Australian UFO Bulletin - 1991 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated March 1991, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society and focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including historical ground circle cases, the ongoing mystery of the Frederick Valentich disappearance, and an analysis of individuals involved in UFO research.

Editorial: Ground Circles - Not a New Phenomenon

The editorial argues that 'circles' are not a new phenomenon in UFO research, asserting they have been reported in Australia since at least 1966, and likely earlier. It criticizes media misinterpretation and journalistic license for portraying them as novel. The article recounts early cases, including one in New Mexico in 1964 involving Officer Zamorra, who witnessed a circular object with legs land, entities emerge, and then the object take off at high speed, leaving a burned patch and deep imprints. It notes that early soil samples were analyzed, but scientists were reluctant to engage with UFO research due to fear of ridicule. The editorial mentions the 'bomb' and 'fallout' studies leading to an association with excessive radiation, though circles were often 'cold,' but animals avoided the areas. It cites a 1965 report of a burnt patch in Pretoria, South Africa, and more in February 1966. The article also describes an incident in France in August 1966 where a luminous ball landed, and a 1965 case in Valensole involving a rugby ball-shaped object with entities. It references reports from the UK, including a 1990 case in Norwich where a large circle with smaller surrounding circles was found, and a witness reported seeing a red glow and lights the night before.

On the U.F.O. Trail: The Valentich Case Revisited

This section, authored by Paul Norman, revisits the disappearance of Frederick Valentich. It highlights that twelve years after the event, new information is emerging. Specifically, seven months prior to this publication, three witnesses came forward with significant evidence. These witnesses, along with four others, saw both an aircraft and a green light flying just above the airplane. At the time, they did not know the identity of the aircraft, but it is noted that Frederick Valentich was the only pilot flying in the area. Two of these witnesses were receptionists from Coffs Harbour, N.S.W., who were visiting relatives in Apollo Bay, Victoria. The observation occurred from a hill 2kms west of Apollo Bay. One witness noticed a green light to the southwest, and her uncle saw the lights of an aircraft, initially mistaking them for the green light. However, the witness clarified, "No, look above the aircraft." The uncle then saw the green light flying above the aircraft. The estimated distance for both the aircraft and the green light was "10 or 12 miles." The official transcript of Valentich's final transmission is quoted, describing a stationary object orbiting him, with a green light and a metallic, shiny appearance.

Previously, it was known that fishermen saw Valentich's Cessna making its turn near Cape Otway lighthouse at 7:00 pm. The new information places the sighting of the green light around 7:10 pm, aligning with the official transcript. The article notes that reports from Portsea, Frankston, Brighton Beach, and Geelong, as well as from motorists on the Great Ocean Road, described an erratic green light. The Apollo Bay sighting is unique in that witnesses saw both the aircraft and the green light simultaneously. The author suggests that the reluctance of some witnesses to report sightings is due to the ridicule associated with the subject.

Guest Speaker at A.G.M.

This section reports on the Annual General Meeting of VUFORS, where Dr. Willy Smith was the guest speaker. Dr. Smith addressed members on December 3rd, and his presentation, featuring his UNICAT computer system, drew significant interest and a record number of questions. A Curriculum Vitae for Dr. Smith is provided, detailing his academic background (Ph.D. from the University of Michigan), his career in education, and his extensive involvement in UFO research since the 1950s. He co-initiated the UNICAT Project with Dr. Hynek in 1983, which aims to create a database of high-quality UFO cases. The project has grown to include over fifty collaborators worldwide. Dr. Smith has traveled extensively, lecturing in Latin America and has published numerous papers on the subject. Following Dr. Hynek's death, he assumed full responsibility for the UNICAT Project, described as an independent research organization.

Overview of the UFO Phenomenon: Essay by Dr. Willy Smith

This essay, dated November 1990, aims to provide a comprehensive and realistic view of the UFO phenomenon. It is divided into four aspects: Basic Elements, The Practitioners, The Explanations, and Science and Ufology. The author states the intent is to offer a frame of reference for those in the ufological community and to provide ufology with a paradigm.

1. Basic Elements

Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of explicit references to his methodology developed for the UNICAT data base, clarifying potential misrepresentations. The UNICAT scheme focuses on observational characteristics that are invariant for the UFO phenomenon, termed 'parameters.' These parameters are bits of information that may or may not be present in a given case. The definition of the UFO phenomenon is discussed, noting the lack of a universally accepted definition. Dr. Hynek's definition is presented: a reported perception of an object or light that does not suggest a logical, conventional explanation and remains unidentified after scrutiny.

The UNICAT Project identifies essential components of the UFO phenomenon: ENVIRONMENT (the observer/witness), WITNESS(ES), and UFO. These are further broken down into identifying and qualifying parameters. The ENVIRONMENT is described by place, country, date, and time, as well as qualifying factors like weather and topography. The WITNESS(ES) are identified by name, age, education, and profession. The UFO itself is categorized by applicable parameters, including physical description, luminous properties, and dynamic behavior.

Interactions between these elements are also crucial. The article outlines four groups of interactions: Observer/UFO, Observer/Entities, UFO/Environment (with animals, vegetation, inanimate objects, and the ground), and Entities/Environment. Numerical values at the corners of Figure 1 indicate the percentages of each interaction in the UNICAT data base.

2. The Practitioners

This section classifies individuals interested in UFO phenomena, preferring the term 'practitioners' over 'ufologists.' The categories include:

• Merchants: Primarily motivated by financial gain, authoring books, appearing on media, and selling information.
• Researchers: Genuine investigators seeking satisfactory explanations, contributing to specialized magazines, attending conferences, and discussing issues seriously without personal reward expectations.
• Adventurers: Interested in fame and glory rather than the phenomenon itself, often characterized by a lack of verifiable references and an aversion to criticism.
• Hobbyists: Possess a vivid interest, are avid readers of UFO books and magazines, and are easily influenced by sensational claims.
• The Faithful: Blindly follow directives from others, forfeiting rationalism and reacting belligerently to opposing views; they form the basis of grass-roots organizations.
• The Secret College: Elite researchers within the scientific establishment who investigate the problem in detail but refrain from active participation due to professional commitments.

The author hopes that the increasing participation of the 'secret college' will contribute to making ufology an acceptable discipline.

3. The Explanations

This section discusses different schools of thought regarding UFO explanations. It references an editorial by Jerome K. Clark that identifies three schools: extraterrestrial, psychosocial/neoskeptical, and geophysical. The author finds this classification simplified, arguing that it only addresses the origin of manifestations. The article mentions other approaches, including the scientific approach championed by Dr. Hynek, which emphasizes in-depth study before premature conclusions. This approach is described as the hardest but most rigorous.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical prevalence of ground circles as a UFO phenomenon, the enduring mystery and ongoing investigation into the Frederick Valentich case, and the critical analysis of the individuals and motivations within the UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical documentation, rigorous investigation, and a desire to establish ufology as a more credible and scientific discipline, moving beyond sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The publication aims to provide a structured framework for understanding the complex UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated October 31, 1990, focuses heavily on the theoretical framework of the 'Magnocraft' and its implications for understanding UFO phenomena. The cover story, "Confirmed! Others see 'UFO'," reports on multiple independent sightings of a glowing red light in the sky near Shepparton, Victoria, Australia, corroborating earlier reports.

Dr. Willy Smith's UNICAT Project

The issue includes a continuation of a paper by Dr. Willy Smith of the UNICAT Project, who critiques the lack of rigorous documentation in some UFO research and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based statements. He suggests that some researchers confuse citations with documentation and evidence.

Confirmed! Others see 'UFO'

This article by Juanita Greville details two independent sightings of a circular, orange-red light in the night sky north of Shepparton, Victoria, on the same night. Witnesses Neil Wood and the Wardle family described the object as basketball-sized and unusual in color, noting it vanished within a minute. Similar sightings were also reported by Fuji Orchard owners Karin and Tony Peardon and Bunbartha Fruits owner Peter Pettigrew. Lt-Col Kevin Wolfe of the Army stated no military personnel were in the area. Researcher Paul Norman of the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS) confirmed the sightings were 'unusual' and noted common occurrences associated with UFO sightings, such as power drains and disturbed animals. He also mentioned investigating unexplained circles in wheat fields.

Notes by the VUFORS Editor

The editor discusses the ongoing mystery of 'mystery circles' and unidentified flying objects, referencing Bill Dillon's theory of 'ASPECTS OF NEW PHYSICS WITHIN UFOLOGY,' which suggests the exchange between dimensions or universes as a possible explanation for UFOs and disappearances. The editor then introduces an article by Dr. Jan Pajak, based on a lecture by the late Hermann Oberth, detailing the appearance and flight characteristics of UFOs.

Hermann Oberth's Observations on UFOs

This section, based on a translated lecture by Hermann Oberth, describes UFOs as typically disk-shaped, sometimes stacked, or cigar-shaped. Their flight characteristics are detailed, including tilting, stopping, separating into disks, and varying speeds and colors (dark orange, cherry red, yellow, green, white) depending on power output. The text notes that if enough interest is shown, Oberth's full lecture notes will be published.

Dr. Jan Pajak: UFO Research Ten Years After Discovery of the Magnocraft

This extensive article by Dr. Jan Pajak, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago, New Zealand, details his theory of the 'Magnocraft,' a saucer-shaped space vehicle he invented. He explains that the theory provided the first formal proof of UFO existence and explained their operation. The article reviews the development of the Magnocraft's theory over ten years, highlighting key publications and findings.

The Periodic Table

Pajak introduces the concept of a 'Periodic Table' for technological devices, analogous to the Mendeleev Table of Elements. This table allows for the prediction of future device evolution and characteristics. Analysis of the first Periodic Table indicated the development of a new generation of flying vehicles utilizing magnetic fields, which he named the 'Magnocraft.'

Design of the Magnocraft

The Magnocraft is described as an advanced space vehicle with an inverted saucer shape. Its propulsion system consists of 'Oscillatory Chambers' that generate powerful pulsating magnetic fields. These 'propulsors' create repulsive forces for lift and attractive forces for stabilization. The design includes a main propulsor (M) and multiple side propulsors (U). The number of side propulsors is determined by a 'K' factor (ratio of diameter to height), leading to different types of Magnocraft (K3 to K10).

Operation of the Magnocraft

Maneuvering is achieved through a combination of changing repelling and attracting forces for ascent/descent, tilting the magnetic axes for horizontal flight, and creating a magnetic whirl for east-west or west-east propulsion. The flight characteristics are described as distinctly magnetic, differing from aerodynamic or rocket propulsion, and include silent flights, high speeds, straight-line travel along magnetic field lines, motionless hovering, sharp turns, and jerky motion.

Environmental Effects of Magnocraft Landings

Magnocraft landings cause extensive environmental damage, including magnetic scorching, chemical changes, biological destabilization, and mechanical destruction. The biological destabilization of soil, caused by the destruction of micro-organisms, leads to explosive mushroom growth, creating 'fairy rings.' These rings have unique attributes that identify them as Magnocraft landing sites.

Three Generations of the Magnocraft

Pajak outlines three generations of Magnocraft. The first generation uses magnetic interaction forces. The second generation, the 'Teleportation Vehicle,' utilizes the magnetic equivalent of inertia and can become transparent or penetrate objects. The third generation, the 'Time Vehicle,' incorporates force interaction, inertia, and internal energy, allowing for time manipulation and rapid appearance/disappearance.

Evidence Certifying UFOs as Operational Magnocraft

Pajak presents six categories of evidence supporting his theory: UFO explosion sites (like Tapanul Crater and Tunguska), long, straight tunnels, UFO landing sites (scorched rings), interactions with man-made devices (like the Mantell incident), photographs and films of UFOs, and reports from abductees describing internal UFO structures consistent with the Magnocraft.

Society News

This section includes marketing information for VUFORS (Victorian UFO Research Society), offering T-shirts and windcheaters. It also lists available 'Knowles Reports' and the VUFORS Committee members elected in December. A 'For Sale' notice for a Brother Electronic Typewriter is also present.

Society History

This section provides a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society, tracing its origins from the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau in the early 1950s. It details the society's name changes, its publication of the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and 'Australian UFO Bulletin,' and its current executive, emphasizing a dispassionate scientific approach to UFO research.

Discussion Night and Subscription Rates

Information is provided for upcoming discussion nights hosted by the International Committee for U.F.O. Research and subscription rates for V.U.F.O.R.S., including options for full membership, associate membership, and overseas subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly through the lens of Dr. Jan Pajak's 'Magnocraft' theory. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based research, aiming to demystify UFOs by providing a theoretical framework and empirical evidence. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for Earth-based technology to replicate or explain UFO capabilities, moving away from purely extraterrestrial explanations.

This document is the cover of 'THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN'. It is registered by Australia Post under publication number VBH 0122. The cover prominently displays the logo of the 'Victorian UFO research society'.

Distribution and Postage

The envelope is addressed to 'ARCHIVES FOR UFO RESEARCH' located at PO BOX 11027, S-600 11, Norrkoping, Sweden. This indicates an international mailing. The postage was paid in Brighton, Victoria, Australia, and the mail was sent via 'SURFACE MAIL'.

Return Information

In case of undeliverable mail, the return address is provided for 'THE VICTORIAN U.F.O. RESEARCH SOCIETY', located at PO BOX 43, Moorabbin, VIC., 3189, Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Based on the title and the associated research society, the primary theme of this publication is UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects). The presence of an archive for UFO research and a dedicated society suggests a focus on documenting, investigating, and disseminating information related to UFO phenomena.