Australian UFO Bulletin - 1986 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: Australia U.F.O. Bulletin
Issue: March 1986
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial

The editorial, titled "More mysterious than the aliens," reflects on humanity's place in the cosmos and the challenges posed by UFO phenomena. It notes how the term 'UFO' has become distorted from its original meaning of an unidentified flying object. The editorial acknowledges that while some sightings can be explained by natural phenomena like ball lightning, others suggest an 'unnatural or technological factor' at work, implying a non-human intelligence. It concludes that a proportion of UFO phenomena are likely the product of 'ALIEN INTELLIGENCE,' stating that current human ingenuity cannot account for them.

Society History

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It traces 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 and underwent name changes, eventually becoming the 'Victorian U.F.O. Research Society' in 1968. The society has published the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian U.F.O. Bulletin,' and at one point sponsored a radio program. It maintains a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs and boasts the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, making books available to members.

Articles and Features

"GO AT THROTTLE UP!" by Mark Sawyers

This article reflects on the tragic loss of the space shuttle Challenger in January 1986. It discusses the impact on NASA's manned space program and the need to thoroughly investigate the cause of the disaster to prevent future catastrophes. Sawyers argues against abandoning the shuttle program, emphasizing that giving up would render the astronauts' sacrifice in vain. He calls for continued exploration and expresses confidence that NASA will overcome the tragedy, drawing a parallel to past successes. The article concludes by using the last words of Challenger pilot Mike Smith, "Go at throttle up," as an inspirational message for the future of space exploration.

"ON THE UFO TRAIL" by Paul Norman

Paul Norman recounts his investigation into a UFO sighting in late October over the Great Australian Bight. He details a photograph taken over the Nullabor Plains that appeared as a bright silver pinpoint of light, similar to an object sighted by N.S.W. Premier Wran. An RAAF Mirage fighter attempted to identify the object but could not, due to its high altitude. Norman suggests the object was likely one of the high-altitude balloons previously reported over Australia. The article also mentions reports of UFOs over Shepparton and other Victorian towns. It connects these sightings to reports from Cynthia Hind in South Africa and Zimbabwe, suggesting a possible link to a French Space Agency's balloon experiments for radiation testing.

"PHOTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF UI OVER VICTORIA, NSW, AUSTRALIA (SEPT. 1985) - critique" by GSW

This feature presents a critique of three color photographs of an anomalous unidentified image (UI) taken in daylight hours over Australia. The object, appearing as an inarticulate spot, was enhanced using computer analysis. The analysis describes the UI as extremely high and small, bright, and reflecting light, with a nearly round shape. It notes the lack of surface detail and suggests a circular shape based on density slicing. The article concludes that the photographic data aligns with the characteristics of a weather balloon, and unless contradictory evidence emerges, the photograph should not be construed as part of the UFO phenomena.

"COMMENT: More mysterious than the aliens" by Fred Adrian

This comment piece questions the nature and behavior of UFOs and potential alien visitors. It muses why aliens would travel vast distances only for brief, obscure encounters. The author contrasts the lack of accidental UFO sightings in populated areas or by observatories with the mathematical odds of such an event. The article references historical cases like George Adamski's, whose photos were later debunked by holography. It then shifts to more recent unexplained phenomena, such as a dome-shaped glow seen by Qantas pilots and an exploding cloud in the USSR. The piece speculates about bizarre cosmic phenomena observed by astronomers, suggesting that UFOs might be manifestations of deliberate 'cosmic engineering' rather than just alien conveyances.

"Radiation Sickness caused by UFO" (Continuation)

This section continues the investigation into an incident where witnesses reported radiation sickness after encountering a UFO accompanied by military helicopters near Huffman, Texas. The investigation found that military installations denied flying in the area at the time of the sighting. The health status of the victims, Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum, is detailed, including symptoms like tooth decay, hair loss, fatigue, and skin eruptions. The article highlights the difficulty victims face in obtaining assistance and the lack of preparedness among doctors. It also notes the challenges in investigating the helicopter aspect, with military officials claiming non-involvement. The conclusion emphasizes the need for immediate assistance for UFO encounter victims and better cooperation from military organizations and UFO groups.

"COURT ACTION: Women sue over 'UFO illnesses'"

This brief news item reports on a lawsuit filed by two Texas women, Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum, against the U.S. Government. They are suing for $20 million, alleging that a UFO they encountered in December 1980, accompanied by military helicopters, emitted dangerous radiation that caused them to suffer numerous illnesses. A Houston judge was to consider a government request to dismiss the suit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the challenges of investigating sightings, and the potential involvement of non-human intelligence. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry, acknowledging the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of rigorous analysis, as seen in the photographic critique, and a concern for the well-being and assistance of witnesses, as highlighted in the Huffman incident report. The magazine promotes the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society as a credible organization dedicated to the study of UFOs, advocating for a dispassionate and scientific approach.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, Volume 10, Number 1, dated January-February 1964, published by SPACE and edited by Waveney Girvan, focuses on the study of entities associated with UFO sightings. The cover features a prominent illustration of an alien head and the title "The Australian Annual Flying SAUGER Review: Unexplained Visitors from Whare?" published by The Victorian UFO Research Society.

A Descriptive Study of the Entities Associated with the Type 1 Sighting by Jacques Vallée

Jacques Vallée's lead article addresses the scientific community's general disregard for the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that its study could significantly alter our understanding of the universe. He notes that while most investigations focus on post-World War II sightings, the phenomenon may have occurred in earlier epochs. Vallée identifies distinct "phases" in UFO sightings: high-altitude objects from 1947-1950, a wave over the US in 1950, a second US wave in 1952, a major French wave in 1954 with ground-level sightings, and a subsequent decrease in ground-level activity.

Vallée proposes a system for classifying sightings, defining a "Type-I Sighting" as the observation of a machine-like object on or near the ground. He then focuses on "Type-I" sightings that involved perceived entities, referred to as "pilots" or "Martians." After excluding obvious errors, he indexes over 350 such sightings, with a significant number involving these entities. Vallée questions whether these sightings are a modern myth or evidence of extraterrestrial visitation, noting that witnesses come from diverse backgrounds.

He presents a statistical breakdown of "Martian" sightings: 16 before the 1954 wave, 97 during it, and 40 since, totaling at least 153.

List of Sightings of Unknown Objects accompanied by "Pilots"

Pages 6 and 7 provide a detailed list of 80 "Type-1" sightings accompanied by "Pilots," spanning from 1909 to 1960. The entries include date, place, country, witness(es), description of the "Pilots," and the total number of beings reported. Descriptions vary widely, including "beings," "people in diving suits," "men in metallic one-piece suits," "red monster," "helmeted and masked figures," "humanoids," "small beings," "airman," "hairy dwarf," and "Cyclopean monster." The list highlights the diversity in reported appearances, with some entities described as wearing specialized suits or emitting strange lights and sounds.

Statistical Interpretation of the Sightings

Vallée's statistical interpretation categorizes the reported "beings" into two main groups: men resembling ourselves and dwarfs measuring about 3ft. 6in. in height. He notes a unanimous agreement on the small stature of dwarfs. A third category, "giants," is mentioned but supported by only two sightings. Of the 153 "beings" described in 80 Type-1 sightings, he estimates 4 were giants, 52 were men, and 44 were dwarfs, with the remainder unclassifiable due to insufficient description. He emphasizes that no "man" was described wearing a "diver's suit" or respiratory apparatus, a distinction crucial for classifying dwarfs.

Vallée further distinguishes three categories of "dwarfs":
(a) Those wearing thick, heavy "diver's suits," armless, with unseen faces (e.g., Quarouble).
(b) Those wearing light "diver's suits" or respiratory apparatus, sometimes described as transparent, with human faces (e.g., Lugrin, Fontenay).
(c) Hairy-faced dwarfs without respiratory apparatus, corresponding to the description in the Bois d'Erchin case.

Profile: Major Donald E. Keyhoe, USMC Ret.

This section introduces Donald E. Keyhoe, described as perhaps the most widely known UFO figure internationally. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former Marine Corps officer, Keyhoe had a distinguished career in aviation journalism and public relations. Originally skeptical, his investigation for "True" magazine in 1949 led him to believe in UFOs, resulting in his book "Flying Saucers Are Real." He became Director of NICAP in 1957, significantly influencing UFO research in the 1960s and prompting Congressional hearings. In 1981, he joined the MUFON Board as Director of Government Affairs. At 84, he remains dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs.

News Reports and Other Articles

The issue includes several news clippings and articles related to UFO sightings:

• "WE SAW UFO 'BIG AS A CAR' WITH LOTS OF RED LIGHTS" from THE ORANGE N.S.W. LANDING (31 Jan 1986) reports on four youngsters in Orange, Australia, who claimed to have seen a car-sized UFO with red lights. Robert Wren, one of the witnesses, provided a drawing and described the object hovering and landing, leaving flattened grass in its wake. Police treated the sighting seriously.
• "'U.F.O. site' grass flattened" from the same Orange Advocate article details the discovery of flattened grass in the area where the UFO was reportedly seen landing.
• "One light means hope for the UFO believers" from the MORNING HERALD, SYDNEY (1st Feb 1986), discusses the expectation of increased UFO sightings due to Halley's Comet. It features perspectives from Rex Meyer, who believes many sightings have prosaic explanations, and Colin Norris, who advocates for serious UFO research. The article also references the disappearance of Freddie Valentich and discusses potential explanations like heat inversion. It mentions a rare puzzling sighting by a ship's pilot in Port Phillip Bay.
• "The Australian Annual Flying SAUGER Review" (Page 3) is advertised for sale by The Victorian UFO Research Society, detailing its 36 pages and 16 articles on UFO subjects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the classification and statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly the "entities" or "pilots" reported in sightings. There is a clear effort to move beyond anecdotal accounts towards a more systematic and scientific approach, as exemplified by Jacques Vallée's detailed study. The magazine also highlights the ongoing public interest in UFOs, evidenced by news reports of recent sightings and the profile of Donald Keyhoe, a long-time advocate for UFO investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both the need for critical analysis and the possibility of genuine, unexplained aerial events.