Australian UFO Bulletin - 1968 11 - November

Magazine Overview

Title: Australian U.F.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: November, 1968
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country of Publication: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated November 1968, focuses on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) with a cover headline announcing a "SYMPOSIUM ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS." The publication features excerpts from a paper presented at the U.S. House of Representatives and reports on various UFO sightings and phenomena from around the world.

Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects

The lead article presents excerpts from a paper by Dr. Stanton T. Friedman, an Astronuclear Physicist from Westinghouse Astronuclear Laboratory. Dr. Friedman stated his conclusion that Earth is being visited by intelligently controlled extraterrestrial vehicles, though he does not know their origin, purpose, or operational methods. He argued that eyewitness, photographic, and radar reports of objects exhibiting extreme maneuverability, high speed, and hovering, along with distinct shape and texture, rule out terrestrial explanations. Addressing the question of why the Smithsonian Network's cameras haven't captured these "Unknowns," Dr. Friedman cited a former head of their film evaluation group who indicated that plates showing sources not identifiable as satellites were not further measured. He also countered the argument that UFO maneuvers violate physics, stating that such arguments stem from a presumption that current technology is ultimate, a presumption proven wrong by subsequent generations.

Analysis of 'Angel Hair'

The issue details the phenomenon of "Angels Hair," a substance that has been a mystery to UFO researchers. The Canadian group Canadial Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation (CAPRO) managed to have this substance analyzed. Extracts from a letter reveal that the material was found to be cellulose, specifically rayon fibres of consistent lengths, coated with an undetermined gummy substance. Samples were sent to the National Research Council, APRO, and Dr. Hynek, among others. The analysis of a metal found at the same spot indicated it was 93-96% silver with traces of copper, cadmium, and gold. The National Research Council identified it as common sterling or sheet silver, but the high silver concentration and low copper were deemed unusual. The report also touches upon the experiences of Steve Michalak, who allegedly touched a UFO and received second and third-degree burns, suggesting radiation burns.

International UFO Reports

Sweden - Mystery of the Lakes: The Times of April 5th, 1968, reported an account of a "huge hole" smashed through the ice of a lake in central Sweden near Malung. The hole, approximately 700 square yards and made through ice 3 ft thick, baffled scientists and military experts. Colonel Curt Hermansson stated that an aircraft crash was out of the question, noting that large blocks of ice were thrown up, indicating immense power. The Guardian of April 8th reported another hole in the ice at Serna, Dalarna. Police and military experts were unable to explain the holes, and frogmen found nothing in the lake, though thick mud was present on the bottom.

New Planet: Credit APRO Bulletin reports that Italian Astronomer Raffaele Bendandi announced the discovery of a new planet orbiting between Mercury and the Sun, with a distance of 25,260 kilometers from the Sun and a rotation period of 25 days and 10 hours.

Canada - Report from Canada: An event on April 3rd near Beausejour involved a UFO observed about 400 feet above the highway, emitting a loud humming noise. Seven bands of colored lights were seen spinning around the object. The witness watched for 10 minutes before the UFO followed him and then departed southwest at high speed.

UFO Beeps on Record: Mrs. G.C. Marshall of Midnapore, Alberta, recorded UFO "beeping" sounds, described as a strange, regular beeping. This phenomenon was noted as a new feature in UFO sightings in the Calgary area, with previous visual sightings coinciding with the sound reported in the Bragg Creek area.

Chile - Numerous UFOs Sighted in Chile: A Chilean professor, Gabriel Alvial Caceres, presented photographs of a strange lens-shaped object, reviving theories about flying saucers in Chile. He stated that these phenomena require coordinated scientific investigation. Pilots' sightings are also mentioned, with two veteran pilots of Aerolineas Argentinas reporting a saucer over southern Chile. In northern Chile, four officials reported a saucer landing, and two of them were hypnotized, describing the pilots as "humanoid beings" with thin legs who warned them to remain silent.

Western Australia - W.A. Under UFO Surveillance?: Two commercial pilots reported a collision course with a UFO in the Zanthus area on August 22nd. They observed a large disc-shaped object divide in two several times, ejecting smaller cigar-shaped craft that later merged back with the larger objects before flying off at high speed.

Western Australia - W.A. Again!: About 18 people watched three UFOs above Kalgoorlie on November 6th. The shiny objects, observed around 2 p.m., had a brown ring around their edges and were seen spinning and weaving at speed before disappearing after about 15 minutes.

Western Australia - "Today" Program Report: On the "Today" program, Channel 9, Mike Walsh reported that several schoolboys saw a UFO similar to those seen at Kalgoorlie, allegedly flying into and out of clouds in a continuous up-and-down motion.

V.U.F.O.R.S. Quits C.A.P.I.O.

The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.) Committee resolved to resign its membership from C.A.P.I.O. following the unauthorized publication by Mrs. Sylvia Sutton, Secretary of C.A.P.I.O., of statements relating to a recent sighting. These statements allegedly caused Banyule witnesses to refuse interviews, prejudicing the investigation. A letter from the V.U.F.O.R.S. Secretary to Mrs. Sutton received no satisfactory reply, leading to the decision to discontinue membership. The Committee expressed a desire to maintain friendly relations with other C.A.P.I.O. members.

Magazine Production Notes

The Committee expressed regret for the late publication of the current issue, attributing it to delays at the printer. They are seeking a new printer for the next issue.

Upcoming Events

Christmas Get-Together: Scheduled for Sunday, December 8th, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at "The Dogs' Home," north of Eltham Station. The event includes discussions and arguments on UFOs with background music. A dog biscuit and fresh water will be available for those who donate to the Vice President before November 30th. A privilege fee of 50 cents applies.

December General Meeting: The guest speaker will be Mr. Geoff Whittle, a Monash University Scientist, discussing "Computors and Their Use in Space." Members are requested to bring sandwiches, cakes, or biscuits for the supper.

Sighting Nights: Members interested in attending sighting nights during the summer are asked to contact Douglas Mummery. The society is seeking members who can share transport facilities for those without their own.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation and analysis of UFO phenomena, the reporting of diverse international sightings, and the challenges faced by UFO research organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, presenting scientific perspectives alongside anecdotal evidence and reporting on organizational matters within the UFO research community. There is a clear emphasis on gathering data, conducting analysis, and sharing information among members and the wider public.