ACOS Bulletin - Number 15

Magazine Overview

Title: A.C.O.S. BULLETIN
Issue: NUMBER FIFTEEN
Date: SEPTEMBER 1978
Publisher: AUSTRALIAN CO-ORDINATION CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Country: AUSTRALIA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the A.C.O.S. Bulletin, dated September 1978, is the fifteenth publication from the Australian Co-ordination Centre for UFO Studies. It features a diverse range of articles exploring various facets of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the 'Tulpa hypothesis' and 'Vehicle Effects' cases. The publication defines a UFO according to Dr. J. Allen Hynek and emphasizes a scientific yet open-minded approach to the subject.

Editorials

The issue opens with an editorial by H. Griesberg & D. Seargent, who frame the ACOS Bulletin as a publication for its members, emphasizing that "They are YOU". They encourage readers to contribute articles and express their views, even if they are controversial, stating that "If someone writes an article that makes you bristle then WRITE!".

Following this, Dr. J. Allen Hynek's editorial reflects on the changing public perception of UFO belief, noting how it has become more scrutinized and less sensationalized over time. He quotes John Keasler's lament about the need for 'juicy, near-demented UFO stories'. Hynek defends the publication's commitment to scientific principles, explaining that while they investigate and report puzzling cases without sensationalism, they also acknowledge that the UFO phenomenon "does NOT fit" into the current scientific belief system, presenting a significant challenge.

Articles and Features

The Lama and the UFO by D. Seargent

This article explores the concept of 'Tulpas' from Tibetan mysticism and draws parallels between them and UFO phenomena. Seargent discusses the writings of Lama Alexandra David-Noel, who documented the creation of thought-forms or 'tulpas' by Tibetan magicians. These tulpas, described as psychic beings, could be sent on errands and even cause havoc. The author posits that UFOs might be a form of 'mass tulpa' created by the collective desire of people worldwide for extraterrestrial contact. The article also touches upon other phenomena like ghosts as potential examples of Western tulpas, and references John Keel's work on the Mothman.

Vehicle Effects – Some Further Observations by K. Basterfield

K. Basterfield presents a compilation and analysis of close encounter reports where vehicles' engines and headlights have been affected. He notes that a significant majority of these incidents occur between 5 p.m. and midnight. Basterfield argues that these effects are not merely random mechanical breakdowns, citing the proximity of the phenomenon to the vehicle (around 50 meters for engine/headlight issues and 200-300 meters for power loss or radio interference) as evidence. He provides a list of 18 reported cases from Australia between 1963 and 1977, detailing the location, date, time, duration, and specific effects observed, along with the type of UFO reported.

Rationality... Whose? by R. DeLillo & R.H. Marx

This article challenges the common debunking tactic of questioning the 'irrational' behavior of UFO witnesses. The authors argue that human behavior, particularly in response to UFOs, is often illogical. They analyze cases where drivers flee from lights, or conversely, freeze and wait when their vehicles are stopped. They question the logic of locking car doors for protection against a superior civilization. The piece also discusses instances where witnesses have fired weapons at UFOs, questioning the rationality of such actions. The authors suggest that the widespread reporting of UFOs and the lack of significant government action point to a deeper issue, possibly related to the emotional response to belief itself, rather than just the facts.

Other Content

Index: A comprehensive index lists all articles, their authors, and page numbers. Notable entries include editorials, discussions on vehicle effects, psychological explanations for reported events, analysis of Air Force UFO statistics, and reports from around Australia.

A.C.O.S. NEWS: This section likely contains updates and news relevant to the organization and its members.

UFO Reports from Around Australia: This section appears to be a compilation of UFO sightings and incidents reported within Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the methodology of UFO research, and the psychological and societal responses to these events. The ACOS Bulletin adopts a stance that encourages rigorous investigation, data collection, and open discussion among its members. It challenges conventional explanations and debunks simplistic dismissals, advocating for a deeper understanding of the UFO mystery. The publication positions itself as a platform for members to share their findings and perspectives, fostering a collaborative approach to UFO research in Australia. The 'Tulpa hypothesis' and the analysis of 'Vehicle Effects' highlight the magazine's willingness to explore unconventional theories and detailed case studies.

This issue of the magazine, dated August 1978, features articles on UFO statistics in Australia, a critical analysis of the Condon Report, and a case study exploring the concept of hypnopompic imagery as a potential explanation for certain UFO sightings. It also highlights the role of CREST (Citizens Radio Emergency Service Teams) in UFO investigation and presents statistical notes from UFOCAT regarding sighting durations.

The Condon Report and UFO Phenomena

The lead article critiques the Condon Report, labeling its conclusions as irrational and evasive. It uses the example of the Tremonton, Utah, UFO film, where naval photographic sections agreed the objects were anomalous, but Condon experts concluded they were white birds, sea gulls. The article argues that this dismissal was based on ignoring witness testimony and faulty equipment assumptions. It suggests that the report's unreason led many scientists to re-examine UFO phenomena after reading it. The author posits that while UFO behavior can be puzzling and irrational, this does not serve as an argument against their existence, comparing it to equally illogical human behavior.

A Psychological Explanation for a Reported Entity Event (Ivy Tanks Case)

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this article details an investigation into a close encounter type three report from September 6, 1973, involving a Miss R. traveling near Ivy Tanks, South Australia. Miss R. reported being woken by a voice and seeing an egg-shaped, glowing object on the ground. She described seeing figures, one outside and one inside the object, which appeared to have windows and a door. The object was estimated to be 3 meters high and 5-6 meters long, emitting a white glow. The event lasted only a few seconds, and the driver of the semi-trailer did not witness it. The article analyzes the report, noting the discrepancy between the reported time and the physical time available for observation. Basterfield proposes that the event might be explained by 'hypnopompic images' – self-generated perceptions occurring between sleep and wakefulness, which can be visual or auditory and are often vivid and detailed. He compares the details of the Ivy Tanks case with characteristics of hypnopompic images, finding strong correlations, such as hearing one's name called and unusual clarity of detail. The author suggests that Miss R.'s desire to see a UFO may have led her mind to generate the experience when she did not otherwise see anything. The article concludes by posing the question of whether hypnopompic images could explain other close encounter cases, particularly those involving entities reported after being woken by a noise or voice.

The Air Force U.F.O. Statistics - And You!

Written by David Reneke, this section examines UFO sighting statistics released by the Australian Air Force. It notes a trend of increasing 'unidentified' reports in recent years, contrasting with earlier periods where all reports were explained. The article highlights that in 1977, 28% of reported UFOs were designated unidentified, a significant departure from the usual 1-3%. It questions the reasons for this increase, suggesting either a rise in sightings or pressure to classify them differently. The author criticizes the 'It can't be, therefore it isn't' approach and argues that private UFO groups often work with the same data and find facts that attest to unconventional airforms. The article points out that the American Air Force, with its extensive data collection, might be concealing information. Statistics from 1969 onwards show a steady increase in unidentified reports, peaking in 1977. Reneke urges for public awareness and initiative from UFO groups to uncover the truth, suggesting that authorities have historically dismissed reports with flimsy excuses. He also notes that an opinion poll in Australia would likely show a high belief in UFOs.

A Short Comment on the RAAF Annual Summary of Unusual Aerial Sightings 1977

By K. Basterfield, this brief comment focuses on the RAAF's 1977 summary, which reported 28% of sightings as unknown, a significant increase from previous years' averages of around 5%. The author presents a table showing the percentage of unknown reports from 1973 to 1977, with a notable jump in the later years. He invites readers to share more recent RAAF percentage figures.

CREST: A Major Step Forward

David Reneke also writes about CREST (Citizens Radio Emergency Service Teams), a nationwide citizens radio emergency service. CREST operates a network to relay information on incidents and is collaborating with UFO Research (N.S.W.) to create an affiliated network. This collaboration aims to provide UFO investigators with immediate access to reports via CB radio operators. The system involves CB operators relaying sightings to CREST's nerve center, which then contacts registered UFO investigators. The article emphasizes the potential of this combined investigative network to accelerate progress in UFO study by enabling rapid reporting and data collection, thus potentially uncovering vital information that might otherwise be lost due to time delays.

Statistical Notes from UFOCAT: Sighting Duration by Report Type

Fred Merritt provides an analysis of reported UFO sighting durations categorized by report type and strangeness. The UFOCAT system classifies reports into types based on characteristics like stationary or moving objects, continuous motion, discontinuities, close encounters, landings, occupants, interference, and contact. The analysis presents graphs showing the distribution of sighting durations for 'Low Strangeness Reports' (Types 1-3), 'Medium Strangeness Reports' (Types 4-6), and 'High Strangeness Reports' (Types 7-8). For low strangeness reports, Type 1 (stationary/slow moving) has long viewing times, while Type 2 (continuous motion) has short durations. Type 3 (single discontinuity) peaks between 1-14 minutes. Medium strangeness reports (multiple discontinuities, close encounters, landings) also peak in the 5-14 minute range. High strangeness reports, including occupants and contact, show varied durations, with longer encounters potentially associated with abductions. The article suggests that sighting duration could be a useful characteristic for classifying UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of official UFO investigations and explanations, the exploration of psychological factors in UFO sightings, and the development of organized efforts for UFO data collection and investigation in Australia. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official dismissals of UFO phenomena, advocating for more rigorous and open investigation, and highlighting the potential for psychological explanations alongside the possibility of genuine anomalous events. There is a clear emphasis on the Australian context, with multiple articles focusing on Australian statistics, organizations, and cases.

This issue of "UFO Research" (Volume 27, Issue 27, dated October 1978) focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to the 1977 Petrozavodsk incident in the USSR and a comprehensive review of Australian UFO reports.

1977 USSR UFO Sighting: Petrozavodsk Incident

The issue details an unusual UFO sighting in Petrozavodsk (Karelian ASSR) on September 20, 1977. Reported by the Soviet newspaper "Sotsialisticheskaya Industriya," the phenomenon began around 4 AM with a huge 'star' bursting brightly and sending down pulsed streams of light. This object moved slowly towards Petrozavodsk, expanding into a 'jelly-fish' shape that rained down scores of radial shafts on the town, leaving an impression of pelting rain and causing traceable damages.

The phenomenon lasted 10 to 12 minutes. Yu. Gromov, Head of the Petrozavodsk Hydrometeorological Observatory, stated that the Karelia Meteorological Service had never seen anything similar and that weather stations recorded no sharp divergences. The newspaper "Izvestiya" also published the report. Gromov stressed that no technical tests were being conducted at the time and that the event could not be classified as mirages due to numerous identical eye-witness accounts from different parts of the town, despite the lack of material evidence.

The TASS correspondent of Leningrad approached V. Krat, Head of the Chief Astronomical Observatory of the USSR Academy of Sciences, for his opinion. Krat confirmed that Pulkovo astronomers observed a bright fiery ball tracing the sky from south to north over the Leningrad district and Karelia. He stated that it was difficult to account for its origin definitively as reports were still being analyzed.

The American magazine "The Enquirer" reported on April 18, 1978, that the Soviet government had immediately requested a secret investigation. "The Enquirer" interviewed some Soviet officials and scientists, noting that many inhabitants of Petrozavodsk were hysterical and terrified, with some dockers fearing an American nuclear attack.

Aleksander Kazantsev, a Soviet fantasist, told "The Enquirer" that rays of light from the UFO made holes in window-panes, which were taken for examination. A special commission from the Academy of Sciences of the USSR confirmed these holes were caused by light from the UFO, suggesting it might have been a "reconnitring space vessel from without." Kazantsev also referred to a report of an ambulance driver losing control after the UFO appeared, with witnesses observing strange light-rays streaming down.

The physicist Vladimir Azhazha described the object as coming low to the harbor and floating over a ship approximately 465 feet long. By comparison, the UFO's diameter was estimated at about 350 feet (116m). A smaller object emerged from the larger one, dived into the water, and the UFO then took off and disappeared behind a cloud.

Nicolai Milov, author of the "Izvestiya" report, confirmed the enormous size and shape of the UFO. He mentioned that one of the holes burnt through a window-pane was smaller than a hen's egg, and pieces of glass were brought to Moscow. Milov also noted that people who saw the UFO behaved strangely and seemed mentally confused, with some dockers believing it was an American nuclear attack. He also reported that UFOs were seen 5-6 times each month subsequently, but without damage, the last prior occasion being February 20 of that year.

Yu. Gromov, according to "The Enquirer," stated that a small thing detached from the UFO, which then changed from a semi-circle to an ellipsis, light red in the middle with white borders. It moved towards a cloud over the Onega Lake, and a reddish hole made in the cloud soon disappeared. Gromov confirmed it could not be ball lightning.

"The Enquirer" suggested that the investigation would be veiled, with news prohibited. V. Zakharenko, editor of a technical youth magazine, was reportedly warned by the USSR Academy of Sciences not to publish theories, but he confirmed the investigation commission found melted holes in window-panes and flagstones.

One TASS senior editor reported receiving 1500 letters with questions about safety in Petrozavodsk. These letters were confiscated by authorities, along with eye-witness reports, before answers could be provided.

Vladimir G. Azhazha, in an unpublished report, suggested the UFO might be an American test of a neutron bomb transportation facility. He also stated that a smaller object from the UFO dived into the Onega Lake, not the Petrozavodsk harbor. Azhazha considered the object a real UFO, possibly inhabited by intelligent beings or an energy field created by them.

Aleksei V. Zolotov, geophysicist and leader of the 1958 Tunguska expedition, described the object as a "typical flying saucer" and a real UFO.

Felix Yu. Zigel, astronomer and head of the UFO Research Group at the Moscow Aviation Institute, agreed it was a UFO, stating its behavior was characteristic of one.

Documentation and a New Source Catalogue (K. Basterfield)

K. Basterfield presented a paper at UFOCON 3 suggesting that UFO reports are often not accurate or factual but altered views shaped by investigators. He cited the Salisbury (SA 1962) and Plympton (SA 1964) cases as examples of distortion.

Following UFOCON 3, Basterfield undertook an in-depth look at Australian UFO reports and found a lack of comprehensive documentation. He compiled "A catalogue of reported close encounters, South Australia," listing fifty-four events. He also collected summaries of 33 South Australian events with physical trace effects, noting that many presented classic descriptions of fungus rings or slime mould, which were often misidentified. For instance, a "ring" in Adelaide in April 1978 was identified as a "slime mould" by the Botanic garden.

Basterfield emphasized that people's interpretation of UFO phenomena relies heavily on reports, and if the base data is incorrect, confusion arises. He then compiled an Australian-wide catalogue of close encounters, resulting in over three hundred events documented in a 57-page source catalogue.

Examples of similar events include confiscated photos (Wilcannia, SA/WA border), "Angel hair" (Caulfield, Pt. Augusta, Mt. Hale, Caroda, Grafton, Gawler), and "Beams of light affecting people" (Central Aust., Central NSW, Fiji).

Basterfield noted cases occurring close in time or in specific areas, such as multiple events near Adelaide in March 1959 or Queensland in May 1965. He observed that while the catalogue presented an impressive body of evidence, removing fungus rings, slime mould, hearsay, rumours, and poorly documented events significantly reduced the core of credible cases, highlighting the lack of documentation.

He urged UFO organizations to research their files and publish "hard core" cases for fresh study. He has forwarded copies of his catalogues to Australian UFO groups.

Live Beings "Came from UFOs"

This section reports on a seminar where Raul Berenguel stated that scientists in Portugal had tested living organisms from outer space, dropped from two UFOs over Portugal in November 1959. Berenguel personally observed studies on the micro-organism for two years. A picture published by the Porto newspaper "Jornal de Noticias" showed a cloud of cotton-like filaments dropped by the UFOs. Organizers described the filaments as "living things about 4 millimetres long, equipped with tentacles ending in a three-pronged fork, and which took up defensive postures." The organism could bear weights up to 350g and reportedly attempted to escape its container. After two years, it underwent gradual fraying and broke up. Berenguel stated that the witnesses were above suspicion and believed the being was unknown to our biology.

News Flashes and UFO Reports from Around Australia

New Comet Discovery: Amateur astronomer David Seargent discovered a new comet, officially listed as "Seargent's Comet." It is a long-period comet, with preliminary orbit calculations suggesting a period of hundreds or thousands of years. It was nearest the sun on September 15 and would be nearest Earth around October 25th.

U.F.O. Reports from Around Australia: This section provides a summary of UFO reports filed by various organizations in Australia for the year. It lists the number of reports categorized as 'N.L.' (No Landing), 'CE1' (Close Encounter of the First Kind), 'CE2' (Close Encounter of the Second Kind), and 'DD' (Distant Disc).

Specific Reports:

• NA78001 (1st January 1978): A 74-year-old woman saw a bright orange light move in a straight line SE, then change direction to W, disappearing behind trees.
• NA78003 (10th January 1978): A witness driving between Grafton and Armidale saw two luminous lights. One moved over mountains, the other hovered near the ground, emitting sparks. It later appeared as a huge elongated object with 'portholes'. Photographs were taken but were of poor quality.
• NA78004 (13th March 1978): A family of three sighted a large quarter-circle object with two bright white lights moving slowly over Sydney Harbour.
• NA78005 (19th January 1978): A witness saw a large circular object hovering near his home. His wife arrived just as the object accelerated straight up. It had square windows and emitted a 'bleeping' sound, estimated to be 30-40 feet in diameter.
• NA78038 (12th April 1978): A woman saw a rotating yellowish orange 'fireball' dive in and out of the water off Newport Beach, possibly ball lightning.
• NA78057 (11th February 1978): A young schoolboy noticed a bright yellow light moving slowly across the sky from NE to SW over railway buildings.
• NA78064 (18th June 1978): A 25-year-old man travelling by car sighted a very bright white/silver light in the NW sky.
• NB78002 (8th March 1978): Several people saw two bright lights coming from the sea, forming a triangular object with a red underside and flashing lights. It hovered over a park and then moved north, disappearing.
• TA78084 (5th August 1978): A family of five saw a huge area of glow with beams, and a second NL moving back and forth at high speed.
• TA78089 (5th August 1978): Two boats out on Lake Crescent observed an object travelling fast across the water, described as a thin cigar, about 30 meters long and 1-2 meters thick, travelling at 150-180 kph. It was black-brown.
• WA78006 (27th March 1978): Two people watched a bell-shaped object for 10 minutes. It was bright-white, pulsating with red, green, and gold lights underneath, and had one gold light on top. It headed north.
• WA78007 (28th March 1978): A 50-year-old woman saw a light moving just above tree-top level, disappearing as if "turned off." It left a white trail. Her dog became agitated.
• WB78001 (12th January 1978): Two people observed an oval object with blue lights on top and red lights on the bottom.
• WB78002 (18th February 1978): A man fishing saw an oblong red/green light moving east, then curving south-east. It reappeared, changed to a golden colour, increased in size, and then expanded and vanished, leaving golden dots.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed examination of specific UFO incidents, particularly the Petrozavodsk case, and a critical analysis of the quality and reliability of UFO report documentation, especially within Australia. The magazine appears to advocate for rigorous research and the publication of well-documented "hard core" cases. The editorial stance leans towards investigating UFO phenomena seriously, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events while also being cautious about sensationalism and unverified claims. There is a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry and the challenges posed by incomplete or distorted data in the field of ufology.