Australian UFO Bulletin - 1999 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: March 1999
Publisher: Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including historical cases, contemporary sightings, and the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations. The cover features a dramatic illustration of a space shuttle and two UFOs against a starry background, with the headline "Discovery NASA."

Editorial

The editorial, titled "March 1998" (though dated March 1999 in the issue header), notes a "swamp" of silence regarding quality UFO sightings. It highlights the increasing public acceptance of the phenomenon, with Gallup polls showing a rise from 15% in the forties/fifties to over 50% by the end of the millennium. The editorial mentions the return to investigating "Early Days" encounters due to their significance and the availability of reliable international contacts. It also references an interview with Chester Crusinski about an encounter on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Betty/Barney Hill case, noting that medical tests from that era were advanced for their time. The upcoming meeting will feature a video on KGB files and news on UFO-related books and videos.

On The UFO Trail

Paul Norman's article, "On The UFO Trail," published in 1999, reflects on the progress in UFO investigation as the millennium ends. He observes a significant increase in public acceptance and attributes it partly to media portrayals, despite their "Hollywoodized" nature. Norman notes the growing cooperation from scientists, a contrast to earlier decades when orthodox scientific opinion dismissed the possibility of extraterrestrial life. He recounts an investigation into the "White Acres Case" in Gippsland, where a UFO allegedly hovered over a water storage tank, leaving a residue and altering the soil composition. Experiments with the soil showed that seeds planted in it did not sprout normally, suggesting an unusual effect.

The article also touches on crop circles, mentioning hoaxers like "Doug and Dave" and how their deceptions were uncovered. It then shifts to the "Abduction" field, citing the Betty, Barney Hill case of 1961 as a starting point for notoriety in this area.

Review of: The Betty and Barney Hill Story 1961

This section, written by Joan Price, reviews the well-known abduction case of Betty and Barney Hill. The couple reported being abducted by aliens into a UFO on September 9th, 1961, while driving home. They described a large, spinning, diamond-shaped object with colored lights. During the encounter, they experienced a two-hour time loss and were subjected to medical examinations. The article details their experience, including Barney's encounter with "leader" figures and Betty's examination, which involved scraping skin and hair samples. The Hills' story was later documented in John G. Fuller's book, "The Interrupted Journey."

The Journey: The Hills' account of the encounter, including stopping their car, observing the object with binoculars, and being taken aboard the craft.

Disturbing Aftermath: Upon returning home, their watches had stopped, and they experienced physical discomfort. Betty discovered unusual "shiny spots" on their car, which caused a compass needle to spin.

First Nightmares Begin: Betty started experiencing nightmares shortly after the incident.

What To Do?: Initially fearful of ridicule, the Hills remained silent until desperation led Betty to contact authorities, resulting in an investigation by Walter Webb of NICAP.

Walter Webb Interrogates: Webb conducted a thorough, cross-examined investigation and concluded that the Hills were telling the truth.

Health Deteriorates: Barney's health declined, leading to medical and psychiatric assistance.

Dr. Simon's Hypnosis Therapy: Dr. Benjamin Simon used hypnosis to help the Hills recall the events of the missing two hours.

Barney's Story: Under hypnosis, Barney described his fear and the "leader" figure. He also recounted being carried into a hospital-like room and feeling suspended.

Dr. Simon is Sceptical: Initially skeptical, Dr. Simon began to believe the Hills' account.

Brave Betty: Betty's narrative corroborated Barney's until the road block. She described being taken aboard the craft and undergoing various examinations, including a "pregnancy test" using a needle.

The Book: John G. Fuller published the case in "The Interrupted Journey."

Our Investigation: Paul Norman spoke with Betty Hill after the story was released.

UFO Potpourri

This section contains several shorter articles and updates:

In Memory of Betty Cash (1929-1998): This tribute mourns the passing of Betty Cash, who died from health problems attributed to a UFO encounter on December 29, 1980. The encounter, near Huffman, Texas, involved intense radiation exposure, leading to years of hospitalization and complications. The article details the event, including the sighting of a bright, diamond-shaped object and the subsequent presence of numerous helicopters. Betty and her companions, Vickie Landrum and Colby, suffered severe burns and other ailments. The article mentions efforts to seek justice and highlights Betty's fight for truth.

Recommended cartoon sites on the Internet: A list of websites featuring UFO-themed cartoons.

Diary Records 1808 UFO Sighting: An article by Dr. Judith Becker Ranlett describes a UFO sighting recorded in the diary of Cynthia Everett in 1808. Everett described a strange light moving rapidly and erratically in the sky, initially mistaking it for a meteor but then realizing its unusual motion.

1941 Cape Girardeau, Mo. UFO Crash: Leonard H. Stringfield recounts a story about a UFO crash in 1941, where Rev. William Huffman witnessed wreckage with a "very shiny metallic finish" and described "three bodies, not human," covered in what looked like aluminum foil. The beings were small, with large heads and oval eyes.

Another UFO on Gun Camera Film: Peter B. Davenport reports a UFO sighting over Phoenix in 1997, involving an "F-15" from Luke Air Force Base. Pilots reported an object that caused "white noise" and radar blanking, and gun camera film was obtained. The article suggests that gun camera films of UFOs are an untapped resource for researchers.

UFOCUS

Sighting on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt: An interview by Franklin Carter with Chester Grusinski, who recounts a UFO sighting in 1958 while serving on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Grusinski describes a cigar-shaped object with windows that approached the ship, causing a loss of power and engine stoppage. He mentions that other UFO sightings were reported on the same ship in earlier years and that witnesses were often required to sign secrecy agreements.

The Borderline: A comic strip by Gabe Martin.

Visit IUR's Web Page: Information on the Institute for UFO Research's website, including links to articles, news, and conference information.

Upcoming Events: Announcement of the 20th Rocky Mountain UFO Conference in Laramie, Wyoming, in June 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical significance of UFO cases, the challenges of investigating such phenomena, the impact of UFO encounters on individuals' health, and the growing public awareness and acceptance of UFOs. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society appears to maintain a stance of serious investigation and documentation, encouraging members to report sightings and exchange information. The publication emphasizes the importance of credible evidence and rigorous analysis, while also acknowledging the mysterious and often inexplicable nature of UFO events.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated December 1986, features the "Castle Cove" sighting report as its cover story. The magazine is published by The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society and focuses on UFO phenomena.

Castle Cove Sighting Report

The lead article details a sighting that occurred in Castle Cove, involving witnesses Ms. O'C, her daughter R, and another occupant D. The incident took place when they were driving through sand dunes and stopped on a sealed road. Ms. O'C and D viewed the object through the car window, while R remained inside. The object stopped when they did, and was then viewed with the naked eye. Ms. O'C provided a sketch of the object, describing it as 'fish shaped' with green non-flashing lights at the front, red non-flashing lights in the middle, and a clear light at the tail, likened to little stars. The size was equated to an AFL football held at arm's length. The object was observed in the East of the sky, between 25° and 30° above the horizon. After returning to the vehicle, they travelled to Lavers Hill, with the object following them for approximately 12.3 kilometers. They reached speeds of up to 80 kilometers before the object left their view. The witnesses reported no electrical problems, time loss, or nausea. James Kennedy, Western Regional Area Representative for V.U.F.O.R.S., considered the witnesses genuine but could not definitively identify the object.

Australian Sighting Reports

This section presents a collection of recent and historical UFO sighting reports:

• 26th March, 1960, Yarralumla A.C.T: An experienced radar operator reported a large object, possibly a mother ship, accompanied by four smaller sphere-shaped objects operating at extreme velocity (over 2,000 MPH).
• Sept. or Oct., 1978, Winchelsea VIC: An object with smaller lights below suddenly appeared and hovered over a car, traveling at the same speed for a few minutes before speeding away.
• 13th December, 1998, Early morning, Westgate Bridge, Melbourne VIC: A bright blue/silver light shot from the Footscray area through the sky, lighting up the surrounding area as if it were daytime.

Kangaroo Ground - 1995 & Cannons Creek - September 1998

This section features two reports submitted as letters:

• Kangaroo Ground, 1995: A witness (J.M.) and her husband (R) reported seeing a bright light in the sky while driving. It appeared as a circle of lights, a few hundred feet up, moving slowly. It then moved away quickly with a whooshing sound.
• Cannons Creek, September 1998: A council building inspector reported an unusual object sighted over Melbourne. Described as bright clear night, the object was observed traveling across the northern sky. Initially appearing cigar or football shaped, through field glasses it looked like a circular object tilted with a hint of a dome. The witness's wife verified the sighting. The object was described as being the size of the rising full moon to the naked eye, and very large with 7x50 field glasses. It was observed for about 2 hours.

Tasmanian UFO Report

This section details several sightings reported in Tasmania:

• 7 February 1997, Westbury: A white cigar-shaped object with grey below was seen moving slowly, then changed to a vertical position and made an instant increase in speed, disappearing behind buildings.
• 28 April 1997, Lyell Highway: A motorist and passenger encountered unexplained lights with red and green pulsating lights, and a possible dome shape.
• 22nd September 1997, Bronte Lagoon: An array of lights in an arrow-head formation, described as red, white, green, and yellow, changed formation into a vertical line.
• 15th November 1997, Huon: A large circle of light, two or three times the size of the moon, appeared and then shrank and swelled before vanishing.

Tasmanian Sightings

• 23 June 1997, West Coast: Fishermen reported a group of three lights, glowing orange, in a V-formation, moving slowly at low altitude, performing erratic movements and a large anti-clockwise circle.
• 10th September 1997, Huon Sky: Two friends reported a boomerang-shaped object, multi-colored (blue, yellow, green, red), which let off sparks and made sudden movements.

SIGHTINGS (Adelaide Area)

• Christies Beach, 17 August 1998: Two objects, one triangular and approximately the size of small trucks, were seen moving radically with strobing lights. The object zig-zagged toward the horizon and disappeared.
• Modbury, 6 September 1998: A 37-year-old helicopter pilot reported a six-minute sighting of a round orange object, exhibiting no navigational lights, appearing as the size of a golf ball to the naked eye.

Cape Jervois & Cheltenham - September 1998

• Cape Jervois, 12 September 1998: A bright green object was visible for 3-5 seconds against the black sky.
• Cheltenham, 13 September 1998: Witnesses reported a large gold/red ball-shaped object that changed to a more oblong shape. It appeared to be on fire and dropped something like a falling star before exploding like fireworks.

Hallett Cove - 2 November 1998

A technician reported an orange light with a black dome shape on top, described as silent and the same size as surrounding stars. The object slowly disappeared over the horizon.

What Next - Crop Circles

This section reviews the computer game "CROP CIRCLES," describing its gameplay and features, including its 'share-ware' version and upcoming full release.

UFO Research in Malaysia

Mark Moravec reports on his meeting with Malaysian UFO researcher Ahmad Jamaludin. Jamaludin's research highlights many Malaysian CE3 cases featuring tiny UFOs and entities. He notes the local media's tendency to ignore or trivialize the UFO subject. The first Malaysian UFO Conference was held in Kuala Lumpur in December 1995, and a UFO organization, UFORIA, was formed but did not endure. Jamaludin continues to self-publish UFO studies and believes UFOs originate from an external, extraterrestrial source, also relating them to traditional supernatural beings.

Europe UFO Sightings Continue To Be Plentiful - From Orbs To Triangles

This report by Joseph Trainor compiles several European UFO sightings:

• Londonderry, New Hampshire, 10 September 1998: A triangular formation of three bright white lights was observed, described as tilting and moving instantaneously.
• Chile, August 1998: Numerous sightings of triangular, cigar-shaped, and orb UFOs were reported across Chile, including a military base witnessing a strange cloud with internal blinking lights.

Jet Powered Flying Flapjack Flew in 1947

Aviation writer Tim Mathews discusses US Air Intelligence Report 100-203-79, which suggests that 'jet-equipped aircraft with pancake or flying wing configurations' might be related to some 1947/8 sightings. The report implies that the XF5U-1 Chance Vought 'flying pancake' did fly, contrary to official histories.

Disc Planes the Secret of the Real UFOs

Robert Collins responds to the previous article, asserting that UFOs are not built by humans. He claims personal experience in R&D programs and states that 'black budget' projects develop experimental craft. He notes that these 'Saucers' are Antigravity machines with significant stability problems.

Mass Sightings Of Triangles In Chile Amaze Populace

Luis C. Sanchez Perry reports on a massive arrival of UFOs in Chile between August 19 and 21, 1998. Sightings included triangular, cigar-shaped, and building-like objects with rows of green lights. A military base in Coyhaique reported a strange cloud and subsequent sightings by over 100 military personnel.

The Early Years - Society News

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

• Columbus, Indiana, July 8, 1959: Three orange UFOs in V-formation were spotted by James F. Baker and his family, moving slowly and silently.
• Sapporo, Japan, July 17, 1959: An object resembling a flying saucer was observed over Chitose Air Base, detected by radar and visual sightings.
• Red Bluff, California, August 18, 1960: Mysterious oval-shaped objects flying in formation, emitting a red glow and moving at unbelievable speed, were reported by multiple observers.
• Preston, England, November 12, 1960: A gleaming mystery object hovered above Deepdale during a football match, observed by thousands of eyes.

Society History

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, detailing its origins in the early 1950s with groups like the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." It outlines the evolution of the society through various name changes and its publications, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin." The society is noted for its dispassionate attitude towards UFOs and for maintaining the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across various locations and time periods, with a focus on detailed witness accounts and object descriptions. The magazine consistently presents reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, ranging from small lights to large, structured craft. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting, encouraging readers to submit their own sightings and contributing to the understanding of UFO phenomena. There is an emphasis on presenting factual accounts and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge, as exemplified by James Kennedy's statement about the Castle Cove case remaining an Unidentified Flying Object.