ACUFOS Journal vol 1 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Issue: Volume 1, Number 1
Date: February 1980
Publisher: The Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS)
Country: Australia
Language: English

This inaugural issue marks a significant step for Australian UFO research, announcing the rebranding of the ACOS BULLETIN to "THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES" (ACUFOS). The journal aims to be a platform for original, researched articles by Australian researchers, focusing on detailed case studies and scientific documentation. The publication also introduces a new "UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER" which will complement the journal by featuring more popular articles and newsclips. A "RESEARCH FUND" has been established by ACUFOS to support publishing services and potentially fund specific research projects.

Introduction/Editorial

The editorial, by H. Griesberg & K. Basterfield, welcomes readers to the 1980s and the new journal. It highlights the transition from the ACOS BULLETIN to the ACUFOS JOURNAL, emphasizing its role in publishing original research from Australian researchers. They seek papers of 2000-3000 words, ideally with abstracts and reference notes, submitted on A4 paper, double-spaced. The editorial also announces that David Seargent is stepping down as Co-ordinator but will remain a consultant. Keith Basterfield of South Australia is joining as Co-ordinator, alongside Harry Griesberg. Keith Basterfield is noted for his past role as Co-ordinator of UFOR(SA) and his current position as Continental Director for Australia & New Zealand for MUFON of the USA. The editorial stresses the importance of "ACTION", "RESEARCH", "PUBLICATION", "DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION", "INCREASED PROFESSIONALISM", and "MUTUAL SUPPORT" for the year 1980.

Two major announcements are made: ACUFOS will act as a publishing centre for Australian researchers needing to produce special projects or case reports, aiming to build a collection of Australian-generated material for worldwide distribution. Secondly, the "RESEARCH FUND" is established to finance publishing services and, in the future, to accept requests for research funds for specific projects and investigation costs in high strangeness cases. Donations are accepted, and progress reports will be issued.

Guest Editorial

David Seargent reflects on the new decade as a time of change for Australian UFO Research, with the new high-standard JOURNAL and an autonomous centre signifying an advancement comparable to other countries. He expresses hope that UFO research will be taken more seriously by the general public, who still often associate it with chasing "space ships and 'flying saucers'". Seargent states his full support for the new CENTRE, looking forward to seeing new talent emerge and expressing confidence that the new arrangement will utilize untapped potential among Australian researchers. He wishes Harry and Keith, and all involved, the best of luck.

The Australian Physical Evidence Study Group (APESG)

Authored by Bill Chalker, this section details the APESG, a research study group affiliated with ACUFOS, focused on promoting high-quality scientific documentation and research of physical evidence for UFO reports. Formed in 1979, APESG, along with the AUSTRALIAN ENTITY STUDY GROUP (AESG) and the AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE ANALYSIS CENTRE (APEAC), aims to provide focal points for specific research within the UFO phenomenon. APESG specifically investigates reports involving tangible interaction with the environment, categorized into: Physical Traces and Effects (ground marks), Effects On Living Things (physical, physiological, psychological effects), Effects On Human Environment (vehicle effects, EM cases, instrumental interactions), and Apparent Inertial & Gravitational Effects (violations of physical laws).

Examples of "PHYSICAL EVIDENCE" are provided, including: Kettering (1976) scorched grass, Neminha (1977) orange imprints, Heyfield (1968) wilted grass, Willow Grove (1963) headache and cow reactions, Nambour (1932/33) blisters, Childers (1969) hair standing on end, Murray Bridge (1972) 'EM' effect on car, Bass Strait (1944) instrument affected planes, Lake Sorrell (1975) radio reception effect, Burkes Flat (1966) headlight beams bent, Casino (1969) 'beam' phenomenon, and Boyup Brook (1967) 'car control'.

APESG is also interested in natural phenomena that mimic physical evidence for UFOs. Technically qualified evaluations will be conducted by consultants, and the group aims to document and publish studies to provide comprehensive data to the UFO research community. Copies of publications will be distributed at cost, with member organizations receiving them free in exchange for data. Assistance is sought from readers to report any "physical evidence" cases.

Imagery as a Possible Psychological Explanation for Reported Close Encounters with the UFO Phenomenon

By Keith Basterfield, this article proposes that a class of currently inexplicable UFO events might be explained by known psychological processes. Basterfield notes that most UFO reports are explainable by conventional means (aircraft, satellites, etc.). He discusses how ground markings can be caused by natural phenomena or hoaxes, and that many photographs have been debunked by technology. Radar 'evidence' can be confused by interpretation and anomalous propagation. The residue of unexplained cases includes a few photographs, physical trace cases, and a larger number of close encounters based on verbal testimony.

The article presents several case examples: Gum Creek (1964) where a figure appeared outside a window; Sandford (1978) with a 'doorway' of light; Boyup Brook (1967) where a car was stopped and an iridescent blue oval object seen; Prospect (1977) involving an alleged abduction; Ivy Tanks (1973) describing an egg-shaped object with figures and a 'force field'; and Frankston (1972) where a silver-blue object hovered over a car, causing it to stop. These cases often involve rural or isolated locations, night-time, single witnesses, and drivers.

Basterfield introduces the concepts of hypnopompic and hypnagogic imagery, psychological phenomena not fully understood, which can occur with eyes closed or open, and can be mistaken for reality. He cites McKellar's work on individuals reporting similar imagery while awake. These images can be visual or auditory, and range from simple to complex scenes, often with unusual intensity of colour and light. The incidence of such imagery is found to be high in the population.

He suggests that events like Ivy Tanks, Gum Creek, and Sandford might be imagery occurring at the awake/asleep interface. Cases like Boyup Brook, Prospect, and Frankstun, occurring to individuals travelling alone in isolated environments, might also be related to this interface. The article posits that hundreds of UFO events described in literature could be explained by this "image" hypothesis. It also notes that about 100 cases of alleged alien abduction with medical examinations show strong correlation with these types of events, even when witnesses claim to have been awakened from sleep or travelling.

One abduction case from Calgary, Canada (1967) is presented, where hypnosis suggested a recall of an earlier appendectomy operation, linking it to subconscious memory recall. Basterfield discusses "hysterical conversion" as a parallel where emotional conflict is expressed physically. The mechanism of imagery is still uncertain, but EEG experiments suggest a link with Theta brain waves and PGO spikes during paradoxical sleep. He questions why this imagery often takes the form of metallic spaceships and entities, suggesting that humanity has merely shifted its focus from supernatural visions and apparitions to UFOs.

Table 1 compares characteristics of Imagery versus Close Encounters, noting similarities in timing (sleep/awake interface, night), environment (darkened), control over appearance, complexity, and the reporting of unusual lighting/colour. Both are reported by normal healthy people and can involve bizarre or seemingly impossible content.

The Significance of Early Sightings

By John Prytz, this article argues that early UFO reports, dating back to historical times, may hold more potential for proving the extraterrestrial hypothesis than recent sightings. Prytz contends that while modern evidence is often required to satisfy scientific skepticism, older sightings are less likely to be explained by conventional phenomena that have increased over time. He lists natural aerial phenomena (clouds, rainbows, meteors, etc.) and later man-made phenomena (balloons, aircraft, satellites, hoaxes) that could explain sightings. Prytz suggests that the period around the 1700s, before the introduction of balloons but within the era of scientific investigation, might be the most fruitful for identifying UFOs as a unique phenomenon, maximizing evidence for UFOs as distinct from natural or man-made explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization of UFO research in Australia, the importance of documented physical evidence, and the exploration of psychological explanations for sightings. The editorial stance is one of promoting rigorous, scientific investigation and publication, encouraging Australian researchers to contribute to a growing body of knowledge. There is a clear effort to distinguish the journal's focus on serious research from more popular UFO media, while also acknowledging the value of complementary publications. The issue emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and the dissemination of information within the Australian UFO community.

This issue of UFOlogist, dated 1980-06-02, focuses on the enduring mystery of UFOs, with the cover headline proclaiming "The UFO question - not yet answered!" by Bill Chalker. The magazine delves into the historical context of UFO sightings, the challenges posed by media and scientific attitudes, and the potential for scientific advancement through rigorous investigation.

The Historical Significance of UFO Sightings

The lead article posits that UFO sightings prior to 1947 are more valuable for study because they occurred before the phenomenon gained widespread coverage and the associated ridicule. This pre-1947 period, it is argued, was less influenced by the 'power of suggestion' and public beliefs, leading to potentially more honest and unadulterated reports. The author emphasizes that older sightings, despite their age, should not be dismissed but rather investigated thoroughly, as they may hold significant scientific value, potentially documenting cases more conclusively than contemporary sightings which are often subject to wider interpretation and explanation.

Media and Scientific Attitudes Towards UFOs

Bill Chalker's article criticizes the media's handling of recent "radar-visual" UFO sightings in New Zealand, describing it as symptomatic of a facile attitude towards controversial topics. The media is accused of embracing reports with "unrestrained fervour," dressing them up in a "garish manner" closer to travesty than factual reporting. Journalists are seen as adopting the guise of "pseudo-researchers," immersing themselves in the mystery without the necessary scientific rigor. The article points out that the media quickly tires of reports that do not yield overnight or rapid conclusions, deeming them "old news."

The issue further elaborates on the problems plaguing the UFO phenomenon:

• Media Incompetence: The media is largely ill-equipped to conduct competent investigations into UFO sightings.
• Scientific Community's Stance: The scientific community is criticized for offering explanations that are often the product of "ill-advised arm chair puntification," characterized by implausible and tortured reasoning.
• Pseudo-Researchers: Self-appointed experts and "pseudo-researchers" who interpolate their own theories gain wide publicity because they are willing to make "ridiculous and unsubstantiated statements to the media."

These factors collectively make legitimate scientific research into the UFO subject difficult and at times almost impossible. The magazine asserts that, contrary to popular impression, the UFO phenomenon is a problem worthy of genuine scientific examination.

Patterns and Scientific Enquiry

While acknowledging that current data does not support a single clear hypothesis for the origin and nature of UFO reports, the article firmly states that the evidence indicates the existence of a new empirical phenomenon. It highlights that patterns and regularities do occur in UFO reports, and the existence of such regularity is tantamount to the existence of a law. Science's aim is to describe and analyze reality by discovering laws, which are established regularities. Therefore, the study of UFOs lends itself to legitimate scientific inquiry.

Australian Civilian Research Efforts

The magazine details the work of civilian research organizations in Australia, such as UFO Research (NSW). These organizations conduct scientifically oriented investigations, defining a UFO as an aerial phenomenon that is not only mystifying to the witness but remains unidentified after detailed scrutiny. They employ trained investigators who conduct on-the-spot interviews and utilize consultants from various scientific disciplines to identify phenomena like astronomical objects, meteorological events, and aircraft. The focus remains on unexplained reports, which constitute about 20% of the total received. These unexplained reports are intensely examined for patterns and encoded into an Australian UFO computer file, linked to the extensive "UFOCAT" file in the United States, which contains over 60,000 entries.

Notable UFO Cases and Evidence

The issue highlights the vast amount of data on UFOs that is largely ignored by the mainstream scientific community. It specifically mentions nearly 100 "UFO landing" cases in Australia alone, where UFOs have been observed to alight on the ground and interact with the environment, producing physical effects that can be studied. Analytical techniques such as spectroscopy and thermoluminescence have been applied to these cases.

Two specific cases are detailed:

• Kettering, Tasmania (1976): A UFO was observed landing, and upon departure, the grass was killed off and subsequently replaced by tougher grass.
• Near Orange, New South Wales (1977): Similar to the Kettering case, a UFO landed, leaving tangible physical effects. Four small circular holes in a trapezoid arrangement were found at the site.

Two "tornado-like meteorological manifestations" were "explained" by the Department of Defence. The first occurred near Moe, Victoria, in February 1963, involving a structured aerial object that caused farm animals to react violently and the witness to experience an intense headache. The second "tornado" was observed on a beach near Vaucluse, NSW, in July 1965. Dogs barked loudly at the object, and fell silent when it lifted off. Investigations at the site indicated that something unusual had rested there.

The Condon Report and International Efforts

The magazine critically examines the "Condon Report" (the "Scientific Study of UFOs"), released in January 1969. It states that the study failed to draw positive inferences from puzzling cases and concluded that there was little scientific merit in studying UFOs. However, the report itself contained conclusions, such as one regarding the McMinnville, Oregon photos, which described an "extraordinary flying object, silvery, metallic, disc-shaped, tens of meters in diameter." The article notes that such conclusions were ignored in the report's overall findings.

In contrast, the winds of change are seen in the work of Dr. Claude Poher, a scientist with the French equivalent to NASA. After studying the Condon report and other cases, he became convinced of a real problem meriting scientific scrutiny. In 1977, the French government formed GEPAN ("Groupe d'Etude des Phenomenes"), an official UFO research group headed by Dr. Poher. GEPAN's initial report stated that witnesses had indeed seen the facts they described, most cases could not be explained, and witnesses appeared to have seen material phenomena related to flying machines with unknown propulsion. GEPAN's final conclusion emphasized that the study of such phenomena is capable of increasing mankind's knowledge for effecting improvement in techniques, deeming it of extensive importance.

Towards a Scientific Revolution

Referencing Thomas Kuhn's theory of scientific advancement through revolutionary lurches, the article suggests that UFO reports are on the edge of such a revolution. The "rogue data base" of UFO reports is expected to initiate a severe dislocation in the contemporary paradigm. Dr. J. A. Hynek is quoted as saying that understanding the UFO enigma should mark a "vast new quantum leap in scientific knowledge for mankind."

The issue concludes with a quote from Charles Fort, an iconoclast of the early 20th century, who described "a procession of the damned" – data excluded by science. Fort's words, "We shall have a procession of data that science has excluded. Battalions of the accursed, captained by pallid data that I have exhumed, will march. You'll read them or they'll march," encapsulate the magazine's stance on the importance of investigating and acknowledging anomalous data.

The ACUFOS Bibliography Service

This section, compiled by John Prytz, provides an extensive bibliography divided into several categories:

• Life in the solar system: The Jovian Planets: A list of 17 articles and publications discussing the possibility of life on Jupiter and its moons.
• EXOBIOLOGY: 4 entries related to the adaptation of microorganisms and organic analysis in extraterrestrial environments.
• UFOS: 8 entries covering various aspects of UFO reports, including historical accounts, media coverage, and scientific skepticism.
• MONSTERS: 8 entries discussing phenomena like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.
• SPACE COLONIES: 7 entries on the concept and feasibility of space colonization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the critical need for rigorous scientific investigation, and the perceived shortcomings of both the media and the established scientific community in addressing the phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of advocating for the serious study of UFOs, viewing them as a potentially significant area for scientific discovery that could lead to a paradigm shift in our understanding of the universe. There is a strong emphasis on the value of historical data and the importance of not dismissing anomalous reports due to prevailing skepticism or lack of immediate explanation. The magazine champions the idea that UFOs represent a legitimate area of scientific inquiry, capable of expanding human knowledge.