Australian Annual Flying Saucer Review - 1981 06

Magazine Overview

Title: The AUSTRALIAN ANNUAL FLYING Saucer REVIEW
Issue Date: June 1981
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Price: $2.50

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, delves into several significant UFO cases and related phenomena. The publication aims to collate and disseminate information on flying saucers and unidentified flying objects (U.F.O.s), evaluating reports on their own merits and exchanging information with similar organizations and scientists.

Editorial

The editorial section questions the human tendency to assess extraterrestrial visitors solely through the lens of Earth's current technological understanding. It posits that advanced civilizations might have evolved beyond complex propulsion systems, possibly utilizing electro-magnetism or gravity manipulation. The author draws parallels to historical accounts of 'flying shields' and 'fiery chariots' mentioned in ancient texts, suggesting that advanced propulsion methods have existed for centuries. The piece also touches upon the possibility of UFOs using stellar radio signals for navigation and speculates on the potential for future breakthroughs in propulsion technology, contrasting it with humanity's current reliance on 'fire crackers' for space travel. It concludes with a stark warning about global devastation through nuclear power and warfare, suggesting that a departed civilization might have once visited Earth with its culture, only to leave too soon.

Key Articles and Reports

Pilot Valentich Death or Abduction

This section details the disappearance of pilot Frederick Paul Valentich on October 21st, 1978, after he reported an unidentified flying object. His last radio transmission to Melbourne Flight Service at 1912:20 hours included a 2-second pause, followed by the statement "is hovering, and it's not an aircraft," and then 17 seconds of metallic clicking before radio contact was lost. His father, Guido Valentich, recounts the tragic news and the subsequent media attention, expressing relief that his son, a UFO believer, might have had a close encounter. The article highlights the extensive search efforts by the Department of Transport and the Royal Australian Air Force, which yielded no trace of the aircraft or pilot. Despite official denials of UFO existence, the circumstances surrounding Valentich's disappearance, including the unusual radio transmissions and the lack of wreckage, have fueled speculation of abduction. The piece notes that Valentich was a rational, family-oriented 20-year-old pilot eager for a career in aviation.

The October Phenomenon

This article provides a detailed transcript of the radio communications between Frederick Valentich and the air traffic controller on the night of his disappearance. It logs the time, Valentich's altitude (4,500 feet A.M.S.L. over Cape Otway), and his increasingly concerned reports about a large aircraft with four bright lights approaching him. The transcript includes Valentich's description of the object as 'hovering' and 'not an aircraft,' followed by the metallic clicking sound. The investigation into the incident revealed that Valentich's altitude should have allowed for clear radio communication. The article discusses various theories, including a hoax, disorientation, or even murder, but finds them unfounded. It raises baffling questions about Valentich's calmness, the lack of distress calls, and the absence of any wreckage, despite the aircraft's construction suggesting it should have floated. The piece also notes that over 50 UFO sightings were reported in the Cape Otway area before and after Valentich's disappearance, strengthening the possibility of a UFO encounter. His father firmly believes his son was abducted by a UFO.

The White-Acres Encounter

This report details an incident on September 30th, 1980, near Sale, Victoria, where a farmhand, George Blackwell, witnessed an unidentified flying object. Awakened by his horse's distress, Blackwell observed an object, described as domed and emitting blue and orange lights, flying low and producing a whistling sound. He estimated its size to be about 10 ft in height and 26 ft in length. The object landed approximately 50 ft from a water tank, and after about 10 minutes, it lifted off, emitting heat and causing stones and cow pads to fall. Mr. Blackwell described the object as having a bell shape with a white dome and a metallic-looking base. The investigation noted that the witness was shaken and experienced headaches. The article also mentions that cattle refused to go near the landing site for several days.

U.F.O.s Visited Third Farm?

This article reports on mysterious burnt rings found on Mr. William Dingwall's property, 'Montgomery Park,' near a large billabong. Three rings, about six meters across, and one clearly defined ring, ten meters across, were discovered. Dingwall noted an unusually low water level in the billabong when the first ring appeared. The article also references a similar ring found at 'Whiteacres' where cattle refused to approach. Mr. Dingwall suggests the marks could be from a water-powered intelligence device. Rings found at Rosedale and Seaspray were also investigated by the Australian U.F.O. Society.

U.F.O. from my Back Yard at Brighton

This personal account describes a sighting of a classic-shaped UFO in Brighton, Victoria, in November 1978. The author, a master mariner with 35 years of experience, describes the object as an inverted saucer with a dome, appearing oval with a dark background and lighter brown stripes. He estimated its diameter to be about 22ft if at 2000ft altitude, moving at approximately 80-100 knots. The object displayed no lights, vapor trails, or noise. The author dismisses the RAAF's conclusion that it was a light aircraft distorted by the sun's glare, emphasizing the object's clear definition and unusual characteristics.

The Manifold Photographs

This section discusses six photographs taken by Roy Manifold on October 21st, 1978, the same day Frederick Valentich disappeared, near Cape Otway. Although Manifold, a UFO skeptic, saw nothing at the time, computer analysis of the prints revealed a disc structure above a 'puff of smoke' in one frame. The analysis concluded that the image was not a cloud or weather phenomenon, showed metallic construction, and indicated an object approximately 20 feet in size moving at an estimated 200 km per hour. The analysis ruled out a hoax and suggested the object might have emerged from the sea.

Other Cases and Investigations

The issue also briefly mentions other cases, including the disappearance of two military airmen in November 1953 after pursuing a UFO, and the encounter of Major Coyne and his helicopter crew with a silver, cigar-shaped UFO in Ohio. The article highlights the ongoing work of the V.U.F.O.R.S. in collecting reports and reconstructing events leading up to documented UFO contacts. It emphasizes the difficulty in getting official acknowledgment of UFO reality from authorities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained disappearances of pilots and aircraft associated with UFO sightings, the physical evidence left behind by landed objects, and the persistent efforts of UFO research organizations like the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society to gather and analyze data. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, questioning conventional explanations and advocating for a serious investigation into the UFO phenomenon. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in the reality of UFOs and a frustration with the perceived secrecy and lack of acknowledgment from governmental and scientific authorities. The publication champions the idea that UFOs are a reality and that authorities possess extensive dossiers on confirmed encounters, advocating for the "blowing the secrecy lid sky high."

Title: The Overseas U.F.O. NEWS
Issue Date: December 1980
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country of Publication: Australia

This issue of The Overseas U.F.O. NEWS delves into various UFO phenomena, presenting a mix of reported sightings, scientific analysis, and historical perspectives. The cover story highlights a computer's conclusion that UFOs are real, based on an analysis of thousands of reports.

Computers Say U.F.O.s Real

The lead article details how a young French scientist, Claude Poher, used a computer to analyze 35,000 UFO observation reports. The computer compared these sightings with known celestial bodies and atmospheric phenomena, concluding that flying saucers exist and have landed frequently. The objects are described as bright metallic, reflecting sunlight, and can appear as discs, spheres, or cigars. The analysis also noted that 70% of observations were at night, 10% involved landings, and 1 in 20 cases involved sightings of extraterrestrial astronauts. Powerful magnetic forces were consistently present, capable of disrupting electronic equipment.

Maurice Chatelain, a former aerospace electronics engineer, offers a theory on how spaceships might use the gravitational pull of planets like Jupiter and Mars to slow down for Earth encounters.

Polls cited indicate that over 15% of the US population, including President Carter, have seen UFOs, with over 50% believing in visitors from space.

UFOs and Disbelief

An article discusses the reluctance of authorities and scientists to accept the reality of UFOs, attributing it to fear and the disruption it would cause to their understanding of the universe. Surveys suggest that over 60% of people now believe in UFOs, a significant increase from the 1950s. Organizations like the Victorian UFO Research Society are actively engaging with people who have had experiences, including former intelligence agents.

International Sightings

SPAIN: An investigation by Ufologist Juan José Benitez details a sighting near Valencia in November 1979 where an aircraft was followed by an unidentified object with red lights. Military radar detected an echo, though the control tower did not. The object remained near the aircraft for eight minutes.

URUGUAY: A local reporter claimed to have seen two UFOs near Posadas in August 1980. Described as circular, inverted saucers, they moved vertically at high speed.

ITALY: Reports from the Marche and Abruzzi regions describe sightings of spheres and flying saucers. One incident in Camerte involved a reported landing and burnt ground. A UFO was intercepted by radar near Padova, described as spherical with a cone shape and oscillating lights. A young couple in Ancona witnessed a low-flying saucer. The Adriatic Sea has also been a site of UFO activity, with fishing fleets reporting phenomena that caused radar malfunctions. Previous sightings in the Marche area date back to the sixties.

• U.S.A.:
• Dallas/Harlingen, Texas: Analysis of tissue from a mutilated bull in December 1980 revealed it was cut with a sharp instrument, not a laser. The bull had a circular incision and its heart removed. Further analysis of hide tissue from a similar incident showed no charring or heat effects, but bruising and hesitation marks indicating a sharp instrument.
• Dayton, Texas: Three individuals, Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum, reported a close encounter with a diamond-shaped, silvery object that emitted heat and light. Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum suffered physical harm, including lumps, hair loss, and a developing cataract.

BRAZIL: A farm-worker, Domingos Monteiro Brito, reported an encounter in Belém in August 1980 with two beings who descended from a silent, brightly-lit vehicle. They spoke with him, asked questions, and promised to return.

Theories About UFOs

• Several theories are presented regarding the purpose of UFOs:
• Seeking water from Earth's seas.
• Collecting specimens of animals and mobile devices.
• Needing elements like gold for their technology.
• Protecting humanity from self-destruction.
• Surveilling air and space travel to prevent conquest missions.
• Using Earth's electromagnetic forces for intergalactic travel, with cosmic indifference to humans.

Society History

The issue includes a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society, detailing its origins in the early 1950s through various name changes. It highlights the society's role in publishing UFO research, maintaining a large library, and holding regular meetings. The society is described as having a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject deserving investigation, often challenging official skepticism. There's an emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the growing public belief in UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to report their experiences and supporting organizations dedicated to UFO research. The inclusion of historical accounts and scientific analysis suggests a commitment to exploring the phenomenon from multiple angles. The quote from Emile Zola at the beginning of the 'Stop Press' section underscores a belief in the inevitable revelation of truth.