THE JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR UFO STUDIES

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, Volume 6, Number 2, published in March/April 1985, presents a collection of articles that explore the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena. The journal, published by ACUFOS, features contributions from Frank Gillespie, John Prytz, and Mark Moravec, delving into topics ranging from the origins of UFOs to the implications of scientific discoveries in biology and geology for the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH).

Editorial: Solutions?

In the editorial, Frank Gillespie addresses the challenge of attributing all UFO phenomena to a single cause. He notes that numerous theories exist, including meteorological phenomena, smugglers, the Federal Hypothesis, imagery, critters, psychic projections, meteoric particles, triboluminescence, and earthquake lights. Gillespie observes that these theories often align with the theorist's professional specialty. He argues that while these processes might contribute to the overall UFO phenomenon, their claims to cover the entire gamut of UFO events make them mutually exclusive. Therefore, the probability of any single theory being completely correct is very small. He suggests treating these theories as minor contributors in a large field, rather than as definitive solutions to the UFO enigma.

The Alien World of Hydrothermal Vent Communities

John Prytz's article explores the biological significance of hydrothermal vent communities, discovered in 1977. These deep-sea ecosystems thrive near oceanic hot springs, independent of solar energy. Prytz highlights that these communities are highly productive, despite spewing forth toxic sulphides. He posits that this discovery is significant for exobiology, as it demonstrates an actual biological ecosystem that survives and thrives without photosynthesis. This challenges the long-held textbook notion that all Earth's ecosystems are driven by the sun. Prytz suggests that this finding could support the viability of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) by demonstrating that life-not-as-we-know-it is plausible. He explains that while terrestrial life is generally dependent on sunlight for photosynthesis, Earth also harbors environments with unique conditions, such as the deep ocean floor, which can support life through alternative energy sources like geothermal heat. The article details how these vents, located along the axes of seafloor spreading, provide a rich source of chemicals and minerals, supporting diverse marine life through chemosynthesis, where bacteria convert chemicals into energy. This process forms the base of a food chain that sustains organisms like clams, mussels, and tube worms, offering an alternative to solar-based food chains. Prytz draws parallels between the exploration of inner space (Earth's deep oceans) and outer space, suggesting that the breaking of the photosynthetic limitation opens up numerous potential sites for extraterrestrial life throughout the universe.

Internal and External Origins of UFOs

Mark Moravec's article examines the debate on whether UFOs represent internal (human mind) or external (extraterrestrial) intelligence. He argues that UFO phenomena likely have multiple origins, encompassing both internal and external factors. Some cases involve physical traces and objective manifestations, suggesting external causes, while others, particularly those involving entities, abductions, and contactees, seem to stem from internal, subjective experiences, possibly triggered by external stimuli. Moravec emphasizes that external causes do not necessarily imply intelligence. He suggests that many physical trace reports can be attributed to natural phenomena like fungal rings, lightning strikes, or hoaxes. He questions whether current knowledge of meteorological and geophysical phenomena is sufficient to exclude explanations like ball lightning or earthquake lights for anomalous UFO reports. Moravec also points out that the extraterrestrial hypothesis is difficult to test and disprove, as any lack of findings could be attributed to the vastness of the universe or parallel universes. He concludes that ufology's basic facts are that UFO reports exist, about 90% are explicable by natural or man-made phenomena, and the remaining 10% have a variety of internal/subjective and external/physical causes, leaving room for further possibilities.

A 1913 "UFO" Incident

John Prytz recounts a significant historical UFO incident that occurred on February 9, 1913. This event involved a procession of 30 to 60 "meteor fireballs" that traversed the skies of North America, from Saskatchewan to the South Atlantic, before disappearing over the ocean. Prytz notes that this incident predates the modern concept of UFOs and has been documented in scientific literature, though it lacks popular fame compared to events like the Tunguska incident. The objects moved slowly, on a horizontal path, and maintained formation within groups, with multiple groups visible simultaneously. Witnesses compared the display to battleships or a passenger train. Prytz highlights that the trajectory was exceptionally long, estimated at over 5,600 miles. He presents the observations, including the objects' appearance (golden-yellow to fiery-red with long tails) and behavior, and quotes astronomer William H. Pickering, who described it as a "different kind of event altogether" and not a meteoric shower. Prytz suggests that while it doesn't appear to be terrestrial and artificial, especially for 1913, the odds against a natural explanation are astronomical, implying a possible "intelligence" behind the phenomenon.

Letter to the Editor

John Prytz writes a letter to the editor, congratulating Frank Gillespie on his previous article and expressing his agreement with some points but not all. He urges readers to contribute to the debate within the ACUFOS Journal, encouraging them to share their ideas and input.

For Further Reading

The issue includes extensive bibliographies divided into "The Environment" and "The Biology" sections, listing numerous scientific articles and publications related to hydrothermal vents, deep-sea ecosystems, and related phenomena. These references provide readers with resources for further in-depth study of the topics discussed in the journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and origin of UFO phenomena, the limitations of current scientific understanding, and the potential for alternative explanations beyond the conventional extraterrestrial hypothesis. The journal appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical thinking and the exploration of diverse hypotheses, including natural phenomena and biological analogues, when investigating UFO reports. There is an emphasis on rigorous documentation and the burden of proof when proposing extraordinary explanations. The editorial stance supports open debate and the contribution of ideas from its readership.

This document is a review of the book "UFOS - AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS" by Cynthia Hind, published by Gemini, and reviewed by Frank Gillespie. The review, appearing in issue number 10 of a publication, focuses on the perceived shortcomings of Hind's work, particularly her investigative methods and the presentation of contactee accounts.

Critical Analysis of "UFOS - AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS"

The reviewer, Frank Gillespie, acknowledges that while the book is generally well-written and avoids a dry recital of facts, it suffers from significant flaws. A primary criticism is the "lack of care in tying up loose ends" and discrepancies between the text and accompanying photographs. For instance, photographs are presented as evidence of markings in "terribly hard ground" where the text does not mention photos being taken, and these photos are described as "obvious fakes." Another instance involves photographs claimed to show an object with a specific aspect ratio, but the depicted object appears to have a different ratio, with no explanation provided for peculiar background stripes. Similarly, photographs of a damaged tennis court showing irregular holes are described as "so even" and equidistant, with no mention of shrubs photographed nearby that also showed foliar burns.

Contactee Stories and Investigation Standards

Gillespie expresses skepticism towards the three contactee stories presented in the book. He highlights fundamental incompatibilities between these stories regarding motive, power sources, travel techniques, communication, origin, reproduction, and life span, concluding that belief in one story makes belief in the others impossible. He likens these episodes to other CE3 accounts, noting the use of carrot-and-stick promises, pseudo-technical jargon, and violations of the "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch" (TANSTAAFL) principle. The reviewer finds the lack of thorough investigation particularly egregious, citing Elizabeth Klarer's claim of pregnancy followed by an off-world delivery, which he suggests could have been easily verified by checking her condition and whereabouts. He also points out that Peter and Frances's claim of a one-hour time lapse was likely due to entering a different time zone, a fact ascertainable from an atlas. Edwin's "broadcasts," recorded on a tape recorder, are questioned, with Gillespie betting that the recorder's playback function has not been checked.

The overall standard of case investigation in the book is described as "uniformly low." A specific example is given from July 1975, when Venus was a prominent evening object and coincided with a UFO flap in Zimbabwe. While half of these cases were likely caused by Venus, the reviewer notes that none of the witnesses reported seeing Venus alongside the UFO. An explanation by Salisbury Air Traffic Control of a "partial eclipse of either Mars or Venus" is deemed "ridiculous," as only the sun and moon can cause such eclipses.

Gillespie also takes issue with Hind's account of the 1978 Kaikoura, New Zealand, events, a case known for being extensively investigated. He states that while Hind has the correct date, aircraft, and pilots, "that is about all," implying a significant lack of detail or accuracy. He hopes other cases were sourced more reliably.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Gillespie recommends the book as an example of "just about every possible mistake which can be made by a well-meaning but untrained amateur." He advises Hind and others to study available ufologist training manuals. He emphasizes the moral duty of those considered experts to become true experts before writing, otherwise, the result is books like this one, which he concludes with "Read it and weep!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The review highlights themes of questionable UFO investigation, the unreliability of contactee accounts, and the amateur nature of some UFO research. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Gillespie's review, is critical of poorly substantiated claims and advocates for rigorous, professional investigative standards in the field of ufology.