Australian UFO Bulletin - 1997 12 - December

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, Volume 18, Number 2, dated December 1997, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. The cover features a dark green illustration of space with three UFOs, including a space shuttle, and the magazine's title. The issue includes a wide range of articles, reports, and reviews related to UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, and related topics.

Office Bearers and Welcome

The issue begins by listing the office bearers of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS), including Judith Magee as President, Clive Yates as Vice-President & Treasurer, and Tony Cook as Secretary. It also lists regional representatives across Australia. A 'Welcome' section states that the society welcomes reports of unusual phenomena, evaluates them on their own merits, and exchanges information with similar organizations. The "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin" is published quarterly and posted to all members.

Editorial and Special Announcement

The editorial section announces a special lecture in Melbourne by Dr. Richard F. Haines, a NASA research scientist with extensive experience investigating UFO phenomena and aviation accidents. The lecture, titled "Pilot Sightings of UFO Phenomena," is scheduled for March 17, 1998, at the Royal Victorian Aero Club. Dr. Haines has investigated over 3,000 reports and authored books on UFO topics, including "Melbourne Episode - Case Study of a Missing Pilot," detailing the Frederick Valentich disappearance.

Articles and Features

On The UFO Trail

This article explores the connection between the Egyptian Pyramids and the 'face' on Mars, referencing theories about undiscovered chambers and subterranean passageways. It also touches upon the historical exploration of the Pyramids and the potential for a vast underground kingdom. The author suggests that the 'face' on Mars is gaining attention and that governments are reluctant to release full details, possibly to hide something more intelligent.

The UFO Enigma

This section, from a publication by the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis, discusses the relationship between UFOlogy and SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). It notes that the movie "Contact" has increased public interest in extraterrestrial life. The article highlights the differing approaches of SETI, which focuses on detecting signals from space, and UFOlogy, which considers the possibility of ET visitation. It also touches upon the potential impact of discovering superior alien creatures on human society and science.

Can You Believe It?

This report details an unusual sighting on January 20, 1997, near Nundle, NSW, Australia. Witnesses observed numerous rectangular objects, described as "flying shed roofs," moving in a peculiar manner out of a cloud. The objects were estimated to be 30 by 20 feet and lacked discernible heads or flapping wings. The author, a pilot with 50 years of experience, states he cannot explain these objects and categorizes them as UFOs.

The Early Years

This section presents a selection of reports from the early 1950s, originally published in "The Australian Flying Saucer Magazine." It includes accounts from Kent, England (1953), Melbourne, Victoria (1954), Sydney, New South Wales (1954), and Woodward, Oklahoma (1954), describing various sightings of unidentified aerial objects, lights, and circular craft.

When Cosmic Cultures Meet

This feature reviews the proceedings of an international conference held in Washington in May 1995, sponsored by The Human Potential Foundation. The book compiles papers discussing the implications of a potential announcement about the reality of cosmic cultures meeting. It covers various perspectives, including legal frameworks for interaction, the effect on human consciousness, the origins of ET phenomena, the role of religion, and the potential dangers of physical ETs. Contributors include George Robinson, Richard Boylan, James Moore, William Baldwin, Michael Hesemann, James Hurtak, James Deardorff, Dave Hunt, Puma Singona, Dennis Rohatyn, Paula Underwood, Zacharia Sitchin, Donald Ware, John Gray, Elizabet Sahtouris, James Funaro, Jerome Glenn, John Mack, Michael Michaud, and Leo Sprinkle.

Book Review - The Day After Roswell

This review discusses Philip J. Corso's book, "The Day After Roswell," which details his experiences as a military officer involved with the retrieval and study of alien artifacts from the Roswell crash in 1947. The review highlights Corso's claims about reverse-engineering alien technology, including flexible membranes for night vision and fiber optics. It also mentions the controversial connection drawn between extraterrestrials and cattle mutilation cases. The reviewer notes that while some critics question the book's narrative style, it offers a compelling account that fills gaps in the Roswell incident.

Hilarious Comic Stop Press: NASA Taken to Court by Arab Owners of Mars!

This humorous article reports on three Yemeni men who claim to own Mars, asserting that their ancestors lived there 3,000 years ago. They intend to sue NASA and prevent further exploration until their permission is sought. The article also notes a linguistic coincidence between the Arabic name for Mars ('Al-Quahir') and the city of Cairo.

Press Cuttings of Interest

This section includes several press clippings related to UFOs and the Roswell incident:

• "50 years after, Roswell still a cover-up" (Patriot-News, Harrisburg, PA): Discusses the conflicting official explanations for the Roswell incident, from a "flying disk" to a weather balloon, and later Project Mogul balloons and dummies.
• "Explanation of UFOs won't fly" (ION, Atlanta, GA): Critiques the Air Force's attempt to explain away the Roswell incident, calling it a weak attempt to debunk a legend.
• "This object was not an airplane" (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette): A personal account from a former Naval officer and pilot who sighted an unidentified object in 1980.
• "A great light in 1917" (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette): A personal account of seeing a large, unusual light in the sky in 1917, before airplanes were common.
• "More stonewalling on Cosmic Watergate" (Journal, Alexandria, VA): A letter to the editor expressing frustration with the Army's lack of response to a freedom of information request regarding UFO-related material, particularly concerning Lt. Col. Philip J. Corso's claims.
• "Why would alien spacecraft want to visit?" (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette): A letter to the editor discussing the possibility of alien visitation, the potential for government cover-ups, and the importance of not dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
• "UFO Newsclipping Service" (Advertisement): An advertisement for a service that provides UFO newsclippings from the US, Canada, and international sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing mystery and debate surrounding the Roswell incident, the potential for extraterrestrial contact and visitation, the role of government in disclosing information, and the exploration of UFO phenomena through scientific inquiry (SETI) and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the reporting of sightings and the critical examination of evidence, while also acknowledging the skepticism and resistance from some scientific and governmental bodies. The society actively promotes research and information sharing within the UFO community.

FAQ

• Q: Who is Dr. Richard F. Haines and what is he known for? A: Dr. Richard F. Haines is a research scientist for NASA since 1967, who has investigated over 3,000 UFO reports and numerous aviation accidents. He has written three books on UFO topics and over 50 scientific and technical articles.
• Q: What is the main focus of the article 'On The UFO Trail'? A: The article 'On The UFO Trail' discusses the coincidence between the Egyptian Pyramids and the 'face' on Mars, and explores theories about undiscovered chambers and subterranean passageways connected to the Sphinx.
• Q: What is the relationship between SETI and UFOlogy discussed in the bulletin? A: The article 'SETI and UFOlogy Synergy' suggests that both fields seek to understand and contact extraterrestrial intelligence, and that SETI's acceptance in mainstream science could contribute to the plausibility of UFOlogy.
• Q: What is the significance of the book 'The Day After Roswell' as reviewed in the bulletin? A: The book 'The Day After Roswell' by Philip J. Corso (Ret.) offers personal recollections of seeing an extraterrestrial body in storage at Fort Riley in 1947 and discusses the reverse engineering of mysterious artifacts from the Roswell crash site.
• Q: What is the 'Cosmic Watergate' mentioned in the bulletin? A: The 'Cosmic Watergate' refers to a potential cover-up by the U.S. Army regarding evidence of alien technology from the 'flying saucer' retrieved near Roswell, as discussed in a freedom of information request.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated approximately 1997, features a collection of UFO sighting reports and investigations from various individuals and organizations across Australia and the United Kingdom. The publication is produced by The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society.

Gapsted Report

The issue begins with a continuation of the Gapsted Report, detailing sightings by C.S. and D.W. C.S. describes observing a very bright, large, wedged-shaped object in the west on December 16, 1996, which remained stationary for about 15 minutes before descending behind a hill. C.S. believes it was not a conventional aircraft due to its behavior and lack of sound. D.W. corroborates the sighting, observing a similar object through binoculars for about twenty minutes.

An investigation into the Gapsted sighting involved contacting the Police airwing and the Bureau of Meteorology, neither of whom could provide an explanation. The Planetarium also offered no identification. Inquiries about blimps or balloons at Wangaratta airfield were also fruitless. The investigator concludes that the object remains unexplainable.

Eldorado Sighting

An initial report from J.S. of Eldorado details a sighting on July 7, 1997, of two intensely bright white headlight-type lights hovering stationary above the road for about 12 minutes. The objects were estimated to be about 100 feet up and 100-200 feet away, described as big as a hot air balloon. The witness was frightened and did not stop to check for sound. Investigations with local airports and the Bureau of Meteorology yielded no aircraft or balloon sightings in the area. The report concludes that the objects are unidentifiable.

Local Sightings

This section presents a series of brief reports of local sightings:

• September 13, 1997 (Heidelberg Heights, Victoria): A bright white round light, about 2 meters in diameter, with little red lights, moved away southerly without sound.
• September 15, 1997 (North Balwyn, Victoria): A bright orange light, the size of a 'dinner plate', moved downward slowly then disappeared southwest.
• September 17, 1997 (Dandenong, Victoria): An object described as a bright star was observed flying toward the Sun and disappeared in 10 seconds.
• September 18, 1997 (Altona, Victoria): A 'frosty white' disc with portholes was observed moving slowly south without sound.
• September 25, 1997 (Taylors Lakes, Victoria): A flashing light alternating between red and green was observed, with another light moving around it before they moved off together southerly.
• September 30, 1997 (Eltham, Victoria): Two round black ball-shaped objects were seen following an erratic flight pattern, moving from northeast to northwest, appearing to do aerobatics.
• September 29, 1997 (Geelong, Victoria): Two witnesses observed a black purple/grey round object streaking from south to north, doing figure eights.

Colac, Victoria Sighting

Investigator James M. Kennedy reports on a sighting from July 11, 1997, in Colac, Victoria. The witness observed an object but was unsure of its precise location. The witness had previously contacted the Planetarium, which claimed it was not a UFO. The witness also contacted the Colac Police Station, but no helicopter was recorded in the area. The investigator notes that the object's behavior does not align with known aircraft or natural phenomena and classifies it as 'unidentified'.

Local Sightings - Continued

• August 25, 1997 (Paynesville, Victoria): Investigator Dan Haylock reports on a sighting by Mrs. S. of a doughnut-shaped object with an amber annulus and twinkling lights, observed at 7 pm. It was described as fairly large and appeared to move with the wind. The witness noted flowing golden filaments from the annulus.
• August 17, 1997 (Paynesville, Victoria): Another report from Joan describes two lights appearing above the moon during an eclipse. One light moved towards the other, then they moved off in different directions.

• October 23, 1997 (Paradise Beach, Victoria): Mr. B. observed raindrop-like lights glistening in the northwest sky, rotating clockwise and anti-clockwise. The cluster was small and stationary for about fifteen minutes before fading away.

• August 5, 1997 (Glenunga): Geoffrey and Nadia Dunn witnessed a triangular-shaped craft with multiple white lights, observed stationary in the southwest sky at approximately 45 degrees elevation. It appeared the size of a basketball and was watched for about 20 minutes.

BUFORA Case Files

This section presents case files from the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA):

• Littleover, Derby (1982): A witness recalls seeing an object hovering over fields with flashing lights of various colors. The object was described as larger than the full moon.
• Newcastle Upon Tyne (May 1994): Gloria Dixon reported seeing a small childlike creature with large black oval eyes in her bedroom. The creature then disappeared through the bedroom wall.

Plane chased UFO over Sauchie

This article from the Alloa & Hillfoot Advertiser (Scotland, January 23, 1997) reports on UFO sightings in Alloa, described as a 'hotbed' for such phenomena. Margaret Dewar is adamant she saw a cigar-shaped object moving slowly and leaving a trail of smoke or steam. She noted that a plane actually followed the object. Ron Halliday of Scottish Earth Mysteries Research stated that while some sightings are aircraft, a good proportion are not.

Neighbors deny reports of abandoned Area 51

This article from the Associated Press (Anchorage, AK, May 25, 1997) discusses reports of Area 51 being abandoned. A Washington source and locals from Rachel, Nevada, deny these reports, stating that operations are still ongoing. The article mentions the history of Area 51, including the development of aircraft like the U-2, SR-71, and F-117A, and the potential testing of the X-33 Venture Star. It also touches on the secrecy surrounding the base and the public exposure leading to its acknowledgment.

Letter to the Editors

George D. Fawcett of MUFON-NC, Inc. writes to the editor, questioning the USAF and CIA's explanations for the Roswell crash and other 1950s/60s UFO reports, particularly their use of 'time travel' and 'space warp' theories. Fawcett argues that spy planes like the U-2 and SR-71 do not align with the reported sightings and that UFO reports actually decreased during spy plane missions. He calls for 'open hearings' in Congress and scientific investigation.

Society News

This section provides updates and information for members:

• VUFORS Sightings Hotline: A hotline number (03) 9506 7080 is available for reporting sightings.
• Items for Sale: Includes Stanton Friedman's CD-ROM "UFOs...THE REAL STORY", VUFORS lapel badges, and VUFORS pens.
• Back Issues: "The Australian UFO Bulletin" back issues are available.
• Holiday Wishes: The committee of VUFORS extends Happy, Safe, and Prosperous Festive Season and New Year wishes to members and readers.

Society History

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, tracing its origins back to the early 1950s with groups like the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." The Victorian branch was formed in 1957 and has since published various papers and the Australian UFO Bulletin. The society has maintained a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs, viewing them as a scientific problem.

Member Information

Details for the International Committee for U.F.O. Research are provided, including their address and upcoming discussion nights. Subscription rates for the magazine are also listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and investigative efforts to identify these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and investigations without necessarily endorsing them as extraterrestrial, but acknowledging the lack of conventional explanations in many cases. The publication emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation and the need for transparency from government bodies regarding UFO issues. The historical section highlights the long-standing nature of UFO research in Australia.