Australian Saucer Record - Vol 02 No 03 - 1956

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 2, Number 3, from the Third Quarter of 1956, is the official organ of The Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.). The cover features the magazine's title prominently, accompanied by an outline map of Australia and stylized atomic graphics. The issue is priced at 2/-.

Editorial: Fear of the Unknown

The editorial, penned by Fred P. Stone, delves into the profound human emotion of fear and its antithesis, love. It argues that fear of the unknown has historically impeded the progress of knowledge and science, leading to prejudice, persecution, and martyrdom. This fear, the editorial suggests, is a significant factor hindering public acceptance of UFO research. Many accounts of UFOs border on the abnormal, and the tendency is to dismiss them due to a subconscious phobia, often driven by the fear of public ridicule as a fanatic. The editorial draws parallels with historical figures in medicine, religion, and even astronomy (like Lowell's theories about life on Mars) who faced scorn for their unconventional ideas. It posits that this force is also responsible for the public's reluctance to acknowledge the truth about UFOs, as it would require established institutions to reverse their long-held opinions and admit they cannot explain phenomena. The editorial warns that if the public remains complacent, a future event could make hiding the truth impossible, leading to widespread fear and panic. It concludes by urging readers to face the truth fearlessly, emphasizing that the real fear lies in a lack of knowledge and the denial of the right to be informed.

Concerning the "Record"

This section addresses the production challenges faced by the editorial staff of the "Record" magazine. The increasing costs and the significant hours of work required have made it difficult to maintain a regular schedule. The A.F.S.R.S., having expanded rapidly since its inception less than two years prior, now has a large network of contacts. However, all staff and committee positions are honorary, limiting available time. Faced with three options—discontinuing the "Record", producing only a newsletter, or reorganizing production—the society opted for the third. Changes include discontinuing the special printed cover to save costs, changing the size to quarto for simplified production, and adjusting the appearance to be less colorful but potentially containing more reading matter. Readers are invited to provide comments, suggestions, and articles for publication, with a request for typewritten submissions on quarto paper, single-spaced, with one-inch margins.

Branch News and Developments

N.S.W. Branch News: The National Director visited Sydney in June, conducting a members' meeting and a public lecture that drew a large, enthusiastic audience. This resulted in increased membership, nearly doubling previous numbers. The past President, Andrew Tomas, was succeeded by Dr. W. P. Clifford. Miss Judith Croser is the new Secretary for the N.S.W. Branch. Fred Phillips delivered an interesting lecture on "Communication with F.S." to a well-received audience.

Developments in Victoria: The National Director and H.Q. Committee planned to visit Melbourne at Christmas to meet Victorian enthusiasts and observe the progress of a newly formed group. Mr. R.M. Foria is the contact for interested persons in Victoria.

June Meeting in Adelaide: With Fred Stone in Sydney, the Hon. Secretary chaired the meeting, discussing recent developments in UFO work and reviewing new books on the subject.

The U.S. Air Force and the U.F.O.'s: The Hon. Secretary gave an address detailing the U.S. Air Force's investigation of UFOs, its relationship with the press, and the significance of findings like the Special Report on Project Bluebook, noting inconsistencies in public statements.

Saucers on National Network: A tape recording of an interview with Keith Cartwright from ABC's "News Review" was played, discussing his magnetic saucer detector and promoting the A.F.S.R.S. and upcoming International F.S. Sighting Days.

Addresses to Methodist Groups: Fred Stone addressed the Woodbille Methodist Boys' Fellowship, and the Hon. Secretary spoke to the Tusmore Methodist Men's Fellowship, both receiving enthusiastic responses.

Moseley and Mars: Details of James Moseley's claim that saucers are secret, remote-controlled U.S. devices were presented. The Hon. President discussed the potential connection between Mars and UFO sightings, noting increased activity during Mars' close approaches to Earth in 1950, 1952, and 1954.

The Australian Scene

Murray Floods: The issue reports on devastating floods along the Murray and Darling rivers, causing extensive damage to vineyards, orchards, dairies, and homes, with some loss of life. Military and civilian aid was mobilized, and hospitals were marooned. The report questions whether these events are beyond human control.

Earthquakes in Australia: Several reports detail unusual seismic activity. In Adelaide suburbs, mysterious explosions and earth tremors were felt. Melbourne and Geelong experienced a violent earth tremor, causing fear among hospital patients. Western N.S.W., in Orange, also experienced an earth tremor that damaged buildings. The article notes that earthquake shocks are rare in Australia.

Australian Research Groups

This section clarifies the landscape of UFO research societies in Australia. The A.F.S.R.S. is presented as a healthy and active organization, with its headquarters in South Australia and a strong, growing branch in New South Wales, boosted by public lectures. Groups are also emerging in Victoria and Queensland. While A.F.S.R.S. members exist in Tasmania, organizing meetings has been difficult due to scattered locations. The Perth U.F.O. Research Group in Western Australia is a small entity that has not yet been able to re-form as a branch. In Queensland, Gordon Deller has established a new group. The article also reviews the past history of UFO organizations, noting the defunct Australian Flying Saucer Bureau of N.S.W. (headed by Edgar Jarrold) and the Interplanetary Group of Tasmania (headed by S.H. Fullerton). An organization known as the Australian F.S. Investigation Committee in Melbourne is described as inactive and comprised of a select few.

News and Comments

Fred P. Stone discusses a theory circulating in some UFO journals regarding the use of water in blue bottles exposed to sunlight. He draws a parallel to wartime experiences in Australia where breweries found that sunlight detrimentally affected beer in white bottles, leading to the discontinuation of their use. This suggests that bottle color might influence solar effects. The article posits that if solar rays can affect the contents of a bottle based on its color, then water in a blue bottle might indeed have curative or healthful effects, hinting at the emerging understanding of color therapy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological impact of fear on the perception and acceptance of the unknown, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of advocating for the fearless pursuit of truth and knowledge, challenging societal prejudices and the tendency to dismiss unconventional ideas. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of research, information dissemination, and the role of organizations like the A.F.S.R.S. in advancing understanding. The issue also highlights the interconnectedness of unusual phenomena, linking UFOs with broader discussions of natural events and scientific inquiry. The magazine aims to be a platform for reporting on UFO activities, research group developments, and related societal and scientific discussions within Australia.

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record, dated 1957, focuses on the controversy between George Adamski and Moseley, discusses the results of the International F.S. Sighting Days, and examines the authenticity of saucer photographs. It also touches upon historical accounts of ancient weapons and modern prophecies.

The Adamski-Moseley Controversy

The editorial expresses a desire not to take sides in the dispute between Adamski and Moseley, believing the controversy is detrimental to the 'saucer work'. However, it offers observations based on available evidence. The article notes that Adamski is a widely known figure due to his books, while Moseley is largely unknown outside of narrow circles of magazine readers. This disparity in public recognition is highlighted as a significant factor. The piece points out that Adamski's story has not been disproven, nor have his photographs been definitively declared fakes, and his character has not been questioned. In contrast, Adamski has earned a reputation for sincerity among UFO enthusiasts. The author suggests Moseley's articles are often sarcastic and questions his psychological motives. Furthermore, Moseley's boast of a secret source of income, while claimed to be his own business, raises suspicions about his credentials. The article implies that Moseley, in challenging Adamski, has presented an even more fantastic story to explain the origin of saucers, suggesting he has been privy to a 'GREAT SECRET' of an 'Organization' that supposedly bypasses the U.S. Government. The author questions the likelihood of such an organization existing and being able to operate globally, even in Soviet Russia, and questions the plausibility of all nations conspiring to keep such a secret. The piece concludes that if such an 'International Clique' is indeed working to 'SAVE the world', then Moseley would be a prophet, but suggests it is more likely that these people are providing him with information to confuse issues and bring ridicule upon genuine research.

Prehistoric Atom Bombs?

This section references an article from the 'Sydney Morning Herald' and 'Advertiser' (Adelaide) concerning the possibility that atom or H-bombs were known over 4,000 years ago. Ancient texts reportedly describe super weapons used in wars preceding the Flood, with details of fearful gales and after-effects on humans and animals contaminated by explosions. The similarity between these ancient accounts and modern nuclear weapon effects is noted, leading to the conclusion that humanity has not evolved significantly and that history tends to repeat itself.

The New Nostradamus

This part discusses prophecies made by a Mr. Pingal S. Reddy, who planned to establish a Sydney office. His predictions include two moons appearing in 1957, a third world war breaking out on September 6th, 1957, with one-sixth of the world's population being wiped out. He also reportedly predicted the failure of Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend's romance and the death of Queen Elizabeth and the Royal children in 1960 due to a bomb on Buckingham Palace. Reddy also predicted that Princess Margaret would succeed to the throne, become Queen of Sweden by marrying Prince Bertil in 1957, and reign for 38 years without war. The article mentions that Reddy charges a fee for his predictions. The author expresses hope that some of these predictions are wrong, particularly those concerning the Royal family, but acknowledges that if they are correct, they might portend happy days after a nuclear war.

International F.S. Sighting Days in Retrospect

The article reviews the first two International Flying Saucer Sighting Days held on June 30th and September 8th, 1957. From an Australian perspective, the weather was poor, but the organizational aspects and public cooperation were deemed successful. The press and radio publicity were considered valuable in bringing a serious aspect of UFO research to public notice, aiming to move beyond the 'little green men' narrative. Despite the weather, some results were achieved, and the experiment is considered a success for a first attempt. A sighting reported from Adelaide involved a brilliant light moving across the sky and reversing direction. This sighting was corroborated by two independent groups and ruled out as an aircraft, kite, or meteor. The object was categorized as 'unknown' due to insufficient data for accurate assessment of its size, altitude, and speed.

Press Co-operation

Press and radio cooperation for the sighting days was outstanding. The 'Advertiser' (Adelaide) and other publications drew attention to the event, describing it as a test to gather global statistical information on sightings. The Argonaut Bookshop advertised relevant books. The 'News' (Adelaide) published an editorial titled 'Eyes like Saucers', encouraging the public to be observant. A prominent heading also directed the public to 'Dial MB 1233 FOR FLYING SAUCERS' for reporting sightings to the local branch of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society.

Results from Overseas

Reports from overseas were positive, with excellent results from New Zealand, USA, and Germany. In England, despite unfavorable weather, two reports described a 'sharp-edged disc or sphere' and an 'elliptical object which became crescent shaped' that interfered with television reception. In America, UFOs were seen over Fontana, California, and in Yonkers, New York, including reddish-orange lights and a silvery-white oval object. New Zealand reported three cigar-shaped objects flying in formation over Kelburn and a large multi-coloured object over Nelson. Germany reported a cigar-shaped object seen for about 15 seconds near Mainz. The experiment is considered to have been worthwhile and likely to be repeated.

"Uranus"

This section briefly mentions that 'Uranus' is a popular English saucer magazine distributed in Australia by the A.F.S.R.S., published by Markham House Press, costing 2/- per copy in Australia.

Postage

This is a plea from the Society for members and correspondents to help reduce expenditure by enclosing a fourpenny stamp or a stamped and addressed envelope with their letters, especially when a reply is required. This is presented as a significant saving for the Society.

Saucer Photographs Which Aren't

By F.D. Thomas. This article discusses the unreliability of many early saucer photographs. It notes that while many photos appeared, experts often labeled them 'fake' or 'not proven'. The author suggests that some photographs are deliberate hoaxes, while others are misidentifications of ordinary objects or optical effects. A typical example cited is a photograph from 'The Mystery of Other Worlds Revealed' which appears to show a hat and a disc record thrown into the air. The article warns that such pictures, if not quickly exposed, can harm serious research. It also discusses 'doubtful' photos where authenticity cannot be proven. A surprising number of photos are attributed to the second category, where photographers failed to recognize what they were seeing, with objects appearing only after the film was developed. The author intends to detail examples of how people can be fooled by unexpected effects.

Example 1: Armco Steel Corporation Blast Furnace

The frontispiece of H.T. Wilkins's 'Flying Saucers On the Moon' is analyzed. It shows a photograph of the Armco Steel Corporation blast furnace at Hamilton, Ohio, at night, with three elliptical objects visible above the buildings. Figure 1, a sketch, shows the positions of these objects and the main features. Lines drawn through the lights in the foreground and the central axis of the lens, when projected, align with the objects. The author suggests that light marked 4a in Figure 1 would give a similar effect, leading to point 4b. This part of the picture is illuminated, and the author notes that at this point, the outline of another 'space craft' appears, about 20 or 30 yards from the camera. Such lens reflections are common when cameras are pointed at bright lights, and novices are warned against pointing cameras at the sun.

Example 2: Lens Flare

Figure 2 illustrates a lens flare caused by the sun, as seen in the 'Telonic Research Bulletin'. The photographer had pointed the camera at the air, and the sketch shows the background of the sky, the light image of the iris, and diffused rays of light. This example further illustrates how optical effects can be mistaken for UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. The editorial on the Adamski-Moseley controversy demonstrates a cautious approach, prioritizing the integrity of the 'saucer work' over personal disputes. The reporting on the International F.S. Sighting Days highlights the importance of organized research, public engagement, and media cooperation. The article on photographic evidence emphasizes the need for critical analysis and skepticism towards unverified claims, distinguishing between genuine phenomena, hoaxes, and misinterpretations. The inclusion of historical accounts and prophecies suggests an interest in broader patterns and future implications related to unexplained phenomena. The overall tone is one of investigation and reasoned inquiry, encouraging readers to approach the subject with both curiosity and a discerning eye.

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: 20
Date: September 6, 1956
Publisher: Australian Flying Saucer Research Society
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD focuses on a significant flying saucer scare reported in Darwin, Australia, and includes an analysis of photographic evidence.

Analysis of a UFO Photograph

The article begins by examining a photograph, possibly published in "Flying Saucers Have Landed" as Plate 9 and captioned "Flying Saucer over New York." The photographer asserted that only the aircraft and the sun were visible in the sky. However, under the lighting conditions, the camera's iris (a Kodak "Tourist" camera has a five-bladed iris that forms a nearly straight-sided pentagon when closed) projected an image of the iris onto the film, creating a "5-sided U.F.O." effect. This effect, along with diffused rays of light diverging from the sun's position, appears superimposed on the underside of the aircraft in the picture.

The author suggests that the bright light in the picture, roughly opposite the object, could have easily caused such an effect through lens reflection. The mystery surrounding the inclusion of this particular picture is noted, as the caption does not seem to accurately describe the photograph. The article concludes this section by stating that considering the possibilities of lens reflections can help clarify UFO pictures.

A Sighting at Darwin

This section reports on a flying saucer scare from Darwin, Australia, as covered by the "Australasian Post" on September 6, 1956. The reports generated considerable skepticism, even among locals.

The first report came from a veteran charter pilot who informed RAAF security officers that he had seen a "long, narrow, dimly illuminated object" moving horizontally at "fabulously high speed" over the Darwin airport in early August 1956. This sighting was quickly followed by a report from the crew members of an airliner. They claimed to have observed a similar shape approximately 300 miles north of Darwin, at an altitude of about 29,000 feet. Both sightings occurred on the same night.

Publication Information

The "AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD" is identified as the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society. It is published at 22 Northcote Street, Kilburn, South Australia. The issue states that its contents may be reproduced in whole or in part by similar non-profit organizations, provided appropriate acknowledgement is given.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of photographic evidence for UFOs, emphasizing potential natural explanations like lens reflections, and the reporting of specific UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, seeking to demystify UFO phenomena by considering mundane explanations while still presenting reported sightings, such as the Darwin incident, for consideration.