ACUFOS Journal vol 1 no 6

Magazine Overview

Title: THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Issue: Volume 1. Number 6.
Date: December 1980.
Publisher: The Australian Centre for UFO Studies
Country: Australia

This issue of the journal delves into various aspects of UFO research and public perception, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and historical trends.

Editorial

The editorial, "Editorial" by H. Griesberg & K. Basterfield, addresses the critical need for rigorous evaluation of UFO cases. It highlights the vast number of reported physical trace events and entity reports collected globally and by Australian researchers, but stresses that the majority lack sufficient information for objective rating. Ted Phillips' assessment of 1447 ground trace reports found only 68 with high strangeness, while Bill Chalker noted that Australian physical trace cases have not provided a clear, unambiguous picture of the phenomenon. The editorial points out that many reported traces are caused by mundane factors like fungi, lightning, or hoaxes, with only a small percentage (5-10%) remaining as genuine mysteries. Similarly, Keith Basterfield reduced 105 entity events to 21 worthy of study. The authors urge researchers to meticulously eliminate conventional causes before presenting cases to the scientific community, suggesting that many researchers have not been critical enough. They advocate for the publication of detailed information to aid in reducing cases to a level where they present a true enigma, thus encouraging conventional scientists to engage in research.

UFOCON 5 - 1980

Authored by Harry Griesberg, this article reviews UFOCON 5, the 5th annual conference organized by ACUFOS, held in Hawker, A.C.T., from November 29th to December 1st, 1980. The conference brought together 18 participants, including representatives from ACUFOS member organizations, individuals, and consultants, for three days of presentations and discussions on UFO phenomena. Griesberg notes positive changes in Australian UFO research over the past year and expresses hope for the conference's stimulating impact. He anticipates significant progress by the next year's conference in Adelaide, provided promises are kept. The article lists the titles of 15 papers presented, covering topics such as UFO photographers, retrospective investigations, Australian SETI, rating UFO reports, physical trace experiences, close encounters, psychological reactions, historical cases, anthropoids, and theoretical propulsion. The conference is deemed a success, with anticipation for the next year's event. A note provides details for obtaining selected papers from UFOCON 5.

The 1978 Missing Cessna Event - A Review Report

Written by Keith Basterfield, this report revisits the incident of October 21, 1978, involving the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich during a flight to King Island. The article states that a re-examination of available material has been conducted, and it will not repeat the basic details of the story. The core of the incident is the reported radio conversation between Valentich and an air traffic controller regarding an unusual phenomenon. The author notes that numerous side issues, such as psychic claims and photographs of anomalous objects, have emerged but are excluded as they do not add to the validity of the aircraft event. The article provides an accurate transcript of the radio conversation, detailing Valentich's observations of a large, bright object with landing lights, its approach, and its eventual vanishing. Following the transcript, the article presents questions raised with the Australian Department of Transport and their responses. The Department stated that no radar watch was maintained as the aircraft was outside controlled airspace, no "unknown" was sighted on radar, and no alternative landing areas provided information on the plane's whereabouts. They also indicated the aircraft was likely not carrying a VHF survival beacon and denied advising Valentich to switch frequencies for a "message" from the Department of Defence. The Department considered it the pilot's responsibility to request airfield lights. In summary, the Department of Transport's reconstruction suggests a one-sided report with no radar confirmation, and they concluded that the reported observation has no connection with UFO phenomena and warrants no further attention from researchers.

Opinion Polls and UFOs (1947–1977)

This article by John Prytz surveys nine opinion polls on UFOs conducted between 1947 and 1977, exploring public and scientific attitudes towards the phenomena. The author notes that while opinion polls do not change the reality of UFOs, they offer a unique historical perspective. The article begins with a 1947 Gallup poll showing that 90% of the adult population had heard of flying saucers, with most viewing them as illusions, hoaxes, or secret weapons, and few believing they came from space. By 1950, influenced by publications like Donald Keyhoe's, a growing number began to consider UFOs as potentially extraterrestrial. A 1952 survey by Project Bluebook's consultant, J. Allen Hynek, involving 44 professional astronomers, revealed that 17% were very interested in UFO investigation, while 16% were completely indifferent. The article then discusses a 1966 USAF survey of 590 personnel, where a majority believed in UFO reality, that they should be taken seriously, and that the government might be censoring information. A 1966 Gallup poll indicated that over five million Americans claimed to have seen a "flying saucers," and nearly half believed these objects were real. Public awareness was exceptionally high. In 1971, an Industrial Research poll of 2,700 respondents found that while only 8% claimed to have seen a UFO, 54% believed they existed, and 80% felt the Condon Report was not definitive. A 1973 Gallup poll showed 51% of Americans believed UFOs were real, with 11% having seen one. The article also references an Australian Sales Research Bureau Poll from 1974 on extraterrestrial intelligence, which found 15% convinced of ETI and 51% thinking it possible. A 1974 Sydney Morning Herald report indicated that 49% of people who believed in extraterrestrial intelligence thought UFOs represented contact. Finally, a 1977 survey by Dr. Peter A. Sturrock of 2,611 astronomers revealed that a majority (53%) believed UFOs should be investigated further, though many worried about ridicule. The article concludes by summarizing trends from these polls: increasing public seriousness towards UFOs, growing credibility for the ETI theory, and maximum public awareness in the US. Trend b) (increasing seriousness) is seen as positive for ufology.

Bibliography

The issue concludes with an extensive bibliography listing the sources for the opinion polls discussed in John Prytz's article, covering various Gallup polls, the Industrial Research poll, the Project Bluebook astronomers' poll, and a poll of USAF personnel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical evaluation of UFO evidence, the historical progression of public and scientific opinion on UFOs, and the reporting of UFO events and conferences within Australia. The editorial stance strongly advocates for a more rigorous and scientific approach to UFO research, emphasizing the need to filter out mundane explanations and present only the most compelling cases to the scientific community. There is a clear effort to document and analyze the historical landscape of UFO belief and research, particularly within the Australian context.

This issue, identified as Part I of a series titled 'Some Biological Explanations for UFO Trace Cases and Related Phenomena', is authored by Matthew C. Dick. The content focuses on providing natural, biological explanations for phenomena that might be mistaken for evidence of UFO activity. The issue also includes a comprehensive bibliography service on 'Life in the Solar System - Mars (Part 2–Post Viking)', compiled by John Prytz.

Biological Explanations for UFO Traces

1. Introduction

The introduction states that low-altitude UFO activity might lead observers to suspect natural phenomena nearby as being connected to sightings. The article aims to provide explanations for commonly reported physical traces of biological origin that could be mistaken for UFO effects.

2. Circles on the Ground

#### a) Rings on the Grass:

These 'fairy rings' are explained as the result of local plant death caused by the growth of mycelium from mushrooms and toadstools. The larger organism grows underground as fine threads, expanding in a circular formation. As the fungus grows, it competes for water and nutrients, causing shallow-rooted plants like grass to die or become stunted. The older parts of the mycelium decay, releasing nutrients that stimulate taller, lush growth just inside the ring of dead grass. The vegetation in the oldest part of the ring eventually resumes its normal appearance as nutrients leach away. These rings can be mistaken for heat, radiation, or chemical damage. Fresh or dried fruiting bodies may be present, or a soil sample from the ring will show mycelium and be drier than surrounding soil. Microscopic examination can confirm the presence of mycelium. It is noted that fungal decay is rapid when moist, requiring samples to be dried for identification.

#### b) Unusual Mushrooms:

Reports exist of unusual fungi found near alleged UFO landing sites. One case from Whidby Island, USA, in February 1964, describes an ellipsoidal metallic object dipping into the ground, after which a 'strange' fungus was observed growing at the contact point. Another case from Necochea, Argentina, in November 1968, involved the growth of giant mushrooms within a 5.5m diameter circle of calcined earth, with similar reports from Santa Fe province. The author suggests that intense local heat or radiation might kill plants and soil fauna, providing enhanced nutrient levels for deeper fungi, protected from the initial damage.

#### c) Flattened Patches:

Sudden appearances of flattened patches, often circular, in cereal crops are discussed. When natural, this phenomenon is called lodging and can be caused by wind, heavy rain, hail, or snow, especially over large areas. Localized patches are often a result of parasitic fungi weakening plant stems or roots. These fungi also spread in a circle. Examples include 'eyespot' in wheat, identified by pale patches on stems, and 'take-all', which causes bare patches or yellow, stunted growth due to rotten, discoloured stems and roots. Specimens for identification should be dried. The text also mentions that animals like cattle, sheep, foxes, hares, and kangaroos can create flattened patches in grass by resting, sometimes digging shallow holes for comfort.

#### d) Dying Trees:

Patches of dead trees and shrubs in otherwise healthy bushland are sometimes found. If the damage is recent, some plant parts may appear unaffected. This damage can resemble a local fire, but closer examination reveals intact low-growing plants or branches, and unburnt leaf litter. Several types of root-rot fungi can cause this, notably *Phytophthora cinnamoni*, which occurs patchily in Australia. Its spores spread via soil water, and attack patterns are related to soil drainage, with deaths most likely in poorly drained areas after heavy rain.

3. Powdery Deposits

#### a) Smut Fungi:

Smuts are parasitic fungi that produce a dark powdery layer of spores on plant surfaces, which can be mistaken for external deposits. Microscopic examination reveals uniform, spherical spores with a sculptured surface. These patches are dense and discrete, occurring on leaves and twigs, and are specific to plant species.

#### b) Sooty Moulds:

Sooty moulds are saprophytic fungi that form dark powdery deposits. Their mycelium is external to plant tissues. They grow on sugar, sap, or gum exudates from plants, which can come from healthy specimens, physically damaged plants, or plants parasitized by insects. The source of the mould is usually identifiable, but can sometimes be obscured by high branches.

#### c) Slime Mould:

These primitive fungi, belonging to the class Myxomycetes, live as amoeba-like organisms in damp places. In favourable conditions, they form a plasmodium, a slimy layer that climbs vertical surfaces. Their colour ranges from yellow, pink, or grey. As the plasmodium dries, it forms sporangia containing spores, which can resemble insect eggs. These sporangia vary in colour and can form patches from 1cm to 1m in area, sometimes appearing perfectly circular. Their bizarre appearance and ability to appear overnight can lead to them being mistaken for unusual visitations.

Diagnosis of Fungal Infections

Diagnosing soil-dwelling fungi is difficult as symptoms can resemble simple water-logging. For positive identification, samples of recently dead twigs or branches should be collected, ensuring the cambium is dried while the sapwood is moist. Only recently infected tissues allow for fungus isolation and culture. Older, dead material can harbour saprophytic fungi that obscure the original infection. For suspected *Phytophthora* attacks, samples must be sealed and delivered to a laboratory while the fungus is alive. This fungus is highly infectious, and field gear should be sterilized with bleach.

Publications Available from ACUFOS

This section lists various publications available from the AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR U.F.O. STUDIES (ACUFOS). These include guides for investigators, catalogues of Australasian UFO reports, documents on specific CE3 cases, reports on UFO observations by aircraft crew, and reviews of entity reports. Prices are listed in Australian dollars, with surface postage included.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service: Life in the Solar System - Mars (Part 2–Post Viking)

Compiled by John Prytz, this bibliography covers the Viking era through the present, focusing on the search for extraterrestrial life on Mars. It notes that the Viking experiments yielded a 'maybe' answer to the question of life on Mars. The compiler directs readers to scan major newspapers from late 1976 for detailed coverage of the experiments. The bibliography lists numerous articles and books from various scientific and popular publications, covering topics such as Martian biology, chemistry, and the results of the Viking experiments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the scientific investigation of phenomena that are often attributed to UFOs. The editorial stance is one of rational explanation, seeking biological and natural causes for reported traces and observations. The inclusion of a detailed bibliography on the search for life on Mars suggests an interest in exobiology and the scientific exploration of other planets as a potential source of life, contrasting with more speculative UFO theories.