Australian UFO Bulletin - 1996 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: September 1996
Publisher: V.U.F.O.R.S. (Victorian UFO Research Society)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated September 1996, is presented by the Victorian UFO Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.), an organization dedicated to the study of unusual phenomena. The bulletin serves as a platform for members and researchers to share information, reports, and analyses related to UFO sightings and related topics.

Editorial

SCOUTS REAP THE BLAME

The editorial section, written by an unnamed author, addresses the media's tendency to misrepresent UFO phenomena, often attributing sightings to mundane explanations or juvenile pranks. The author criticizes the media for sensationalizing reports, citing examples of 'plastic shopping bags tied together' or 'garbage bag balloons with a small electric torch' being presented as the cause of 'mystery lights'. The article highlights how easily the media can be misled by simple explanations, even blaming scouting activities for 'mystery lights in the sky'. The author expresses frustration with the media's misrepresentation of information provided by the society, likening UFO research to 'panning for gold' where most reports are 'damn lights' (D.L.s) or mistaken identities, with only a small percentage being of genuine interest.

The editorial emphasizes that V.U.F.O.R.S. only qualifies a report after investigation and is interested in objects performing maneuvers beyond conventional capabilities. It suggests that while not everything flying is a 'spaceship', there are indeed objects of significant interest.

ON THE UFO TRAIL

Written by Paul Norman, this section discusses the challenges faced by UFO researchers due to pranksters and misreporting. Norman recounts how the UFO Trail has been 'a trail of deception' with pranksters overloading telephone lines. He notes that while most callers are not the pranksters themselves, some may be seeking to enhance the effect of their agenda. The article details Norman's own investigations in Victoria, where he encountered reports that turned out to be stars, satellites, or atmospheric phenomena. He also mentions instances of misquotation and out-of-context reporting by newspapers. Norman describes encountering individuals who attempt to disrupt the society's activities with false statements. He reiterates that the society does not ridicule reports but seeks honest opinions and corroboration. The article highlights the time-consuming nature of investigating sightings and the difficulty in finding accurate reporting in some newspapers and books, which are often based on speculative or contradictory press items.

V.U.F.O.R.S. Office Bearers and Welcome

The issue lists the office bearers of the V.U.F.O.R.S., including Judith Magee (President), Paul Norman (Vice-President), Ted Skewes (Secretary), Clive Yates (Treasurer), Gary Wing (Membership Secretary), Tony Cook (Minutes Secretary), and Paul Norman (Sighting Investigations Officer). It also lists editorial staff and officers. The 'Welcome' section states that the society welcomes reports of unusual phenomena, evaluates them, and keeps them confidential if requested. It mentions that the society exchanges information with similar organizations and disseminates information through its quarterly publication, the 'Australian UFO Bulletin'.

Contents

The table of contents outlines the articles featured in this issue:

• Editorial
• On The UFO Trail
• The Steve Michalak Story
• RAIP Bulletin
• Cases from UFO AFRINEWS
• Press Cuttings of Interest
• The Early Years
• UFO Pot Pourri
• How Far is.... FAR OUT?
• Richard Hall's Reality Check
• UFO Filmed while flying past space shuttle
• Sighting Reports
• Samaria UFO Report
• Wonnangatta Sighting
• Local Reports
• Tasmanian Report
• Society News

Classic UFO Cases

The Steve Michalak Story: Documented Account of Man Burned by a UFO

By Brent Raynes, this article details the encounter of Steve Michalak near Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada, on May 20, 1967. Michalak, an industrial mechanic, observed two glowing red elliptical objects. One landed, and he approached it, peering into an open door. He saw flashing lights and, thinking he heard voices, called out. He touched the object's exterior with a gloved hand, causing the glove's rubber fingertips to melt. The door then closed, and the object took off rapidly, causing a blast of heat that burned Michalak's clothing and the ground. Following the incident, Michalak suffered severe illness, including nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. His burns had a peculiar 'checkerboard' arrangement. Despite his experience, Michalak remained skeptical, believing the object might have been a secret experimental vehicle.

UFO CASE FILE - 1967: Michalak Close Encounter

This section provides a summary of the Steve Michalak case, reiterating the details of the sighting, the encounter with the landed object, the burns sustained, and the subsequent illness. It lists probable causes as UFO Encounter, Plasma, or Possible Hoax, with an unknown final outcome.

E.T. HIGHWAY

This short piece notes the renaming of Nevada State Route 371 to the "EXTRATERRESTRIAL HIGHWAY" in the USA, near Area 51. It mentions that locals report strange lights and sonic booms, suggesting a connection to a secret military base.

RIAP BULLETIN

This section introduces the RIAP Bulletin, a serious anomalous periodical published in English by the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP) in Ukraine. It details the institute's aims, past and upcoming publications, and subscription rates. It also mentions a reprinted article titled "A SECOND UFO LANDING ON THE RIVER MZHA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT" by P.K.Kozub, P.I.Kutniuk, V.S.Mantulin, and V.V.Rubtsov.

A SECOND UFO LANDING ON THE RIVER MZHA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

This article, reprinted from RIAP Bulletin, details two UFO landing events on the frozen River Mzha near the town of Merefa, Ukraine. The first event occurred on January 7, 1990, when Mr. A.E.Vorontsov observed a large, top-shaped UFO land on the ice, leaving a distinct ring trace. Samples of the ice were analyzed and showed a slightly increased concentration of platinum. The second event occurred around December 4-5, 1995, when Mr. P.Mandych observed a similar object flying towards the landing site. A circle of ice, approximately 26 meters in diameter, was found, with concentric rings. The article discusses the similarities and differences between the two traces and presents two main interpretations: that the events were fabricated or exaggerated, or that they were caused by genuine unidentified flying objects. It suggests further investigation, including chemical analysis of samples and monitoring the site for future events.

UFO AFRINEWS

THE MARIE VAN STADEN REPORTS

This section presents UFO cases reported by Marie van Staden from South Africa. The cases are presented to encourage further research and verification.

#### A Child Recalls.

Reported by Elmo C., this case from 1945/6/7 in Ladybrand, South Africa, describes an eight or nine-year-old witness seeing a strange, dull silver, helicopter-like object hovering silently about 30 meters away. The object had no tail or rotor blades, and the witnesses saw someone inside.

#### UFO on Safari

Reported from JSE in East Africa (Kenya), April 1956, this incident describes a very strange object with huge red and orange lights and a dull silver front flying low over a safari camp at night.

#### Visited by Air Force Officers.

Reported by Julie R. from Pretoria, South Africa, 1957. The witness saw a fast-moving object that Air Force officers identified as a weather balloon, but she suspected otherwise and was warned not to talk about it.

#### Pulsating Blue Lights

Reported by Julie R. from Margate, South Africa, April 1965. The witness heard a tremendous noise and saw four pairs of pulsating blue lights within which a silver substance glittered. The lights went out one by one.

#### Soundless Craft

Reported by Jos R. from Barkly East, South Africa, 1968. The witness saw a sphere-like craft emitting light that moved soundlessly towards him. It hovered very low for about 15 minutes before gliding over him. The craft's light apparently burned him, causing skin problems.

WORLD NEWS

Press Cuttings Of Interest

#### Evil aliens on the lawn? Be nice – and don't call the army

This article, by Peter Wilson, discusses the lack of official plans for dealing with an alien invasion, contrasting it with the movie 'Independence Day'. It highlights that despite the public's concern, defense and emergency services have no contingency plans for such an event. The article quotes a newspaper stating "Operation Kick-Some-Alien-Butt just doesn't exist." It mentions that the US Air Force closed its UFO response program, Project Blue Book, in 1969, and current policy advises reporting sightings to local police. The article also discusses the futility of armed defense against a technologically superior alien civilization.

#### 'IFOS'

This short piece discusses evidence of prank activity, mentioning a 'platform type silver object' found in a Healesville paddock, fitted to a balloon and with a battery torch hanging from it. It warns that such activities are dangerous and could lead to disaster. It suggests that the colors and movements described by witnesses could be caused by small balloons with open flames or reflective structures.

#### UFO sighting fulfills a wish

This article from Cohuna Farmers Weekly reports on a UFO sighting by Ron and Veronica Howard. They observed a brilliant, non-moving light that they initially mistook for an aircraft. The light changed colors and flickered before disappearing. The couple, who are strong believers in extraterrestrial life, also recalled a similar sighting in the 1950s. A spokesman for the Victorian UFO society noted that most recent reports are from Wangaratta.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO sightings and landings, the challenges posed by misreporting and hoaxes, and the importance of scientific inquiry in ufology. The V.U.F.O.R.S. and RIAP Bulletin adopt a stance of rigorous investigation, seeking to separate genuine phenomena from mundane explanations or deliberate deceptions. There is a clear critique of media sensationalism and a call for more accurate and responsible reporting on UFO-related events. The publication emphasizes the need for evidence-based analysis and encourages contributions from researchers and witnesses to further the understanding of anomalous phenomena.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin presents a diverse collection of UFO reports and related discussions, spanning historical accounts to contemporary sightings, alongside critical analysis and organizational news. The publication, dated January 1996, is from The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, with a print post approval number PP338968/0023.

Key Articles and Reports

Gone Missing?

This section features a report from Elio in Witbank, South Africa, dated March 1994. Elio describes witnessing a UFO with a friend named Otto. They observed a large, silver craft ascending vertically at high speed, leaving a white trail. Otto was reportedly very frightened, and a couple of weeks later, he disappeared, with Elio stating he never saw him again. A note from Marie van Staden indicates she has not checked if someone by that name was reported missing.

Whose Face Wore the Smile?

Reported by Dave H. from Johannesburg, South Africa, this account details an experience around 02:00 on a Sunday morning. The witness was woken by a bright light and observed a tiny, man-like creature on his hotel balcony ledge. Above it was a saucer-type vehicle emitting a bright light and a low humming sound.

XIth CENTURY UFO REPORT FROM CHINA

Authored by John Brent Musgrave, this article recounts a UFO sighting from the year 1086, based on the writings of Chinese scholar Shen Kua in his 'Dream Pool Essays'. The report describes a large, bright 'pearl' seen in the marshes of Tien Ch'ang county and later at Lake Pi Shie and Lake Shin Kai. The object, described as burning bright with flame, was visible for many years and illuminated the surroundings like the sun. It was seen to fly off and float on water, dazzling bright. The text mentions a 'Bright Pearl Ode' by Po and notes that the phenomenon had not appeared in recent years.

The Early Years: UFO Potpourri

This section presents a selection of early UFO reports from 'The Australian Flying Saucer Magazine' published in the early 1950s.

• Geelong, Victoria - January 3, 1953: Staff of a local newspaper and radio station observed a bright yellow object with an illuminated halo that repeatedly disappeared and reappeared, seeming to grow as large as the Moon at one point. Weather Bureau officials dismissed it as not being a weather balloon.
• George Town Bay, Tasmania - February 3, 1953: A former R.A.F. navigator reported seeing a silvery, dish-shaped object flying at high speed at an altitude of 8000 feet. His seven-year-old son described it as 'a dish spinning'.
• Melbourne, Victoria - February 25, 1953: The Victorian Astronomical Society formed a special committee to investigate flying saucer reports.
• Quorn, South Australia - March 6, 1953: Two railwaymen reported a saucer 'whizzing' over the township at high speed.

UFO Potpourri (Richard Hall)

This section includes a CIA report from August 1952 regarding two fiery disks sighted over uranium mines in the Belgian Congo. The disks exhibited unusual flight patterns, including elegant curves, hovering, and zigzag movements, accompanied by a penetrating hiss and buzzing sound. Commander Pierre of the Elisabethville airfield pursued the disks in a fighter plane, estimating their diameter at 12-15 meters and describing the metal as aluminum-like. The disks maneuvered rapidly, changing elevation quickly and descending close to treetops. Pierre estimated their speed at 1,500 kilometers per hour. The report includes a sketch of the presumed construction of the 'flying saucers', detailing a central core and a rotating rim with jets.

Reality Check (Richard Hall)

Richard Hall's column critiques the field of ufology, particularly the tendency for individuals to believe they possess 'The Answer' without rigorous empirical study. He criticizes organizations like CSICOP (Committee on Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) and figures like Carl Sagan for allegedly dismissing evidence and resorting to character assassination rather than objective investigation. Hall highlights Sagan's past behavior regarding UFO reports, including his ridicule of abduction experiences.

How Far Is... Far Out?

This piece explores the concept of consciousness in relation to the abduction phenomenon. It discusses the difficulty in defining consciousness and contrasts mechanistic, reductionist scientific views (linking consciousness to brain processes) with alternative schools of thought, such as dualism, which propose a mind-stuff separate from the physical body. The author notes that scientific investigation into phenomena like telepathy is often relegated to the 'paranormal' category.

Samaria UFO Report

This report details sightings investigated by James W.R. Owen and Mary-Lou Owen.

• Initial Contact: A report from Mr. L C. in the Swanpool area, Victoria, on June 1, 1996, involved a humming sound and unusual animal behavior. The sighting was later discussed with L and his wife C.
• Lima East Sighting (May 25, 1996): L C reported waking to a humming sound and agitated animals. He observed a bright, circular object with multiple colors (red, blue, orange, yellow, white, aqua green) and a bluish-white under-egg shape. The object moved along contours of hills and changed altitude rapidly, estimated to be about 30 meters across.
• Investigations: The investigators found no machinery to explain the humming sound, though a nearby transformer hummed regularly. L believed the humming he heard was different. Checks with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources indicated that magpies and kookaburras rarely behave as described unless disturbed.
• Samaria UFO Report (June 24, 1996): L reported another sighting, again noting unusual bird and animal behavior and a 'whirring hum' distinct from the transformer. Saturn was the only planet visible, and the star Achernar was much dimmer and higher than the object.
• Conclusions: The investigators found L to be a competent and honest witness. The similarities to previous Myrrhee sightings were noted, particularly the object's colors and behavior. The report concludes that the object was not a natural phenomenon and required intelligent control, supported by the unusual animal behavior.

Wonnangatta Sighting

Reported by Dan Haylock, this sighting occurred on the evening of June 8th at Wonnangatta station. A group of fifty adults and twenty to thirty children observed an orange light that moved eastward and stopped. Shortly after, two more lights appeared. The three lights then moved together eastward and disappeared. Mr. R. was adamant they were not balloons, describing them as steady and making straight, slow progress. The duration of the sighting was about fifteen minutes.

Local Sightings

This section provides brief reports from various locations in Australia:

• Greensborough, Vic. (May 7): Two round objects, appearing triangular in flight, emitted a high-pitched humming sound. One shot upwards and disappeared, while the other moved slowly.
• South of Cohuna (May 17-18): A bright light, joined by a second, dimmed to an orange rim. Witnesses observed lights through trees, with distances pinpointed to no more than one km. The object was the size of a light aircraft.
• Moyston, Vic. (May 24): A wedge-shaped object, described as DC-3 sized with orange lights, was observed moving at an estimated 60-80 kph.
• Parkville, Vic. (May 29): A bright orange light approached two witnesses, made a ninety-degree turn, and faded.
• Sandringham (May 30): A large orange-red object traveling north to south at high speed was observed.
• Croydon, Vic. (May 31): An orange light traveled five times the speed of an aeroplane.
• North Ringwood (June 11): A bright red oval-shaped object flew from the southwest over the Dandenongs, described as quarter the size of the moon and flying too low for a large aircraft, with no sound.

Tasmanian UFO Report - 1996

This section details three cases of unidentified lights over Hobart suburbs:

• October 27th: The L family reported a bright silvery-white light that moved rapidly south and then shot upwards and disappeared. This was accompanied by animal reactions and an ear-piercing whooshing sound.
• October 29th: Mr. A reported his dogs barking intensely, a yard lit by an orange flickering light, and a streak of orange light shooting across the sky. A motorist also reported seeing an orange light.
• November 9th: Mrs. K observed a large, round red light above a house, which changed position and reappeared before vanishing. The light had lighter patches and varied in intensity.

Society News and Information

The VUFORS Sightings Hotline

Contact information for reporting UFO sightings is provided: (03) 9506 7080.

Items for Sale

VUFORS lapel badges ($5.00), VUFORS pens ($1.00), and back issues of 'The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin' ($4.00) are available.

Elections

Information regarding the upcoming Annual General Meeting and the process for submitting nominations for the committee is included.

Discussion Night Schedule

A schedule of discussion nights for March, June, September, and December 1996 is listed, along with venue details (The Royal Society of Victoria, Melbourne) and entry fees for non-members, associate members, and full members.

Subscription Rates

Subscription rates for VUFORS are provided: Full Membership ($20 for magazine and meeting entry/supper), Associate Member ($15 for magazine only), Overseas ($US20 for magazine only), and Non-Member ($5 for meeting entry only).

Society History

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, tracing its origins from the early 1950s through various name changes and organizational structures. It highlights the society's publications, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and 'The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin', and its role in maintaining a large UFO library. The society's dispassionate, scientific approach to UFO phenomena is emphasized, and membership is open to all genuinely interested individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings across various locations and time periods, with a particular focus on Australian cases. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of corroborating evidence. The publication also engages with critical analysis of the UFO phenomenon, particularly through Richard Hall's 'Reality Check' column, which questions the methodologies of both proponents and debunkers. The role of consciousness in UFO experiences is explored, suggesting that the phenomenon may extend beyond purely physical explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and thoughtful discussion while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The society itself, VUFORS, positions itself as a scientific endeavor seeking to understand UFOs.