ACUFOS Journal vol 2 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Issue: Volume 2. Number 1.
Date: February 1981.
Publisher: The Australian Centre for UFO Studies
Country: Australia

This issue of the journal, published by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS), focuses on exploring natural explanations for UFO phenomena and reporting on specific cases. The cover features the journal's title and a geometric design. The publication details indicate it is registered for posting as a Publication - Category B.

Editorial

The editorial, by H. Griesberg & K. Basterfield, highlights the increasing difficulty in keeping up with the vast amount of information in the UFO research field. It emphasizes the importance of information distribution and sharing. ACUFOS employs several methods to achieve this, including a successful parcel system among researchers for circulating interesting items and photocopies. Copies of reports on file are available for a nominal service fee, and a bibliography service by John Prytz assists researchers. In January 1981, ACUFOS launched the ACUFOS BULLETIN, a two-page publication of recent news and events exclusively for ACUFOS investigators and scientific consultants, intended for short reports that will be expanded upon in the Journal. The editorial also mentions the ACUFOS Computer file, run by Andy Cole of Sydney, which contains approximately 650 Australian Cases.

The editorial also proposes a newspaper/press clip service, similar to overseas models, if sufficient clippings are available. A central library of cassette/tape recordings has been mooted but has not yet gained momentum. The Centre's first year of operation is reviewed, noting achievements in launching the Journal, a publications service, a research fund, and promoting UFO research in Australia. For 1981, ACUFOS is initiating an investigation network to supplement member groups, with a particular focus on the Northern Territory and Victoria where no ACUFOS member groups exist. Readers in these states interested in becoming investigators are invited to apply.

Demand for Centre publications remains constant, with a list of available items provided, including case summaries, observation reports, entity studies, and proceedings from UFOCON 5. New productions are planned, including a review of Australian Physical Trace Cases and a photographic case catalogue.

The editorial notes that UFO reports in Australia were scarce in the previous year, with TUFOIC reporting Tasmania had one of its quietest years on record, possibly since the 1960s. This trend is reflected overseas. The editorial suggests that lull periods and 'flaps' might indicate that the phenomena is external to the human mind, as a constant flow of reports would be expected if it were person-generated. The hope is expressed that 1981 will bring more activity.

In Memorium: Matthew Charles Dick (1950-1980)

The journal pays tribute to Matthew Charles Dick, a staff member of UFO Research (NSW), who passed away. His contributions to the UFO subject are highlighted, particularly his deep interest in UFO propulsion theories and his work in defining nature's contribution to phenomena that could be misinterpreted as UFO landing traces. His academic background in Zoology (B.Sc. Hons and PhD student) informed his valuable contributions. His major paper, "Some Biological Explanations for UFO Trace Cases and Related Phenomena," was published in a revised form in late 1980. The journal notes that the first part of this paper was published in the December 1980 issue, and this current issue carries the final part. A death notice from his family is included, stating he died on December 20, 1980, at the age of 30 and was privately cremated.

Some Biological Explanations for UFO Trace Cases and Related Phenomena (Part 2)

By Matthew C. Dick.

This article, the second part of Matthew C. Dick's research, delves into various natural phenomena that could be mistaken for UFO-related evidence.

4. Bioluminescence

Living organisms produce 'cold light' through chemical processes, with marine species showing the greatest development. The function of this light is often unknown but can serve as a predator-confusion device, a lure for prey, a grouping signal, or a sex attraction. Bioluminescence is found in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, tunicates, jellyfish, hydroids, sea pens, worms, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, and insects.

• (a) Marine Organisms: Planktonic plants and animals can cause the sea to glow, either constantly or when stimulated by turbulence. Dinoflagellates and ostracods are common culprits, especially in tropical seas. Certain fish, like Photoblepharon, can control their light emission. Large aggregations of luminous marine life could be mistaken for underwater objects, and their movement or stimulation by sound or electromagnetic radiation could enhance the effect.
• (b) Fungi: Many luminous fungi belong to the Order Agaricales (mushrooms and toadstools). Genera like Armillaria, Clitocybe, Mycena, Omphalina, Panus, and Pleurotus are found in Australia, often on rotting wood. Australian fungi's luminous properties are less documented, but Pleurotus lampas and P. nidiformis are noted for their glow. Examination of UFO cases involving luminescence of nearby objects might reveal luminous mycelium, which can be enhanced by ultraviolet light.
• (c) Bacteria: Luminous bacteria, such as Photobacterium phosphereum, live on marine fish. If infected seafood is stored improperly, strong blue-green luminescence can result. Terrestrial luminescent bacteria are rare and typically only noticeable in laboratory cultures. One species has a symbiotic relationship with the nematode worm Chromonema.
• (d) Insects: Fireflies (Elateridae and Lampyridae families) and glow-worms (larvae of Mycetophilidae flies) exhibit bioluminescence. Firefly adults emit brief flashes for sexual signals, while glow-worms produce a constant pale-green glow from tubes spun on cave roofs or sheltered places, attracting flying insects which become prey. The Australian firefly genera are Luciola and Atyphella, primarily tropical. Glow-worms are carnivorous larvae.
• 'Ghost Lights': These unexplained phenomena, often near the ground, have been attributed to swarms of luminous 'glow-worms' or other winged insects congregating over swamps. While some reports might be explained this way, the diversity of details suggests other causes may also be involved.
• (e) Other Glows: Reports of glowing material left on the ground or on nearby trees after UFO departures are discussed. Cases in Pennsylvania and Kansas involved luminous rings on the ground and effects on trees. Soil analysis from one site revealed a high concentration of minerals and Nocardia fungus. The article suggests that fluorescence of minerals and agricultural chemicals under ultraviolet light could explain some cases, though the spectral colours and persistence of light emissions are noted as differentiating factors.

Fluorescent effects were also mentioned in a report from Gisborne, New Zealand, involving a 'bowler hat-shaped' object beaming blue light onto a dead tree, causing branches to fluoresce in various colours. This is supported by the 'lichen hypothesis,' as lichens fluoresce under UV light, and dead trees are their habitat. However, the nature of the object remains a mystery.

5. Airborne Fibres

Young spiders disperse via 'ballooning,' spinning silk threads that catch the breeze. This behavior is common in Australian spiders, with profuse falls recorded in September and October. Adult spiders also balloon, especially after flooding. Spider web is primarily fibroin. Ballooning silk differs from normal web silk in that its fibres are more separate. Reports of 'angel hair' falls associated with UFOs may be due to mass landings of ballooning spiders. Field investigators are advised to look for small spiders in such falls and collect samples for analysis.

Acknowledgements are extended to various individuals for their contributions on phytophthora, spiders, insects, luminous bacteria, fungi, and fluorescence.

The 30th September 1980 Rosedale, Victoria Event

By Keith Basterfield & Bill Chalker.

This article details a spectacular event that occurred on September 30, 1980, on a property near Rosedale, Victoria. The investigation was conducted by Bill Chalker, Garry Little, and Keith Basterfield on behalf of ACUFOS.

The Event as Related: Mr. George Blackwell, a 54-year-old farm hand, was awakened at 0100 hrs by a screeching whistle noise, cattle bellowing, and a horse in panic. Investigating outside, he observed an object moving from right to left, estimated to be 8-10 feet above the ground. He described it as a domed object with a white top, orange and blue lights, approximately 26 feet in diameter and 15 feet high. It passed over a paddock, a haystack, and a water tank before coming to a stationary position on the ground. The object made a whistling noise and did not appear to illuminate the ground.

Mr. Blackwell decided to investigate due to reports of rustling stock. While approaching the object on his motorcycle, he noticed a cow hiding under a shed. The object was still visible and making a whistling noise. He stopped about 50 feet away. The object then emitted an 'awful scream,' a black tube appeared around its base, and with a 'tremendous bang' and a blast of air and heat, it lifted and moved eastwards. As it moved away, the black tube appeared to deflate, and material resembling stones, cape weed, and cow paddies fell from its underside. The object became silent at about 8-10 feet altitude and gradually faded from sight.

Aftermath and Trace Evidence: Upon returning to the house, Mr. Blackwell noticed his watch had stopped at 0110 hrs, the time he first heard the noise. The watch later resumed functioning intermittently. On the ground where the object had been, a ring of flattened grass, about 30 feet in diameter, was found. Inside the ring, grass was green, but the surrounding area was black or brown. Six 'spokes' of undamaged grass were noted within the ring. Debris was found leading east from the spot. The concrete water tank, which had been full the previous day, had lost about 10,000 gallons of water, with muddy residue piled up at the bottom. Algae were stuck to the tank walls. A strip of grass beneath the object's path was also noticeable.

Mr. Blackwell developed a headache that persisted for 7-8 days, occurring between 1100 and 1500 hrs daily. He also experienced sleep disturbances, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea in the mornings. He later had a vivid dream of the object and holding a shotgun, after which his health returned to normal. Cattle refused to go near the mark. The incident was reported to the local paper, and the mark was inspected by several people, including ACUFOS representatives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation and the exploration of natural phenomena as potential explanations for UFO sightings and trace evidence. The editorial highlights ACUFOS's commitment to information dissemination and research networking. The inclusion of Matthew C. Dick's detailed scientific work on bioluminescence and airborne fibres underscores a stance that seeks rational, evidence-based explanations for anomalous phenomena, while still acknowledging the mystery surrounding UFOs. The Rosedale event report, while detailed, is presented as a preliminary investigation, indicating a methodical approach to case analysis. The journal appears to advocate for rigorous research and the sharing of findings within the UFO community.

This issue of "UFO Reports" (Volume 10, Issue 10, dated December 1980) focuses on the evaluation of UFO reports, the "Sonic Boom" mystery of 1977-1978, and historical UFO sightings, particularly in Australia. The magazine is published by VUFORS and is based in Australia.

Evaluating UFO Reports

Mark Moravec presents a system for evaluating UFO reports, aiming for objectivity and practicality. The proposed system, the Evidence-Strangeness Evaluation System, uses two main scales: Evidence (E) and Strangeness (S). The Evidence scale considers the Level of Documentation (D) and Witness Credibility (W), with higher scores indicating more rigorous investigation and reliable witnesses. The Strangeness scale assesses the explicability and nature of the reported phenomena, ranging from identified objects to close encounters and exotic events. The system combines these scales to produce an overall score (ES) to differentiate between "limited merit" and "high merit" reports. The author discusses the limitations and criticisms of such systems, emphasizing the need for a uniform adoption by researchers.

America's "Sonic Boom" Mystery of 1977-1978

John Prytz investigates the mysterious atmospheric blasts heard along the American Eastern Seaboard starting on December 2, 1977. These phenomena, described as strong and originating offshore at high altitudes, were initially attributed to sonic booms from aircraft, including the Concorde. However, analysis by Dr. William L. Donn suggested the blasts' signature did not match supersonic aircraft or natural events. Other theories included methane gas bubbles and military aircraft exercises. The American Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) concluded the phenomena were caused by a strange atmospheric effect due to sonic booms from military aircraft flying off the coast, refracted to appear much further away than they were. Despite this explanation, the mystery persisted, with various theories offering plausible but unresolved explanations.

Historical Reports in Australia (Part I)

Bill Chalker explores the history of UFO phenomena in Australia, arguing that it is not a recent manifestation. He examines aboriginal myths, such as those of the Wandjina, which may suggest interactions with anomalous aerial phenomena. The article also recounts early colonial accounts, including a "ghost-light" sighting in eastern Victoria in 1838 and an aerial vision reported by William J. Wills near Coopers Creek in 1861, which he speculated might have been Venus in the zodiacal light.

CUFOS Bibliography Service: Tunguska, Siberia (1908)

Compiled by John Prytz, this section provides an extensive bibliography of articles and books in English related to the 1908 Tunguska event. The compiler notes that the cause of the explosion remains unresolved, with theories ranging from ordinary meteors and comets to anti-matter, black holes, and malfunctioning extraterrestrial spaceships. The bibliography includes a wide array of scientific and popular literature on the subject.

Bibliography Updates

This section includes updates to bibliographies on Exobiology, Unidentified Flying Objects, and Monsters, referencing recent publications and articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous investigation and evaluation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of unexplained aerial events, and the historical context of such sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and analytical approach to UFO research, as evidenced by the detailed system for evaluating reports and the thorough investigation of the "Sonic Boom" mystery. The inclusion of historical accounts and the Tunguska bibliography suggests an interest in the long-term and global nature of the UFO phenomenon.