Australian Flying Saucer Review - 1970 12 - no 3 VUFORS

Magazine Overview

Title: AUSTRALIAN FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: No. 3
Date: December 1970
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review is a non-profit educational publication dedicated to collating and disseminating information about Flying Saucers and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Why must we always assess the intelligence of UFO-flying space travellers by our own limited knowledge...", questions the conventional understanding of UFO propulsion. It posits that these travellers might have mastered gravity or electro-magnetism for propulsion, possibly having evolved through stages similar to Earth's but centuries ago. The editorial draws parallels with historical accounts of 'flying shields,' 'clouds,' and 'fiery chariots' mentioned in ancient texts, suggesting that advanced propulsion methods existed long before modern aviation. It contrasts this with Earth's current reliance on rockets for space travel and urges a deeper investigation into UFO propulsion, highlighting its potential for efficient transport and fuel savings. The piece also touches upon the possibility of UFOs utilizing Earth's magnetic fields for navigation and speculates on their ancient knowledge of celestial bodies.

V.U.F.O.R.S. Office Bearers

The publication lists the office bearers of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, including Peter E. Norris (President), Judith M. Magee (Vice President), Albert Wilkinson (Secretary), and William Stapleton (Treasurer), among others.

Subscription Rates

Subscription rates are provided for Full Membership ($4.20/annum), Pensioners and Juniors ($2.10/annum), and Overseas Membership ($2.50 U.S.A.). A single copy costs 25c plus 6c postage.

Contents

The table of contents outlines the articles featured in this issue: Editorial, Ion Engines, Orthodoxy versus Heterodoxy, A Consideration of the "Men In Black" Rumour, UFOs and E.S.P., Press Cuttings, "Aviators" of Antiquity, The Exploration of Space, and Are UFOs Extraterrestrial Surveillance Craft?

Ion Engines - A Space Propulsion Lecture

This article by L.E. Adam discusses the requirements for space vehicle propulsion, distinguishing between launch and space environments. It highlights the challenge of carrying oxidant for combustion in a vacuum, making rockets less efficient due to payload reduction. The article explores alternative propulsion methods, including a nuclear system that proved problematic and a 'heavy light system' involving the ionization of light. The development of the Ion Engine is presented as a hybrid solution. It explains ionization as the process of electrically charging particles and how magnetic fields can be used to force these charged ions, creating thrust. The article notes the challenges of power generation and storage for such engines.

Orthodoxy Versus Heterodoxy

Authored by W. G. Manifold, this article examines the resistance to new ideas within established scientific and medical communities. It uses historical examples like Lister's work on hygiene and Harvey's theory of blood circulation, which faced initial opposition. The author argues that while officialdom may suppress knowledge of UFOs, the resistance to new concepts is a broader phenomenon. The article critiques the rigid adherence to existing theories and the difficulty in challenging established paradigms, even when evidence contradicts them. It touches upon financial theories (C.H. Douglas) and mathematical concepts (Dunne's Serial Time) that have faced similar skepticism. The author suggests that 'Ufology' must develop its own rigorous methodology to gain scientific acceptance.

A Consideration of the "Men In Black" Rumour

Allen H. Greenfield explores the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' (MIB) figures, who allegedly interact with UFO witnesses. The article reviews hypotheses suggesting the CIA or other intelligence agencies are responsible for these encounters, aiming to suppress information. However, Greenfield argues that the MIB phenomenon may predate modern intelligence agencies and suggests a third factor, distinct from government involvement, might be at play. He questions the proportionality of government resources required for such surveillance and highlights the unusual abilities attributed to MIB figures. The article concludes that while the MIB concept is a rumour connected to UFOs, its prevalence warrants consideration.

UFOs and E.S.P.

Otto O. Binder discusses the growing opinion that global natural disasters coincide with an increase in UFO activity. He references predictions of a 'UFO Wave' and engineered disasters by Ted Owens, who claims to be a 'mouthpiece' for UFO entities. Binder notes that while some predictions of disasters have materialized, the 'UFO Wave' might have been suppressed by censorship. The article also explores the increasing ground for ESP contact with saucermen, citing personal correspondence and experiences where individuals receive complex messages from UFOs.

Book Review: Not of This World

Michael McNamara reviews Peter Kolosimo's book 'Not of This World,' which explores the historical aspect of UFOs and alleged extraterrestrial visits to Earth. The review highlights the book's suggestion that humans are descendants of extraterrestrial beings and that current evolutionary ideas are outdated. McNamara recommends digesting the book chapter by chapter and notes the absence of an index or bibliography, despite the book's rich content and illustrations.

"Aviators" of Antiquity

This reprinted article from Canadian UFO Report discusses evidence suggesting advanced beings from space landed on Earth in ancient times and influenced human civilization. It references biblical texts like Genesis VI-1 and quotes Otto Binder's interpretation that 'sons of God' might refer to extraterrestrial messengers. The article raises questions about the rapid biological development of early humans, particularly the large brain capacity of Aurignacian Man, and speculates on potential extraterrestrial intervention in human evolution and the development of intelligence.

Press Cuttings

This section compiles several news reports from various Australian newspapers detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena:

• "WAS IT A FLYING SAUCER?" (Tamworth, Sat.): Reports on a mysterious saucer-like hole discovered in a remote paddock near Boggabri, Australia, with officials baffled.
• "TELEGRAPH" (Brisbane, Q'land 18/12/70): Describes a mysterious explosion and vivid white light reported over Indooroopilly, Australia, shaking houses.
• "HERALD" (Melbourne, Vic. 8/12/70): Features a report from Mr. T. Murphy and miners at the Thaduns open-cut mine, who claim something from outer space is watching them, and describe an oval-shaped object hovering over the mine.
• "FLYING SAUCERS' SEEN THROUGHOUT RIVERINA": Details multiple reports of unidentified flying objects seen in the Riverina region of Australia over two weeks, described as spaceship-like and bright lights.
• Navy coming UFO at St Helens: A report about a St. Helens man who saw a cigar-shaped object and will be interviewed by a Navy Department official.
• "MERCURY" (Hobart, Tas. 11/11/70): Mentions sightings of unidentified objects in the Riverina area.
• "ADVERTISER" (Wagga, N.S.W. 18/9/70): Notes that the U.P.O. Investigations Organisation of N.S.W. is interested in the Riverina sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO propulsion, the potential for extraterrestrial influence on ancient human history, and the societal resistance to unconventional ideas (orthodoxy versus heterodoxy). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging investigation beyond conventional scientific paradigms and historical narratives. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative explanations for UFO sightings and phenomena, including ancient origins, advanced technology, and potential psychic connections. The publication also highlights the importance of documenting and disseminating UFO-related information, as evidenced by the work of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society.

This issue of "Aviators of Antiquity" (page 18) delves into a range of topics concerning ancient mysteries, human origins, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on Earth's history and the universe.

"Aviators" of Antiquity

The main article, "Aviators" of Antiquity," begins by questioning fundamental aspects of human evolution, such as the variety of human physical traits and the fertilization process, suggesting that the theory of evolution alone does not fully explain these riddles. It posits that man's development may have involved periods of "tremendous accomplishment followed by others of near extinction," possibly influenced by external factors.

The Nazca Lines

A significant portion of the article focuses on the enigmatic Nazca Lines in Peru. These vast desert tracings, visible only from the air, are presented as a "creation of skillful design" that resembles navigation aids for aviators. The article details how the lines were etched by removing dark pebbles, revealing lighter subsurface material. It highlights the work of Dr. Maria Reiche, who dedicated herself to charting and measuring these lines, linking them to astronomical observations. The mystery of how these enormous patterns were created without apparent help from above ground is emphasized, and the lines are presented as more than just local features, with similar drawings found in other Peruvian valleys and even in northern Chile.

Ancient Accomplishments and Extraterrestrial Influence

The text speculates on the possibility of manned flight in ancient times, referencing Immanuel Velikovsky's "Ages in Chaos," which mentions a "vessel where one could travel by air" in ancient texts. The article also touches upon other ancient feats, such as the Piri Reis maps and building constructions, suggesting the use of flying craft. The "Mojave Maze" in the U.S. and giant pictographs in California are also mentioned as unexplained ground markings.

The possibility of a relationship with "space beings" is explored, suggesting the drawings could be direction signs connected to a theorized UFO power-grid. The article also brings up mysterious rock columns found off the coast of Peru, described as unnatural and possibly predating ancient civilizations, and mentions a quote from a movie director about local Indians seeing "flying saucers land up there."

The Exploration of Space and Life Beyond Earth

Another section, "The Exploration of Space and the Possibility of Life on Other Planets" by P. G. Gittins, shifts focus to the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. It begins by defining 'life' and then examines the prospects for life on other planets in our solar system, finding them generally poor due to extreme conditions.

However, the article argues that based on the vast number of stars and planetary systems in our galaxy, it is highly probable that millions of planets are hospitable to life. It discusses methods for determining the existence of life elsewhere, including:

• Statistical Arguments: Estimating the number of potentially habitable planets.
• Study of Meteorites: Finding organic substances and "biotic" materials within meteorites, suggesting the building blocks of life exist in space.
• Listening for Radio Signals: Discussing efforts to detect intelligent signals from space, mentioning the Russian astronomer Gennady Scholomitsky's theory about CTA-102 emitting regular signals.

UFOs as Extraterrestrial Surveillance Craft?

James E. McDonald's talk, "ARE UFOS EXTRATERRESTRIAL SURVEILLANCE CRAFT?", presents a strong case for the extraterrestrial hypothesis. McDonald, after extensive study and interviews, finds the evidence points towards UFOs being extraterrestrial in origin. He criticizes the historical neglect and ridicule of UFO reports by official and scientific bodies, including the USAF and NASA, and calls for more rigorous scientific investigation.

McDonald outlines several points:

1. The American space program's search for life in space contrasts with the dismissal of UFO evidence suggesting life may have already found us.
2. USAF's handling of UFO reports has been superficial and scientifically incompetent.
3. Public assurances of scientific rigor in USAF investigations have been misleading.
4. The present Air Force-sponsored study at the University of Colorado is expected to fall short due to negative bias.
5. Other countries may have better chances of scientific progress in UFO investigation due to less entrenched skepticism.
6. Intriguing UFO reports often involve close-range sightings of unconventional objects at low altitudes, sometimes on the ground, with witnesses often reluctant to report due to ridicule.
7. Explanations involving meteorological optics or atmospheric plasmas are deemed insufficient.
8. Challenges to the extraterrestrial hypothesis, such as the lack of contact or crashed UFOs, are acknowledged but not seen as insurmountable.

Reported Incidents

The issue includes three "Stop Press" reported incidents:

• Reported Incident No. 1: A 16-year-old girl in Bairnsdale, Australia, reported seeing a tall, rectangular, glowing white object on her front lawn.
• Reported Incident No. 2: Three people in a car near Lakes Entrance, Australia, observed a converging light that then accelerated away.
• Reported Incident No. 3: A nurse driving near Bairnsdale experienced a blinding white light that caused her car to malfunction and filled the radio with static.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of established scientific narratives (evolution, origins of life), the exploration of ancient mysteries that suggest advanced or non-human intelligence (Nazca Lines, ancient texts), and the persistent investigation of UFO phenomena as potentially evidence of extraterrestrial presence and surveillance. The editorial stance appears to favor a more open-minded, scientifically rigorous approach to these subjects, criticizing past neglect and advocating for serious study of UFO evidence. There is a clear implication that conventional explanations are insufficient to account for the phenomena discussed.