Australian Flying Saucer Review - 1972 02 - vol 3 no 4 VUFORS

Magazine Overview

Title: Australian Flying Saucer Review
Issue: Number 4
Volume: Vol. 3
Date: February 1972
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, a non-profit educational publication by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, aims to collate and disseminate information on Flying Saucers and UFOs. The society's office bearers are listed, including President Peter E. Norris and Vice President Judith M. Magee. Subscription rates are provided for various membership levels.

Editorial

The editorial highlights a recent symposium in Adelaide, organized by the Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science, which provided a stimulus for UFO research in Australia. The editors commend the open-minded attitude of the organizers and scientists, expressing hope that similar initiatives will be emulated in other states.

Contents

The issue features several articles:

• The Exploration of Space and the possibility of life on other planets by P.G. Gittins
• The Wondjina Paintings by Michael McNamara
• Who Lives Next Door? by Devin J. Meyers
• Press Clippings
• Ion Engines - a space propulsion lecture by L.E. Adam
• UFOs Over South Australia - 1971 compiled by the Aerial Phenomena Research Group and U.F.O. Research & Investigation.

The Exploration of Space and the Possibility of Life on Other Planets (Part 4 & 5)

By P.G. Gittins

This concluding section explores what form extraterrestrial life might take, drawing on the ideas of Willy Ley, Carl Sagan, and Shklovskii. Gittins posits that alien beings would likely be air-breathers, similar in size to humans, with two eyes and two ears, and possessing hands and feet for manipulation. They would likely be omnivorous. The article speculates that 'Planet X' would need to have a size, atmosphere, and climate similar to Earth to support such life. Gittins also addresses the question of "Where is everybody?", suggesting that while interstellar travel might be possible for advanced races, the vastness of space and the relative isolation of our solar system might explain the lack of contact. The article mentions Peter van de Kamp's detection of a possible planet orbiting Barnard's Star as the first potential planet found outside our solar system.

The Wondjina Paintings

By Michael McNamara

McNamara presents a compelling argument that the ancient Wondjina cave paintings in Western Australia's Kimberley Range depict extraterrestrial beings. He references Captain George Grey's 1836 discovery of these paintings, describing figures with vivid colors, rayed heads, and unusual attire. McNamara notes the distinct expressions on the faces and the detailed, often naturalistic style of the art, which he believes is too sophisticated to be solely the product of Aboriginal culture. He highlights the Aboriginal belief that the Wondjina were 'creative ancestral beings' who visited Earth and are still alive, sometimes seen as lights in the sky. The article draws parallels between the Wondjina figures and symbols found in ancient South American cultures, such as the inverted horseshoe shape, and discusses the possibility that these beings were responsible for advanced knowledge, like the boomerang. McNamara also quotes Peter Kolosimo and Professor Alexei Kasanzev, who suggest these ancient rock pictures indicate contact with unknown beings from elsewhere.

Who Lives Next Door?

By Devin J. Meyers

Meyers explores the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, describing it as an area responsible for numerous disappearances and strange phenomena. He recounts incidents involving lost aircraft, including the disappearance of five Avenger bombers and a Martin Mariner plane. The article discusses how compasses and electronic equipment can be affected by electromagnetic pulses and vortices. It also mentions reports of fireballs and bright lights, citing a Pan-American pilot's sighting of three bright white lights. Meyers includes theories suggesting that UFOs might be a type of electromagnetic phenomenon, referencing the work of Joseph Evon, who explains how intersecting electromagnetic energy beams can create phenomena resembling UFOs. The article touches upon the difficulty of conducting definitive research and the personal experiences of individuals affected by the Triangle's enigmatic nature.

Ion Engines - A Space Propulsion Lecture

By L.E. Adam

This lecture explains the concept and workings of ion engines for space propulsion. Adam details how these engines generate thrust by expelling positively charged ions at high velocities, contrasting them with chemical rocket engines. He discusses the advantages of ion engines, such as significantly higher exhaust velocities (10-100 KM/second compared to 3.5 KM/second for liquid hydrogen/oxygen) which allow for greater payload capacity and efficiency. The article mentions the development of miniature atomic reactors as power sources for ion engines and addresses potential challenges, including public fear of atomic power and disarmament agreements. It also speculates on the implications of advanced civilizations using ion engines, suggesting they could traverse vast distances in space much faster than current technology allows.

Press Clippings

This section compiles various news items related to UFOs:

• Playground for flying saucers: A report from Adelaide about a young man investigating UFO sightings in South Australia's Mid-North region.
• Car "stalled" by U.F.O.: An account from Bairnsdale, Victoria, of a car being affected by a flying object.
• UFOS AND SCIENTISTS THEME OF SEMINAR: A report on a symposium at Adelaide University aimed at encouraging scientists to take UFO research more seriously.
• ODD LIGHTS AT N'CLIFF: A sighting of unidentified lights by a man and his daughter in Darwin, N.T.
• 12 SIGHTINGS OF UFO's: A report from Yugoslavia detailing numerous UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the unknown, encompassing extraterrestrial life, unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), and advanced propulsion systems. The magazine consistently adopts a stance of open-minded inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation and the dissemination of information. It seeks to bridge the gap between scientific skepticism and the growing body of anecdotal evidence and theoretical possibilities surrounding UFOs and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious research and challenging conventional scientific attitudes towards these subjects, as evidenced by the coverage of the Adelaide symposium and the detailed analysis of phenomena like the Wondjina paintings and the Bermuda Triangle.

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, dated 1971, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations within South Australia. The cover headline, "UFOS OVER SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 1971", sets the theme, and the issue includes reports compiled by the Aerial Phenomena Research Group and the Victorian UFO Research Society.

The Exploration of Space

The article "The Exploration of Space" (continued from page 4 and 18) delves into the possibility of extraterrestrial life and intelligence in the galaxy. It posits that Earth is likely not unique in harboring intelligent life, given the vast number of stars. The author suggests that if we encounter older alien races, their technology would be far more advanced, and if we encounter younger ones, ours would be more advanced. The question of "Where is everybody?" is explored, with a hypothesis that other civilizations might be observing us. The author also addresses the phenomenon of "Unidentified Flying Objects" (UFOs), stating that governments worldwide admit some sightings cannot be explained. The possibility of these being space probes from other civilizations is raised. The author concludes by critiquing humanity's anthropocentric view of the universe, suggesting that believing Earth is the sole abode of life is "ludicrous" in light of scientific understanding.

UFO Sightings in South Australia - 1971

This section details several specific UFO reports from South Australia:

Ceduna Sighting (February 11, 1971)

A group of wharfmen at Ceduna observed an unusual object in the sky. Described as oval-shaped and bluish-white, it projected a beam of white light onto the sea, estimated to be 15 feet in diameter. The object itself was estimated to be 500 feet in altitude. It approached from the south-east, passed over the ship soundlessly, and continued north-west. Witnesses were adamant it was not an aircraft due to the absence of noise and navigation lights. Investigations found no conventional explanation.

Kadina Sighting (August 8, 1971)

An investigation by K. Basterfield of the Aerial Phenomena Research Group documented a report from a 51-year-old witness near Kadina. While driving, the witness observed an orange glow, and his car engine and lights suddenly stopped. He then saw a dark, oval-shaped object with 3-4 windows emitting the orange light. The object had one red and one green light and was estimated to be 30 feet in diameter and 150 feet above the ground. It hovered for 2-3 minutes before moving off. The witness's wife also observed similar lights. Notably, a nearby householder reported their infra-red lamp had inexplicably turned off for several minutes at the same time.

Sutherlands Sighting (August 18, 1971)

Witnesses A. and R. Jenke reported seeing a bright glow in the eastern sky, which turned out to be a cigar-shaped object. It was described as glowing with a fluorescent white, tapered at one end, and lacking wings or protrusions. The object moved eastwards at a constant speed, estimated at 200 m.p.h., and disappeared from view. Further unconfirmed reports from Eudunda suggest similar objects have been seen recently.

Semaphore Sighting (September 22, 1971)

An 18-year-old apprentice reported seeing a light in the western sky while motor-cycling home in Semaphore, Adelaide. He investigated and found a dull form with lighted sections about 50 feet above the sea, approximately 150 feet from the shore. When he shone his motorbike's high beam, the object's lighting dimmed. When he flashed his lights, the object did not respond and faded slowly, moving out over the Gulf of St. Vincent. The witness was interviewed and appeared reliable.

Back Issues and Society Information

The magazine also includes information on available back issues of the "Australian Flying Saucer Review", listing specific volumes and their prices in Australian currency. It also provides contact details for the Victorian UFO Research Society, encouraging readers to send in their reports, and notes that the society meets on the second Friday evening of each month (except January).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific and philosophical exploration of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO reports, acknowledging that many remain unexplained by conventional means, and promoting the idea that humanity is likely not alone in the universe. There is a critical perspective on human egocentrism regarding its place in the cosmos.