Australian UFO Bulletin - 1975 05 - May

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society in May 1975, covers a variety of UFO-related news and reports from Australia.

Society News and Events

Society Evening to be Repeated The Committee thanks member Guy Richards for hosting a successful society evening on March 22. Due to high demand and limited space, the event will be repeated on Saturday, June 21, at Guy's Coffee Lounge in Mentone. A three-course meal will be served, followed by a slide-illustrated talk by Judy Magee and Paul Norman. Members are required to apply for tickets in advance, with a fee of $1.25 per person.

Members' Nights Discontinued Regrettably, the fortnightly members' nights are being terminated because the premises used for the past six months are no longer available. The Committee expresses gratitude to President Peter Norris for generously providing the rooms at no charge. The Society will continue its research and newsletter publication while seeking new, preferably unfurnished, premises near the city.

UFOs and the AIAA

The American Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics (AIAA) has shown interest in UFOs for years. In 1967, a sub-committee was formed to investigate the phenomenon. Their 1968 statement in 'Astronautics and Aeronautics' concluded that the controversy could not be resolved without further quantitative study and deserved scientific attention. This contrasted with the USAF's Condon Report, which suggested further study was not justified. The AIAA noted that 30% of cases in the Condon Report remained unexplained, suggesting scientific curiosity should be aroused.

UFO Reports From AIAA Members An article in 'Astronautics and Aeronautics' by Peter Sturrock reported on a survey of AIAA members regarding UFOs. The survey revealed no consensus on the nature or scientific importance of the phenomenon. While some reports were explainable, others aligned with UFO classifications by Dr. Hynek. Notably, no scientist publicly reported seeing an unexplained phenomenon related to UFOs, suggesting anonymity might be necessary to gather such information.

British UFO Researchers Interview Dr. Kuettner Dr. Kuettner, interviewed by British UFO researchers, emphasized the importance of detailed statistical research due to the lack of physical evidence. He suggested re-interviewing witnesses after a period could yield interesting facts about witness behavior. He also described his own experience of seeing a strange light from an aircraft, which caused disorientation and a swerving maneuver. He stressed the need for statistical analysis over direct skywatching, noting the inadequacy of instruments like magnetometers and cameras for UFO watches.

Sightings and Reports

Farmer "Near Five UFOs" Ted Phillips, working with Dr. Allen Hynek, reported an encounter where a farmer, Edwin Fuhr, observed five silver domes within 15 feet of his crop. The objects were spinning, making a humming noise, and one had probes examining the grass. Four more domes appeared, and one by one they rose and vanished.

Airline Pilot Reports Sighting A commercial airline pilot reported seeing a greenish glow on the surface at 33,000 feet altitude during a flight from Melbourne to Adelaide. This was accompanied by feverish Morse code activity on the 500 Khz frequency, which ceased when the glow disappeared. The pilot speculated it was unlikely to be a flare at that altitude.

Fast-Moving Object Over Ararat An Ararat man reported seeing a soundless object, described as egg or disc-shaped with four bright white lights, moving faster than any aircraft. The object caused his car stereo to malfunction. A sketch of the object was provided.

Mystery Lights Baffle Travellers Four people reported seeing mysterious lights in the sky over central Victoria. Described as flashing red, green, and yellow, the lights moved erratically and were silent, leading one witness to believe in UFOs.

Horsham Man Sees UFO - Second Time! Mr. Fred Randel of Horsham reported seeing a new type of unidentified flying object twice. He described it as a large, milky-colored shadow, about 30 feet in diameter, not a cloud. He experienced a strange 'funny feeling' before both sightings. The object moved noiselessly at airplane speed along the Wimmera River.

UFO Seen Near Rylstone A report from Rylstone described two bright lights, larger and brighter than stars, one orange and one brighter, with an arc of light between them. Earlier that evening, a television set experienced interference, leading the reporter to wonder if the incidents were related.

Mystery UFO Baffles Expert Mr. Barry Gardiner, a UFO investigator, and Mr. Gerald Harrison reported seeing a bright white light over Perth. Gardiner described it as a cigar-shaped object with a bright light at its head and possibly a red light at the tail, moving with incredible speed. The object was estimated to be at 2000 meters altitude.

Campers Dazzled By Light Mr. Dennis Craine and his son reported seeing an intense bright white light appear from the south, travelling north, hovering, and then accelerating at a fantastic pace. They described it as unlike a shooting star and so bright that its outline could not be made out.

Strange Light Seen Over Perth Allan and Shiela Ottley reported seeing a huge, saucer-like light hovering for about 15 minutes over Perth airport. The object made no sound and moved gradually out of sight.

Strange Light Seen Over Perth (continued) Their friend described the object as an enormous bright light, making a peculiar rocking motion like a noiseless bell.

UFO Over Derwent Valley A UFO was seen by several people flying the length of the Derwent Valley and is thought to have landed. Two girls reported it had landed, though their account was not taken seriously by the police. Other reports described a 'pulsing red light with an orange body' that moved erratically and then sped off. Witnesses described it as unlike a plane, faster, and without a distinct shape, though one described it as an inverted U shape with lights changing from red to green and white.

UFO Over The Bucketts? A Gloucester resident reported seeing a bright, circular UFO above the Bucketts, moving south and then descending as if to land. His claim was supported by friends and family. The object reappeared, ascending and heading north. Four other residents supported the sighting, with some reporting a large golden ball or a triangle of half-moon shapes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of numerous UFO sightings across Australia, the ongoing scientific investigation and debate surrounding the phenomenon, and the challenges faced by UFO research organizations in terms of premises and public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and scientific perspectives without overt skepticism or sensationalism, while also acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining definitive proof and the need for further study.