Australian FLYING SAUCER Review

Magazine Overview

Title: Australian FLYING SAUCER Review
Issue: No. 8
Date: Tuesday, May 2, 1967
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, focuses on the persistent mystery surrounding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and their potential connection to unexplained signals from outer space. The publication highlights the society's role in collecting and disseminating information on the subject and criticizes the perceived secrecy and mishandling of UFO investigations by official bodies.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the ongoing lack of scientific understanding regarding UFOs, despite decades of sightings. It references a Greek physicist, Dr. Paul Santorini, who attributed power blackouts to UFO activity near power lines and believed UFOs were surveying Earth. The editorial notes that both Western and Soviet Union research into UFOs has yielded little conclusive evidence, though the Soviets recently admitted to experiencing similar reports involving power failures and electromagnetic effects. The publication criticizes government-sponsored projects, particularly the University of Colorado's project under Dr. Edward Condon, which was recently exposed by LOOK magazine for alleged attempted public deception. The editorial expresses hope that the collapse of the Condon Committee might lead to the public learning the findings of independent scientists who have concluded that UFOs do exist.

V.U.F.O.R.S. Office Bearers and Subscription Rates

The issue lists the office bearers of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, including Peter E. Norris (President) and Judith M. Magee (Vice President). Subscription rates for full membership, pensioners/juniors, and overseas membership are provided, along with the price for a single copy of the magazine.

U.F.O.'s and mystery signals from Outer Space by Paul Norman

This article explores the concentration of UFO activity around large radio telescopes and questions whether UFOs are linked to mystery signals from outer space. It mentions Dr. Robert Jastrow's suggestion that space civilizations superior to ours might be broadcasting signals. The author recounts the 1960 conversation with Dr. Carl Seyfert, Director of Project Ozma, a radio telescope project designed to search for extraterrestrial messages. Project Ozma's existence was revealed to the public through an accidental slip, highlighting a pattern of secrecy surrounding such initiatives. The article also discusses Ronald N. Bracewell's theory that advanced civilizations might be sending automated satellites to survey planets, and mentions correspondence with Sir Bernard Lovell regarding signals from the Russian Venus rocket. The author notes that while radio astronomers puzzle over signals, ufologists are more interested in UFO activity around these facilities.

U.F.O's over Tracking Stations and Telescopes

This section details UFO incidents occurring near tracking stations and telescopes. It mentions an encounter over the Tidbinbilla Tracking Station in Australia and incidents near the Parkes Radio Telescope. It also references an incident at the Smithsonian Institute's Astrophysical Observation Station in South Africa. The article notes that Dr. Bart Bok, Director of Mount Stromlo Observatory, received a visit from the R.A.A.F. after explaining a UFO sighting as an 'aircraft', suggesting official pressure to downplay such events.

Exobiology - the door into now!

This article delves into the emerging field of exobiology, which studies the origin of the universe and life. It highlights the adaptability of life to extreme environments on Earth, suggesting that life could exist in diverse forms on other planets. The author discusses the development of automated biological laboratories (ABLs) designed to detect extraterrestrial life and the importance of sterilizing space probes to avoid contaminating other worlds. The article also touches upon the possibility of life within our solar system, particularly on Mars and Venus, and the potential for 'astroplankton' drifting through space.

U.F.O's over Mexico

This report, contributed by Mr. Jesus Hernandez Garibay, details numerous UFO sightings across various Mexican states on the night of August 6th. Thousands of witnesses reported seeing strange lights, luminous points, and objects flying in formations, often described as oval-shaped with red, yellow, and blue colors. Some sightings involved objects flying in a 'V' formation and making unusual manoeuvres, with reports of burned stones found in one location.

U.F.O. pursues cyclist — Alleged landing near Wodonga

This article recounts an alleged UFO encounter by Mr. Ron Hydes near Wodonga, Australia. Hydes claims he was engulfed in a bright light, forcing him to stop his motorcycle. He then saw a disc-shaped object hovering a few feet above the ground, with two figures in metallic overalls and helmets. Hydes panicked and fled, with the UFO reportedly following him. He described the object changing color to a bright red before ascending rapidly. The investigation by Society sightings officers found Hydes' account to be consistent and authentic, with meteorological records corroborating the conditions.

Evaluation of the Wodonga case

This section provides an analysis of the Wodonga case, emphasizing the detailed and consistent testimony of Mr. Ron Hydes. The investigation involved interrogations, examination of taped accounts, and checks with local police and press. While no corroborating reports were found, the consistency of Hydes' description of the UFO's appearance and behavior, along with the authenticity of the meteorological conditions, led investigators to believe the account was genuine. The report notes that the sighting coincided with a minor UFO flap in Southern Australia.

U.F.O's over Greensborough Sighting, Steven Modrich – 27-8-67

This report details a sighting by Mr. Stephen Modridge and a friend of two UFOs maneuvering in the Greensborough tip area. The objects were described as having a red circular light in the middle and white lights on the sides. One object ascended rapidly and moved towards the Dandenongs, while the other was heard to have engine sounds and disappeared behind trees. The witnesses were unable to get a photograph due to camera issues.

U.F.O's in Western Australia— from Mayanup to Mt Newman

This compilation by L. J. Locke of the Perth U.F.O. Research Group presents several sightings from Western Australia. A farmer near Yerecoin reported a humming object that repeated his words. A woman near Perth heard a 'horrible noise' and saw a grey-blue object. Other reports include a disc-shaped object with port-holes seen by Mrs. Moir, a bright light seen by Mrs. Jones, a flat disc-shaped object seen by Mrs. Pusey, and an orange-coloured object seen by multiple witnesses in Canterbury Terrace. A policeman also observed a hovering object that changed color. Master Sinclair and his brother reported a white object with three lights. A truck driver described a large silver disc with a searchlight and a smaller orange object near Mt. Newman, with further sightings of a silver object with a flame-like tail at the airstrip.

Only Congress can resolve problem of U.F.O's by Nyla Crone

This article features the views of Dr. James E. McDonald, a senior physicist, who advocates for a Congressional investigation into UFOs. McDonald expresses disappointment with the University of Colorado's UFO project, led by Dr. Edward Condon, citing a memo from project member Robert Low that suggested the study was designed to appear objective while having a predetermined negative outcome. McDonald highlights the reduction in the project's staff and criticizes the handling of evidence and the alleged lack of access to military data. He believes that only a Congressional inquiry can bring the truth about UFOs to light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the potential link between UFOs and unexplained signals, and the perceived lack of transparency and scientific rigor in official UFO investigations. The editorial stance is critical of government secrecy and supportive of independent research, advocating for a more open and thorough examination of the UFO phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the need for scientific inquiry to address these unexplained events.

This issue of the "Victorian UFO Research Society" magazine, identified as No. 8 and dated December 1967, focuses on UFO phenomena with a mix of eyewitness accounts, scientific analysis, and organizational news. The cover story details a remarkable incident in Western Australia, while internal articles delve into UFO activity trends and a significant convention.

Energy Beam stalls car in the west

The lead article recounts an incident involving a Western Australian man, referred to as Mr. Harris, who claims his car was stopped by a UFO on the Mayanup-Kojonup Road on October 13, 1967, around 9:30 p.m. Mr. Harris, a shearing contractor, was driving at approximately 60-65 mph when he noticed a lighted object approaching. His car suddenly stopped, and all electrical systems, including the motor, radio, and lights, ceased functioning. He reported that his Omega Chronometer also stopped for five minutes. Mr. Harris described being immersed in a beam of light emanating from a tube that descended from the UFO, which he described as football-shaped, approximately thirty feet in diameter, and glowing with an iridescent, bluish light. The object reportedly ascended at a tremendous speed, leaving no discernible trace. The witness's credibility is vouched for by his doctor and Dr. Paul Zeck, a medical psychiatrist who conducted a tape-recorded interview.

Evaluation of the Harris Incident

Dr. Zeck's evaluation notes that the Harris incident, while extraordinary, shares common features with other UFO reports, particularly regarding "E-M effects" (interference with car radios, lights, and engines) and the emission of light beams. The most perplexing aspect for investigators is the instantaneous stopping and starting of the vehicle, which appears to defy fundamental physical laws. Physicist Kenneth Clarke offers a speculative explanation: that the UFO might have lifted the car off the road and maintained its forward speed, thus negating the sensation of deceleration or acceleration for the driver and preventing damage to the car. Clarke also suggests the UFO's intervention could explain the electrical failures, though the re-starting of the engine after a five-minute interval remains difficult to explain. The five-minute discrepancy in Mr. Harris's watch is noted as a potential indicator of the duration of the encounter.

Book Review: What we really know about Flying Saucers

This section reviews Otto Binder's book, "What We Know About Flying Saucers." Binder, an American science writer, is described as a highly qualified author who has extensively studied UFO phenomena. The review highlights Binder's approach of sifting through reports to present solid cases, covering aspects such as UFO patterns, flying models, electromagnetic phenomena, and various speculations. The book is recommended for readers seeking factual information amidst a sea of less credible material. Paul Norman, the reviewer, cautions readers not to get carried away by speculative theories, emphasizing Binder's grounded approach.

Capio Convention

The report covers the Third Annual Convention of the Commonwealth Aerial Phenomena Investigation Organisation, held in Canberra from June 8th-10th. The convention was deemed highly successful, with delegates from various organizations attending. Office-bearers were elected, including Mr. Peter Norris as President and Mrs. Sylvia Sutton as Secretary. The proceedings included papers and tapes prepared by member organizations, and an evening event at the Academy of Science featured space films and lectures by Dr. M. Lindtner and Mr. M. Miller.

U.F.O. Activity Graphs

Two graphs are presented to illustrate UFO activity. Graph 1 shows the number of sightings per year from 1954 to 1967, noting a world-wide flap in 1967 and a peak in sightings around 1966. It suggests a decrease in sightings between 1957 and 1961, possibly due to Air Force debunking efforts, followed by an increase. Graph 2 displays the average monthly sightings from 1954 to 1967, indicating patterns of activity throughout the year. The data for these graphs was compiled by the Sightings Investigations Officer from the Society's files.

Stop Press!

This section includes a brief news item from the London Times (December 1967) about the discovery of the lost city of Sabayil in the Caspian Sea. Legend states the city was swallowed by the sea over 7000 years ago. Recent drops in the Caspian's water level have revealed towers, walls, and graves, suggesting the legend may be factual. The report also mentions concerns about the Caspian's ecosystem due to plans to divert rivers.

Amendments to Magazine No. 8

An apology is issued for the late arrival of the magazine and for errors that occurred due to a change in printers. Specific amendments are listed, including corrections to the Treasurer's name, the cost of postage, punctuation in an article on page 3, references to the year (corrected to 1968), an article title ('Excobiology' by Devin Meyers), and a description under a graph on page 20.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to examine new facts. It provides a platform for detailed eyewitness accounts, scientific analysis, and organizational news within the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, seeking to sift fact from fiction and present data objectively, as evidenced by the review of Otto Binder's book and the presentation of statistical data on UFO sightings. The inclusion of convention reports and calls for reader contributions further emphasizes the collaborative and research-oriented nature of the society.