ACUFOS Journal vol 4 no 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, Volume 4, Number 6, dated November/December 1983, is a "SPECIAL EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS ISSUE." It explores the controversial theory that many UFO sightings, particularly luminous phenomena, may be explained by geological and atmospheric events related to earthquakes, rather than extraterrestrial visitation. The journal is published by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS) and is based in Prospect, S.A., Australia.

Contents and Key Articles

The issue features a table of contents listing several articles and a transcript:

• Editorial by Frank Gillespie (Page 1)
• Earthquake Lights & the UFO Phenomena (transcribed by John Prytz, Pages 2-6): This section includes a transcript from the TV program 'Sixty Minutes' (August 1, 1982), featuring an interview with Dr. Michael A. Persinger, a proponent of the earthquake lights theory. Persinger argues that UFOs are not from outer space but are terrestrial phenomena linked to seismic activity. He presents data suggesting a correlation between earthquake activity and UFO reports. The transcript also discusses cases like Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson in Minnesota and Travis Walton in Arizona, where luminous events caused physical effects and unconsciousness. Persinger suggests that in Walton's case, the experience might have been a hallucination induced by electrical stimulation of the brain.
• Earth Quake Lights by R. J. Nation (Pages 6-9): This article delves into the phenomenon of Earth Quake Lights (EQLs), detailing historical observations and scientific theories. Nation notes that while EQLs are widely acknowledged as real, their mechanism remains poorly understood. He cites early documented reports, including a large collection from a 1930 earthquake in Japan, and discusses subsequent studies. The article explores various theories, such as the piezoelectric effect in quartz-bearing rocks, chemiluminescent gas reactions, and electromagnetic emissions preceding earthquakes. It highlights the difficulty in proving these theories and the need for more sophisticated instrumentation for study.
• Study of Official Australian Government Involvement in the UFO Controversy by Bill Chalker (Pages 10-15): This article examines how the Australian government has handled UFO reports and investigations.
• Bringing UFOs Down to Earth (comments by Frank Gillespie, Page 16): This likely offers editorial commentary on the theme of the issue.
• ACUFOS Bibliography Service by John Prytz (Pages 18-23): This section provides a bibliography related to UFO studies.
• Letters to the Editor (Pages 9, 16, 17): Includes correspondence from readers, such as Vladimir Godic, who criticizes a previous article in the ACUFOS Journal.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The editorial, penned by Frank Gillespie, questions the scientific community's reluctance to accept UFO evidence while readily accepting the less substantial evidence for earthquake lights. He criticizes what he perceives as "blatantly prejudicial attitudes" in science. The central theme of the issue is the exploration of earthquake lights as a potential, rational explanation for some UFO phenomena, challenging the prevailing extraterrestrial hypothesis. The journal aims to provide readers with information to form intelligent opinions on the subject.

Key Incidents and Case Studies

• Val Johnson Case (Minnesota, USA): Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson reported a mysterious ball of light that entered his vehicle, causing him to lose consciousness and his car to skid. Dr. Brian Brady suggests this was a luminous display, not a UFO.
• Travis Walton Case (Arizona, USA): Travis Walton reported seeing a glowing disc and being struck by a beam, leading to unconsciousness. He later claimed to have been on a spacecraft with alien creatures. Dr. Persinger attributes this to a brain hallucination caused by electrical discharge.
• Japanese EQL Observations (1930, 1966): Numerous reports and photographic evidence of lights associated with earthquakes in Japan are discussed, providing significant data for study.
• Australian Seismic Events (1982, 1954): Reports of unusual rumbling and lights in Adelaide, Australia, are mentioned, with seismic equipment indicating the rumbling did not originate from the ground.

Scientific Theories and Challenges

The issue presents several scientific theories for EQLs:

• Piezoelectric Effect: Electrical discharge from quartz-containing rocks under pressure during earthquakes.
• Chemiluminescent Gas Reactions: Release of unknown gases that react in the atmosphere.
• Electromagnetic Emission: Monitoring of unusual electromagnetic fields preceding earthquakes.
• Low Level Air Oscillations: Energetic air vibrations triggering atmospheric electrical phenomena.

Despite these theories, the article by R. J. Nation emphasizes that a complete scientific explanation is still elusive, and the study of EQLs is in its infancy. The journal also notes the difficulty in convincing believers in extraterrestrial visitation about these terrestrial explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO phenomena through a scientific lens, specifically exploring natural explanations like earthquake lights. The editorial stance appears to favor rational, evidence-based explanations over speculative ones, while also expressing frustration with what is perceived as a double standard in scientific acceptance of evidence between UFOs and EQLs. The journal encourages readers to consider the data and scientific theories presented, urging caution regarding energetic events associated with these phenomena.

This document is a progress report from a study conducted in 1982 by Bill Chalker concerning official Australian government involvement in the UFO controversy. The report details the author's activities, findings, and areas of study during that year.

Study Activities and Findings

Examination of RAAF Files

Bill Chalker examined 56 files held by the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI) over four visits to Canberra in 1982. These files were categorized into:

• "Unidentified Flying Objects Reports of Sightings": 47 files covering 1955-1982, with three files from around 1973/74 yet to be examined.
• "UFOs Enquiries from Members of the Public and Flying Saucer Organisations": 7 files covering 1966-1981.
• "Investigation of Flying Saucers Policy": 2 files covering 1953-1969. The current "policy" file was not yet available.

Examination of Department of Aviation Files

Four files held by the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation in Melbourne were examined on November 19, 1982. These included:

• Previously "secret" papers related to the Drury film affair.
• Details about early reports from 1952-1968.
• Early RAAF documents and reports (copies) that were reportedly destroyed during the move of the Department of Air from Melbourne to Canberra.
• Papers relating to the controversial Bouganville Reef event of 1965, which suggested the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) had no knowledge of it.

Discussions with Defence Scientist

Discussions were held with a retired scientist from the Defence Scientific and Technical Intelligence (DSTI) section of the Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB). This scientist had access to RAAF/DAFI UFO files in 1954 and later, providing insights into government policies and approaches to the UFO subject. A personal meeting in May 1983 further supplemented the author's data.

Other Australian Agencies and Individuals

On July 13, 1982, the Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI) declassified documents related to the Sea Fury incident of August 31, 1954, including statements from the pilot and radar operator, and a memorandum from DNI to DAFI.

Correspondence with R.H. Mathams, former Director of Scientific Intelligence, indicated that DSTI had only a marginal interest in UFOs due to limited analytical resources, relying on DAFI for initial investigations.

Overseas Enquiries

Enquiries with overseas government departments yielded some results:

• United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD): Records on UFOs go back to 1962, primarily consisting of public sightings reported via various channels. The MOD investigates UFO sightings only to determine defense interest, not for positive identification.
• New Zealand authorities: Indicated little organized effort to investigate UFOs, with no comprehensive records maintained.
• National Archives and Records Service, Washington, D.C.: Copies of documentation on Australian cases from USAF Project Bluebook files were received, and a comprehensive Bluebook index and photographic holdings were ordered.

Contact was also made with overseas civilian researchers assisting in the enquiries.

Specific Cases and Areas of Study

The Valentich Affair

On May 26, 1982, the Department of Transport (now Aviation) released an Aircraft Accident Investigation Summary Report on the disappearance of VH-DSJ and pilot Frederick Valentich. The author's interest was deemed "bonafide" despite its "ufological" nature. Access to the relevant files during a visit to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation was denied, as they were considered privileged "air accident" investigation files. The Department of Aviation indicated no action was planned regarding the alleged discovery of the aircraft off Cape Otway.

Dr Richard Haines provided an advanced copy of his paper on the sound spectrum analysis of metallic noises from the Cessna VH:DSJ transmission.

Publication of Research Results

Part of the research results have been published in various UFO newsletters and journals, including:

• "UFOs and the Royal Australian Air Force - the Inside Story" in UFORAN.
• "UFOs: Australia's Secret Documents Revealed" in Omega Science Digest and APRO Bulletin.
• Articles in The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies and UFORAN.
• "Valentich Disappearance - the Official Verdict" in ACUFOS Bulletin.
• Articles in The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) and The (Sydney) Sun.

Interest in publishing this material has been indicated by the British Flying Saucer Review (FSR) and UFO Nyt. The Orbis publication "The Unexplained" may also feature the research.

The author will continue to release results as time permits and has made limited copies of some documents available to individuals with bonafide interests.

Special Areas of Study

Several particular areas received additional attention:

1. Official "cover-ups" of UFO DATA: Over twenty individual accounts of alleged "cover-up" activities are being examined.
2. The Drury film affair: Original documentation is secured, with poor quality frames in possession. Mr Drury was contacted and was helpful.
3. Reports by military personnel: Collected reports will form the basis of a future report.
4. Reports from aircraft: Cases are being catalogued in conjunction with Keith Basterfield's revision of his existing document.
5. Official policies to UFOs: An evaluation of official policy re UFOs in Australia from 1950 to 1983 is underway.
6. Summarising and indexing official file holdings: Preliminary general indexes covering 1950-1983 are being developed.
7. Search for missing files: While most RAAF/DAFI holdings were examined, some parts remain to be located, including three sighting file parts from 1973-1974, the "current policy" file, and original DAFI files prior to 1955 (which may have been destroyed).

Conclusion

The author expresses amazement at the extent of material allowed to be reviewed in 1982, moving from a vague picture of clandestine involvement to a detailed understanding through officially sanctioned file reviews. The author intends to make the full extent of their findings available and foster a closer relationship with the RAAF.

Ball Lightning Bibliography

This section, compiled by John Prytz, presents a bibliography on Ball Lightning, noting its commonalities with UFOs, including being dismissed by experts and sometimes being mistaken for each other. It suggests that ball lightning might be a meteorological and electrical phenomenon related to UFO connections.

The bibliography is divided into:

• Ball Lightning - Bibliographies: Listing works by J.D. Barry and the Library of Congress.
• Ball Lightning - Monographs: Listing books by J.D. Barry, C.M. Cade & D. Davis, E.M. Dewan, K.M. Evenson, P.J. Klass, W.D. Rayle, D.J. Ritchie, and S. Singer.
• Ball Lightning - Book Extracts: Listing chapters or sections from larger works by M.D. Altschuler, S. Campbell, A. Constance, W.R. Corliss, S.C. Coroniti, V.H. Gaddis, F. Hitching, F.W. Lane, D.H. Menzel & L.G. Boyd, R.D. Story, B. Steiger, and S. Welfare & J. Fairley.
• Ball Lightning - Journal Articles: Listing articles by W.H. Alexander, M.D. Altschuler et.al., W.H. Andersen, F.J. Anderson & G.D. Freier, W.I. Arabadji, and E. Argyle.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters to the editor are included:

• Paul and Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej (Casino, N.S.W.): Discusses issues within UFO groups, likening them to situations in other societies where internal politics and personality clashes can lead to difficulties and unpopularity.
• Joan Johnston (Cloverdale W.A.): Responds to an article about "The Trouble With UFO Groups", agreeing that such problems are cyclic. She discusses the behavior of individuals who gain positions in organizations and exploit them, suggesting that a lack of higher principles and ego satisfaction drive such behavior. She notes the increased public interest in UFOs due to media and space achievements, leading to a wider spectrum of people joining UFO groups. She concludes with a philosophical question about whether humans are being tested and if they should call out 'Barlees' as they did in childhood games.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the systematic investigation of official government involvement in the UFO phenomenon within Australia. The author, Bill Chalker, emphasizes a rigorous, evidence-based approach, seeking to move beyond speculation to a detailed understanding derived from official files. There is a clear stance against unsubstantiated claims and a focus on documenting the process and findings of his research. The inclusion of the ball lightning bibliography suggests an exploration of related phenomena and potential connections to UFO reports, reflecting a broad yet grounded approach to ufology. The letters to the editor highlight internal dynamics within UFO organizations and broader societal attitudes towards UFOs, indicating the magazine's interest in various facets of the UFO community and public perception.

This document comprises several pages of "BIBLIOGRAPHY UPDATES" from ACUFOS, likely a publication or series related to UFO research and related scientific and speculative topics. The updates are presented in a structured format, listing various publications with their authors, titles, sources, and dates. The content spans multiple pages, indicated by the numbering 20 through 23.

Ball Lightning - Journal Articles (cont.)

This section continues a list of journal articles related to ball lightning. Entries include authors like Ashby, Whitehead, Aspden, Atkinson, Bailey, Botley, Bromley, Brovetto, Bruce, and Burbidge & Robertson. The articles cover a range of publications from "Nature," "New Scientist," "Science Digest," and "Journal of Meteorology," among others, with publication dates primarily in the 1970s and early 1980s. Specific topics mentioned include the cause of ball lightning, its enigma, and hypotheses.

Exobiology

This section is divided into several sub-sections:

Book Review

• A review of "Plurality of Worlds" by S.J. Dick, published in New Scientist.

Journal Articles

• Articles discussing whether life exists elsewhere, the "wisdom of Casey Stengel," the "living universe," and the concept of "we are nothing special." Authors include Davis, Gould, Lago, Sagan, and Tipler, with publications in "New Voyager," "Discover," and "AstroSearch."

Life in Extreme/Exotic Environments - Monographs

• Lists edited volumes on "Extreme Environments: Mechanisms of Microbial Adaptation" and "Limits of Life," and "Strategies of Microbial Life in Extreme Environments."

Life in Extreme/Exotic Environments - Journal Article

• An article from "Science News" about vent microbes growing at high temperatures.

Life in the Solar System - General

• An article from "AstroSearch" on the search for life in the solar system.

Life in the Solar System - The Jovian Planets & Satellites

• Articles from "Science" and "Earth Science" discussing the possibility of water on Titan and life on Europa.

• An article from "Astronomy" on "Life in Europa's oceans" and from "Omni" on "Stars: Titan's sea."

Extra-Solar Planetary Systems

• Lists articles from "Time" and "Newsweek" discussing hints of new solar systems.

Human/Dolphin Communication

• An article from "Science News" on "Dolphin voices: hard-nosed analysis" and a "Towards 2000" program on "Communication between man and dolphin."

Non-Radio SETI - Space Probes & Artifacts

• An article from "AstroSearch" debunking myths of interstellar probes.

Messages From Earth - Pioneer Plaques

• Articles from "Punch" and "New Scientist" discussing "Somebody up there like me" and "Prepare to meet alien visitors."

Cosmic Truths & Consequences

• Articles from "Christianity Today" and "American Philosophical Quarterly" on "Extraterrestrial intelligence and Christian wonder" and the "Anthropic principle, world ensemble, design."

Colonization of Space

• An article from "Omni" on the "Birth of a station."

Exobiology - Monographs

• Lists a monograph "Echoes of the Ancient Skies: The Astronomy of Lost Civilizations."

UFOs

This section is further divided:

Monograph

• Lists "UFOs: The Public Deceived."

Official Documents

• References to "Unidentified flying objects" in the Australian Parliament Hansard records.

Journal Articles

• Articles from "Omni" on "UFO update: (Chinese ufology)", "Ike and the aliens," and "UFO update: (mysterious ocean phenomena: the UFO connection)."

Fiction & Novelty Items

• Lists fictional works such as "Red-12," "Quatermass and the Pit," "Visitors," "Visitants: A Novel," "Man Who Fell to Earth," "Next Encounter," and "Banished."

Monsters

Monographs

• Lists monographs on "Encyclopedia of Monsters," "There Are Giants in the Earth," "Bigfoot: Mysterious Monsters," "Abominable Snowman," and "Wildmen: Yeti, Sasquatch and the Neanderthal Enigma."

Journal Article

• An article from "Omni" on "Apemen of China."

Artificial Intelligence

Monograph

• Lists a monograph "Fifth Generation."

Journal Articles

• Articles from "Omni" and "New Scientist" on "Roboclone," "Computers that learn from their mistakes," and "Robots with feelings?"

Added bibliographic note

This section provides corrections to typographical errors and necessary alterations to previously published entries in the ACUFOS bibliography document, including specific entry numbers, page references, and dates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this bibliography update are broad, encompassing scientific inquiry into phenomena like ball lightning and exobiology, alongside popular interest in UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and speculative topics such as monsters and artificial intelligence. The inclusion of both scientific journal articles and fictional works suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges a wide spectrum of interest and research, from rigorous scientific investigation to more speculative and imaginative explorations of the unknown. The detailed listing of publications indicates a commitment to providing a comprehensive resource for researchers and enthusiasts in these fields.