ACOS Bulletin - Number 17

Magazine Overview

This is the seventeenth issue of the A.C.O.S. BULLETIN, published by the AUSTRALIAN CO-ORDINATION SECTION, CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES, and dated February 1979. The journal is registered as a Publication, Category B, and is based in GOSFORD NSW, AUSTRALIA. The issue features a definition of a UFO by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who is also noted as a technical advisor for the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Editorial: "But that has nothing to do with UFOs!"

The editorial, by H. Griesberg & D. Seargent, argues against the narrow view that UFOs are an isolated phenomenon. It suggests that the mystery of UFOs may only be solved by considering related subjects such as monster sightings, psychic phenomena, atmospheric freaks, biology, and astronomical phenomena. The authors propose that UFOs and other unexplained phenomena might be different manifestations of the same underlying 'IT', and that by investigating these diverse fields together, a unified answer might be found.

Close Encounters: The Reality behind the Movie

In this article by John Prytz, the author draws parallels between the events depicted in Steven Spielberg's movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and actual UFO incidents. Prytz discusses the scientific belief in extraterrestrial life and the historical attempts to listen for alien signals. He then details how various scenes in the movie, such as Flight 19, the abduction of Betty and Barney Hill, power failures, and electromagnetic effects, are based on documented UFO cases. The article highlights Dr. J. Allen Hynek's role as a scientific consultant and his classification of 'close encounters' into three degrees of strangeness.

Comet Clusters and UFO Flaps

David Seargent's article examines the unusual cluster of five new bright comets discovered between September 1 and October 10, 1978. He notes that this is unusual and that there is no apparent reason for their simultaneous appearance, suggesting it might be a 'TRICK OF MERE CO-INCIDENCE'. Seargent draws a parallel to UFO 'flaps', suggesting that these large-scale waves of UFO sightings might also be spurious and lack underlying 'laws', reinforcing his conviction that finding statistical laws for UFOs may be futile.

A Short Summary of Australasian Entity Reports for 1978

Keith Basterfield provides a summary of entity reports from Australia and New Zealand in 1978. The reports include sightings of coloured lights that descended and revealed a silver, saucer-shaped object with a tall figure in New Zealand. Another report describes lights that revolved like a lighthouse, revealing a wedge-shaped object with two figures wearing dark robes. Other incidents involve a figure seen in a road in Adelaide, a green shape with a green glow in Tasmania, and two short figures observed near a boat in Tasmania.

Just Whistling in the Dark: Explanations of the recent New Zealand UFO Encounters

John Prytz analyzes the explanations offered for the UFO flap in New Zealand in late December 1978 and early January 1979. He criticizes the numerous and often contradictory theories proposed by scientists and laymen, calling them 'whistling in the dark'. The article details the filming of UFOs by Captain Vern Powell and a subsequent reconstruction attempt by a TV crew, which also encountered UFOs. Prytz presents 'Table A' listing various suggested explanations for these sightings, ranging from Venus and meteors to hoaxes and atmospheric phenomena, and 'Table B' listing what 'They' were not, also including Venus and aircraft. He also includes a humorous 'Table C' suggesting 'Superman' as an explanation.

Why do They Rotate?

In this brief piece by D. Seargent, the author discusses the controversial hypothesis of Mr. Stan Deyo of Western Australia, who claims UFOs are secret, terrestrial anti-gravity craft that he could build himself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the challenges of investigation, and the search for explanations. The editorial stance, as expressed by Griesberg and Seargent, advocates for a broader, more integrated approach to UFO research, connecting it with other unexplained phenomena. There is a critical examination of simplistic explanations for sightings, particularly in the context of the New Zealand UFO flap, and a suggestion that statistical patterns in UFO activity might not follow predictable laws. The issue also highlights the comparison between fictional portrayals of UFOs and real-world reports.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 24, Number 1, dated January 1978, with a cover price of 25p, delves into UFO phenomena with a particular focus on reports from Russia and the ethical considerations surrounding UFO investigations. The main cover headline is "Is There an Embarrassment of Riches?" by D. Seargent.

UFO Reports from Russia

The section "UFO Reports from Russia," compiled by David Reneke, highlights that while Russia lacks dedicated UFO magazines and daily newspapers rarely report such events, there is official interest and documented sightings. Dr. Mitrovan Zverev Saldi of the Cerro Calan Observatory stated, "Something unknown to our understanding is going on around the earth." Professor Claudio Anguita agreed, "We are not alone in the Universe." Dr. Felix Ziegel of the Moscow Institute of Aviation, a prominent Soviet scientist, noted in 1967 that "We have well documented sightings from every corner of the USSR. It's hard to believe all are optical illusions. Illusions don't register clearly on photographic plates and radar!"

Despite the lack of public reporting, incidents were sporadically mentioned in newspapers like PRAVDA. In 1967-8, Izvestia, Komsomolskaia Pravda, and local papers reported sightings. Dr. Felix Ziegel, in a December 1967 SPUTNIK interview, confirmed that UFOs are reported in Russia and are officially noted. On November 10, 1967, Major General Porfiri A. Stoljarov and Dr. Felix Ziegel were introduced on Russian TV, where Ziegel presented sketches and photos of UFOs. The "modern" Russian UFO period is noted as beginning in 1946, with Russian UFOs exhibiting features similar to those seen elsewhere.

Russian science circles reportedly approach the UFO problem with similar reluctance as in the West. Early reports from May 1946 described strange, saucer-shaped objects with enormous velocities. The Soviet Air Force compiles files on UFOs reported by pilots. A "wave" in Russia in 1950 rivaled that of 1949. By the late 1950s, reports indicated UFO landings in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with occupants observed. A second "UFO wave" occurred in Russia in 1966, coinciding with increased UFO activity in America. In early 1968, SOVIET WEEKLY reported over 200 reliable UFO observations in South Russia alone in the previous year. In March 1968, AURORA mentioned increasing UFO reports in Byelorussia, detected by radar and other means. Dr. Ziegel revealed in April 1967 that Russian pilot observations were identical to Western reports, and Gorilek detected UFOs via radar.

Fragments of UFOs are reportedly preserved and studied in Russia, with mentions of "certain metal fragments of an unknown composition" from the Karelia crater. Contact cases between people and UFO occupants are also increasing. In 1948, delegates at an Astronomical Society conference noted Russia's permanent research into extraterrestrial intelligence, utilizing radio telescopes.

• Specific Russian UFO sightings detailed include:
• Spring 1959, Sverdlovsk: "Saucer-shaped UFOs" visited a rocket base, detected by radar, causing panic.
• June 18, 1963: Astronaut Valeri Bykovsky saw an oval object following his capsule.
• October 12, 1964: Voskhod 1 crew saw a cylindrical object that overtook their capsule.
• March 18, 1965: Voskhod 11 crew sighted a cylindrical object, and their navigation system failed.
• Dozens of candidates for Soviet flying licenses reported UFOs swooping at them.
• Large, cigar-shaped "mother ships" estimated at 800m to 1km long, emitting bluish-white light at night and greyish in daylight.
• 1961, near Irkutsk: A woman doctor photographed a UFO and two occupants.
• 1961, central Russia: A mail plane was allegedly snatched by a UFO, with four passengers vanishing.
• Summer 1961, Veronezh: A mammoth cigar-shaped object hovered at two thousand metres.
• A huge "mother ship" and smaller saucers appeared over Moscow's defense system construction, causing missile systems to mysteriously stall.
• 1961: "Flying cigars" and "saucers" were observed over a factory making heavy tanks, followed by an explosion.
• August 1959: Radar at Vnukovo-Moscow airport recorded three saucer-shaped objects.
• 1961: A UFO photograph taken in Northern Russia attracted attention.
• September 24, 1962: TU-104 pilots and passengers saw disc-like objects circling their plane.
• 1965, Caucasus: Dr. Ludmila Tsehanovich saw a glittering disc with a cabin.
• September 29, 1967: An aircraft on the Zaporoje-Volgograd route experienced engine failure after an unidentified object appeared overhead.

The Ethics of UFO Investigation

Mark Moravec's article, "The Ethics of UFO Investigation," addresses the often-undiscussed ethical aspects of ufology. He argues that ethical guidelines are necessary because investigations primarily involve people, and investigators have a moral obligation to respect the rights and well-being of witnesses. The nature of UFO experiences, especially close encounters, can be terrifying and cause anxiety. Investigators must be sensitive to this, avoiding alarmist statements and respecting a witness's desire for anonymity. The article outlines three priorities for UFO investigation: 1. Witness well-being, 2. Investigator well-being, and 3. Gaining information about the phenomenon.

• Guidelines are suggested for different scenarios:
• General Cases: Investigators should seek permission, clearly state what the investigation involves, respect anonymity requests, and communicate findings. If a witness refuses to cooperate, the investigator should drop the case.
• Close Encounters: Ethical issues of privacy and psychological health are heightened. Investigators must protect percipients from publicity and harassment. They should not alarm witnesses with irresponsible statements but rather help lessen anxiety by showing concern and validating their experience.
• Child Witnesses: Investigators must emphasize their primary regard for the child's well-being and approach the investigation scientifically. Confidentiality is crucial, and the child's right to privacy is paramount.

The article also discusses the challenges of dealing with "maladjusted" witnesses and the use of hypnotic regression. It stresses the importance of obtaining full, written permission before hypnosis and ensuring that regressions are conducted by qualified hypnotherapists. The conclusion emphasizes that the limits of investigation are set by witness cooperation and the potential for adverse effects on their well-being.

Is There an Embarrassment of Riches?

In his comment on Mr. Prytz's paper, D. Seargent discusses the diversity of the UFO phenomenon as the real "embarrassment." He uses the analogy of a fish tank to illustrate that the variety of reported UFO shapes and behaviors over the years, rather than just the number of sightings, presents a complex challenge. Seargent notes changes in sightings since the late 1940s, with phenomena like "flying triangles" and "cloud cigars" becoming rare, replaced by a wide array of shapes including "Saturn-like objects, discs with domes, flying pencils, flying chamber pots," and more.

The article also touches upon the diversity of "Close Encounter of the Third Kind" (CE3) cases, suggesting a vast number of different extraterrestrial types visiting Earth, including giants, dwarfs, robots, reptile-like monsters, and human-like beings. Seargent finds it perplexing that these diverse entities are all visiting simultaneously and behaving in a standoffish manner. He also notes a tendency for specific types of UFOs to concentrate in certain "flap areas" and then vanish, replaced by different types, suggesting that the witness, rather than the location, might be UFO-prone.

A.C.O.S. NEWS and Letters

This section includes updates and a letter from a UFO Research (NSW) Investigator, Robert H. Marx. Marx congratulates the publication on its quality and particularly praises John Prytz's article on the ETI theory conforming to Einstein's laws. He advocates for fundamental re-thinking in ufology, moving beyond mere cataloging to scientific hypothesis testing. Marx believes the ETI theory remains the most likely explanation for many UFO cases.

A UFO sticker produced by UFO Research is also advertised.

Reports from Around Australia

• This section provides a list of UFO sightings reported in Australia, including:
• NA79031 (Jan 7, 1979): A man and his fiancée in Randwick observed a roundish object with a brilliant silver shine moving SW.
• NA78090 (Sept 29, 1978): A woman in Seven Hills observed a huge, red disc-shaped object hovering before accelerating upwards.
• NA78094 (Oct 2, 1978): An apparent non-metallic, discoidal object was seen in Unanderra, traveling at high speed and performing a "zig-zag" maneuver.
• NA78107 (Sept 28, 1978): Three young people in Lalor Park observed a hovering, domed-shaped object with bright lights.
• NA78112 (Sept 27, 1978): Two people in Blacktown saw a huge circular object with windows and lights, moving slowly overhead.
• NA78117 (Sept 29, 1978): A housewife in Seven Hills noticed a large object with yellow "windows" and flashing lights moving slowly.
• TA 78112 (Sept 17, 1978): A large light was seen SW of Maatsuyker Is., causing power failures.
• TA 78133 (Sept 20, 1978): A large yellow round light followed a man's car in Currie before disappearing and reappearing.
• TA 78166 (Oct 21, 1978): A woman in Currie saw a round object, white or silver, stop and then move back.
• QB 78035 (Nov 15, 1978): A "brilliant green" object with blurred edges was seen in Innisfail, retracting into a disc or sphere.
• QB 78038 (1969): A witness in Tirau, NZ, saw a bright yellow glowing light with five dark shadows.
• NA 78145 (Oct 20, 1978): A silver/grey cigar-type object was observed in Blacktown, accelerating rapidly east.
• NA 78167 (Oct 27, 1978): A huge cigar-shaped object with four smaller cigars was seen in Smithfield, emitting sparks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and characteristics of UFO sightings in Russia, the official and scientific interest in the phenomenon within the Soviet Union, and the critical importance of ethical conduct in UFO investigations. The editorial stance, as suggested by the content and the letter from Robert H. Marx, favors a rigorous, open-minded approach to ufology, encouraging fundamental re-thinking of accepted ideas and prioritizing the ETI theory as a primary explanation, while also stressing the need for careful, ethical handling of witness testimony and data.