Australian UFO Bulletin - 1989 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: March 1989
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Character: This issue is a quarterly publication focused on UFO phenomena, research, and related topics, serving as a platform for the Victorian UFO Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.) to share information with its members and the public.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the year 1988 as outstanding and successful for the Victorian UFO Research Society, noting record growth in membership and improved relationships with scientific, governmental, and military organizations. The society's administration has been enhanced by new technology and committed members. Overseas collaborations are highlighted as mutually beneficial. Key landmarks of 1988 included numerous sightings, the Knowles encounter, increased research, data storage, and a new magazine format. Sightings are increasing, leading to an overloaded research capacity. The society has advanced its scientific research capabilities within Australia, aiming for photographic analysis in the future. The editorial emphasizes a policy of thorough research before publication, contrasting this with a desire for early publicity. The subject of UFOs is deemed too important to be treated trivially. The editor expresses pride in associations with individuals and groups involved in significant Australian UFO encounters and thanks them. The editor, John W. Auchettl, has been in the role for four years and hopes to have provided the best information and service. He extends thanks to other UFO groups and ufologists for making the magazine possible and wishes readers a fruitful 1989.

V.U.F.O.R.S. Office Bearers and Welcome

The issue lists the office bearers of the Victorian UFO Research Society: Judith M. Magee (President), Paul Norman (Vice-President), Mark Sawyers (Secretary), Clive Yates (Treasurer), Steve Partridge (Membership Secretary), John W. Auchettl (Librarian), Manuel Fernandez (Publications Officer), and Paul Norman and John W. Auchettl (Sightings Investigations Officers), and Alfred Lendvai (Officer). The society welcomes reports of unusual phenomena, assuring strict confidence if requested. They exchange information with similar organizations globally and disseminate findings in their quarterly publication. Communications should be addressed to the return address on the rear of the bulletin. The society holds copyright, prohibiting reproduction without written consent. Contributions do not necessarily reflect the society's policy. Membership renewal details are provided, referencing the address label for financial status.

Subscription Rates and Contents

Subscription rates are listed, including free issues of the magazine. Australian members pay $7.00 per annum, while overseas members pay $US9.00 per annum (surface) or $US11.00 per annum (air). A single copy costs $2.00 (incl. postage) for Australia and $US2.50 (incl. postage) for overseas. The contents page lists articles such as 'Knowles Encounter Report & Dust', 'Major Donald E. Keyhoe', 'Man Keeps Tabs On Strange Events', 'Australian Press', 'David Suzuki / Wonders Of A Still Mysterious Planet', 'The Hessdalen Photographs', 'GSW & Hessdalen Photographs', '1944-1945 UFO', 'William Moores Secret FBI Files', 'Civil War UFO', and 'Bryant - Justice'.

Research: Knowles-Nullarbor - The Process of Particle Analysis

This section details the scientific process used to analyze a particle from the Knowles encounter. The process is broken down into seven stages:

1. XRAY MICRO ANALYSIS: Samples are mounted on a microscope slide, carbon-coated, and analyzed using a Cambridge Scanning Electron Microscope & Probe. The X-ray spectrum produced by electron bombardment helps identify elemental concentrations. The sample volume analyzed is 5-10 cubic microns.
2. ELECTRON MICROSCOPE PHOTOGRAPHY: Visual investigation at massive magnification to determine the particle's texture and structure.
3. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS: Described as the most difficult stage due to sample destruction. It aims to establish facts about the material's origin.
4. CRYSTAL STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS: To establish the crystal type of the main black particle (ionic, molecular, covalent, or metallic).
5. SEARCH/COLLATION/CROSS-REFERENCE: Comparing results with other research texts and data at the university to establish origin and production method (man-made, natural, or unknown).
6. OTHER SCIENTIST OPINION AND COMMENTS: Collecting advice and comments from specialists and organizations to broaden the investigation.
7. ANY OTHER METHOD: Any other suggested or undertaken methods to clear up points of contention.

Immediate possibilities for identification included brake lining dust, local soils, car tyre residue, pool chlorine, PVC plastic, Bakelite, and radioactive material. For this article, these possibilities have been ruled out. The conclusion suggests the large black particle has high proportions of chlorine and potassium elements as a chloride salt. The particle's color is black, with some cooling under high velocity and a plate-like structure. Sulphur was present but not linked to explosive gunpowder. The current opinion is that the particle's origin is unknown and not from industrial material, process, or natural sediment.

V.U.F.O.R.S. Report: Knowles Case

The report on the Knowles case is complete and available for purchase. A limited edition of 100 copies is being printed due to cost. The detailed account and research study costs $25.00 AUD. Orders can be placed by writing to the society's address.

Major Donald E. Keyhoe Obituary

Donald Edward Keyhoe, a retired Marine Corps Major and former Director of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, died on November 29, 1988, at age 91. He authored 'Flying Saucers Are Real' (1950) and 'Flying Saucers from Outer Space' (1953). From 1956 to 1969, he worked to persuade the Air Force to investigate UFO sightings, aiming to end secrecy and stop the ridicule of witnesses. Keyhoe graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1919, served in the Marines, and retired as a Major due to a plane crash injury. He was an editor with the Coast and Geodetic Survey and an information officer with the Civil Aeronautics Branch. He was an aide to Charles A. Lindbergh and a freelance writer. Originally a skeptic, an investigation for TRUE MAGAZINE changed his life. He is survived by his wife, Helen Gardner Keyhoe, two daughters, Katherine and Caroline, a son Joseph, and a sister, Katherine.

Man Keeps Tabs On Strange Events

This article profiles George Fawcett, an expert on UFOs, Bigfoot, and Lizard Man in the Lincolnton, NC area. Fawcett claims approximately 150 UFO reports daily worldwide, with 65% at night and 35% in daylight. He states there have been 30 UFO crashes in six states over 40 years with bodies recovered, and that some people have documented Bigfoot creatures getting off UFOs. Fawcett founded four UFO organizations, including the Tar Heel UFO Study Group, and is the assistant state director for the Mutual UFO Network. He has amassed 30 file cabinets of clippings and documents and spent $30,000 of his own money on his research. He believes Bigfoot creatures might be used by UFOs to scare humans away from landing sites. Fawcett interviewed individuals who reported encounters with both Bigfoot and UFOs, including an incident in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where a Bigfoot creature was followed by a UFO that descended between them. Fawcett avoids explaining the connection between UFOs and Bigfoot or Lizard Man, stating he doesn't like explaining one mystery with another. He notes that 49% of Americans believe UFOs are real. He also mentions that sightings seem to increase during election years.

Wonders of a Still Mysterious Planet

This is the first in a series of columns by environmentalist David Suzuki. Suzuki, a professor of zoology, states that it's not a question of believing in UFOs, but knowing they exist. He has seen many unidentified objects but has not seen evidence of extraterrestrial contact. He argues that scientists tend to reject UFOs due to the equation with ET spacecraft, which he finds unfortunate as the systematic study of UFOs could be interesting. Suzuki emphasizes that while scientists have learned much about the planet and cosmos, much remains unknown. He suggests there are many atmospheric phenomena yet to be identified and that the natural world is full of wonder and mystery, such as the migration of animals, plant growth, and biological defense mechanisms. He believes that if scientists like Carl Sagan and Stephen Gould shared their wonder with the public, there would be no need for organizations to debunk pseudoscience.

Press: UFOs Puzzle

Nunawading, Victoria: Winston and Winifred Jones reported seeing a cigar-shaped object, aflame from end to end, streak across the sky, hover, and move away at great speed. Two young neighbors also witnessed the event. The object was described as being about the size of a jumbo jet but flying much lower and silently.

Wellington, New Zealand: Two policemen and four other people reported sighting a large bright white object hovering high over Wellington. Radar screens at the airport were clear, and police suggested light reflecting off ice particles as a possible explanation. This sighting followed a UFO warning issued to aircraft in Fiji after hundreds reported a mysterious silver object north of Fiji.

Photographs: Fantastic UFO-Movie from Hallingdal

This article by Odd-Gunnar Roed and Mentz Kaarbo describes a UFO sighting on Sunday, July 13, 1986, from Breiset mountain farm in the Hallingdal valley, Norway. Witnesses Tove, Christer, and Torfinn Tonning, along with friends, observed an object around 0:50 am. Torfinn Tonning filmed the phenomenon with a videocamera. The object was described as oval with three circular lights and emitted flashes and sparks. It exhibited complex movements, including tilting and maneuvering. A second, fainter object with a red-white hue was also observed. The videofilm lasts about 10 minutes, while the actual observation lasted over two hours. The objects disappeared at high speed. Support from another witness, a woman in Oslo who wished to remain anonymous, described seeing a powerful light in the sky from ENE direction, which moved and was not as large as the moon. A later analysis suggests the directions of the objects seen from Krækkja and the Tonning's location correspond closely.

The World - Nordic UFO Newsletter

This section provides information about the Nordic UFO Newsletter, published by Nordic UFO Groups (UFO-Norge, Norway; Riksorganisasjonen UFO-Sverige, Sweden; and Suomen Ufotutkijat r.y., Finland). It is published twice a year and available on an exchange basis. Addresses for the respective organizations and the editor, Mentz Kaarbo, are provided. Subscription rates for UFO-Norge (NOK 90,- per year) and UFO-Aktuellt (SKr 80,- per year) are also listed. The section encourages exchange agreements but allows subscriptions via ordinary payment in Norwegian funds or checks.

Letters

Geoffrey Warrington (Letters, 10/11): Warrington is described as confused about the distinction between facts and theories in science. The letter clarifies that theories explain facts and do not become facts. It uses gravity and evolution as examples, noting that Newton's theory of gravitation accurately explains the facts, while Einstein's theory provides an even more accurate explanation. Several theories of evolution exist, all providing explanations for evolutionary facts, though none are as accurate as Newton's theory of gravity.

(Dr) Ken Smith, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, University of Queensland: This letter addresses Geoffrey Warrington's confusion about facts and theories. It explains that theories, like Newton's theory of universal gravitation, provide accurate explanations for observed facts. It also notes that while there are several theories of evolution, none yet match the explanatory power of Newton's theory for gravity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed scientific analysis of UFO-related physical evidence (Knowles encounter particle), historical accounts of prominent UFO researchers (Donald Keyhoe), contemporary UFO sightings from various locations (Australia, Norway, New Zealand), and philosophical discussions on the nature of mystery and scientific inquiry (David Suzuki). The editorial stance, as expressed by John W. Auchettl, is one of rigorous, evidence-based research and a commitment to thoroughness over sensationalism. The society aims to provide accurate information and encourages scientific investigation while acknowledging the profound mystery surrounding UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of the subject matter and a desire to present it responsibly to the community.

Title: AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN
Issue: 19
Volume: 3
Publication Date: November 1, 1988

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin presents a comprehensive look into UFO phenomena, blending contemporary investigations with historical accounts and government document analysis. It highlights the efforts of various organizations and individuals dedicated to uncovering the truth behind unidentified flying objects.

The Torsberg Case: Analysis and Investigation

The issue details the Torsberg, Norway UFO sighting involving Mr. Torfiam Tamming. Tamming, described as a reliable individual in his 40s and a member of the City Council, reported a sighting that was captured on film. Representatives from UFO-Norge visited Tamming, and their investigation, supported initially by the advertising company TED BATES, began. The case attracted significant media attention, impacting Tamming's daily life. Preliminary analysis of the movie was conducted by a panel of experts at the Norwegian Industry Research Institute (NIRI) and later at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE), with whom UFO-Norge had a close cooperation through Project Hessdalen. Further investigation was recommended, focusing on the astronomical situation during the observation and potential connections to aircraft or satellites.

The movie was sent for extensive analysis to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in the USA, utilizing electronic image processing. GSW's analysis, assisted by weather data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, suggested the phenomena were likely seen underneath cloud cover, allowing for approximate altitude and distance estimates. Astronomical data indicated the sun had set and the moon was not visible, and major planets were not particularly favorable. The possibility of Jupiter being the observed object was considered but dismissed due to conflicting reports. Air traffic in the area was also considered, but the stationary appearance of the objects suggested it was unlikely to be conventional aircraft. The GSW report concluded that the case deserved further investigation, noting clues pointing to an unknown source, but also acknowledging a lack of substantial data for a conclusive answer.

"SECRET" FBI FILE!

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request concerning William Moore's UFO-related activities. The FBI released a 61-page dossier, classified "Secret" for National Security reasons, with 55 pages heavily expurgated. An appeal against this denial was filed and subsequently denied. The issue reproduces the available material from the FBI file, urging readers to study it and draw their own conclusions. The FBI's interest in Moore's activities is evident, though the reason for the extensive classification remains a mystery. The FBI memo from March 22, 1950, is also reproduced, detailing a report from an Air Force investigator about the recovery of three 'flying saucers' in New Mexico, occupied by three-foot-tall humanoids in metallic suits.

Historical UFO Accounts

The bulletin includes historical accounts of UFO phenomena. One article discusses "Foo-Fighters," described as balls of fire or silver spheres encountered by Allied pilots during World War II over Germany. These objects were noted for following aircraft at high speeds and baffling intelligence officers, with speculation ranging from psychological weapons to anti-radar devices or even St. Elmo's Fire.

Another historical piece recounts a letter from a soldier during the Civil War, dated September 18, 1863, describing mysterious rectangular objects moving vertically through the air near Lewisburg, Virginia, followed by a vast army of men dressed in white. The author expresses uncertainty about the nature of the sighting, considering it could be a dream, optical delusion, or a premonition.

Legal Actions and Advocacy

Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) is featured, with administrator Larry W. Bryant filing a FOIA lawsuit to compel the Justice Department to disclose the full contents of the 1950 FBI memo concerning the New Mexico saucer recovery. Bryant argues that the public's right to know transcends the government's desire to shield individuals' identities, especially when those individuals may no longer be alive. CAUS is also pursuing legal action to gain access to records related to producer Linda Moulton Hove and former USAP agent Richard C. Doty, which reportedly contain evidence of a government cover-up of UFO data, including presidential briefings and film footage of retrieved alien wreckage.

Society History and Publications

The issue provides a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society, detailing its formation and evolution from the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau and Australian Flying Saucer Research Society in the early 1950s. The society, established in 1957, has published various papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian UFO Bulletin'. It maintains a large UFO library and takes a dispassionate, scientific approach to the subject. Subscription rates and contact information for the society and its publications are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent investigation into UFO phenomena, the analysis of physical evidence and documents, and the pursuit of transparency regarding government knowledge of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to examine the evidence and form their own conclusions, while highlighting the challenges posed by government secrecy and the need for continued research.