Australian Flying Saucer Review - 1970 07 - no 2 VUFORS

Magazine Overview

Title: AUSTRALIAN FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: Number 2
Date: July 1970

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, produced by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, aims to collate and disseminate information on Flying Saucers and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The publication welcomes articles, letters, and news clippings, with contributions not necessarily reflecting the society's policy.

Editorial

The editorial notes the magazine's successful start with its 'New Look' and anticipates more frequent issues. It observes a global dearth of UFO sightings since August 1969, which is seen as merely coincidental. The editorial reflects on the vast number of reported sightings over decades (estimated at 5,000,000 in America alone) and the persistent enigma of their origin and intention, noting the lack of scientifically acceptable proof despite abundant evidence. The ephemeral nature of UFOs makes them difficult to regard dispassionately, often categorized with psychic phenomena. The cessation of sightings leads to speculation about their purpose and departure, though some believe they may have returned for a period similar to the 'dark ages' of 1957. The editor emphasizes the fascination of the mystery and the challenge it presents to inquiring minds, discussing theories ranging from benevolent brotherhoods to 'gardeners of the earth' and surveys. The article concludes that the purpose remains unknown, which adds to the game's interest.

Key Articles and Features

The Exploration of Space and the Possibility of Life on Other Planets by P. G. Gittins

This article explores the reader's interest in space travel and exploration, posing six leading questions: why bother with space research, what problems are being solved, the possibilities of life on other planets, its potential forms, the Fermi paradox ('Where is everybody?'), and the role of UFOs. Gittins argues that space research is driven by man's urge to explore, new scientific opportunities, defense objectives, and national prestige. It overcomes Earth's limitations, offering new perspectives and enabling experimentation in environments alien to Earth. Space capability also serves as a military sentinel and a symbol of power. The article touches upon the evolving human consciousness and its perception of the Universe, suggesting that future perspectives may differ significantly. It categorizes problems in space travel into mechanical issues like materials and heat, and biological issues.

Moon: Green Cheese, or Minerals? by Dr. P. M. H. Edwards

Dr. Edwards, a member of the society and researcher for CAPRO, examines Amerindian folk legends suggesting the Moon was not always present. He discusses theories about the Moon's origin, including being wrenched from Earth, leaving the Pacific Ocean basin. The article invokes multiple disciplines to shed light on the problem, referencing Dr. Immanuel Velikovsky's open-minded approach to legends. It explores the possibility that Earth's gravitational field captured an errant Moon, causing cataclysms like the rise of the Andes and the subsidence of a continent in the Pacific Ocean basin, potentially linking to legends of Mu or Lemuria and Atlantis. Linguistic similarities between Pacific rim-languages are noted as potential evidence of ancient connections. The article also highlights findings from lunar rock and dust analysis, including the Moon's shattered structure and the high glass content of lunar dust, explaining the astronauts' complaints about slipperiness.

Are the Astronauts Seeing U. F. Os? by Kevin Arnett

This article asserts that astronauts are indeed seeing UFOs, citing growing numbers of sightings by American and Russian astronauts. It presents documented evidence, starting with Sputnik 1 and 2, where a second unknown object was photographed following Sputnik 2. Other incidents include two huge objects orbiting Earth in 1960, a mysterious object following a Polaris rocket in 1961, and Major Robert White's sighting of a greyish-white object alongside an X-15 rocket in 1962. Gordon Cooper reported a glowing green light in 1963. The Gemini 4 mission saw astronauts McDivitt and White observe a 'cylindrical object' and a moving bright light. Gemini 7 astronauts Lovell and Borman reported a 'bogey'. John Young reported two bright objects in orbit in 1966. The article references Dr. Franklin E. Roach's study for the Condon Project, which concluded that astronaut reports are of the highest credibility, particularly a daytime sighting of an object with 'arms sticking out'. Dr. Roach's analysis suggests that the objects seen by astronauts were indeed UFOs. The article quotes Dr. Stanton T. Friedman, who concluded that Earth is visited by intelligently controlled vehicles of extraterrestrial origin.

'Nests' and 'Landing Pads' Reviewed by Judith Magee

This section reviews known 'nests' and 'landing pads' in Australia. It details an incident on January 19, 1966, where Mr. George Pedley observed an unidentified object rise from Horseshoe Lagoon. The object was described as blue-grey, about 25 feet in diameter and 9 feet in height, spinning rapidly before ascending and diving. The area where it was observed showed reeds flattened and roots sucked up, forming a 'nest' about 30 feet in diameter. Mr. Alf. Macdonald and a local police officer inspected the site, noting the roots were cleanly sucked up. The University of Queensland suggested severe turbulence, but the article questions this explanation due to the fine weather conditions and the specific nature of the damage. The author notes that 'nests' were not previously reported in the area. The article also mentions a 1966 incident in Westall, Melbourne, where children observed a silvery object described as round with a 'hump on top and round things underneath', and a science teacher described it as a 'thin beam of light' that seemed to 'thicken' at times.

The Tommy Melbourne Case by W. A. Stapleton

This article recounts an investigation into a reported UFO landing site at Dartmoor, near Hamilton, South Australia. Mr. Tom Melbourne, a local farmer, reported a swath cut in the bracken, about 40 yards long and 4 feet wide, with the bracken cut, frayed, and twisted. The article describes the phenomenon as indicating an aerial object landing, with swathes indicating an object clipping off at the top and gradually cutting lower. A small sapling was bruised and cut, suggesting a craft of about 10 to 15 feet in diameter could have fitted into the area. The author speculates that a considerable force was required to cause this shredding and twisting, ruling out a willy willy. The article notes that Mr. Melbourne later discovered further 'launching sites' on his property and that UFOs have been reported in nearby areas.

UFO is Chasing Apollo to Moon

This section reports on an unidentified flying object sighted during the Apollo 12 mission. Astronauts reported another man-made object 'tagging along' in space more than halfway between Earth and the Moon. Commander Charles Conrad initially suspected it was the spent S-IVB rocket, but this was deemed unlikely. The object was described as a 'huge transparent bubble' and 'plastic material, possibly metallic in color'. The article also mentions a RAAF jet chasing a UFO over northern NSW and Queensland, reaching 40,000 ft. without getting close enough to identify it. Reports from Darling Downs described the object as resembling a plastic balloon or an aluminum Zeppelin airship. Officials suggested it could be an experimental balloon from Christchurch, New Zealand, or Ascension Island.

Was it a Saucer?

This piece reports on a triangular burn mark discovered on the 17th fairway of a Sydney golf course, with deep impressions at the three points, 16 feet apart. The assistant greenkeeper and his offsider found the mark, which Mr. Fred Longden, the club secretary, believed could be from a flying saucer landing. The RAAF was reportedly asked to investigate similar sightings.

Motorist Sees UFO Near Avoca

An Ararat motorist claimed to have sighted an unidentified flying object near the Pyrenees Highway. The object, initially appearing as three lights, was described as having a shorten-cigar shape. It passed overhead and to the left-rear of the car, accelerating away at a low altitude. The motorist, formerly a sceptic, was convinced by the sighting.

Mysterious Monuments on the Moon

This section reviews an article by Ivan T. Sanderson, discussing Russian Luna-9 and American Orbiter-2 photographs that reportedly revealed groups of solid structures on the Moon's surface, arranged in geometric patterns. The article notes that American space officials have not publicized these findings. It mentions two sets of photographs compared, one from Luna-9 in the Ocean of Storms and the other from Orbiter-2 in the Sea of Tranquility, showing what appeared to be shadows of eight spires. Soviet Space Engineer Alexander Abramov provided a startling geometrical analysis of the arrangement of these objects, comparing them to an ancient Egyptian pattern known as an 'abaka' and the arrangement of the three great pyramids.

CENSORSHIP!

This section highlights a letter from the Editor of The West Australian concerning Gordon Cooper's report of a UFO sighting during his 15th orbit over Western Australia. Despite the report being broadcast by NBC, the newsmen were unable to get confirmation from the Muchea tracking station. The letter suggests that the timing of the sighting coincided with Xenon lights, but notes that the east-west direction of the sighting was not initially appreciated. It also mentions that hundreds of people in Western Australia had witnessed the sighting.

Society Badge

Members are reminded that the society's attractive badge is available in brooch (pin) and lapel (screw) types.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings by astronauts and the general public, physical evidence of UFO activity (such as 'nests' and ground traces), and potential extraterrestrial artifacts or structures (like lunar monuments). The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the lack of definitive proof but emphasizing the importance of investigating the evidence and the enduring mystery. The publication appears to challenge official explanations and suggests a degree of government secrecy or reluctance to publicize certain findings.

FAQ

• Q: What is the purpose of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society? A: The society's function is to collate and disseminate information about Flying Saucers or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).
• Q: What evidence of physical traces from UFOs is discussed in this issue? A: The issue details flattened reeds forming 'nests' at Horseshoe Lagoon, a triangular impression on a golf fairway, and damage to a sacaline crop, all attributed to mysterious aerial objects.
• Q: What are some of the key UFO incidents reported by astronauts? A: Astronauts have reported objects following Sputnik, unidentified objects orbiting Earth, a 'cylindrical object' during Gemini 4, and a 'bogey' during Gemini 7.
• Q: What are the 'Mysterious Monuments' on the Moon? A: These are reportedly groups of solid structures photographed on the Moon's surface by Russian and American probes, arranged in geometric patterns, with some suggesting they are markers or artificial structures.

This issue of "Australian Flying Saucer Review" (published by the U.F.O. Investigation Centre of New South Wales) is primarily focused on the "Drury Case" and the perceived shortcomings of the Australian government's UFO investigation policies. It also touches upon lunar anomalies and the internal politics of Australian UFO research groups.

The Drury Case and Official UFO Attitude

The lead article, "The Drury Case" by Peter Norris, examines the Australian official attitude towards UFOs, particularly the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The article posits two theories: the "Grand Cover-Up," suggesting the RAAF has UFO information from the USAF that is withheld from the public, and the "Grand Foul-Up," arguing the RAAF is technologically and philosophically ill-equipped to investigate UFOs and relies heavily on the USAF.

Norris highlights several cases that he believes demonstrate the lack of official investigation: the Gill series of sightings in New Guinea (1959), a polaroid photograph from Balwyn (1965), and the Hallam series of photographs (1957). None of these, despite corroborative evidence and media coverage, led to official investigation.

The central case is the Port Moresby Film case of August 1953. T.P. Drury, Regional Director of the Department of Civil Aviation, filmed a "bullet shaped object flying at great speed" over Port Moresby with a telephoto lens. Drury presented the film to the RAAF. The then Minister for Air, Mr. W. McMahon, stated in the House of Representatives that the RAAF had secured the film and sent it to the United States Air Force (USAF) for evaluation. However, no further information was forthcoming, and the RAAF, as late as 1965, denied any knowledge of the sighting. Confirmation of McMahon's statement is belatedly found in the declassified "USAF Projects Grudge and Bluebook Reports 1-12," which lists the Port Moresby sighting with the evaluation "Insufficient Data."

This evidence leads the author to conclude that the Australian Government's UFO investigation effort is a low priority, heavily reliant on US authorities. The article notes that the RAAF's investigation appears spasmodic, with official interest seemingly only activated by public pressure or election time.

Lunar Anomalies and Ufonauts

Another section explores the nature of the Moon, questioning whether it is composed of minerals or is "green cheese." Dr. Paul Gast of Columbia University suggests the Moon's evolutionary history is very different from Earth's, possibly originating elsewhere and entering our gravitational field, causing a cataclysm. The abundance of glass in lunar rocks indicates significant heating, suggesting the Moon was once a boiling mass of liquified rocks.

The article draws parallels between lunar craters and temporary craters formed in boiling liquid or by falling drops, suggesting the Moon's surface may have congealed into its current shapes. It questions whether the Moon's sudden arrival near Earth caused the heating and if its regular orbit allowed it to cool.

The author speculates on the relevance of these lunar observations to ufology, noting that UFOs have been observed on the Moon and that inexplicable phenomena have occurred there. A provocative idea is presented: that the principal interest of visiting "ufonauts" might be the Moon itself, with Earth being a secondary curiosity for experiments or "indoor-sport." The Moon is also suggested as a potential "happy hunting-ground" for miners if its mineral content is unique due to its origin.

This section references Immanuel Velikovsky's "Worlds in Collision," particularly Chapter 4, which discusses celestial bodies coming close to each other and developing heat. While Velikovsky's theories are often dismissed, the article argues that a truly scientific researcher should not ignore such evidence, especially when considering the possibility of past cataclysms that could explain the Moon's heating.

Inter-Group Disputes

A significant portion of the issue addresses a dispute between two Australian UFO research groups: the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS) and the UFO Investigation Centre of New South Wales (UFOIC).

The article, titled "V.U.F.O.R.S. Sets the Record Straight," refutes claims made in the No. 10 edition of "Australian U.F.O. Review" (published by UFOIC). UFOIC accused VUFORS of a lack of co-operation when they jointly published "Australian Flying Saucer Review." The UFOIC writer claimed to have written, translated, and typed every issue himself.

However, the article states that considerable material was contributed by Mr. Peter Norris, President of VUFORS, including editorials for several issues. The true timeline presented is that after November 1962, no more issues of "Australian Flying Saucer Review" came from the press. VUFORS, facing membership resignations, began publishing its own magazine in May 1964. UFOIC later produced its own independent publication. Therefore, VUFORS claims priority to the title "Australian Flying Saucer Review."

The article notes the recent tragic death of Dr. Miran Lindtner, President of UFOIC, and the departure of former UFOIC editor Andrew Tomas, leaving Peter Norris as the primary individual with personal knowledge of the events leading to the cessation of their joint venture. The VUFORS Committee states its interest lies in investigating UFOs rather than engaging in polemics, but feels compelled to correct misrepresentations.

Back Issues and Society Information

Finally, the issue includes an advertisement for back issues of "A.F.S. Review" (nos. 6, 7, and 8) available for purchase. It also includes contact information for the Victorian UFO Research Society, requesting readers to forward their UFO reports to P.O. Box 43, Moorabbin, Victoria, 3189, Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a critical stance towards official UFO investigation in Australia, portraying it as inadequate and overly reliant on foreign (US) expertise. There is a strong emphasis on the need for independent research and a willingness to challenge official narratives. The inclusion of lunar anomalies and Velikovsky's theories suggests an open-minded approach to unconventional explanations for phenomena. The internal dispute highlights the passionate, and sometimes contentious, nature of the UFO research community.