ACOS Bulletin - Number 5

Magazine Overview

Title: ACOS BULLETIN
Issue: FIVE
Date: March 1976
Publisher: CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the ACOS BULLETIN, published by the Centre for UFO Studies' Australian Co-Ordination Section, focuses on UFO investigations, media engagement, and the nature of UFO phenomena.

ABC Radio Special: Investigating the UFO

The lead article discusses the impact of a two-hour ABC Radio Network program on UFOs broadcast on March 24th, 1976. The show, which included taped interviews with Phillip Klass and Professor Carl Sagan, and a live link-up with Professor Hynek from New Mexico, generated significant public interest. The ABC switchboard in Sydney was jammed with listener calls, leading to technical difficulties. In the Sydney studio, Harry Griesberg of ACOS and Dr. Don Herbison-Evens, Scientific Consultant, were present. The program aimed to make people aware of UFO organizations in Australia, and ACOS subsequently received numerous letters requesting information or reporting sightings. These letters are being forwarded to relevant local organizations. The article notes that while the program centered on the extraterrestrial theory, it served a crucial public relations purpose. There is a possibility of a future program focusing on UFO investigation. Discussions were held with scientists who listened to the program, with a view to them becoming scientific advisors to ACOS. Professor Hynek expressed satisfaction with ACOS's operations in Australia. Dr. David Saunders, the Centre's computer expert, is expected to provide information regarding computer symbols and programming to facilitate faster information exchange.

Listener and Expert Perspectives on the ABC Program

This section provides commentary on the ABC program. A listener noted the program was entertaining and instructive, and the term "flying saucer" was avoided. The absence of direct line discussions between Mr. Klass, Dr. Sagan, and the program hosts was seen as a missed opportunity. Phillip Klass's explanation of a slow, brilliant object as an Orionid meteor was criticized as demonstrating a lack of astronomical knowledge, leading to skepticism about his explanations. The characteristics of Orionid meteors are described as swift, bright, and leaving fine trains, caused by debris from Halley's Comet, contrasting with Klass's explanation. Dr. Sagan's tape was found interesting, with a discussion on radio as an interstellar communicator proposed. Sagan's point about the cost of radio versus space travel is highlighted as relevant to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The author suggests that Sagan's arguments, along with the nature of UFO activity, should give extraterrestrial enthusiasts pause.

A new section, "What do UFO'S FEEL Like?", is introduced, posing the question of the significance of "feelings" witnesses experience during sightings. The article solicits input from witnesses to determine if these subjective experiences are usual and if they could help distinguish UFOs from IFOs (Identified Flying Objects).

ACOS News and Updates

This section provides administrative updates. Changes of addresses for Mr. W. Chalker and Mr. K. Basterfield are noted. A suggestion is made to investigators to ask witnesses of sightings to contact organizations if they hear of future sightings, as UFO organizations only hear about an estimated 20% of actual sightings. ACOS has composed a leaflet titled "The Australian Co-Ordination Section (ACOS)" to provide information about the organization and its connection to the Centre. A publicity release is also in development. Regarding Nocturnal Light Reports, it has been decided to leave it to individual organizations to decide whether to forward them to the Centre, with only valuable reports needing full submission.

Hoax Cases

A reported UFO sighting near Perth, W.A., involving a UFO diving into a lake and alleged RAAF inability to explain it, was investigated by UFO Research W.A. It was determined that the RAAF had not been contacted and no object dived into a lake, concluding it was a hoax. However, this investigation secured full cooperation from the local radio station concerned for future sightings. ACOS is interested in compiling a catalogue of hoax cases.

Discussion with the Department of Defence

Harry Griesberg reports on an informal discussion with an Officer coordinating UFO reports for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in Canberra. The RAAF confirmed that channeling reports through ACOS to the RAAF was the best way to cooperate. Reports are forwarded directly by organizations to the Intelligence Officer at the nearest RAAF base, not through ACOS. In 1975, the RAAF investigated 66 reports, considered a quiet year. A proposal was made for the RAAF to also notify the originating organization of the report's outcome, which was agreed to, provided the organization's name and address appear on the report form. Organizations are encouraged to use pre-printed slips to request notification of the outcome. The RAAF will forward copies of their reports on Physical Traces to ACOS for inclusion in Bill Chalker's catalogue. Approximately 3% of RAAF reports remain unexplained and are termed U.A.S. (Unusual Aerial Sightings). The RAAF's policy is that Public Relations handles inquiries, with Intelligence providing information. There is no written policy regarding UFO organizations, but they are treated the same as any other inquirer. The Air Force has no ties with foreign air forces regarding UFO matters. Newsletters from UFO organizations can be sent to Mr. H. R. Rayner, Director of Public Relations, Department of Defence. Crucially, all RAAF UFO reports and information are not classified and are on open file, available minus witness details for privacy reasons. The RAAF denies confiscating photographs or hiding information, attributing such claims to "cranks." All letters received by the Air Force are answered.

Salisbury Plain Incident

This section recounts an incident on Salisbury Plain, England, during a British Army exercise in August 1957. Troops from the Southern Regiment reported sighting a large, silvery, cigar-shaped object. Subsequently, the tank and its five-man crew vanished without a trace. The Army conducted extensive searches and interviews without success.

Great Words of Interest

A quote from David Hume is presented: "No testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle, unless the testimony be of such a kind that its falsehood would be more miraculous than the fast which it endeavors to establish."

Some Suggestions

David Seargent poses several questions linking "electro-magnetic" UFO cases with psychokinetic effects and poltergeist phenomena. He questions whether children, teenagers, and individuals experiencing frustration are more prone to these cases. The relationship between UFO sightings and areas prone to psychic phenomena is explored. Experiments with psychokinesis and Theta brain rhythms are discussed, suggesting a link to anger and frustration. The possibility that pulsating lights of "E.M." UFOs might induce psychokinetic effects in susceptible individuals is raised.

Aims and Responsibilities of UFO Research Organisations

This article discusses the three aspects of UFO research organizations: scientific, social, and religious. It critiques the "contacteeism" or "flying saucer religion" aspect, where some individuals claim direct communication with extraterrestrials and attempt to lead others away from scientific investigation. The author argues that neglecting this part of the UFO problem is a failure for investigators. The article distinguishes between the Extraterrestrial Dogma (ETD), a quasi-religious belief, and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), a scientific hypothesis. It criticizes organizations that promote an extraterrestrial explanation as a foregone conclusion, labeling them as "proto-contactees" or quasi-religious cults. The author references Jacques Vallee's theory that UFO phenomena represent the birth of a myth, comparing it to fairy myths. The ETD is described as providing a modern, materialistic myth with spacemen replacing gods. The article warns that such beliefs, particularly when broadcast widely, can bring latent schizophrenics into the open, potentially leading to breakdowns and violent acts.

The Hansard Document

This section presents an excerpt from the Australian Government Record Book of Proceedings in Parliament from 1960. Mr. Duthie questions the Minister for Air regarding reports of unidentified flying objects sighted in Australia, specifically mentioning a sighting at Cressy. The Minister for Air, Mr. Osborne, confirms that the Department of Air investigates and records such sightings, exchanging information with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force. He states that nearly all reported cases are explainable as normal phenomena, such as weather balloons, high-flying aircraft, or stars. Only 3-4% of reports remain unexplained, and these do not provide firm support for the belief in extraterrestrial visitors.

Astronauts Spotted UFOs

This article reports on a Perth Newspaper article from March 14, 1976, about a new long-playing record featuring two US astronauts, Gen. James McDivitt and Col. Gordon Cooper, describing their UFO sightings. McDivitt recounts an experience in June 1965 during the Gemini IV mission where he saw and photographed a white cylindrical object with a white pole. Despite detailed checks, including NORAD records, the object could not be identified, and the photographs did not show it. Cooper describes sighting a group of strange objects in Germany that flew in fighter-like formations but could stop or change direction suddenly. Pilots at the base attempted to spot these devices.

Statistics for 1975

The bulletin announces that a copy of the Australian UFO Statistics for 1975 is enclosed. The organization thanks contributors and states that statistics will be compiled annually to track activity and enable year-by-year comparisons. Suggestions for additional information to be included in future statistics are welcomed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The ACOS BULLETIN consistently addresses the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of accurate reporting, and the need for clear communication between researchers, organizations, and government bodies like the RAAF. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between scientific hypotheses and unsubstantiated beliefs or myths, particularly concerning contacteeism and the extraterrestrial dogma. The publication appears to advocate for a rigorous, data-driven approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging the psychological and social aspects of the phenomenon and the public's interest. The editorial stance leans towards a cautious, evidence-based perspective, critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, while actively seeking cooperation and information exchange within the UFO research community and with official bodies.

This issue of the ACOS Bulletin, titled "NEST FOUND" and authored by "The Author" (name withheld), presents a collection of reports and investigations into UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on incidents in Australia during late 1975 and early 1976. The bulletin includes detailed case studies, scientific analyses, and a comprehensive bibliography of UFO-related books.

Discovery of Marking

The main article details the discovery of a strange, almost perfectly circular marking in a paddock in Western Australia around mid-December 1975. The author was initially attracted by a dead sheep and then noticed the marking beside it. An investigation was planned for the following weekend.

Location of Marking

The marking was located in a large field used for feeding sheep, not visible from the main road. It was noted that similar markings had been reported by others, who attributed them to whirlwinds.

Investigation of Marking

Upon reinspection, the author found the marking to be a circular area of bare dirt, approximately 162.5cm in diameter, with a thin matting of swirled weed around the edge. The dirt area was recessed and pitted, suggesting a digging or swirling cause. A small quantity of wool and biological material was found within the marking. A dark outline of the sheep was visible on the cleared dirt, and one edge was flattened near where the sheep lay. A suggestion was made to drag the decomposed sheep to see if it had been moved.

The dark stain in the marking was compared to the stain left by the decomposed sheep, and they appeared to be of different liquids. The sheep, estimated to have been dead for one to one-and-a-half months, measured 105cm from nose to tail, with front legs about 60cm. It was found lying 250cm south of the marking. The swirled grass belt measured about 15cm wide. The marking was photographed in detail. Other dead sheep in the field did not exhibit similar markings.

Later Observation

On January 23, 1976, a check revealed that the sheep from the first marking had been totally dismembered, with over 50 pieces found within 100m of the marking, which remained undisturbed. Another dead sheep, which had been intact the week before, was also found dismembered, and in its place was a new, perfectly circular marking.

Conclusions

For the first marking, it was speculated that a fox attack or heat exhaustion might have caused the sheep to create the marking by kicking itself around before dying. Foxes might have then dragged the sheep out and dismembered it. For the second marking, it was suggested that foxes might have pulled the sheep around in a circular pattern while trying to tear it apart. However, the author stated that no proof existed for these explanations, and other unknown factors might have contributed.

Reports

Narrogin Depression, Western Australia

This section presents the final results of a preliminary report by Dr. G. Stevens regarding a damaged area in an oat crop in the Narrogin Depression. Samples of soil and plants were taken from the affected area and from outside it. The analysis revealed lower conductivity and lower carbonates and nitrate content in the sample remote from the affected area. However, the values from the affected area were not unusually high, and the differences were insufficient to explain the destruction of the crop. The analyses provided no indication of the cause of the damage.

Adamstown Ground Marking

The bulletin reports on an article concerning a ground marking found in Adamstown, near Newcastle. Soil samples from the site were analyzed by Dr. Stevens. The white material was identified as flour, and the acid was a mixture of hydrochloric and sulphuric acids with a small amount of nitric, containing dissolved zinc. The acids were strong enough to kill microorganisms in the soil, but bacterial spores survived. The report concluded that the alleged landing site was fabricated with easily available materials.

Tasmanian UFO Flap

This section details several UFO sightings over Tasmania. The first sighting involved a group at the Maydena RSL Club observing strange orange-red lights. Subsequent sightings included mysterious lights flying the same pattern. A spectacular event was witnessed by hundreds of people, and two truck drivers reported a hair-raising encounter where a UFO escorted them. The men described the UFO as having a brilliant yellow light underneath and appearing to be about 50 feet in size, but they were unable to pick up any radio static.

UFO Books List

A comprehensive list of UFO books, compiled by Alan Tasker of UFO Research Central Coast, is provided for distribution through the ACOS Bulletin. The list includes over 130 titles, covering various aspects of UFO phenomena, from historical accounts and investigations to theories about alien visitors and the nature of UFOs.

Definition of UFO

The bulletin concludes with a definition of a UFO provided by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Director of the Center for U.F.O. Studies. A UFO is defined as the reported perception of an object or light, seen in the sky or upon the land, whose appearance, trajectory, and general dynamic and luminescent behavior do not suggest a logical, conventional explanation and which remains unidentified after close scrutiny by technically capable individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of physical evidence related to alleged UFO encounters, such as ground markings and soil samples, and the reporting of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, employing scientific analysis where possible, while also acknowledging the unexplained nature of some phenomena and the need for further investigation. The inclusion of a comprehensive book list suggests an aim to educate and inform readers about the breadth of the UFO field.