AI Magazine Summary
Australian UFO Bulletin - 1984 12 - December
AI-Generated Summary
Title: The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin Issue Date: December 1984 Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society Country: Australia
Magazine Overview
Title: The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: December 1984
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, the official publication of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical research, and society activities. The cover features the tagline "ARE 'ROUND" and a graphic suggesting UFO presence.
Society History
The magazine provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, tracing its origins back to the early 1950s with groups like the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." The Victorian branch was formed in 1957, evolving through name changes to become the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society" in 1968. The society has published the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin," and previously sponsored a radio program. It maintains a significant UFO library and aims to treat UFOs as a scientific problem.
Contents
- The issue's contents include articles on:
- Animal Mutilations
- Astonishing Photos
- Press for probe on UFO film
- On the UFO Trail
- UFO Tape is not a Hoax
- Press Clippings
- Tape backs book on UFO incident
- Force Fields and UFO's
- Tiny new computer
- Sighting reports
- Book Reviews
Editorial
The editorial draws a parallel between the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS) and the Royal Society of Victoria, highlighting how subjects once considered taboo can become scientific facts. It emphasizes the welcoming nature of VUFORS's General Discussions, encouraging members to share their theories and contributing to the growing interest in the UFO phenomenon. The editorial also announces four scheduled discussion nights for 1985 and reminds members that detailed sighting information is reserved for those attending these meetings.
Key Articles and Features
Are Animal Mutilations and UFO's Related?
This article by Paul Norman explores the theory linking animal mutilations to UFO activity. It discusses historical cases, including a debunked story from the Northern Territory and a recent case near Adelaide. The author notes that while some mutilations remain mysterious, with wounds suggesting vacuum extraction or organ removal, definitive proof of a UFO connection is lacking. The article also touches on the possibility of radiation effects from nuclear energy use as an alternative explanation, noting that mutilation incidents are more prevalent in countries using nuclear energy, unlike Australia.
Astonishing Photos
This section details a UFO filmed by Patrolman William Fisher in Illinois in 1967, noting its similarity to a photo taken by Roy Manifold near Cape Otway lighthouse in 1978, shortly before Frederick Valentich's disappearance. Computer analysis of the Manifold photographs suggested a bona fide unknown flying object. The article includes images and their analysis, emphasizing the resemblance between these sightings.
Scientists Press Carter to Probe UFO Film
This article reports on scientists demanding President Carter investigate a UFO film shown on "Good Morning, America." The film, shot by an Australian TV crew over New Zealand, was analyzed by over 20 specialists who unanimously agreed it was the first verified film of an unidentified flying object, also tracked by ground radar. Professor Allen Hynek of the Center for UFO Studies called it the most impressive evidence examined.
On the UFO Trail
Paul Norman recounts his 1984 visit to the United States, noting the British Ministry of Defence's admission of UFO reality. He discusses the Rendlesham Forest incident and difficulties with Freedom of Information disclosures. A significant portion focuses on the case of Pat McGuire, a Wyoming rancher who claimed aliens guided him to water on his desert land. McGuire later faced pressure to recant his story, and his irrigation system was sabotaged, with his attorney also experiencing difficulties.
UFO Tape 'Is Not a Hoax'
This article focuses on the Rendlesham Forest incident in Suffolk, England, in December 1980. It highlights a 20-minute tape recording, allegedly made by American servicemen, which former base commander Col. Sam Morgan believes is authentic. The tape is linked to a book, "A Cosmic Conspiracy," by Dot Street, Brenda Butler, and Jenny Randles, who claim a cover-up. The article mentions the discovery of radiation traces and the possibility that the UFO story might be a cover for weapons testing.
Officially Unexplained
This section discusses the Rendlesham Forest "Sky Crash" incident, officially classified as "unexplained" by USAF and Ministry of Defence officials. While acknowledging that something occurred, USAF officials stated they had no jurisdiction over off-base incidents and found no military significance in the radiation traces reported.
Membership and Meetings
Information on VUFORS membership rates is provided: $6.00 per annum for within Australia and $U.S. 8.00 for overseas. The publication also lists upcoming "Discussion Nights" for 1985, scheduled for the first Monday of March, June, September, and December. Members are encouraged to drop a line to VUFORS with their availability for discussion groups.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of photographic and audio evidence, and the historical development of UFO research in Australia. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, treating UFOs as a serious scientific subject worthy of investigation, while also acknowledging the potential for misidentification or alternative explanations. The society actively encourages member participation and the sharing of information.
This issue of the East Anglican Daily Times, dated October 26, 1934, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring a prominent cover story about the Rendlesham Forest incident. The publication includes reports, analyses, and book reviews related to unidentified flying objects and other unexplained phenomena.