Australian UFO Bulletin - 1983 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This is the March 1983 issue of the Australia U.F.O. Bulletin, the official publication of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. The magazine features a variety of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and alleged government cover-ups.

Editorial

The editorial discusses a recent spate of sightings that were likely caused by the re-entry of the Russian satellite Cosmos 1402. The editor notes that while most UFO sightings are explainable, about 20% remain unexplained, keeping the UFO pot boiling. The editorial concludes that these specific sightings, which involved objects described as 'fireballs' or 'greenish objects spewing sparks', are considered by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society to be I.F.O.'s (Identified Flying Objects).

Articles

E.T.'s Alive in Space, says NASA

This article, by John F. Schuessler, explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life, referencing a leading advisor to NASA, Dr. Cyril Ponnamperuma. Dr. Ponnamperuma believes the evidence for other life is compelling and suggests that extraterrestrials might resemble E.T. from the movie, with large heads and brains, and possibly two large eyes for stereoscopic vision. He bases this belief on discoveries of amino acids in meteorites, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA, indicating that life-producing processes could occur elsewhere in the universe. He speculates that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations could be thousands or even millions of years ahead of humanity and might be monitoring or trying to contact us.

A note at the end of the article mentions that John Schuessler spoke at the Dallas Brooks Hall, but the arrangement was not known in time for the December edition. Guido Valentich and Rev. Gill met with Schuessler, and members were disappointed he didn't have more time.

E.T. - The Way They May Contact Us, in a Big Way

Written by G.A. Hume of the Perth UFO Research Group, this article discusses how extraterrestrials might contact humanity. Hume contrasts the fictional portrayal of E.T. with potential real-life scenarios, suggesting that governments should have a protocol for dealing with stranded extraterrestrials. He proposes that aliens would likely use radio and television for contact, as it would pose no risk to them. Hume predicts that such a message could be delivered unexpectedly, interrupting regular programming.

The author also expresses disappointment with the lack of questions received for his 'UFORUM' column, which is intended as a communication channel for readers to interact with the society. He encourages questions from both children and adults on any aspect of ufology or space.

The Falcon Lake Incident - Part 3

This is the continuation of a multi-part article by Chris Rutkowski, based on a report by Charles Bowen. It details the experiences of Stephen Michalak, who claimed to have encountered a UFO near Falcon Lake in 1967, resulting in burns and physiological effects.

The Mayo Clinic: Michalak underwent tests at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, at his own expense. Initially, the clinic denied any record of his visit, leading to accusations of a 'cover-up'. However, after further correspondence and a signed release form, Michalak received reports indicating neurodermatitis and simple syncope, possibly related to hyperventilation or impaired cardiac output. A psychiatric report found no evidence of delusions or emotional disorders.

The Investigations: The article recounts the media attention Michalak received, including an interview with Heather Chisvin of the Winnipeg Tribune. Barrie Thompson, an investigator for APRO, was the first to take Michalak's story seriously. The CAPRO investigations involved body radiation counts and other tests. Misinformation circulated about Michalak undergoing hypnotic regression, though he was only interviewed. The Royal Canadian Air Force, under Eqdn.Ldr. P. Dissky, concluded the case was a hoax, though a National Research Council file stated that neither the DND nor the RCMP could dispute Michalak's story. The RCMP forensic laboratory could not determine the cause of the burn damage to his clothing.

The Government Covers Up?: The article suggests a government cover-up, citing the Mayo Clinic incident and the Canadian government's refusal to release information on the UFO investigation. Despite requests from MPs, the Department of National Defence stated it was not in the public interest to make the report public. The press criticized this 'closed-mouth attitude', predicting it would boost the UFO legend.

Psychological Effects: The article addresses the psychological aspects, noting that Michalak's decision to contact a newspaper office was seen by some as evidence of a hoax for publicity. Michalak described feeling detached and fearing contamination. He felt it was his 'duty' to report the incident and was initially unafraid of ridicule, though he and his family later became defensive. Psychiatrists found no evidence of mental illness.

The Hoax?: The article explores theories suggesting Michalak faked the incident, including one from a physics professor who believed Michalak was experimenting with toy rockets or a homemade bomb. An RCAF spokesman suggested he was drunk and fell on a barbeque grill. Ray Craig, a Condon Committee investigator, concluded that the case did not offer probative information regarding unconventional craft, despite listing it as an unexplained sighting. The article questions why metal samples found at the site were not discovered earlier and notes that the radium detected was considered a prime reason to negate the watch dial theory. The article also discusses the suspicious nature of the metal samples, which appeared to have a 'seam' suggesting fabrication.

Conclusions: The article concludes that something unusual occurred on May 20, 1967, near Falcon Lake, and that Stephen Michalak was badly burned and ill. However, it questions whether the account can be proved beyond a doubt. The evidence includes eyewitness testimony, physiological damage, and a landing site. Major problems include the metal samples and radium detection. The CAPRO investigators agreed Michalak was sincere, and the writer found no reason to doubt his veracity.

Further Sightings: The article notes that Michalak reported another UFO sighting in northwestern Ontario, describing it as the 'same thing' as at Falcon Lake. The mystery of the case continues.

UFO's May Be Real, Admits Russia

This news brief reports that a Soviet newspaper, Sovietskaya Kultura, suggested that UFOs could exist and that many unexplained phenomena lie behind 'flying saucer' reports. It mentioned a 1981 incident where a Soviet fighter plane encountered a 'fiery ball' that caused structural damage. The Soviet Union is also planning unmanned space missions to search for signs of civilization on distant planets.

Victorians Report a UFO

This report details an unidentified flying object sighted over Victoria, Australia, shortly after 6 pm on a Friday. Sightings came from south-eastern Melbourne suburbs, Hoorabbin Airport, and Shepparton. An air-traffic controller described the object as 'bright silver' initially, changing to green and red. A spokesman for the Federal Government committee monitoring space objects stated it was unlikely to be the Russian satellite Cosmos. Melbourne airport flight-service officer Joe White described the object as heading downwards at a steep angle, disappearing before reaching the ground, and having a bright green colour with a green tail of light. Tullamarine Airport confirmed the object did not show up on radar screens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the potential existence of extraterrestrial life, and the role of governments and media in handling such reports. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society appears to maintain a critical but open stance, distinguishing between unexplained phenomena and identifiable objects like satellite debris, while also acknowledging the sincerity of witnesses in cases like Stephen Michalak's. The magazine encourages reader participation through its 'UFORUM' column and emphasizes the importance of collecting and collating information on UFO sightings.

This issue of "UFO Research" (Volume 1, Issue 10, dated January 12, 1983) focuses on the enduring mystery of pilot Frederick Valentich's disappearance and provides practical advice for UFO enthusiasts.

Frederick Valentich Encounter: Update

Paul Norman revisits the baffling case of Frederick Valentich, who disappeared over Bass Strait on October 21, 1978, while reporting strange metallic objects. Norman debunks various theories, including suicide and financial difficulties, highlighting the pilot's stable life and fond relationship with his girlfriend. He notes that Valentich was not the only one to report UFOs that day, with hundreds of sightings occurring during a significant UFO flap. The article touches upon the initial media frenzy and the difficulty in obtaining information from official sources. It also draws parallels to the Larry Coyne case from 1973, which involved a similar encounter with a hovering, cigar-shaped object.

Film Plan on Missing Aircraft

Melbourne film producer Ron Cameron plans to create a documentary about the disappearance of Frederick Valentich's aircraft. Two divers claim to have found the wreckage and offered to sell photographs for a substantial sum. However, a spokesman for the Department of Aviation stated that there was no proof of the wreckage or pictures being genuine. Cameron, like the Valentich family, believes a UFO was involved.

'UFO Plane Photos' Upset Father

Guido Valentich, Frederick's father, expressed his disappointment that two men claiming to have photographs of his son's plane are trying to sell them for $10,000. He feels they lack the courtesy to show him the photos first, indicating a lack of empathy.

Taking the Picture: A Guide to UFO Photography

Alex Jaye, Technical Officer for the Committee Australian Cinematographers Society, provides a comprehensive guide on how to physically record a UFO sighting. He emphasizes the importance of always having a camera ready, loaded with film, and pre-set. Jaye advises on camera settings, including focusing on infinity, using fast shutter speeds (250th-500th sec. for daylight, 125th-250th sec. for dawn/dusk, and at least 60th sec. for night), and setting the aperture to its widest. He stresses stopping the car to take a picture, using the car or other stable objects for support, and holding one's breath while squeezing the shutter. For moving objects, he recommends 'panning'. Jaye also suggests including recognizable objects, like another person, in the photograph to provide scale and aid in color matching. He advises taking numerous shots and meticulously recording technical details such as film type, exposure speed, aperture, shutter speed, camera make and model, lens focal length, and any lens filtration.

Security of the Picture

Following a sighting, Jaye strongly advises rewinding the film immediately, removing it from the camera, and replacing it with a fresh roll, exposing a couple of frames on nothing. This is presented as a crucial security measure to protect precious film from potential confiscation by authorities, who are often perceived as trying to hide the truth about UFOs.

On the UFO Trail

Paul Norman recounts his experiences visiting UFO investigators across 31 states. He details a sighting in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on July 19, 1982, described as a bright white dome that expanded significantly and moved erratically. Initially intriguing, this sighting was later identified as a possible satellite, similar to the breaking up of the Russian Cosmos satellite 1402. The California sighting coincided with a satellite launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Norman notes that while the object appeared to change shape, it was likely an Identified Flying Object (IFO) rather than a UFO.

Omega Navigational Station

A brief announcement regarding a tour of the Omega Navigational Station arranged for Friday, March 4th, with contact information for interested members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a particular focus on the Frederick Valentich case, which is presented as a significant and ongoing mystery. There's a strong emphasis on the need for credible evidence and proper documentation, as highlighted by Alex Jaye's photography guide. The publication appears to adopt a stance that official explanations are often insufficient or deliberately misleading, encouraging readers to remain critical and open-minded. The recurring mention of VUFORS and its activities suggests a community-oriented approach to UFO research.