ACUFOS Journal vol 6 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, Volume 6, Number 1, dated January/February 1985, is published by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies and is based in Australia. The cover features a stylized line drawing of interlocking squares. The issue includes a variety of articles, editorials, and reviews.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

Editorial: Topology and UFOLOGY

Written by Frank Gillespie, this editorial explores the seemingly unlikely connection between topology, a branch of mathematics dealing with the 'form of spaces', and UFO reports. It highlights a topological discovery published in *Science* (Vol. 217, July 30, 1982) which suggests "There is more than one way of constructing a four-dimensional system of space-time." This concept is linked to understanding phenomena like ball lightning, where plasma cannot be confined in spherical magnetic bottles, implying they always leak. The editorial posits that 'alternate universes' are a valid component of ufological theory and questions whether interaction between normally orthogonal space-time systems is possible under abnormal circumstances, such as near a black hole.

CE IIIs, Comets and Fair Weather Cometics

Authored by Louis Winkler, this article investigates the correlation between CE IIIs (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and comets. It posits that luminous atmospheric phenomena (LAPs) appearing in scientific periodicals have been strongly correlated with comets. The matter producing LAPs is believed to be partly gaseous and found within cometary orbital streams, potentially disrupted and evaporated by the sun. Earth encounters this cometary-solar matter during meteor showers or when the sun sprays matter along the comet's orbital path. The article lists twelve periodic comets whose orbits allow Earth to encounter showers or sprays, including Brorson, Halley, Encke, and Pons Winnecke. It notes that Pons Winnecke is unique due to its rapid precession, producing a continuum of spray dates. The theory of the geomagnetic nature of LAPs is supported by an examination of the 1946 ghost rocket flap and the 1947 UFO genesis flap, with preliminary and secondary peaks explained by several comets, and primary phases by Pons Winnecke and Encke, linking to Ken Arnold's sighting.

The article presents data on CE IIIs from various sources: Winkler's own catalog, Hynek's collection, and the Lorenzen and Lorenzen data (1973-1976). An analysis compares CE III dates with nearest shower or spray dates, calculating the 'days miss'. The findings indicate that 14 out of 17 CE IIIs occurred within 4 days of a spray date or shower interval defined by seven comets, suggesting that 82% of CE III dates fall within 57% of the year influenced by these comets. This statistical significance is deemed great, with only a 1 in 43 chance of random occurrence. The bias in 'days miss' supports the geomagnetic nature of LAPs, possibly caused by the geomagnetic sheath interacting with cometary-solar matter. The author humorously refers to people providing CE III accounts as 'cometics' and notes that since 82% of CE IIIs occurred between April 24 and November 5, they are 'fair weather cometics'. The article concludes by referencing several sources for further information on UFO-like data and comets.

Post-Postscript: The Fincastle Competition

This section provides an update from Ray Brooke regarding the Fincastle Competition. Brooke, who served in the Royal Navy, sailed on one of the submarines used as a target in the competition. He describes the submarine as an obsolete type, decommissioned and stripped of armament and navigation equipment, making it plausible for such a vessel to be found off course or close inshore. He suggests that the Yalata aborigines may have seen such a submarine, possibly painted in an unorthodox color scheme and having navigation difficulties, surfacing for visual re-orientation.

An Undercover UFO Theory

Authored by Frank Gillespie, this article presents an alternative approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, building on ideas from John Prytz's "Nocturnal lights are important too." Gillespie's central assumption is that extraterrestrials visiting Earth do not want to be detected. He argues that the initial strategy of avoiding communication and close contact, blaming events on terrestrial enemies like 'those Russians', has evolved. As secret super-weapons became known, the extraterrestrial hypothesis and UFO clubs emerged. Gillespie proposes that extraterrestrials then devised a plan to manage this, allowing occasional contact with isolated humans and providing false information. He suggests that the 'abductee' phase involved using hypnosis to control witnesses, but the pitfalls of hypnotic regression and lie-detection led to a reduction in extraterrestrial involvement to a 'trickle'. The theory posits that the extraterrestrials aim to maintain a low profile until humanity is largely convinced of their presence, or until they can increase activities without fear of discovery. The author believes this theory fits the data logically and reasonably, though he acknowledges the difficulty in testing it scientifically without drastic global events.

North American UFO Federation Inc.

This section announces the formation of the North American UFO Federation Inc. (NAUFOF), following similar unifications in Australia and Great Britain. It notes that most major US and Canadian UFO organizations are charter members, with APRO being the only notable exception. The article suggests that a global unification of serious scientific UFO organizations might be a future possibility. NAUFOF shares many objectives with ACUFOS, but uniquely includes a public relations committee focused on improving communication quality and quantity with the public. Interested individuals are directed to contact Richard F. Haines, Director, at the provided address in Los Altos, California.

"UFO Investigation": A Review

John Prytz reviews the book "Investigacion Ovni (UFO Investigation)" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, published in Spain in April 1984. Despite the book being in Spanish, Prytz considers it a worthwhile addition to UFO literature, advocating for its commercial translation into English. The book, which has a foreword by J. Allen Hynek and an appendix by Juan A. Fernandez Peris, emphasizes the need for more organized and rigorous UFO investigation. It contrasts high-strangeness Spanish cases with Identified Flying Object (IFO) cases, showing how rigorous investigation can turn seemingly anomalous events into mundane happenings. The review also discusses the scrutiny of UFO photographs, the phenomenon of ball lightning, and the infrastructure of UFO investigation, including a methodology for measuring testimony subjectivity. Olmos's work is described as serious and scientific, reflecting his reputation. The main flaw noted is the absence of an index. Prytz concludes that the book is highly recommended for those who can read Spanish and could serve as a logical incentive to learn the language, offering valuable insights, especially for newcomers to ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, exploring potential correlations with natural phenomena like comets, and proposing theoretical frameworks for understanding UFO secrecy and extraterrestrial presence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based analysis, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some theories, such as the 'undercover UFO theory' and the implications of topology. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of organized ufology and inter-organizational cooperation, as evidenced by the mention of NAUFOF.

This document is issue number 11 of the ACUFOS BIBLIOGRAPHY SERVICE, with the primary focus on "CRYPTOZOOLOGY: LOCH NESS MONSTER" as compiled by John Prytz. The issue is dated approximately 1985, based on the publication dates of the cited articles.

Journals and Publications

The issue begins by introducing two key scientific refereed journals dedicated to UFO phenomena: UPIAR (UFO Phenomena International Annual Review) and URIP (UPIAR Research in Progress). UPIAR is published annually and features longer papers, while URIP is published approximately three times annually and focuses on shorter papers and brief notes. Despite their Italian-Spanish origins, both journals use English as their mandatory language. These journals are recommended to readers of the ACUFOS Journal as valuable additions to ufological literature, and contributions are solicited.

Further information, including instructions for authors and subscription rates for UPIAR and URIP, can be obtained by writing to Cooperative UPIAR S.r.L., P.O. Box 11221, I-20110 Milano, Italy. Contributed papers should also be sent to this address.

Another significant publication highlighted is "The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena" (Journal TAP). This journal is published twice yearly by the British Flying Object Research Association Ltd and serves as a forum for scientists and researchers to present ideas for discussion and the results of UFO case investigations and analysis. Contributions and subscriptions are accepted globally, with an emphasis on clarity, topicality, and scientific rigor. Editorial inquiries for Journal TAP should be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief at 40 Jones Drove, Whittlesey, Peterborough PE7 2HW, England. Subscription rates are available from John E. Barrett, 34B Marylebone High Street, London W1, England.

Loch Ness Monster Bibliography

The bulk of this issue is dedicated to an extensive bibliography of references related to the Loch Ness Monster. The compiler, John Prytz, notes that this is an update to a previous, more superficial list, and that the current compilation aims to cover a much larger number of references. The connection to UFO phenomena is briefly mentioned via F.W. Holiday's book, "The Dragon and the Disc," but the primary focus remains on the Loch Ness Monster itself.

The bibliography is divided into several sections:

Loch Ness Monster - Monographs

This section lists 17 books on the Loch Ness Monster, with authors such as E.D. Baumann, R. Border, M. Burton, J.A. Carruth, J. Cornell, T. Dicks, T. Dinsdale, R.T. Gould, R. Grimshaw & P. Lester, M. Klein, A.C. Oudemans, W. Owen, F. Searle, P. Tremayne, and C. Whyte. Publication dates range from 1934 to 1980.

Loch Ness Monster - Book Extracts

This section provides references to extracts from books, including one that discusses the Loch Ness Monster in the context of a USO ('Unidentified Submersible Object') from R. Collyns' "From Star Cities?" (1977).

Loch Ness Monster - Journal Articles (cont.)

This is the most extensive section, listing numerous journal articles related to the Loch Ness Monster. The articles cover a wide range of topics, including investigations, scientific analyses, sightings, and discussions of the phenomenon. Authors frequently cited include M. Burton, D.L. Meredith, J. Ritchie, and D. Scott. The articles are drawn from various publications such as "New Scientist," "Nature," "Science Digest," "Illustrated London News," "Observer," "Time," "Science News," and many others, with publication dates spanning from the 1930s to the mid-1980s.

Panspermia - Monograph

This section lists one monograph: "From Grains to Bacteria" by F. Hoyle and N.C. Wickramasinghe (1984).

Panspermia - Journal Articles

This section lists journal articles related to Panspermia, with authors like G. Mueller and P. Tasch, published in journals such as "Nature" and "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences."

Planetary Contamination & Quarantine: The Moon

This section lists articles concerning the potential for contamination from lunar missions and precautionary measures. Authors include H.M. David and A. Hill.

Life in the Solar System: General

This section includes articles on the general topic of life in the solar system, with authors like M.W. Ovenden and W.F. Libby.

Life in the Solar System: Venus

This section lists articles specifically about life on Venus, with authors like W.F. Libby.

Life in the Solar System: The Moon

This is a very extensive section detailing numerous articles and studies on the possibility of life on the Moon, lunar organic compounds, water on the Moon, and related topics. Many articles are marked with an asterisk (*), indicating they were part of a previous ACUFOS bibliography (D-16). Authors include P.I. Abell, R. Alvarez, E. Anders, E.S. Barghoorn, K. Bisset, A.L. Burlingame, P. Cloud, J.E. Oro, V.I. Oyama, C. Ponnamperuma, J.H. Rho, J.W. Schopf, H.C. Urey, R.W. Young, and others. The references span from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, with a significant number from a special issue of "Science" on January 30, 1970.

Life in the Solar System: The Earth

This section contains articles discussing the Gaia hypothesis and humanity's responsibility to the Earth, as well as the relationship between organic and atmospheric evolution. Authors include P. Bunyard, D.L. Gilbert, J.D. Hughes, J.E. Lovelock, L. Margulis, E.I. Ochiai, M.W. Ovenden, and D. Sagan.

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

This section lists articles related to the pre-Viking exploration and study of Mars, focusing on abiogenic synthesis and experimental conditions for growth on Mars. Authors include P.H. Abelson, J.S. Hubbard, P. Morrison, M.W. Ovenden, and J. Prytz.

Life in the Solar System: Jovian Planets & Satellites

This section includes an article about the Jovian planets and satellites, specifically "Quest for souls on ice" by C.R. Pellegrino.

Extra-Solar Planetary Systems

This section lists articles discussing the search for other planetary systems, with M.W. Ovenden being a cited author.

Exobiology Book Extract

One book extract is listed: "Photosynthesis and life on other planets" by H. Shapley.

Exobiology Journal Articles

This section lists various journal articles on exobiology, covering topics such as "stowaways and starfish," "impossible worlds," "cosmic loneliness," "life on Earth-like planets," "sailing in new and old oceans," "thermodynamics and the recognition of alien biospheres," "where are they?", and "problems common to the fields of astronomy and biology."

Exobiology - Exotic/Extreme Life Forms/Environments

This section includes articles on topics like "Himalayan midges that defy the cold" and "Limits of life."

Exobiology - Exotic/Extreme Life Forms/Environments (cont)

This continuation lists articles on "Upper temperature limit of life," "Transport of life in the frozen or dried state," "Exotic atmospheres on Earth," and "Environmental biophysics and microbial ubiquity."

Exobiology Historical Aspects

This section lists one article on the historical aspects of exobiology: "Seventeenth-century doctrine of a plurality of worlds" by G. McColley.

SETI/CETI

This section includes an article titled "UFO update: (extraterrestrial linguistics)" by R. Warner.

Cosmic Truths & Consequences

This section lists articles such as "Best of all possible worlds?" and "God's number."

Space Colonization - Book Extracts

This section lists book extracts related to space colonization, including "Colonization of the galaxy: a key concept in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence" and "Colonizing the Moon."

Space Colonization - Journal Articles

This section lists journal articles on space colonization, such as "Environmental design of a prototype space colony" and "Reaching for the stars."

Archaeological Mysteries - Monograph

This section lists one monograph: "Ancient Man: A Handbook of Puzzling Artifacts" by W.R. Corliss.

Archaeological Mysteries - Journal Articles

This section lists journal articles on archaeological mysteries, including topics like "Lost tribes of Easter Island," "Advanced machining in ancient Egypt," and "Fabled ruins of the Incas."

Astro-Archaeology - Monograph

This section lists one monograph: "Early Man and the Cosmos" by E. Hadingham.

Astro-Archaeology - Book Reviews

This section lists reviews of books on archaeoastronomy.

Astro-Archaeology - Journal Article

This section lists one journal article on archaeoastronomy: "Lunar notation on upper paleolithic remains" by A. Marshack.

Ancient Astronauts - Monograph

This section lists one monograph: "Gods and Their Grand Design: The Eighth Wonder of the World" by Erich von Däniken.

UFOS - Monographs

This section lists two monographs related to UFO investigations: "Investigacion Ovni" and "Ovnis: El Fenomeno Aterrizaje" by V.J. Ballester Olmos.

UFOS - Book Reviews

This section lists book reviews related to UFOs, including "Unexplained (Volume 8): UFO Casebook."

UFOS - Official/Government Documents

This section lists official documents related to UFO sightings, such as parliamentary reports from Great Britain.

UFOS - Journal Articles (Pre-1977)

This section lists journal articles on UFO phenomena published before 1977, including contributions from R.M.L. Baker, J.A. Hynek, and J.P. Kuettner.

UFOS - Journal Articles (Pre-1977) (cont)

This continuation lists more pre-1977 UFO journal articles, including topics like "On the probable misidentification of an object sighted by the Gemini 11 astronauts" and "Case for real UFO's."

UFOS - Journal Article (1983+)

This section lists a journal article on UFOs published in 1983 or later: "Unidentified flying object" by C. Strachan.

UFOS - Social Aspects

This section lists articles on the social aspects of UFO sightings, such as "On a behavioral explanation of UFO sightings."

UFOS - Miscellaneous Aspects

This section lists a monograph titled "Rare Halos, Mirages, Anomalous Rainbows and Related Electromagnetic Phenomena" by W.R. Corliss.

UFOS - Miscellaneous Aspects Journal Article

This section lists a journal article on "Mystery missile" and "Ball lightning."

Artificial Intelligence

This section lists journal articles on artificial intelligence, covering topics like "Mental pictures and cognitive science," "Intelligent thoughts," and "Computer software for intelligent systems."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is clearly the Loch Ness Monster, presented through an exhaustive bibliography of scientific and popular literature. The ACUFOS Bibliography Service aims to provide comprehensive resources for researchers in cryptozoology and related fields. The inclusion of journals like UPIAR, URIP, and Journal TAP suggests an editorial stance that values scientific inquiry and rigorous investigation into anomalous phenomena, including UFOs and cryptids. The breadth of topics covered, from Panspermia and exobiology to archaeology and artificial intelligence, indicates a wide-ranging interest in scientific and speculative subjects.