Australian UFO Bulletin - 1980 12 - December

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: December 1980 Edition
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Date: December 1980

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, the official publication of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, presents a collection of articles, reports, and discussions centered on UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its readers about recent sightings, historical cases, research findings, and theoretical perspectives within the field of ufology.

Editorial

The editorial, dated December 1980, reflects on the ongoing nature of UFO sightings at the beginning of the 1980s, noting that the pattern of dedicated ufologists adding new cases to their files at personal expense continues. It suggests that less time should be spent trying to convince the scientific community and skeptics, and more effort should be directed towards cooperating with scientists who are open to investigation. The editorial also highlights the importance of supporting ufologists who are working towards the release of official documents, believing this would hasten public admission of the UFO phenomenon. It describes a recurring cycle where UFOs act, and humanity reacts, with ufologists investigating, armchair experts offering conflicting interpretations (demons, angels, hardware), and officialdom maintaining silence.

Library Report

John Auchettl, the Librarian, reports that the society's library is now operational. While loans and book lists will take time to become fully efficient, the library already holds approximately 172 titled books covering a wide range of UFO-related topics. Due to the large quantity, not all books can be brought to meetings, so a selection will be provided. A cover charge of 50 cents applies for books borrowed at meetings, and $1.00 for postal requests, with additional costs for postage. Rules, information, and book lists will be distributed soon. The librarian also commits to providing book reviews and relevant information in the magazine to assist members in selecting books.

Book Review No. 1: "UFO's FROM BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN"

This review covers the book "UFO's FROM BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN" by J. Wevwrbergh and I. Hobana. The book is noted for its size (nine chapters, 304 pages), with a significant portion dedicated to documenting 279 UFO reports. Written in 1972, it presents evidence, diagrams, pictures, and graphs. The review details that Russian authorities initially dismissed UFO reports as Western propaganda. However, an unofficial committee of scientists began studying the enigma in 1967, but was later disbanded by the government, with over 90% of Romanian cases remaining unpublished.

Articles and Reports

"It's a strange world -" Computers say UFO's real

This article, by George Butler of The Times, reports on a computer analysis conducted by French scientist Claude Poher. Poher fed 1,000 selected UFO observation reports into a computer, along with data on potential misidentifications like Venus, weather balloons, and marsh gas. The computer's verdict was that flying saucers exist and are distinct from other phenomena. The report states that UFOs have landed hundreds of times in deserted areas, appearing as bright metallic objects during the day and yellowish or greenish-orange at night, in forms of discs, spheres, or cigars. Seventy percent of sightings occurred at night, with one in ten involving landings. Extraterrestrial astronauts were seen in one in twenty cases. Powerful magnetic forces were consistently present, capable of disrupting vehicle power, radio transmissions, and other electromagnetic instruments.

Maurice Chatelain, a former aerospace electronics engineer, is mentioned for his theory in "Our Ancestors Came from Outer Space" about how space travelers use planetary gravity to slow down and orbit planets like Jupiter and Mars before reaching Earth.

Polls indicate that over 15 percent of the U.S. population, including President Carter, have seen UFOs, and over 50 percent believe in extraterrestrial visitors. Charles Berlitz links UFOs to mysterious disappearances of planes and ships in the Bermuda Triangle.

UFO sightings have occurred in all parts of the world

This section discusses UFO sightings globally, referencing Jacques Vallee, a French astronomer and NASA scientist. It touches upon the belief that UFOs have been present for a long time, citing the Biblical account of Ezekiel. Various theories about UFO aims are presented: seeking water, collecting specimens, needing elements like gold, protecting Earth from self-destruction, monitoring space travel, or using Earth's natural forces for energy. Some believe UFOs have religious significance or are signs of the Last Days. General Douglas MacArthur considered them hostile, but a computer analysis suggested spaceships had military advantages.

"THOUGHTS ON THE NEW GUINEA SIGHTING"

This article by Rev. William Gill recounts a sighting from 1959 in Papua New Guinea. A large, circular, luminous object was observed by villagers for four hours. The object was described as having human-like figures on board engaged in maintenance. A thin, electric blue light beam pierced upwards from the craft. The UFO eventually ascended and disappeared. The author notes that despite twenty-one years passing, science has made little progress in identifying the phenomenon or its origin. He suggests that while evidence and anecdotes have accumulated, significant progress in understanding UFOs has been limited, leading to easier theorizing than empirical investigation.

ON THE U.F.O. TRAIL

By Paul Norman, this article discusses inquiries about the book "Alien Honeycomb." The VUFORS Committee has been reluctant to comment without examining the material, but their scientific advisors are willing to test it. The author recalls a 1950s metallurgy conference where a similar "honeycomb" material was presented, potentially revolutionary for the steel industry. VUFORS's stance is partly due to the fact that such material is known to be used in their own space and military programs. However, some recovered fragments cannot be easily dismissed as man-made. A record titled "U.F.O. Encounters" from the Center for U.F.O. Studies is mentioned, which includes a case from 1948 reported by Lt. Col. Robert B. Willingham. This UFO was detected by NORAD radar, tracked south over Texas, and crashed near the Mexican border, making 90-degree turns without changing speed. Willingham described the recovered material as "honeycomb," resembling magnesium steel with carbon, which was resistant to heat. The author expresses anticipation for a follow-up investigation of a similar "crash site" in the Northwestern United States.

DID A 'UFO' DRAIN THIS FARM TANK?

This report, credited to "Independent" Perth, W.A., by John Hemmingway, details an incident on June 24th, 1979, where a farming couple in Western Australia reported their 13,000-gallon water tank was completely drained overnight. The plug was in place, and there were no signs of leakage or tracks. Two days later, reports of flashing blue lights in the sky near Mount Magnet emerged. The couple initially kept the incident quiet, fearing ridicule. Heather Moses stated that the water could not have evaporated or leaked out without a trace in such a short time. Ron Moses, a bushman, found no tracks. The tank was refilled and has been fine since. Heather added that the blue flashing lights were reported to have gone directly over their paddock.

UFO TALLIES WITH OTHERS

Credited to "Gippsland Times," this article reports on a sighting on Wednesday, October 15th, 1980, near Sale, Victoria. A farmhand, Mr. George Blackwell, described an orange, top-shaped unidentified flying object that matched descriptions from around the world, according to the Victorian UFO Research Society. Society members Mr. Paul Norman and Mr. Pat Gildea interviewed Blackwell and inspected marks left by the UFO on the "Whiteacres" property. Mr. Gildea found normal radiation levels using a Geiger counter. Mr. Norman took soil samples for thermoluminescence testing to determine if the soil had been unnaturally heated. The article notes the reaction of farm animals, with Hereford cattle frightened by the object refusing to walk over the charred ring it left behind. Mr. Norman suggested the object might have been looking for water, as a 10,000-gallon tank on the property had a low water level after the sighting.

"THE WHITE-ACRES ENCOUNTER"

This detailed account by Pat Gildea describes the sighting by Mr. George Blackwell on Tuesday, September 30th, 1980, near Sale, Victoria. Blackwell awoke to his horse galloping and cattle bellowing. He observed an object flying low from a south-westerly direction, approximately 550 ft away and 6 ft off the ground. The object emitted a low whistling sound and blue and orange lights. Blackwell described it as domed-shaped, not an aircraft, and estimated its dimensions at 10 ft in height and 26 ft in length. It moved in a straight line, passing over fences, and touched down 50 ft from a concrete water tank. Blackwell approached the landed object, which was stationary, with whistling sounds and revolving lights. After about 10 minutes, it lifted off, emitting a piercing noise and heat. As it rose, a circular rim on its underside was visible, and stones and cow pads fell from below. The craft flew easterly and disappeared from sight. Blackwell returned home at 1:50 am. The investigation revealed physical evidence of a circular brown ring, approximately 30 ft in diameter, with six half spokes. No radiation was detected, but soil samples were taken. The grass was affected, and cattle avoided the area. A 10,000-gallon water tank was nearly empty. A time discrepancy of about 20 minutes was noted in Blackwell's statement. Another witness, Kelly Postle, saw a pink ball of fire moving slowly in the west around the same time. The sighting was reported to the R.A.A.F. for investigation.

Help Wanted

There is a call for translators who can translate Italian and German into English to help strengthen the publication's content by utilizing overseas papers. Interested individuals are asked to call John Auchettl after 6 pm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of UFO sightings and investigations, the challenges of gaining official recognition, and the presentation of various theories regarding UFO origins and intentions. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for more open research and cooperation, while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the diverse interpretations of UFO phenomena. The society actively collects and disseminates information on UFO cases, both historical and contemporary, and provides resources for its members through its library. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence, case studies, and theoretical discussions within the ufological community.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated July 25th, 1980, focuses on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings, primarily in Victoria and Queensland, Australia.

Warrnambool Sighting - July 24-25, 1980

The issue details a significant sighting on July 24th, 1980, between 5.45 and 6.15 pm, reported by approximately 35 people from Timboon to Portland, Victoria. The object was described as travelling from South-West towards North-East. While a strong possibility of it being an aircraft exists, the sighting was considered unusual and attracted attention over a wide area of the Western District. At least five observers photographed the object.

A critique of one photograph, analyzed by GSW (Civilian Aerial Phenomena: Research Organization), is published to highlight the difficulties in identifying such objects. The analysis, based on a single daylight photograph submitted by Paul Norman of Australia, concluded that the object was not a hoax and not connected with any astronomical body or known atmospheric phenomenon. It was described as an inarticulate image with an exhaust protuberance, grainy due to high-speed film.

Further details emerge from a report in "The Standard" on July 25th, 1980, titled "UFO SEEN OVER WARRNAMBOOL". This report describes the object as "Red, bright, flat, round, saucer shaped". Five people in Warrnambool and three outside the city reported seeing the object between 5.45 pm and 6.15 pm. Department of Transport and RAAF officials confirmed no planes were in the area. Mrs. Margaret Lowe described it as flat and round, like a saucer. Graham Kelly reported it as red and glowing with a tail, initially thought to be a slim cloud reflecting the setting sun. Mark Lee and Kerrie Henderson saw it at 5.45 pm, describing it as moving slowly, lights going out, leaving a vapor trail, and appearing as a black, flat object. They noted it flattened out and turned yellow with a red ring around it before moving towards Mortlake.

Photographic Analysis by GSW

The GSW analysis of the Warrnambool photograph (submitted by Paul Norman) utilized various computer enhancement techniques. The conclusions drawn were:

1. The UO image is not a hoax.
2. The UO image is not connected with any astronomical body or known atmospheric/weather phenomenon.
3. A 135mm telephoto lens with a 2X tele-converter covers approximately 10 degrees of the sky.
4. A small aperture lens (F16 to F22) accounts for extreme depth of field.
5. The object is reflecting sunlight, and the photograph was taken between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm local time.
6. The picture width represents 10 degrees of arc. The UO with contrail is approximately 1/6th of the total width, or 1.7 degrees. The main body is smaller.
7. The contrail is emitted from below the UO.
8. The UO is elliptical with a vertical stabilizer at the rear.
9. The contrail area shows over 50 density readings.
10. The aspect ratio (width to height) is 7 to 1 (e.g., 20 feet long, 3 feet high).
11. The UO is at a vast distance and altitude, estimated at least 30,000 feet (9.4 KM), possibly over 50,000 feet (14.5KM).
12. The actual size of the UO, void of the contrail, is comparable to high-altitude aircraft.
13. Absolute measurement is impossible due to distance and film condition.

GSW's Conclusion: Based on the photographic data, GSW concluded that the image represents a high-altitude military aircraft. Supporting facts included the shape consistent with an aircraft with a high vertical stabilizer, comparable size to common aircraft, and the visibility of contrails reflecting a setting sun for over 15 minutes. They also suggested that observations of "hovering" could be attributed to the UO heading slightly angled from the witness. However, they did not dismiss the possibility of an extraordinary flying craft, requesting additional sighting data and photographs.

Queensland Sighting - July 7, 1980

Russell Boundy, Investigator for UFO Research, Far North Queensland, investigated a sighting reported on local and state radio on August 8th, 1980, concerning an UFO sighted by the pilot of a TAA jet on July 7th, 1980. The investigator visited DOT officers at Cairns airport.

The TAA jet (DC9) was flying at 30,000 ft, approximately 120 miles NW of Cairns, when the pilot sighted an object with a similar heading. The object was in sight for about 5 minutes, heading towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, and was estimated to be 20,000 ft above the aircraft, placing the UO at an estimated altitude of 50,000 ft. DOT checked civil and military traffic and found no other aircraft in the area. RAAF and the US Embassy confirmed no B52 bomber flights over North Queensland at that time.

The pilot, Captain Willinczyck, reportedly appeared disinterested when asked for further details. The object was described as a "dark dot with a distinctive contrail behind".

Discussion: Cairns FSO's had no knowledge of an RAAF investigation. TAA confirmed the pilot's disinterest. The investigation noted that the pilot had not replied to FNQ by October 20th, 1980.

Conclusions (12/8/80): Three possible explanations were considered: 1) An aircraft in the area without authorization, 2) A meteorite with a contrail, or 3) An 'unknown'. Further investigation was planned, including interviewing the pilot.

Further Investigation Notes: A letter was sent to Captain Willinczyck. The sighting occurred at approximately 13.30 hrs EST (news releases quoted 13.15). Weather was clear. The DOT quoted the jet's altitude at 30,000 ft. The object at 50,000 ft would likely be military, but DOT confirmed no RAAF or USAF aircraft were in the area. RAAF was alerted but investigations ceased due to the pilot's disinterest.

Final Conclusions: Although the object appears more likely to have been an aircraft, there is no evidence to support this. The object could not be identified by DOT or the pilot, and no satisfactory explanation emerged. The object must be assumed as a POSSIBLE UFO.

Other Sightings and Information

Other reports mentioned include a sighting in the Skiddaw area by Mrs. Bruce Hill, described as having black dots on the front and back. Carol Wickenton described an object as very bright with a long tail. Bob Wallace saw a black dot that became a yellow glow, then a black dot with a tail.

A report from "The Standard" on September 18th, 1980, "UFO MAY HAVE BEEN A FOREIGN PLANE", discusses the July 24th sighting. Analysis of photographs by Steve Hynes indicated a solid metal object. Australian officials stated no scheduled flights or air-craft were detected on radar. Mr. Paul Norman of the Victorian UFO Research Society was checking the case, noting it was similar to a sighting near Cairns. The "Standard's" photograph was tested by the Ground Saucer Watch laboratory in Arizona for $50.

Mr. Norman is living temporarily in Timboon to gather information and is seeking photographs from five local people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena and the challenges in identifying them. The magazine presents witness testimonies, photographic analysis, and official statements (or lack thereof) from aviation authorities and the military. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and analysis while acknowledging the possibility of unknown phenomena, even when leaning towards conventional explanations like military aircraft. The Victorian UFO Research Society is actively involved in collecting and analyzing reports, seeking expert opinions, and disseminating information to its members through the "Australian U. F. O. Bulletin".