ACUFOS Journal vol 3 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies" is Volume 3, Number 2, published in March/April 1982. It is published by The Australian Centre for UFO Studies, located at P.O. Box 546 Gosford, NSW 2250, Australia, and registered by Australia Post under publication number NBH0448. The journal's content focuses on UFO research and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on Australian cases and perspectives.

Editorial: The Freedom of Information Act & Australian UFOLOGY

The lead editorial, by Harry Griesberg & Keith Basterfield, discusses the implications of the newly assented Australian Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982, expected to come into operation in July 1982. The authors draw parallels with the US FOI legislation, which has been used by UFO groups to obtain government documents. They note that while the Australian Act aims for more 'open government,' providing public access to departmental rules and documents, they are skeptical about the extent to which ufologists will be able to uncover significant government documents related to UFOs. They identify potential holders of such documents as the RAAF, ASIO, other intelligence organizations, and the Department of Transport. However, they point out that ASIO and ASIS are exempt under Schedule 2 of the Act. Regarding the RAAF, the Centre has already received cooperation and access to records, with a full report from Bill Chalker anticipated. The Department of Transport has also been found to be cooperative. The authors highlight that the FOI Act definition of a 'document' includes tape recordings, which the DOT has refused to release. They express a desire to coordinate FOI requests among researchers to maximize their value and ensure distribution of results.

A Preliminary Catalogue of Australian Vehicle Interference Cases

Authored by K. Basterfield & P. Jackson, this article delves into the phenomenon of reported interference with electrical systems of motor vehicles during UFO sightings. It references previous work by authors like McCampbell and Rodeghier, who explored vehicle failures and electromagnetic interference. An ACUFOS research project, launched in April 1981, aimed to collect and catalogue Australian cases. The article announces the publication of "A preliminary catalogue of Australian vehicle interference UFO events" by ACUFOS, containing 58 unearthed cases. While some cases have minimal details (e.g., Casino, NSW, 13.1.58), others, like the Wingen, NSW, 17.9.76 event investigated by David Reneke, offer substantial data. Examples of reported events include classic car stops (Kadina, SA, 8.8.71) and instantaneous stopping of cars at speed (Boyup Brook, WA, 13.10.67). The authors note that while many cases are similar to those reported globally, some may be suspect in their link to UFOs. They intend to review these cases in more detail and welcome comments from other researchers.

Publications Available from the Centre

This section lists various publications available for purchase from ACUFOS, including in-depth reviews of entity reports, catalogues of interesting cases, information on UFO-anthropoid creatures, abstracts from conferences, and guides to information storage and retrieval for ufologists. Prices are in Australian Dollars, and overseas orders are accepted via international money order.

And You Thought UFO Research Was Tough!

This article, forwarded by Mark Moravec, recounts the adventures of John Libi in his persistent, though ultimately unsuccessful, search for Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat. The narrative highlights Libi's eight attempts over fifteen years, facing numerous dangers including bears, illness, political turmoil, a fall, hospitalization for pneumonia, robbery, a severe storm, and extreme weather that claimed the life of another climber. Despite his age and previous vows, Libi made a final attempt at seventy-three, reaching the summit but finding no Ark, only fragmented lava.

When Alien Discovers Alien

Written by John Prytz, this article explores the potential for contact between humans and extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). Prytz argues that while speculation about ETI has a long history, recent scientific searches have yet to yield definitive evidence. He posits that UFO phenomena may represent the preliminary stages of first contact. The author distinguishes between discovery at-a-distance (e.g., via radio signals) and on-site, in-person discovery. He suggests that less advanced civilizations are more likely to discover more advanced ones at a distance due to signal propagation. However, for on-site discovery, the more technologically advanced civilization would be the discoverer. Prytz dismisses common science fiction scenarios of invasion, conquest, or exploitation as unlikely, given the vast resources available in space and the potential for advanced civilizations to create their own environments or resources. He argues that humans likely have little to offer advanced ETI in terms of practical interest, making exploitation improbable. Similarly, conquest for the sake of it, missionary zeal, or posing a threat are deemed unlikely motives. The most plausible motive for advanced ETI to discover us, according to Prytz, is exploration driven by curiosity. He suggests that UFOs' behavior—being observed, studied, but not contacted—is rational and logical for advanced ETI, strengthening the argument for their extraterrestrial origin.

The Australian Entity Study Group

This section notes that the Australian Entity Study Group (AESG), though not active recently due to a lack of reported Australian entity cases, continues to receive inquiries. It provides a list of case documents available from the AESG, detailing location and date for each case.

Percipient Studies Group

Authored by Mark Moravec, this section announces the formation of the Percipient Studies Group (PSG) in early 1982. The group aims to research the human factors involved in anomalous experiences, including UFOs, by examining psychological, sociological, physiological, and alleged parapsychological aspects. The PSG plans to involve behavioral scientists and researchers in an in-depth study of individual percipients, comparing groups of percipients and non-percipients. Their initial project is to establish an Australian capability for in-depth psychological and physiological study of UFO percipients, developing standardized testing procedures. They plan to investigate effective interviewing techniques, relevant psychological tests, useful medical examination procedures, methods to distinguish physical from psychological reactions, procedures for hypnotic age regression, and variables for comparing percipient and non-percipient groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on Australian cases and research initiatives. The journal highlights the practical aspects of UFO research, such as cataloguing cases (vehicle interference, entity reports) and exploring the human element (percipient studies). The editorial stance, particularly concerning the FOI Act, is one of cautious realism, acknowledging the potential benefits but tempering expectations about uncovering government secrets. The article on ETI and contact suggests a rational, scientific approach by potential alien visitors, contrasting with sensationalized science fiction portrayals. The overall tone is one of dedicated, methodical research within the UFO community.

This issue of the ACUFOS BULLETIN, identified as issue number 10 and dated November 1981, delves into early UFO observations in Australia and explores related scientific concepts. The publication aims to provide a platform for researchers interested in UFO phenomena.

Early 1950s Observations

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this section compiles UFO reports from Australia during the early 1950s, drawing from a listing compiled by TUFOIC and referencing an article in the "Australasian Post" from December 31, 1953. While acknowledging the historical value, the author notes that many reports lack specific details or dates, making definitive analysis difficult.

Key observations detailed include:

• June 1950: A former flying instructor reported a bronze and silver disc flying silently southwards over Geelong, Victoria, at approximately 1600 km/hr, leaving a blue smoke trail.
• Between June and November 1950: Alex Holland, a 23-year-old pilot, described seven shining discs flashing across the night sky above a farm in Avoca, Victoria. Most moved in unison, but one returned.
• Late November 1950: Approximately 15 people, including two airline pilots, witnessed unusual objects over New South Wales and Queensland.
• December 2, 1950: Three individuals reported a bluish-white saucer with green objects and a blue exhaust trail swooping over a Melbourne suburb for seven seconds.
• December 7, 1950: A bright blue object was observed in Maryborough, Queensland, travelling northwards, returning at a low level, and ascending vertically to an estimated 8,000 feet. Its speed was estimated between 550-800 km/hr.
• December 15, 1950: Several mothers in Bentleigh, a Melbourne suburb, reported an oval object, approximately 6 by 7 meters, making a buzzing sound.
• Undated reports:
• Five groups, including two airline pilots, reported bright lights between Nambour, Queensland, and Kempsey, New South Wales.
• Five railway employees at Kalangadoo, South Australia, saw a saucer in broad daylight for six seconds.
• In May 1952, former RAF navigator Ron Dent observed two objects at 20,000 feet over Warragul, Victoria, one chasing the other before they merged and disappeared.
• A doctor in Leeton, New South Wales, described an object with a pinkish tinge and three spotlights.
• Pilot Arthur Fidler of Woollahara, Sydney, saw an object that was not a known aircraft, comet, or meteor.
• Captain G. Ireland of Sydney observed an object that maintained a steady course and glowed against the sky.
• William Anderson of Enfield, Sydney, witnessed a mysterious rocket-like projectile, described as an airship or flying submarine, moving at about 800 km/hr.
• Albert Thomas, a railways watchman, reported an object travelling at 55 km/hr that caused him to tingle and his revolver to vibrate.

The article also mentions explanations from scientists, including Professor F.S. Cotton, who attributed discs to retinal effects, and Dr. R. Woolnough, who dismissed sightings as mass hysteria.

A Short Note on the Use of a Press Clipping Agency

Keith Basterfield discusses his experience subscribing to the Australian Press Cuttings Agency in Melbourne. Between August and December 1981, he received 82 clippings for $24.60. The breakdown shows a significant number of reports originated from New South Wales (23) and Victoria (41), with fewer from Queensland (7), South Australia (4), and Western Australia (4), and Tasmania (7). He concludes that the investment was worthwhile for monitoring the Australian UFO scene and identifying potentially significant cases.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service: Panspermia

Compiled by John Prytz, this section provides a bibliography for those interested in associating UFOs with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI). It focuses on the theory of Panspermia, which posits that life originated in space and spread to suitable planetary surfaces. The bibliography lists numerous scientific articles and books related to organic compounds in meteorites, the origin of life, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life forms.

Key themes explored in the bibliography include:

• Amino acids and organic molecules found in meteorites.
• The potential for life to originate in space and be transported via meteorites or comets.
• The scientific literature surrounding the Panspermia hypothesis.
• Discussions on extraterrestrial intelligence and the likelihood of life beyond Earth.

The bibliography is extensive, covering a wide range of publications from various scientific journals and popular science magazines, dating from the early 1960s to 1981.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The ACUFOS BULLETIN consistently focuses on UFO research, particularly within Australia. This issue highlights the importance of historical data, the practicalities of research (like using press clipping agencies), and the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific theories such as Panspermia and Exobiology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging researchers to contribute and explore both the observational and theoretical aspects of UFO experiences. The inclusion of scientific literature suggests an effort to ground UFO research within a broader scientific context, even when dealing with speculative theories.