Australian UFO Bulletin - 1988 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published by The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS) in March 1988, focuses on significant UFO events and the society's ongoing research and activities. The cover prominently features the bulletin's title and the VUFORS logo, with a decorative border.

Editorial Stance and Society Operations

The editorial emphasizes VUFORS's role as a constituted society, not merely a club, and its willingness to cooperate with other groups on a reciprocal information basis. Since its formation in 1957, VUFORS investigators have examined numerous reports and interviewed witnesses, often granting anonymity. The results of these investigations are published in the quarterly bulletin.

The editorial criticizes the media's handling of UFO sightings, suggesting that vested interests twist facts to suit their own theories, often discrediting or ignoring genuine phenomena. It contrasts the apparent advanced capabilities of 'UFOnauts' (e.g., mastering gravity, silent flight, incredible speeds) with humanity's current space technology. The editorial highlights the society's policy of protecting witnesses from public ridicule and providing a sympathetic ear for their experiences.

VUFORS maintains the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere and makes its resources available by post to members throughout the Commonwealth. Membership is open to anyone genuinely interested in the subject.

Society History

The issue includes 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, undergoing name changes over the years to become the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society has published various papers, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Review," and once sponsored a radio program. They have consistently held a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs.

Key Articles and Reports

"On the UFO Trail" by Paul Norman

This article discusses recent press reports, telecasts, and radio talkback programs concerning UFO activity over the Nullarbor. Norman critiques the rapid succession of 'explanations' offered by the scientific community before investigations are complete, suggesting these explanations (e.g., meteorite, dry lightning, rising sun, Woomera Test Range) are inadequate to explain the observed phenomena, such as an object landing on a car and maneuvering with apparent ease.

The Nullarbor region is noted for frequent UFO sightings. The article mentions an airline pilot's report of an unknown flying object coinciding with a ground sighting. It also touches upon the fear of ridicule that prevents many observers from reporting sightings. Norman contrasts this with the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) efforts, led by Dr. Carl Sagan, which he suggests are too rigid in their requirements for contact.

He controversially refers to those who deny UFOs as "little green men" who are "so green... they don't realize that something which they do not understand is already happening." These include journalists who misquote and take things out of context, and those who believe they know everything and deny the existence of UFOs.

"UFO buff urges more tolerance" by Allan Wilson

This article features an interview with UFO enthusiast Allan Wilson, who believes recent sightings are genuine and that more people would report them if not for the community's skepticism and fear of being labeled 'a nut'. Wilson recounts two personal UFO encounters: one in 1952 as a passenger on a train over the Nullarbor Plain, witnessing an "orange light with a yellow tail," and another about three years prior to the article, where he was "followed" by four white lights. He dismisses explanations like mirages, citing instances where lights allegedly left dents or smoke trails on cars.

Wilson, a member of VUFORS for over 10 years, emphasizes that the fear of the unknown is a primary reason for skepticism. He suggests that UFOs come in various shapes (cigar, egg) and exhibit behaviors like zig-zagging. He advocates for open-mindedness, stating that humanity is a "tiny speck of sand in the vastness of the universe" and it's naive to think we are alone. He encourages those who have encounters to speak out to aid research and suggests joining VUFORS for newsletters documenting global research.

"UFO Reports from AIAA Members" by Peter A. Sturrock

This section presents findings from a survey conducted among members of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). The survey aimed to gauge scientists' and engineers' subjective assessments of the UFO phenomenon and to collect accounts of their experiences. Despite the public's interest, scientists have historically shown little response to UFO reports. The survey revealed a wide dispersion of opinions among respondents regarding the scientific significance of UFOs, with some giving numerical probabilities and others providing verbal assessments ranging from "impossible" to "certain."

Notably, many respondents who reported witnessing aerial phenomena they could not identify were willing to share their accounts, often under the guarantee of anonymity. The article lists 18 specific reports, detailing the date, location, witness age, duration, object description (shape, color, luminosity, size), closest approach, and whether it was reported. Some reports were later tentatively identified as known phenomena (e.g., ball lightning, meteors, aircraft), while others remained unexplained and aligned with typical UFO reports.

The survey concluded that scientifically trained individuals do report aerial phenomena similar to those classified as UFOs, but often hesitate to go public unless anonymity is guaranteed. The article includes references to relevant scientific studies and publications on the UFO topic.

"The Knowles-Nullarbor Encounter" by John Auchetti

This article provides a detailed account of the investigation into the Knowles family's claim of a UFO encounter on the Nullarbor Plain on January 21, 1988. VUFORS President Judith Magee and the author, John Auchetti, were contacted by media outlets. Paul Norman was initially out of contact, prompting Auchetti to call the Knowles family in South Australia to initiate an investigation.

After contacting CH7 T.V. and securing their cooperation, the Knowles family arrived in Melbourne for interviews. Auchetti and Norman conducted research, including inspecting the family car, collecting dust samples, and performing various medical and pathological tests on the family and their dogs. The article lists 12 planned tests and interviews, including taped interviews, car inspection, medical examinations (GP, blood pathology, urine tests), veterinary tests, psychiatric examination, and photographic analysis. The investigation was ongoing, with plans for further research, including a trip to the U.S. by Paul Norman.

The article also mentions that the first major press articles about the encounter were being released, and future bulletins would include other events in the area and research results.

"check attack claim" by Neil McMahon

This newspaper article from The Sun (VIC) on January 21, 1988, reports on the Knowles family's claim of a UFO encounter on the Nullarbor. The family, driving from Western Australia to Melbourne, alleged that an oval-shaped object landed on their car, shook it, slammed it down, and showered it with ash before flying away. Police and scientists are taking the claim seriously.

Sgt Jim Furnell of Ceduna described the incident, noting that the family appeared genuinely distressed. He mentioned that a truck driver had also reported being followed by a similar object. Sgt Fred Longley, also from Ceduna, expressed an open mind despite his usual skepticism, stating that "These people have definitely seen something." The article notes the presence of black ash on the car, which is inconsistent with local soil.

Space engineer Matthew James is quoted suggesting that the phenomenon could be ball lightning, a rare electrical phenomenon that can form spherical lights. He cautions against jumping to conclusions about extraterrestrial origins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of UFO phenomena, the challenges in investigating them, the societal skepticism and media portrayal of UFOs, and the importance of scientific inquiry and witness protection. VUFORS positions itself as a serious research organization dedicated to understanding UFOs as a scientific problem, contrasting its approach with sensationalized media reports and hasty scientific dismissals. The publication advocates for open-mindedness and encourages individuals to report their experiences to organizations like VUFORS, which can provide a more structured and supportive environment for investigation and analysis.

This issue of THE NEWS, dated February 1, 1983, focuses heavily on the alleged UFO encounter experienced by the Knowles family on the Nullarbor Plain. The cover headline, "Meteorite 'not UFO answer'," suggests a debate between a natural phenomenon and an extraterrestrial explanation. The issue includes witness accounts, expert opinions, and details of scientific investigations.

The Knowles Family Encounter

The central story revolves around the claims of Mrs Faye Knowles and her three sons, Patrick, Sean, and Wayne, who reported that their car was attacked by a UFO on the Eyre Highway near the Western Australia-South Australia border on January 21, 1988. They described a bright white object with a yellow center that landed on their car, causing it to be lifted into the air. They also reported the car was covered in ash, the engine and lights died, and a tyre blew out. The family described being terrified and hiding in bushes while the object hovered nearby.

Expert Opinions and Scientific Investigations

UFO researchers offered various perspectives. Paul Norman, vice president of the Victorian UFO Society, dismissed explanations like meteorites as "hogwash." However, other experts proposed alternative theories. Research physicist Glen Moore suggested a carbonaceous meteorite, while Professor Peter Schwerdtfeger of Flinders University believed a severe electrical storm, possibly dry lightning, could explain the phenomenon. Allan Brunt, former head of the South Australian Bureau of Meteorology, suggested a distorted view of the rising sun combined with panic could be responsible.

Forensic police stated that the dust found on the car was not ash and was an unknown substance. Tests conducted by Australian Mineral Development Laboratories on behalf of Channel 7 found that the dust was consistent with brake lining material and that dents on the car were old and consistent with wear and tear. They found no evidence of radioactivity or damage caused by an extraterrestrial object.

Corroborating and Similar Sightings

The issue highlights other alleged sightings that occurred around the same time. A Brisbane man claimed a similar experience with a colored egg-shaped object. Researchers from the Victorian UFO Research Society noted similarities between the Knowles' sighting and a December 14 incident in Tasmania where a car was dragged towards an object. The crew of the tuna boat Empress Lady reported seeing a bright light hovering overhead off the SA coast, and another vessel, the Empress Lady, also reported a sighting a week before the Nullarbor incident. Local residents in Eucla, including publican Steve Papuptis and resident Jeanette Dodd, reported seeing strange lights in the sky. A local bar manager, Stan Mossdeld, also recounted a sighting of a great big light.

Media Coverage and Controversy

The Knowles family reportedly signed a deal with a television station for exclusive rights to their story, leading to accusations of "cheque book journalism." Mrs Knowles expressed anger at the scientific tests, feeling they were being called liars. The media coverage generated significant international interest, with George Eberhart from the J.L. Hynek Centre for UFO Studies calling the sighting "incredible" and "the most important sighting ever."

Other UFO Reports

The issue also briefly touches upon other UFO-related matters, including a report from the FAA regarding radar signals, and a statistical look at UFO sightings in Melbourne. An apology is included regarding the poor quality of a press article from the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the debate between scientific and extraterrestrial explanations, and the role of media in reporting such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, presenting various viewpoints and scientific findings while acknowledging the persistent claims of witnesses. The inclusion of the "Discussion Night" section suggests an ongoing engagement with the topic within the community.