Australian UFO Bulletin - 1981 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN, dated June 1981, is the official publication of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It features a cover headline that is the magazine's title and includes contact information for the society.

Contents

The issue's contents include an Editorial, Overseas News, Sightings, Theories, Library and Book Review, UFORUM, Book Review, More Theories, and Tinambra Circles. Membership rates are listed as $5 within Australia and $US7 overseas. A note mentions the absence of the "roving Vice President" for this edition but promises interesting stories in the next.

Editorial: Water as a Key to UFO Sightings

The editorial posits that water, Earth's most abundant resource, could be a key to understanding UFOs. Reports received by the society indicate that UFOs remove large amounts of water from farm tanks and reservoirs. The editorial notes that UFOs can operate at great depths in water, suggesting oceans as a potential safe haven. It draws a parallel between UFOs and high-flow atomic reactors, which require large amounts of cooling liquids. This suggests UFOs might need to 'top up' with water to maintain their atomic power cores and produce heavy water coolant. Furthermore, water is presented as a potential replacement for carbon fuels, with the H2O cycle offering a clean and economic energy source through the atomic breakdown of water into oxygen and hydrogen. The editorial also considers the possibility that UFOs are controlled by carbon-water-based aliens who, like humans, require water for survival and would need to collect it.

A specific incident, the "White Acres encounter" in Rosedale, Victoria, on September 30, 1980, is cited as a classic case where a UFO took a large amount of water from a farm tank, emptying it and causing the tank to crack. Another report mentions a tank at the Cardinia Reservoir being emptied shortly before Christmas, with no leaks found, raising the question of where the water went.

Discussion Nights

The society holds regular Discussion Nights at the Royal Society Supper Room in Melbourne. These meetings are described as popular, allowing members to share views and discuss UFO-related topics in a comfortable setting. A small donation of 50¢ covers tea or coffee and biscuits. Members are encouraged to inform the librarian of their reading interests for book selections. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25th, followed by another on Thursday, August 25th. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and arrangements can be made for transport.

Theories: Why Some People Experience UFO Phenomena and Others Don't?

This article, authored by Dr. Ian Gordon, explores the reasons behind differential UFO experiences. It begins by referencing Maureen Puddy's third encounter with an alien, observed by researchers who saw nothing. This leads to the central question: why did Maureen see the entity when the researchers did not?

Several prevailing attitudes are discussed, including dismissing such incidents as fraud or hallucination. However, the article argues that ignoring the fact that some people experience UFO phenomena while others alongside them do not, would be a mistake. The author proposes two main hypotheses:

1. Special Characteristics: Some people possess unique characteristics that either attract UFOs to them or enable them to perceive UFO phenomena that others cannot. This could involve a predisposition to seeing UFOs or a unique ability to interact with them.
2. Mind Control: UFO beings may have the ability to control people's minds, preventing some individuals from seeing or remembering UFO encounters while allowing others to do so.

The article elaborates on the first hypothesis, suggesting that while common-sense reasons like active sky-watching or living near specific locations (harmonic grids, ley lines, military bases) might increase sighting probability, they don't fully explain differential experiences. It questions whether people with multiple UFO experiences might share a unique characteristic. The author notes that historically, multiple sightings were often viewed with suspicion, but suggests that behavioral scientists would investigate such 'out of the ordinary' factors. The article advocates for special attention to individuals with multiple UFO experiences, collecting biographical data to test this hypothesis. It even speculates if this ability could extend to 'summoning' UFOs.

The second hypothesis, mind control, is explored through documented situations. The article cites a 'National Enquirer' report from 1975 detailing UFOs near nuclear bomb storage areas and missile sites, where Air Force pilots could not see UFOs that were visible to ground personnel. It also references Andrija Puharich's biography of Uri Geller, where Puharich describes alleged 'mind control' experiences by UFO beings ('IS') on himself and others in Israel in 1971. In one instance, Geller's 'secret lover' Yaffa was mentioned by Puharich, a detail Geller denied knowing, leading to bewilderment. The article also discusses the possibility of photographic evidence capturing non-human entities that were not perceived by the photographer due to mind control.

A personal experience of the author is recounted: witnessing a spectacular panorama of people filling a large portion of the sky, which moved rapidly, while his family, also present, saw nothing. This experience reinforces the dilemma: either something controls individual minds, or some people possess a unique ability to perceive phenomena others miss.

Sightings Reports

Several sighting reports are detailed:

• Millthorpe Shooters Claim UFO Had Huge Spotlight: Three youths in Millthorpe, Australia, reported being terrorized by a UFO on April 6, 1981. They described a silver, dome-shaped object with various lights. One youth fired a rifle at the object when it moved towards them, claiming the bullet ricocheted. The object then shone a large spotlight on them before speeding away rapidly. They followed it for about five miles but lost sight of it. No burn marks were found, but the underside of the object had criss-crossed metal pieces resembling a landing base. They noted a utility vehicle in the area when they returned.

• Strange Lights in the Sky (Colac, Vic.): Three people reported seeing strange lights and cigar-shaped objects in the sky south of Colac on April 15, 1981. One sighting involved two long, cigar-shaped objects and a third similar object with a glowing end, all stationary and glowing red. Another sighting described a bright light that faded and reappeared, becoming extremely large, with another light appearing nearby. The Royal Australian Air Force stated they would investigate if requested.

• Sailors Report Huge UFO: The crew and passengers of the cruise ship SS Arcadia witnessed a gigantic, metallic, saucer-shaped craft with a dome and red lights hovering silently above the deck in October 1977, near Fiji. The object was estimated to be under the length of two Jumbo jets. The report also mentions aircraft vanishing without trace over Bass Strait in October 1934, 1935, and 1978.

Other Reports

• "THREE SURVIVE UFO ATTACK": This report, from "The World Weekly News" dated March 24, 1981, details a terrifying UFO encounter near Dayton, Texas, on March 24, 1981. Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and 7-year-old Colby Landrum encountered a diamond-shaped object emitting light, heat, and noise. Following the UFO's departure, 23 unmarked double-rotored helicopters appeared, seemingly targeting the UFO. Officials denied any large helicopter movements. The witnesses suffered physical effects: Betty Cash experienced large bumps and severe headaches, losing hair; Vickie Landrum suffered blurred vision and developing cataracts; and Colby Landrum experienced severe nightmares. An A.P.R.O. official described it as one of the most incredible sightings in recent years.

• FUFOR Awards Grant to International UFO Journal: The Fund for UFO Research, Inc. (FUFOR) awarded a cash grant to 'UFO Phenomena International Annual Review' (UPIAR), an international journal dedicated to the scientific examination of UFOs. Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of FUFOR, highlighted the need for a reputable refereed journal in the field. FUFOR also announced a grant for the best published UFO research in 1981.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential practical applications of UFO technology (particularly concerning water), the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO encounters, and the reporting of diverse UFO sightings from various locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging investigation into unusual phenomena and challenging conventional explanations. The society actively promotes discussion and research, as evidenced by their discussion nights and the support for scientific journals. The article on differential experiences suggests a leaning towards exploring less conventional explanations like unique human abilities or external influences (mind control) rather than dismissing anomalies outright.

This issue of The Australian Flying Saucer Review, dated May 1981 and identified as issue number 14, delves into various theories and reports concerning UFOs and potential extraterrestrial activity. The publication is from V.U.F.O.R.S., an Australian organization.

Theories on UFO Sightings and Alien Presence

The lead article, "SPACE : WE'RE ON THE OUTER" from The Herald (Melb. 27/5/1981), discusses a significant decline in UFO sightings over the past two years. Mrs. Maureen Hall, co-ordinator for the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association, suggests this could mean aliens have completed their research or are leaving. She posits that a 30 to 40 year period of alien research might have concluded, implying that any intention to 'take over the world' or 'save us from blowing ourselves up with nuclear weapons' is unlikely to proceed. Large-scale sightings reportedly began during World War 2 and peaked in the seventies, with over 200 reports annually in Britain.

The Theory of Relativity and Extraterrestrial Origins

Another article, "THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY" (Herald 27/5/81), presents the theory of the eighth Earl of Clancarty, who suggests humanity originated from outer space 63,000 years ago, with Earth being colonized by space travelers. He believes this explains the diversity of human skin colors, stating, 'We all came from different planets.' Lord Clancarty, vice-president of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association, also subscribes to the 'hollow earth' theory, proposing that some UFOs originate from subterranean civilizations accessed through tunnels. He recounts an expedition that allegedly discovered a modern underground city populated by humans and robots, suggesting this is part of a 'cover-up'.

Historical UFO Reports and Investigations

An article titled "OVER AUSTRALIA MAN MADE HIS FIRST REPORT OF A UFO IN SPACE" details a sighting by astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr. during the Mercury 9 mission on May 15, 1963. Cooper reported observing a green UFO with a red tail in space over Australia. Despite the report being heard globally, NASA and Cooper officially denied it, with the explanation being a garbled story of something sighted from the ground.

Stranger Things to See

This section highlights intriguing discoveries. One is a map in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, made by Admiral Piri Reis in 1513, which, when projected onto a modern map, shows a virtually identical copy of the world from a space perspective. It reveals landmasses under the Antarctic ice, visible only with modern echo sounders, suggesting it was created 380 years ago from a vantage point over Cairo.

Book Review: 'No Earthly Explanation'

A review of John Wallace Spencer's book, "NO EARTHLY EXPLANATION" (1974), discusses the disappearances of ships, boats, planes, and people without logical reason. Spencer aims to prove, using scientific data, that UFOs exist and explores their origins and purposes. The book is described as an educational report, blending UFO information with scientific data from astronomy to biology. It covers historical events from Adam and Eve to Stonehenge and the Bermuda Triangle, as well as Air Force cover-ups.

John Spencer's background is detailed: he studied UFOs after World War 2 and gathered data for ten years (1952-1962) while on active duty with NORAD. He later became an investigator for NICAP and now runs his own publishing company.

The review highlights a section on the USAF cover-up of UFO questions, referencing a massive new UFO wave in late 1964. A contract was made with the University of Colorado for a special UFO study project led by Dr. Edward Condon, with scientists chosen from non-believers. The review quotes Condon's skeptical stance, such as not expecting to prove UFOs don't exist and only believing in them if he could 'see one, touch one, get inside one, haul it into a lab'. The period 1965-1967 saw over 3000 reported sightings, with a 1966 Gallup poll indicating over 5 million Americans had personally seen UFOs. In contrast, the Air Force project BLUE BOOK received only about 10,000 sightings from 1947-1965. The Condon committee's investigation fell apart in January 1968, leading to divisions and resignations. Both Prof. Hynek and Dr. James E. McDonald criticized the project. The 1969 'Condon Report' concluded no evidence supported UFOs being extraterrestrial, leading the USAF to shut down its UFO projects in December 1969.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

An article discusses the possibility of life beyond Earth, citing scientific discoveries that have changed perceptions. It suggests that if even one in 100,000 stars has a solar system with life, there could be over a million inhabited neighbors in our galaxy alone, and astronomically more across billions of galaxies. Professors George Wald and Richard Berendzen express belief in an inhabited universe.

UFORUM: Your Questions Answered

C.P. of Ballarat asks about the first sighting of humanoids in modern times. The answer points to July 23, 1947, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where a surveyor named Jose Higgins encountered three nearly seven-foot-tall humanoids who communicated by drawing.

It is also mentioned that evidence suggests the US Air Force has 'on ice' many humanoids, some from a 1947 UFO crash in New Mexico, allegedly kept at Wright-Patterson and Edwards Air Force Bases.

Book Review: 'The Roswell Incident'

This section reviews Charles Berlitz's book, 'The Roswell Incident' (1981), which claims a saucer crashed in the desert with six aliens, and the US Government studied the wreckage and performed post-mortems. The incident reportedly occurred on July 2, 1947, in Roswell, New Mexico. Initial reports described occupants as three feet tall, slant-eyed, and grey. The book alleges a massive cover-up by the US Government, which attempted to dismiss the event as a weather balloon mistake. Berlitz reportedly found people who saw the original wreckage and non-human occupants and amassed fuzzy photographs.

The Tinamba Circles

This report by Pat Gildea details an event on April 4, 1981, at Tinamba, Victoria, Australia. Mr. Henry Gallatly's son observed a flashing red light, which had been seen by other neighbors over the past 12 months. The light switched off and was replaced by a brilliant white light that sped off. Later, three complete, burnt rings, 17 feet in diameter, were discovered on the property, forming a triangle. Soil samples revealed a white chalk-like substance. Sheep panicked, and one was missing. No unusual radiation or magnetic field anomalies were detected. George Blackwell, who had witnessed a UFO landing previously, also reported seeing a similar red flashing light.

The Australian Flying Saucer Review is Back!

This section announces the return of The Australian Flying Saucer Review, which originally ran from March 1970 to 1972. Due to ill health, the publication ceased but has now been revived as an annual to review UFO reports from home and abroad. It also mentions the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin" that was previously published.

Beating Off the Space Invaders is Proving Costly

This article from The Australian (9/5/81) discusses the Federal Government's expenditure on tracking UFO sightings. Despite official acknowledgment nearly 20 years prior that flying saucers do not exist, the RAAF employs officers to investigate sightings. The defense budget includes provision for at least 14 RAAF officers and one senior intelligence officer for this purpose. The article notes that the US Air Force closed a similar program in 1963, with the then Minister for Air stating there was no evidence of UFOs representing visitors from outer space. The RAAF now claims to explain 97% of sightings, attributing the unexplained 3% to hoaxes. The original UFO program started in the 1950s due to fears of Russian flying saucers. The RAAF handles reports made directly by the public and uses information on aircraft, astronomical occurrences, and satellite paths to identify sightings. Examples include identifying sightings near Perth with the arrival of Boeing 747s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFOs, their potential origins (extraterrestrial, subterranean, or terrestrial), and the alleged involvement of governments in investigating or concealing information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various theories and reports without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the evidence and form their own opinions. The publication itself, V.U.F.O.R.S., is presented as a non-profit organization dedicated to producing the magazine and conducting research into UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of membership for its continued operation.