Australian UFO Bulletin - 1970 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society in March 1970, addresses the perceived scarcity of UFO sightings in Australia compared to international reports. The publication aims to foster an open mind while distinguishing between fact and fiction in UFOlogy.

Australia's UFO Landscape

The editorial expresses frustration with Australia's UFO situation, noting that while 'touch-downs' and near-contacts are reported overseas, such incidents are rare or unreported in Australia. It speculates whether this is due to 'UFOnauts' finding Australians dull, or if it signals a lull before significant activity. The society receives a variety of material, some of which is considered 'lunatic fringe' while other contributions are based on properly investigated sightings and evaluations.

Christ the Cosmonaut

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an article by Gabriel Lorince, reprinted from the journal 'Space-Link,' detailing the controversial theory of a Soviet university lecturer, V. Zaytsev. Zaytsev claims to have 'irrefutable historical proof' that Jesus Christ was a 'cosmonaut' from an alien planet who came with a civilizing mission. This theory has reportedly caused trouble for Zaytsev with Soviet authorities, including the KGB and the Soviet Academy of Sciences. The article outlines Zaytsev's arguments, drawing parallels between biblical accounts and space-age concepts, such as the 'star of Bethlehem' being a 'flying temple' (space-craft) and Christ's 'descent from heaven' and 'kingdom is in Heaven' statements as evidence of his cosmic origins. The article notes that the Soviet government newspaper 'Izvestia' attacked Zaytsev's theory, linking it to reformist Western theologians. The piece concludes that Soviet authorities view Zaytsev as a dangerous Christian revivalist.

Ancient Weapons and UFOs

The magazine explores the possibility of ancient nuclear weapons, referencing Sanskrit texts like the 'mahabharata.' These texts reportedly contain descriptions of devastating weapons, such as the 'Brahma weapon,' which caused destruction akin to modern nuclear explosions, leading to speculation that an advanced civilization might have been annihilated by such means thousands of years ago.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several specific UFO incidents are reported:

• Illinois, USA (November 30, 1969): Russell Ator, his wife, and son witnessed a red flashing light followed by a glowing red triangle object that passed over their car, causing it to rise from the highway. The object was described as larger than a light plane and made no sound.
• Olavarria, Argentina (July 1968 & November 1969): The district of Olavarria, previously known for a sighting by Oscar Heriberto Iriart, is again the scene of strange events. A report from 'La Razon' details 17 luminous flying beings that visited a farm, emitting beams of light that smashed objects and put dogs to sleep. The manager of the farm, Senor Aquilo Ramon Acosta, described an encounter where beings with powerful lights illuminated the ground and focused on a dung-heap. His wife and children also witnessed the event.
• Tasmania, Australia (August 24th): Two sightings were investigated by the Tasmanian Society (TUFOIC). Gregory Lodge and Paul Warren saw a round, bright object changing color from yellow to red to orange, travelling towards them. Later, the Stantons observed a moving light that appeared round or oval with flashing blue lights, which moved erratically southwards.
• Texas, USA (1968): Mr. and Mrs. Smith reported seeing a large, brilliant, white cylinder-shaped object that paced their car.

Hypnosis in UFO Research

Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., discusses the potential uses of hypnosis in UFO research. He suggests that hypnosis can facilitate relaxation, reduce anxiety, elicit ideomotor responses, check the reliability of previous information, release subconscious information (like 'loss of time' experiences), and potentially train individuals to gain psychic impressions or communicate with UFO occupants. He believes there is sufficient evidence to hypothesize that Earth is being surveyed by intelligent beings from alien civilizations.

Society News and Events

The 'Society News' section provides updates for members:

• Magazine Preview: Copies of the magazine will be available for sale at the April meeting for 25¢.
• Speaker: Mr. Phillip Gittins, an Educationalist, will speak on Exobiology.
• May Event: The society hopes to obtain a suitable film, possibly with NASA's cooperation, and show the 'Age' film of the 'Moon landing'.
• Overseas Magazines: A limited number of magazines from the B.U.F.O.R.A. group will be available.
• Library: Members are reminded of the library's popularity and the potential waiting lists for books. They are encouraged to name alternative titles when ordering.
• Badges: Badges are still available, though tie-bars are exhausted.
• News Letters and General Meetings: Members are invited to suggest topics for discussion. Correspondence should be sent to the Secretary.
• Meeting Venue Change: The Victorian Employers' Federation has cancelled the society's bookings due to complaints about attendees being in unauthorized areas of the building. New tentative bookings are made at the Theatrette in the National Mutual Building, Melbourne, for September, November, and December.
• Film Night: A film night is scheduled for July 14th to see the film "MAROONED" at the Hoyts Cinema Centre, Melbourne. Tickets are $1.70.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the challenges of UFO research in Australia, the exploration of unconventional theories (such as Christ as an alien), the potential for ancient advanced civilizations and their weapons, and the reporting of specific UFO sightings. The editorial stance emphasizes maintaining an open mind while critically evaluating evidence, acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes but also the need for thorough investigation. The society actively encourages member participation and the sharing of information.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, dated August 1969, with a cover date of August 30th, 1969, and priced at 2s 6d, presents several intriguing reports of aerial phenomena from both England and the USA. The publication is from Flying Saucer Review Publications, based in the United Kingdom, and the primary language is English.

ENGLAND: Woman Claims She Saw Flying Saucer Land

A significant report details an incident on August 29th, 1969, near Tynham, Dorset, England. A woman, identified as Mrs. X, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that she and her husband witnessed a flying saucer land on army ranges. The object was described as elliptical, glowing, and translucent. After it settled, tripod-like legs emerged. The witness described being paralyzed with fright while her husband slowly drove closer to observe the object. They watched it for about half an hour before it ascended rapidly and disappeared over the sea. No sound was heard, and there was no sign of life in the object. The following day, Mrs. X visited the site and found a 24ft diameter pattern of large holes, appearing to be made by tubular legs tipped with long spikes. Dorset police confirmed finding a similar unexplained pattern of holes at Badbury Rings, an ancient camp near Blandford, which they had initially dismissed as a hoax. The holes were described as nine inches to a foot across with a central narrow shaft, gouged by a cylindrical object, with no removed earth left behind.

U.S.A.: Strange Object Seen in Stover, Mo.

Another report from Stover, Missouri, USA, describes a sighting on Saturday night, October 18th. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Smith, operators of a drive-in restaurant, along with a customer, observed a strange object. It was described as round and balloon-like, with a diameter of three or four feet, exhibiting greenish, red, and blue lights. The object was seen about seven feet above the ground and moved in a straight line from the Reed Blackman house across the highway to the alley edging the Smiths' lot, moving rapidly from east to west before suddenly disappearing. Mrs. Smith stated that the object appeared to be heading towards a tree but then 'just went out like a light'. The colors were outstanding, emanating from a glow rather than flashing lights. The weather was cloudy with light rain, which later turned into a heavy downpour, preventing any investigation of the disappearance site. No thunder or lightning occurred during the sighting, though a thunder shower followed later.

ENGLAND: Object Seen in the Sky

A report from Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, England, details an event on July 22nd, 1969, around 10:30 p.m. A man and his two sons were in their garden when they observed an object in the sky, approximately 500 feet in elevation, in a southerly direction. It consisted of three very bright flashing lights – red, green, and white – but no distinct object was discernible. No noise was heard, and initially, the witness thought it might be a helicopter due to its stationary position. The witness then met two young men, and together they watched the sight for 10 to 15 minutes. The object suddenly flashed across the sky at a 'fantastic speed, faster than a rocket' and disappeared over the western horizon. Almost immediately, it returned at the same speed to its original position. The witnesses then noticed that there were now three similar objects. The witness attempted to gather more people from a nearby pub, but by the time they came outside, all the objects had disappeared. The witness, who had previously dismissed UFOs as nonsense, stated that he had changed his mind and believed there was 'something up there'. His two sons and one of the young men confirmed the sighting. The object was estimated to be the size of a pea held at arm's length and was extremely bright.

Another Airship Report - back in 1909

This section presents an older report found by reader Brent Raynes from the 'Bangor Daily News'. The incident occurred in New Haven on December 27th, 1909, at 11:40 a.m. An 'airship' was reported to have passed over the city. It was seen by Capt. George S. Barrows of Fire Engine Company 12 and several of his men. The airship was heading northeast and was estimated to be about 1,000 feet high, appearing to be under perfect control. Capt. Barrows initially questioned his eyesight but called his men to observe. They saw what appeared to be planes, a rudder, and exhaust from a motor. The object was too high to see any occupants. Capt. Barrows alerted other citizens to watch the 'air machine'. They kept it in view for 8 to 10 minutes, during which time it covered an estimated distance of 8 to 10 miles before passing out of sight. Approximately an hour later, a snowstorm struck the city.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, including landed objects with physical trace evidence, fast-moving lights, and unidentified craft. The magazine presents witness testimonies and official confirmations (like the police report in Dorset) to lend credibility to the accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of such phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and highlighting the persistent nature of UFO sightings across different times and locations, from modern reports to historical accounts like the 1909 airship sighting. The inclusion of comments from witnesses who have changed their minds about UFOs suggests an editorial interest in shifting public perception and acknowledging the reality of these unexplained events.