Australian UFO Bulletin - 1979 05 - May

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN is dated May 1979 and is published by THE VICTORIAN U.F.O. RESEARCH SOCIETY. The cover features the magazine title prominently, along with the society's logo. The issue's price is listed as $5.00 within Australia and $7.00 (U.S.) outside Australia. The committee for the Victorian UFO Research Society as of April 1979 is listed, with Judith M. Magee as President, Paul B. Norman as Vice-President, John A. Thompson as Secretary, and Clive Yates as Treasurer.

Editorial: The Cook Strait Flap and Confirmed Proof

The editorial discusses the confirmation of the well-known Cook Strait Flap, referencing the February edition of the UFO Bulletin. It highlights the analysis by Dr. Bruce Macabee, an optical physicist for NICAP, and seventeen NICAP scientists, along with two CIA scientists. After three months of analysis, they concluded that there is "positive evidence that there is something going on that we cannot explain." The editorial notes that this confirmation has caused "severe indigestion" among debunkers. The announcement was made by Dr. Bruce Macabee and Dr. J.A. Hyneck in a New York news conference, broadcast on "Good Morning, America." The analysis of footage taken over Cook Strait by Quentin Fogarty and his team by Channel O is also mentioned as a key factor. Dr. Macabee's statement, "This is the opposite kind of UFO film; it has tremendous basis in fact and in the 20 years of NICAF's existence, the only film that NICAP can say is verified film of a UFO," is presented as a significant takeaway. The article suggests that this confirmation is expected by ufologists worldwide and that the New Zealand Air Force might be interested in the findings. The Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS) pledges to continue its reporting, with special thanks to Vice President Mr. Paul Norman for his efforts.

Earthquake Lights

This section, credited to the U.S. Geological Survey and dated July 3rd, 1977, investigates earthquake lights. It notes that these luminous phenomena, observed during earthquakes, warrant scientific investigation, though little work has been done due to reports from untrained observers. Early investigations in the 1930s by Japanese seismologists documented 1500 reports from the Idu Peninsula earthquake in 1930, where observers described sky illumination similar to sheet lightning but longer in duration, resembling auroral streamers or fireballs. These lights were seen before, during, and after the quake, with the most conspicuous during the peak shock. Earthquake lights have also been observed at sea, such as off the coast of Northern California in 1922 and near Monterey Bay in 1926. Theories proposed include the transport of space charge via aerodynamic drag from landslides (Prof. James E. McDonald) and the "piezoelectric" effect in quartz-bearing rock, where stress accumulation could generate a high seismoelectric potential leading to visible discharges. Evidence suggests this straining could occur days before an earthquake, potentially leading to new monitoring methods for prediction.

UFO's and Earthquakes: Comments by J.M. Magee

J.M. Magee explores the connection between UFOs and earthquakes. She notes that in the 1960s, a significant earthquake in Australia was preceded by a spate of UFO sightings in the area, similar to occurrences before a major quake in Japan and South America. While some suggest UFOs cause earthquakes, Magee prefers the idea that "Ufonauts" can ascertain earthquake strength. She posits that if scientists are considering monitoring earthquakes, then UFO-producing races are likely capable of far more advanced technology. The article references a 1965 Aust. F.S. Review article by Roy Russell on "Earthquakes and UFO's." Magee also discusses recent UFO activity in the Adriatic area, occurring shortly before serious earthquakes there, questioning if it was coincidence or monitoring. The article notes that even anti-saucer publications like "The Herald" reported these events, albeit with a skeptical tone.

Earthquakes and U.F.O.'s by Roy Russell

Roy Russell's article, originally from the Qld F.S. Bureau, connects UFOs to the International Geophysical Year (I.G.Y.) and space research, suggesting a shared interest in the geophysical condition and habitability of planets. He cites Robert J. Gribble's 1961 research listing 21 instances of UFO sightings over active earthquake zones in 1960, with sightings often preceding quakes. Russell discusses Hapgood's theory in "Earth's Shifting Crust" (1958) about increasing earthquake frequency and intensity due to the Antarctic ice-cap causing a shift in the Earth's crust. He also considers the sun's polarity reversal in 1957/58 as a potential factor influencing Earth's weather, currents, and earthquake patterns. Russell highlights a dramatic increase in major earthquakes (Richter Scale 6+) from an average of 10 per year before the UFO era to significantly higher numbers in the late 1950s and 1960s, suggesting this increase is not solely due to improved detection equipment.

Some Overseas Reports

This section compiles various international UFO reports:

• Saucers Search in the Adriatic: A 14-meter yacht was set to investigate the "Adriatic Triangle," an area between Ascoli Piceno and Pescara, Italy, known for sightings of pastel-green flying objects and luminous orange rays. Reports include sudden tidal waves, "orange mushrooms" rising from the sea, and navigation instrument malfunctions. Pilots reported objects rocketing from the sea at high speeds. Italian military officials also reported seeing objects emitting orange and green lights. Navy Captain Piero Gallerano investigated an unidentified flying object sighting 6 km offshore, noting major interference with radar and radio. The Italian government is reportedly taking UFO apparitions seriously, with the Defence Ministry keeping a dossier and issuing questionnaires to military staff about UFO propulsion, composition, speed, and maneuverability.
• Green Men and UFO's...It's an Epidemic! (from "HERALD", Jan 3, 1979): This report details a surge in UFO-related phenomena in Italy. It includes accounts of policemen seeing cigar-shaped discs, a hairdresser meeting a "little green man with horns," a businessman's encounter with "grey-coloured 'mini-mon'," and fishermen reporting tidal waves and red lights. The Milan daily Corriere Della Sera described the situation as a "flying saucer fever." A prisoner even escaped to spot a UFO. Scientists and ufologists are frequently featured in the media.
• UFO's 'Circled Church' (from "TIMES", Canberra, Jan 5, 1979): A Milan police patrol photographed luminous objects circling Milan Cathedral, described as emitting white light, moving slowly, and resembling stars.
• UFO Men Kidnapped Me: Guard (from "HERALD", Jan 13, 1979): Night-watchman Fortunato Zanfretta of Rome claims to have been kidnapped by "10 or more unearthly kidnappers" with "yellow triangular eyes, green skin and thorns." He described being held in a spaceship and hearing them speak with a "green light" emanating from their mouths. A doctor who hypnotized Zanfretta stated he was not lying but could not objectively confirm the experience.
• Families Wiped Out in Quake (from "SUN", April 17, 1979): Reports of an earthquake in Yugoslavia's Adriatic resorts that killed 200 people, including entire families.
• Shocks Go On As Tito Tours (from "HERALD", April 17, 1979): President Tito toured the Adriatic coast amidst ongoing minor earth tremors following a major earthquake.
• New Quake Rocks Resort Towns (from "SUN", April 18, 1979): A strong tremor further damaged resort towns and villages in Yugoslavia's earthquake-stricken Adriatic region.

UFO Sighting in British Columbia

This section details a Close Encounter of the First Kind observed by a Montreal family on a trip to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The witnesses, Normand and Marie, parents of two children, reported the sighting on Tuesday, July 18, 1978, at 11:40 pm Pacific time. The observation lasted 8-10 seconds. Normand described seeing a large, brightly lit object that initially appeared to be a big aeroplane but was realized to have only wings, forming a cross-like shape. The object then adopted a horizontal position and flew slowly from left to right (south to north) before disappearing behind trees. The object emitted an extremely white light from numerous small lights, like portholes or vents, with a rapid circular movement of light contrasting with its slow overall movement. Marie observed the upper part of the UFO better, describing a rectangular beacon-like feature covering the dark upper half. The object was estimated to be 8 or 9 inches long across the window frame. The cameras were in the car, so only visual details could be retained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation and confirmation of UFO phenomena, the potential link between UFOs and natural events like earthquakes, and the reporting of diverse international UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by J.M. Magee, is that the UFO subject is serious and affects fundamental beliefs, warranting a new viewpoint on science and humanity's place in the universe. The publication appears committed to presenting evidence and analysis, encouraging further research, and challenging skeptical viewpoints, particularly in light of the Cook Strait Flap confirmation.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated January 1979, focuses on UFO sightings and related mysteries, with a prominent cover story about the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich.

Eyewitness Accounts

Normand and Marie Sighting

The issue begins with an account from Normand and Marie, who witnessed a UFO described as a 'flying hydroglider (hovercraft)' moving at an altitude of approximately 60 metres. They noted the object was clear and well-defined, with no vapour or trail. Normand observed a luminous strip rotating above the object's centre, emitting a glow comparable to a white neon tube. They did not see any sidelights. The observers were sceptics before the event but were deeply affected, questioning if others had witnessed the same phenomenon. Researcher Philippe Blaquiere compiled these details following a conversation with the witnesses.

Tatura Sighting

This report details an incident from October 1977 involving a witness, Mr. W., who observed an extremely bright light while driving. Initially mistaking it for a wheat harvester, the light kept pace with his car at speeds of approximately 40 mph and illuminated his car's interior. The object displayed shades of red, green, and orange beneath a bright white glow. It hovered above a farm shed at a low altitude (25 ft) before moving away and reappearing. The witness noted the object's powerful light, surpassing that of driving lights. Later, the object reappeared at approximately 200 yards and 400 ft high, its light so intense it illuminated dust on the car. It then kept pace with the car at 90-100 mph before disappearing southward towards Bendigo within 30 seconds. The witness's family also observed the object.

Bendigo Reports

An article mentions that Mr. Pat Gildea, a field officer from the Victorian UFO Society, was to investigate a recent UFO sighting in Bendigo. The description of this UFO was similar to one reported at Newstead in February 1978. Another report from Bendigo details a sighting by Mr. Allan Nixon and his wife Janette, who followed a UFO in their car. They described it as a huge, bright car light that moved at incredible speeds, changing from white to dull red, and performing a 360-degree circle before heading towards Bendigo at high speed.

Frederick Valentich Disappearance

The most significant story details the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich and his Cessna aircraft over Bass Strait in January 1979, following a report in the 'National Enquirer'. On October 21, 1978, Valentich radioed air traffic control, reporting a strange, hovering craft that was not an aircraft. He described it as shiny and bright with a green light, and noted its metallic appearance. His transmission ended abruptly with a loud, crunching 'metallic noise'. A massive search operation involving 18 planes failed to find any trace of Valentich or his plane. Investigators were baffled, as Valentich had provided his speed, altitude, and position before vanishing. The report notes that since Valentich's disappearance, many pilots have reported UFOs in the area, and the Royal Australian Air Force confirmed a burst of UFO activity between October 18th and 22nd, 1978, with 11 sightings reported.

#### Concurrent Sighting

Coincidentally, on the same evening Valentich reported his encounter, banker Colin Morgan and his wife Isabel, in Melbourne, observed a UFO with an identical description: shiny, bright, with a green light flickering, and a 'type of arm' on the left side. They viewed it at the same time Valentich was describing it.

#### Other Witnesses

Dr. Bill Hamilton-Smith and his wife Billie also reported seeing a bright, star-shaped object in the area about 15 minutes before the Morgans' sighting.

UFO Paces Fokker Friendship

This article describes a sighting by Patricia E.B. on October 20, 1978, the day before Valentich's disappearance. While flying from Melbourne to Davenport, Tasmania, she observed an oval, almost round object above the clouds. The UFO had circles of rainbow clouds on the outside and red in the centre. It followed the aircraft at a similar speed for about 20 minutes before disappearing.

Blackwood Sighting

On the evening of October 21, 1978, four couples (Mr. & Mrs. C. Rossito, Mr. & Mrs. R. Petersen, and Mr. & Mrs. G. Williams) staying at a holiday house in Blackwood, Victoria, witnessed a bright light resembling a spotlight with a small red light and a green light. During the observation, the television began to malfunction, and the kitchen and lounge globes blew. The object was observed for about 15 minutes, at times moving up and down and side to side with rapid speed, emitting coloured beams. Later, the object reappeared and changed shape. The horses were restless, and one witness, Mrs. Rossitto, felt depressed and suffered physical symptoms, while Mrs. Williams felt an impulse not to leave the house.

Translators Wanted

The bulletin includes a call for translators to help decipher letters and articles received from overseas in languages such as French, German, Italian, Belgian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Publisher Information

Australian UFO Bulletin is produced by the Victorian UFO Research Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the objective investigation of the UFO phenomenon. They welcome eyewitness accounts and information concerning unidentified flying objects and unusual aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained disappearances (particularly the Valentich case), and the impact of these phenomena on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO reports, as evidenced by the work of the Victorian UFO Research Society and the detailed reporting of eyewitness accounts. The bulletin aims to document and share information about UFOs and unusual aerial phenomena.