Australian UFO Bulletin - 1998 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated June 1998, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS). The cover features the magazine's title and an illustration of a space shuttle alongside two disc-shaped UFOs.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'On The UFO Trail,' reflects on the challenges of publishing the bulletin, noting that committee members have limited time for writing articles. It mentions that some publications, like the English Flying Saucer Review, are seeking subscribers, while others have ceased publication. The editorial suggests that a potential reason for declining interest might be the focus on 'abduction' cases, stating that VUFORS members are more interested in the scientific aspect of UFO reports. It highlights a successful meeting with Dr. Richard Haines and expresses hope for future speakers. The editorial also emphasizes VUFORS's commitment to informing members of any meeting changes and maintaining reasonable costs for speakers and membership.

Dr. Richard Haines Lecture Report

This section details a lecture given by Dr. Richard Haines, a Senior Research Scientist at NASA-Ames, on March 17, 1998, at the Royal Victorian Aero Club. Dr. Haines, who has investigated over 3000 pilot sighting reports in 30 years, presented slides of aircraft evolution and cockpit instrumentation. He posed questions to the audience about their pilot background and UFO sightings, noting a significant drop-off in reporting. Dr. Haines stressed the importance of reporting sightings for investigation. He explained that pilots are valuable witnesses due to their professional reputation, training, and ability to establish distance and reference points. His research indicates that 52% of reported UFO sightings come from military pilots, 40% from commercial pilots, 7% from private pilots, and less than 1% from test pilots. Most sightings occur in good weather, with 70% at night. Approximately 3% of reports involve electromagnetic effects on instruments, lasting from seconds to 180 minutes. The report also covers the 1978 Frederick Valentich case, including an analysis of the flight plan and radio transcript. Dr. Haines also shared other UFO cases, including a B-52 Bomber crew sighting in 1952. The report is credited to Jason Cowland, a Melbourne-based VUFORS member who hosts a radio program on UFO research.

Chilean Air Force Establishes Committee on UFOs

A brief report states that Chile's Air Force has appointed a committee to compile reports on unidentified flying objects, focusing on reputable sources rather than ordinary people's claims. The committee will not work full-time and has no assigned budget.

The Russian 'Roswell'

This article by Anton A. Anfalov and Philip Mantle discusses an incident in Russia comparable to the Roswell Incident in the USA. On June 30, 1908, a massive fireball exploded over the Tunguska region. Fifty-eight years later, in June 1966, a similar event occurred approximately 1300 kilometers west of the Tunguska site, involving a strange object and explosion, known as the 'Obsky Meteorite.' This incident is reportedly classified as top secret in Russia. Moscow-based UFO researcher Nikolay Kuzmin interviewed four witnesses. The impact site is suspected to be near the village of Topolevka in the Tomsk region. Oleg Ivanovich, a Moscow geologist, was the first witness interviewed. He described being awakened by a deafening wail and seeing a blinding bright globe explode, causing a fire. The expedition members experienced compass malfunctions, illness, and saw strange lights and a streamlined, charred object with blinking lights partially buried in a bog. Their photographs were fogged, possibly by radioactivity. They were later debriefed by KGB officials and instructed to remember nothing.

Anna Egorovna, a witness from Topolevka, recounted seeing a fiery globe descend and hit something, causing the house to tremble and the earth to shake. She described the object as bright sun-like and irritating to the eyes. Special men from the KGB reportedly warned everyone to keep quiet.

Michael Kuzmich, a 79-year-old hunter from Topolevka, described a fiery flare and a sound like 'Hu-u-u,' followed by an explosion and a blast of air that knocked him over. He saw the sky flare up and trees crackling with flames.

Sergey Petrovich M., a former Soviet Air Force technician, described being activated by a general alarm and flying over the taiga. He recalled colleagues talking about the sky lighting up and a fiery globe. His helicopter descended near a bog where a craft, described as two pans together with blinking lights, was half-buried. He stated it was a 'military secret' and that they were instructed to keep silent. Steel ropes were used to lift the saucer, which was approximately 8-10 meters in diameter, out of the bog. A scientist examined a flipper-like object from the craft. The object was transported away by a cargo helicopter.

The authors note that the Tunguska blast and the 'Z Object' (Obsky meteorite) remain mysterious. They speculate whether the 'Z Object' could have been a Soviet military satellite with a nuclear reactor, drawing a parallel to the Kecksburg incident in the USA. The article concludes by stating that delving into such top-secret matters in modern Russia can be dangerous.

The UFO Enigma: Vatican Admits On National TV That ET Contact IS REAL

This section reports that Monsignor Corrado Balducci, a Vatican theologian, has stated on Italian television that extraterrestrial contact is a real phenomenon and not demonic. He is part of a Vatican commission investigating extraterrestrial encounters. Balducci emphasized that these encounters deserve to be studied carefully. The report also mentions parallel information from MJ-12 scientist Dr. Michael Wolf, suggesting the Vatican is concerned about a major doctrinal updating when extraterrestrial contact is officially announced.

The Monsanto Research Complex and the “Seeding” Of America

This article by Kenny Young discusses the concept of 'seeding' American industry with exotic technology, as proposed by Phillip J. Corso in 'Day After Roswell.' The author recounts a bizarre encounter involving a 'Phantom Informant' who claimed that parts and components from a flying saucer were taken to the Monsanto Research Corporation near Dayton, Ohio, and kept there for years. The informant, a former military officer, stated that a friend who worked at Monsanto had a security clearance and that the situation was kept quiet with surprisingly low security. The facility is now known as Quality Chemical. The informant mentioned that the 'flying saucer' came from Roswell and that other operations at the facility involved accidents, including a chemical explosion and experimentation with gravity waves. The article also mentions the production of nuclear materials and contamination at the site. The 'Phantom Informant' also described a mysterious, well-dressed visitor who had a security clearance and interacted with employees, knowing personal details about them.

The Early Years

This section presents a selection of reports from various magazines published in the 1950s and 1960s:

• November 18, 1957, North Beach, New Zealand: Two residents reported a large, luminous object hovering and moving in a circle at an estimated altitude of 10,000 feet.
• Bloemfontein, South Africa: A disc-shaped UFO was publicly admitted by the government to be under investigation after being observed south-east of Bloemfontein.
• January 19, 1959, Morwell, Victoria: Two workmen reported seeing a 'silver top' object overhead that moved erratically before vanishing.
• May 20, 1961, Tyndall, South Dakota: A strange glowing round object was tracked by two Air Force radar stations for 90 minutes above Tyndall Air Force Base.

Press Cuttings Of Interest

This section compiles various news clippings:

• 'GOLDIN AIMS TO DISCUSS ORIGINS EFFORT WITH POPE': NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin hopes to discuss the U.S. space agency's Origins Program with Pope John Paul II, including the search for extraterrestrial life and evidence of prehistoric life from a Mars meteorite.
• 'Balloons aloft for science': A National Science Week project involves releasing one-litre weather balloons to track wind speed and direction up to 100m. Sixteen recent discoveries in astronomy, environmental research, geology, medicine, zoology, and other fields will be showcased at ScienceNOW.
• 'Earth-like planets have astronomers over moon': Astronomers have discovered a solar system with planets similar to Earth using powerful telescopes. This new solar system is at a stage of development comparable to our own planets 4½ billion years ago.
• 'Plot thickens in 'UFOs' mystery': Reports of mysterious UFO sightings in Lancashire, England, including triangular-shaped lights and a red, spinning, disc-shaped object, have been received by a local radio talk show.
• 'Mystery of giant UFO': The RAF reportedly tracked a UFO 'as big as a battleship' off the coast of Britain, which was also tracked by Dutch Air Force F-16 fighters. Radar records of the object are to be presented to experts.
• '12 UFOs changing shape': Military chiefs may also release a second series of tapes reportedly showing UFOs changing shape in mid-flight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include pilot sightings, historical UFO incidents (particularly in Russia), alleged government cover-ups, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, as expressed in the editorial, favors a scientific approach to UFO research, prioritizing evidence-based investigation over sensationalism, and valuing the reports of trained observers like pilots. There is a clear interest in international UFO cases and the implications of official or institutional acknowledgments of UFO phenomena.

This issue of THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN, dated February 1998 (Volume 2, Issue 1), features a prominent cover story titled "What Next" which delves into the latest images of the 'Face on Mars' from the Mars Global Surveyor, published by the Herald Sun on April 8th, 1998. The magazine also includes a section on "UFO AFRINEWS" with a report from Karoi, Zimbabwe, and a "Sighting Report" from Gundagai, NSW, Australia. The publication is from Australian International UFO Flying Saucer Research Inc.

The Face on Mars: New Pictures April 1998

The article by G. Simpson discusses the new Mars Global Surveyor images of the 'Face on Mars,' published on April 8th, 1998. It notes that the images show the 'face' in greater detail and higher resolution than previously thought possible. However, it raises concerns, pointing out that the original Viking photos showed two separate shots of the same object from different angles and lighting, both revealing an object casting a shadow, estimated to be 800 meters high. The article highlights research by two NASA computer scientists, Vincent DiPietro and Greg Molenar, who used digital image enhancement techniques to uncover an eye socket in the shaded side and an eyeball in the illuminated side of the face. They concluded that the structure could not be a result of mere chance or erosion, suggesting it indicated intelligent life on Mars, especially when viewed in conjunction with the Pyramids in the same region.

UFO AFRINEWS: What Goes There? Karoi, Zimbabwe

This report details a sighting by Jimmy Green (an alias) and his father on a tobacco farm in Karoi, Zimbabwe. Around 19:00 hours, while hunting, they observed a brilliant white light illuminating the area. They then saw a craft passing over their Jeep, described as an enormous round craft, about 50ft (15 meters) in diameter, with alternating red and green lights on the outer rim and a second circle of yellow lights that seemed to be spinning. The center portion was blacked out. The craft had a blue tail flame that pulsated and then died down. The entire observation lasted about 7 seconds.

UFO Sighting Report: Gundagai, NSW

Authored by James Owen, this report outlines investigations into a multiple UFO report near Gundagai, NSW. The initial report was made to a UFO organization that allegedly dismissed the sighting as 'jet aircraft on maneuvers.' The actual sighting occurred on October 13th, 1997, around 6 pm, when two witnesses observed two objects. As they drove towards the objects, they noticed one directly in front and another to its left, both appearing stationary. The objects were described as triangular and spherical with a ring. They then emitted flames, similar to rockets, and began to move, with the higher object moving faster. The witnesses took three photographs.

More Strange Lights in the Sky: Cape Town, South Africa

Prier Wintle, a UFO investigator, reports an experience from 1996 between 22:00 and 23:30 hours. He became aware of a continuous roaring sound and observed an extremely bright light with a searchlight shining down. Below this light, at a distance of 50-100ft, was a green and red light. He also noted scintillating red fire flashes. The object appeared stationary for about 10 minutes before drifting slowly northwards and disappearing behind rooftops. He considered it might have been a helicopter but had never seen anything like it.

Local Sightings

This section compiles various UFO sightings from different locations in Australia:

• Port Philip Bay, VIC (August 5th, 1997): Several witnesses saw 5 colored lights flying east to west.
• South Melbourne, VIC (July 28th, 1997): A triangle formation of white lights moved rapidly north-west, flying over an observer's car without sound.
• Hoppers Crossing, VIC (December 15th, 1997): A witness observed an object larger than a 747 Jumbo with three white lights at the rear and one at the front, moving in an arc and upward.
• Near Whittlesea, VIC (January 11th, 1998): Two witnesses saw a large vertical triangular object with a bright orange light at each point, which hovered and then moved erratically.
• Inverlock, VIC (February 17th, 1998): An object described as 'larger than the moon' moving at approximately 400 KMPH, a huge ball of light with a tail, which appeared to dive as if to land.
• Reservoir, VIC (March 25th, 1998): Witness observed three balls of white lights with red tails flying faster than a jet, north to north-east.
• Coburg, VIC (March 25th, 1998): A witness observed a ball-shaped object, three to four meters in diameter, with silver front and steel grey rear, flying alongside a light aircraft.
• Northern Territory Outback (April 24th, 1998): A bright light, larger than the morning star, was observed travelling at approximately 5,000 feet, with a bright tail. It moved in a zigzag motion and was observed by a group of Aboriginal people.

Hawksnest, NSW UFO Sighting

This report by Ray describes an Easter 1995 sighting where he and others observed objects darting about like swallows, but much larger, possibly car-sized. He took three photographs of these objects.

Queensland Sightings

Compiled by Martin Gottschall, this section lists several sightings from Queensland:

• Jamestown Heights (December 6th, 1997): A man observed a hovering object with flashing red and blue lights.
• Regent's Park (December 16th, 1997): A man saw a boomerang-shaped object moving west with white lights.
• Redbank (January 2nd, 1998): Two witnesses observed two golden orange lights moving quickly from East to West.
• Richlands Drive In (December 31st, 1997): A man observed a yellow light moving East to West, and later saw a similar light at Oxley.
• Ipswich (January 10th, 1998): Three witnesses observed a flashing orange light which seemed to be positioned on the edge of a dark oval shadow.
• Russell Island (January 1997) & Gelatin (1991): Reports of large orange balls of light and a floating light.
• Slacks Creek (January 21st, 1998): Three boys saw a torpedo-shaped object with lights and a spotlight.
• Forest Hill (February 2nd, 1998): A witness observed a bright flashing light that moved North and flashed orange, blue, and red.

Other Reports

• Port Lincoln (October 26th, 1997): A police detective and others saw an orange egg-shaped light.
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (April 15, 1997): A historical note about an airship sighting in 1897.

Society News

• VUFORS Sightings Hotline: A hotline number (03) 9506 7080 is available for reporting sightings.
• Items for Sale: Information on Stanton Friedman's CD-ROM, VUFORS lapel badges, and VUFORS pens.
• Australian UFO Bulletin: Back issues are available for $5.00 each.
• Post Office Box Information: Notification of a change in the Post Office box number to 1043 Moorabbin.

Society History

This section provides a history of the Victorian UFO Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.), tracing its origins back to the early 1950s with groups like the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." It details the formation of the Victorian branch in 1957 and its subsequent reorganizations and name changes, eventually becoming the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society has published various materials, including the Australian Flying Saucer Review and the Australian UFO Bulletin, and has maintained a significant UFO library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations, and the ongoing debate surrounding the interpretation of evidence, particularly digital images. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question official explanations and to consider the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting and investigation, as seen in the various local sighting reports and the historical overview of UFO research organizations.