roberts

This section introduces a system designed by K. Roberts for members and affiliated groups to evaluate UFO sightings reported in their publications (TUFOIC's). The system aims to gauge the true value of a case for UFO evidence by considering factors like investigation levels and time lags.

The system assigns values to different types of sightings:
1. Nocturnal light, Daylight Disc.
2. Nocturnal light or Daylight Disc involved in car pace, landing, noise, vapour, beams.
3. Close encounter type 1 at a distance of 101 to 200 meters.
4. Close encounter type 1 at 100 meters or less.
5. Close encounter type 2.
6. Occupant or associated figures but no UFO seen.
7. Radar visual reports.
8. Close encounter type 3.

Comments on the UFO Sighting Value System by K. Basterfield

K. Basterfield provides comments on Roberts' system, suggesting additions and deductions. Additions include points for witnesses at different locations or multiple adult witnesses. Deductions are made for single witnesses, older reports, and sightings reported more than a year after the event.

Investigation levels are defined from A (in-depth investigation, including site visits) to E (unconfirmed reports from media or second-hand accounts). A CE case not investigated at level A falls into categories B to E. Excellent Nocturnal Light (NL) or Daylight Disc (DD) cases might be included in level A if outstanding.

As a guide, sightings with a value of 0-1 have limited value, with levels O-E being the lowest. Values of 2-3 cover average sightings, while 4 and above are high-value cases dependent on the investigation level.

Basterfield critiques the system, noting that it primarily assigns value based on the strangeness of the event (1-8 scale), with CE3 being higher than CE2. He suggests that physical evidence is crucial, and a CE3 report with no physical evidence has low evidential rating, despite detailed accounts. He also proposes that if an event happens to an ACOS investigator, the value should be significantly higher (+10 instead of +1).

He agrees that the deduction scale is good and reflects the value of current cases and good investigation, and that the investigation level also reflects good investigation.

Examples Using the System

• Several examples illustrate the application of the value system:
• Kimba SA CE3 (1973): Value = 8 + 1 (multi wit.) + 1 (invest.level A) = SCORE 10.
• Tully 'nests' landing (1966): Value = 4 + 1 (invest.level A) - 1 (single wit.) = SCORE 4.
• 1967 Hallam Photos: Value = 2 + 1 (invest. level B) = SCORE 3.

Basterfield offers his own rating of these cases based on physical evidence: Kimba (visual observation, multi witnesses), Hallam (photos, daylight disc), and Tully (physical trace, object).

He suggests that any weight system should cover investigation quality (1-10), conclusion certainty (1-10), witness reliability (1-10), and the type of event. For event type, he proposes two scales: physical strangeness (1-10, from no evidence to fully documented) and strangeness scale (elements to be explained, including NL, DD, CE1/DD/CE3, CE2, radar/visual, and physical trace).

Citizen's Radio and UFO Reports

ACOS has contacted Citizens Radio Emergency Services Teams-Australia (CREST) to request cooperation in directing CB radio users who report UFO sightings to ACOS or the nearest affiliated group for investigation. A letter was sent to the National Executive explaining ACOS's work, and groups are asked to provide contact numbers for CREST to relay to individuals reporting ongoing UFO encounters.

U.S. Radar Visual Case of Interest

A case from Florida on May 14, 1978, is highlighted. Navy radar operators became concerned after numerous calls about bright objects with flashing lights, estimated at 15-18 meters in diameter. Base personnel observed the objects through binoculars for about 20 minutes. One object hovered at approximately 1500 feet, and the duty officer reported that the largest object accelerated so rapidly that the computer-assisted radar equipment could not keep up.

UFO Reports from Around Australia

• This section lists various UFO reports filed by different organizations in Australia:
• UFOR (NSW): 4 NL
• UFOR (SA) Inc.: 71 ID, 1 NL, 2 CE1
• TUFOIC: 50 ID, 2 NL, 1 CE1, 2 DD
• UFOR (QLD): 1 NL, 1 CE1
• UFOR (WA): 21 ID, 2 NL, 1 CE1, 1 DD
• UPIB: 2 NL, 1 CE1

• Specific reports detailed include:
• SA78001 (24th December 1977): A witness in Athelstone, SA, reported a cake-tin shaped object with pulsating air, appearing pearl fluorescent, travelling NE.
• SA78035 (5th March 1978): A truck driver near Parachilna, SA, encountered a bluish-green light with two red lights that moved erratically and hovered. The event lasted about 15 minutes.
• SA78045 (19th December 1976): A driver travelling from Darwin to Broken Hill reported an intense white light passing over his vehicle, followed by a car crash on a non-existent bend. The light emitted a humming sound.
• TA78013 (18th February 1978): Husband and wife driving in Tasmania saw two white, spherical objects that changed shape and color, moving towards NE.
• TA78033 (27th March 1978): Eight witnesses in Highcroft saw two orange lights side-by-side that moved and disappeared.
• TA78037 (31st March 1978): A witness in Montrose, TAS, saw a venus-sized white light move vertically, followed by a smaller second light. The first light descended behind a mountain.
• TA78045 (November 1977): A witness saw a white spherical object over the sea, estimated at 150 feet in diameter, with pulsating lights. It moved at high speed and disappeared.
• QA78001 (5th January 1978): A woman saw a distinct triangle, orange and hot-looking, descending at a 45-degree angle, disappearing without trace.
• QA78002 (17th January 1978): Two men fishing observed an object pulsating from behind mountains, moving across the sky at tremendous speed towards NE.
• WA78005 (22nd March 1978): Two people saw a spherical object, black outline with grey inside and an orange spot, travelling from SW to NE for 15 minutes. Its size was comparable to the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings across Australia, the development and critique of systems for evaluating the credibility of these reports, and the scientific approach to studying the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, advocating for rigorous investigation and data analysis rather than dismissing the subject. The inclusion of Professor Zigel's theories and the discussion of potential extraterrestrial involvement suggest an openness to exploring unconventional explanations for observed phenomena.