ACUFOS Journal vol 3 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Issue: Volume 3, Number 1
Date: January/February 1982
Publisher: The Australian Centre for UFO Studies
Country: Australia

This issue of The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS) presents a diverse range of articles, including a guest editorial, discussions on SETI and time travel, and a scientific debate on electric fields. The publication aims to foster a more scientific and consolidated approach to UFO research in Australia.

Guest Editorial by David Seargent

David Seargent, in his guest editorial, predicts a future of consolidation for the Australian ufological scene, emphasizing scientifically oriented investigation. He anticipates the expansion of computer databases and the training of more investigators, hoping to elevate the perception of UFO investigators beyond that of 'spaced-out cultists' in the eyes of the public and media. Seargent argues against the isolation of individual research groups, drawing parallels with scientific and medical progress that relies on collaboration. He distinguishes between 'investigation' (identifying reliable reports) and 'research' (seeking empirical information), stating that solving the UFO mystery requires both.

Seargent outlines two primary approaches to UFO research: the 'overview' method, which analyzes a large mass of sightings for patterns, and the 'in-depth' study of specific well-established cases or geographical 'flap areas' known for high UFO incidence. He notes that the overview approach has yielded meager results, while the in-depth study, favored by investigators like Bill Chalker, assumes a common stimulus for all UFO reports. This latter approach, supported by detailed documentation, aims to identify cases so strange that unconventional explanations become necessary. Seargent suggests that a combination of these methods, informed by the study groups within ACUFOS, could offer a more comprehensive understanding.

To Seti or Not to Seti? That Is The Question by John Prytz

John Prytz defends the case for traditional radio SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) against criticisms that it is a wasteful endeavor, arguing that resources should instead be focused on UFO phenomena. Prytz presents the common anti-SETI argument, which posits that extraterrestrial life and technology must be common, interstellar travel is feasible, and thus the galaxy should be saturated with ETI, implying we should have already found evidence. He challenges the assumption that if ETI exists, they would necessarily be detectable on Earth.

Prytz argues that if certain assumptions of the anti-SETI argument are incorrect, then traditional SETI remains a valid pursuit. He contends that focusing solely on UFOs as evidence of ETI might be a flawed strategy, as UFOs may not be extraterrestrial spaceships. He advocates for a multi-disciplinary approach to SETI, encompassing archaeology, UFO studies, and radio astronomy, rather than an 'either/or' approach. Prytz believes that radio SETI, despite its challenges, is as sound as any other scientific endeavor and that the detection of artificial radio signals could occur at any time. He also addresses the 'non-contact' argument often raised by ufologists, suggesting that even if ETI deliberately avoids direct contact, accidental radio leakage from their home systems could still be detectable. Furthermore, he posits that not all ETI civilizations would necessarily adhere to a policy of non-contact, and that the universe may contain numerous advanced civilizations beyond Earth.

What is the Electric Field by Martin Gottschall (Comments by Frank Gillespie)

This section features a paper by Martin Gottschall, an editor of UFO Encounter and a physics teacher, which was originally published in UFO Encounter No. 92. Gottschall attempts to explain the electric field using analogies and conceptual ideas, suggesting it can be regarded as a kind of substance with properties like tension and compression. He proposes that electric fields have no outer boundaries and extend throughout the universe, acting as binding threads. He also discusses how two opposing fields can cancel each other out, leading to a 'balanced' state that might relate to the gravitational field.

Frank Gillespie provides critical comments on Gottschall's paper, disputing five of his eight statements. Gillespie argues that Gottschall is incorrect about energy requirements for electric fields, the concept of overlapping fields canceling each other out, and the idea that electrons are fields. He asserts that current through a wire creates a magnetic field, not an electric field. Gillespie also challenges Gottschall's assertion that moving fields have no kinetic or magnetic energy, stating that a magnetic field is indeed created. He questions Gottschall's explanation of energy transfer in a condenser and his theory that overlapping electric fields are the sole cause of gravitation, pointing out that positrons and electrons would produce different gravitational effects despite similar electric fields. Gillespie concludes by stating that while Gottschall's attempt to find a new approach to physics is commendable, it is unprofitable to ignore available experimental evidence.

It's About Time by David Seargent

David Seargent revisits the topic of time travel, prompted by its prevalence in discussions and its connection to UFO phenomena. He addresses the 'causal paradox' (e.g., killing one's grandfather before one's birth), which is a significant hurdle for time travel theories. Seargent discusses the 'branching universe' hypothesis, where time travelers might move between alternative timelines to avoid paradoxes. However, he argues that this model does not fully resolve the paradox, as a future event (the traveler's action) still causes a past event, creating a contemporaneous cause that has not yet occurred.

Seargent then questions why, if time travel is possible, we are not being visited by future humans. He suggests that attributing UFOs to time travelers places a heavy burden of proof on the hypothesis. He considers alternative scenarios, such as a catastrophic war that prevents technological advancement, leading to a cycle of regression and re-development. Seargent also explores the possibility of alternative timelines, suggesting that if such timelines exist and all possibilities are fulfilled, at least one timeline should avoid a catastrophic war, making the absence of future visitors still puzzling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena and their investigation, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and fundamental questions in physics, particularly concerning electric fields and time travel. The editorial stance, as articulated by David Seargent, favors a more rigorous, scientific, and collaborative approach to UFO research, moving away from isolated efforts towards a consolidated, evidence-based methodology. There is a clear emphasis on applying scientific principles and critical analysis to both established scientific concepts and speculative theories related to UFOs and ETI.

This issue, identified as number 11 within volume 13, focuses on the "ACUFOS AUSTRALIAN REPORT" and features a discussion on time travel, alongside a compilation of UFO sightings and a bibliography service. The raw issue date is indicated as August-October last year, suggesting a publication date around late 1981.

Time Travel and Space Travel Analogy

The article delves into the concept of time travel, drawing a parallel with space travel. Philosopher Richard Taylor's perspective is central to this discussion. Space travel is defined as movement within space, where an object leaves one place, goes to another, and returns to the original. This is then analogized to time travel, where an object would leave one time, go to another, and return to the initial time. The author explores the mathematical representation of this analogy, exchanging 'time' and 'place' in the description of spatial movement.

However, the article critically examines the implications of this analogy for science fiction-style time travel. It posits that while movement within the temporal framework might be possible, leaving this framework entirely—skipping over history as if one were no longer part of it—is presented as inconsistent and lacking justification. The author concludes that this form of time travel, as depicted in science fiction, does not make sense and is not a real possibility based on the analogies with space travel.

ACUFOS Australian Report: UFO Sightings

The report details several UFO sightings from August to October 1981 across Australia:

• Darkey Forest, NSW (August 2, 1981): A coal miner reported a 'coffin'-shaped object with angular sides, lights, and a beam passing overhead.
• Near Bunbury, Western Australia (August 25, 1981): Three men observed a formation of up to 15 bright silver symmetrical objects that hovered over the ocean before shooting up vertically.
• Albany, WA (August 26, 1981): An object with red and white lights hovered silently over a paddock before moving in an undulating pattern.
• Near Sydney, NSW (September 16, 1981): A man reported a strong beam of light enveloping his car, which allegedly melted a tape recorder.
• Tooperang, South Australia (September 27, 1981): A farmer experienced an intense 'tube of light' for 10 minutes, followed by physical symptoms like red watering eyes and body aches.
• Between Sydney and Newcastle, NSW (October 17, 1981): An Air Cargo L188 aircraft crew detected two unidentified radar targets that moved ahead of the plane and then vanished.

These reports are being investigated by ACUFOS personnel.

Proceedings of UFOCON 6

Information is provided regarding the availability of the proceedings from the 6th annual UFOCON conference held in Adelaide, South Australia, in October 1981. The cost is $15, including surface postage.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service

Compiled by John Prytz, this section continues from a previous journal and lists various reference materials:

• Books in Print: Includes American, Australian, British, Canadian, and Great Britain paperback listings.
• Book Reviews: Lists indexes for book reviews.
• Bibliographies: Includes bibliographic indexes and current bibliographical information.
• Biographies: Lists biography indexes.
• Science and Technology: Compiles various science and technology indexes, including applied science, Australian science, scientific and technological reports, CSIRO publications, and current technology indexes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings reported in Australia and a philosophical exploration of time travel. The editorial stance, particularly regarding time travel, appears to be skeptical of science fiction portrayals, emphasizing consistency with known physical frameworks and drawing clear distinctions between theoretical possibilities and speculative concepts. The ACUFOS reports highlight a commitment to documenting and investigating unexplained aerial phenomena within Australia.