Australian UFO Bulletin - 1977 08 - August

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated August 1977, is published by The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society and covers a range of UFO-related reports and investigations from Australia and abroad.

Reports from Australia

Early 1977 Sightings

The issue begins by stating that no reports classified as 'unidentified' had been received for 1977 by the Society at the time of publication. However, a preliminary report from January 1, 1977, details a nocturnal light observation near Derrinallum. A man and his wife described a bright yellow, circular object with horizontal protrusions that paced their car. The male witness, with extensive military service, found the experience unnerving but unique. The report notes that such 'pacing' effects can be illusory but, given the witness's experience, further inquiries are planned.

A movie film taken in Melbourne on May 2, 1977, was examined by the Society, but the appearance and movement of the object on the film did not rule out the possibility of it being a balloon.

Ground Circle and Atmospheric Phenomena

In the Dandenongs area, witnesses reported a luminous object moving rapidly on a descending path on August 2. The object appeared globular, yellowish-white, with a flame-like tail, and lasted only a few seconds. A likely explanation suggested is a meteor or space debris re-entry.

However, a more persistent phenomenon was reported by Mrs. E. Warbarton concerning a ground circle on her cattle grazing property near Macclesfield. This circle, visible for several years, was described as an annular ring of bare soil, approximately 9.2 metres in diameter. The cause was undetermined, but fungal growths were suggested as a possibility.

Interstate News

Adelaide, April 22, 1977: Miss M., driving near Adelaide, saw a bright light approaching her car, causing the headlights, dashboard lights, and radio to go off. The object was described as having a vertical oval form with 'streaks' or 'rays' radiating from it.

Tasmania, February 1976: A witness in Tasmania observed an object with a white beam, described as exterior aluminium, dome-shaped with ribbing, and emitting light from windows. A humming noise was heard as it took off at a 60-degree angle. A circular scorched area of grass, 25 feet in diameter, was found later.

S.A. Mystery Stones: Reports of 'saucer-shaped' stones at Leigh Creek, S.A., were investigated and found to be solid earthly rock, not of UFO origin.

Reports from Other Australian States

Queensland, March 17, 1977: Two travellers near Moonie reported an unnerving experience involving a UFO with flashing lights that hovered nearby, causing their vehicle's battery to go flat. They also reported seeing several other UFOs among the stars.

Broken Hill, June 6, 1977: Two youths reported being followed by a UFO from near Imperial Lake to Argent Street. The object was described as bright orange, cone-shaped, and moving sideways.

Tasmania, May 23, 1977: Two women, one in New Norfolk and one in Kempton, reported seeing a large, intensely white, round light moving across the sky.

Grafton, July 2, 1977: A Grafton woman reported seeing a dome-shaped object glowing bright orange with five beams of light and a long tail of light, moving back and forth before moving north.

Teleportation Case in Queensland?

The bulletin includes an article from a Finnish magazine about a Finnish couple's experiences in Queensland in 1971, suggesting a possible teleportation case.

International Reports

Warminster Triangle, England

Recent events in the Warminster - Winchester - Glastonbury area of south west England have led to the area being dubbed 'The Warminster Triangle'. The report includes the continued story of Mrs. Joyce Bowles, who claims to have met a 'spaceman' on March 7. She described an oval, glowing object and a man who spoke to her in broken English. She experienced physical effects, including swelling of her hands. Mrs. Bowles had previously encountered similar phenomena, including her car stopping suddenly.

• Other reports from the area include:
• A 'space man' in a silvery outfit affecting a car.
• A luminous object described as a 'big smoke ring' seen by a school.
• The Warminster area being noted for its 'leys' (ancient lines) and a unique magnetic field.
• A 'Serpent' phenomenon described by Steve Evans and Roy Fisher, involving a crackling sound and flattened grass.
• A figure in a white boiler suit seen running towards bushes.
• Headmaster Michael Green observing a horizontal, smoky black object.

West Wales Sightings

• West Wales experienced a record number of sightings in early 1977. Reports include:
• A seven-foot giant in a silver suit blocking a farm cottage window.
• A glowing orb following a car.
• A silver, jelly mould-shaped object, about 50 foot across, hovering near a greenhouse.
• A black shape, about 40 to 50 feet across, with a dim glow underneath, from which a figure in silver emerged.

Ministry of Defence spokesmen acknowledged the reports and stated that they investigate every sighting, not discounting the possibility of intelligent life in outer space. RAF Brawdy confirmed numerous sightings but noted they did not fit with their operations or descriptions of protective clothing used by oil refineries.

American Reports

Woman in Trance Tells of Space Ordeal (Davis, California): Judy Kendell, under hypnosis, recounted an alleged abduction experience from 1971 or 1972. She described her car being 'plucked up' off the road and taken to a spaceship. Inside, she encountered calm UFO researchers and friends, and described alien creatures with bulbous heads and gelatinous eyes. She reported medical procedures, including urine extraction via catheter. She also described a 'round room' with a console and a heavy metal machine placed over her eyes.

UFO Spotting Focuses on Deputy Creel (Mississippi): Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Creel reported seeing an unidentified flying object while on patrol. The object was described as an evening star that grew brighter and bigger, eventually coming within 200 yards of his car. It made a whirring noise and hovered about 20 to 30 feet above the car for over a minute. The object was about 30 to 40 feet in diameter, perfectly round, and changed colours. Highway Patrolman Louis Younger corroborated the sighting.

Mysterious Trip into the Future?

Chile: An army cavalry patrol reported two brightly shining objects descending from on high. Corporal Armando Valdes investigated and disappeared for 15 minutes, reappearing with a watch showing a date five days in the future and a five-day beard growth. Numerous other sightings in Chile are also mentioned.

Report from Finland

A group of young men in Uleaborg saw two shining balls of approximately 1.5 metres in diameter hovering above the ground. When one man approached, he fell to the ground screaming, complaining of chest pains and showing red marks on his chest and back.

UFO Statistics and Research

Australian UFO Statistics 1976

A statistical report compiled by the Centre for UFO Studies indicated that out of 439 reports received in 1976, 99 (22.6%) were unidentified. This is compared to the Air Force's figure of 10.3%, with the explanation that the Air Force receives more 'nocturnal light' cases which have a higher identification rate.

Astronomers Vote to Keep Searching for UFOs

A survey of American Astronomical Society members revealed that most feel UFOs deserve further scientific study. Of 1356 respondents, four-fifths believed UFOs are a subject worthy of scientific investigation, while only 20 percent thought otherwise.

Professor Peter A. Sturrock's findings from the survey indicated that scientists have thoughts and views but no answers regarding the UFO problem. He also noted that the UFO problem is a sensitive issue for most scientists, with many withholding their names. The survey also found that those who had witnessed UFO events or spent more time researching them, or were younger, were more open-minded.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of diverse UFO sightings across different geographical locations, the investigation of these phenomena by dedicated research groups, and the statistical analysis of UFO reports. There is a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts, often with detailed descriptions of objects and their behaviour. The bulletin also touches upon the potential for alien encounters and the scientific community's evolving stance on UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and witness testimony without definitive conclusions, while acknowledging the need for further study and the sensitivity surrounding the topic within scientific circles.

The Australian UFO Bulletin, August 1977 issue, presented on page 10, serves as a newsletter for UFO researchers in Australia. It details upcoming events, organizational news, and opportunities for members to engage with the subject matter.

UFOCON 3 Conference

The main announcement concerns UFOCON 3, the third national conference for Australian UFO researchers. It is scheduled to take place on November 12, 13, and 14, 1977, at the Chevron Hotel in Surfer's Paradise. This event is organized by CUFOS and ACOS on behalf of all Australian UFO groups and follows similar conferences held in 1975 and 1976. Representatives from VUFORS are expected to attend.

VUFORS Committee Election Results

The bulletin reports the results of the election for VUFORS office-bearers, which took place at the Annual General Meeting on Friday, May 27, 1977. The elected officials are:

• President: Peter Norris
• Vice-President: Guy Richards
• Secretary: Ray Fischer
• Treasurer: Clive Yates
• Committee Members: Nada Richards, Mrs. A. Briggs, Les Bristol, Michael McNamara, Rodney Marrow, and Andrew Homer.

For Sale Items

A section lists back issues of the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" (VUFORS magazine) and the "Australian UFO Bulletin" (members only) available for purchase. Prices for the Flying Saucer Review range from 25¢ to 40¢ per issue, with additional postage costs specified for one copy, 2-4 copies, and 5-8 copies, including overseas rates. Back issues of the Bulletin are priced at 20¢ or 40¢ each, with 40¢ postage (60¢ overseas) for members. Additionally, VUFORS Society Badges are available for $1.25 each, including postage, for members only. Car stickers, in blue (10¢ each) and bi-coloured (20¢ each), are also offered, with an additional 20¢ postage for up to a dozen.

Publisher Information and Subscription Details

The Australian UFO Bulletin is produced quarterly by the Victorian UFO Research Society, located at P.O. Box 43, Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia, 3189. This organization is described as non-profit and dedicated to the objective investigation of the UFO phenomenon. They actively encourage the submission of eye-witness accounts and any information related to the observation of unidentified flying objects and unusual aerial phenomena.

Annual subscription fees are listed: $5.00 for adults in Australia, and $3.00 for pensioners and juniors (under 18). Overseas subscriptions are US$5.00. A note indicates that a subscription expires with the current issue if an 'X' appears in a designated box.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organization and dissemination of UFO research within Australia. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation, as evidenced by the non-profit status and stated objective of the Victorian UFO Research Society. The publication serves as a central hub for information exchange, event announcements (like UFOCON 3), and the sale of related materials, fostering a community among Australian UFO enthusiasts.