Australian UFO Bulletin - 1991 12 - December

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: DECEMBER 1991
Publisher: V.U.F.O.R.S. (Victorian U.F.O. Research Society)
Country: Australia
Date: December 1991

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, published by the Victorian UFO Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.), features a variety of articles and reports concerning UFO phenomena, crop circles, and scientific perspectives on the subject. The cover art depicts a space shuttle and several UFOs in a starry sky.

Editorial

The editorial section includes a piece titled "Come back down to earth, scientists told" by Susan Peak, referencing a statement made at the ANZAAS Congress by Ian Lowe of Griffith University. Lowe argued that science cannot be value-free when dealing with the environment, and that orthodox scientists often create problems they cannot contain. The editorial connects this to ufology, suggesting that people place too much trust in orthodox science for solutions to unusual phenomena, leaving the research to ufologists.

On The UFO Trail

This extensive article by Paul Norman details his experiences and investigations into the crop circle phenomenon, primarily in the UK and Australia. He critiques the book "CROP CIRCLES, A Mystery Solved" by Jenny Randles and Paul Fuller, accusing them of misinterpreting and manipulating details to fit their 'vortex explanation' theory. Norman recounts specific cases, including one from 1980 involving a farmer and a 30-foot circle with altered soil composition, and the Knowles family case on the Nullarbor Plains. He emphasizes the importance of witnesses assessing investigators and criticizes the tendency of some researchers to impose their theories. The article also touches upon the 6th International UFO Congress in Sheffield, where Norman presented a paper titled 'UFO Update From Down Under'.

Professor Hermann Oberth's Lecture Notes

Excerpts from Professor Hermann Oberth's lecture notes on flying saucers are presented, continuing from a previous page. These notes discuss potential explanations for UFO phenomena, including high speeds, noiselessness, the possibility of disks being stacked, and how their energies might interact with clouds. The notes also mention the 'Pinkell Theory' and its potential connection to Russian secret weapons, while also referencing the 'Uranides' theory, suggesting extraterrestrial beings might be involved.

The Jamestown Incident

Authored by Thomas A. Coote, this section details a series of events experienced by a farmer, Mr. L, near Jamestown, South Australia, in July 1987. The incident involved Mr. L waking paralyzed, feeling a touch on his cheek, and later developing unexplained red blotches. A subsequent event involved a brilliant red light and a craft-like object near his property, accompanied by unusual phenomena like flat batteries and his dogs exhibiting extreme fear. Coote investigates the evidence, including physical markings on the farmer's land and skin, and discusses the implications for future research.

Mundrabilla Again

This report by VUFORS describes sightings near Mundrabilla, Australia, in August and September 1991. A motorist reported a bright white light following his car, which then overtook him. Two truck drivers also reported a strange light pacing them. The report notes that shortly after the Knowles Incident (presumably related to Mundrabilla), the local generator at the roadhouse was out of service, and a mechanic reported cars experiencing malfunctions with their lighting and ignition systems.

Scientific Debate and Bureaucracy

Two articles from "The Daily Telegraph" and "Bucks Free Press" discuss the potential detection of extraterrestrial intelligence. "Don't deny them the space" from The Daily Telegraph criticizes the International Academy of Astronautics' 'declaration of principles' for potentially withholding information from the public and the press. It argues for open communication and a welcoming approach to alien visitors. "Red tape will delay news of Little Green Men" from Bucks Free Press details the bureaucratic process for announcing the detection of alien life, involving verification by scientists and announcement through the United Nations, suggesting that governments might intentionally create skepticism.

Other Content

• Thomas A Coote: an autobiography: A brief biographical sketch of Thomas A. Coote, detailing his academic background in microbiology and his non-academic pursuits, including investigating unexplained phenomena.
• 6th International UFO Congress Programme: The schedule for the 6th International UFO Congress, 'UFOs: The Global View', held in Sheffield, England, in August 1991, listing speakers and topics.
• New Cover Design: An announcement calling for members to submit designs for a new cover for the publication.
• For Sale: An advertisement for UFO models, books, and memorabilia from UFORIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of specific UFO sightings and alleged encounters (Jamestown Incident, Mundrabilla), the analysis of physical evidence such as crop circles, and the critique of skeptical scientific approaches to UFO phenomena. There is a clear stance favoring open investigation and information dissemination, contrasting with what the publication perceives as bureaucratic secrecy and dismissal by some scientific circles. The society, V.U.F.O.R.S., positions itself as a platform for ufologists to research and share findings, encouraging member participation and the exploration of unexplained phenomena.

Title: Bucks Free Press
Issue Date: August 2, 1991
Character: This issue of the Bucks Free Press, a UK newspaper, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of crop circles, presenting a range of theories, eyewitness accounts, and discussions about potential hoaxes. It also includes reports of UFO sightings from Australia and the UK, and information about UFO research organizations.

Cover Story: Theories Galore That Cut No Corn

The main article on the cover discusses the spectacular crop circles that appeared in a cornfield near Amersham, UK. It highlights that despite numerous theories, no one truly knows the cause. The five circles, described as a 'world first' and a 'unique formation', attracted hundreds of people. Experts like Dr. Terence Meaden, a physicist who has studied circles for 12 years, proposed a theory of a highly electrified vortex or spinning air mass creating the marks. He was particularly intrigued by the 'satellite circles joined by paths'.

However, Pat Delgado, a retired electro-mechanical design engineer and author of two books on crop circles, dismisses these scientific theories as 'bunkum' and 'totally unscientific'. Delgado's own theory suggests pictograms are created by an unknown energy manipulated by a 'high level of intelligence', which some might call God, requiring a new vocabulary beyond conventional science.

David Whitehouse, BBC Radio Four's science correspondent, expressed skepticism, emphasizing the need to first discount the possibility of hoaxes by 'new age land artists'. The article also touches upon the popular theory that Young Farmers are responsible for creating the circles, a claim dismissed by a Buckinghamshire YF organiser.

The newspaper invites readers to share their theories or knowledge about the cause of crop circles.

Fire Destroys Corn at Mystery Circle

This article reports on a fire that destroyed £3,000 worth of crops in a corn circle field near Amersham. Farmer Don Jarvis, whose field was affected, stated that 'It ain't anyone from outer space. It's those old student boys that do them.' He expressed frustration with people walking across his fields and the damage caused. Police had already attempted to prevent sightseers from parking on the bypass, but enthusiasts continued to access the fields. A 14-year-old boy was cautioned for the blaze.

Solving the Mysterious Corn Hoax

This piece, published in 'Australian UFO Bulletin', addresses the claims by Doug Bower and David Chorley that they were responsible for creating crop circles in the UK and Australia over 13 years. However, the article questions their confession, pointing out the lack of tracks into or out of the circle areas and the continued appearance of circles in Australia after their alleged departure. It also highlights how the UK circles caused compasses to react erratically and affected animal behavior, which would be difficult to replicate in a hoax.

The article mentions Professor Yoshi-Hiko Ohtsuki, a Japanese plasma physicist, who claimed to create fireballs in a modified microwave oven and believes crop circles are formed by ball lightning. He spent the northern summer with a team of 17 colleagues in England, observing cornfields. The article also notes that the first reported circle appeared near Tully, Queensland, Australia, about 30 years ago.

Paul Davies, a Professor of Mathematical Physics, is mentioned in relation to a 'Theory of Mystery Circles', suggesting ideal conditions involving pools of cool, still night air and a turning pillar of air.

Local Sightings

This section compiles brief reports of UFO sightings from VUFORS (Victorian UFO Research Society) from late 1990 to mid-1991, primarily from Australia. Sightings include:

• An orange light, ball-shaped, moving silently over Lakes Entrance.
• A silent disc-shaped yellow light moving erratically over Frankston.
• A daylight disc over Echuca.
• A yellow light over the You Yangs, near Geelong.
• Three objects (red, white, blue) over Tempestowe, one nearly colliding with an aircraft, and an oval black disc over Beaumaris.
• A triangle formation of 9 lights over South Yarra.
• A hovering light over Officer, Victoria.
• A bright green light over Emerald.
• A light thought to be a meteorite between Cohuna and Leitchville.
• A lamp-shade shaped object, white with green and yellow light, flying erratically near Diggers Rest.
• A large bright light seen stationary then shooting upwards like a sparkler over Mentone.
• A light near Bendigo that made a sharp turn without stopping.
• A black object like a 'jaffle iron' that punched a hole in clouds over Narrewarren.

Australian Sighting Reports

This section details specific sightings:

• West Newport, Australia (May 18, 1991): Two witnesses observed a large, bright red, silent object moving slowly at about 50 feet above ground. It had rotating, multi-colored lights and emitted a deep humming sound. Dogs in the area became agitated. The object moved towards the northeast and disappeared.
• White Hills, Victoria, Australia (October 21, 1991): Witnesses reported a silent, white, circular object, about the size of two chicken eggs, with red lights at one end. It hovered among trees and then followed a car before speeding off rapidly.

UFO Potpourri

This section includes information about the book "AMI, CHILD OF THE STARS" by Enrique Barrios, which explores concepts of extraterrestrial life through the eyes of a child. It is described as a bestseller in South America and has been translated into English. The book is published by Lotus Press.

Society History

This section provides a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS), 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 evolved into the 'Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society' and later the 'Victorian UFO Research Society'. The society has published papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian UFO Bulletin'. It has maintained a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs, viewing them as a scientific problem, and has held regular meetings and maintained a large UFO library. The current executive includes Mrs. Judith Magee, Paul Norman, and Clive Yates.

Membership and Marketing

Information is provided on membership rates for VUFORS, including full membership, subscription membership, and overseas membership. The society also offers merchandise for sale, such as white drinking mugs with the VUFORS logo and windcheaters. They are seeking to sell off current stock.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of crop circles, the scientific and speculative theories attempting to explain them, and the role of hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on presenting diverse viewpoints, from scientific analysis to eyewitness testimony and skeptical inquiries. The publication also highlights the activities and history of UFO research organizations, particularly in Australia and the UK, suggesting an editorial stance that encourages investigation and open discussion of unexplained phenomena while also acknowledging the possibility of mundane explanations like hoaxes. The inclusion of numerous sighting reports indicates a focus on documenting and sharing such accounts with the readership.