Australian UFO Bulletin - 1985 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: September 1985
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, presents a strong defense of UFO research against skepticism and media misrepresentation. The publication aims to provide a comprehensive and authoritative look at the UFO experience, encouraging careful handling of such news by the media.

Editorial: UFOs and the Media

The editorial section strongly criticizes 'The Age' newspaper for its anti-UFO stance, noting its tendency to publish only silly or negative stories about the subject, thereby preventing readers from learning about global UFO activity. The article highlights that while 'The Age' mentions scientists concluding UFOs don't exist, it fails to mention those conducting positive research. The editorial specifically targets Philip Klass, calling him the opposite of an outstanding researcher and accusing him of promoting misinformation. It recounts an alleged incident in 1967 where Ambassador Clark relayed a message to Professor James McDonald, suggesting Klass influenced this to halt McDonald's research. The editorial asserts that Klass, with his media connections, actively promotes debunking roles and is afraid of rebuttals, having only deceived those uninformed about UFOs.

Society History

This section provides a historical overview of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It traces the early UFO groups in Australia, starting with the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s, directed by Edgar Jarrold and Andrew Tomas. Fred Stone founded the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society" in Adelaide. The "Australian U.F.O. Investigation Centre" was later formed, led by Dr. Clifford until 1958. The "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (Victorian Branch)" was established on February 17, 1957, and later reorganized as the "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society" with Peter E. Norris L.L.B. as President. In 1968, it became the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." During its history, the Society published the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and later the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin," and even sponsored a radio program. The Society maintains a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs and boasts the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, offering postal services to members. Membership is open to all genuinely interested individuals.

Subscription Rates and Membership

Details are provided for subscription rates: Full Membership is $6.00 per annum, including magazine issues. Overseas Membership is U.S. $8.00. A single copy of the magazine costs 50¢ (Australian) plus postage. The Society welcomes reports of unusual Aerial Phenomena and assures confidentiality. Communications should be addressed to V.U.F.O.R.S., P.O. Box 43, Moorabbin, Victoria 3189. Contributions published do not necessarily reflect the Society's policy, and reproduction of material requires prior written consent.

Discussion Nights

Discussion nights are held at the Royal Society, 9 Victoria Street, Melbourne, at 8 p.m., four times a year, plus an exhibition. Members are encouraged to attend and support these events. Dates for future meetings will be announced in the next Bulletin.

Article: UFOs Are Bunk

This article presents the argument that many scientists now conclude UFOs do not exist and that mankind is alone in the universe. It cites studies suggesting that the conditions for life are rare, making extraterrestrial civilizations highly improbable. Michael Hart, a former physics professor, argues that the chances of forming life on a suitable planet are astronomically low. Frank Tipler suggests life could exist in different forms, but hydrogen and carbon are considered the most common building blocks. The article addresses the argument that aliens don't contact us openly, stating that if they were advanced enough to travel light-years, they would be able to remain hidden. It also discusses how some UFO sightings and abduction experiences might be explained as psychological phenomena, such as recalling one's own birth, citing research by Alvin Lawson. The article also mentions James Oberg's observations about hoaxes and advertising tricks used by UFO enthusiasts to gain credibility.

Article: They HAVE Landed

This article focuses on the Rendlesham Forest UFO incident of December 1980. It details a dramatic tape recording allegedly made by the colonel in charge of a search for a UFO crash-landing. The recording captures servicemen investigating radiation levels, strange indentations, and damaged trees. The tape includes an officer's panicked description of a strange red light, described as an "eye winking," and later two "half-moon shaped" objects. The article claims that British ufologists who received the tape are demanding a public inquiry, alleging a cover-up by American and British defense authorities. Jenny Randles, director of Investigations for the British UFO Research Association, is quoted stating that the incident involved something that eluded radar defenses and that witnesses reported seeing aliens. She criticizes the authorities for a "conspiracy" to hide the truth and emphasizes the public's right to know.

Article: Driver Trailed by UFO

This short piece reports on a farmer from Manjimup, Western Australia, who claims an unidentified orange light followed his car for nearly an hour on Old Coast Road. The farmer, John Barber, described the light as filling his car and making the interior very hot. He initially mistook it for a vehicle but realized its unusual nature as it drew closer and retreated before approaching again.

Article: UFOs & The Media

Written by Charles E. Barnum, this article discusses the challenges faced by news media in reporting on UFO sightings. Barnum, a self-described skeptic, acknowledges that his skepticism has been tempered by his research, particularly Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, "The UFO Experience, a Scientific Inquiry." He emphasizes the need for the media to handle UFO reports intelligently and without causing undue fear. Barnum notes that while some media outlets have treated UFO stories as straight news, there's a general reluctance to provide context or explore the interrelationships between UFO phenomena and other scientific fields. He cites the Condon Report as an example of an attempt to dismiss UFOs and highlights Dr. Hynek's view that UFO data, if properly processed, could lead to a significant scientific breakthrough, potentially a "mighty and totally unexpected quantum jump."

Article: On The UFO Trail

By Paul Norman, this article details UFO sightings and experiences reported from various locations, primarily Australia. Norman recounts his return to the Northern Territory to investigate UFO activity, finding it as prevalent as in other parts of the nation. He describes incidents such as lights pacing vehicles, a bus driver witnessing an object stop mid-air, a motorist being followed by an object, and a power station supervisor observing a UFO. The article also includes a report of a UFO circling a yacht between Pitcairn Island and Tahiti, and another sighting of an orange light over Apsley Strait. A pilot reported being paced by a UFO near Ayers Rock. The article also mentions a case from Capetown, South Africa, where military jets pursued a daylight disc. Norman concludes that these reports confirm a pattern of Air Force chases of "Mystery Objects."

Apology

VUFORS issues an apology for the delay in publishing the Bulletin, assuring members that their subscriptions will cover four editions before the final reminder. The next edition will include meeting dates for 1986.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the defense of UFO research as a legitimate scientific pursuit, the critique of media bias and debunking efforts, and the sharing of UFO sighting reports. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO research, advocating for a more open and serious approach from the media and the scientific community. The publication positions itself as a source of credible information, aiming to counter misinformation and promote a deeper understanding of the UFO phenomenon. There is a strong emphasis on the historical context of UFO research and the efforts of organizations like the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated August 1985, focuses on UFO sightings and the scientific and public perception of extraterrestrial life. The cover story details a 'Wran in mystery UFO sighting' over the NSW north coast of Australia, involving Premier Wran and other officials.

Cover Story: Wran in mystery UFO sighting

The main headline reports on a UFO sighting that occurred over the NSW north coast, involving Premier Wran and State Agriculture Minister Jack Hallam. They were passengers on a Government-chartered jet when they observed a "extremely bright and spherical" object. The first officer of the jet, Gary Elsass, photographed the object. An Ansett Boeing aircraft also sighted the UFO and reported it. The Sydney Meteorological Bureau confirmed contact with an object hovering almost stationary at 100,000 feet, described as too high and unmoving for a normal weather balloon. Mr. Wran described the object as "quite eerie, quite spooky" and having a large oblong shape, noting its brightness and shininess. The object remained visible for about three minutes. The underside of the object remained aglow even when opposite the sun, which was unexpected. The RAAF report suggested the most likely explanation was a research balloon operated by unknown sources. A Mirage fighter jet was scrambled but could not positively identify the object due to its great altitude.

Article: Specialist in aliens: fact and fiction

This article features an interview with David Brin, a Californian writer and science fiction author, who addressed the Melbourne University physics department. Brin expressed skepticism about UFO sightings and the Erich von Daniken theory, calling von Daniken's evidence "garbage." He believes that if aliens exist, they are not necessarily benevolent and would have left better artifacts. Brin's career has shifted from factual research at the California Space Institute to science fiction writing, with his novels achieving significant success. He views science fiction as a tool for developing new myths and helping humanity navigate future changes. Regarding extraterrestrial life, Brin stated it's highly possible intelligent life exists elsewhere and that it would likely be similar to humans, potentially capable of eating us or being eaten by us.

Article: Lights leave Lithgow unshaken

This piece reports on two UFO sightings in the Lithgow area of Australia. The first sighting occurred on Sunday, July 21, by 17 people on a bus travelling to Katoomba. They observed two bright lights, described as similar to quartz halogens, with a dull red light behind, flashing at one-second intervals and remaining stationary for 18 minutes. The second sighting happened the following evening by a Sydney doctor and his wife returning from Mudgee. They saw two bright, pale yellow lights, shaped like rugby footballs, for three to five seconds, which sparkled and then disappeared. The witnesses were excited rather than frightened. The bus driver remained skeptical, initially thinking it was a landing plane until realizing there was no suitable landing area. The article also mentions that the Department of Defence is no longer interested in UFO reports unless they pose a threat to national security, and they now refer such sightings to UFO societies.

Article: Air Force Jets Sent After UFO (Zimbabwe)

This report details an incident in Zimbabwe where an "orange" object, described as "no ordinary UFO," was sighted by numerous people and visually confirmed by two fighter pilots. The object was tracked from various locations and by radar at Bulawayo Airport. Two Hawk fighter jets were scrambled and directed to the object hovering at around 7,000 feet. The UFO accelerated upwards at a "tremendous speed" to 75,000 feet, out-climbing the jets. The object was later seen above Thornhill Air Force Base. Air Commodore Dave Thorne stated that while 95 percent of UFOs are explainable, this one was not. The object was described as rounded with a short cone, silent, and shone brightly. It was confirmed not to be a Met. balloon. The object's speed during its ascent was estimated at over 2,300 kmh, twice the speed of sound.

Article: China Sees 600 UFOs Since 180

This brief report indicates that China has recorded over 600 unidentified flying objects in the past five years, according to its first UFO Seminar. A scholar mentioned that the world's first UFO picture was taken in Tianjin 40 years ago. China established its first UFO research society in 1981, which now has 20,000 members. A spectacular recent sighting involved the pilot of a CAAC Boeing 747 jetliner who encountered a UFO with brilliance extending for 40 to 50 km. The pilot observed the object pacing the aircraft for about two minutes. The yellow UFO appeared as large as a walnut from the cockpit and glowed much brighter than other stars.

Article: Fear of Ridicule Stifles Many UFO Tales

This article discusses the reluctance of individuals to report UFO sightings due to fear of ridicule. Janet Labor lost a babysitting job after publicizing her connection to Betty Aho Andreasson, who claimed extraterrestrial encounters. Statistics suggest only 20 percent of actual UFO sightings are reported. Many attendees at a UFO presentation expressed curiosity and a desire to believe in extraterrestrial beings. Some neighbors of Andreasson came to find out "what happened in their own backyard." Jerry Gallant expressed disappointment that Andreasson was not present, stating it left doubt about the situation's validity, though he believes in the possibility of extraterrestrial life due to the vastness of the galaxy.

Membership News

This section announces Steve Partridge as the new Membership Secretary, succeeding Stafford Hall. It also welcomes Warren Janson and Rick Rendell as new Officers. The bulletin notes the discontinuation of membership cards and receipts for payments made by cheque or postal order due to increasing costs. A new computerised addressing method is introduced to indicate membership status via a coding on the address label. The section also promotes VUFORS merchandise, including windcheaters, T-shirts, cloth badges, and stickers, and requests members to notify the society of any change of address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across different continents (Australia, Zimbabwe, China), the scientific investigation into extraterrestrial life, and the public perception and reporting of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting, presenting various accounts and expert opinions while acknowledging the challenges of verification and the public's skepticism or fear of ridicule. There's a clear interest in distinguishing between explainable phenomena and genuinely anomalous events, as highlighted by the Zimbabwe incident and the National Academy of Sciences' report.