Australian UFO Bulletin - 1987 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Australia U.F.O. Bulletin, dated March 1987, is the official publication of The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It is registered by Australia Post under Publication No. VBH0122. The bulletin is published from P.O. Box 43, Moorabbin, Victoria 3189, Australia.

Contents

The Table of Contents lists several articles and sections:

• PAGE 2: N.S.W., ORANGE UFO SIGHTING 31.1.1987
• PAGE 3: UNICAT: DR WILLY SMITH
• PAGE 9: SETI: WITHOUT SAUCERS, D.W. SWIFT
• PAGE 10: 747 J.A.L./ALASKA UFO CHASE
• PAGE 12: PRESS
• PAGE 13: BOOK REVIEW
• PAGE 14: PAT GILDEA A VUFORS MEMBER
• PAGE 15: JUST CAUSE: MORE USAF INTELLIGENCE RELEASES.
• PAGE 16: PRESS

Editorial

The editorial highlights the advent of the computer as a beneficial tool for UFO research. It introduces Project UNICAT, a UFO computer system designed for efficient information retrieval. Paul Norman, the Australian representative for UNICAT, has been assisting Dr. Willy Smith in sorting Australian cases. The editorial notes that UNICAT's sketch shows its superiority over sequential files, with 191 reports analyzed showing anomalous acceleration in 46 cases and silence in 97. It also mentions a UNICAT computer printout of the Frederick Valentich encounter as an example of its performance.

From the President

The President extends New Year wishes for 1987, thanking members for their support during a quiet period of UFO activity. The President congratulates the committee on their excellent work and recounts the history of VUFORS's in-house publications, which were previously produced using duplicating machines, involving collating, stapling, and folding. Thanks are given to John Auchettl and Steve Partridge for arranging for the Bulletins to be printed professionally. The President acknowledges that committee work is voluntary and commends the team for keeping the society active.

Society History

This section provides a brief history of UFO research organizations in Australia. It mentions the earliest group, the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau," founded in the early 1950s by Edgar Jarrold and Andrew Tomas. Simultaneously, Fred Stone started the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society" in Adelaide. The Bureau later became a branch of Stone's society under Tomas. The "Australian U.F.O. Investigation Centre" was formed with Dr. Clifford at its head until 1958, when Dr. Lindtner took over. 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, the name changed to the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society is known for its publication, the "Australian Flying Saucer Review," which was curtailed in 1972 due to costs and succeeded by the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin." It also sponsored a radio program, "The Truth Behind Flying Saucers." The society maintains a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs, holds regular meetings, and boasts the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, offering postal services to members. Membership is open to anyone genuinely interested in the subject.

UNICAT Project

This extensive section details the UNICAT project, a sophisticated data base for UFO sightings developed by Dr. Willy Smith.

Definition

UNICAT is designed to embody high-quality UFO sighting information, eliminating questionable material. It aims to be universal, including cases from various countries. The data base will be accessible to investigators who contribute to its creation and to the general public for a nominal charge. Unlike other catalogs, UNICAT is dynamic, continuously adding and verifying information, and includes programs for checking data integrity and finding errors. It allows retrieval of information in numerous ways, including correlations and sortings, with immediate, readable output.

Technical Information

UNICAT utilizes customized database software, offering advantages over existing sequential file systems which are described as long and tedious for input and retrieval. Sequential files require separate programs for each type of output, making analysis cumbersome. UNICAT stores information in records with numerous fields, allowing flexibility in defining and modifying them. Queries can be made using simple English-like commands. The system supports approximately 240 fields per record, with a maximum of about 60,000 characters. Information can be entered easily, with fields that can be left blank if no data is available. The software allows users to change field definitions, values, add or delete fields, and create new databases. Queries can be made for combinations of fields, and the database has built-in sorting and counting capabilities.

Criteria for the Selection of Cases

Cases must meet stringent criteria: at least two witnesses (or one unimpeachable witness), well-investigated by known ufologists or published, or unpublished cases with a written report accessible and willingness to provide further information. Cases must also contain at least 10 parameters from Dr. Hynek's list, which currently has 232 entries and is subject to revision. The overall purpose is to prove, using the scientific method, that UFOs are a new phenomenon deserving scientific attention, leading to a model or profile of the UFO phenomenon.

Data Fields

The fields are divided into two types:
1. Identifying information: date (YYMMDD format), time (preceding hour on a 24-hour clock), place (nearest population center or intersection), country (two-letter code), UFO type (Hynek classification plus RO and C4), number of witnesses (with indicators for marginal or numerous), and duration (in minutes).
2. Characteristic parameters: based on Dr. Hynek's list, broken down into basic elements to establish correlations and identify unique combinations. These parameters are divided into 10 categories: Basic Description, Optical Characteristics, Dynamics, The Observers, UFO Intelligence, Interaction UFO/Observer, Interaction UFO/Environment, Entities, Probatory Elements, and Miscellaneous. The current number of parameters is 232, with a potential increase.

Expansion of the Data Base

Enlargement of the data base is crucial and can be achieved through technical reports from associates, identification of pertinent parameters by associates, determination of parameters for Spanish-speaking countries by Dr. Smith, and searches of literature for old cases. Inclusion of a new case requires verification of parameters by at least two persons.

Consultations

Participants in UNICAT creation will have access to the data base through queries addressed to Dr. Smith. The software is flexible and can extract a huge amount of information, including correlations and statistics.

The Uniqueness of UNICAT

UNICAT's uniqueness lies in its stringent selection process, careful analysis of parameters by developers, and a continuous revision process. It emphasizes high-quality cases, preferably published, and requires at least 10 characteristic parameters. The breaking down of cases into "bits of information" is crucial for reflecting available data accurately. Revision is essential to correct errors.

MAYBECAT

MAYBECAT is a separate catalog for reports that do not meet UNICAT's stringent requirements due to insufficient information or unsatisfactory witness accounts. It serves as a temporary clearing-house, maintaining potentially valuable cases and acting as a bookkeeping device to track cases considered for UNICAT. Examples include reports from miscellaneous sources that have not been investigated.

UFO Sighting: Orange, N.S.W.

This article by Sandra Roberts details a sighting by Peter Langham in Orange, N.S.W., on January 31, 1987. Langham reported seeing an object with three large green lights in a boomerang shape emerge from the 'Saucepan' star formation and zoom off. He described it as prominent and unlike anything he had seen before. He watched it for about 30 seconds. No other sightings were reported to the police or aviation authorities. Orange UFO researcher Terry Bishop found the sighting strange and unlike typical meteor or satellite phenomena. Langham believes in extraterrestrial life due to the vastness of the universe and the number of planets.

Record # 781021 (Bass Straight, Australia)

This section presents a detailed record of a UFO incident on October 21, 1978, in Bass Straight, Australia. The incident involved a Cessna 182L aircraft at 4500 ft and a UFO at 1000 ft above it. The pilot, Frederick P. Valentich, reported rough idling of his engine. The UFO approached from different directions, hovered, and orbited the plane. The UFO was described as bright, like landing lights, and later emitted a green light. The sighting lasted about 30 seconds. Tragically, the pilot was killed, and the plane was never found. The record notes that a 6-minute tape recorded by Melbourne airport provides details, and Roy Manifold took photographs of a sunset with an object emerging from the water before the incident.

Object Characteristics Summary

The issue includes a diagram and list of UFO characteristics used in the UNICAT system. Key parameters include:

• AA: Anomalous acceleration
• FT: Fast take off / fast motion
• HV: Hovering
• TT: Tree top level
• US: UFO silent
• TS: Tremendous speed
• VA: Vertical ascent

Other detailed parameters cover shape, color, dynamics, observer characteristics, intelligence, interactions, entities, and probatory elements.

Discussion Night

Announcements for upcoming meetings are provided:

• June 1, 1987: Meeting
• September 7, 1987: Meeting
• December 7, 1987: Annual General Meeting

All meetings are scheduled for 8:00 PM at 'The Royal Society of Victoria' on Victoria St., Melbourne. The cost is a $1.00 donation per person for supper.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society emphasizes a dispassionate, evidence-based approach, as exemplified by the detailed UNICAT database project. The society aims to legitimize UFO research within the scientific community by collecting, analyzing, and disseminating high-quality data. There is a strong focus on methodology, case selection, and the use of technology (computers) to advance the field. The historical perspective provided in the 'Society History' section underscores a long-standing commitment to UFO research in Australia. The editorial stance is one of promoting rigorous investigation and sharing information with members and the public.

Title: SETI
Issue: 10 (New Series)
Date: December 1986
Publisher: Lawrence Fawcett
Editor: Barry Greenwood
Focus: This issue of 'SETI' (likely a publication focused on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) delves into the intersection of public interest in UFOs and the scientific pursuit of ETI, alongside reports on UFO sightings and government document releases.

SETI Without Saucers?

This lead article by David W. Swift, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Hawaii, addresses the challenge of securing public and governmental support for SETI. Swift argues that scientists face a dilemma: while they need public support, many laymen who are enthusiastic about SETI also believe in UFOs, telepathy, and Big Foot. This association frustrates scientists who view UFOs as misperceptions or hoaxes, distinct from the legitimate scientific topic of ETI. However, Swift presents data from a Gallup poll indicating a strong correlation between belief in ETI and belief in UFOs. This correlation is particularly pronounced among individuals with higher education, income, and occupation, who are also the most influential demographic for affecting federal funding decisions. Swift suggests that ignoring the UFO question is unwise and that NASA could benefit from a more open policy towards UFOs, potentially educating the public and attracting more funding for SETI research. He posits that UFOs, as aerial phenomena, fall within NASA's jurisdiction, and that a flexible approach could help NASA, which is currently experiencing low public enthusiasm for projects like the Space Shuttle.

UFOs: Examining a Rational Middle Ground

This section reviews the book "Science and the UFOs" by Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington. The reviewer, David Turnbull, notes that the book attempts to find a middle ground between total skepticism and committed belief in UFOs. The authors distinguish between "unidentified atmospheric phenomena" (UAP), which they consider a legitimate area for investigation, and the subjective experience of having a UFO encounter. They suggest that about 25% of official UFO reports cannot be attributed to known events, but rate the likelihood of them being extraterrestrial as highly unlikely. The book examines typical UFO sightings and the challenges of observation, reporting, and analysis, highlighting issues of reliability, misperception, and meteorological events. Turnbull praises the book's advice on handling these issues and its emphasis on the boundary between science and society. He also notes the book's oversight in not referencing the work of sociologists like Ron Westrum on anomalous events and suggests that dedicated amateurs play a crucial role in advancing the field.

UFO Buffs Probe the Outer Limits

This article by Tony Wells focuses on the work of Pat Gildea and the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS). Gildea investigates numerous UFO cases, including one from a farm in Gippsland where a farmer reported a bell-shaped object near a concrete water tank that allegedly emptied the tank. Gildea is convinced the farmer was truthful and points to a circular burn mark as evidence. The article notes that water disappearance has been linked to UFOs in several investigated cases. It also mentions the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich, whose final conversation with air traffic control reportedly involved an object flying nearby, and links this to 20 other disappearances over 32 years. While VUFORS can explain most sightings (helicopters, Venus, weather balloons), Gildea believes some objects are not man-made, citing their ability to overcome inertia and perform sharp turns at high speeds. Their theory is that these objects come from outer space or another dimension. The article also references a declassified U.S. document from 1950 describing recovered 'flying saucers' with occupants.

More Air Force Intelligence Releases

This section reports on additional UFO files obtained from the Air Force by Robert Todd, likely through Freedom of Information Act requests. The article highlights a 262-page file, with 110 pages deemed useful, containing "Foo-Fighter" reports, Swedish "Ghost Rocket" incidents from 1946, and a "crash of Unidentified Flaming Object." It notes that a memo from 1948 listing 44 documents related to Swedish incidents cannot now be located at the National Archives, raising questions about lost or destroyed information. The author expresses frustration with the lack of hard documentation in certain released files, suggesting that the most important parts are often missing. The article implies that government agencies may be withholding significant UFO-related information, and that public and financial pressure is needed to pursue these issues further. It concludes by stating that understanding government UFO involvement is progressing, but wider media coverage is lacking.

News Reports on UFO Sightings

Several news clippings report on various UFO incidents:

• Strange Encounter Over Alaska: A Japan Air Lines (JAL) cargo jet crew reported a large, unidentified object shadowing their plane for half an hour over Alaska in November 1986. The object was described as walnut-shaped and flanked by two smaller objects. The FAA confirmed a sighting took place, and the crew were described as professional and rational. The Air Force initially reported radar echoes but later attributed them to "clutter."
• NASA worker tracks UFO reports by pilots: Richard Haines, a NASA scientist, has collected over 3,000 pilot reports of UFO sightings over 20 years. He categorizes sightings into those that appear and disappear rapidly and those that trail aircraft for extended periods. Haines believes these phenomena are "totally different" from misperceptions.
• The UFOs That Chased Jet: This article, likely from The Houston Post, details the JAL Flight 1628 incident, including drawings made by pilot Kenjyu Terauchi. It mentions that both FAA and Air Force radar operators saw a mystery object. The object was described as being as big as two aircraft carriers.
• UFO followed them, jet crew says: Another report on the JAL incident, this time from The Houston Post, reiterates the crew's claim of being followed by a UFO. It notes that FAA controllers and the Air Force radar briefly picked up the object, but the FAA later dismissed the radar sightings as misinterpretations or "clutter."
• Pilot sees new UFO: Captain Kenjyu Terauchi reported another UFO encounter over Alaska in January 1987, described as "irregular lights, looks like a spaceship." An FAA spokesman suggested light reflecting off ice crystals as a possible explanation.
• Cargo plane 'trailed' by three UFOs: A report from Perth, Australia, details Captain Terauchi's November 1986 sighting, where he claimed three UFOs, two small and one large, trailed his JAL cargo jet for 650 km. FAA officials confirmed the controller saw an object on radar.
• Captain spots another UFO: A report from Australian media mentions Captain Terauchi seeing a "spaceship" over Alaska again.
• JAL captain sights UFOs: A Tokyo report quotes Captain Naneroshi Terauchi describing a "huge globe-shaped unidentified flying object (UFO) with two small spaceship-like craft" on November 17, 1986.
• Airliner captain in UFO scare: A Tokyo report reiterates the JAL captain's sighting of three spaceship-like objects, including a "mother ship."
• UFO scare for mum, daughter: A report from Lancefield, Australia, describes a mother and daughter's frightening encounter with a bright, circular object that changed into an arrow shape and sped away.
• WAS IT A UFO?: A resident of Leongatha, Australia, Paul Carter, reported seeing a light that moved erratically and defied physics.
• Paraders of the lost Ark decide on site: A report from Nashville, Tennessee, states that Turkish researchers have decided a boat-shaped formation in eastern Turkey is the remains of Noah's Ark, based on research by Ron Wyatt.
• Several report spotting UFO in Mexico City: Mexico City International Airport received calls about a multi-colored unidentified flying object over the capital.
• Police search ranges for traces of 'explosive' UFO: Police in Victoria, Australia, searched for a UFO that residents claimed caused an explosion and earth tremors, but found nothing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent public interest in UFOs and the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The publication highlights the disconnect between scientific skepticism towards UFOs and the public's tendency to link them with ETI. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of public perception and support for scientific endeavors like SETI, suggesting that engaging with the UFO phenomenon, despite its controversial nature, could be beneficial. The issue also touches upon government secrecy and the challenges of obtaining and releasing UFO-related files, indicating a belief among some researchers and organizations that information is being withheld. The editorial stance appears to favor a more open and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging a rational examination of evidence and challenging established scientific dogma when warranted, as seen in the book review and the reporting on VUFORS. The publication itself, 'SETI,' and 'Just Cause' seem to advocate for a broader understanding of anomalous phenomena and their potential implications.