Australian Saucer Record - Vol 07 No 03 - 1961

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 7, No. 3, published in 1961, is the official organ of the A.F.S.R.S. and features an 'Open Mind Approach'. The cover displays a map of Australia with three saucer-shaped UFOs and the title prominently. The price is 2/-. The issue date is noted as 1961.

Editorial Notes and Content Adjustment

A note to readers explains that the number of pages in this issue has been reduced due to organizational pressures, including special meetings in Adelaide and an upcoming convention of flying saucer societies in Perth. To compensate for the smaller normal size, a special supplement of foolscap pages has been included. This supplement is described as a timely message, written by the late Artur Constance, a tribute to his work for the UFO cause, and is reprinted from 'Orbit' magazine of England.

Editorial: "How Silly Can You Be.?."

The editorial expresses amazement at the 'inane plausible explanations' offered by observers and particularly by official authorities for UFO sightings. It cautions against being too quick to judge others, acknowledging that even within the organization, some members may not rigorously assess sightings and might prematurely label everything as a saucer. The editor emphasizes that experience has taught that such haste does more harm than good to the UFO cause. It is essential to subject sightings to a system of elimination, as a significant percentage can be explained by normal natural phenomena. However, the editorial also notes that some cases, initially appearing natural, prove to be more likely UFOs upon further investigation. It stresses the importance of not casting aside opinions of authorities but suggests placing their conclusions into 'POSSIBLE' files for further information, especially when authorities provide no genuine reason for their conclusions, and evidence points to an unusual incident.

The editorial criticizes the tendency to offer weak explanations for UFOs, citing Venus, clouds, meteors, inversions, and freak weather conditions as common scapegoats. It suggests that some 'know-alls' are too entrenched in their views or are compelled by vested interests to avoid unconventional statements. The editor points out that UFOs exhibit patterns not found in natural phenomena, such as flying in pairs or formations, twisting, gyrating, stopping cars, and dropping unexplained thread-like matter. These characteristics, the editorial argues, indicate intelligent control and defy natural explanations like 'spider web' phenomena.

The editorial expresses a loss of confidence in the reliability of officials, questioning whether they are dishonest or 'complete nitwits'. It praises the few men of letters and science who have honestly admitted that while they may not accept the saucer explanation, they refuse to make baseless, degrading explanations. The editorial calls for a more sensible and reasonable study of UFO phenomena, condemning the habit of dismissing them without serious consideration.

Finally, the editorial introduces two recent Australian cases that exemplify this 'blindness' of authorities, which it calls deliberate in most cases. These incidents, occurring since the last edition, have outstanding earmarks that suggest they are not explainable by usual natural phenomena.

Sightings Reports

Meekatharra Sighting, West Australia

Reported in 'Advertiser' on August 7th, 1961, ten independent witnesses near Meekatharra reported seeing twelve unidentified flying objects moving fast in pairs. These objects left a tangible white trail of mesh-like streamers that floated down and crumbled when touched. One witness described picking some up, but it vanished in their hands. The silvery round objects passed directly over Mount Hale Station at regular intervals between 8:20 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. They were estimated to be flying at 8,000 to 10,000 ft. and at a speed comparable to Sputnik. The Department of Civil Aviation stated there were no aircraft in the area, and no meteorological balloons had been sent up. The R.A.A.F. was to make a report to the Department of Air.

Flash Blast, Rose Park South Australia

This case, occurring within weeks of the Meekatharra sighting, is described as having very marked points that suggest it was not of an ordinary character. It involved a large flash, a muffled explosion, a humming noise, and a glow that moved across the sky. Lights dimmed, and cars stopped for an unknown reason. The report notes these are common signs of UFO presence observed worldwide.

Sydney Sighting, New South Wales

On August 6th, 1961, thousands of people, including aircraft pilots, saw a meteor flash brilliantly across the sky. Many mistook it for an aircraft on fire or a guided missile. The event occurred at 8:50 a.m., travelling from south to north-west, leaving a long white vapor trail. Dr. A.R. Hogg, Assistant Director of the Commonwealth Observatory, watched the phenomenon.

#### Further Report of the Sydney Sighting

It was described as a ball of fire with a long flaming tail, sighted just before 9 a.m. in Sydney suburbs. It appeared over Canberra as orange-red and glowing. Hundreds of callers contacted the police seeking information. Dr. Hogg described it as a 'brassy ball of light' and a daytime meteor that might have disintegrated in the air, with no sound.

Analysis of Sightings and Material

The Meekatharra sighting is further analyzed, with the 'mesh-like streamers' being identified as similar to 'angel hair', a material observed globally in conjunction with UFOs. The magazine details their experience of collecting and preserving this material, noting its delicate nature and tendency to dissolve. The editorial questions how any scientific mind could dub such a sighting a meteor or the material 'spider web', given the fiery formations, speeds, and the nature of the material.

The 'Flash Blast' is described as less definitive but still points to an unusual character. The common elements of UFO presence are reiterated, emphasizing that when such incidents fit a consistent pattern, more sensible study is warranted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the inadequacy and dismissiveness of official explanations for UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous investigation and open-mindedness, and the presentation of compelling witness testimony from Australia. The editorial stance is critical of authorities and advocates for a more serious and scientific approach to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine aims to present evidence that challenges conventional explanations and encourages readers to question official narratives.