Australian UFO Bulletin - 1959 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: No. 8
Volume: 1.1.
Date: April, 1959
Publisher: U.F.O. BULLETIN
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the U.F.O. BULLETIN, dated April 1959, presents a collection of articles and reports related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), extraterrestrial life, and space exploration. The cover prominently features a drawing related to a "cosmic ship" crash in Siberia in 1908.

DID A SPACESHIP FROM VENUS CRASH IN SIBERIA IN 1908?

This article details the mysterious event in Siberia on June 30, 1908, where microbarographs and seismographs recorded a violent earthquake, and the night sky was brilliantly illuminated. Reports from Russia in 1921 described a massive explosion that destroyed 80 million trees over 2,000 square miles in Tunguska, Central Siberia. Eyewitnesses reported a wall of fire 12 miles high and 20 miles long. While astronomers initially attributed this to a meteor, the lack of a crater and the peculiar pattern of felled trees (destroyed in "islands" or patches, with a non-radial slant) led to alternative hypotheses. A "responsible group of Soviet scientists" is propounding the theory that the event was not a meteor but a "cosmic ship" that crashed. This hypothesis is supported by two facts: a French astronomer sighted an unidentified object in space on the day of the explosion, and a 1957 Russian expedition found "particles of iron which were not part of a meteorite". Professor B. Liupunov of the Moscow Academy of Sciences suggests the "cosmic ship" chose Mongolia for landing due to its flat terrain, but mechanical difficulties might have caused it to miss Mongolia and crash in Tunguska.

Editorial: THE CASE OF GEORGE ADAMSKI

This editorial discusses George Adamski, who was on a lecture tour in Australia. Adamski's claims of meeting people from other planets and traveling in spaceships are described as "extremely fantastic" and akin to science fiction, making him a "source of controversy." The editorial posits that "public opinion" largely determines what is controversial. It stresses the importance of good journalism being objective and impartial, presenting evidence for and against a case, leaving the verdict to the readers, who are likened to a jury. The editor states the magazine wants facts, not opinions, as opinions are "often erroneous." The article touches upon upcoming space travel and suggests that if lunar landscapes are televised and animal life is found on the moon, it would support Adamski's claims. It also mentions that Russian and American rockets are exploring space, and the time for direct contact with extraterrestrial life is approaching. The Siberian "cosmic ship" report is cited as potential tangible proof of interplanetary travel.

WHY I BELIEVE GEORGE ADAMSKI by Elizabeth Fry

Elizabeth Fry, a self-described "hard-headed business woman" with over thirty years of experience, explains her belief in George Adamski. She met him in America in March 1957 and discussed his experience on November 20, 1952, where he claimed to have met a man from another planet. Fry examined plaster casts of footprints and six affidavits from Adamski's party. She also recounts the story of Claude Blondeau, a former French Air Force pilot, who allegedly saw two machines resembling "reversed deep plates" with oblong windows, from which two men emerged. Blondeau's account of the craft's light and the men's brief interaction is detailed. Fry notes that Adamski describes a similar craft and produces photographs, which have reportedly been difficult to fake, with even a prominent cameraman like Cecil de Mille's Pev Marley suggesting that faking them would require extremely costly equipment. The article includes a sworn statement from six eyewitnesses corroborating Adamski's contact.

-3- (Article continuation)

This section questions why strange machines seen in different countries by different people resemble Adamski's "scouts." It suggests two possibilities: either they are records of the same phenomenon, or it's a "world-wide hoax." Examples are given, including a sketch by Capt. Jack Adams of an umbrella-like object, a "warming-pan" machine with a coning tower by a German mayor, a photograph from Rio de Janeiro's "Cruzeiro" magazine, and Stephen Darbyshire's photograph, which was analyzed by Leonard Cramp and found identical to Adamski's scoutships. Cedric Allingham also photographed a similar saucer over Scotland on the same day as Darbyshire. The article also mentions a photograph of a Brazilian Navy gunboat with a strange object above it, reminiscent of Adamski's scoutships. It highlights that within 48 hours of Adamski's "space contact" on November 20, 1952, strange rocket-like objects were sighted over France and England. A prior incident in France involved ten witnesses seeing a cylinder-like object and spherical "scouts" moving in a zig-zag motion, with a strange substance falling from the sky.

-4- (Article continuation)

This section continues the discussion on Adamski's incident, noting similarities to a sighting on November 20, 1952, involving a mother-ship and a scout. It mentions that the U.S. Air Force admitted a plane was circling overhead during Adamski's contact and that he was interviewed and interrogated by them on several occasions without being charged with falsifying evidence. The Polish Air Force magazine "Skrzydlata Polska" published an article with a photograph by Adamski, suggesting that even those with a "down-to-earth" attitude were convinced of its authenticity. Adamski has reportedly secured audiences at Buckingham Palace and the Vatican, which the author finds difficult to reconcile with him being a charlatan. The author acknowledges that Adamski might "colour his story with his personality" but defends this as human. While admitting Adamski's interpretations may not align with "dogmatic science" or "cold journalism," the author believes his basic facts are credible. Adamski is described as an "ordinary man with an EXTRAORDINARY experience." The author concludes that Adamski's story cannot be dismissed by skepticism or sarcasm unless his photographs are proven fakes and the six signatories of his affidavits are found guilty of perjury.

THE AUSTRALIAN JOON'S ELKLY (April 1,1959) by Dorothy Drain

This piece by Dorothy Drain suggests that believing in flying saucers is becoming "increasingly respectable." Rear-Admiral George Dufek considered their existence possible, and Professor Bondi, a leading British scientist, stated it was "highly unlikely that the earth was the only planet with civilised life," though he found evidence for flying saucers "quite insufficient." Drain concludes that if life exists on other planets, it's logical to assume they might have "saucer-shaped transport." She admits a preference for "half believing" in flying saucers, finding fantasy more attractive than fact.

DESTINATION MOON

This section contains several short pieces related to space and the moon.

• "I've booked for the Moon": A humorous anecdote about calling "Thomas Cook's" to book a trip to the Moon, being transferred to a "Moon Department," and being told applications are being taken.
• "Lunar Conquest": A poem about man's future conquest of the Moon, mentioning "Spacemen" and "interstellar Travel."
• "Lunar Xanadu": A brief description of a "Spaceport refuge for a modern Fu Manchu."
• "Lunar Bases": An excerpt from Dr. John Russell, head of the University of Southern California Astronomy Department, suggesting that the back side of the Moon would be an ideal staging platform for Martian spacecraft to observe Earth undetected.

U.F.O. RESEARCH OR COSMIC FICTION by Dr. F.P. Szeibert

Dr. F.P. Szeibert discusses the nature of UFO research, noting that while people have always seen phenomena beyond known stars or meteorites, curiosity has led to systematic data collection. He observes that the field has split into "sceptics, believers, fanatics," with books appearing that contain data on unusual sightings and attempts to apply scientific laws. Szeibert criticizes "futile speculation" and "fantastic trimmings," stating that "science fiction mushroomed" and "flying-saucer fans congregated." He points out that "chosen men" who claim to have flown in spaceships often "conspicuously commercialise their remarkable experiences in the form of popular books" but avoid scientific treatises. While these individuals provide detailed descriptions of alien crews, they fail to bring back tangible "cosmic souvenirs." Eyewitnesses describe visitors as friendly but issuing "dark warnings" about exploring the atom. Theories about spaceship propulsion involving "rotating and intersecting magnetic fields" are mentioned, along with explanations for the lack of material evidence, such as "different dimensional planes" and "unusual aeronautical behaviour."

Szeibert notes the "current generally-held opinion of the vast majority of astronomers" that there is little evidence for superior life on Mars, Venus, or other planets, yet this is "cheerfully disregarded or blissfully ignored." He mentions "feverish activities" on the moon and "fifth columns from outer space."

He then discusses how UFO enthusiasts often live in an "ecstatic daze," expecting "Space-Brothers." He criticizes the merging of the "fabulous" with physics and the "metaphysical with fairytales," creating a "tangled jungle of facts and fantasies." He states that recent sightings, radar echoes, and photographic evidence have been analyzed, with approximately 97% being explainable, leaving only 3% as potentially significant. Szeibert emphasizes the need for objective interest and warns against emotional involvement leading to "believers." He notes the "sadly lacking" material evidence for UFOs, which cannot be replaced by faith, and suggests that "seriously-minded people" may view some UFO organizations with "forgivable contempt."

The author advocates for an open mind and a willingness to adopt new theories if old ones are unsatisfactory. He stresses the importance of "disciplined thinking, honest learning, critical separation of truth from half-truth, exposing fakes, guiding the public towards clear observation and alert watchfulness" to elevate UFO research.

PROFESSOR BONDI-IN-AUSTRALIA

This section reports on Professor Herman Bondi's visit to Sydney. Bondi, Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society, stated that if suitable temperatures existed on other planets, life and civilization could be expected. He also suggested the possibility of intelligent life "completely foreign to human concept," such as "intelligent insects of any size or form." He advised against using the words "Ever" or "Never" in science regarding space travel and remarked that Earth-like conditions could exist in other planetary systems.

ADAMSKI'S VIEWS ABOUT LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS

This section summarizes George Adamski's views on life on other planets, based on his alleged contacts.

• Social Structure: Adamski describes planets where scientists and philosophers rule, prioritizing the "Common Good" and lacking national states. These societies have moved past strife and possess no money; resources are owned by a Planetary Government or Solar Federation. Moral discipline is inborn, with individuals motivated to help each other, achieving a "Brotherhood of Man" without regimentation.
• Economy: No money exists; resources are communal. Individuals receive what they need based on need (e.g., clothes when old ones are worn, food when hungry).
• Ideology: A "Philosophy of Humanism" unites people, described as akin to ideal Christians or Buddhists, but lived rather than just talked about. They have "Understanding" and feel themselves part of the "Cosmic Whole." Churches are unknown; magnificent academies and universities exist for learning.
• Food: People are largely vegetarian, with animal food used only in emergencies. Sickness is unknown due to their natural way of life.
• Racial Characteristics: "Space Brothers" are diverse in appearance (dark/fair, tall/short), influenced by environment and "scientific experimentation in race breeding" to create a "super-man." Populations are maintained at a level to ensure enough food, and people mature quickly, living hundreds of years while preserving youth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, the nature of UFO phenomena, and the challenges of UFO research. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, encouraging readers to consider evidence objectively while acknowledging the speculative nature of some claims. There's a clear interest in presenting controversial accounts, such as George Adamski's, and exploring alternative explanations for unexplained events like the 1908 Siberian incident. The editorial emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and critical analysis, positioning the readers as the ultimate arbiters of truth in these complex matters. The underlying message is one of cautious exploration into the unknown, balancing fascination with a demand for verifiable evidence.

Title: U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: 13
Date: January, 1959
Publisher: U.F.O.I.C.
Country: Australia

This issue of the U.F.O. BULLETIN delves into the profound question of humanity's place in the universe, exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the implications of UFO sightings. The cover boldly proclaims "NOT ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE" by Michael G. Duggan, setting the tone for the articles within.

The Language of Other Planets and Scientific Progress

The issue begins with an exploration of communication and science on other planets. It is suggested that inhabitants of other planets converse through "thought transference" rather than spoken language, with their language being slightly reminiscent of Chinese. Hieroglyphics are used for writing, but extensive writing is not needed as "visatones" can record and reproduce vibrations. The approach to science is described as generally positive, where everything is possible with time and the right conditions, leading to significant progress. The key to their civilization lies in understanding a basic universal energy that propels space ships. The article also touches upon history, referencing discussions with "Space Brothers" that confirm ancient myths of Atlantis and the Great Flood, suggesting humanity is somewhere between savage and superman, with moral advancement needed to progress.

U.F.O.I.C. Man in Europe

This section reports on the activities of Mr. John Matasin, a committeeman of UFOIC and leader of the Esperanto Movement in Australia. In August 1958, he attended the World Esperanto Congress in Mainz, Germany, where he addressed a large audience about "flying saucers" in Esperanto. The response was overwhelming, with many inquiries from Eastern European countries seeking books on UFOs due to exchange restrictions. Mr. Matasin supplied German translations of George Adamski's books to many.

Not Alone in the Universe

Authored by Michael G. Duggan, this article contemplates humanity's destiny and the vastness of the universe. It posits that interstellar travel is a likely future development, as humanity is not destined to remain confined to our solar system. The Milky Way Galaxy is described as a spinning catherine-wheel with numerous arms, and it is estimated that there are approximately 200 million "island universes" (galaxies). Astronomers are confident that many stars have planetary systems, potentially hosting life. The article quotes A. Fesenkov stating, "Our infinite Universe must also contain an infinite number of inhabited planets." Martin Caidin is quoted on the perspective gained by astronomers through telescopes, highlighting the insignificance of human conflicts in the grand cosmic scale.

Interstellar Communication and Detection

The possibility of intelligences superior to ours existing elsewhere in the universe is considered highly probable. The article discusses how such intelligences might use radio for communication, and how Earth's radio telescopes could potentially receive these signals. The 200-foot radio telescope at Jodrell Bank in England is highlighted for its power and range. The development of the 'maser' device is mentioned as a way to enhance receiver sensitivity. It is acknowledged that even if a message were unintelligible by human standards, its non-random patterns could indicate intelligent origin. The article also notes that Earth's own radio transmissions might be picked up by other civilizations, though the atmosphere poses a challenge for transmission. The difficulties of interstellar communication, including the time lag for messages and the Doppler effect for moving spaceships, are discussed. It is concluded that any received message would be years old, depending on the distance of the source.

A War of Worlds?

Dr. Olavo Fontes from Rio de Janeiro emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting UFO sightings to build a framework for understanding the UFO riddle. He contrasts the confusion in American and English UFO research with a more scientific and organized approach in Brazil, where UFO matters are publicized through various media. The article discusses the possibility of UFOs being hostile and the need to prepare the Brazilian people for such a scenario to prevent panic and hysteria. It suggests that in case of a mass landing or attack, Earth's defenses would likely collapse quickly, but a ground fight might offer a chance for humanity to compensate for technical inferiority with knowledge of the terrain and environment. The article notes that UFOs have been observed surveying Brazilian terrestrial defenses, causing concern among military authorities. While acknowledging that UFO interest might be a "study" or a "false pattern," the possibility of a UFO attack cannot be excluded, leading to measures to counteract it in advance.

Global News: UFO Sightings and Incidents

This section provides a collection of recent UFO-related news items:

• U.F.O. Over London: On March 6, 1959, the R.A.F. investigated a mysterious yellow disk hovering over London Airport, described as a "Bright yellow light varying in intensity" that climbed away at high speed.
• Unknown Craft Leaves Tracks in the Desert: In July 1956, near Anaheim, California, large, unique tracks were found in the sand, abruptly ending as if an unknown craft had taken off.
• Saucers Chase Plane: On February 26, three shining saucer-like objects accompanied an American Airlines DC-6 for 45 minutes, observed by the crew and passengers.
• UFOs Back in the Blue Mountains: On March 15, a silvery object was sighted hovering in the sky by two women golfers in Australia.
• Spaceship Lands in South Australia: On March 28, residents of Purnong reported seeing a large, dome-shaped, multi-colored craft with lights take off from a field, described as intelligently controlled and moving at immense speed.

U.S. Plans to Reach Venus

The United States planned two attempts to place a satellite in orbit around Venus in June 1959, with Russia also planning Venus missions.

Air Ministry's "Diplomatic" Reply

When asked if there was proof that flying saucers do not exist, the Air Ministry replied diplomatically, quoting the Earl of Northumberland: "Your Majesty that is so great a scholar and so judicious, cannot but know how impossible it is to prove a negative."

Letters May Be Flying Saucers

U.S. Admiral George Dufek suggested that some meteors exploding in the atmosphere might have been "saucers" from other planets, stating, "I don't think we can discount flying saucers."

"Meteors" Puzzle Wellington

Following Admiral Dufek's statement, mysterious lights appeared near Wellington, New Zealand. Astronomers disagreed on their nature, with one calling it a "fireball" and another a "meteor shower." The object reportedly landed at sea with a violent explosion.

UFO Problem Recognized by a French General

General L.M. Chassin, Commander of NATO Air Defense in Central Europe, has compiled maps showing a definite pattern in the landings and sightings of large spaceships over Central Europe. The article suggests that UFOs are likely to modify views on world problems, impacting foreign affairs, strategy, astronautics, philosophy, and religion, and that world leaders have been briefed to handle this subject with discretion.

R.A.A.F. Says Saucers Could Be Interplanetary

A Royal Australian Air Force spokesman stated that flying saucers could be interplanetary, questioning why people on other planets wouldn't have reached a state of space travel if humans are expected to in forty years.

Our Space Visitors

Authored by Willy Ley, this article speculates on the physical characteristics of potential space visitors based on scientific principles. It suggests they would likely resemble humans, breathe air, eat both plants and meat, and possess a body weight of at least 40 lbs to support a 2 lb brain. They would have two eyes and ears near the brain for quick information processing, and two hands and two feet for erect movement.

U.F.O.I.C. Chronicle

This section details recent events organized by U.F.O.I.C., including a film night featuring a Russian film on space rockets, a lecture on Radio Astronomy by Dr. W.N. Christiansen, and lectures by Mr. George Adamski. It also notes the resignation of Dr. J. Greenwell as President and the appointment of Dr. M. Lindtner, and expresses regret over the death of Dr. E. Very.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of extraterrestrial life, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the potential implications for humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives from scientists, military figures, and ufologists, while acknowledging the confusion and differing opinions within the field. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific approach to understanding UFOs, as seen in the discussions on communication, biology, and the analysis of sightings. The magazine aims to inform the public about UFOs and their potential impact on society and world affairs.

This document is a page from the U.F.O. Investigation Centre, likely a newsletter or bulletin, dated July 1957. It provides information on the centre's activities, including meeting schedules and contact details, and features a detailed report on a purported UFO incident.

U.F.O. Investigation Centre Activities

The U.F.O. Investigation Centre holds meetings on the first Tuesday of each month (except Thursdays, July 1st) at 7.10 pm at the Adyar Hall, 29 Bligh Street, Sydney. Lectures are advertised in the classified section of the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturdays preceding the lecture.

General inquiries can be directed to M. Duggan, Hon. Secretary, U.F.O.I.C., at 80 York St. North, Sydney, or P.O. Box 1120, G.P.O., Sydney, with the phone number BU 2624.

The Library Enquiry Office is open every Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm in Room 1023, 60 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, phone MA 24620.

The U.P.C. Bulletin is edited by A. P. Tomas, located at 227 Bay Street, Brighton Le Sands, N.S.W., or P.O. Box 120, G.P.O., Sydney. Subscription rates are 8/- (Aust.) or 3/- per year.

Report on a UFO Incident and the Tunguska Phenomenon

The main body of the text, continued from the front cover, details an incident involving a spaceship. Anticipating a crash, the navigators reportedly put their ship in a vertical position to stop its fall. Prof. Llapunov theorizes that the exhaust from the vessel created strange patches in a forest. In a final attempt to accelerate the ship upwards, stressing the reactors to their maximum, the vessel allegedly blew up.

Prof. Liapunov is of the opinion that the visitors from space used atomic propellant. This theory is supported by eyewitness accounts describing a huge mushroom-shaped cloud that followed a fireball in the sky. These eyewitnesses claimed the fireball was "brighter than the sun".

People living near the site of the explosion reportedly died of an unknown illness with symptoms similar to those resulting from exposure to atomic radiation. As in an atomic explosion, the greatest force was felt at some distance from the centre.

Prof. Liapunov states that the "cosmic ship theory" can fully explain the "Tungusia phenomenon" (likely referring to the Tunguska event).

Prof. Sternfield, a Soviet scientist associated with the Sputnik program, stated that the "cosmic ship" probably came from Venus. He based this conclusion on the favourable position of Venus relative to the Earth at that time.

The compilation of this report is attributed to Andrew Tomas, with French translations by George Tararin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document strongly focuses on the investigation of UFO phenomena, presenting theories and eyewitness accounts related to extraterrestrial craft. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these events, with a willingness to explore scientific explanations, including atomic propulsion and potential extraterrestrial origins. The connection drawn between the described incident and the Tunguska phenomenon suggests an interest in re-evaluating historical unexplained events through the lens of UFO research.