Australian UFO Bulletin - 1998 09 - September

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Australian U.F.O. Bulletin from September 1998 is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.). The cover features a dramatic illustration of a space shuttle and two flying saucers against a starry backdrop, with the prominent title "THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN". The publication is dedicated to exploring UFO phenomena, including sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the potential extraterrestrial origins of advanced technology.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a comprehensive table of contents, listing articles such as:

• "On The UFO Trail"
• "Delve-New-found System has second Sun."
• "Book Review - 'The Day After Roswell'"
• "Some Further Thoughts on Col. Corso's Book"
• "Clear Intent? by Gordon Creighton."
• "The Reported Discovery of a Buried UFO in Estonia."
• "What Next."
• "UFO Phenomenon Deemed Worthy of Investigation."
• "UFO PotPourri."
• "Eldorado/Carragarmunga report."
• "Update on Gundagai Report"
• "Orange Lights over Wangaratta."
• "Australian Sightings Reports."
• "Letters to the Editors."
• "The Early Years."
• "Queensland Sightings."
• "Society News"

Key Articles and Features

"On The UFO Trail" by Paul Norman

This section revisits several significant UFO encounters. The Captain Thomas Mantell encounter from January 7, 1948, is detailed, highlighting the attempts by his relatives to encourage the U.S. Government to reveal the truth. The article notes that witnesses described the object as a flying disc, not the planet Venus or a balloon as initially suggested. The Kinross Case from November 23, 1953, describes an incident where an F89c Jet attempting to intercept a UFO near Kinross Air Force Base experienced radar and communication failures, and neither the aircraft nor its crew were ever found. The Captain Killian incident in 1959 involved an American Airlines flight reporting three lights, which were initially dismissed as an aerial fuelling operation. The article also covers the Cuba 1967 incident, where Cuban radar detected a UFO, and two MIG jets were scrambled. One pilot reported sighting the UFO and was ordered to fire, after which both jets reportedly disappeared.

Book Review: "The Day After Roswell" by Colonel Philip J. Corso

This review discusses Colonel Corso's controversial book, which claims that many technological advancements made by the USA since 1947, including transistors, integrated circuits, and fibre optics, were the result of reverse-engineering technology from a crashed UFO at Roswell. The review emphasizes the fear within the U.S. Government of the Russians obtaining this technology during the Cold War, leading to the secret dissemination of these advancements to various firms. The reviewer notes the significant silence surrounding the book in the British media, suggesting a deliberate cover-up.

"Clear Intent?" by Gordon Creighton

This article details several incidents involving U.S. Air Force bases and UFOs. It describes events at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana between 1966 and 1975, where missile systems reportedly malfunctioned simultaneously with UFO sightings. A particularly alarming incident in November 1975 involved a large, glowing orange object over a missile site, which caused the SAT team to refuse to approach. The article also touches upon the Rendlesham Forest incident (December 25-30, 1980) at Woodbridge and Bentwaters U.S. Air Bases in England, where UFOs were sighted and allegations of nuclear weapons being struck by light beams were made. Additionally, it recounts a 1983 incident in Ukraine where a UFO allegedly affected missile firing mechanisms.

"The Reported Discovery of a 'Buried UFO' in Estonia"

This report, translated from Spanish and Russian, details a strange account from Estonia in the 1980s. Workmen digging a well reportedly struck a metallic body of "alien origin." Attempts to excavate the object were met with mysterious deaths and paralysis among those involved. A piece of the alleged UFO was confiscated by the Russian Military. Analysis of the metallic fragments yielded contradictory results, but Soviet scientists reportedly concluded it was of extraterrestrial origin.

"What Next" - Interview with Stanton Friedman and Dr. John Mack

This interview, conducted by G. Simpson, features nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman and Harvard University Professor John Mack. The interviewer, Philip Adams, adopts a skeptical stance, questioning the focus on UFOs and abductions, particularly in America. Friedman and Mack defend their research, asserting that UFO phenomena are real and widespread, not just an American cultural anomaly. They discuss the concept of "bodily abductions," the potential for a "Cosmic Watergate," and the authenticity of the MJ12 documents. Mack emphasizes that the phenomenon is both physical and psychological, and that the distinction between reality and metaphor is not always clear. They also touch upon the limitations of SETI and the potential dangers of responding to alien signals.

"UFO Phenomenon Deemed Worthy of Investigation"

This press release from the Society for Scientific Exploration reports on the first independent review of UFO phenomena since 1970. A panel of scientists concluded that some UFO sightings are accompanied by physical evidence that warrants scientific study. However, the panel did not find evidence to suggest a violation of known natural laws or extraterrestrial intelligence, differing from the conclusions of the Condon Report. The review highlighted intriguing and inexplicable observations and suggested that evaluating UFO reports could yield valuable information about unknown phenomena.

"My Close Encounter of the Strange Kind" by Shane Maguire

This personal account describes a sighting of three, then two, orange-colored, star-like objects moving uniformly across the skies of Adelaide. The reporter notes that authorities, such as the RAAF, express no official interest in investigating such sightings, leaving individuals like Colin Norda to document them with limited resources. The article contrasts the reporter's observation with a dismissive newspaper report attributing similar sightings to "children putting heat beads in garbage bags."

"Gravity Pulls Clouds"

This short piece, unrelated to UFOs, discusses a discovery by Australian astronomers using CSIRO's Parkes radio telescope that the Milky Way is gravitationally pulling in neighboring galaxies, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, which will eventually be absorbed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO phenomena, the alleged efforts by governments and authorities to conceal information (a "cover-up"), and the potential for advanced extraterrestrial technology to influence human development. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the selection of articles and the inclusion of researchers like Friedman and Mack, is one of open inquiry into these subjects, challenging skepticism and encouraging the dispassionate analysis of UFO cases. The V.U.F.O.R.S. emphasizes that while UFOs may be real, their ultimate purpose or agenda is not necessarily benevolent towards humanity, suggesting they may have their own interests in mind.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated June 1998, features a 'UFO Potpourri' cover with contact information for John F. Schuessler. The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO research, from scientific investigations to historical sightings and personal accounts.

Society for Scientific Exploration Panel Findings

The issue begins with a continuation of a report on the Society for Scientific Exploration's findings. The panel, composed of planetary science and astronomy professors, suggested that some reported UFO incidents might be attributed to natural phenomena like electrical activity or radar ducting. However, they acknowledged that some phenomena remained difficult to explain. The panel emphasized that current UFO investigations often lack the necessary scientific rigor, but that new, scientifically acquired data could significantly advance understanding of the UFO problem. They also made several observations, including that the UFO problem is complex with no simple universal answer, that studying unexplained observations could lead to new scientific discoveries, and that studies should prioritize cases with substantial independent physical evidence. The panel also highlighted the potential productivity of continued contact between the UFO community and physical scientists, and the desirability of institutional support for research in this area. The review panel included Von Eshleman and Thomas Holzer, with investigators such as Richard Haines, Illobrand von Ludwiger, Mark Rodeghier, John Schuessler, Erling Strand, Michael Swords, Jacques Vallee, and Jean-Jacques Velasco presenting evidence. The study was initiated by Laurance S. Rockefeller and supported by the LSR Fund. The Journal of Scientific Exploration is identified as the quarterly peer-reviewed research journal of the Society.

UFO Potpourri: Cash-Landrum Incident and Historical Cases

A section titled 'UFO Potpourri' announces that the Cash-Landrum UFO Incident, involving injuries sustained by Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum near Huffman, Texas, on December 29, 1980, was scheduled to be featured on the A&E TV channel's program 'The Unexplained' on July 9, 1998. The program was expected to include rare footage and government documents. Another segment in this section discusses an unusual event in New Mexico in 1947, where a V-2 warhead reportedly vanished at high altitude, prompting speculation about 'space platforms'. The article questions what was occurring in New Mexico at that time, given the primitive understanding of space technology.

Scientific Discoveries: The Neutrino Has Mass

A significant scientific development is reported: the discovery that the neutrino particle, previously thought to be massless, actually possesses mass. This finding, made using the Super-Kamiokande neutrino detector in Japan, is described as a major blow to the 'Standard Model' of particles and forces. The article explains that billions of neutrinos exist for every electron, even in seemingly empty space, and that the 75-year-old 'Standard Model' governs various aspects of technology and scientific understanding.

UFO Sighting Reports: Australia and New Zealand

The magazine features several UFO sighting reports from various locations:

• Eldorado/Carrargarmungee, Victoria, Australia (June 1998): Two police officers reported observing a stationary, squarish, bright silver object for 10-15 minutes. The object was described as being about 30cm x 30cm and was seen at an angle of about 20 degrees above the horizon. The witnesses described it as looking like tin foil in the sky, smooth and shiny. Investigations into possibilities like balloons, aircraft, or natural phenomena did not yield a definitive explanation, leaving the file 'unexplained'.
• Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia (October 1997): An investigation into a sighting revealed two objects that remained unidentifiable after extensive inquiry. The report took ten months to complete, involving contact with military, aviation authorities, and police. The objects were described as not being rockets, missiles, or known aircraft, and the possibility of a military cover-up was considered. The file remains open and marked 'UNIDENTIFIED'.
• Orange Lights Over Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia (July 1998): Multiple reports described bright orange lights observed by various groups, including a police message, a couple walking their dog, and a group of footballers. Initially, the sightings were suspected to be a hoax involving helium balloons and glow sticks, as these items were reportedly sold around the same time. However, the initial reports were of a bright light moving at high speed, described as being the size of a five cent coin and travelling at satellite speed.
• Australian Sighting Reports (various dates and locations): Several brief reports are included:
• Doncaster, VIC (February 1998): An elliptical object, about 80% of the Moon's size, traveled south-southwest in a straight path.
• Oakleigh, VIC (March 1998): A cream-colored object with lights, resembling an upside-down saucer, flew from southeast to northwest.
• Werribee, VIC (March 1998): Two bright round lights ascended at a slight angle, followed by a smaller bright object that disappeared, and then the original object dimmed and moved away rapidly.
• Riddells Creek, VIC (June 1998): A grey object, about twice the size of a 4-wheel drive, with blue and orange beams, passed at a low altitude and was visible for only 10 seconds.
• Hastings, VIC (July 1998): An object with red and blue lights on the base and white on top moved northwest, then turned back, with two lights seen falling from it.
• Robertsons Beach, VIC (July 1998): Two objects were seen; the first was bright white, the second orange. They flew southeast to southwest and vanished suddenly.
• Kilsyth, VIC (June 1998): An oval flat-shaped object with bright orange lights was observed, making a low humming sound and smelling of hot iron. It was larger than a 747 aircraft and made a sharp turn before shooting away. Photographs were taken but were reportedly unusual due to processing anomalies.
• Croydon, Victoria, Australia (February 1998): A bright white light was observed pacing a car on Mt. Dandenong Road, then doubling back and following the car before vanishing with a flash. The witness, a rational individual, ruled out conventional explanations.

'The Early Years' - Historical UFO Reports

This section revisits UFO reports from the 1950s and 1960s:

• Cairns, Queensland (October 1958): A bright orange-colored triangle object was reported hovering over the police station, observed by Mr. George Hicks and a police constable.
• Adelaide, South Australia (February 1964): At least six people, including two police officers, sighted unidentified flying objects moving at high speed, described as bright flying discs.
• Wellington, New Zealand (January 1965): A Qantas airline pilot reported mysterious objects seen on radar, flying eastward in a vee formation at 45,000 feet, confirmed by radar.
• Canberra, A.C.T. (July 1965): A metallic, silvery object was sighted hovering over Canberra Airport for about 40 minutes, observed by air traffic control staff and RAAF officers.

Remarkable Incident

A personal account describes a remarkable incident on the night of April 29th, where the narrator felt pressures around her legs and ankles and a sensation of being pulled from her bed. She described feeling like she was in a semi-comatosed state and heard 'little beings' in her mind. The experience involved being dragged towards the bedroom door, feeling pain, and a sense of being taken somewhere unknown. She recalled being on her back with lights passing over her at great speed, as if in a tunnel, and later found herself in the bathroom. She awoke feeling unwell with swellings and bruising. Her daughter reported that the power had gone off during the night.

Society News and Discussion Nights

The 'Society News' section details upcoming 'VUFORS Discussion Nights' hosted by The Royal Society of Victoria. Subscription rates for V.U.F.O.R.S. (Victorian U.F.O. Research Society) are provided, including options for full membership, associate membership, overseas, and non-member subscriptions. Items for sale are also listed, such as Stanton Friedman's CD-ROM 'UFOs... THE REAL STORY', VUFORS lapel badges, pens, and back issues of 'THE AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN'. A warning is issued about the ongoing 'blackout' against FSR and the need for new readers to ensure its survival.

Society History

A brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society is presented, tracing its origins from the 'Australian Flying Saucer Bureau' in the early 1950s. The society underwent several name changes and reorganizations, eventually becoming the 'Victorian U.F.O. Research Society'. It is noted for its dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs, its regular meetings, and its maintenance of the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, due to high postage costs, the library service has been discontinued.

Letters To The Editor

A letter from a reader describes a sighting in Croydon on February 12, 1998, of a bright white light moving at high speed, which appeared to pace their car before vanishing with a flash. The writer, a rational individual, explored and dismissed conventional explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, the reporting of numerous diverse UFO sightings from Australia and New Zealand, and the historical context of UFO research. The magazine maintains a stance that UFO research is a scientific problem deserving closer attention, as evidenced by the history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. There is a clear effort to document sightings, investigate them, and present findings, even if they remain unexplained. The inclusion of both scientific reports and personal accounts suggests a broad approach to the subject matter.