ACUFOS Journal vol 3 no 6

Magazine Overview

Title: THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES
Issue: Volume 3, Number 6
Date: November/December 1982
Publisher: ACUFOS (Australian Centre for UFO Studies)
Country: Australia
Price: 3/6

This issue of the ACUFOS journal presents a collection of articles and editorials focused on the nature of UFO phenomena, the importance of continued research, and the strong possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI).

Editorial: On the Importance of UFO Research

Frank Gillespie, in his editorial, argues for the necessity of ongoing UFO research regardless of the phenomenon's origin. He posits that understanding UFOs could shed light on natural laws, human responsibility, mental health, or even the afterlife. He contends that the argument that UFOs are extraterrestrial should not lead to the cessation of research, but rather to redoubled efforts to understand their nature and origin.

The Logo

Gillespie also explains the new logo of ACUFOS, which features two joined square frames. He states that the logo represents the idea that perception is subjective and depends on one's point of view. This concept is deemed particularly relevant to UFO research, where subjective experiences play a significant role.

Extraterrestrials - Here and Now

John Prytz's article, 'Extraterrestrials - Here and Now,' presents a detailed argument for the existence of ETI. He begins by acknowledging the historical suggestion of ETI as an explanation for UFOs in the late 1940s. However, he proposes to invert the argument, suggesting 'ETI therefore UFOs.' Prytz builds his case on several premises:

• Premise One: Our sun, solar system, and Earth are not unique, and intelligent life is common. Technological civilizations are likely to arise and develop technology based on universal physical and chemical laws, some far more advanced than ours.
• Premise Two: Space travel is desirable and feasible, and advanced civilizations, potentially millions of years older than ours, could easily explore the galaxy.

Prytz argues that the vastness of the galaxy, with its billions of stars, makes it statistically probable that other technologically advanced civilizations exist. He suggests that these civilizations would likely explore space for reasons such as exploration, resource exploitation, and species survival. He elaborates on the concept of space colonization and the need for species survival beyond a single planet. He posits that interstellar travel, while challenging for humans, might be achievable for advanced ETI through various means, including advanced probes (like von Neumann probes) or even relativistic or 'warp-drive' technologies.

Prytz further suggests that ETI may have already detected Earth. Given the age of the galaxy, it's probable that our solar system has been visited by probes or explorers. He points to the rapid advancements in our own space technology (e.g., Mariner IV to Voyager 2) as an indicator of what future technological leaps might entail, including artificial intelligence.

• Premise Three: Earth is known to at least one ETI race.

He posits that ETI might use unmanned probes for initial reconnaissance, and if 'interesting developments' like the emergence of life or intelligent life are detected, a follow-up visit could occur. He suggests that the time lag between probe detection and arrival could be millions of years, easily accommodating interstellar travel.

• Premise Four: ETI has been and/or is now present within our near-earth environment.

Prytz lists suggestive evidence, including astronomical phenomena like transient lunar phenomena (TLPs), unusual satellite behavior (e.g., the Vela incident, Satcom III, Ayame 2), and geophysical events like the Tunguska explosion. He also includes historical mysteries such as disappearances of aircraft and ships, and sightings of creatures like Mothman. He acknowledges that much of the 'ancient astronaut' theory is sensationalized but suggests a kernel of truth might exist.

• Premise Five: Extraterrestrials - here and now!

Ultimately, Prytz concludes that the evidence, when viewed through the lens of his theoretical framework, strongly suggests that UFOs have a causal link with ETI, and that ETI is likely present in our vicinity.

The Psychology of Close Encounters Pt. 1

Mark Moravec's article begins an exploration into the psychological aspects of close encounters, though the content is not fully detailed in the provided scan.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service

This section, compiled by John Prytz, provides a bibliography of resources related to UFO studies, indicating the organization's commitment to cataloging and disseminating information within the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFOs, the statistical probability and potential motivations of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the feasibility of interstellar travel. The editorial stance, particularly from Frank Gillespie and John Prytz, is one of open inquiry and a strong belief in the importance of pursuing UFO research as a legitimate scientific endeavor, with a leaning towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a plausible explanation for many observed phenomena.

This document, issue number 10, titled 'THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLOSE ENCOUNTERS' by Mark Moravec, explores the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences. It proposes that many such encounters can be explained through known psychological processes, particularly altered states of consciousness (ASC).

Altered States of Consciousness (ASC)

The article defines an Altered State of Consciousness as any mental state that deviates significantly from normal waking consciousness, characterized by increased preoccupation with internal sensations, altered thought processes, and impaired reality testing. The author references Ludwig (1972) for this definition.

The 'ASC-UFO Hypothesis' is presented, suggesting that individuals predisposed to such states, when in specific situations, experience vivid subjective sensations that are interpreted within a UFO context. Examples of ASCs discussed include amnesias, fugues, possessions, and multiple personalities. The paper aims to further explore themes like time distortion, automatic writing, autohypnosis, and hypnotic regression, and considers whether phenomena like out-of-body experiences, lucid dreams, near-death experiences, and drug-induced hallucinations stem from similar psychological processes during ASCs.

Time Distortion and Altered States

Several UFO cases are presented that involve a distorted perception of time. The Dapple Gray Lane, California case (early 1970s) involved two percipients encountering a non-humanoid entity, with one reporting a perceived slow-motion movement of the other. An investigator suggested a possible 'time aberration,' while the author posits it as an expected perception within an ASC.

A contactee in Adelphi, Maryland, reported a four to five-hour experience that his roommates perceived as little more than an hour, supporting the ASC-UFO hypothesis. The article notes that while 'time compression' doesn't prove an ASC, it is supportive. The possibility of hoaxes or psychotic hallucinations is also acknowledged.

The phenomenon of a lack of vehicular traffic or natural noises during UFO experiences is discussed. This could be due to the percipient's intense focus on the event or shock, consistent with an ASC and time distortion. The Blue John Cavern, England case (Autumn 1963) described a brief landing of a saucer-shaped object and a spaceman, during which no cars were observed on a busy road.

In Cherry Hill, New Jersey (1966), witnesses saw no traffic during a sighting of a large object. A case near Volos, Greece (March 1977) involved a luminous object, car instrument malfunctions, and a subsequent lack of traffic on a normally busy road.

The author concludes that while 'no traffic' doesn't definitively prove an ASC, cases with multiple witnesses or physical effects suggest non-psychological factors may be involved. However, these cases offer support for a psychological hypothesis of UFO experiences as a simpler alternative to exotic explanations involving extraterrestrials or time travelers.

Research into ASCs shows that a 'disturbed time sense' is frequent, with feelings of timelessness, acceleration, or slowing of time being common. This change in time perception can indicate a shift in consciousness.

Explanations for distorted time sense during ASCs include: strengthened mental contents not connected to time (daydreams, emotions), decreased prominence of goals and anticipations reducing attention to environmental changes, and decreased memory of the immediate past increasing attention to the present. If consciousness is passive, time may seem timeless; if some processes are maintained, time may seem slowed.

The indications are that some UFO experiences involve an alteration in the usual state of consciousness.

Automatic Writing

Automatic writing is defined as 'writing carried out without conscious control,' an automatism or dissociation where unconscious factors gain temporary control. It can be associated with amnesia and the belief that messages originate from external sources like UFO entities.

An Australian case is cited where women received communications from 'spirits of the dead' and 'space entities.' The percipient described her mind being blank in a 'meditative state,' with her hand moving to write messages dictated by an external source.

An Argentinian case from 1969 involved a person experiencing a trance while watching UFOs and beginning to write in an incomprehensible language, followed by a Spanish message announcing further contacts.

The classic 'Marian Keech' case (1950s USA) involved a suburban housewife who led a UFO cult, receiving messages via automatic writing from 'superior beings' from a planet called 'Clarion.' This led to a movement committed to a specific folklore, including predictions of future events.

The article notes that automatic writing has historically been attributed to spirits of the dead, but with the rise of UFO phenomena, messages are now attributed to UFO entities. Sociological factors influence interpretation. The author states there is no evidence to support notions that messages originate from outside the medium's unconscious mind.

Psychiatrist William Sadler is quoted, highlighting the close relationship between automatic writing, speaking, trances, and visions, and its connection to multiple personality. He describes how an automatic writer can appear normal while producing complex text without central consciousness awareness.

Sadler likens automatic writing to crystal-gazing and hypnosis, where marginal consciousness performances are projected outward. The central consciousness perceives these messages as coming from another world, especially if the person is psychically unbalanced.

Bibliographies

The document includes extensive bibliographies on:

• Exobiology, Exotic Biochemistries and Environments: Compiled by John Prytz, this section lists numerous articles and books discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial life, including silicon-based life, alternative biochemistries, and life on other planets and celestial bodies.
• Artificial Intelligence: This section lists articles related to AI, including models of the brain for robot control, the nature of artificial intelligence, and computers.
• Panspermia: References related to the theory of life originating elsewhere and being transported to Earth.
• Exobiology: Further entries on astrobiology and the origins of life.
• Life in the Solar System: Entries focusing on Mars (pre- and post-Viking) and the Jovian Planets/Satellites.
• Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI): Articles discussing extraterrestrial civilizations and the criteria for life on planets supporting a biosphere.
• Astro-Archaeology & Ancient Astronauts: Entries on megalithic astronomy and the possibility of ancient astronauts.
• Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs): A comprehensive list of articles on UFOs, their nature, and related phenomena.
• Ufologists - Biography: Biographical entries on prominent ufologists like J. Allen Hynek.
• Tunguska, Siberia Explosion (1908): References to theories about the Tunguska event.
• Monsters: Entries related to sea serpents and the Loch Ness Monster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the article is the exploration of psychological explanations for UFO close encounters. The author, Mark Moravec, consistently advocates for the ASC-UFO Hypothesis, suggesting that many reported experiences can be understood as manifestations of altered states of consciousness, rather than necessarily indicating physical extraterrestrial craft or visitors. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry into the psychological dimensions of these phenomena, seeking to demystify them through scientific understanding of consciousness and perception. While acknowledging the possibility of non-psychological factors in some cases, the primary focus remains on the internal, subjective experience of the percipient.