Australian UFO Bulletin - 1981 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: SEPTEMBER 1981 EDITION
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated September 1981, is the official publication of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It features a variety of articles and reports related to UFO sightings, research, and related phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the historical need for 'invisible colleges' or private groups where individuals could discuss unconventional subjects without fear of ridicule or prejudice. It draws a parallel to the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society's private discussion sessions held at the Royal Society's Rooms in Melbourne, providing a space for members and friends to discuss UOLOGY and its impact on scientific theories without interference from 'undesirables.' These sessions are described as a 'new found freedom' for individuals to share their reports without judgment.

Auchettl Movie Footage

This section details a sighting by J.W. Auchettl on December 3rd, 1978, in Dandenong North, Victoria. While working near his tool shed, Auchettl observed an object in the sky at approximately 3:05 pm. He described it as a "Cigar Looking" object, very high (over 10,000 feet), flashing like a lighthouse, and appearing to tumble end over end. The object was brighter than the blue sky and its brightness ranged from car headlights to sun reflection. It began to move east to south. Auchettl rushed to get his Super 8 movie camera and managed to film for about 19 seconds, with only about 10% of the film remaining. He noted the object seemed to move faster as it arced south. Despite the visual sighting, the processed film, when reviewed with his father, revealed only a "white flashing dot," which was "disastrous" and not representative of what he saw. He concluded that the camera, for some reason, did not capture what he witnessed.

Auchettl also mentions that the film was sent to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in the USA for evaluation. GSW's report, dated June 15th, 1981, indicated that while the movie strip results were not spectacular, computerized data was worthwhile. They noted the object's brilliance suggested it was closer when first noticed. The flickering sensation on the original film was attributed to fading intensity due to tumbling. GSW stated they would continue processing the film and report further.

The Sighting

This section elaborates on Auchettl's sighting, providing details about the location, weather conditions (blue sky with intervals of cloud, little wind), and the object's movement. He describes the object as clearly visible, well-defined, and not moving initially, but flashing. The impression of brightness was significant. No sound was noticed.

Reaction

Auchettl describes his immediate reaction to get his camera and film the object. He notes the limited film remaining and the difficulty in relocating the object. He also mentions the importance of the sighting in light of the recent Frederick Valentich UFO encounter and disappearance.

Disappointing Results

This part reiterates the disappointment with the film results, stating that nothing resembling the sighting was captured, only a small white flashing dot. Auchettl expresses that the results were not worth reporting further, as his entire sighting was based on what he saw, not what the camera recorded.

Investigations Proceeding in North Western Victoria

This section reports on investigations by VUFORS members in the Mildura area following UFO reports on August 5th, 1981. Despite efforts involving police radio and C.Bs, no UFO was sighted during the organized effort. However, the investigations uncovered other reports, including an R.A.A.F. pilot who observed four UFOs flying in formation over the Mildura area, described as too fast to be jets. Another report mentioned a daylight disc circling over Mildura and shooting upwards at fantastic speed. VUFORS members were conducting follow-up investigations.

The Werrimull Sighting

Senior Constable Roy Fletcher reports a sighting on July 22nd, 1981, involving Garry Taylor and his guests. While listening to the radio, they were alerted to look towards Mildura. Fletcher saw a bright flashing light, like a flashlight, appear at about 35 degrees above the skyline. It moved, flashing near the ground, then appeared higher. He estimated there might have been four lights, jumping around the place and moving eastwards. He attempted to phone others for confirmation. Mrs. Y. C'Day reported seeing lights moving across her paddock heading southeast. Fletcher lost sight of them towards Red Cliffs. Later, on July 27th, Jack Gray and others saw a similar light in the direction of Meringur. Mr. Taylor's son and his wife, along with the Gray family, also reported seeing a light flash on their way to Mildura. The light appeared to slow down over them, and they described it as a "long shape" with a possible "cabin" in the dying flash. They took photos but were not hopeful of the results.

On The UFO Trail

This article by Paul Norman provides an update on UFO activity and research, particularly focusing on the North American UFO Trail and the ongoing interest in the Frederick Valentich Incident. He notes that the "mini Condon Reports" had fizzled out, but interest in the Valentich case remained high. Mark Sawyers, VUFORS Secretary, visited San Francisco and reported renewed interest. The ABC was planning a TV program on the Bass Strait UFO activity. Radio Station 5A.D. interviewed Norman about the Valentich disappearance, focusing on why radar failed to detect the Cessna. Norman informed them of witnesses who heard and saw a blue and white Cessna near Cape Otway. The article mentions that the Department of Transport acknowledged that there was no reason to doubt Valentich's reported position. It also touches on radar detection issues concerning UFOs, citing the Betty/Barney Hill encounter where the U.S. Air Force eventually admitted radar detection. A separate incident on April 9th in Concord, California, involved Leslie and Dave observing an object moving towards a neighbor's house, hovering, and then moving away. The object was described as diamond-shaped, and similar reports of large diamond-shaped UFOs with no EM effect or animal reaction were noted.

Library

John Auchettl, the librarian, apologizes for missing the last meeting. He reports that the library's book intake has increased significantly due to a generous donation from assistant secretary Bill Clyde. He urges members who have borrowed books to return them promptly, as overdue books hinder other members' access.

Stranger Things To See

This section presents a historical artifact: a metal dice weighing 785 grams, made of a coal and nickel steel alloy, found in a block of coal from the Tertiary Period (1 to 63 million years ago) in Salzburg. The dice had two parallel outer surfaces, rounded off, with a deep incision in the middle. Its sulphur content was too low for it to be natural, and it was noted as being rust-proof and made. The artifact was held in the Salzburg Museum until 1910, when it mysteriously disappeared. The source is cited as "In Search of Ancient Gods" by E. Von Daniken (1973).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the challenges of documenting and verifying UFO evidence (particularly with photography and film), the importance of organized research societies like VUFORS, and the historical context of investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance emphasizes the value of private discussion groups for exploring unconventional topics and suggests a continued effort to gather and analyze UFO data, even when initial results are disappointing. There's also an underlying theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a focus on witness testimony and independent investigation.

This issue of the U.F.O. REVIEW, identified as Book Review No. 4 and part of a 'Continued' series, focuses on the "THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT PROJECT INVISIBILITY" by Charles Berlitz & William Moore. Published in 1979, the book is 181 pages long, divided into 12 chapters, and includes 4 photographic pages. The review suggests the book details a real event related to Albert Einstein and the Unified Field Theory, which may have led to the U.S.S. Eldridge's disappearance.

The Philadelphia Experiment Project Invisibility

The review begins by setting the scene in 1943, during wartime, when scientists were searching for new ideas. It recounts the alleged event at the U.S. Navy's Philadelphia shipyards in October 1943, where the U.S.S. Eldridge DE173 supposedly disappeared and reappeared in Norfolk, Virginia. The review notes that men experienced the effects of this 'invisibility,' and some died, with the project eventually being shut down.

It highlights the unbelievable nature of the stories, suggesting that those who spoke of the incident were considered 'MAD.' The review mentions that after the experiment, some men would disappear uncontrollably, and a group of sailors caused a disturbance that was reported locally. The project reportedly led to psychical problems and increased deaths, with some men lost in time.

The authors of the book, Berlitz and Moore, are credited with researching the new equipment and experiments conducted by the Navy. The review notes that men who had witnessed the event were hesitant to talk to the public for fear of being labelled crack-pots or facing government wrath.

A significant part of the narrative involves a 1970 encounter in Colorado Springs War Memorial Park, where two U.S. Air Force men, James Davis and Allen Huse, were approached by a strange man discussing invisibility, experiments, navy cover-ups, and unbalanced men. Later, in January 1978, Davis, after reading Berlitz's book 'The Bermuda Triangle,' realized the connection to the old man's story.

The review traces the research back to Morris K. Jessup, who began investigating the event in 1955 with his book 'The Case for the UFO.' Jessup was contacted by Mr. Carl Allen, who presented 'very strange letters' concerning the disappearing ship. These letters reportedly led Jessup to research the event deeper, suggesting a connection to Albert Einstein's Unified Field Theory. The theory's catastrophic effects allegedly caused Einstein to abandon it.

Jessup's search for Carl Allen led to the conclusion that Allen, living in Mexico, was an Able Seaman who participated in the experiment. Allen claimed to have seen and been in the experiment, providing new information. The mysterious man who confronted Davis and Huse is believed to have been Carl Allen, though unconfirmed.

Tragedy struck again when Morris Jessup was found dead by 'so-called suicide' on April 20, 1959, leading to suspicions. The review points to inconsistencies such as missing ship log pages and people being hard to locate. Attempts to match ship locations and experiment times were reportedly thwarted by efforts to alter records, indicating a Navy cover-up.

The review also mentions the reported failure of scientist Thomas Townsent Brom's force field research, which was allegedly hindered. A former naval research scientist, interviewed by William Moore, provided clues that supported Carl Allen's story.

The connection to UFOs is explored, with Jessup seeing the experiment as a potential method for interstellar travel, offering an explanation for how UFOs move in our atmosphere. It's suggested that UFO equipment might have been recovered but could not be operated safely by humans.

The reviewer states that this book is the best they have read in the past 12 months, describing it as reading like a fictitious mystery but asserting that by the end, readers will think differently and question 'WHY NOT?'

An Overseas Sighting: One U.F.O. in Tibet, 1981

This section, translated from Italian by M. Fernandez, reports a sighting from Tibet on July 24, 1981. The News Agency 'New China' in Beijing revealed that an unidentified flying object was seen on the north-eastern side of the sky. Mao Rubai, assistant manager of the regional bureau of meteorology, described the object as luminous, encircled by a variable blue-white luminosity, and manoeuvring from east to west at a speed of 120 kilometres a minute. The phenomenon lasted seven minutes.

Child Encounters

Authored by Mark E. Sawyers, this section explores the nature and frequency of close encounters involving children. It questions why UFOs show curiosity towards the young.

One case cited occurred in Duncan, B.C., Canada, where hospital staff witnessed a UFO hovering outside a children's ward. They reported seeing the UFO's crew inside, busy with control panels. The object vanished when the crew realized they had been seen.

Another case from British Columbia involved two small children who claimed strange, fuzzy lights were dancing around them in a field. Although no distinct objects were visible, the experience suggested a UFO-oriented event, especially as the children's father noticed nothing unusual.

The article speculates that these fuzzy lights might have been probes, and that children, being more receptive and less inhibited than adults, might be better subjects for UFO tests and studies.

It is noted that in many close encounters involving both adults and children, the adults may suffer adverse physical or psychological effects, while children, apart from a fright, appear unscathed.

The section concludes by posing questions about children's affinity towards UFOs and the nature of that affinity, acknowledging that these questions are speculative until the basic problem of what UFOs are and where they come from is resolved.

• A reference is made to the June 1981 issue of the 'Bulletin' for an article titled 'Why do some People Experience UFO Phenomena and Others Don't' by Dr. Ian Gordon.

Society Meetings

Announcements are made for upcoming society meetings:

• Discussion Night: Thursday, October 1st, around 8 p.m. at the Royal Society Supper Room, 9 Victoria Street, Melbourne. Attendees are advised to inquire about parking due to the CHOGM event.
• General Meeting & Elections: Thursday, November 26th, at 8 p.m. at the same address. This will be the last meeting of the year, covering progress and electing new committee members. Nominations for President, Vice President, Secretary, and committee must be received no later than 14 days prior to the meeting, signed by the nominee and proposer.

This Sighting Report Was Sent to the Society

This section details a personal sighting report sent to V.U.F.O.R.S.

On Tuesday, June 23rd, around 6:00 p.m., the author and his wife were returning home from work when they saw three strange lights hovering above the rooftops near Nth Croydon.

Upon arriving at their street, the author's wife first noticed the lights. The author was also surprised to see three large lights, grouped closely in a triangle, resembling spotlights. They were so bright that nothing above them was visible, and the dark sky prevented any silhouette or outline of a craft from being seen.

The author initially considered an aeroplane or helicopter but ruled out an aeroplane due to the lights' back-and-forth hovering motion. As they drove further, the lights appeared to be searching for something. The author's wife watched continuously until the lights dipped behind trees and reappeared, heading directly west and rising rapidly.

Both individuals exited the car. The author watched while his wife retrieved binoculars. By the time she returned, the lights were very high and distant, appearing as a single bright star. They took turns peering through the binoculars for about 15 minutes until the lights were out of sight.

The author is convinced it was not an aeroplane due to the hovering, nor a helicopter due to the speed and height of departure. A key observation was the complete absence of noise from the lights or the object carrying them.

As a member of the U.F.O. Society, the author questions if his strong desire to see a UFO might have influenced his perception. However, his wife's conviction that it was not a conventional aircraft supports his belief in a UFO sighting. He invites anyone who can prove otherwise to do so.

From New Zealand: UFO Paced Us, Temuka Family Says

This report, compiled from data supplied by Xenolog, Fred & Phyll Dickeson, and credited to 'The Timaru Herald,' details an encounter on a South Canterbury back road.

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Thew described a multi-coloured flying object pacing their car on the Waitohi Road in the early hours of July 12th. The object approached to within 120 yards and changed colours. Mr. Thew, a motor mechanic, stated they had an open mind on UFOs before but were now convinced.

Mrs. Thew, who was driving, initially thought the lights were reflections on the wet windows. However, upon winding down the window, they could still clearly see the object. It seemed to approach, then stop abruptly about 200-300 metres away, before pacing the car.

Mr. Thew noted that while the sight itself wasn't frightening, the car's speed indicated the intensity of the encounter. He described the object as something they had never seen before, with no noise, and clearly controllable.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Thew, along with their eldest daughter, were intrigued by what appeared to be a figure-eight shape outside the object. A fan-like tail of golden-red colour seemed to follow it during movement, but was not visible when stationary.

The object then 'shot away' towards the east, seemingly disappearing instantaneously. The Thews returned home and later observed the object hovering above them at an altitude of about 1000 ft.

Remarkably, the Thews were unaware until recently that the shape and colours of their sighting were almost identical to a detailed UFO sighting in Illinois, America, in 1952, reported by a nurse named Ann Sohn.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mysterious and unexplained phenomena associated with UFOs and alleged advanced technological experiments. The 'Philadelphia Experiment' serves as a central narrative, exploring themes of invisibility, time displacement, and potential government secrecy. The issue also highlights the subjective nature of UFO sightings, the role of personal conviction, and the challenges in verifying such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting anecdotal evidence and investigative accounts while acknowledging the speculative nature of the subject matter. The inclusion of child encounters suggests an interest in the psychological and perceptual aspects of UFO phenomena. The society's active engagement through meetings and the collection of sighting reports indicates a commitment to documenting and discussing UFO-related information.