ACUFOS Journal vol 1 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies" (Volume 1, Number 3), dated June 1980, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena. The cover features a striking geometric design with concentric squares, and the journal is published by The Australian Centre for UFO Studies, based in Gosford, NSW, Australia.

Editorial

The editorial section, authored by H. Griesberg & K. Basterfield, directly addresses the critical issue of funding for UFO research. It quotes Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who emphasizes that "big problems require big efforts... major, professional efforts," and that progress is impossible without adequate funds for laboratory tests, equipment, travel, expert investigations, and consultations. The editorial highlights the establishment of a "UFO RESEARCH FUND" by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies to finance research in Australia. However, it acknowledges the challenge of acquiring these funds, noting that income is primarily expected from publications and donations. Acknowledging a respected investigator's point, the editorial stresses that relying solely on researchers for donations is unlikely to be a significant income source, and greater dependence must be placed on sales of documented research material, journals, and newsletters. The authors express concern that the poor response to items for sale, with only two orders received, necessitates a strong appeal to members and interested parties to support the publishing service, which is seen as the major money spinner and income source.

Articles and Reports

Meteor Debris from Halley's Comet

Authored by D. Seargent, this article discusses the meteoric debris left by Halley's Comet as it orbits the sun. It explains that Earth passes through this debris ring twice a year, in early May (n-Aquarid shower) and late October (Orionid shower), resulting in meteor showers. The article notes that Halley's Comet is due to return in less than six years, and any reports of swift-moving nocturnal lights during these shower periods should be investigated as potential comet debris. It contrasts the expected comet's appearance in 1986 with its 1910 return, when its tail stretched unusually far across the sky, a phenomenon unlikely to be repeated due to unique circumstances.

A Look at the available Information on the 21st December 1978 New Zealand Incidents

This extensive report by K. Basterfield meticulously examines seven separate incidents that occurred on December 21, 1978, in New Zealand, involving both radar and visual observations. The incidents include:

1. Blenheim (2350 hrs): A flight service officer observed three bright lights off Cape Campbell, one emitting a bright shaft of light, moving in a rectangular pattern.
2. Wellington Radar (21.12.78): Radar targets were detected off Clarence, with speculation about media reports of Wellington air traffic controllers picking up lights. The article notes that Wellington radar did not pick up targets at this location, but near Clarence River.
3. Argosy 1 (21.12.78): An Argosy aircraft crew reported an intense white airborne object, too bright for vehicle headlamps, with land features visible underneath it.
4. Wellington Radar (0300 hrs): Wellington radar detected targets moving up and down the coast, described as fast-moving and random.
5. Argosy 2 (21.12.78): A second Argosy aircraft crew observed a white light, possibly a radar target, that appeared to be stationary for some time.
6. Argosy 1 (21.12.78): Captain Randle reported seeing five objects, white tinged with amber, reflecting off the water, and later observed three large surface vessels.
7. Argosy 2 (21.12.78): An object was observed by radar and visually, described as a bright white, flashing light that shot past at speed and then turned right.

The report includes detailed transcripts of interviews with radar controller John Cordy and pilot Vern Powell, who describe the objects' movements, speeds, and the unsettling nature of the sightings. Cordy expresses an open mind about UFOs and confirms the presence of unexplained objects. Powell recounts a chilling experience of an object appearing to follow their aircraft. Basterfield analyzes each incident, suggesting possible explanations such as Jupiter, anomalous atmospheric propagation, helicopters, meteors, or unknown phenomena, concluding that there is a serious need for in-depth investigation.

Human-Alien Sex: Close Encounters of the Foreign Kind

Written by John Prytz, this article delves into the controversial topic of human-alien sexual contact and its implications for the origin of Homo sapiens. The author notes the prevalence of such reports since the mid-20th century, ranging from sensationalized accounts to more speculative theories. Prytz explores the idea that mankind might be a result of genetic manipulation by extraterrestrials rather than natural selection. He critically examines the biological and genetic compatibility required for successful interspecies reproduction, arguing that the odds of two independently evolved species having compatible sexual equipment and biochemistry are astronomically low. While acknowledging that victims may genuinely believe these encounters occurred, Prytz expresses doubt about their validity as actual physical happenings, suggesting psychological factors might be at play. He directs readers to works by Allan Hendry and C.G. Jung for further information and questions the credibility of theories suggesting aliens as parents or time travelers.

Mental Communications and Psychological Disturbance (Part I)

This section is attributed to M. Moravec and appears to be the first part of a longer article exploring the psychological aspects of mental communications, likely related to UFO phenomena.

UFO Conference 5

A brief mention of UFO Conference 5, with no further details provided in the scanned pages.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service

This service, managed by J. Prytz, is mentioned, indicating a resource for bibliographical information related to UFO studies.

Australian UFO Reports

This section, with no author listed, likely contains reports of UFO sightings within Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed investigation of specific UFO incidents, particularly those involving radar anomalies and visual sightings in New Zealand. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific approach to UFO research, as highlighted in the editorial's discussion of funding needs and the challenges of obtaining proof. The speculative article on human-alien sex introduces a more controversial and theoretical aspect of ufology, questioning the biological basis of such encounters and exploring alternative origins for humanity. The journal's stance appears to be one of serious, albeit sometimes speculative, inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for rigorous investigation and the need for financial support to advance the field.

This issue of the ACUFOS JOURNAL, identified as Volume 17 and Issue 17, contains a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, psychological interpretations of witness experiences, and artificial intelligence. The cover prominently features "AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. REPORTS:" with dated reports from Miriwinni, Cairns, and Tea Tree Gully in early 1980. The issue also includes a detailed article on mental communications and psychological disturbance by Mark Moravec, and a bibliography on artificial intelligence compiled by John Prytz.

Interstellar Travel and UFO Occupant Motivations

The initial article speculates on the origins and motivations of extraterrestrial visitors. It posits that if UFO occupants are extraterrestrial, they likely originate from beyond our solar system. The article outlines five potential methods for interstellar travel: multi-generation starships, suspended animation, velocities near the speed of light, unknown physics (like hyper-space drives or wormholes), and very lengthy alien lifespans. The author suggests that the most plausible methods for interstellar travel are the first three, with the fourth being a possibility for future science. The fifth, long lifespans, is considered viable, especially when combined with high sub-light velocities.

The author further explores the potential goals of UFO occupants, suggesting they are not interested in general exploration, resource exploitation, or colonization of Earth. Instead, the primary motivation is believed to be the pursuit of "new life and new civilizations," aligning with the "Star Trek" goal. The article questions the methods of interstellar travel that would best suit this goal, considering the vastness of space and the potential scarcity of life.

Multi-generation starships are deemed suitable for colonization or reaching uninhabited worlds. Suspended animation is useful for exploration where the target is known, but less so for searching for scattered life forms. Velocities near the speed of light are good for general exploration and colonization but not for "star-to-star hopping" in search of life, unless stars are very close together.

Mental Communications and Psychological Disturbance

Mark Moravec's article examines UFO reports involving "mental communication" and "telepathy," offering a psychological explanation. The author argues that these experiences may stem from psychological disturbances, with individuals describing delusions rather than physical reality. The article analyzes three cases from Australia:

• Case 1 (Mr. A.): Mr. A. reported a UFO sighting and experiences of his mind being controlled by "invisible" beings. He also believes in impending natural disasters as punishment. The author interprets these as typical of "paranoid schizophrenia," where real events are misinterpreted, and blame is projected onto external forces. Mr. A.'s background of isolation, age, and difficulty coping with life are seen as contributing factors. His UFO sighting is considered a low-weight event, likely incorporating UFO literature into his existing delusions.
• Case 2 (Mrs. B.): Mrs. B. reported three UFO sightings and a series of bizarre experiences including disappearing clothing, electrical malfunctions, peculiar phone calls, and feeling controlled by an unidentified hypnotist. She attributes these to persecution by Scientologists and "entities." The author suggests these experiences can be interpreted either through a ufological framework (e.g., poltergeist effects, MIB manifestation) or a psychopathological one. The latter interpretation, aligning with "paranoid schizophrenia," points to paranoid ideas of reference, delusions, and hallucinations. Her experiences are linked to her marriage breakup and subsequent isolation.
• Case 3 (Mr. C.): Mr. C. claims to have seen "beautiful spiritual lights" and a large UFO. He also reports "voice" contacts, including one from his mother, and experiences of being guided by "little friendly people." He believes he is a medium and has "spiritual gifts." The author suggests that some sightings might be explicable (e.g., flares, meteorites) and that Mr. C.'s subjective experiences indicate a disturbed psychological state, likely hallucinations. His background of a nervous breakdown after a marriage breakup, profound isolation, and advanced age are considered contributing factors.

In conclusion, the article posits that these experiences are likely delusions and hallucinations, incorporating UFO and psychic lore, exacerbated by personal difficulties.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service: Artificial Intelligence

Compiled by John Prytz, this section provides a bibliography on artificial intelligence, noting its recent popularity in film and its relevance to UFO buffs. The bibliography lists numerous articles and books from various publications, covering topics such as "When Computers Start to Think," "The Silicon Revolution," "Artificial Brain," "Computers and Artificial Intelligence," and "The Thinking Machines Are Moving In."

It also includes references to science fiction works related to artificial intelligence and robots, such as "The Two Faces of Tomorrow" and "Colossus."

Bibliography Updates and Odds and Ends

This section includes updates to bibliographies on Exobiology, Carl Sagan, Unidentified Flying Objects, Monsters, Space Colonies, and Life in the Solar System. It also contains a correction regarding the subscription rate for the ACUFOS Journal and information about an Australian UFO Computer File. A thank you is extended to TUFOIC for completing the coding of their UFO reports.

UFOCON 5 Conference

Information is provided about the upcoming UFOCON 5 conference, scheduled to be held at the Belconnen Way Hotel, Belconnen Way Hawker (Canberra) ACT, from November 29-30 to December 1. The conference will bring together representatives from major Australian UFO research organizations to discuss investigation and research methods. Public observers will be permitted to attend but not participate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the potential origins and motivations of extraterrestrial visitors, and the psychological interpretation of witness accounts. There is a clear editorial stance leaning towards psychological explanations for many reported UFO experiences, particularly those involving "mental communication" or perceived persecution, framing them within the context of psychological disturbance and delusion. The issue also highlights the growing interest in artificial intelligence and its potential connections to UFOs and future space exploration. The inclusion of a bibliography and conference information indicates an effort to engage with the broader UFO research community and academic discourse.