Australian UFO Bulletin - 1997 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated June 1997, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It features a variety of articles on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'Just Cause', is a guest editorial by Barry Greenwood, editor of 'Just Cause' and the Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS). Greenwood reflects on the 50th anniversary of the modern UFO era, noting that many mysteries remain despite the passage of time. He criticizes the sensationalism surrounding UFOs in popular media and emphasizes the importance of serious research, urging for a more rigorous approach to UFO investigation in the future. He also laments the potential for pioneers in the field to be overshadowed by less credible figures.

On The UFO Trail

This section, written by Paul Norman, discusses the book 'On Pilots and UFOs' by Dr. Willy Smith of the Unicat Project. The book analyzes cases of pilots interacting with unidentified flying objects, primarily drawing from the Blue Book project microfilm. It highlights how the US Air Force handled these cases, often dismissing them. The article also mentions the Spanish Air Force's similar attempts to dismiss UFO phenomena. A specific case discussed is that of Captain Killian, an American Airlines pilot who reported three lights over Pennsylvania in 1959. The article notes that the initial explanation of a fueling operation was debunked by Smith's research.

UFO Potpourri

This section, compiled by John F. Schuessler, presents a collection of UFO reports involving vehicle interference and human physiological effects. Several cases are detailed:

• Turquenstein, France (October 20, 1954): A witness driving in a wooded area saw a luminous shape on the road, experienced paralysis, and a sensation of heat. The UFO rose and left, after which the witness could move and restart their car.
• Tucson, Arizona (March 30, 1955): Andy Florio sighted a large 'disc machine' that caused his car radio to fail, lights to dim, and the car to slow down. The UFO shot a beam of white light, burning his elbow and damaging the car's paint. The car's battery was found to be defective.
• Levelland, Texas (November 2, 1957): Two men saw a torpedo-shaped object, about 200 feet long, emitting blue-yellow flame and white smoke. Their truck's lights and motor failed as the object passed overhead.
• Orogrande, New Mexico (November 4, 1957): Ten cars stalled as an egg-shaped object approached, passed low overhead, and returned. Witnesses reported heat and pressure, and one person's skin was reddened.
• Loch Raven Dam, Maryland (October 26, 1958): Two young men observed an egg-shaped object hovering above a bridge. Their car went dead, and they felt heat and heard a loud noise as the object shot upwards. Their skin was reddened.
• Tangier, Oklahoma (April 1, 1966): A witness saw a green UFO emitting a shrieking noise. Increased heat was felt, and the witness's car engine quit.
• Texas Creek, Colorado (August 27, 1967): Three cars experienced complete failure of headlights and engines as an oval object was seen on the ground. One driver became unconscious after being struck by a flash of light.
• Sousas, Brazil (June 7, 1973): Three people in a car saw a 'fireball' that stopped nearby, causing the car's engine to fail and the witnesses to feel 'prickly' and experience headaches.

The section also includes information on UFO survey results from a Gallup Poll, indicating rising public interest in UFOs, and reports on RAF radar tracking of UFOs in the UK, with the Ministry of Defence stating they remain open-minded about extraterrestrial life.

Hum Is Still Being Heard

This article reports on people in Vermont, USA, hearing a mysterious humming sound, which has changed in pitch and become steadier. While some believe it is of military origin, a New Mexico study concluded that U.S. Navy 'ELF' stations were not the source.

Pentagon Spokesman

A brief mention that Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon stated, "The U.S. Government substantiate that they exist."

Western Highway Sighting Report

This report, by Paul Norman, details a sighting on February 18, 1992, near Ballarat, Australia. A retired Government Archives Researcher observed a triangular object, five times larger than a stealth bomber, with black camouflage and lights mimicking stars. The object flew directly overhead, with an estimated wing spread of 500 ft.

Other sightings mentioned include an object near East Wallan on June 15, 1997, which caused a mobile phone to cut out, and an egg-shaped light pinkish object observed in Tullamarine on April 3, 1997.

Book Review: UFO Visitation

Alan Watts' book 'UFO Visitation' is reviewed by Jim Owen. Owen finds the book stimulating and delves into aspects of science, physics, and propulsion systems. Watts believes that UFO visits are fact and have influenced human awareness over the past fifty years. He also discusses the Council of Nine and the perceived unwillingness of governments to confirm knowledge of UFOs. The reviewer finds the book enlightening and positive about the planet's future.

UFO AFRINEWS

This section features a poem titled 'SO, WHAT GIVES?' questioning the nature and habits of aliens. It also reports on a sighting at Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, on September 14, 1994, where Garry and Jenny saw a huge, silent object with flashing lights that came low over their houseboat. Three people took pictures, but none of the photos turned out.

UFO Vision: Flashing Lights, Harare, Zimbabwe

This case (N°116) describes a sighting by Justin Marabini and Nick Lynch in March 1996. They saw a bright orange light about 15-20 kms away, which appeared to be about 250 metres off the ground. The light dipped, reappeared, and moved upwards. Later, they observed two small, stationary, flashing lights about 500 metres apart.

Triangular UFO Surprises Fishermen, Sedgefield, South Africa

This case (N°115) reports a sighting on August 7, 1995, by Dirk Jooste and Fanie Kleyn. They saw a triangular object, larger than a passenger aeroplane, with bright lights underneath and smaller orange-red lights. The object hovered for two minutes, then made a turn and disappeared.

Flashing Lights, Fort Rixon, Zimbabwe

This case (N°118) details a sighting on January 3, 1995, by Mrs Connie Cloete and three other witnesses. They observed seven smaller objects moving away from a large object, all flashing on and off. The large object had a flashing blue light and a revolving red light.

UFO In The Fields Of Afram Plains, Ghana, West Africa

This report (N°117), originally from CUFOS in October 1991, describes a strange object resembling an aircraft seen by a student and his sister in early 1990. The object appeared like a jet fighter, came close to the ground, was silver-coloured and slender, and then took off at high speed.

The Early Years

This section presents historical UFO reports from 'The Australian Flying Saucer Magazine' from the early 1950s:

• Carrabin, Western Australia (March 8, 1951): A publican and four customers saw a glittering object, about the size of a 1000-gallon tank, spinning and hovering before shooting upwards.
• San Francisco, California (January 31, 1953): A 'fiery object' believed to be a flying saucer was chased by a Marine jet fighter. Four other saucers were seen later by other pilots.
• Tokyo, Japan (March 11, 1953): Reports of sightings by radar observers and pilots caused 'concern and mystification' among US Air Force officers. Objects included strange lights, flying discs, and rotating clusters of lights.
• Washington, D.C. (April 25, 1953): An official US Air Force publication reported over 1000 flying saucer reports in 1952, with 20% classified as 'unknown'.

Debunkers Fail Twice To Discredit U.F.O. Case

By George Simpson, this article critically examines attempts to explain the Betty and Barney Hill UFO encounter as a result of seeing an episode of 'The Outer Limits'. The author argues that this explanation is flawed because the alleged influencing episode, 'The Bellero Shield', was filmed after the Hills' encounter and had not yet been screened. The article also critiques a similar explanation presented in the ABC series 'Future Fantastic'.

News From Africa: A Flying House, Chipinge, Zimbabwe

Moses Munyanduki reported seeing unidentified lights moving across the skies, which he initially thought might be satellites or meteors. He also recounts a story about a 'Dying house' in the Chipinge area, which people believed had windows and was inhabited, though he could not verify it.

Chronicle & Echo, Northampton, England: UFOs and blackout spark investigation

This article from July 13, 1996, details investigations in Hackleton following reports of UFO sightings, a crop circle, and a power cut. An 11-year-old boy reported seeing a UFO land and a crop circle. A power cut lasting over three hours occurred on the same night as another alleged UFO sighting. A spokesman for West Midlands UFO Investigations noted that power cuts are common when UFOs are present.

Wisbech Standard, Cambs., England: Mystery lights in night sky

This article from October 11, 1996, reports on sightings of "strange" bright lights off the South Lincolnshire coast. Police, the RAF, and shipping personnel tracked two large, unexplained objects with flashing lights. The Ministry of Defence stated they were taking the sightings seriously. Theories included Venus rising, but a scientist from a radio astronomy observatory dismissed this.

Hinckley Herald & Journal: UFO sighted

This article from September 4, 1996, reports on a sighting by Trevor Radford in Earl Shilton of an unidentified flying object over Hinckley. The object was described as square or oblong, with substantial depth, moving in a straight line at a slow speed. The report follows several other sightings in the Leicester area.

UFO Newsclipping Service: Cover-up on UFOs - expert

This article from Southport, England, dated September 27, 1996, features an interview with Tim Matthews, chairman of the Lancashire UFO Society. Matthews claims that leaked documents prove a government cover-up of UFOs. He discusses sightings in the Southport area, including a large black triangle UFO and an egg-shaped green UFO. He also mentions a wave of 'Silent Vulcan' sightings in Belgium. The article includes a skeptical view from Mr. Gordon Leek.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of UFO mysteries, the challenges of serious UFO research in the face of sensationalism and debunking attempts, and the reporting of numerous sightings from various locations worldwide. There is a clear stance in favor of investigating UFO phenomena seriously, as evidenced by the editorial's call for more rigorous research and the critical analysis of debunking efforts. The publication aims to provide a platform for reporting and discussing UFO evidence, historical cases, and potential government secrecy.

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN
Issue: 175
Date: March 1997
Publisher: UFORQ INC.
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated March 1997, focuses on "UFO EVIDENCE FROM SIX COUNTRIES" compiled by Erich A. Aggen, Jr. It presents a collection of UFO sightings and related phenomena from various locations and time periods, emphasizing physical trace cases and investigative reports.

South African Sightings

The issue begins with a report from N. Cape, South Africa, detailing a sighting by Paul Maritz in April/May 1976. He observed three dull brown, cigar-shaped, wingless objects moving silently at approximately 100 meters above the ground. His initial impression was that they were secret military planes. The report includes comments from the publication suggesting that while they believe in 'alien' visitation, alternative explanations should be checked at the time.

Another South African case is from Pretoria, dated August 28th, 1996, where video footage captured a disc-shaped object with flashing lights that outran a police helicopter. The object was described as pulsating and moving in an undulating fashion.

United Kingdom Cases

Several cases are reported from the UK. One from the North Sea, dated February 14th, 1996, describes a crew on a fishing boat witnessing a strange configuration of lights hovering 75 feet above their vessel. The object was described as a black, triangular shape with approximately 15 red lights. Radar detection was confirmed, and the craft was silent. The report notes that two fighter jets were later observed heading in the same direction. An investigation by the Coast Guard suggested a Nimrod exercising in the area, but the fishermen felt the object did not resemble known aircraft. The report also references a Sunday Times article about a flying manta ray prototype, speculating about secret full-size versions.

A case from North London, dated Spring 1972, describes JW and his fiancée observing a large, lit-up object from which smaller objects emerged and then rejoined before the main object ascended rapidly. They were surprised by the lack of newspaper coverage.

From the Bristol Area, dated July 5/6th, 1996, Chris Davies received reports of circles of lights and pulsating lights, described as rotating and frequently moving behind clouds. One witness saw about twenty lights in a circle. Research suggested a possible link to a laser light display from an open-air concert by the Welsh National Orchestra.

Another UK report from the A5, between Holyhead and Anglesey, dated July 5th, 1996, details eighteen sighting reports of objects with three concentric grey rings, moving jerkily and pulsating. Two claims of missing time incidents were also reported.

United States Cases

A significant case from Ellsworth A.F.B., Rapid City, South Dakota, dated Summer 1957, is recounted through a letter from Wallace Fowler. He witnessed a silent, silver, saucer-shaped object with a dome and portholes hover motionless before ascending rapidly. He recalls a pursuing aircraft that later went missing, with its wreckage never found. Fowler, now suffering from cancer, wishes to uncover details about any family who lost a loved one in 1957 related to this incident.

Another US case from Maumee, Ohio, dated July 13th, 1967, involves Robert Richardson and Jerry Quay reporting a collision with a large, bright blue-white UFO. They recovered two metal fragments from the landing site, which were later analyzed.

International Cases

From Brazil, dated December 12th, 1954, a woman in Campinas observed three disk-shaped UFOs emitting a strong light. One UFO wobbled and lost altitude, emitting a liquid substance described as 'silver rain.' Analysis of the substance revealed it was a combination of chemically pure tin and oxygen.

Japan reported a case from Chiba Prefecture on September 7th, 1956, where mysterious 'metal foil' fell from the sky after a UFO sighting. Analysis showed the foil was composed of aluminum, lead, silicon, iron, and copper.

Sweden contributed a case from 1956 involving two carpenters, Stig Ekberg and Harry Sjoberg, who saw a large, glowing UFO land on the road. After the UFO took off, they found a warm, dense object. Analysis indicated it was primarily tungsten carbide, known for its hardness.

UFO Artifact Analysis

The issue details the analysis of recovered UFO fragments. A piece of metal from Sweden was found to be extremely dense, primarily composed of tungsten carbide with cobalt, exhibiting a fine crystal structure. Fragments from Ohio were identified as primarily iron and a low-grade magnesium alloy.

Editorial Commentary and History

The editor, in response to Patrick Moore's dismissive comments about UFO believers, argues for the need for credible investigation and research to validate the reality of extraordinary objects witnessed by ordinary people. The term 'flying saucer' is deemed unfortunate and synonymous with UFO, suggesting a need for a radical change in public perception.

The magazine also includes a section on the history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, tracing its origins from the early 1950s through various name changes and publications, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and 'The Australian UFO Bulletin'. The society emphasizes a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFO phenomena and maintains the largest UFO library in the southern hemisphere.

Society News and Events

Information is provided on the VUFORS Sightings Hotline, items for sale such as a Stanton Friedman CD-ROM and VUFORS merchandise, and back issues of 'The Australian UFO Bulletin'. A meeting held in Gippsland on April 20th is detailed, with approximately 28 attendees and presentations on Australian UFO events and local sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diversity of UFO sightings across different countries and time periods, the importance of physical evidence and scientific analysis in UFO investigations, and the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations to document and understand these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of advocating for serious, credible investigation into UFOs, challenging skepticism, and promoting a scientific approach to the subject. There is a clear belief in the existence of extraordinary phenomena that warrant further study, moving beyond simplistic explanations or dismissive attitudes.