Australian UFO Bulletin - 1995 09 - September

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated September 1995, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.). The cover features a graphic of flying saucers and a space shuttle against a starry background, with the magazine's title prominently displayed.

Welcome and Editorial Stance

The V.U.F.O.R.S. welcomes reports of unusual phenomena and evaluates them confidentially. The society disseminates information to its members through its quarterly publication. The editorial section highlights a recent trip to the United States, attending a symposium in Seattle and visiting friends. The author, Paul Norman, notes a shift in ufology from 'nuts-and-bolts' investigations to a focus on abductions and spiritual issues. He presents abstracts of several papers from the symposium.

Key Symposium Papers and Themes

1. "Over the Rainbow: Quantum Physics Discovers the Holo-graphic Universe" by Joe Lewels, Ph.D.: This paper suggests that the holographic view of the universe implies a profound connection between the human mind and the cosmos, potentially validating paranormal phenomena like telepathy and psychokinesis.
2. "The USAF-Sponsored Colorado Project for the Scientific Study of UFO's" by Dr. Michael Swords: This paper critiques the Condon Report, highlighting its flaws and suggesting it was conducted by non-believers with a predetermined outcome.
3. "UFOLOGY In the Great White North" by Michael Strainic: This presentation discusses the prevalence of paranormal activity in Canada, including UFO reports, abductions, crop circles, and lake monsters.
4. "MAPS, MYTHS AND MILLENIAL MADNESS. Ufology meets the End Time" by Michael Lindemann: A paper presented with humor.
5. "SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF UFO MATERIAL BY MUFON-CES" by Rolf-Dieter Klein MS: This paper focuses on scientific analysis of UFO material by a specialized group.

The editorial also touches upon the growing interest in abduction phenomena and the potential for a paradigm shift in scientific understanding.

"On the U.F.O. Trail" by Paul Norman

Paul Norman recounts his recent trip to the United States, including attending the MUFON 1995 Symposium in Seattle. He notes the increasing focus on abductions and spiritual aspects of ufology. He also mentions Kent Jeffrey's research on the Roswell Case and the ongoing efforts to declassify UFO information. Norman expresses skepticism about the alleged Roswell autopsy film, drawing parallels to the discredited crop circle pranks.

"How Far Is.... Far Out?" by Ted Skewes

This article explores the scientific concepts of higher dimensions, hyperspace, and string theory, linking them to the possibility of alien craft originating from other dimensions. It discusses the work of mathematicians like Georg Bernhard Riemann and physicists like Einstein, Kaluza, and the development of quantum theory and Superstring Theory.

Roswell Alien Autopsy Film by G. Simpson

George Simpson discusses the alleged Roswell alien autopsy film, noting the global discussion and controversy surrounding its authenticity. He expresses skepticism about claims that the corpse does not look 'alien' enough, citing cases where 'experiencers' have reported varied alien appearances. Simpson reports that the producers claim the army cameraman's word and personal records support the film's authenticity, though they cannot prove it. He mentions that stills from the film were published in "Who Weekly" magazine and expresses anticipation for seeing the full video.

"INTERNATIONAL ROSWELL INITIATIVE: A Quest for the Truth" by Kent Jeffrey

Kent Jeffrey provides an update on the Roswell case, mentioning Congressman Steven Schiff's request for the GAO to investigate and the Air Force's report. He focuses on the purported 1947 Roswell film, which he believes is a fraud. Jeffrey details his experience at a private viewing of the film in London, noting discrepancies with previous claims made by the film's owner, Ray Santilli. He criticizes the handling of the film and the potential for it to discredit the entire Roswell event. Jeffrey emphasizes the importance of focusing on the well-documented aspects of the Roswell case and warns against exploitation for financial gain.

Case Briefs: Explorations & Review

This section features "The Rules of Engagement" by Ted Oliphant, III, as presented by the Northern California Affiliate of MUFON. These rules emphasize that UFO experiences are personal, that no one speaks for the phenomenon, and that researchers must take responsibility for their statements and beliefs. The rules caution against projecting evil thoughts and suggest that evil always takes the first shot.

Press Cuttings of Interest

This section includes several news articles:

• "Reported UFO sighting over West Heidelberg": Reports of strange orange lights seen by residents in the West Heidelberg area of Australia.
• "UFOs spook small town": A report from Whyalla, South Australia, where over 100 residents witnessed a four-hour 'light show' of UFOs.
• "Lights baffle police": Police in Whyalla, South Australia, were unable to explain sightings of bright, orange lights.
• "UFO papers disappear": A report from Albuquerque, New Mexico, stating that key military documents related to the Roswell Incident were apparently destroyed decades ago.
• "Argentinian plane buzzed by a spaceship, says pilot": An account of an Aerolinas Argentinas jet pilot narrowly avoiding a UFO described as a spaceship near San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into the Roswell Incident, the scientific exploration of concepts like higher dimensions and the holographic universe, and the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from around the world, particularly in Australia. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, with a strong emphasis on discerning credible evidence from hoaxes and sensationalism, particularly concerning the Roswell autopsy film. There is also a clear focus on ethical conduct for UFO researchers, as outlined in "The Rules of Engagement."

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated April 1995, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including historical airship reports, contemporary sightings, and the history of UFO research organizations. The cover prominently features "THE 1897 AIRSHIPS PART III" and "UFO POTPOURRI."

Historical Airship Reports

The issue delves into historical accounts of airships, drawing from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. One article, "GOLDEN HAIRED GIRL IS IN IT," recounts the experience of W.H. Hopkins, a traveling agent for the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. Hopkins claims to have seen an airship near Springfield, Missouri, on a Friday. He describes the vessel as resting on four legs with two horizontal wheels and a propeller. He also details an encounter with a beautiful woman with golden hair and a noble-looking man, who he believed were the aerial navigators. Hopkins' account was corroborated by his wife and the manager of the Hartford company, C.C. Gardner, who vouched for Hopkins' reliability.

Another section presents "THE AIRSHIP PROBLEM" from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, arguing that reported airships are likely hoaxes caused by atmospheric phenomena like Venus or toy balloons. The author, Ed M'Lean, questions the feasibility of airship travel due to power requirements, freezing temperatures at high altitudes, and the lack of evidence for where these craft would 'hang up.'

Thomas A. Edison is quoted expressing skepticism about recent airship stories, calling them fakes, though he believes a mechanical airship will eventually be made, but not in the form of a balloon.

Reports from Belleville, Illinois, describe a sighting of an airship on a Monday night, seen by several credible witnesses, including Postmaster Irwin Wangelin. The object was described as a bright red light traveling at great speed, alternately rising and falling.

Contemporary UFO Sightings

The bulletin includes several contemporary UFO sighting reports. One detailed account, "SIGHTING ONE" and "SIGHTING TWO," comes from Shortland, Australia, in 1973. The author and his then-fiancée witnessed a large, dark, elliptical object traveling silently across the sky, followed by a similar pulsating object. They describe it as a 'lump of nothing flying along' and were mystified by the experience.

Another report, "MORE UFO's OVER AREA 51," by Dudley Robb, details his travels in the southwestern USA in 1994. He visited Roswell and met Walter Haut at the UFO Museum. Robb then describes witnessing two brightly lit orange elliptical objects near Rachel, Nevada, on August 28, 1994. These objects moved silently against the prevailing wind and appeared to be near the restricted Area 51.

A report from Air Traffic Control in Brisbane, Australia, details a sighting by pilots of two flights over NSW on April 3, 1995. They reported a bright falling light near Armidale that broke into pieces, with a trajectory that seemed to curve slightly. The report analyzes the possibilities of it being an aircraft, space junk, or a meteorite, ultimately concluding that a UFO is the most probable hypothesis.

"TASMANIAN SIGHTINGS 1994" includes a report from Mrs. S. near Scottsdale, Tasmania, who witnessed a circular to oval shaped light hovering and moving slowly, emitting a light beam. She describes it as a 'true unidentified flying object' due to its silence and unusual movements. Other reports from Tasmania mention "Nocturnal Lights" seen in various locations.

A sighting from Barmah Forest, Victoria/NSW border, Australia, on May 2, 1993, describes an object that appeared as a point of light, grew into a rectangle of white light, changed shape, and then returned as a white sphere with a bluish haze.

UFO Research and Organizations

The bulletin also provides information on UFO research organizations and activities. The "SOCIETY NEWS" section highlights books available for purchase, including "ABDUCTION: Human Encounters with Aliens" by Dr. John Mack and "THE TRUTH ABOUT THE U.F.O. CRASH AT ROSWELL" by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt. It also criticizes Channel 7's "Today Tonight" and "The Extraordinary" programs for their handling of UFO topics, urging them to consult knowledgeable sources.

The "SOCIETY HISTORY" section details the evolution of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, tracing its origins from the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s to its current form. It mentions key figures like Edgar Jarrold, Andrew Tomas, Fred Stone, Dr. Clifford, Dr. Lindtner, Mr. Peter E. Norris, Mrs. Judith Magee, Paul Norman, and Clive Yates. The society's dispassionate approach to UFOs and its role in maintaining the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere are noted.

Subscription rates and discussion night schedules for the International Committee for U.F.O. Research and the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery of unidentified aerial phenomena, the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications or hoaxes, and the ongoing efforts of dedicated researchers and organizations to document and understand these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, emphasizing the need for evidence and critical analysis while acknowledging the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding. There is a clear critique of media sensationalism and a call for more serious and informed coverage of UFO topics.