Australian UFO Bulletin - 1994 06 - June

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: Publication No VBH122
Date: June 1994
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.), presents a range of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena. The society, incorporated in 1988, aims to evaluate unusual phenomena and disseminate information to its members and the public.

Editorial

The editorial section, dated June 1994, addresses feedback received from viewers of the television program 'Unsolved Mysteries' following the Frederick Valentich Documentary. Several callers shared their experiences and observations, including an Air Force pilot who recalled a Qantas Airline crew reporting UFO movement during the Valentich incident, and two experienced pilots who witnessed pulsating green UFOs. Other reports include sightings of saucer-shaped objects, and a caller who saw a fast-moving object in Florida. The editorial staff notes that follow-up investigations are in progress for many of these reports.

On the UFO Trail

Written by Paul Norman, this section discusses the increasing number of UFO-related television shows in Australia, noting that while some are based on fact, others are based on nonsense. Norman criticizes 'Hollywoodized' shows for making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction due to mis-statements, contradictions, errors, and fantasy. He highlights the difficulty in sorting out factual information from fabricated narratives, especially for the general public. The article also touches upon the 'X Files' program, suggesting it altered details of Area 51 rumors. Norman expresses concern about the producers and directors of these shows, suggesting they often lack investigative rigor and may misrepresent documented cases.

Guest Article: "Remember McDonald"

This article by Ann Druffel is a tribute to the late Dr. James E. McDonald, a scientist who dedicated five years of his life (1966-1971) to UFO research. Druffel emphasizes McDonald's unique combination of scientific knowledge, his contributions to atmospheric physics, and his extensive contacts in scientific, governmental, and military circles. McDonald's primary goal was to convince the scientific establishment of the seriousness of the UFO problem. The article contrasts McDonald's approach with the current state of UFO research, which Druffel describes as chaotic. It highlights McDonald's public challenges to Dr. J. Allen Hynek regarding Project Bluebook and the government's handling of UFO data. McDonald's background as a Senior Physicist at the Institute for Atmospheric Physics is detailed, along with his contributions to meteorology and his inquisitive mind. The article also mentions McDonald's activism on other serious subjects, such as anti-ballistic missiles and the Vietnam War. Druffel notes McDonald's belief in the public's right to know and his clear, accessible writing style. His work on the ozone layer and SSTs is also mentioned. The article details McDonald's early, private study of Arizona UFO reports and his eventual public involvement, despite professional and financial risks. His association with NICAP and his work with civilian research organizations are highlighted. The article touches upon the controversy surrounding his funding and the eventual loss of his government funding. It also mentions his interest in early abduction cases and time-loss phenomena, though he preferred to leave psychological assessments to others, focusing instead on the physical reality of UFO craft.

My UFO World

Roy Russell shares his perspective on UFOs, viewing them as physical vehicles from "offshore" civilizations. He suggests that many reported 'grays' and 'monsters' are androids created by humans. Russell identifies official secrecy as a major impediment to understanding UFOs, contrasting it with the natural explanation of volcanoes. He recounts his own entry into UFO research, stemming from a request to remain silent about a sighting in the early 1950s. Russell also shares his experiences meeting notable figures in the UFO field, including George Adamski, whom he describes as a down-to-earth individual rather than a mystical figure. He mentions Reverend William Booth Gill's sighting of human figures on board a craft in New Guinea. Russell expresses his admiration for Professor James E. McDonald, noting his efficient character and his willingness to challenge official stances on UFOs, which led him to make enemies. Russell also mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek, sensing a guardedness about him.

Other Articles and Reports

This issue includes a report titled "Fireball flash startles truckie" by Jeremy Wildbore, detailing a sighting of a spectacular fireball over Perth. There is also a piece by John Carvel discussing UFOs and a wedge between European and socialist politicians. The "Contents" page lists various articles such as "Editorial," "On the UFO Trail," "Guest Article Remember McDonald," "My UFO World," "Was Darwin Only Half Correct?", "News from Africa," "UFO Pot Pourri," and "Australian Sightings Reports" covering locations like Lake Mokoan, Victoria, and Queensland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation of UFO sightings, the role of scientific research in understanding these phenomena, and the impact of government secrecy and media portrayal. The V.U.F.O.R.S. appears to advocate for a scientific and empirical approach to UFO research, as exemplified by the tribute to Dr. James E. McDonald. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly concerning 'abduction' stories and the shift away from the study of physical craft. The publication aims to demystify UFOs and present factual information, encouraging a rational approach to the subject.

The Australian UFO Bulletin - December 1993 / January 1994 Issue

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated December 1993 / January 1994, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, blending contemporary sightings with historical analysis and speculative connections to emerging technologies and ancient civilizations.

Key Articles and Features

Hynek, Vallee, and the "Edge of Reality"

The issue begins with a continuation of a discussion, referencing an article about J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee's book "Edge of Reality." The author expresses concern that the book may have inadvertently pushed the UFO subject back into the realm of mysticism and the paranormal, potentially alienating readers seeking a more scientific approach. The author contrasts this with the emphasis on solid, interplanetary craft and superior technology.

Nanotechnology and UFOs

A significant portion of the content explores the potential links between nanotechnology and UFOs. The author highlights the capabilities of nanotechnology, such as constructing objects atom by atom, and draws parallels to witness descriptions of UFOs lacking visible joins or rivets, suggesting that this technology could explain the seamless construction of advanced craft. The article also notes the early involvement of Dr. Vannevar Bush, a key figure in the MJ-12 papers, with nanotechnology concepts.

Ancient Civilizations and UFOs

The issue revisits the theory that ancient civilizations, particularly the Sumerians, possessed advanced scientific knowledge far beyond what is commonly accepted. It references Maurice Chatelain's realization that a number found in Sumerian documentation corresponds to the precession of the equinoxes. The article discusses Zecharia Sitchin's work, which suggests that the Sumerians received information from an extraterrestrial race, the Anunnaki, and that their creation myths and descriptions of planets align with modern discoveries.

Astronaut James A. McDivitt's Sighting

A transcript of a segment from the NBC-TV show "TODAY" features an interview with Astronaut Brigadier General James A. McDivitt. McDivitt discusses his belief in extraterrestrial life and recounts his sighting during the Gemini 4 mission. He describes seeing a cylindrical object with a pole, which he initially thought might be a rocket stage but later ruled out. He also expresses hope for future communication with extraterrestrial beings and acknowledges that humanity is not yet advanced enough to fully comprehend future technologies.

UFO Sightings Reports

The bulletin includes several detailed reports of UFO sightings:

• Bromley, Zimbabwe (August 1, 1992): Farmer M. Patterson describes seeing a large ball of light and smaller, bouncing "ping-pong" balls of light that merged with the larger object.
• Brazil (May 19, 1986): A report from the Brazilian Air Force details fighter jets being scrambled to investigate unidentified objects, which were described as "strong red lights" and later surrounded by "ping-pong" type balls.
• Australia (various locations): Several reports from Australia are included, such as:
• Orange lights seen over South Wales (July 27, 1992).
• A "golden globe" observed near Milk Hill (July 30, 1992).
• Orange/yellow lights seen near Brisbane (May/June 1993).
• An object observed over Belmont, Brisbane (November 1992).
• Iceland (December 1992): Reports of large, fast-moving underwater craft with flashing lights encountered by Icelandic fishing boats.

Society History and Information

The issue also provides historical context for UFO research in Australia, detailing the formation and evolution of various UFO organizations in Victoria, starting from the early 1950s. It highlights the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFOS) and its activities, including discussion nights and publications. Subscription rates for VUFOS and related merchandise like drinking mugs are also advertised.

Editorial Stance

The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, seeking to separate genuine phenomena from psychic or paranormal interpretations. There is a clear interest in the technological aspects of UFOs and their potential implications for humanity. The society advocates for a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs, viewing them as a scientific problem deserving closer attention. The publication aims to keep its readership informed about recent sightings, historical research, and the broader implications of the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the technological sophistication of UFOs, the potential for advanced propulsion systems, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the historical context of UFO research in Australia. The editorial stance emphasizes a rational and scientific approach, while acknowledging the profound implications of the subject matter. There's a consistent effort to connect contemporary sightings with established research and historical accounts, suggesting a belief that UFOs represent a tangible and significant phenomenon worthy of serious investigation.