Australian UFO Bulletin - 1988 12 - December

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated December 1988, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. The cover features a striking image of an alien head with the headline 'Unexplained Visitors from Where?', suggesting a focus on the nature and origin of UFOs.

Editorial Stance and Society Welcome

The editorial, titled 'I would have never believed it 9 years ago!', expresses optimism about a changing attitude towards UFO research. The author notes that government authorities, doctors, and scientists are becoming more helpful, although a vocal anti-ufo population still exists. The editorial highlights the influx of 'young minds' graduating from universities who are more open to questioning and less critical of ufology. It points to scientific advancements and media coverage, such as the 'Knowles Family Encounter' in Western Australia, as evidence of this shift. The Royal Australian Air Force is noted for its communication and assistance, with some personnel actively helping in investigations. The editorial also observes that even popular television programs and major advertisements are now incorporating UFO themes, suggesting a decreased risk of ridicule for those discussing the subject.

The society's 'Welcome' section reiterates its purpose: to receive and evaluate reports of unusual phenomena with strict confidence. It mentions exchanging information with similar organizations and disseminating public information. Communications are to be addressed to the return address on the bulletin. The society also states that contributions published do not necessarily reflect its policy and that no part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent.

Office Bearers and Subscription Rates

The issue lists the office bearers of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.), including Judith M. Magee as President, Paul Norman as Vice-President, Mark Sawyers as Secretary, and Clive Yates as Treasurer. Subscription rates are provided: $7.00 per annum for Australian members, $US 9.00 (surface) or $US 13.00 (air) for overseas members. A single copy costs $2.00 (Australia) or $US 2.50 (overseas).

Contents and Featured Articles

The contents page outlines the articles in this issue:

• EDITORIAL: Discusses the changing attitudes towards UFO research.
• DISCUSSION NIGHT - DATES: Provides details for upcoming meetings.
• UFOS - CLOSE ENCOUNTERS IN AUSTRALIA? by Jan Goldie: Explores recent unexplained phenomena in Australia.
• UFO LIFTS WOMAN'S CAR by T. Scott Crain Jr.: Details a case from Pennsylvania where a UFO allegedly lifted a car.
• A BRUTAL TOUCH DOWN by Jean-Louis Forest: Reports on a case from France involving a mysterious 'orange ball' and a significant time loss.
• "ON THE UFO TRAIL" by Paul Norman: A personal account by Jackie Blue.
• SCIENTISTS MULL MARS MYSTERY: Discusses scientific investigations into Mars.
• MUFON IS READY FOR ANY VISITORS: Highlights MUFON's preparedness for potential alien encounters.
• "FARADAY RINGS AROUND UFOS Part 2 by Siegmund Podsiadly: Continues a discussion on UFO phenomena.

Discussion Night Details

A discussion night is scheduled for 8:00 pm at 'The Royal Society of Victoria', Victoria St., Melbourne. A donation of $1.00 per person is requested for supper. AGM dates are also listed for December 1988 and December 1989, with meetings in March, June, and September 1989.

Press Section: Missing Pilot's Cash and Martian Welcome

Under the 'PRESS' heading, two news items are featured:

1. Missing pilot's cash for parents: Reports that the parents of missing pilot Frederick Valentich will finally gain control of his bank account 10 years after his disappearance over Bass Strait. Valentich vanished on October 21, 1978, after reporting his plane was being 'orbited' by a 'strange object'. His last words indicated an 'unknown aircraft' hovering above him. His father, Guido Valentich, has been seeking access to his son's $3500 bank account, which the Commonwealth Bank initially denied without proof of death. The bank now accepts a claim after Mr. Valentich produced a Transport Department report listing Frederick as presumed dead.
2. Martians welcome: A news item from Rio de Janeiro describes a Brazilian city of 4000 people that has built the world's first airport for flying saucers. The city, called the Valley of the Dawn, is home to a cult that claims to receive 'healing rays' from an invisible spaceship. The cult celebrates its 25th year and has a multi-racial population who wear cloaks and robes. The city's temple attracts sick people who are tended by faith healers, and inhabitants gather to absorb 'healing rays' from the spaceship. The cult claims 200,000 followers in Brazil.

UFOS - CLOSE ENCOUNTERS IN AUSTRALIA?

This article by Jan Goldie explores recent unexplained phenomena in Australia. It begins with the account of Dr. Peter Turnbridge, a GP, who witnessed a bright light over the Adelaide Hills. His camera battery drained within 60 seconds of filming, a phenomenon often associated with UFO sightings. While Dr. Turnbridge doesn't believe in flying saucers, he cannot explain the erratic movement and hovering of the object.

The article traces the origin of the term 'flying saucer' to a 1940s sighting. It notes that reports have evolved from flashing lights to sightings of large, fast-moving shapes, and even tales of abductions. Judith Magee, president of the Victorian UFO Research Society, asserts that there is substantial evidence for the reality of UFOs, citing credible witnesses like scientists and pilots. Colin Norris, director of the Australian International UFO/Flying Saucer Research organization, also believes aliens have been observing Earth for years.

Both researchers acknowledge that many sightings are misidentifications of aircraft, satellites, planets (like Venus), weather balloons, or aerial mirages. However, they maintain that a small percentage of cases remain unexplained.

The article highlights a particularly busy year in South Australia, with seven 'very good' local sightings. One notable case involves Bronte Lloyd, a farmer near Jamestown, who reported a landed spaceship, described as round, about 3.5m across and 2.5m high, with portholes and stabilizers. He claimed to have seen a figure disappearing from it, and his dogs became agitated. Bronte's memory of the event is confused, but he recalls hearing shuffling footsteps. Senior Constable Peter Bates investigated the site and found flattened grass, and stated he had no reason to doubt Bronte's account.

Another case mentioned is that of the Knowles family from Perth, whose car was allegedly attacked by a UFO on the Nullarbor Plain. The UFO reportedly lifted their car, shook it, and threw it down, blowing out a tire and covering the vehicle in fine ash.

Judith Magee is skeptical of 'armchair expert' explanations for these phenomena, emphasizing the need for direct investigation.

The RAAF and the green light

This section recounts an incident during the RAAF Bicentennial super marathon where runners and support crew observed a mysterious green light. The light, described as fluorescent green, about 1-2 meters across and a few meters off the ground, was seen rotating like a wheel within a wheel near Marla Bore in South Australia. It remained visible for about four minutes before 'fizzing out'. Squadron-Leader Owen Hammond initially thought it was a windmill light but realized there was no wind.

The pilot who disappeared

This article revisits the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich. It reiterates that ten years prior, Valentich vanished while flying from Melbourne to King Island after reporting a UFO. His last radio transmissions described a 'long shape with lights' and an 'unknown aircraft' hovering. Despite an exhaustive search, no wreckage was found. His father, Guido Valentich, believes there may be something to the UFO theory, citing his son's professional integrity and the lack of crash evidence. The article also mentions Roy Manifold, who took a photograph near Cape Otway around the time of the disappearance, which, when developed, appeared to show a strange object rising from the water.

Drake miners duck a colourful UFO

This report details an observation by gold mine manager Lee Rossetti and construction company manager Mike Goethel near Drake, Australia. They saw an unidentified flying object that appeared as a stationary whitish-yellow light over Casino, then changed to an aqua-green ball and shot upwards. Mr. Rossetti, who keeps a diary, noted the object was about 1000 feet above the town and then ascended to 2000-3000 feet before heading west-southwest. The report was made to Casino police, who received no other similar reports. The chief geologist at the mine also reported seeing a bright light in the same direction.

UFO LIFTS WOMAN'S CAR

This article by T. Scott Crain Jr. details the case of Catherine Burk, a 67-year-old woman from Altoona, Pennsylvania. On October 15, 1983, while driving home, she encountered a bright, silvery disc, approximately 24 feet in diameter, hovering about 30 feet off the ground and emitting a 'fast hum'. As the object passed over her 1976 Chevrolet Malibu, it lifted the car on two wheels, holding it for nearly three seconds. Mrs. Burk reported that the left side of her car was lifted two to three feet off the road. When the object moved away, her vehicle dropped back to the road with a bounce, causing her to lose control and slide under the dashboard. She pulled over and took 20 to 25 minutes to restart her vehicle, which then cut out whenever she stopped. She reported the incident to Bellwood Police, and the principal investigator, T. Scott Crain Jr., interviewed her, finding her to be a sincere witness who did not watch UFO movies. Mrs. Burk sustained chest injuries, impaired hearing, and potential spinal problems. The case was examined by MUFON, and the editor of Flying Saucer Review suggests it might have been a misfired abduction or teleportation attempt.

A BRUTAL "TOUCH-DOWN"

This article by Jean-Louis Forest (translated from French) details a case from 1971 in the Var region of France. A French technician employed at the Arsenal of the French Navy in Toulon was returning from Nice to Toulon late at night. His car radio suddenly crackled and died, but the engine continued to run. As he drove on a straight stretch of road near the Cuers Military Airfield, he perceived an orange ball in the air ahead of his car. His immediate thought was an aircraft in difficulty. The car's engine began to misfire, and its speed dropped considerably. The orange ball grew larger and closer, about 50 meters away. The witness panicked, and his brakes seemed to fail. He realized he was no longer on the road but was lifted into the air with the car, illuminated by the orange glow. After the glow disappeared, the car fell back onto the road. The spare wheel had come loose, and the car's interior was damaged. Other motorists stopped, bewildered by the car's state. The witness was given a tow and returned to Toulon. He did not report the incident for years due to fear of ridicule. The investigator noted that the witness arrived home at 6:00 a.m. instead of the expected 3:30 a.m., indicating a 'three-hour lost time' discrepancy. The article suggests that on this route, an average of thirty vehicles pass per hour, making it unlikely that the witness was alone for an extended period.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, close encounters, and the growing acceptance of UFO research. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the increasing openness of scientific and governmental bodies while still recognizing the skepticism that persists. The society actively collects and investigates reports, aiming to provide credible information to the public. The inclusion of diverse cases from Australia and abroad, along with references to scientific inquiries and preparedness for potential extraterrestrial contact, underscores the publication's commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon comprehensively.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, publication number VBH 0122, is a compilation of articles, personal accounts, and news items related to UFO phenomena. It features a mix of investigative reports, witness testimonies, and scientific speculation, reflecting the ongoing interest and research in the subject.

Article: French Case Analysis

The issue begins with an analysis of a case from France, where a witness reported a car being lifted into the air by an 'orange ball' of light. The witness's account details the car being elevated to the height of a coach-roof for several minutes, with the surrounding countryside bathed in strange light. The witness has no recollection of a three-hour period, suggesting a possible memory gap. The article explores potential explanations, dismissing mundane ones like traffic obstruction or misjudged timing. It draws a parallel to the well-known Betty and Barney Hill case in the USA, where a similar experience of abduction and subsequent memory loss was revealed under hypnosis. The witness in the French case was suggested to undergo hypnosis, but subsequently showed reluctance, fearing what might be revealed.

Article: Hypnosis and Memory

The article discusses the use of hypnosis in uncovering UFO experiences, referencing the Betty and Barney Hill case where psychoanalyst Dr. Benjamin Simon conducted hypnotic sessions. The Hills reported being abducted and subjected to medical examinations by non-human beings. The author notes that while the French witness initially agreed to hypnosis, he later became hesitant, a common reaction for individuals who have experienced traumatic or violating encounters with the unknown.

Article: On the UFO Trail by Paul B. Norman

Paul B. Norman shares his observations from annual trips to Laramie, Wyoming. He reflects on a quote by Abraham Lincoln about fooling people, applying it to Ufology and the attempts by some governments and academics to mislead the public or offer simplistic explanations for UFO phenomena. Norman criticizes biased professors and academics for polluting research with their 'explanations' that leave one no wiser.

Article: Rocky Mountain Conference and Schools of Thought

This section discusses the annual Rocky Mountain Conference on UFO Investigations, sponsored by PARANORMAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATION AND INSTITUTES FOR UFO CONTACTEE STUDIES. The conference focuses on contactees and UFO investigators sharing information, with an emphasis on benevolent Ufonauts assisting humanity. This is contrasted with the theories of authors like Budd Hopkins, who propose that Ufonauts are conducting genetic operations for their own purposes, potentially against human welfare. The author questions why these two opposing schools of thought attract different proponents.

Personal Account: Jackie Blue

Jackie Blue shares her personal UFO experience from 1973 in Redstone, Colorado. She describes seeing an orange star move rapidly and disappear, followed by a large, rotating white moon. She recounts her husband's involvement and their subsequent investigation with binoculars. Later, she became intensely interested in UFOs, ancient cultures, and authors like Erich von Däniken, to the point of obsession that nearly cost her marriage. She details a regression session with Dr. Leo Sprinkle, where she recalled seeing a bell-shaped UFO, being inside a large room with seven chairs, and interacting with beings. She remembers being told her mission was to help people understand the Universe and not fear a new age. The regression ended with her seeing pyramids floating in the air on a red desert planet. Since her regression, she has experienced more sightings, missing time, and vivid dreams, feeling a sense of belonging among contactees.

Article: Magnetic Fields of UFOs by Siegmund Podsiadly

Part II of Siegmund Podsiadly's article discusses the magnetic fields of Unidentified Flying Objects, focusing on Faraday rings. He explains that while observers might see oval or elliptical rings, the number of rings can help compute the current, but not the magnetic field strength. He posits that the involved current could be on the order of 10^10 amperes or more, far exceeding current technological capabilities. The results might have implications for astrophysics and basic physics, and the complex formulas involved could interest mathematicians.

World News: Scientists Mull Mars Mystery

This news report from Washington (AP) discusses the 'human face' formation and other unusual geological features on Mars photographed by NASA's Viking spacecraft in 1976. Four scientists, including former astronaut Brian T. O'Leary, suggest these formations might be the work of a lost civilization or a natural phenomenon. Mark Carlotto, an optical engineering expert, claims computer enhancement of the photos indicates 'intelligent design' rather than natural forces. Richard Hoagland of 'The Mars Project' points to other unusual objects near the face, including a pyramid-like structure and a 'fortress,' suggesting they are part of a complex built by an advanced civilization. Hoagland also notes a potential alignment of these features with the sun at Mars' summer solstice 500,000 years ago. NASA acknowledges spotting the face but dismissed it, while geologists have generally attributed such features to light and shadow.

MUFON is Ready for Visitors from Outer Space

This article profiles John Schuessler, MUFON's deputy director for administration in the Galveston-Houston area. MUFON investigates UFO sightings using scientific methods, aiming to eliminate known explanations like aircraft or satellites. Schuessler states that about 90% of sightings are identifiable, but the remaining 10% of unidentified cases are of particular interest. He notes that some encounters can result in injuries, such as radiation burns, which can provide valuable data about the objects. The article mentions a past UFO sighting in Galveston in October 1981 and a recent one in Pasadena in April 1988. Schuessler seeks volunteers to improve UFO coverage in Galveston County.

Society History

The issue includes a brief history of the Victorian UFO 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 and eventually became the 'Victorian U.F.O. Research Society.' The society has published papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review,' and maintained a large UFO library. It is described as having a dispassionate attitude, viewing UFOs as a scientific problem, and its membership is open to those genuinely interested.

Membership and Subscriptions

Information is provided regarding nominations for the Victorian UFO Research Society Committee for 1989, with deadlines for submissions. Subscription rates for The Australian UFO Bulletin are also listed, along with a welcome message.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO sightings, the role of hypnosis in uncovering witness memories, the possibility of alien abduction, and the scientific analysis of anomalous phenomena. There is a clear interest in presenting detailed witness accounts and exploring various hypotheses, from extraterrestrial visitation to geological anomalies on other planets. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the subjective and often mysterious nature of UFO experiences. The publication also highlights the efforts of organizations like MUFON and the Victorian UFO Research Society in documenting and researching these phenomena.