Australian UFO Bulletin - 1994 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated March 1994, is published by the Victorian UFO Research Society. The cover features a striking graphic of a space shuttle and two flying saucers against a starry sky, with the prominent title 'THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN'. The issue is presented as Volume 1, Number 1, with publication number VBH122 and registered by Australia Post.

Editorial and Society News

The issue opens with a 'WELCOME' message from the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS), encouraging reports of unusual phenomena and emphasizing their evaluation on merit and confidentiality. VUFORS exchanges information with similar organizations globally and disseminates findings through its quarterly publication, the 'Australian UFO Bulletin'.

The 'OFFICE BEARERS' of VUFORS are listed, including President Judith M. Magee, Vice-President Paul Norman, Secretary Mark Sawyers, Treasurer Clive Yates, and other officers and editorial staff. A 'MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL' section reminds members to check their address label for renewal details.

The 'EDITORIAL' section, dated March 1994, highlights the society's reach across Australia and overseas. It calls for greater member participation and active cooperation in reporting UFO activity. The editorial notes the increasing referrals of reports from Government Agencies, such as the Department of Meteorology, though some reports are attributed to pranks. It laments the lack of support from the scientific community, who often fear ridicule for studying UFOs, while appreciating members who actively contribute.

A significant piece of news is the 'DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE (Air Force Office)' letter dated January 4, 1994, addressed to the Honorary Secretary of the Victorian UFO Research Society. This letter outlines a revised RAAF policy regarding Unusual Aerial Sightings (UAS). The RAAF will no longer accept reports or attempt to assign causes. Instead, the public will be referred to civilian research organizations like VUFORS. The letter suggests that the decline in reports to the RAAF may indicate increased public awareness of and reliance on such organizations.

Feature Articles and Reports

On the UFO Trail

Authored by Paul Norman, this section delves into historical UFO events. It recounts Dr. J. Allen Hynek's 1973 visit to Australia, during which he met with UFO researchers and witnesses. A key case discussed is that of Tom Drury in New Guinea (August 23, 1953), who observed an elongated object emerge from a cloud and fly away at high speed. This is compared to a sighting photographed by Roy Manifold shortly before Frederick Valentich's disappearance. The Drury film was sent to the U.S. Air Force and classified as unknown. The article also mentions the meeting arranged for Dr. Hynek with Rev. William Gill, a witness to humanoid sightings in New Guinea in June 1959.

The article critiques the book 'The Edge of Reality' by Hynek and Jacques Vallee, pointing out a misstatement concerning the O'Farrell Case, suggesting Vallee may have 'edited' the account. It criticizes the scientific community's tendency to dismiss or downplay the contributions of ufologists, citing 'Forbidden Science' by Vallee as an example of this attitude.

Research in the Ukraine

This section features correspondence from Dr. Vladimir V. Rubtsov, Director of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP) in Kharkov, Ukraine, to Mr. Gordon Creighton of FSR Publications. RIAP, established in 1992 by the VERTICAL Aerospace Company, aims to study the UFO problem scientifically, using rigorous methods. It focuses on UFO studies and non-classical SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). RIAP is developing methods for UFO monitoring, studying landing sites, creating a unified UFO database, and developing physical models of GUFOs. The institute also conducts psychophysiological investigations and studies the history of Soviet ufology.

RIAP is seeking donations in convertible currency to overcome equipment and material shortages. They are also interested in establishing contacts and collaboration with British anomalistic bodies.

From Russia with Potential

This article introduces 'AURA Z', an English-language publication from Russia founded by Alexander Avshalumov. The magazine covers ufology, bigfoot research, and other phenomena. The article highlights three articles on UFOs in the first edition, particularly noting Lev Chulkov's history of UFO research in the former Soviet Union and the restrictions imposed by a repressive regime. The author expresses optimism for 'AURA Z's' potential, especially if it continues to publish UFO sightings from Russia.

UFO Studies

This section provides an overview of the UFO problem, distinguishing between 'genuine UFOs' (GUFOs) and their origins. It notes the heterogeneity of witness reports and the challenges posed by the 'noise' generated by amateur associations, which can alienate the scientific community. The article emphasizes the need to approach UFO studies as a normal scientific problem, divided into narrow, methodologically rigorous, interdisciplinary areas.

UFOs Are Not "Made In America"

Authored by Paul Garson, Director of Research, MUFON-LA, this article asserts that UFOs show no particular nationality or politics, citing historical accounts from Alexander the Great's era and a recent incident in Costa Rica (April 1992) where a UFO allegedly caused a nationwide power outage.

#### 'Tamale'-Type UFO Blamed for Blackout

This staff report details the Costa Rican incident where an unidentified flying object, described as 'tamale'-shaped and glowing, allegedly used a 'tractor beam' to drain electrical energy from the Arenal hydroelectric plant, causing a blackout. Witnesses, including the plant manager Ingenuo Tomapelo, described the object and its effects. The National Emergency Commission received numerous UFO sighting reports across the country.

If UFO's Are Real, Why Don't They Land On The White House Lawn?

By Paul Garson, this article questions why UFO sightings, particularly the documented events over Washington D.C. in July 1952, have been officially explained away as 'thermal inversions' or 'tricks of the eye'. It suggests a potential media conspiracy or a national tendency to accept confabulated explanations to maintain a fragile sense of reality. The article argues that UFO sightings continue with high frequency in the U.S., despite official efforts to debunk them.

MUFONLA - Mutual UFO Network Los Angeles

This section provides contact information for MUFON-LA, including their address and hotline number for reporting UFO sightings and inquiring about becoming a Field Investigator.

1993 Sightings (UFOLOG)

This section presents a log of UFO sightings reported to MUFON or other agencies in early 1993:

• UFOLOG 930121 (January 21, 1993): A UFO emitting balls of light was observed in Shalimar, Florida, resembling a helicopter without a rotor.
• UFOLOG 930127 (January 27, 1993): A large, yellow-orange crescent-shaped light, estimated at 150-200 feet in length, was seen near Oklahoma City.
• UFOLOG 930131 (January 31, 1993): Two Sheriff's deputies followed a bright light for about 20 miles in Dodge County, Wisconsin.
• UFOLOG 930208 (February 8, 1993): A dazzling star-like triangular-shaped craft was seen and videotaped over DeKalb County, Alabama, a region known for cattle mutilations and UFO sightings.
• UFOLOG 930224 (February 24, 1993): A large, silent, black triangle with red and white lights was observed hovering near Lancaster, California, appearing to descend towards a witness's vehicle.
• UFOLOG 9304 (April 1993): Reports from the San Luis Valley in Colorado mention numerous UFO sightings and cattle mutilations, with residents reporting mysterious lights and a bell-shaped metallic object seen near Mosca.

The Greek Saucerer

This article, previously published in a VUFORS publication in September 1967, features retired physicist Paul Santorini. Santorini believes flying saucers are planning an invasion of Earth. He attributes significant power failures, including the 1965 New York blackout, to flying saucer activity. He suggests that beings from outside our solar system would have a different biological construction. Santorini believes flying saucers are surveying Earth and collecting samples, implying a potential invasion. He also discusses a world blanket of secrecy over UFO activity, attributed to military authorities, civil authorities fearing panic, and churches concerned about their doctrines.

Real 'X-Files' may exist, producer says

This article interviews Chris Carter, producer of the TV series 'The X-Files'. Carter, a self-proclaimed skeptic, was inspired by a childhood love of mystery series and the paranormal. He states that while he doesn't know if 'X-Files' exist, he has spoken to people within government institutions who have seen files on paranormal subjects. The series focuses on FBI agents investigating unorthodox cases, often involving government secrecy. Carter emphasizes telling 'good stories in the suspense genre' and notes the show's focus on extreme possibility and avoiding graphic violence.

Press Cuttings Of Interest

This section includes several press clippings:

• 'UFO buzzed my car, says woman' (Sunday Times, Perth, January 16, 1994): A Subiaco mother-of-three reported being buzzed by a glowing UFO shaped like a baby's bottle teat while driving to Yanchep. The object followed her car before swinging away.
• 'He's ready for a close encounter' (The Houston Post, December 1, 1993): Features astronaut Story Musgrave, who expressed a desire to communicate with extraterrestrial life during his space missions.
• 'Congress reopens UFO mystery' (Albuquerque, New Mexico, December 19, 1993): Reports that the investigative arm of Congress is examining the 1947 Roswell crash to determine if a government cover-up occurred. US Representative Steve Schiff stated that the General Accounting Office (GAO) was being 'stonewalled' by the Department of Defence.

DON'T GRAB GROOM LAND

A letter to the editor opposing a proposed land seizure near the Groom Lake test facility, questioning the continued secrecy and expansion of the site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing nature of UFO sightings globally, the role of civilian research organizations in collecting and analyzing data, and the persistent skepticism or secrecy from official and scientific bodies. The Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS) positions itself as a vital hub for UFO information and research in Australia, actively engaging with international counterparts and encouraging member participation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, critical of official dismissals, and supportive of rigorous scientific investigation by non-traditional researchers.

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: September 1993
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin focuses on sightings by meteorological observers and presents a range of UFO reports, historical context, and related phenomena.

Articles and Reports

Meteorologists and Weather Observers Look at the Skies Frequently: Why Don't They Ever See UFOs?

This section, an excerpt from a statement by James E. McDonald to the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, presents several cases where weather observers have reported UFOs.

• Case 26: Richmond, Va., April 1947: Walter A. Minczewski, a weather observer, spotted a silvery object with a flat bottom and dome-shaped top during a pilot balloon observation using a theodolite. He lost track of it due to its high angular velocity. McDonald notes that the probability of an object crossing the small field of a theodolite is low, and Minczewski had not seen anything similar since.
• Case 27: Yuma, Ariz., February 4, 1953: Weather Bureau observer S. H. Brown tracked two unidentified objects that appeared round, dull pure white, with a thin white mist edging them. The objects moved erratically, rejoined each other, and were tracked for five minutes. The discussion highlights that while atmospheric scintillation is a problem, Menzel's explanation of atmospheric lenses is questioned, and the official categorization of 'Unidentified' is deemed reasonable.
• Case 28: Upington, Cape Province, December 7, 1954: R. H. Kleyweg, Officer-in-Charge of the Upington Meteorological Station, observed a white object east of the sun, moving slowly west. He identified it as not being his red balloon. The object accelerated and became untrackable. Kleyweg stated, "I have followed thousands of meteorological balloons. This object was no balloon." This case is supported by a South African student.
• Case 29: Arrey, New Mexico, April 24, 1949: Charles B. Moore, Jr., along with four enlisted Navy personnel, observed a white, ellipsoidal object moving at a rapid angular velocity towards the NE. The object had a horizontal length about two to three times greater than its vertical thickness and began to climb. Moore's sighting is classified as Unidentified, with Menzel's explanation involving atmospheric lenses and imperfect images being critically examined by McDonald.
• Case 30: Admiralty Bay, Antarctica, March 16, 1961: A luminous, unidentified aerial object was seen by meteorologists aboard the U.S.S. Glacier. Described as egg-shaped, colored reddish, and traveling slowly, it emitted multicolored rays and left a trail of orange color. The object then divided into two equal parts, which shone brighter, turned blue and white, and disappeared abruptly. The boundaries were definite and sharp. Six persons witnessed this event.

McDonald concludes that official assertions about UFOs being easily explained are unjustified and that meteorologists do see UFOs.

News From Africa

This section contains reports from Africa, including a case involving water loss.

• The Flickering Blue Flame and Missing Water - Case N° 73, Cape, South Africa: In November 1991, Mrs. P.L. Ilves observed a flickering blue flame, about 30cm high, burning in the sand near a pool filter. After about 15 seconds, the flame vanished. Later, she saw a similar flame in a neighbor's window. The next morning, her husband discovered that approximately 2000 liters of water had disappeared from their swimming pool, with no apparent leak or fault in the filter. The article notes this as a typical example of 'water loss' to some unknown object, even without a visible UFO.

Australian Sighting Reports - New South Wales

This section lists several UFO sightings from Australia:

• 21.8.1993, Caringbah/Cronulla Sydney: Two shiny grey objects, like footballs or spinning tops, with orange/gold and red/blue lights, traveling towards the sea. One descended behind trees, then rose and changed direction.
• 1.9.1993, Hornsby Area, Sydney: About 5 brilliant silver objects, like frisbees, were seen circling and darting high in the sky for over an hour.
• 24.9.1993, Camden Area Near Sydney: Four cylinder-shaped objects, appearing as bright white lights with a haze, were observed at low altitude and high speed, stopping and hovering.
• 26.9.1993, Alexandria, Sydney: Five enormous 'fireballs' without trails or noise streaked across the sky, followed by two identical objects.
• 4.10.1993, Mackay, QLD: A bright, luminous pale green oblong object, misty around the edges, with an orange spark trail, was seen hovering just above trees and then appeared to disintegrate mid-air.
• 12.10.1993, Narooma-NSW South Coast: Four dull red/orange objects, like flares, were seen hovering, with two heading south and west at incredible speeds, followed by two more objects going north at slow speed and high altitude.

Sighting Reports Continued

More sighting reports from Australia:

• 11.11.1993, Brisbane Waters: Two large orange 'flames' moved SE to W, stopped and hovered, with lights turning off and on.
• 11.11.1993, Near Batemans Bay: A large silver/grey egg-shaped object, rotating with red/green/yellow/white lights, was seen hovering and zig-zagging.
• 25.12.1993, Gunnedah, NSW: A bright orange light moved SW to NW at low altitude and slow speed.
• 23.1.1994, Glencoe, SA: An enormous object with revolving amber and ruby lights moved W to E, then NE, then East, with two small white lights following.
• 1.1.1994, Ballarat, Victoria: A large object with a red flashing light on top and white light underneath was seen hovering and then took off.
• 1.1.1994, Townsville: A very bright star-sized white light with green/red tinge blinked irregularly and moved E to W at high speed.
• 2.1.1994, Lake at Budgewoi, Central Coast, NSW: A very bright orange light emitted rays, moved S along the lake, then E, at helicopter speed and height.

Reports Continued

• 10.4.1993, Maslins Beach: Four friends saw a multi-color star-shaped light that zig-zagged and changed shape and colors.
• 8.7.1993, Para Hills: A yellow/red light moved NE, did a circle, then moved NE again, dropped, and then went SW at great speed.
• 16.7.1993: A father reported seeing three orange to red spheres that changed course at a right angle. His daughter saw three orange flashing lights in formation, two disappeared, and one changed course by 90 degrees.
• 17.7.1993: Two brothers filmed a light moving in the sky north of Adelaide. Described as a ball of flame with no noise, trail, or smoke, it moved slowly, stopped, and then disappeared.
• 24.7.1993, Fairview Park: A 'fireball' approached at the speed of a light aircraft. Later, a second 'ball of fire' crossed the sky on a similar path, with smoke trailing from it. Police were notified, but no unidentified sightings were recorded at the local airport or RAAF base.
• 10.7.1993: Suzanne J. McLuckie and four others saw an orange and green ball-like light that appeared to move smoothly, jiggled, and zig-zagged. Through binoculars, it appeared orange with a movable green center.
• 11.8.1993, Croydon: Mr. T.M. Hurst saw an oval silver object, bigger than a Cessna plane.
• 17.8.1993: An observer saw a similar object to Mr. Hurst's, followed by a second object, and then a small plane. Objects were moving towards the plane.
• 28.8.1993, Mallala: Two people reported seeing three red star-sized lights and one white moon-sized object hovering, then disappearing. Later, a larger white light appeared and disappeared.
• 12.05am, 7.9.1993, Daphne L. Moore: Four different shaped objects or lights came and disappeared over 15 minutes. The object started as an oblong, foggy shape, then reappeared in a curved shape, then an upside-down mushroom shape. Searchlights were also seen coming from the Airforce Base.

Society History

This section provides a history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.). It traces its origins back to the early 1950s with groups like the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." The "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society" was formed in 1957, later becoming the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society has published various papers, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Review," and sponsored radio programs. The current executive took control in 1978. V.U.F.O.R.S. maintains a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs, viewing them as a scientific problem, and has the largest U.F.O. library in the southern hemisphere. However, due to postage costs, they have discontinued their book lending service. Membership is open to anyone genuinely interested in the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the direct observation of UFOs by scientific professionals (meteorologists and weather observers), the persistent questioning of official explanations for UFO phenomena, and the cataloging of a wide variety of sightings from different geographical locations. The editorial stance, as expressed by James E. McDonald, is critical of official dismissals of UFO reports and advocates for closer scientific attention to the subject. The publication also highlights the 'water loss' phenomenon as a potentially related unexplained event. The historical section emphasizes the long-standing nature of UFO research in Australia and the dedication of organizations like V.U.F.O.R.S.