Australian UFO Bulletin - 1993 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated June 1993, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.). The cover features a dramatic illustration of UFOs in space, including a space shuttle and two disc-shaped craft, set against a starry purple background. The main headline is the magazine's title.

Editorial

The editorial section, titled "EDITORIAL", draws attention to an article on "UFO NOISES" by Dr. Willy Smith, who suggests that clicking sounds might be related to the opening and closing of UFO "APERTURES". It also references the Fredrick Valentich Disappearance Case, noting that some heard the clicking sound on the radio transmission as jamming. The editorial includes Valentich's final transmissions describing a hovering "strange aircraft". The section also briefly touches upon the history of V.U.F.O.R.S., its purpose of gathering and disseminating UFO information, and mentions that the Vice President, Paul Norman, is visiting AREA 51 in the United States.

Articles and Features

On The UFO Trail

This section, authored by Paul Norman, continues a historical overview of UFOLOGY. It discusses the early attempts to distract public attention from UFO phenomena, referencing Dr. David Saunders' research and his disappointment with the Condon Committee's biased findings. Norman recounts Saunders' belief that UFOs are likely vehicles from other civilizations, citing a memo that suggested the project's aim was to appear objective while having a pre-determined negative conclusion. The article also mentions the dismissal of Dr. Saunders and Dr. Norman Levine from the project.

Blue Book Pearls: Capt. Killian's Case

This multi-part article by Dr. Willy Smith critically examines the Capt. Killian case from February 24, 1959. Smith challenges the official explanation from Project Blue Book that the observed lights were part of a refuelling mission. Through detailed analysis of distances, angles, and the resolution of the human eye, Smith argues that the lights would have been resolved as distinct objects if they were part of a refuelling mission at the stated altitude of 17,000 ft. He points out inconsistencies in the Air Force's explanations, which changed from the "Belt of Orion" to suggestions of inebriation, and finally to the refuelling mission. Smith also notes that Capt. Killian faced pressure from American Airlines to cease discussing the incident. The article also includes testimony from other witnesses, such as a professor and his wife who reported a "yellow thing" near Sandusky, Ohio, and references other reports from the Blue Book files.

Other Testimonies

This section briefly mentions testimony from other commercial pilots and notes that the Blue Book files are silent on many such accounts. It highlights a report from a distinguished professor and his wife near Sandusky, Ohio, detailing a "yellow thing" sighting, and mentions its transmission to the FBI and Air Force.

Anomalous Noises

This extensive section, "ON UFO NOISES", analyzes data from the UNICAT database regarding sounds reported in UFO sightings. It categorizes noises such as buzzing, humming, whining, whistling, and silence. The analysis indicates that the majority of UFO incidents are silent (42.9% in the initial data, rising to 61.4% when considering 'not applicable' and 'not indicated' cases). When noises are reported, they are generally not essential for propulsion but may be associated with the opening or closing of apertures, particularly in close encounters. The article presents three examples of "anomalous noises":

• Example 1: Villares del Saz, Spain: A shepherd boy reported a slight, muted, intermittent whistling sound associated with the departure of a UFO.
• Example 2: Santa Isabel, Cordoba, Argentina: A janitor reported a noise like "a metal object striking glass" as an entity disappeared, suggesting the closing of an egress.
• Example 3: Loxton, South Africa: A farmer heard an intermittent humming sound that quickened and became louder before a UFO departed, with a clicking noise associated with an aperture opening.

The section concludes that these noises strongly suggest an association with the opening and closing of apertures, adding a new dimension to the UFO phenomenon.

Press Reports

This section includes several news clippings:

• "Operation Right to Know": An announcement for a UFO demonstration on July 5, 1993, in Washington D.C., demanding an end to government secrecy regarding UFOs.
• The Examiner (January 15, 1993): A brief report about a resident in Evandale, Tasmania, spotting a "flying machine" with flashing lights.
• Bega District News (April 13, 1993): An article about a "Great bolide of fire" seen over Bega, Australia, described as a meteor or space rock.
• The Enterprise (January 12, 1993): An article titled "Witnesses swear UFO swoops into High Point" detailing a sighting by two women in North Carolina of a cigar-shaped object with bright lights.
• Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre: A report on investigations into unidentified flying objects over Hobart, Tasmania, with separate reports of lights seen over the city.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical analysis of official UFO explanations (particularly from Project Blue Book), the investigation of specific UFO cases with detailed witness testimony, and the exploration of lesser-known aspects of UFO phenomena like associated sounds. The V.U.F.O.R.S. maintains a stance of thorough investigation and dissemination of information, encouraging members and the public to engage with the subject matter. There is a clear emphasis on questioning official narratives and seeking verifiable evidence, as demonstrated in the detailed breakdown of the Capt. Killian case and the analysis of UFO noises. The publication also highlights the ongoing nature of UFO research and public interest, as evidenced by the press clippings about demonstrations and sightings.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated March 1993, features a prominent cover story on a 'SECRET DETECTION OF AN IMMENSE UFO OVER BRITAIN (1949)' and includes a section on 'SIGHTING REPORTS' from Australia, primarily from 1992 and early 1993. The magazine also includes a 'Calendar of UFO Conferences for 1993', a discussion on the trustworthiness of official UFO files, and a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society.

Can We Trust Official Files?

This section, continuing from page 15, discusses the complexities and disparities found in official UFO reports, using the 'Russell affair' as a case study. The incident, which occurred on October 4, 1955, over the Soviet Union, involved former U.S. Senator Richard Russell and others on a train. The article highlights that government files from sources like the FBI and CIA present different versions of the event. Loren Gross, a UFO historian, is cited for his work documenting these discrepancies. Three distinct versions of the Russell sighting are available: Senator Russell's statements to Herbert Scoville (CIA's Assistant Director of Scientific Intelligence), a CIA report predating the Scoville interview, and an Air Intelligence Information Report by Lt. Col. T. Ryan based on an interview with witness Lt. Col. E.U. Hathaway. Gross has documented specific instances where the 'facts' differ, suggesting that facts may have been altered according to the theory of explanation favored by the source agency. The CIA version supports a high-performance Soviet aircraft, while the Ryan version supports a disc-shaped craft. Russell's testimony to the CIA discussed unusual lights. The article questions whether U.S. intelligence could have gotten things so 'messed up' or if witnesses changed their stories. It raises the 'disturbing idea that we may not be able to completely trust the details reported in government UFO files, particularly with single source stories,' cautioning against being absolute in this subject.

Full details of Gross's ideas are available in his 'UFOs: A HISTORY 1955 SEPTEMBER 15TH to DECEMBER 31ST'.

Secret Detection of an Immense UFO Over Britain (1949)

This article, written by a former member of the Royal Air Force, details an incident that occurred over 10 years prior, now declassified due to the 'thirty-year time-limit'. The event took place during 'Operation Bulldog', an exercise testing Britain's air defences in August 1949. The author, an ACI Radar Operator stationed at RAF Sandwich in Kent, describes how radar systems, though not as advanced as modern ones, were crucial for detecting aircraft.

During the 15-day 'Operation Bulldog', the author's station was busy tracking targets. The incident occurred around midnight, halfway through the exercise. The Beachy Head Radar Station reported a plot on a large flying object, which the author and his colleague were the first to track. The object was observed on the left-hand side of a train, near an air field, and was described as a 'triangular object' comparable in size to a jet fighter, with a squat shape and an equilateral triangle form. It had three lights, one on each point. The object was ejected from a launching site, making three to seven fast spirals before climbing extremely fast at a 45-degree angle, followed by a searchlight.

The author emphasizes that it was 'no ordinary take-off but a launching procedure more like a missile ejection.' The train's speed was estimated at 20 m.p.h. The object was observed between the train and the air field, estimated to be about two miles distant. The CIA version of the event, as quoted, describes the object making 'not less than three and not more than seven fast spirals in the air, after which it climbed extremely fast at about a 45 degree angle.'

The documentation on the Russell affair is noted as being involved, with information deleted from various versions. The author points out that the 'facts' of the story sharply differ between available reports, leading to the conclusion that one cannot always trust government UFO files.

Later in the article, the author describes the object's trajectory over Britain. It was travelling roughly parallel to the South Coast of England, from West to East. When it reached the English Channel, it turned northwards and was passed on to Martlesham Radar Station. The object's speed was assessed at nearly 3,000 miles per hour, flying at a height close to 50,000 feet. Its size was estimated to be similar to a large passenger or freighter ship, approximately 15,000 or 20,000 tons.

Upon approaching Yorkshire, the object reportedly increased speed and vanished off screen at about 100,000 feet. The author notes that such speeds and sizes were extraordinary for the time, far exceeding the air-speed record and the capabilities of contemporary aircraft like the Boeing Superfortress.

Following the incident, the Duty Watch Book, which contained records of all engagements and orders, vanished and was replaced by a new one. The author's Commanding Officer, Squadron-Leader Mundy, reminded the crew of their duties and the Official Secrets Acts, urging them to forget the occurrences of the night.

The article concludes by suggesting that the detailed documentation and analysis of this incident by top-ranking experts should have permanently settled the UFO controversy, but implies that this did not happen.

Flying Saucer Review Subscription Information

Details are provided for subscribing to 'Flying Saucer Review', including annual subscription rates for the UK, other countries, and overseas airmail options. Payment methods include Sterling cheques, US dollar cheques, and International Money Orders.

Victorian Sighting Reports

This section presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from Victoria, Australia, primarily from 1992 and early 1993.

• September 1991 - August 1992: A sighting from Strahan on April 21st involved a pale flashing orange light that became stationary and changed shape, appearing to have 3 or 4 windows. It was observed for nearly 20 minutes.
• August 9, 1992: A Glenorchy family reported a strange pencil-shaped object passing overhead at high elevation, followed by three star-like lights falling from its underside.
• 1992: A report from the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre details sightings from Strahan and Glenorchy.

Specific 1993 Sightings:

• January 23, 1993: Near Sebastopol, a triangular object, white/yellow with lights, was seen for 10 seconds and disappeared behind buildings.
• March 14, 1993: Near Briar Hill, a large meteor-like light was observed falling vertically for 3 seconds.
• March 28, 1993 (Campbellfield): A huge ball of light, mainly white with other colors, slowed down before disappearing.
• March 28, 1993 (Vermont): A blue light, similar in apparent size to the full moon, was observed for a short time.
• April 17, 1993: A triangular-shaped object flew in an arc, followed by an aircraft.
• April 22, 1993 (near Wattletree Road): A large red light with a white light underneath was observed, flying parallel to the road before flying off over buildings.
• April 22, 1993 (Barwon Heads): A bright star-like object with a flattened oval center and orange band exhibited rapid changes in speed and direction.
• May 3, 1993: Reports of strange lights near Bendigo and Yea, with some sightings identified as military aircraft conducting night illumination demonstrations.

Letters To The Editor

E.M. from Strathmore expresses concern about articles ridiculing UFOs and urges for more enlightenment of the public regarding the possibilities of space. The author believes in a scientific approach to understanding UFOs and the universe.

Library Books For Sale

VUFORS announces a reduction in its library stock and plans to sell books not directly related to UFO research at an upcoming meeting.

Are You About To Change Your Address?

A notice requesting subscribers to notify VUFORS of address changes to avoid issues with bulletin delivery.

Queensland Reports - Obituaries

• Mrs. Isobel Baker: A supporter of the VUFORS Society who passed away.
• Mr. Kevin Arnett: A well-known Radio and TV personality, a friend of Mrs. Magee and Mr. Norman, and a valued member of VUFORS who was enthusiastic about UFOs and aimed to present the subject honestly.

Queensland Reports - Sighting Reports

• QA 1990-012 (Sherwood Park, Brisbane): An elderly lady witnessed an orange-red object moving slowly for several minutes.
• QA 1990-061 (Carpathians Mountains): An event from forty-four years prior, witnessed by thirty-three people, involving a yellow dish-shaped object that displayed a pulsating effect and shot off quickly.
• QA 1990-062 (Ilemmant, Brisbane): A man recounted an event from 1966 where a large round object hovered above his house, causing electrical disturbances and the death of four chickens.

Last Chance - Flight Into The Ages

Information about the final order of the book 'Flight Into The Ages' by Ken Llewelyn, which covers mysteries of pilot and aircraft disappearances, UFO activity over Australian military ranges, and experiences of airmen questioning traditional beliefs.

More Tasmanian Reports

• Flight 405 Incident: A passenger on a flight into Hobart reported seeing a large, intense, long, thin black shape descending into Hobart, which seemed to be at the same elevation as hazy white clouds. The shape was last seen to the North West before being obscured by mountains.

Society History

This section provides a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS). It traces its origins from the 'Australian Flying Saucer Bureau' in the early 1950s, through various name changes and reorganizations, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Research Society' and the 'Australian U.F.O. Investigation Centre'. The 'Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (Victorian Branch)' was formed on February 17, 1957, eventually becoming the 'Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society' and later the 'Victorian U.F.O. Research Society'. The Society has published papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian U.F.O. Bulletin', and sponsored a radio program. The current executive, Mrs. Judith Magee, Messrs. Paul Norman, and Clive Yates, have led the Society since 1978. VUFORS maintains a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs, viewing them as a scientific problem, and has the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere. However, due to postage costs, the library service to members has been discontinued.

Discussion Night

Details are provided for upcoming Discussion Nights hosted by the International Committee for U.F.O. Research at The Royal Society of Victoria in Melbourne, including dates, times, costs, and membership subscription rates for VUFORS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of official UFO documentation, the reporting of diverse and often unexplained aerial phenomena, and the historical development and activities of UFO research organizations in Australia. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, a commitment to scientific inquiry, and a desire to present factual accounts while acknowledging the limitations and potential biases in available data. There is a clear emphasis on historical cases and contemporary sightings, encouraging public participation through reporting and attendance at meetings. The magazine also promotes its own publications and subscription services, aiming to disseminate information within the UFO community.