Australian UFO Bulletin - 1988 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published in June 1988 by The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, focuses on UFO cover-ups, recent sightings, and the history of UFO research in Australia. The cover prominently features the headline "Truckie backs desert UFO claim," referring to the Knowles family's encounter on the Nullarbor Plains.

Editorial: The Military Implications of UFOs

The editorial posits that the main reason for a government UFO cover-up, particularly by the United States, is not to prevent public panic, but because alien technology could be adapted for military purposes. It argues that such technology could create a devastating new dimension in warfare, making it a strategic advantage for any nation possessing it. The editorial dismisses the idea that the public in today's society would react with mass hysteria to the revelation of alien visitation, suggesting a more mature and accepting attitude.

Society History: A Brief Chronicle

A section details the history of UFO research groups in Australia. The earliest known group was the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s, led by Edgar Jarrold and Andrew Tomas. This was followed by Fred Stone's "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society" in Adelaide. The Victorian branch was formed on February 17, 1957, as the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (Victorian Branch)" and later became the "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society" and finally the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society" in 1968. The society has published various papers, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Review," and has maintained a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFO phenomena, holding regular meetings and maintaining a large UFO library.

Key Articles and Reports

On the UFO Trail by Paul B. Norman

Paul B. Norman recounts his experiences checking out UFO incidents from November 1953 to January 1958. He details an incident in January 1958 where Major Donald Keyhoe, Director of NICAP, was allegedly cut off the air during a TV broadcast. Keyhoe was reportedly denied sufficient time to present his case, and the Air Force spokesman allegedly had orders to deny the existence of documents if Keyhoe referred to them. Norman also mentions joining NICAP and remaining a member until 1976. He discusses a 1988 conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, featuring speakers like Al Chop and retired Air Force Major Dewey Fournet, who was involved with Project Bluebook.

Judge Sterling dead at 56; some rulings controversial

This article reports on the death of U.S. District Judge Ross Neumann Sterling at the age of 56. It highlights some of his controversial rulings, including those in the Joe Campos Torres civil rights case and cases involving oil companies, which were initially criticized but later overturned or reinstated by higher courts. The article also notes the impact of his death on judicial vacancies in the federal Southern District of Texas.

Interstate Report: Tasmania Sighting

This report details a case from December 1987 in Tasmania where a male driver observed a light that followed his car, landed on the road, and caused his car's engine and lights to fail. The driver fled and witnessed his car being physically drawn towards the light. Another vehicle arrived, and both witnesses observed the object. The car was later found to have a black powdery substance and melted tar on the road. The driver reported a two-hour time loss, the need to replace his car's entire electrical system, and developed abilities to pick up thought transmissions and an urge to go outside. He was also approached by three men who advised him not to speak about the encounter.

The Knowles-Nullarbor Encounter: Part 2

This article continues the report on the Knowles family's alleged UFO encounter on the Nullarbor Plains. It describes the family's journey and the sudden appearance of a glowing, humming light that performed "mind-boggling aerobatics." The object allegedly gripped their car and swept it from the ground, shaking it violently. The family panicked and hid in the scrub. They reported the incident to police in Ceduna, SA. The article notes that the family did not initially report all details, such as touching the object, to the police, and that some newspaper accounts may have been exaggerated. Sgt Dennis Sutton of Eucla police station stated they had no record of the family reporting the incident there. Sgt Jim Furnell of Ceduna police, however, was convinced the family had experienced something unusual, though he suggested it might have been a meteorite. The article also mentions that the Knowles family never arrived for an appointment at the UFO Research Centre in Adelaide.

Truckie backs desert UFO claim

This article from the Sunday Mail (QLD) reports on the Knowles family's Nullarbor UFO claim. Independent experts suggested that black dust or ash found on their car was due to a tyre blow-out and excessive braking. However, truck driver Graham Henley corroborated the family's story, stating the substance was not brake dust but a fine silicon-type material. He described the family as "shell-shocked" and "terrified." The article also mentions other scientists' theories, such as meteorites or dry thunderstorms, and notes that leading UFO researchers in the US reacted with excitement to the case. It lists several well-known Americans who have claimed to see UFOs.

Nulla UFO movie bid

This brief report from Perth indicates that the Knowles family's UFO encounter story was being considered for a movie by Aaron Spelling Productions, with negotiations underway for the rights.

Discussion Night

An announcement for a "Discussion Night" hosted by The Royal Society of Victoria on September 5th and December 5th, 1988, at 8:00 pm, with a donation of $1.00 for supper.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential military applications of UFO technology, the ongoing debate about government cover-ups, and the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be that UFOs represent a serious scientific problem with significant implications, particularly concerning advanced technology that could be weaponized. The society promotes a methodical and in-depth study of the phenomenon and encourages the public to report unusual aerial phenomena.

This issue of The Sunday Mail, dated February 16, 1988, with the cover headline 'What happened out there on the Nullarbor?', delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena across Australia and beyond.

The Nullarbor Incident and Forensic Scrutiny

The issue extensively covers the incident involving the Knowles family, who claimed to have encountered a UFO on the Nullarbor Plain. Frank Pangallo of Channel Seven organized an interview with the family, offering them $5000, with the condition of exclusivity for three months. The family was also subjected to tests on their car, which allegedly had been gripped by the object. Monty Luke of Australian Mineral Development Laboratories reported that dust found on the car was consistent with brake linings and that dents on the roof were old, consistent with wear and tear. This finding led to skepticism, overturning earlier reports that SA forensic police had found the substance to be unidentifiable. Superintendent Schulz of the SA forensic police clarified that only a small amount of grime was collected via tape lifting and that it was likely road grime. He expressed concern that further examination would fuel media speculation and stated that no offense had occurred in South Australia, offering their findings to Western Australian police if requested.

Despite the forensic findings, witnesses who saw the Knowles family in the hours after the incident believed they had genuinely experienced an ordeal. Mrs. Judith Magee and other members of the Victorian UFO Research Society interviewed the family, noting their relief at not being ridiculed. Faye Knowles described a 'big suction pad' on the car and a sensation like the neck of a turtle-neck jumper. The family was reportedly distraught and had to be sedated twice, with Sean Knowles indicating a willingness to talk for payment, which The Sun declined.

Official Responses to UFO Reports

The magazine explores the difficulty witnesses face when reporting UFOs, highlighting the unresponsiveness of various authorities. A Department of Aviation spokesman stated they are not the ones to contact. Air traffic controllers at Melbourne airport expressed reluctance to receive such calls, fearing 'crackpots.' Similarly, the police firmly stated they do not investigate UFO reports, though they acknowledge people often report to them. The police suggested contacting the airforce, who might know about 'space junk or anything flying about.' The RAAF, however, was not answering calls.

UFO Sightings in Central Australia

Alice Springs is presented as a potential hotspot for UFO sightings. Police Constable Rod Foore reported several UFO sightings annually, with reports sent to the RAAF for cross-checking. Wing Commander Alan Hancox of the RAAF stated that the airforce investigates sightings near important defense facilities. While the average number of sightings is now one or two per year, it was higher in the 1970s. An incident involving a police officer and a tracker near Hermannsburg is detailed, where they observed bright, rectangular lights that appeared to change position and disappear abruptly. The lights were described as having no beams like headlights and seemed to be off the ground. The tracker also reported seeing lights before, referred to as the 'car that never comes.'

The Condon Report and Skepticism

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an analysis of the Condon Report by James E. McDonald. McDonald, who prepared material for a Medical Students Colloquium at the University of Arizona, critiques the report's strongly negative conclusions. He argues that the report's contents do not adequately support its conclusions, particularly regarding the 'Unexplained' UFO cases. McDonald highlights several cases from the Condon Report, including a 1955 multiple-witness sighting in Utica, New York, involving a 150-foot ellipsoidal object, and the 1956 Lakenheath RAF Station incident in England, described as 'the most puzzling and unusual in the radar-visual files.' He points out the report's tendency to offer shaky or quantitatively erroneous explanations and suggests that the scientific community should not dismiss these cases.

Geelong Encounters

Residents of Highton, Geelong, reported a strange encounter with a UFO. Two residents claimed to have seen a UFO over Buckley's Falls, and dozens of others were woken by a loud, 'eerie,' high-pitched sound. One couple described the noise as '10,000 geese' mapping their wings rhythmically. The husband saw three white lights merge into one and travel west. A 15-year-old boy and a neighbor corroborated hearing the noise. The vice-president of the Victorian Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society, Mr. Peter Norman, received a similar report from St. Kilda. The manager of the Queens Park golf course and his wife were also woken by the noise, describing it as a 'squealing sound like metal being rubbed together.' Mr. Norman, who has investigated UFO sightings for 35 years, visited Geelong to investigate further, noting that most reported sightings are mistaken identities but that some cases warrant investigation.

Other Incidents and Analysis

The issue also mentions an incident involving an engine driver on the Nullarbor Plain who reported a train stopping due to an unexplained light. The driver, an ex-policeman, initially mistook the light for a reflection on a sand dune but later reported the engine losing power when the light reappeared. A report from the 'Central Advocate' dated March 7, 1986, details a sighting over the Nullarbor Plain where an object was photographed. The object was described as a bright silver pinpoint of light and was visible for an extended period. The RAAF Mirage fighter was vectored to identify a radar contact but could not positively identify the object due to its high altitude.

V.U.F.O.R.S. and Future Plans

The Victorian UFO Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.) announced its intention to become 'INCORPORATED' under the Associations Incorporation Act, 1981, to streamline its operations and adopt a more professional approach. The society requested feedback from its financial members on this proposal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistence of UFO sightings despite official skepticism and flawed investigations, the challenges faced by witnesses in reporting their experiences, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various accounts and expert opinions, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the difficulties in obtaining definitive answers, as encapsulated in the quote, 'The reality is that we might never know.' The inclusion of the Condon Report analysis by James McDonald suggests a critical examination of official UFO studies and a defense of the validity of certain unexplained cases.