ACOS Bulletin - Number 21

Magazine Overview

This issue of the A.C.O.S. BULLETIN, number 21, dated October 1979, is the journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies. It was registered for posting as a periodical category B.

Editorial

The editorial, by H. Griesberg & D. Seargent, highlights the success of Australia's fourth annual UFO conference, "UFOCON 4," held in Sydney. A significant outcome was the proposed name change for ACOS to "AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES" (ACUFOS), to be implemented in the new year. The conference also featured Quentin Fogarty, a television journalist, who presented a report and film on a New Zealand UFO incident. The editorial emphasizes the need for Australian groups and individuals to act on the ideas generated at the conference to further UFO investigations.

Index of Articles

The issue contains a variety of articles, including:

• Editorial (H. Griesberg & D. Seargent)
• Extraterrestrial Isotope Ratios (Dr. D. Herbison-Evans): Discusses the chemical analysis of isotopes to verify extraterrestrial origins, referencing data from moon rocks, meteorites, and radio astronomy.
• Reported Observations from Aircraft over Australasia, 1977-1979 (Keith Basterfield): Details six reported UFO observations by aircraft, including the well-known Valentich case and incidents in Goondiwindi, Kunanurra, Port Augusta, and Whyalla.
• An Australian Flight 19? (John Prytz): Explores wartime aircraft disappearances in Victoria, Australia, drawing parallels to the mystery surrounding the Valentich case and suggesting a deeper mystery in the region.
• Psychological Influences on UFO "Abductee" Testimonies (Mark Moravec): Examines how psychological factors, such as 'folie a deux' and conformity, can affect the reliability of abduction testimonies, particularly in multiple-witness cases.
• Comets and Superstitions (David Seargent)
• UFO Probe in the Kremlin? (Dr. V. I. Sanarov)
• Mysterious Disappearances - Or Are They? (David Reneke)
• ACOS Bibliography Service: Space Colonies (plus updates) (John Prytz)
• UFO REPORTS FROM AROUND AUSTRALIA.

Extraterrestrial Isotope Ratios

Dr. Don Herbison-Evans' article delves into the scientific method of using isotope ratios to determine the extraterrestrial origin of objects. It explains that while isotopes of an element behave similarly chemically, their differing nuclear masses can be measured. The article details the terrestrial abundances of stable isotopes for hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, and how these ratios vary in extraterrestrial sources like moon rocks and meteorites. It also touches upon radio astronomy and optical spectra as sources of information. Specific examples include the H/H² ratio in moon rocks and meteorites, and C¹²/C¹³ ratios in the galactic centre.

Reported Observations from Aircraft over Australasia, 1977-1979

Keith Basterfield documents six significant UFO observations by aircraft in Australia and New Zealand between 1977 and 1979. Two major cases, the Valentich disappearance and a New Zealand aircraft/radar/visual/film case, are mentioned but not detailed. The article focuses on four other reports:

• Goondiwindi (QLD, 1977): A B.P.A. trilander passenger and pilot observed an unidentified aircraft pacing their plane and hovering near the airport.
• Kunanurra (NT, 1977): A light aircraft pilot and his wife observed a metallic, oval-shaped object flying below their altitude, which disappeared when they attempted to get a closer look. The object was described as having no depth perception, a dull, non-reflecting surface, and flew sideways.
• Port Augusta (SA, 1978): A pilot overheard a radio conversation about a UFO sighting with a bright light detected on radar.
• Whyalla (SA, 1978): A pilot observed an elongated white light with a blue tinge that paced his aircraft and then rapidly approached before disappearing. The pilot experienced radio transmission difficulties during the encounter.

The article notes that while some incidents were investigated by UFO Research groups, official confirmation is difficult due to the RAAF's policy of denying the existence of genuine UFOs.

An Australian Flight 19?

John Prytz's article, inspired by the Valentich case, examines historical aircraft disappearances in Victoria, Australia, during World War II. It cites a newspaper article by Rex Gardner that lists numerous planes and airmen lost without trace. The article questions whether there might be a deeper mystery behind these losses, particularly in Eastern Victoria, suggesting a potential link to unexplained phenomena, though it acknowledges Gardner's explanation focuses on routine aircraft failures and enemy contact.

Psychological Influences on UFO "Abductee" Testimonies

Mark Moravec's article explores the reliability of abduction testimonies, particularly those obtained through hypnotic regression and in multiple-witness scenarios. It discusses concepts like 'folie a deux' and conformity, suggesting that a dominant witness can influence the accounts of others. The article references studies by Blake (1978) and Lawson (1977), highlighting that hypnotized abductees may recall biographical data from their past medical history and incorporate it into a fantasy created under hypnosis. The author concludes that testimonies of alleged abductees should be approached with caution, as the possibility of subjective fantasy remains, especially in multi-witness cases where one individual dominates the narrative.

Other Articles

The issue also includes shorter pieces on "Comets and Superstitions," "UFO Probe in the Kremlin?", and "Mysterious Disappearances," along with a bibliography service on Space Colonies and a section on UFO reports from around Australia.

Questionnaire for UFO/Paranormal Cases

A questionnaire designed for investigators of 'psiufological' reports is included, covering background information, mental communications, poltergeists, apparitions, psychological and physiological reactions, and witness background. It aims to ensure thoroughness in interviews and subsequent report writing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the reporting of actual sightings and encounters, and the critical analysis of witness testimony. The ACOS (soon to be ACUFOS) appears to adopt a stance of rigorous inquiry, encouraging both scientific study (isotope ratios) and careful evaluation of anecdotal evidence (aircraft sightings, abduction cases). The editorial emphasizes the importance of conferences and collaboration in advancing the field. There is a clear acknowledgment of the challenges posed by official skepticism (RAAF policy) and the complexities of human psychology in interpreting experiences. The publication aims to document and analyze UFO phenomena within Australia and beyond, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the internal numbering as (1.0) and (11), features articles on "Comets and Superstitions" by David Seargent, "UFO Probe in the Kremlin?" by V. I. Sanarov, and "Mysterious Disappearances - Or Are They?" by David Reneke. It also includes a bibliography on space colonies and exobiology, and a section on UFO reports from around Australia.

Comets and Superstitions

David Seargent explores the historical fear and superstitions surrounding comets, suggesting that while often irrational, there might be a kernel of truth. He discusses how the appearance of comets could have been linked to fears of war and divine judgment. Seargent also touches upon scientific theories that might lend some basis to these beliefs, such as the potential impact of X-rays from supernovae causing illness, as suggested by C.M. Cade, or the complex interaction between Earth and sunspots affecting geological and physiological phenomena. He notes that periods of high solar activity, which correlate with brighter comets, also coincide with increased cloudiness, leading to decreased comet discoveries. This means that observed comets during such times are likely the brighter, rarer, and more 'frightening' ones. Seargent also points out that early astronomical phenomena like auroral displays were often confused with comets.

UFO Probe in the Kremlin?

V. I. Sanarov reports on a phenomenon observed in Moscow in 1977. A fiery spherical object appeared above the Great Kremlin Palace, divided into three smaller balls, two of which descended into gardens and one onto Ivanovskaya Square. This sphere, described as yellow and approximately 5 cm in diameter, proceeded towards the Arkhangelski Cathedral. It floated silently into the cathedral and exploded against the iconostasis, causing minor damage. Witnesses reported a strong odor of ozone and experienced symptoms like hypertensive crisis, headaches, and depraved vision for days. The incident is notable because the Kremlin is equipped with advanced lightning protection systems, yet the sphere acted as if unprotected. A similar event was reported to have occurred in the same cathedral about 400 years prior. The investigation into this case was ongoing.

Mysterious Disappearances - Or Are They?

David Reneke critically examines numerous claims of mysterious disappearances attributed to UFOs, arguing that many such stories lack factual basis and are riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies. He highlights the case of Oliver Lerch as a prime example of inaccurate reporting. Multiple authors, including John Keel, Otto Binder (citing Frank Edwards), and Morris K. Jessup, provide different accounts of Lerch's disappearance, varying in date (Christmas Eve 1889, Christmas Day 1889, Christmas Eve 1890, Christmas Eve 1909), age (11 or 20 years old), and location (South Bend, Indiana, or Rhyader, Wales). Reneke, along with investigator Kevin D. Randle, found no corroborating evidence in police records or newspaper archives for the South Bend disappearances. Jessup's claim that police records supported his account was debunked. The earliest traceable mention of the story appears to be around 1946, suggesting it may have originated then. Further investigation revealed that weather records for December 1889 indicate warm temperatures, contradicting accounts of snow, and the town in Wales cited by Brad Steiger did not exist. Reneke suggests that journalists of the period may have altered names and locations to protect sources or make stories more 'interesting', leading to the perpetuation of unsubstantiated narratives.

Reneke also discusses the case of David Lang, who reportedly disappeared in Tennessee in 1881. Similar to the Lerch case, accounts vary, and no documentation exists. He notes the similarity to the Charles Ashmore case, also allegedly involving a disappearance near a well. Reneke concludes that without further 'hard' evidence, these stories should be treated with extreme skepticism, and their connection to UFOs is unfounded.

Bibliographies

The issue includes two bibliographies: "ACOS BIBLIOGRAPHY NUMBER 5: SPACE COLONIES" compiled by John Prytz, listing numerous articles and books on space colonization, and "BIBLIOGRAPHY UPDATES" covering Exobiology and UFOs, compiled by various authors.

UFO Reports from Around Australia

This section provides a breakdown of UFO reports received by the organization, noting a low number of sightings in 1979. It details several specific reports from Australia:

• QB 79014 (January 10, 1979, Mount Surprise): A 71-year-old man reported seeing a large, round yellow light approaching from the SW, which later assumed a saucer shape.
• WA 79004 (June 29, 1979, Stoneville, W.A.): A 16-year-old witness described a large, brightly lit object with many lights, possibly square, flying low and slowly.
• TA79126 (April 1979, Görmanston Saddle): A taxi driver reported a green light with a purple edge that affected his vehicle's power and radio before disappearing.
• TA79134 (May 1971, Strahan, TAS): A family reported a bus-sized disc of white and pinkish light that followed their car for 25 KMs before disappearing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical and psychological roots of superstitions, particularly concerning comets, and a critical examination of UFO phenomena and alleged mysterious disappearances. The editorial stance, particularly in David Reneke's article, is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The magazine appears to be dedicated to exploring UFOs and related phenomena but emphasizes the importance of factual accuracy and the debunking of misinformation within the field. The inclusion of bibliographies suggests an academic or research-oriented approach to the subject matter.