ACUFOS Journal vol 4 no 5

Magazine Overview

This is the September/October 1983 issue of "The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies", Volume 4, Number 5. The subscription rate is $10 Australian Currency annually. The editorial address is P.O. Box 229, Prospect, S.A. 5082, Australia. The publication states that no part may be reproduced without prior written consent of ACUFOS, except by UFO organisations, and that articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ACUFOS.

Index of Contents

The issue features an "Editorial" by Frank Gillespie, "Australia's Vapour Trail Sightings Mystery" by John Prytz (pages 2-5), "The Trouble with UFO Groups -- !" by Frank Gillespie (pages 5-6), a review of "Los Ovnis y la Ciencia" by John Prytz (pages 7-9), and the "ACUFOS Bibliography Service" by John Prytz (pages 10-14).

Editorial: YOU AND YOUR JOURNAL

This editorial urges readers to become contributors to the Journal, even if only through occasional letters. It highlights a scarcity of contributions, forcing reliance on reprints of secondhand material, which is undesirable. The editor emphasizes that the Journal's continuation depends on reader participation and encourages them to "get cracking" to supply material.

Australia's Vapour Trail Sightings Mystery

This article by John Prytz details a perplexing event that occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 29, 1982, near Derby in Northwestern Western Australia. Two civilian airline pilots, Captain Barry Roberts of Qantas and the pilot of Singapore Airlines Flt. 23A, independently reported sighting an unidentified aircraft with a condensation trail. The craft lacked navigation lights and was flying in an international airline corridor, posing a potential hazard as it was not properly separated from the Qantas 747.

Air traffic control in Perth reported no other civilian aircraft in the area and had no notification of military aircraft operations. The Australian Department of Defence later confirmed that none of their aircraft were in the Derby area at that time. However, a major ANZUS-sponsored defence exercise, Sandgroper '82, was underway nearby. The Department of Defence initiated an investigation due to the violation of Australian airspace.

Initial theories suggested the sighting might be due to U.S. Air Force KC135 refuellers or military RAAF aircraft involved in Sandgroper '82. However, both the U.S. Embassy and the RAAF confirmed their aircraft had ceased operations hours before the sighting. This led to speculation about an illegal smuggling operation or a Soviet reconnaissance aircraft probing Australian airspace, possibly interested in the controversial Australian-U.S. communications base at North-West Cape. The mystery plane was operating in a known radar blind spot.

The article notes that while the Russians have a history of spying, there were no prior confirmed reports of Soviet intrusions into Australian airspace. A Tupolev Tu-126 electronic intelligence-gathering machine operating out of Vietnam was considered a possibility. The Defence Department introduced doubt by suggesting the trail might have been made hours earlier, but the pilots stated it was fresh. A senior specialist from the Bureau of Meteorology was consulted to study the possible lifetime of such a trail, but as of December 1, 1982, the Department of Defence stated that the origin was "not firmly established and enquiries are continuing."

Interestingly, by June 1983, no further statement had been issued. The article also considers a U.S. Air Force C141 StarLifter that flew through the area 45 minutes earlier, but its flight path was at a right angle to the trail. Wind speeds at the sighting altitude (around 12,000 metres) were about 110 km/h, suggesting the trail was fresh. Despite investigations, the Department of Defence could only confirm what the trail was *not* laid by, increasing demands for better defence facilities.

The Canberra Times reported on December 20, 1982, that investigations had eliminated military aircraft from any country as the source. Other possibilities aired included an off-course USAF B52 or a civil aircraft that had not filed a flight plan, though this would require a sophisticated aircraft. The possibility of an illegal drug smuggling operation was also mentioned, though such activities typically occur at lower altitudes. The track of the machine suggested it was flying just above the coastline, not typical for aircraft using abandoned WWII airstrips in northern Australia.

The author concludes by expressing a desire to know the truth, especially given the proximity to a major defence exercise, and wonders if the event might indeed be a genuine UFO sighting, despite its terrestrial appearance.

Chronological Bibliography

A list of newspaper articles related to the vapour trail incident is provided, citing sources from the Canberra Times, West Australian, and Northern Territory News between November 30 and December 20, 1982, as well as a press release from the Australian Department of Defence.

The Trouble with UFO Groups -- !

This article by Frank Gillespie addresses the persistent internal strife, divisions, and factional fights plaguing UFO groups and organizations. Gillespie, drawing on over 30 years of experience in various organizations, argues that these problems are not unique to ufology but are a common manifestation of "terrestrial human nature" and its "inbuilt imperfections."

He identifies several personality types within groups, including passive members, those with missionary zeal, and dominant individuals. Gillespie focuses on a specific type of person who capitalizes on others' reluctance to confront issues, eventually gaining power by discarding conventional standards of behavior. He outlines ten "Commandments" followed by such individuals, which include being tough and insensitive, destroying reputations, seizing advantages, monopolizing work, never apologizing, being unfair, rude, and nasty, stirring up trouble, ignoring rules for themselves while enforcing them on others, and feigning modesty while demanding credit.

Gillespie notes that while recognition of these characters is common, dealing with them is difficult, as it often requires a similarly "nasty" approach. He discusses the challenge of screening new members to prevent such individuals from joining, as they can present a false front. He also points out that the "organization scene" can sometimes engender personality changes in individuals. The author concludes by inviting readers to share any effective, non-destructive methods they have observed for dealing with such problems.

"LOS OVNIS Y LA CIENCIA" BY V.J. BALLESTER OLMOS & M. GUASP: A REVIEW

This review by John Prytz introduces "Los Ovnis y la Ciencia" (UFOs and Science), a book co-authored by Spanish ufologists Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp. Published in 1981, the book is described as a serious attempt to apply a scientific methodology to the UFO problem. Dr. Richard F. Haines of NASA's Ames Research Center wrote the foreword, praising the authors' systematic, critical, and scientific approach to investigating UFO events and the underlying scientific context.

Haines highlights that the authors explore subjects often ignored by others and have covered significant ground in understanding the UFO phenomenon. The book's message, as stated in its introduction, is that "Ufology, in its current state, is an embryo to a significant, new discipline, as originally was the Alchemy, which only became Chemistry when magic and obscurantism were separated from pure Science."

The review emphasizes that this is not a typical paperback but a substantial 382-page research volume covering epistemology, methodology, physics, statistical studies, and hypotheses, in addition to first-hand investigations of Spanish close encounter cases. It includes over four dozen illustrations and 16 black-and-white photos reflecting the local scene, UFOs, and ufologists, rather than generic stock images.

While the book is praised for its content, a major criticism is the lack of an index. The reviewer notes that the authors were motivated by a love of the subject and a desire to spread their ideas. However, the primary drawback for an international audience is that the book is in Spanish. The reviewer expresses hope for an English translation, which would be "well worth it."

Despite the language barrier, the reviewer suggests that those willing to put in the effort can glean useful information, as many tables and illustrations are comprehensible, and some bibliographic citations are in English. An English abstract of the book is available from the reviewer upon request.

The review acknowledges that the authors are predisposed towards extraterrestrial explanations, as indicated by Haines' foreword, which discusses the "possible presence of other intelligent life in the Universe."

The authors highlight their belief in the "high probability of (the) existence of advanced life in the cosmos" and that the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) is the most positive model for explaining UFO phenomenology. The book's emphasis is on UFOs and the authors' experiences.

For most readers, the language barrier is the main reason to hesitate in obtaining the book, unless they speak Spanish. The reviewer concludes that while many UFO books exist, this one is worth considering for serious ufologists who can read Spanish. For others, the reviewer suggests it is better to focus on English-language resources.

Ordering information is provided for Plaza & Janes, S.A. in Barcelona, Spain, with a cost of $US 9.00.

Notice to Contributors

This section provides guidelines for submitting manuscripts. Typed manuscripts should be on A4 paper with 20 mm margins and can be photocopied directly into the Journal. Handwritten manuscripts are also welcome if legible. Contributors are requested to use the terms 'UFO' (capitalized) and 'ufology' in their typescripts for uniformity, except when quoting other sources. The word 'UFO' (plural 'UFOs') is noted as having become an accepted part of the English language, with derivatives like 'ufonaut' and 'ufologist', while 'U.F.O.' is becoming less common.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically the Western Australian vapour trail incident, and the analysis of the dynamics and challenges within UFO research groups. The editorial stance is one of encouraging reader participation and a critical, scientific approach to ufology, as exemplified by the review of the Spanish book. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation and a cautious approach to explanations, while acknowledging the inherent difficulties and human factors involved in both UFO sightings and organizational management.

This document is issue number 10 of the ACUFOS BIBLIOGRAPHY SERVICE, focusing on "LIFE IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM: THE MOON (WITH TRANSIENT LUNAR PHENOMENA)". It was compiled by John Prytz and appears to be from 1983.

Compiler's Note

The compiler, John Prytz, notes that the Moon has been a significant subject in ufology. It has been speculated to be a UFO base due to reported surface changes on what is considered a dead world, or even an artificially constructed interstellar space ark. Scientific speculation has also considered the possibility of indigenous life forms, likely microbial, on the Moon. Despite exploration in the 1960s and 1970s, the Moon remains an enigma, with questions about its origin and acquisition by Earth still unanswered. This bibliography references a selection of works on life on the Moon and associated Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP), drawing from centuries of research.

Monographs

The bibliography lists three monographs:

1. "Somebody Else is on the Moon" by G.H. Leonard (David McKay, N.Y., 1976).
2. "Our Mysterious Spaceship Moon" by D.K. Wilson (Dell, N.Y., 1975).
3. "Secrets of our Spaceship Moon" by D.K. Wilson (Dell, N.Y., 1979).

Journal Articles & Book Extracts

A substantial list of journal articles and book extracts are provided, covering various aspects of lunar phenomena and potential life:

• "Amino acid precursors in Moon material" (Science News, 1972).
• "Moon as a collector of biological material" by E. Anders (Science, 1961).
• Works by W.S. Cameron on "Comparative analyses of observations of lunar transient phenomena" (Icarus, 1972) and "Observations of lunar transient phenomena in the Aristarchus Region" (Geological Problems in Lunar and Planetary Research, 1971).
• "Operation Moon Blink and report of observations of lunar transient phenomena" by W.S. Cameron & J.J. Gilheany (Icarus, 1967).
• Articles on "Color on the Moon" (Space Science, 1964) and "Colored spots" (Science News, 1969).
• "Life on the Moon" by W.E. Duckwell (Popular Astronomy, 1939).
• "Carbon chemistry of the Moon" by G. Eglinton et.al. (Scientific American, 1972).
• "Life?" (in) "Strange World of the Moon" by V.A. Firsoff (Basic Books, N.Y., 1959).
• "Volatile-rich lunar soil: evidence of possible cometary impact" by E.K. Gibson & G.W. Moore (Science, 1973).
• "Glowing lunar enigma" (Omega, 1981).
• "Stars: Lunar chimera" by A. Hendry (Omni, 1981).
• "Long look at a loony lunar landscape" by E.L. Heyman (True, 1962).
• "Transient lunar phenomena" by D.W. Hughes (Nature, 1980).
• "Moon" (in) "Expanding Case for the UFO" by M.K. Jessup (Citadel, 1957).
• "Long shadows on the Moon" by W. Jury (Space World, 1967).
• "Luminescence of the Moon" by Z. Kopal (Scientific American, 1965).
• "Life on the Moon" by V. Ladin (Space World, 1966).
• "Moondust" by J. Lederberg & D.B. Cowie (Science, 1958).
• "Lunar instruments return from dead" (Science News, 1976).
• "Lunar transient phenomena" (Aviation Week & Space Technology, 1969).
• "Transient lunar phenomena and electroststic glow discharges" by A.A. Mills (Nature, 1970).
• "Month of the Moon spots" (Science Digest, 1964).
• "Moon: A super spaceship?" (Industrial Research, 1970).
• "Moon life seen possible" (Science News Letter, 1962).
• "Life on the Moon?" by P. Moore (Irish Astronomical Journal, 1955).
• "No Moon life" (Biomedical News, 1970).
• "Is there life on the Moon?" by A.I. Oparin (Space World, 1966).
• "Organic chemistry" (Science (The Moon Issue), 1970).
• "Changes upon the Moon's surface" by W.H. Pickering (Nature, 1905).
• "Life on the Moon" by W.H. Pickering (Popular Astronomy, 1937).
• "Possible observation of water vapor on the Moon" (Science News, 1971).
• "Is there life on the Moon?" by J. Rublowsky (Space World, 1969).
• "Organic Matter and the Moon" by C. Sagan (National Academy of Sciences, 1961).
• "Mysterious monuments on the Moon" by I.T. Sanderson (Argosy, 1970).
• "Sun particles cause red spots on Moon" (Science News Letter, 1964).
• "Three years on the Moon" (Science News, 1970).
• "Is the Moon the creation of alien intelligence" by M. Vasin & A. Shcherbakov (Sputnik, 1970).
• "Water, water, everywhere even on the Moon?" (Industrial Research, 1971).

Bibliography Updates

The bibliography also includes updates in several categories:

Cosmic Chemistry

• "Chemical factories in space - challenge to origin of life theories" (Southern Sky, 1981).
• "Formation of complex molecules in TMC-1" by A. Freeman & T.J. Millar (Nature, 1983).
• "Interstellar ice grains in the Taurus molecular clouds" by D.C.B. Whittet et.al. (Nature, 1983).

Panspermia

• "On the reported optical activity of amino acids in the Murchison Meteorite" by J.L. Bada et.al. (Nature, 1983).
• "Seeds of life" by T. Dickinson (Omni, 1983).
• "Meteorite study stirs debate over Earth's amino acids" by C. Simon (Science News, 1983).
• "Interstellar carbon in meteorites" by P.K. Swart et.al. (Science, 1983).

Exobiology - Book Reviews

• Review of "Life in the Universe" by J. Billingham (Editor) (BioScience, 1983).
• Review of "Extraterrestrials: Where Are They?" by M.H. Hart & B. Zuckerman (Editors) (Science, 1983).

Exobiology - Journals

• AstroSearch (Saratoga, California, USA) is listed as a publication.
• "Alien life be in it" (Omega, 1983).
• "Xenology: the new science of asking 'who's out there?'" by D. Brin (Analog, 1983).
• "E.A. = enough already" (Newsweek, 1982).
• "Naming extraterrestrial life" by R.A. Freitas (Nature, 1983).
• "In defense of a populated galaxy" by S. Kent (AstroSearch, 1983).
• "Search for extraterrestrial life: a new commission of the International Astronautical Union" by M.D. Papagiannis (AstroSearch, 1983).
• "Xenology disputed" by R.C. Reedy et.al. (+) Bains, W. (Nature, 1983).
• "Life in the universe" by H.J. Smith (Science, 1983).
• "Alone in the universe: extraterrestrials are neither here nor there" by J. Trefil (Sciences, 1983).
• "(Occurrance of life in the universe)" by J.P. Wiley (Smithsonian, 1983).

Exobiology - Life in Extreme and Exotic Environments

• "Baffling bacteria: like it hot" (Economist, 1983).
• "Seas of Europa" by M. Bartusiak (Omni, 1983).
• "Europa: a moon of ephemeral oases?" by J. Eberhart (Science News, 1982).
• "Life on a Jovian moon?" (Science Digest, 1983).
• "Titan: discovery of carbon monoxide in its atmosphere" by B.L. Lutz et.al. (Science, 1983).
• "Research findings are changing theories about icy satellites" (Industrial Research & Development, 1983).
• "Liquid water and active resurfacing on Europa" by S.W. Squyres et.al. (Nature, 1983).

Non-Radio SETI - Space Probes & Artifacts

• "Blivit in the B-ring" by R.C. Hoagland (Analog, 1982).

Cosmic Truths & Consequences

• "Knowing universe seeking to be known" by D.E. Thomsen (Science News, 1983).

Astro-Archaeology

• "Big picture (at Nazca)" (Scientific American, 1983).
• "Astronomy: rock records" by R.C. Cowen (Technology Review, 1983).

UFOs - Monograph

• "Los Ovnis y la Ciencia (UFOs and Science)" by V.J. Ballester Olmos & M. Guasp (Plaza & Janes, Barcelona, Spain, 1981).

UFOs - Book Extracts

• "Unidentified flying objects" (in) "World Almanac Book of the Strange" by G.E. Delury & The World Almanac (Editors) (Signet, N.Y., 1977).
• "Unidentified flying objects" (in) "World Almanac Book of the Strange 2" by L.D. Gadd & The World Almanac (Editors) (Signet, N.Y., 1982).

UFOs - Journal Articles

• "UFO road map: or, lost in the stars" by A. Hendry (Fate, 1982).
• "UFO abductions" by B. Hopkins (Omni, 1983).
• "Phantasmagoria or unusual observations in the atmosphere" by U. Liddel (Journal of the Optical Society of America, 1953) - note: this entry corrects a previous entry from 1963 to 1953.
• "Alone in the universe: extraterrestrials are neither here nor there" by J. Trefil (Sciences, 1983).
• "(Occurrance of life in the universe)" by J.P. Wiley (Smithsonian, 1983).

UFOs - Electronic Media

• Interviews and talkbacks regarding UFOs and ufology in Australia are listed, featuring S. Becker, F. Gillespie, R. Harrison, and P. Martin, broadcast on various Australian radio and TV programs in February and May 1983.

UFOs - Miscellaneous

• "Mechanism to explain the generation of earthquake lights" by D.A. Lockner et.al. (Nature, 1983).

Tunguska, Siberia Explosion (1908)

• "Tunguska explosion of 1908: discovery of meteoritic debris near the explosion site and at the South Pole" by R. Ganapathy (Science, 1983).

Monsters - Monograph

• "Monsters Among Us" by B. Steiger (Para Research, 1982).

Monsters - Book Extract

• "Strange creatures" (in) "World Almanac Book of the Strange" by G.E. Delury & The World Almanac (Editors) (Signet, N.Y., 1977).

Artificial Intelligence

• "Race to build a supercomputer" by W.D. Marbach et.al. (Newsweek, 1983).
• "Man set to create intelligence" by C. Rivers (Bulletin, 1983).
• "Machines with common sense: fifth-generation computers" by J. Schefter (Electronics Australia, 1983).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Moon's potential connection to extraterrestrial intelligence, the study of Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP), and the broader field of exobiology, including the search for life beyond Earth and the origins of life. The bibliography also touches upon related subjects like UFOs, astro-archaeology, and artificial intelligence, suggesting a wide-ranging interest in unexplained phenomena and the frontiers of science. The editorial stance, as indicated by the compiler's note, is to present a comprehensive overview of existing literature on these topics, acknowledging the ongoing mysteries and speculations surrounding the Moon and extraterrestrial life.