Australian UFO Bulletin - 1996 12 - December

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated December 1996, is published by the Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS). The cover features a striking graphic of flying saucers and a space shuttle against a starry background, with the prominent title "THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN". The issue is dedicated to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including significant historical cases, contemporary sightings, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact.

Editorial: New Evidence of Life

The editorial discusses the startling evidence for life on Mars, suggesting that the public is being gradually prepared for this revelation. It posits that the concept of humanity not being alone in the universe is plausible, given the vast number of potentially habitable planets. The editorial also raises questions about the evolutionary state of life on Mars and speculates that the intelligence behind the UFO phenomenon might be assessing Earth's readiness for contact. It encourages increased planetary probes and questions whether information about findings will be publicly disclosed or kept under censorship.

Satellites on Secret Mission

This short article reports on the mysterious disappearance of four US spy satellites since 1990, suggesting they might have been moved to secret orbits for covert duties. Enthusiasts tracking satellites noticed their disappearance after a few weeks in their initial orbits, and their whereabouts remain unknown to the public.

On The UFO Trail

This section features a collection of reports and presentations from the Australian International UFO Symposium 1996, held in Brisbane.

• Stanton Friedman, a renowned lecturer, presented on top-secret research and development related to the MJ-12 story. His lecture was promoted by Martin & Rosenthal Pictures, and he also promoted his CD-ROM 'UFO's the Real Story' and his book 'Top Secret/Majic'.
• Rev. Glennys Mackay is commended for organizing the symposium and lectured on Queensland sightings and first-hand encounters.
• Joe Lewels, PhD, discussed the Holographic Universe and the UFO Phenomenon, drawing parallels between quantum physics and the idea that our perceived reality might be a projection.
• Kelly Cahill spoke about her abduction experience, detailed in her recently published book.
• John Carpenter lectured on Angels, Aliens, and Folklore, referencing ancient literature and historical accounts, including the Christopher Columbus sighting of a "branch of fire" and the mysterious vanishing of a population from Angkor Wat.
• Moira McGhee discussed lesser-known Australian UFO reports, including an incident where a car was lifted into the air.
• Frederick Valentich Disappearance was presented by Paul Norman, detailing the case of the pilot who vanished over Bass Strait.
• Warren Aston presented "The Hard Answers to Earth's Greatest Mystery within a Scientific Paradigm," suggesting UFOs originate from both extra-terrestrial and inter-dimensional sources, possibly involving secret military developments and advanced alien races.
• Bill Chalker spoke about cases from his book "The Oz Files."
• Whitley Strieber discussed current breakthroughs in UFO experiences, implants, and the cultural impact of close encounters, mentioning his books "Breakthrough" and "Secret School."
• John Mack PhD discussed human encounters with aliens and presented a video of children in Africa who claimed to have received messages from aliens.
• George Wingfield described Mysterious Flying Triangles and their sightings in Europe and the U.S.
• David Summers spoke about UFOs and the global cover-up, including political, economic, religious, and social implications.

Paul Norman also recounts his hospitality towards Walt Andrus, International Director of MUFON USA, during his visit to Melbourne.

The Frederick Valentich Disappearance

This detailed article by Paul Norman investigates the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich over Bass Strait on October 21, 1978. Norman, Vice-President and Investigations Officer of VUFORS, highlights the numerous witness reports of strange objects in the area around the time of Valentich's flight, indicating a significant "Bass Strait Flap." The article includes a transcription of the final radio communications between Valentich and Melbourne Flight Service, where Valentich describes an unidentified aircraft with "four bright, it seems to me like landing lights" and later a "long shape" moving at high speed. The transcript ends abruptly after an unexplained sound. Norman dismisses speculative theories, emphasizing that the evidence points to a UFO involvement, possibly causing engine malfunction and communication failures. He also notes similarities to the 1973 Army helicopter encounter with Captain Lawrence Coyne.

Press Release - Urgent: Extraterrestrials Captured by Brazilian Army

This urgent press release details the alleged capture of two extraterrestrial creatures by the Brazilian military in Varginha, Minas Gerais, on January 20, 1996. The report, investigated by Dr. Ubirajara Franco Rodrigues and Vitório Paccaccini, describes the creatures as small, dark brown beings with large heads and red eyes. The press release outlines the military operation to capture the ETs using nets and equipment, their transport to military facilities, and subsequent autopsy by Dr. Badan Palhares. It notes the secrecy surrounding the operation and the efforts to suppress information.

The Early Years

This section presents a selection of early UFO reports from "The Australian Flying Saucer Magazine," published in the early 1950s. It includes:

• Phoenix, Arizona - July 9, 1947: Reports on the "Arizona Republic" publishing the first clearly recorded photographs of a "mysterious flying disc."
• Melbourne, Victoria - May 23, 1953: A sighting of a long, silver rocket-like shape over Surrey Hills, estimated to be 100 feet long, moving at high speed.
• Bendigo, Victoria - September 15, 1953: Three people reported seeing a blue-green saucer shooting silently over the town at terrific speed.

These archives were made available to VUFORS by Mr Murray Bott of New Zealand.

Astronauts Speak Out About UFOs

This article discusses comments made by Apollo 14 astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell on NBC's Dateline program regarding UFOs. Mitchell stated that he believes we have been visited by extraterrestrials and that governments have had face-to-face meetings with them, suggesting a cover-up. The article also touches upon Richard Hoagland's theories about "great glass structures on the Moon," which Dr. Mitchell dismisses as "green cheese and baloney." A note mentions a three-hour discussion between Hoagland and Dr. Mitchell on Art Bell's Coast to Coast Radio Program. The section also references an interview with Linda Moulton Howe, where Dr. Mitchell reiterated his belief in extraterrestrial visits and government cover-ups.

UFO's Are Real!!

This article by Tony Cook details Stanton Friedman's public lecture in Melbourne on October 18th, where he presented evidence for UFOs being a "Cosmic Watergate." Friedman discussed cases like the Roswell crash and the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, including details of the star map recalled by Betty. He also promoted his CD-ROM 'UFO's the Real Story' and his book 'Top Secret/Majic,' which investigates the MJ-12 story. Friedman's quote, "I guess I will now have to say I have never seen Tokyo, but I know it's there. I am hopeful of doing a longer tour in Australia in the near future," reflects his commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon globally.

UFO Puzzle Uncovered

This report from "The Standard" newspaper in Warrnambool covers sightings of mysterious orange lights in the area. The Victorian UFO Research Society is investigating these claims, with a spokesman noting the incredible number of sightings and the need to gather all information before drawing conclusions. Witnesses described bright orange lights moving in various directions, some for extended periods. The article also mentions theories such as weather balloons or a Russian space station, but a retired science teacher suggests the lights were not weather balloons due to their brightness and maneuverability. The UFO Research Society can be contacted for further information.

Police Warning on Safety Risk

A brief section with a photo of a homemade UFO model, accompanied by a warning about safety risks. It also includes a call for members to send in any relevant press cuttings to VUFORS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence and investigation of UFO phenomena, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the role of government in managing or concealing information. The Victorian UFO Research Society (VUFORS) is presented as a dedicated organization actively investigating sightings, compiling evidence, and disseminating information to its members and the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the examination of evidence and challenging official narratives, particularly concerning cases like the Frederick Valentich disappearance and the alleged Brazilian ET capture. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions to support the reality of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated December 1996, focuses on astronaut testimonies and significant UFO sightings. The cover highlights an interaction with nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman and promotes a CD-ROM titled "UFOs ...The Real Story". The issue delves into the experiences of astronauts Edgar Mitchell, Gordon Cooper, and Deke Slayton, alongside a detailed report of a sighting in Samaria, Australia, and a historical overview of UFO research organizations.

Edgar Mitchell's Testimony

The issue begins with an interview with astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who discusses his conversations with individuals claiming contact with extraterrestrial beings and efforts to reverse-engineer alien craft. Mitchell expresses his belief that meetings were aimed at declassifying information and granting amnesty to 'insiders'. He anticipates government pressure to release information and dismisses concerns about talking too directly about extraterrestrial presence, stating, "Go to Hell" if asked to stop.

Astronaut Gordon Cooper's Accounts

Colonel Gordon Cooper, one of the original Mercury astronauts, is featured for his public statements on UFOs. The article references a 1995 FATE magazine article and Cooper's prior involvement in promoting the UFO subject before reportedly being silenced. Cooper appeared on "The Paranormal Borderline" in May 1996, recounting a 1951 incident where he saw hundreds of unidentifiable flying objects. He also describes mistaking a weather balloon for a UFO early in his career. Six years later, while supervising flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Cooper's team filmed a saucer-shaped object landing. He also proposed to the United Nations the establishment of a committee to study UFO phenomena, believing that extraterrestrial vehicles are visiting Earth and are more advanced than human technology.

Deke Slayton's Sighting

The magazine includes an account from astronaut Deke Slayton's book, "Deke! U.S. Manned Space: From Mercury to the Shuttle", detailing a sighting in 1951. While flying a P-51 near Prescott, USA, Slayton observed a white object at his altitude that he initially thought was a kite, then a weather balloon. As he closed in, the object appeared as a disk on edge and began climbing rapidly, disappearing from view. Slayton reported the incident, which was investigated by intelligence personnel. He later learned that a local balloon company had tracked a similar object that day, with ground observers estimating its speed at four thousand miles per hour. Slayton also commented on astronaut sightings, stating that most were not legitimate, though he admitted his own sighting was "unidentified".

Samaria UFO Report - Part II

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on December 13, 1995, near Samaria, Australia. The report, compiled by James W.R. Owen and Mary-Louise Owen of the Victorian UFO Research Society, describes an object observed by the C family. Initially, the object was described by the wife as a white, round object moving slowly, estimated to be the size of a small house. Later, the husband described it as a large sausage shape, dark in colour with light blue discs, travelling from south to north with no sound. Their son, A, described the object as horse shoe-shaped with white to bluish white lights and a rushing air sound, estimating its size as twice the width of a black hawk helicopter. Investigations by police and the Country Fire Authority found no evidence of other aircraft in the area that fit the description, leading to the object being classified as unidentifiable.

Book Review: Alien Identities

Wendy Wolfe reviews Richard L. Thompson's book, "Alien Identities: Ancient Insights into Modern UFO Phenomena". The book is described as a comparative study of UFO literature and Vedic literature of India, exploring UFO phenomena across different cultures and time periods. It discusses the relationship between modern science and Vedic philosophy, and presents comparisons between Vedic accounts and UFO reports, referencing texts like the Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. The review highlights the book's exploration of 'vimanas' (flying vehicles) and the concept of subtle matter. Thompson also introduces the idea of a "cosmic Law of Confusion" regulating information dissemination.

How Far is... Far Out? by Ted Skewes

This philosophical piece by Ted Skewes contemplates the nature of life and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It discusses the scientific definition of life and the theory of evolution, suggesting that while carbon-based life on Earth requires specific conditions, life could exist based on other elements like silicon or boron. Skewes argues that the vastness of the universe makes the probability of no life elsewhere very small and that evolution theory demands long periods for development, implying that intelligent life might be common.

Society News and History

The issue includes information on the VUFORS Sightings Hotline and items for sale, such as lapel badges, pens, and back issues of "The Australian UFO Bulletin". It also provides a historical overview of the Victorian UFO Research Society, tracing its origins from the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s to its current form. The society's dispassionate approach to UFOs and its extensive library are mentioned. The bulletin also lists upcoming discussion nights and subscription rates for membership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are astronaut involvement in UFO research, detailed accounts of specific sightings (both historical and recent), and the potential connection between UFO phenomena and ancient cultures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO subject, presenting evidence and testimonies from credible sources like astronauts and researchers, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and classification of sightings. The publication aims to provide a platform for sharing information and fostering discussion within the UFO research community in Australia.