Australian UFO Bulletin - 1986 06 - June

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of the Australia U.F.O. Bulletin, published in June 1986, focuses on significant UFO events and related discussions, including a prominent UFO crash incident in Australia, aerial encounters in Brazil, the history of the publishing society, and a critical examination of scientific concepts.

Key Articles and Features

Calls for Investigation into Victor Harbor UFO Crash

The cover story details the aftermath of an unidentified flying object crash into the sea near Victor Harbor, South Australia, on May 24, 1986. Hundreds of people witnessed the event, described as a missile-shaped object with fins and red paint that left a vapor trail before crashing. Calls were made by a Liberal Member of State Parliament and an eyewitness for a federal investigation, with concerns raised about potential cover-ups by the Defence Department. Eyewitnesses like G. Thoan claimed the department was trying to cover up the incident by calling it a meteorite without speaking to witnesses. The Defence Department, represented by Major Andy Reynolds, stated there would be no official investigation and that the object was not a pilotless aircraft or target drone, while also requesting written accounts. A Defence Department spokesman in Canberra indicated inquiries would be handled through the Army Public Relations office. The article also notes that the object was not picked up by Adelaide airport radar, and its trajectory suggested a satellite re-entry, though the Department of Defence was not expecting space junk. The RAAF's assessment was that the object was a meteorite.

Brazilian Jets Chase UFOs

Several articles report on UFO sightings and encounters in Brazil during May 1986. The Brazilian Air Force ordered an investigation into sightings of tiny, multi-colored balls of light moving at high speeds (1440 km/h) that evaded air force planes. These objects were first sighted by a private plane near Sao Jose dos Campos and were confirmed on radar, interfering with air traffic. Three Mirage fighters and two F-5E jets were deployed, with pilots describing the objects as the size and shape of ping pong balls. One pilot reported being accompanied by 13 objects. The jets pursued the UFOs for three hours until low fuel forced them to return. The Air Force Minister, General Octavio Moreira Lima, admitted they had no explanation. Astronomer Larry Brown suggested possibilities ranging from atmospheric phenomena to dust from Halley's Comet. Further sightings included a glowing round object filmed near Maringa and a dark, cigar-shaped object seen in Ceara. Colonel Ozires Silva, head of Petrobras, also reported seeing bright, orange and red lights that moved at high speed and appeared on radar. Brazilian UFO specialists welcomed the government's announcement of an investigation, calling it historic.

Society History

A section dedicated to the history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society 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 on February 17, 1957, and later became the 'Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society' before its final name change in 1968. The society published the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and later the 'Australian U.F.O. Bulletin', and at one point sponsored a radio program. It is noted for its dispassionate attitude, viewing UFOs as a scientific problem, and for maintaining the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere.

Editorial: The Critic and the Doer

An editorial by John F. Schuessler discusses the human fear of criticism and the tendency to avoid it. It contrasts the critic, who points out flaws, with the 'doer', who is actively engaged in the arena of action, even if they err. Schuessler quotes Theodore Roosevelt to emphasize the value of striving and daring greatly, suggesting that critics, while sometimes necessary for constructive feedback, are often not the ones who achieve significant accomplishments.

In Memory: J. Allen Hynek

This section pays tribute to J. Allen Hynek, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Northwestern University, who passed away. It highlights his significant contributions to the UFO field, including his role as Scientific Director of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) and Editor of the International UFO Reporter. His past work as a scientific consultant to the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book and Project Sign is mentioned, as well as his involvement with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The article notes his interest in establishing the credibility of the UFO phenomenon in academic circles and his keynote address at a MUFON Symposium. His wife, Mimi, handled book sales for CUFOS. The notice of his death is accompanied by a clipping from TIME magazine detailing his career and his coining of the phrase "close encounters of the third kind."

Science Myths

An article by Walter Baumgartner and Rhetta Jacobson from 'Energy Unlimited' questions fundamental scientific concepts, particularly gravity. They argue that conventional science education contains erroneous teachings and that matter is inert, with forces being external. The authors suggest that gravity attraction, heat, light, and tides are not solely explained by the sun or moon but by unseen forces. They propose that vortices are the fundamental mechanics of creation, causing phenomena like gravitation, and that science has misinterpreted these natural processes. The article critiques Newton's laws, suggesting they are based on mathematical proofs of observed phenomena rather than inherent properties of matter.

UFO Types and Sightings Analysis

This section delves into classifications of UFO entities, including 'Giants', 'Men', and 'Dwarfs', with detailed descriptions of their characteristics, reported appearances, and associated locations, primarily in France. A table summarizes features like attire, sounds, psychology, number of beings, and first appearance dates. The article also presents statistical analysis of Type-I sightings, showing a distribution heavily weighted towards nocturnal hours, with peaks around 7-8 p.m. and dawn, suggesting that approximately 50% of nocturnal sightings might be missed due to daytime activity. It estimates that around 700 'Landings' may have occurred globally, not accounting for remote or poorly reported areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, government response, and historical context. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Science Myths' section, is critical of established scientific paradigms, advocating for a re-examination of fundamental concepts like gravity and suggesting that external, unseen forces, possibly related to vortices, are at play. The society itself is presented as a serious research organization committed to investigating UFOs scientifically and disseminating information, while also acknowledging the historical development of UFO research in Australia. The coverage of the Victor Harbor and Brazilian incidents highlights the tension between official explanations and eyewitness accounts, often implying a lack of transparency or understanding from authorities.

This issue of AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. (Vol 1 No 12, dated February 28, 1986) explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, from theoretical physics to eyewitness accounts and official investigations. The magazine features articles on the nature of vortices, close encounters, and specific sightings reported in Australia and internationally. It also touches upon the public interest in UFOs, including the involvement of notable figures.

The Physics of Vortices and Matter

The first section delves into the concept of a vortex, describing its polarity as having a positive inward pull and a negative outward thrust. It explains how different forces influence the shape of a vortex, leading to various forms such as conical and spherical shapes. This process is presented as an orderly, step-by-step sequence for the creation and dissolution of matter. Gravity is described as a property of the positive, centripetal force that causes motion to gather around a central gravitational center, leading to the polarization of matter.

UFO Sightings and Close Encounters

The magazine details a range of UFO sightings and encounters, categorizing them into different types. It discusses the Frederick Valentich disappearance over Bass Strait in 1978, where the pilot reported an unidentified object before his plane vanished without a trace. Another significant event covered is the New Zealand sighting on December 31, 1978, involving a television crew, pilots, and radar tracking of mysterious lights. The object was filmed, and analysis by optical physicist Dr. Bruce Maccabee suggested extraordinary speeds and light emissions.

Dr. Allen Hynek's classification of UFO reports is presented, distinguishing between distant sightings (nocturnal lights, daylight discs, radar-visual) and close encounters (150 meters or less). Close encounters are further divided into three kinds:

• First Kind (CE-1): The UFO is seen nearby but leaves no direct physical trace. An example given is the case of Deputy Sheriff Dale Spaur in Ohio, who chased a large object for over 110 kilometers.
• Second Kind (CE-II): The UFO leaves a tangible effect on the environment, such as physical damage or electromagnetic interference. Examples include the Saladare, Ethiopia incident, and reports of car engines failing and televisions going on the blink.
• Third Kind (CE-III): This involves encounters with human-like creatures and often the boarding of UFOs. The article mentions the case of Lonnie Zamora in Socorro, New Mexico, and the widely publicized story of Barney and Betty Hill.

International and Australian Reports

The magazine highlights that UFOs are known by various names globally, such as 'Objetos Voladores no Identificados' in Spain and 'Soucoupes Volantes' in France. It notes that while many scientists attribute sightings to conventional phenomena, psychological delusion, or hoaxes, a significant residue of unexplained cases persists. The article mentions the work of UFO researchers and the persistence of the phenomenon worldwide, with reports coming from numerous countries.

Specific Australian incidents are featured:

• Fiery UFO Sighted: Reports of a mysterious space object crashing near Barcaldine, Western Queensland, in May 1986, described as a 'truck'-sized object in a ball of flame. Officials suggested it might be a meteorite.
• Alice Springs UFO: A police constable reports on UFO sightings in Central Australia, noting that while many are explained (like Jupiter), some are not. An unexplained 'close encounter' by a police officer and tracker near Gilbert Springs in 1984 involved mysterious lights that changed position and shape.

Royal Encounters and Surveillance

Two articles from the Sunday Mirror (March 2 and March 9, 1986) detail alleged UFO encounters involving the British Royal Family. One reports that Prince Charles's pilot reported seeing a 'glowing red object' during a flight from the U.S.A., with four other aircraft also reporting similar sightings. Another article claims a 'saucer-shaped UFO' was spotted over Windsor Castle. Prince Philip is also mentioned as a long-time UFO follower.

The issue concludes with a section on NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and its surveillance systems, questioning whether these systems could detect UFOs and if NORAD would admit to it, citing their exemption from the Freedom of Information Act.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the classification and analysis of sightings, the psychological and societal impact of belief in UFOs, and the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained aerial events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while acknowledging the scientific skepticism and the need for credible evidence. The magazine encourages readers to stay informed about ongoing research and developments in the field.