Australian UFO Bulletin - 1994 09 - September

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated September 1994, is published by the Victorian UFO Research Society. The cover features a dramatic illustration of UFOs and a space shuttle in a starry sky, with the main title prominently displayed. The publication serves as a quarterly bulletin for members, disseminating information on UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial section, titled "September 1994," begins by recounting a radio talk-back program where an astronomer dismissed a sighting of two bright orange lights as weather balloons. The editorialist criticizes the astronomer's lack of interest in investigating such phenomena, asserting that UFOlogists are left to pursue the study of Unidentified Flying Objects. It also mentions an upcoming Annual General Meeting for the election of a new committee.

On The UFO Trail

This extensive article by Paul Norman details his travels and investigations across the USA in 1994. He recounts his journey, starting in Melbourne and heading to San Francisco, where he connected with scientists studying UFOs. Norman describes his efforts to contact individuals who responded to a documentary about the Fredrick Valentich case. He details a pilot's encounter from 1978 involving an egg-shaped object near Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, which was observed for a brief period and moved at high speed. Norman also mentions his own experiences, including being robbed in Tampa, Florida, and his interactions with researchers and organizations like MUFON. He discusses his meeting with Dr. Edward Carlos, who experienced missing time and photographed an unexplained orange light on the Hebridean Island of Iona, an event featured in Dr. John Mack's book "Abductions."

Norman's journey also took him to Concord, California, for an OPUS meeting, and to the MUFON Symposium in Austin, Texas. He notes the dwindling attendance at the MUFON Symposium. He also mentions meeting Dr. Vladimir Rubtsov from Ukraine and hearing a paper by Robert Dean about classified UFO reports from the early 1960s that nearly led to conflict between NATO and Warsaw Pact Nations.

RIAP Bulletin: Post-Soviet UFOlogy

This section, from the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP) in Ukraine, provides a "View from Inside" on post-Soviet ufology. It contrasts the pre-Perestroika era, where information was scarce and difficult to obtain, with the post-1986 period, which saw an increase in data exchange and international collaboration. The article discusses the differing viewpoints on declassified Soviet UFO data, with some believing it will solve the UFO problem and others dismissing it as unreliable. It highlights the contributions of Soviet ufologists and the potential for serious scientific study of UFOs despite ongoing economic difficulties in the CIS. The article also references several publications and researchers in the field.

More News From Puerto Rico

This report details numerous UFO sightings in southwestern Puerto Rico, particularly in Cabo Rojo and Lajas. Residents have reported seeing strange flying objects, described as orange with white domes and rotating lights, hovering over houses and farms, and emitting beams of light. One witness described a small red object and a huge white dome-shaped UFO.

The China Scene

By Gordon Creighton, this article discusses UFO sightings in China and the joint Mainland/Taiwan UFO conference held in Beijing. It states that nearly 6,000 UFO trackings were reported across the Formosa Strait. The article notes that the Chinese UFO research journal, FEIDIE TANSUO, has a claimed circulation of 300,000 but provides little serious content, often padding issues with articles on space travel and astronomy. Creighton expresses skepticism about the journal's content and the limited information available from China regarding UFOs, including alleged kidnappings.

Flying Saucer Review

This section provides subscription information for Flying Saucer Review, detailing costs for the UK and other countries, including the USA.

Oklahoma MUFONews

This section includes the "Director's Message" from Jean Waller-Seifried, Oklahoma MUFON State Director. She criticizes a Dateline interview with Dr. John Mack, accusing the program of attempting to discredit his research on abduction trauma. She argues that abduction experiences cannot be explained by sleep paralysis and that the phenomenon is real and requires serious attention. The section also includes a letter from Jean to a reporter regarding the Dateline segment and mentions a book titled "Native Encounters" focusing on Oklahoma UFO cases.

UFO conference attracts believers, skeptics

This article reports on a UFO conference where Robert Dean, a retired US Army command sergeant major, spoke about a classified NATO report on UFOs from the early 1960s. Philip Klass, a UFO debunker, engaged in a heated exchange with Dean, calling him a liar and physically striking Dean's wife. The article highlights the emotional nature of UFO discussions and Klass's skepticism, stating he has never found a case he couldn't explain prosaically. Dean, however, was convinced by the report that UFOs are real and have significant implications.

Letter

This letter from Paul Norman to "Dear Paul" (likely referring to himself or a colleague) discusses his meeting with Marilyn and Leo Sprinkle. He encloses a form for a sighting description titled "Patterns - Somewhere on the Path of Reconciling Repetitive Sightings and Encounters." The letter details a sighting that occurred around 9:00 p.m. on a Friday or Saturday evening in September 1993, near Sewanee, Tennessee. Norman describes a large, orange, circular craft with three levels and windows, traveling slowly over trees. He notes that his friend, who was present, missed the sighting. He also mentions having had three previous sightings.

Locals report UFO sightings

This news report from the Bega District News details recent UFO sightings in the Bega Valley, Australia. Residents reported seeing a bright light following a car, and other sightings included bright orange lights and a football-shaped object with windows. A UFO investigative group notes similar sightings along the east coast between Melbourne and Sydney.

Sunshine Coast UFO sightings on increase: Expert

This article from the Sunshine Coast Daily reports that UFO sightings are increasing in the region, with about 50 reported annually. Jeffrey Spiro, co-ordinator of UFO Research Queensland, states that sightings are more frequent during periods of military activity. The article also mentions upcoming meetings for UFO researchers and the inclusion of skeptics.

Yandina manufacturer 'knows what he saw'

This report features a Yandina man who has reported three UFO sightings and remains convinced of extraterrestrial life. He describes seeing bright red and green objects and a group of smaller objects leaving a main one. He recounts an experience from his childhood and another involving a white light that caused his car to stall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include personal accounts of UFO sightings and encounters, the challenges of UFO research, the skepticism faced by witnesses and researchers, and the potential for scientific investigation of the phenomenon. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the serious study of UFOs, criticizing those who dismiss the subject, and encouraging members to contribute their reports and insights. The publication also touches upon international UFO developments, particularly in China and the former Soviet Union, and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs.

Title: The Groom Lake Desert Rat
Issue: #10
Date: July 5, 1994
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Language: English

Main Articles and Content

Personal Encounters and Experiences

The issue begins with a continuation of a personal narrative detailing a sighting in November 1993 during a full moon-eclipse. The witness describes waking to a room filled with a low, bluish-whitish pulsating light, identifying the source as a white glowing orb with a radiating haze. Initially rationalizing it as the moon, the witness later realized it was something else. This experience was followed by an unusually deep sleep.

Another significant personal account describes an event on Easter Sunday eve in March 1994, where the witness awoke with two identical sets of two puncture marks on each forearm. Although there was no accompanying sighting, the witness felt certain an encounter had occurred. This led to hypnotic regression sessions, which were not entirely successful but yielded two relevant images: being 'drawn' from the bed by small, thin creatures with elongated heads and almond-shaped eyes, and a vision of a creature at the entrance of a craft.

A third encounter is recounted from mid-May 1994, where the witness and a senior major saw a large, instantaneous flash from a metallic structure that appeared and disappeared. It was described as extremely bright, golden metallic, and reflecting the sun.

The author also shares earlier experiences, including a sighting in rural Pennsylvania around 1960 or '61 of a fireball splitting into four smaller fireballs, and a large, football-sized circular craft observed in 1962 at a family reunion.

A more recent experience from circa 1982 or '83 involved a severe lightning storm, during which the witness felt lifted and moved, seeing small creatures and a circular craft in the flower bed.

Media Analysis: "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love 'Encounters'"

This section critically examines the media's role in reporting on UFO phenomena. The author, 'Psychospy', offers advice on how to gain media attention, suggesting proximity to a government base and generating attention through stonewalling or overreaction from authorities. The article then breaks down different media types:

• Print Media: Described as a medium for ideas, capable of conveying complex issues but less effective for emotions or visual scenes. Caution is advised regarding what is said to reporters, especially concerning UFOs.
• Talk Radio: Seen as a platform for revealing discussions, where callers can either support or challenge the guest. It's noted that while difficult to embarrass oneself, callers can make one look foolish.
• Television: Considered the most 'real' medium, bringing the viewer to the event. However, it's also highlighted that editing can distort stories, taking quotes out of context. The presence of a camera can also affect natural behavior.

The article details the filming of a segment for the Fox series "Encounters" related to Groom Lake and Area 51. The production involved staged scenes, including a 'base camp' and a 'hike' to Freedom Ridge, with the correspondent and Agent X playing key roles. The author expresses skepticism about the show's style and editing practices.

Sighting Reports

The issue includes extensive lists of UFO sighting reports, primarily from Victoria, Australia, spanning from the early 20th century to 2015. These reports detail various objects, shapes, colors, and behaviors observed.

• Victorian Sightings (Table 1): Reports from February to March 1994 describe objects like bright yellow stars, diamond/square shapes, large yellow/orange lights with flame, and bell-shaped objects with white lights.
• Reports (Continued): Further reports from March 2015 to May 1945 detail objects ranging from round formations and star-like objects to cigar-shaped craft, "circle" lights, and oval white objects.
• Reports (Continued): Additional sightings from May 1950 to June 1915 include descriptions of bright orange lights, white round objects, flare-like objects, rocket-like objects, fluorescent green lights, and objects described as 'rocket crackers'.

Society History

This section provides a historical overview of UFO research organizations in Australia, focusing on the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS). It traces the society's origins from the early 1950s, through various name changes and reorganizations, including the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau and the Australian U.F.O. Investigation Centre. The history highlights the society's publications, radio programs, and its role in maintaining a large UFO library. The current executive and membership details are also provided.

Other Sections

• Media Communications 101: A brief section offering advice on media interaction.
• Intel Bitties: A short note about a trespasser trial date.
• Subscription and Copyright Info: Details about the publication's copyright and subscription rates.
• Discussion Night: Information on upcoming discussion nights hosted by the International Committee for U.F.O. Research.
• Items for Sale: Listings for back issues of the Australian U.F.O. Bulletin and VUFORS mugs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication exhibits a critical stance towards media sensationalism and the potential for distortion in reporting UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and personal accounts while acknowledging the challenges of distinguishing between genuine sightings, hoaxes, and natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs as a scientific problem, encouraging detailed recording of sightings and critical analysis of both the phenomena and their coverage. There is a strong emphasis on the history of UFO research in Australia and the personal experiences of those involved in the field.