Australian UFO Bulletin - 1971 01 - January-February

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society for January-February 1971, focuses on astronaut sightings of UFOs and the analysis of physical evidence, alongside government perspectives on UFO investigations.

Astronaut Encounters with UFOs

The bulletin highlights several instances of astronauts reporting UFO activity during space missions. On January 10th, 1961, a tracking station at Cape Kennedy reportedly locked onto a UFO while tracking a polaris missile, causing a significant delay. On July 17th, 1962, pilot Robert White flying an X-15 encountered a large grey UFO that flew alongside and then sped away. Astronaut Gordon Cooper, during his fifteenth orbit over Western Australia on May 16th, 1963, reported a UFO passing his spacecraft, an event witnessed by many and broadcast nationally.

Further astronaut reports include James McDivitt's sighting of a UFO approaching Gemini 4 on June 3rd, 1965, which he photographed. James Lovell and Frank Borman reported a UFO from Gemini 7 on December 4th, 1965, distinguishing it from their booster. On July 18th, 1966, astronaut John Young reported two bright objects pacing his spacecraft. The bulletin notes that officials are finding it increasingly difficult to suppress UFO sighting reports, especially given the high reporting rate from astronauts, which has surpassed that of airline and military pilots.

The Ubatuba Magnesium Fragments

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an examination of the Ubatuba magnesium fragments by Dr. Allen R. Utke. These fragments, allegedly from a UFO that exploded over Brazil on September 14th, 1957, were analyzed by various laboratories. Initial analyses indicated unusual purity of magnesium, with some suggesting a non-terrestrial isotopic distribution. However, subsequent analyses by the Atomic Energy Commission and the Condon Committee revealed small amounts of terrestrial impurities like iron, silicon, aluminum, and copper. The density measurements also varied, and the FBI analysis found it to be 99% pure magnesium, a purity achievable on Earth. Dr. Utke concludes that while interesting, the fragments have not conclusively convinced scientists due to conflicting analyses, the unidentified finder, and the fact that pure magnesium is a poor structural material. The April 1969 issue of "Chemistry Magazine" noted the sample was similar to magnesium produced by Dow Chemical Company.

Ministry of Defence Stance and Statistics

A letter from L.W. Akhurst of the Ministry of Defence (dated May 8th, 1970) outlines the department's straightforward approach to UFO reports, investigating them for potential air defence implications. They examine reports with open minds, utilizing scientific resources. The letter states that most UFO reports have mundane explanations and do not represent a threat. An analysis of UFO reports received by the Ministry of Defence from January 1st, 1959, to December 31st, 1969, is included. This data shows a total of 13168 reports, categorized into satellites and debris, balloons, celestial objects, meteorological and natural phenomena, aircraft, miscellaneous, and unexplained (insufficient information).

The letter also explains that correspondence with the public is private, and full details of UFO reports cannot be released due to Public Records Acts, which generally allow scrutiny after thirty years. The Ministry of Defence receives reports from the public, police, and service units.

International UFO Projects and Publications

The bulletin lists governments that maintain token UFO study projects, including Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, Chile, Greece, New Zealand, and Sweden. It notes that most of these projects primarily maintain statistical files with few actual investigations, often due to limited funds. The closure of Project Blue Book in the U.S. is mentioned.

Other News and Features

An item titled "TOO MANY COOKS" describes a situation in South Australia where the police, due to multiple UFO groups seeking notification of reports, decided to cease notifying any organizations and would only relay information to the R.A.A.F. Fred Stone of U.F.O.P.I.A. suggests this was an opportunity for officialdom to discontinue the service. A note from V.U.F.O.R.S. indicates that cooperation with the R.A.A.F. is one-way, and members are urged to report sightings directly to the society.

A Danish Police Officer's account of a UFO sighting on August 13th, 1970, is detailed, including six photographs taken. The officer described a bright light, engine and light failure in his patrol car, and the object's departure at high speed.

An article titled "MORE MEN IN BLACK?" references a report from Victoria, B.C., Canada, about unidentified men in dark clerical clothes celebrating masses and hearing confessions in local churches.

A brief report from Norway describes a motorist, Reidar Salvesen, being hurled to the ground by the invisible rays of a hovering 'fiery' disc.

Upcoming Publications and Personnel Changes

The bulletin announces that Dr. J. Allen Hynek's new book, detailing his experiences with the U.S. Government's UFO investigation and his conversion from skeptic to advocate, is due to be published by Cowles. Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Director of NICAP for 13 years, has retired at age 72, hoping to serve NICAP in a less pressured capacity. He is reportedly working on a new book.

Condon Report Rejection

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) scientists have rejected the Condon Report, arguing that its findings, particularly the high percentage of unexplained cases (around 30%), should stimulate further scientific curiosity rather than conclude that nothing of scientific value will come of UFO studies.

Society Information

General Meetings of the Society are scheduled for the second Friday of every month, commencing in February, at the National Mutual Theatrette, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne, at 8 p.m. Admittance is by donation. The Committee expresses disappointment over increased Theatrette rental costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of UFO phenomena, particularly as reported by credible witnesses like astronauts and pilots. There's a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous scientific analysis of evidence, as exemplified by the detailed examination of the Ubatuba fragments. The bulletin also highlights the challenges in obtaining official information and the perceived reluctance of governments to fully disclose UFO-related data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging public reporting while critically evaluating evidence and official statements. The society actively promotes its meetings and encourages member participation in gathering and disseminating UFO sighting information.