Australian UFO Bulletin - 1970 12 - December

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "U.F.O. Bulletin", published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, dated December 1970, presents a "NEW SHEET" format. The primary focus is on evidence pointing towards the existence of life in outer space, drawing from recent scientific findings and historical reports.

Clues Point to Life in Space

The lead article discusses the surprise generated by TV, radio, and press reports concerning clues found in a meteorite that crashed in Victoria. For the benefit of new members, the bulletin reprints information from the January 1962 edition of the "Australian Flying Saucer Review".

Life in Space Clues Found (from AFSR 1962)

This section details experiments conducted by three scientists: Dr. Warren G. Meinschein, Dr. Douglas J. Hennessy, and Dr. Bartholomew Nagy. They analyzed a tiny ball of wax found in a meteorite that crashed near Orgueil, France in 1864, and another from Central Africa in 1938 (the Ivuna). The waxy hydrocarbon was found to be organic, not inorganic, suggesting a biological process. The scientists identified fossilized remains as single-cell animals, dinoflagellates or chrysomaonads, which live in sea or lake water. One species was unlike any known terrestrial organism. Dr. George Claus of New York University was also involved in this discovery. Dr. Meinschein stated, "Wherever this meteorite originated something lived".

Post-Discovery Reactions and New Findings

Following this discovery, 'orthodox' astronomers and scientists attempted to discredit the findings, attributing the organic molecules to contamination after impact with Earth. However, fragments of a meteorite that fell at Murchison, Victoria, were collected shortly after the crash and sent to Melbourne University and a NASA research centre. On December 2nd and 3rd, 1970, news emerged from NASA scientists' findings.

Out of Our Sky, A Clue to Life in Space

The Melbourne 'Age' reported on December 3rd that scientists believe they have found a significant pointer to life in outer space from a meteorite found in Victoria. The article continues on the next page, detailing that the meteorite contained amino acids, the building blocks of life. This was identified as the first positive identification of amino acids originating outside Earth. Dr. Cyril Ponnamperuma, chief scientist at NASA's Ames Research Centre, stated it was likely the first conclusive proof of extra-terrestrial chemical evolution. He noted that the amino acids found were an almost equal mixture of right and left-handed spiral molecule structures, unlike those found on Earth, where they are predominantly left-handed spirals. Dr. Ponnamperuma asserted that a mixture of both types rules out an earthly origin.

The bulletin then contrasts these findings with the 'orthodox fathers' who are proven wrong, and shifts focus to more intriguing clues: objects in our atmosphere that outperform Earth-made vehicles and are controlled by complex organisms.

Statement of Payments & Receipts (V.U.F.O.R.S.)

A financial statement for the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.) at June 30, 1970, is presented. It details receipts from various sources including magazine sales, social club activities, library fees, membership fees, and donations, totaling $2807.83. Payments include expenses for P.A. system rentals, magazine purchases, exhibition expenses, investigations, films, typewriter charges, insurance, duplicator purchase, postage, hall rental, and advertising, among others. The statement was audited and found correct by G. R. Edmunds on October 6, 1970.

Moon Related Articles

With the imminent departure of Apollo 14 for the Moon, several related items are presented:

Apollo 14 Will Probe Light Flashes

An article from "Aviation Week & Space Technology" (June 15, 1970) reports that Apollo 14 astronauts will investigate mysterious flashes of light reported by previous crews on lunar missions. These flashes, first reported by Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin during their July '69 mission, were described as dots or streaks and white, possibly cosmic rays. Tests will be conducted to determine their source and any potential health hazards, though they are not believed to be harmful. Notably, no crew member reported seeing the lights in the vicinity of the moon, only during the outbound and return journeys.

And Now--Minimoons

Dr. John P. Bagby of Hughes Aircraft Co. suggests that Earth may have at least 10 tiny natural satellites. Astronomers have speculated about Earth capturing small bodies. Sightings of potential satellites and computed orbits have been made. Dr. Bagby's research traces ten small objects, all found at the same spot on December 18, 1955, suggesting they originated from a single object that broke up on that day. This item is noted as particularly fascinating by the editor.

Millions Lost In Space Satellite Goes Astray

A $13 million communications satellite was reported missing in space. It was to have been triggered into orbit by the Communications Satellite (COMSAT) Corporation's Paumalu Station. This was the third satellite lost in the Intelstat III series by the 76-nation consortium, Intelsat.

'Life' on Moon Under Study

Donald K. (Deke) Slayton, NASA director of flight crew operations, expressed uncertainty about the moon being a "dead planet". He stated that a camera brought back by Apollo 11 astronauts, which had been on the moon's surface for three years, was found to have a micro-organism living on it. The organism was described as being in a freeze-dried condition. Slayton, who previously believed the moon was dead, now has doubts, and moon soil also seems to stimulate the growth of earth plants.

The Moon--Still a Mystery

An article by David J. Gras discusses the mystery of the moon. Dr. Carl Sagan, Adviser on Extra-terrestrial life to the Armed Services, suggested in 1962 that mankind must prepare for the possibility of visitation by intelligent beings from elsewhere, who might have bases on the moon. Despite humans landing on the moon, much remains unknown about its silent, arid surface. Astronomers lack positive answers for strange lights and objects observed. Historical accounts are cited, including a luminous triangle reported in Crater Plato in the 1800s, mysterious flakes of light observed in the US, and strange objects moving in military precision during a lunar eclipse in 1820. A solar eclipse in 1869 also saw objects crossing the moon. In 1879, lights and geometric figures were reported on the moon's surface, with over two thousand reports of lights or symbols recorded by the British Astronomical Society over a two-year period.

New Zealand

Mystery Sky Object Seen by Teachers and 400 Children

Reported in "The Daily Telegraph" on May 8, 1970, this incident describes a huge unidentified flying object observed near Napier by the headmaster, teachers, and over 400 children at Richmond School. The object appeared as a "hole in the sky" and hovered for up to 20 minutes. Witnesses described an "unearthly quiet" and the object as a "huge, wingless plane" with glistening sides. It was seen hovering between Westshore and Tongoio. When an aircraft appeared and landed, witnesses noted there was "no comparison" between the two. After hovering, the object moved at right-angles and then appeared like a round ball with a transparent-like sheen. It then flattened out, became like a bright star, lit up, and faded before moving away at speed.

#### Appeared "Solid"

Mr. Billing, the headmaster, stated it was not a weather balloon and felt like a solid, metallic object. A teacher, Mr. A. Coveny, who was previously skeptical, confirmed the sighting and noted the unusual quietness and the craft's unearthly appearance and shape changes. The object's iridescence was described as looking like an "actual hole in the sky". The explanation offered is that the object might have turned over like a coin seen edge-on and then face-on.

Notices to Members

General Meetings

General meetings are now held on the 2nd Friday of each month. For 1971, meetings will be at The Theatrette, Lower Ground Level, National Mutual Centre, 447 Collins Street. The meeting night has been altered to the second Friday of each month, excluding January. The last meeting of the year was scheduled for Friday, December 11th, at 8:00 p.m.

Annual Election of Office-Bearers

The results of the annual election were announced: President - Mr. Peter E. Norris; Vice-president - Mrs. Judith M. Magee; Secretary - Miss Delma Carstairs; Treasurer - Mr. Albert Wilkinson; Committee-men - Mr. A.F. Franceswilliams, Mr. P.B. Norman, Mr. W.A. Stapleton.

Library

New and popular titles have been added to the library. Members can request up-to-date library lists from the Secretary and Librarian. Books can be borrowed by post or at General Meetings.

Overseas Magazines for Sale

The Society is selling English magazines 'SPACELINK' and 'COS-MOS'. A few copies are available for country and interstate members on a "first come, first served" basis. Prices are 40p plus postage for SPACELINK and 40p including postage for COS-MOS. Orders and remittances should be sent to the Secretary, V.U.F.O.R.S., P.O. Box 43, Moorabbin, Vic. 3189.

UFO Tapes Available

Tapes of the entire proceedings of the Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects held by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in December 1969 are available. Speakers include Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Prof. James E. McDonald. Six 5-inch tapes are available at $3.50 per tape. Orders should be placed with the Secretary, V.U.F.O.R.S., Box 43, Moorabbin, Vic. 3189.

Holiday Greetings

The Committee of V.U.F.O.R.S. extends wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to its members and readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of potential extraterrestrial life, the analysis of meteorites for biological evidence, and the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, challenging 'orthodox' scientific views when evidence suggests otherwise, and encouraging members to engage with the society's activities and resources. There's a clear emphasis on presenting both scientific findings and eyewitness accounts of UFOs.