Australian UFO Bulletin - 1983 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "Australia U.F.O. Bulletin" from June 1983, published by The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, focuses on the potential connection between unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and gravity. The cover features a handwritten annotation in Swedish, "ARKIVET FÖR UFO FORSKNING" (Archive for UFO Research), along with mailing addresses for Sweden and Australia.

Society History

The publication includes a history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.), detailing its formation in 1957 as the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (Victorian Branch)". It notes the society's evolution through name changes and its role in publishing the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin". V.U.F.O.R.S. is described as having a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs and maintains the largest U.F.O. library in the Southern Hemisphere.

The issue also lists the V.U.F.O.R.S. office bearers, including President Judith M. Magee and Vice-President Paul Norman, and outlines subscription rates.

Articles and Features

A New Look at Unidentified Flying Objects... by Paul Norman

This article explores the possibility that UFOs are gravity-powered spaceships. It discusses Einstein's unified theory, which suggests that electricity, magnetism, and gravity are manifestations of a single force. The author posits that UFOs may have solved the problem of gravity and possess a means of controlling it. The recent discovery of quasars, which appear to derive energy from gravity, is presented as a potential parallel. Fred Hoyle and Dr. Vishnu Noribor's work is mentioned, with the suggestion that Einstein's formula for gravity could be modified to describe anti-gravity. The article links the pulsating nature of some UFOs to gravity power and discusses how a "G-field" could explain their performance, including their ability to withstand extreme speeds and accelerations without disintegration. The changing colors of UFOs are also explained in relation to this G-field, correlating with different speeds and power levels.

The G-field Explanation

This section elaborates on the G-field theory, suggesting it accounts for the silence of UFOs by creating a vacuum around the craft, preventing sound from propagating. It also explains how the G-field can hold mist, vapor, and dust, leading to cloud-like appearances. Furthermore, the G-field is blamed for radio and television interference, and in some cases, the failure of motor car ignitions and headlights, and even city lights blacking out. The article cites numerous instances of electromagnetic phenomena associated with UFO sightings across various countries between October 1957 and January 1958, and more recently in June 1964.

Orthodox Science and UFOs

The article critiques the resistance of orthodox science to UFO phenomena, comparing it to historical resistance to figures like Galileo and Marconi. It highlights that despite the growing evidence, the scientific community remains largely dogmatic. The author quotes Dr. Hermann Oberth, who acknowledged the G-field explanation, and notes that even Einstein's theories required significant shifts in thinking. The piece emphasizes the responsibility of researchers and scientists to investigate UFOs seriously.

Quotes from Scientists

Several quotes from astronomers and philosophers of science are included:

• Gerard Kuiper suggests that scientists have not been impressed by UFO reports, which is why they haven't been widely studied.
• J. Allen Hynek believes there are many extraterrestrial civilizations but finds the evidence for UFO visitations unconvincing.
• Thomas Coudge, a philosopher of science, argues that scientific advance requires openness to new empirical observations and explanation schemes, criticizing the resistance of the current scientific establishment to UFO phenomena. He notes the lack of accessible, reliable information on UFOs for the public.

Falcon Lake Incident Follow-up

This section provides an update on the Falcon Lake Incident, mentioning that Stephen Michalak is alive and well. It notes that personal items belonging to Michalak, given to government investigators, have not been returned. The author questions the interpretation of events following Michalak's emergence from the forest, particularly regarding his interaction with the police.

On the UFO Trail by Paul Norman

This article recounts Paul Norman's investigation into the Moreland case in New Zealand in July 1957. Mrs. Moreland reported seeing a dome-shaped craft with two figures inside. The craft ascended rapidly with a whining sound, leaving an ozone-like odor. The incident caused her distress, and she expressed a subconscious fear of UFO studies. Norman also recalls a similar sighting in Australia where a witness reported seeing a human figure inside a dome-shaped object but was reluctant to report it due to disbelief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFOs, the potential role of gravity and anti-gravity in UFO propulsion, and the historical resistance of orthodox science to these phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Editor Judith Magee, is one of quiet achievement, focusing on gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information rather than seeking the top position in the field. The society emphasizes a rational, scientific approach to understanding UFOs.

This issue of "UFORUM" (Issue 9, Volume 29, dated 1972) is a publication from Cornell University, focusing on UFO phenomena. The cover headline is "YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED," indicating a Q&A format addressing reader inquiries. The magazine is primarily in English and appears to be published in Australia.

Key Articles and Content

Questions and Answers

The issue begins with a Q&A section addressing several reader questions:

• Apollo Missions and UFOs: In response to R.L. of Brighton, it is stated that many Apollo missions were accompanied by UFOs, and some have been photographed and documented in books and articles.
• Men in Black in Australia: H.H. from Perth inquired about reports of "Men in Black" in Australia. The answer indicates no confirmed reports, only one unconfirmed report from many years ago.
• Abductions in Australia: Regarding abduction reports in Australia, the response notes the absence of cases like Betty and Barney Hill, but mentions the Valentich case as potentially fitting this category.

Contributions and Perspectives

William K. Hartmann, Professor of Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona, provides his perspective:

1. Personal Experience and Evidence: Hartmann, who was involved in the University of Colorado UFO project, states that secondhand information in the UFO business is untrustworthy. He found the evidence for UFOs to be very poor, with even the strongest photographic cases falling apart upon close examination. He lists several classic cases that were investigated, including Santa Ana, Vandenberg AFB, Tremonton, Beaver County, and the Fort Belvoir ring (cases 49-53 in the Condon Report).
2. Defining UFOs: He accepts the Colorado Report's definition of a UFO as an unidentified object or apparition considered strange by the observer. He suggests terms like "identified flying object" (after investigation) and "Extraordinary flying object" for those that remain unexplained. He also introduces "alien flying object" for vehicles constructed by alien intelligence.
3. Air Force Secrecy: Hartmann criticizes the Air Force's decision to hush up UFO affairs, arguing that this secrecy, intended to filter out public excitement, was a crucial error that encouraged rumors instead of discouraging them.

Sociological and Psychological Aspects

Jules Verne's quote, "What one man can imagine, another man can do," is presented, with a corollary proposed: "What one man can fantasize, another man will believe." The text notes that with the growing popularity of television science fiction and evidence from Mariner 9 suggesting Mars was once more clement, a resurgence of UFO interest is anticipated.

Sighting at Tonebridge, W.A.

This section details a UFO sighting reported by P.U.F.O.R.G. Investigator Mr. Jim Cooper:

• Date and Time: October 4, 1982, at 7:20 PM.
• Location: Tonebridge, Western Australia.
• Witnesses: Farmer G.S. Hinks, and nearby farmers John and Doris Chapman, and Mr. Laurie Tuckett, along with five other witnesses.
• Description: A bright, white light moving very fast from East to West was observed. A loud roaring noise, lasting about seven seconds, was heard. The noise sounded like an aircraft approaching but became too loud to be conventional. The visual sighting lasted about two seconds. The noise was to the South and the light to the Northwest.
• Explanations Ruled Out: Checks with the R.A.A.F. ruled out military aircraft in the area. The Department of Aviation found no commercial or private flights nearby.
• Weather Conditions: The weather report indicated moderate wind (MJ/20 KTS), a temperature of 15°C, light rainfall (5 mm between 1500 Oct 4th & 0900 Oct 5th), and full cloud coverage at altitudes of 1500-12,000 ft and 9000-12,000 ft.
• Sound Propagation: The noise was heard over a large area, from Qualeup Sth to fiordalup and West to Curumup.
• Witness Credibility: The witnesses are described as sensible, hard-working farmers of high repute, familiar with aircraft, making mistakes unlikely. They had nothing to gain by inventing a UFO.
• Anomalies: No reports of interference to phones or television, or strange behavior from dogs or other farm animals were noted. No witnesses experienced after-effects.
• Credit: H.A. Borley, Perth UFO Research Group, Sighting Co-Ordinator.

Book Review: "UFO'S A SCIENTIFIC DEBATE"

This section reviews a book edited by Carl Sagan and Thornton Page, produced from a symposium held in Boston on December 26th-27th, 1969, and sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (A.A.A.S.).

• Content: The book contains 15 lectures by astronomers, physicists, sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and media professionals, including Hynek, McDonald, Menzel, Sagan, and Page.
• Nature of the Book: It is described as a "mind stimulator" and a "refreshing book" that looks at "What are UFOs and do they exist." The reviewer notes that the book covers both sides of the UFO case and includes social and psychological aspects, as well as scientific data.
• Balance: The reviewer credits the AAMS for producing what is considered the first scientific paper on the subject of UFOs, noting that it is well-balanced and covers topics from science, radar, photography, history, and interpretation to witness abilities and media influence.
• Unanswered Questions: The book highlights that there are still unanswered questions regarding the physics and psychology of the UFO phenomenon.
• Extracts: The reviewer plans to publish extracts from these lectures in future "UFORUM" editions.

VUFORS Organization Information

• Non-Profit Status: VUFORS is a non-profit organization, and all monies received are used for magazine production and UFO research.
• Membership: The organization encourages members to increase their membership by referring friends and relatives, which helps delay cost increases and supports their work.
• Membership Rates: Within Australia, membership is $5.00; Overseas, US$7.00.
• Contact: Membership queries and address changes should be sent to the Membership Secretary, VUFORS, P.O. Box 43, Hoorabbin, Vic. 3189.

Merchandise and Reminders

• Payment: Members are reminded not to send cash through the mail due to potential loss; cheques or money orders are preferred.
• Merchandise: The magazine offers white T-shirts with the V.U.F.O.R.S. emblem and navy blue windcheaters with the emblem. Cloth badges are also available. Discounts apply for orders of five or more garments. Orders can also be picked up at general meetings or from committee persons' houses to save postage.
• Subscription Reminder: Members are reminded to renew their subscriptions. Failure to renew between the final reminder and the next magazine's publication date will result in the membership being declared unfinancial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFORUM" adopts a stance of critical inquiry into UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings and phenomena, it emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and scientific scrutiny. The inclusion of perspectives from scientists like William K. Hartmann, who expresses skepticism about the quality of evidence, alongside detailed reports of sightings, suggests an editorial approach that balances open-mindedness with a demand for credible proof. The review of "UFOs: A Scientific Debate" further reinforces this by highlighting the importance of a multi-disciplinary and scientific approach to understanding UFOs. The magazine also serves as a platform for a dedicated group (VUFORS) to promote research and membership, indicating a commitment to advancing the study of UFOs.