ACUFOS Journal vol 5 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, Volume 5, Number 2, published in March/April 1984, is dedicated to exploring potential extraterrestrial influences and phenomena observed through space exploration, with a particular focus on Saturn. The journal is published by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies and is available via subscription.

Editorial: UFOCONS: ARE THEY WORTH ATTENDING

The editorial, written by Frank Gillespie, addresses the value of UFO conferences. It reflects on the first Australian UFO Conference (UFOCON) organized by the Australian Coordination Section of CUFOS. Initially, the ufological scene was characterized by fiercely independent organizations resistant to any perceived takeover attempts. However, the conference fostered significant cooperation, convincing delegates that Australia-wide collaboration was not only desirable but essential. While subsequent conferences may not have produced the same dramatic results, Gillespie asserts that no delegate has ever considered it a waste of time. He emphasizes that the true value lies in the personal contact and the 'rubbing of shoulders' with like-minded individuals, leading to the cementing of friendships, similar to science and engineering conferences. The editorial concludes by suggesting that anyone questioning the worth of UFOCONs should simply ask a past delegate.

Articles

Some Mysteries at Saturn: Natural or Other?

This extensive article by John Prytz explores the possibility of extraterrestrial artifacts or colonies within our solar system, drawing parallels between science fiction and scientific speculation. Prytz posits that data from space exploration, particularly concerning Saturn, might offer clues. He discusses the peculiarities of Saturn's moons, including Mimas, Enceladus, Dione, and Iapetus, noting their unusual characteristics such as albedo asymmetry, co-orbital satellites, and Mimas's exceptionally large impact crater.

Prytz highlights Mimas, a moon with a diameter of just over 390 kilometers, which possesses a crater approximately 130 kilometers in diameter, nearly one-third of the moon's size. This 'dent,' named Arthur, is described as having a floor up to 10 kilometers deep with a central mountain rising 6 kilometers high. The author questions how Mimas, composed of ice and rock rubble, could have survived such an impact without shattering, especially given the brittle nature of ice. He draws a comparison to George Lucas's 'Death Star' from Star Wars, suggesting that Mimas's appearance is uncanny. Prytz speculates that if Mimas were not a natural moon but an artificial construct, such as an interstellar ark ship, its size and low density could be interpreted as a hollow metal sphere covered in ice/rock rubble for camouflage, with the crater serving as a former engine exhaust port.

The article also examines Enceladus, which shows signs of past internal geologic activity, contrasting with the seemingly geologically dead Mimas. Prytz notes that while both moons have similar sizes and densities, Enceladus exhibits a much more active geological history. He proposes that either Mimas is a natural anomaly, or Enceladus and other moons are natural oddballs, or Mimas is artificial while the others follow a normal evolutionary path.

Further into the article, Prytz discusses the Saturn Electrostatic Discharge (SED) phenomenon, detected by the Voyager probes. These are impulsive, broadband radio emissions that occurred with a rough 10-hour, 10-minute periodicity, peaking when Voyager was closest to Saturn. The source was localized to approximately 1.81 Saturnian radii within the B ring. The SEDs were not easily explained by natural atmospheric phenomena due to the lack of ionospheric blockage or alteration. The discovery of a unique, approximately 150-meter gap in the B ring, precisely at the location indicated by the SED data, further fueled speculation about a single, unique object responsible for both the gap and the SEDs. Prytz considers the possibility of a natural phenomenon but finds it difficult to reconcile with the data, leaning towards the hypothesis of an artificial object or technology.

He concludes that Saturn is a mysterious place, and by the year 2001, we might know if some of its mysteries are due to the presence of an ETI, similar to those associated with terrestrial UFO phenomena.

Alien Intelligence

This section is a review by Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej of an article titled 'Alien Intelligence.' The review itself is not detailed in the provided text.

UFOCON 8

This entry likely refers to a specific UFO conference, but no details are provided in the scanned pages.

Notice to Contributors

This is a standard notice for potential contributors, indicating that the journal accepts submissions.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service

This service, managed by John Prytz, provides a bibliography of relevant materials for researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) and artificial artifacts within our solar system, particularly in the context of space exploration data from Saturn. The journal also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community building within the ufological field, as highlighted in the editorial. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and analytical, encouraging rigorous investigation of anomalies and challenging conventional explanations, while also valuing the human element of shared interest and research through conferences.

This document is a review of the book "Alien Intelligence" by Stuart Holroyd, published by Reed in Sydney in 1979. The review was written by Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej and appears in issue number 10 of a publication, likely a journal or magazine, given the context of the "ACUFOS Bibliography Service" and "NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS" sections that follow.

Book Review: Alien Intelligence by Stuart Holroyd

The review begins by quoting Holroyd's definition of alien intelligence: "alien to what? And let us say: 'to physical, human persons of the planet Earth'. This definition implies that there may be 'persons' that are: (a) not human: (b) not physical: or (c) not terrestrial (p.15)".

Part 1: Non-Human, Physical, Terrestrial Intelligence

The first part of Holroyd's book explores possible non-human, but physical and terrestrial intelligences. This includes an examination of mammals like dolphins and chimpanzees, as well as computers and elementals or etheric beings. The reviewer highlights the parallels between attempts to communicate with dolphins and the concept of first contact with extraterrestrials in ufology. Holroyd's conclusion that dolphins are intelligent is noted as not new but still startling. More impact is suggested for readers unfamiliar with the research into chimpanzees' ability to use and create signs for Ameslan, the sign language of deaf people. The excitement surrounding this research is conveyed, including the reaction of reporter Boyce Rensberger, who was overwhelmed by the realization that he was "conversing with a member of another species in his native tongue (p.28)" while working with the chimpanzee Washoe.

The book also thoroughly addresses the problem of meaning and intelligence in computers, identifying the tendency to anthropomorphize as a key issue. This is linked to ufology, where there is an insistence that UFOs must conform to human rational ideals to be considered valid.

Part 2: Etheric, Psychic, and Spiritual Persons

Holroyd then delves into the realm of etheric, psychic, and spiritual persons, acknowledging that these are difficult for many to accept. His research is described as extensive, and his argument for the possibility that mind exists independent of matter is presented as coherent and logical. The review mentions Holroyd's detailed discussion of near-death experiences and communication with the dead, leading to his conclusion that "Many of us will have at least residual doubts about the survival question until the day comes when we find out the truth of the matter for ourselves, but the cross-correspondences literature and the Williams scripts certainly constitute strong evidence for the existence of discarnate mind" (p.147).

Part 3: Extraterrestrial Life, UFOs, and the Nature of God

The final section of Holroyd's book covers the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the "Sirius mystery," the UFO phenomenon, and the nature of God. The research in this part is also commended, with the reviewer noting the presentation of little-known facts and strong evidence. The reference list for the UFO chapter includes works by prominent figures such as Charles Bowen, J. Allen Hynek, Stanton Friedman, Donald Keyhoe, Philip Klass, Carl Sagan, Ivan T. Sanderson, and Jacques Vallee. The book addresses the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, the Socorro landing, and the Coyne case. Holroyd is noted for rejecting outright uncorroborated reports, like the Pascagoula abduction, while also criticizing the Condon Report as unscientific and biased. Regarding Jacques Vallee's "psychic solution" to the UFO mystery, Holroyd concludes that the manipulation of human consciousness is the only explanation that can account for all the facts, including the "most puzzling one, that a putative higher intelligence should sometimes behave like a mischievous prankster" (p.204).

Holroyd further suggests that the Universe might be an intelligent organism, with humans relating to it like cells in a body. This organism could function harmoniously or destructively, prompting intervention from a controlling intelligence, which Holroyd identifies as God.

Conclusions and Reviewer's Assessment

The book's final conclusions state that other intelligences exist, both higher and lower than humans, and that humanity should acknowledge and comprehend their existence. It posits the existence of alternate realities that interact with our physical environment, and suggests that our survival may depend on accepting these dimensions.

The reviewer, Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej, found the book refreshing for its courage in making definite conclusions. She recommends it even to those who disagree with the final analysis. Based on her prior knowledge of work with dolphins, chimpanzees, and the UFO phenomenon, she assessed the book as sound and scientific. This led her to give serious consideration to the sections on psychic and spiritual matters, an area where she had less prior knowledge. She views Holroyd's perspective as a valuable contribution to the debate on the unexplained, especially in light of the current trend to seek connections between these disparate fields.

ACUFOS Bibliography Service: Ball Lightning: Part 3

Following the book review, there is a section titled "ACUFOS Bibliography Service: Ball Lightning: Part 3," compiled by John Prytz. This section lists journal articles related to "Ball Lightning" from various publications, numbered from 108 to 157. It includes authors such as J.R. McNally, A.A. Mills, F.B. Mohr, F.D. Moon, W.S. Mortley, M.M. Newman, J. Osborne, A.L. Owens, N.B. Peake, H. Petersen, L.M. Potts, R.M. Poulter, J.R. Powell, D. Finkelstein, C.E. Pratt, J. Randjelovic, W.C. Reynolds, D.J. Ritchie, P.F. Rodney, D.R. Tompkins, and A. Russell. The entries provide article titles, journal names, volume and issue numbers, dates, and page numbers.

ACUFOS Bibliography Updates

This section provides updates to the bibliography, categorized into several areas:

Exobiology

This subsection lists articles and books related to the search for extraterrestrial life and potential life forms in other parts of the solar system. Entries include works by M. Chartrand, M.A.G. Michaud, H. Muller, and references to "Folks next door," "Star empires," and "Life forms to be expected in other worlds."

Life in the Solar System: Venus

One entry discusses "Venus: old theories and new discoveries."

Life in the Solar System: Mars (Pre-Viking)

This subsection includes references to articles about potential "Plant, animal and human life on Mars" and discussions of "Mars as the abode of life," citing works by L. Golosnitsky and P. Lowell.

Life in the Solar System: Mars (Post Viking)

This lists articles discussing "Simulation of Viking biology experiments" and their implications for Martian soil analogues, referencing work by A. Banin and L. Margulies.

Life in the Solar System: Jovian Planets/Satellites

Entries here cover "Ballooning in Titan's sky" and the possibility of life in "Jupiter's moon" oceans, citing R. Black and a USA Today article.

Cosmic Truths & Consequences - Monographs

This section lists monographs such as "Relations With Alien Intelligences" by E. Fasan and "Intelligent Universe: A New View of Creation and Evolution" by F. Hoyle.

Cosmic Truths & Consequences - Book Extracts

This lists book extracts, including "God in space" and "Interplanetary man" from works edited by A.C. Clarke.

Cosmic Truths & Consequences - Journal Articles

This lists journal articles such as "Future forum: how do you envisage first contact with an alien race?" by J. Elliot and "Mind: Exosociology" by T. Whitaker.

Space Colonization

This subsection includes articles on "Planetary chauvinism" and "Real starships."

Astro-Archaeology

An entry mentions "Anasazi astronomers."

UFOs - Monographs

This lists monographs such as "Evidence for UFOs" by H. Evans and "Penine UFO Mystery" by J.C. Randles.

UFOs - Book Review

This includes a review of P.J. Klass's "UFOs: The Public Deceived."

UFOs - Book Extracts

This extensive subsection lists numerous book extracts related to UFOs, covering topics like "Enigmatic UFO," "UFOs" in general, "Fireballs and flying saucers," "NASA, the White House, and UFOs," and "UFOs, the CIA, and the New York Times." Authors cited include J. & C. Bord, C.M. Cade, D. Davis, P.J. Klass, K. Frazier, and others.

UFOS - Journal Articles - Pre-1983

This lists journal articles predating 1983 on UFOs, such as "UFOs are fake?" by B. Krasnoff, "Roswell investigation: new evidence, new conclusions" by W.L. Moore, "Shedding light on UFO's" by M.L. Shapiro, "UFOs and people from Venus" by R. Snelson, and "Aliens among us" by J. Weiner.

UFOS - Journal Articles - 1983

This lists journal articles from 1983 on UFOs, including "Yes, there is a UFO cover-up" by B. Chalker, "When seeing is disbelieving" by J.A. Hynek, "New evidence of crashed saucers" by W.L. Moore, "UFO update:(deprogramming brainwashed UFO cultists)" by P. Rondinone, and "Incident at Todmorden" by I. Smullen.

UFOS - Novelty Item

This includes a "Last word:(UFOs)" item by A. Buchwald.

UFOCON 8

Information is provided about the Australian UFO Conference Number 8 (UFOCON 8), scheduled to be held in Sydney from Saturday, June 9th to Monday, June 11th, 1984. Interested persons are advised to contact ACUFOS for further information.

NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS

This section informs journal readers that the editorial typing equipment has been upgraded. Contributors are advised that handwritten manuscripts are now acceptable if legible, and that more contributions are greatly appreciated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are alien intelligence, ufology, and the broader spectrum of the unexplained, including psychic and spiritual phenomena. The book review by Sowiak-Rudej adopts an open-minded yet critical stance, appreciating Holroyd's rigorous approach and willingness to draw conclusions, even on controversial topics. The extensive bibliographies suggest a strong focus on UFO research and related subjects within the publication's scope. The editorial stance, as indicated by the "Notice to Contributors," encourages reader participation and the submission of diverse material, including handwritten contributions, highlighting a commitment to engaging its readership in ongoing discussions within the field.