ACOS Bulletin - Number 6

Magazine Overview

This document is the sixth bulletin from ACOS (Australian Close Encounter Organisation), dated June 1976. It functions as a newsletter for member organizations, providing updates, soliciting feedback, and sharing information related to UFO research.

Publicity Release

The bulletin announces a proposed publicity release, drafted as a DRAFT COPY for UFOCON ONE. ACOS is seeking comments and suggestions for alterations and the approximate number required. The release is intended for distribution to newspapers, radio, television stations, universities, scientific institutions, and law enforcement agencies across Australia. Each organization will be responsible for distribution within its state and will cover duplicating costs and postage.

Hoax Cases

A follow-up to a previous request, ACOS reiterates its appeal for information on 'Hoax Cases' to compile a catalogue for investigative work. To date, no replies have been received, and organizations are urged to report if they have any such files.

Psychic Australian Magazine

The bulletin notes the emergence of a new Australian magazine called "Psychic Australian," which covers paranormal subjects including UFOs. The editor has offered complimentary copies to interested UFO investigation organizations. ACOS intends to write an article for the magazine mentioning ACOS participants. Organizations wishing to opt out of this publicity or not receive a copy are asked to notify ACOS within 21 days.

Procedures Used by UFO Research Inc.

This section details the systematic procedures employed by UFO Research Inc. for handling UFO reports. When a report is received by telephone, a report log form is created in duplicate, recording the date and time of the call and report, along with brief event details. This log serves as a backup if the caller fails to return the written report form. The liaison officer retains a copy of the log, and the duplicate is given to the research officer. Master records comprise report forms, investigator notes, and report form logs, ensuring a complete record from which statistics can be extracted. A running total list is maintained by the research officer, providing brief details of each report and allowing for queries on report frequency, timing, and descriptions.

Supplies of the report log form are available from V. Godic at a production cost plus postage.

Reference Numbers

UFO Research Inc. has advised ACOS that their recent statistics forms were easily completed using reference numbers. The bulletin proposes that Australian UFO organizations consider adopting a uniform reference number system, effective January 1st, 1977, to streamline data handling. Currently, each organization uses a different system, requiring ACOS to assign its own reference number when reports are submitted. An adopted uniform system would allow organizations' reference numbers to automatically become the ACOS reference number. The proposed format for 1977 is a state letter, followed by the year and report number (e.g., Q77/1 for Queensland). Special notations are made for NSW due to multiple organizations. This system indicates the reporting body, not necessarily the location of the sighting.

The Edge of Reality Book Review and Discussion

This section discusses the book "The Edge of Reality" by Dr. Hynek and J. Vallee, focusing on a section about amateur UFO groups. Vallee describes a 'vicious circle' where groups need money to research, but must go public for funds, leading to a focus on public relations over actual research. Hynek notes that bulletins from these groups are often not scientific documents. Vallee suggests these groups often start with dedicated individuals but attract 'curiosity seekers' and those on 'ego gratification trips,' leading to information being hidden rather than shared. Hynek criticizes the lack of documented data publication, stating that after twenty years, no scientific papers have been produced by some organizations. Vallee points out that groups often don't even know what they have in their files, and essential data is frequently missing from their publications.

Hynek and Vallee discuss the need for scientific rigor, including the requirement for data, acquisition methods, and sources to be cited in publications. They note that while observational and anecdotal information can be valuable, it is often not published with sufficient detail.

ACOS Bulletin Quality and Subscription

Following the discussion on "The Edge of Reality," the bulletin addresses its own quality. A comment from a source high up in UFO Research in Australia suggests that the ACOS Bulletin should upgrade its quality by concentrating on documented investigation reports, research, theory, and speculation, dedicating only one page to trivial social matters. This aligns with the bulletin's original design. To achieve this, ACOS requests material contributions from member organizations and scientific advisors. Additionally, it is suggested that the ACOS Bulletin be made available for public subscription, allowing non-members to subscribe, which would also help finance ACOS. Comments on these points are solicited.

Center for UFO Studies Conference Papers

This section lists titles and authors of papers presented at the Center for UFO Studies' Chicago Conference. Copies of these papers will be available in about three months. The list includes a wide range of topics, from 'Periodicity of Flaps' and 'UFO Field Investigator' to 'Psychophysical and biological aspects of viewing very bright objects' and 'UFOs and parapsychology.'

Other Center Information: UFOCAT and Statistics

Dr. David Saunders donated his computer file of UFO reports, UFOCAT, to the Center for UFO Studies. UFOCAT contains over 70,000 entries from more than 100 sources, indexed by various characteristics. It has been used to extract data for the Center's trace catalogue and other specialized reports. Statistics on UFO sightings in the United States, as received by the Center, are presented: 505 total reports received (average 42/month), with 70% reported by police (22% involving police witnesses). Most reports involved multiple witnesses (64%), while 16% were investigated onsite, 60% followed up by report form, and 24% not followed up. A breakdown of sighting types shows 77% were nocturnal lights, 20% close encounters, 2% daylight discs, and 1% other.

UFO Flaps - A Connection of Sorts?

This article by Bill Chalker explores the concept of 'UFO flaps' and their potential predictability. Chalker suggests that while some researchers believe there is no correlation between UFO waves and terrestrial events, this may not be the case. He highlights the Maydena, Tasmania, flap in early 1976 as an example of an intensive flap that could be documented 'in-the-field.' The Maydena flap involved numerous sightings of nocturnal lights, described as orange-red or orange-yellow, observed by many locals. Chalker notes that while there appeared to be no ready correlation with terrestrial or celestial events, he speculates on potential connections with natural phenomena like the flooding of Lake Pedder, variations in local magnetic fields, and telluric currents. He also mentions correlations between UFO sightings and water bodies, and localized magnetic field variations, citing Dr. Claude Poher's study. The article concludes by suggesting that changes in the Earth's natural fields might be of interest to the UFO phenomenon, potentially powering UFOs or providing a 'window' for their arrival and departure, though these are considered metaphysical speculations. An area like Lake George is suggested for future research.

UFOs - Time Machines?

Dr. G.T. Stevens proposes the Time Travel (TT) hypothesis as a more reasonable explanation for UFOs than the Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (ETI) hypothesis. Stevens outlines several problems with the ETI hypothesis:

1. Humanoid Occupants: The consistent description of occupants as humanoid is unlikely if they evolved on other planets with different environmental pressures. The TT hypothesis accommodates this by suggesting occupants could be from Earth's future or past.
2. Non-Contact: If advanced alien races were observing Earth, they would likely have made contact by now. The TT hypothesis suggests contact is minimized to preserve the timeline.
3. Interstellar Travel: Current physics deems interstellar travel impossible. TT avoids this issue, although some form of space travel might be needed to keep pace with Earth's movement through the universe.
4. High Frequency of Reports: The continuous surveillance of Earth over thousands of years by distant beings would require immense energy with unclear benefits. TT explains numerous sightings throughout history as expeditions from the future studying the past.
5. Variety of Vehicles: The wide variety of reported vehicle shapes and sizes is difficult to explain with mass-produced ETI craft. TT allows for design changes over the vast time spans of expeditions.
6. Psychic Connection: The ability of some individuals to induce or predict UFO appearances, and the phenomenon of increased UFO activity with increased involvement, are difficult for ETI to explain. TT may offer a link through the temporal nature of psychic phenomena.

Stevens concludes that TT provides a reasonable explanation for many aspects of the UFO mystery, including 'WHERE ARE THE CRASHED UFOS?'

Comment on Time Travel Hypothesis

D. Seargent comments on Dr. Stevens' article, agreeing that the TT hypothesis is superior to ETI. Seargent elaborates on the TT hypothesis:

• Occupant Diversity: TT explains why beings from different planets (with varying gravities, atmospheres) appear 'at home' on Earth, as it is their own home in time.
• Dwarf Reports: Seargent raises a potential difficulty regarding 'dwarf reports,' questioning whether human evolution in the distant future would lead to dwarfism.
• Humanoid Form: While Stevens argues TT explains humanoid occupants better than ETI, Seargent suggests that similar environmental pressures on different planets could naturally lead to similar lifeforms, including humanoids, irrespective of ETI or TT.

Seargent concludes that while TT has advantages, the issue of humanoid forms might be explained by convergent evolution on other planets, not solely by time travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently emphasizes the importance of systematic, documented research in UFO investigation. It encourages member organizations to contribute data and adhere to rigorous procedures, as exemplified by UFO Research Inc. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific approach, moving away from 'trivial social matters' towards substantive reports and theories. The exploration of the Time Travel hypothesis suggests an openness to unconventional explanations that can account for the breadth of UFO phenomena, while still grounding the discussion in logical arguments and addressing potential criticisms.

This issue of the ACOS Bulletin, dated March/April 1976, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the Time Travel (TT) hypothesis as an explanation for sightings and encounters. It also includes a significant catalogue of Australian Close Encounter Type Three reports and discusses the media's role in reporting UFO incidents.

The Time Travel (TT) Hypothesis vs. ETI Hypothesis

The lead article explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Time Travel (TT) hypothesis compared to the Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (ETI) hypothesis. The author argues that the TT hypothesis is in a stronger position to explain the evolution of UFO sightings from early airship-like craft to modern space-ship appearances. It suggests that time travellers might deliberately model their craft to fit the appearance of the technology of the time they visit, or even as a subtle attempt to influence human technological development. The TT hypothesis is also seen as better able to account for 'contactee' cases and the peculiar questions entities sometimes ask about 'time cycles'. However, the article acknowledges that the TT hypothesis still faces challenges in explaining phenomena such as tiny UFOs with mini-people, the symbolic nature of experiences, hairy creatures, and the contactee problem itself. The author expresses dissatisfaction with the ETI hypothesis and remains to be convinced by the TT, but leans towards the TT as the more promising theory.

Psychology of Close Encounters

Another article, 'Some Initial Ideas on the Psychology of Close Encounters' by Keith Basterfield, examines the psychological background of UFO encounters, particularly in Australia. It notes that most encounters occur in sparsely populated areas, often at night, and to individuals travelling by vehicle. The article links the fear of the dark to the psychological backdrop of UFO sightings. It also points out that the 2-3 a.m. period, when metabolisms are at an ebb, is a common time peak for unknown sightings. Basterfield suggests that a close encounter might occur to someone in a state of 'supernatural heredity' and biological low. The article details how vehicle malfunctions, sudden engine stops, and radio interference can isolate occupants, creating a situation ripe for misinterpretation when a strange light or object appears. The observer's mental state and pre-existing beliefs about UFOs are highlighted as significant contributing factors. Basterfield proposes a research project to investigate the reporter's physical condition, familiarity with surroundings, mental state, and thoughts on UFOs before and after an event.

Australian Catalogue of Close Encounter Type Three Reports

This section introduces a compilation by Bill Chalker and Keith Basterfield of close encounter type three cases from Australia and overseas. The catalogue, which is the first of its kind for Australian reports, lists 37 cases from July 25, 1868, to March 5, 1975. The article notes that about 70% of these occupant events occurred between dusk and dawn and that most Australian occupant cases involve 'conventional' humanoid entities. A copy of the catalogue and related study have been forwarded to the Center for UFO Studies in the United States. The bulletin includes a detailed listing of these cases with dates and locations.

Official: Reporters Carried Away By Flying Saucers

This piece, written by David Ellyard, recounts his investigation into a widely reported story about a UFO crash in Brazil. Ellyard details how the story, originating from a London-based syndication agency, was presented with seemingly authentic details, including names of scientists and government involvement. However, his attempts to verify the story, including contacting Professor Allen Hynek and hiring a freelancer in Sao Paulo, proved fruitless. Investigations revealed that the named professor did not exist at the university, the Brazilian government had no knowledge of the expedition, and the river where the alleged crash occurred was not on any map. Ellyard concludes the story was a hoax perpetrated by a freelancer. The article expresses concern about the ease with which such fraudulent stories gain credibility in the media, contrasting it with the more cautious approach taken with political or economic news.

Analysis of UFO Reports and Media Coverage

Another article critically examines the reporting of UFO sightings. It highlights the unreliability of eyewitness testimony, particularly concerning perceptions of time, distance, and speed. The author points out that many sightings are easily explained by natural phenomena, such as stars, planets, meteors, and atmospheric effects, suggesting that 80-90% of sightings are explicable. Despite this, a tendency exists to suggest all UFOs are natural events, often reinforced by official sources. The article criticizes the media for often sacrificing accuracy and detail, leading to over-simplification and a 'gee whiz' approach that deters scientists from engaging with the media. It calls for more trained science correspondents and for journalists to apply the same rigor to science reporting as they do to other fields.

Reproduction of a Letter Received by ACOS

This section includes two letters detailing sightings that could have been mistaken for UFOs but were later explained by natural phenomena. The first, from Mr. Ralph S. of Victoria, describes two identical cigar-shaped object sightings that were later explained by the reflection of moonlight off a bird's oily feathers and its zig-zagging flight pattern. The second, from an unnamed witness, describes a light that appeared to be a UFO but was later identified as a flare-tipped boomerang.

Australian UFO Reports

The bulletin concludes with a list of recent UFO reports from Tasmania, including sightings of lights and objects described as saucer-shaped, dome-shaped, and pulsating. These reports, dated from January to March 1976, detail observations of lights changing color, moving at high speeds, and causing radio interference. The ACOS reminds readers to forward any UFO reports promptly for investigation and distribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate between the Time Travel and ETI hypotheses for UFOs, the psychological and observational factors influencing UFO sightings, the importance of rigorous investigation and accurate media reporting, and the cataloguing of UFO evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical and analytical approach, emphasizing the need for evidence-based explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained phenomena. The bulletin actively encourages reader participation in reporting and investigating UFO incidents.