ACUFOS Journal vol 4 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies" (Volume 4, Number 1, January/February 1983) is dedicated to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon. It features articles on the psychology of close encounters, the historical genesis of modern UFO sightings, and the influence of mass media. The publication is based in Prospect, S.A., Australia, and is priced at $10 Australian Currency annually.

Editorial: WHERE HAVE ALL THE REPORTS GONE ? by Bill Chalker

Bill Chalker, the editor, reflects on the challenges of documenting UFO reports in Australia. He notes that the RAAF files represent a significant, though potentially incomplete, record of UFO reports from 1950 to 1982. He laments the potential loss of civilian documentation from organizations like the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau and the Flying Saucer Investigation Committee. Chalker emphasizes the importance of unearthing and disseminating information from the 1950s and 1960s, urging ACUFOS members to support an intensive program to make documentation sources available. He commends recent documentation efforts, such as a car interference catalogue by Keith Basterfield & Paul Jackson and a psiufological catalogue by Mark Moravec, viewing them as valuable stepping stones for research.

The Psychology of Close Encounters Pt. 2. by Mark Moravec

Mark Moravec's article delves into the connection between hypnotic states and UFO experiences. He contrasts artificially induced hypnosis with autohypnosis, presenting a case from the Algerian War where a legionnaire experienced an altered state of consciousness while observing a UFO. The legionnaire described intense colors, a relaxing effect, and a feeling of happiness, suggesting a hypnotic or trance-like state. The article also discusses a case in Minnesota involving two women who experienced a similar trance-like state after observing a UFO, with one speaking in a strange voice. Moravec further explores the concept of autohypnosis in the context of the famous Betty and Barney Hill case, proposing that Barney Hill's entrancement might have led to a fantasized abduction experience. The article also examines hypnotic regression, citing the work of Andrija Puharich and the case of a psychic named Bobby who channeled an extraterrestrial entity named 'Corean'. Moravec questions whether such experiences are genuine contact or a product of the unconscious mind influenced by suggestion. He notes that hypnotic regression has been used to investigate 'time lapse' phenomena in UFO cases, but raises concerns about the validity of the data obtained, citing research by Hilgard and Lawson which suggests that regressions can be influenced by imagination, cultural information, and confabulation.

Genesis of the Modern UFO Phenomena with Respect to the Nature and Origin of UFOs by John Prytz

John Prytz investigates the origins of the modern UFO phenomenon, which he states exploded into public awareness in the late 1940s. He questions whether this was an inevitable fad or an event that could not have been predicted. Prytz argues that to understand the phenomenon's genesis, one must look at the period before UFOs became a common part of public consciousness. He dismisses earlier phenomena like the 1896-97 airship mystery and WWII foo-fighters as precursors that did not trigger the widespread UFO flap starting in mid-1947. Prytz suggests that neither social nor psychological conditions were ripe for internally generating the UFO phenomenon at that time. He posits that the trigger was likely an external factor, possibly a rapid increase in ETI surveillance due to advancements like the atomic bomb. Prytz critically examines the role of mass media, including motion pictures, television, and radio, in shaping public perception. He presents data showing that science fiction films and non-fiction references related to ETI and space flight experienced an exponential increase *after* the genesis of the modern UFO phenomena, not before. He concludes that media did not create the UFO fad, but rather the UFO phenomenon likely influenced the media. Prytz also notes that the idea of UFOs as ETI manifestations only gained prominence in early 1950 with Donald Keyhoe's work, and that prior to this, UFOs were often equated with secret weapons. He questions what was special about the period leading up to June 1947 that could have led to such a widespread phenomenon, suggesting it was externally generated. He contrasts this with the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period of intense space exploration and media coverage, which he suggests would have been a more ideal time for a mass hallucination about alien spaceships.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, the historical origins of the modern UFO era, and the complex interplay between UFO phenomena and mass media. The editorial stance, particularly from Bill Chalker, emphasizes the critical need for rigorous documentation and research in ufology. John Prytz's article strongly advocates for an external explanation for the genesis of the modern UFO phenomenon, challenging the notion that it was primarily a product of internal cultural or psychological factors, and questioning the role of media as a trigger. Mark Moravec's contribution highlights the subjective nature of some UFO experiences and the potential influence of altered states of consciousness and psychological factors, while also acknowledging the ongoing debate about the validity of such accounts.

This document is an index to the first three volumes (1980-1982) of "The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies" (ACUFOS), compiled by John Prytz. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the articles published within these volumes, categorized by subject and author.

Content Overview

The index meticulously lists a vast array of topics related to UFO research, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CETI), and the broader concept of extraterrestrial intelligence. It includes numerous sub-categories, such as:

• ACUFOS Bibliography Services: Covering areas like artificial intelligence, astro-archaeology, cosmic chemistry, exobiology, extraterrestrial intelligence, human/dolphin communication, life in the solar system (Jovian planets, Mars), panspermia, and UFO & ETI bibliographies.
• Specific Topics: Including infrared signals, Dyson sphere concepts, lasers, masers, gravity lenses, nuclear energy, electro-magnetic methodologies, unmanned space probes, artifacts, biological methodologies, and more.
• Case Studies and Reports: Referencing specific UFO reports, Australian UFO reports, historical cases, and phenomena like the Tunguska event and the Bermuda Triangle.
• Theoretical Discussions: Addressing topics such as the extraterrestrial hypothesis, internal intelligence theories, psychological aspects of UFO experiences, and the possibility of alien artifacts.
• Methodologies and Research: Detailing approaches to SETI, CETI, and the study of UFOs, including the use of telescopes, radio signals, and other detection methods.

The index also features an author index, listing the contributions of various researchers and writers, including John Prytz himself, V.J. Ballester Olmos, K. Basterfield, B. Chalker, P. Gillespie, H.I. Goriss, M. Gottschall, H. Griesberg, E. Harries-Harris, M. Hough, P. Jackson, F. Merritt, M. Moravec, J. Prytz, D.A.J. Seargent, M. Verga, and L. Whitehurst.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

While the document itself is an index and not an editorial publication, the sheer volume and breadth of topics covered within the ACUFOS Journal indicate a strong focus on rigorous investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena and related scientific and speculative inquiries. The recurring themes revolve around the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life, the analysis of reported UFO sightings and encounters, and the exploration of scientific and theoretical frameworks for understanding these phenomena. The emphasis on bibliographies and research services suggests a commitment to cataloging and disseminating information within the UFO research community.