Australian UFO Bulletin - 1999 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated June 1999, is published by V.U.F.O.R.S. (Victorian UFO Research Society). The cover features a graphic of a space shuttle and two flying saucers against a starry background, with the main title prominently displayed.

Welcome and Office Bearers

The Society welcomes reports of unusual phenomena and evaluates them with strict confidence. They exchange information with similar organizations and disseminate findings to members via the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin". The issue lists the office bearers of V.U.F.O.R.S., including President Judith Magee, Vice-President & Treasurer Clive Yates, Secretary Tony Cook, and various regional representatives across Australia.

Contents

The table of contents outlines a diverse range of articles, including an editorial, "On the UFO Trail", "UFO Potpourri", a review of "The Cash-Landrum Incident", discussions on space colonies, "Flying Saucer Review Editorial", "AFRINEWS - Hoaxers!", "What Next!", "The Early Years", "Local Sightings Reports", press releases, and area representatives' reports.

Editorial: On the UFO Trail

The editorial reflects on the evolution of UFO research, from early investigations of "lights in the sky" to the more complex subject of UFOs and abductions. It notes the shift in terminology and the increasing global interest in the phenomenon. The article mentions the society's early days of "chasing lights" and the transition to investigating more substantial reports. It touches upon the terrifying aspects of some sightings, animal mutilations, and the controversial topic of abductions, cautioning against those who might exploit such claims for personal gain. The editorial also notes the ongoing reporting of sightings, some of which are attributed to misidentified celestial objects or atmospheric phenomena.

On the UFO Trail by Paul Norman

This section discusses the importance of pilots and observers in UFO research. It critiques an article that attempted to explain the Valentich incident as a meteorological phenomenon, emphasizing that VUFORS researchers investigate actual UFO reports. The article highlights the extensive investigation into the Valentich case, costing over $3000, and notes that sightings on the same date and time continue to be reported years later. It also touches upon the electromagnetic effects UFOs can have on vehicles and the historical context of UFO research, contrasting it with academic speculation.

UFO Potpourri

This section presents various UFO-related news and research snippets. It includes a report on a scientific conference held at the University of Arizona in 1971, where scientists discussed UFO research. Dr. John C. Munday's statement about UFOs not being from Earth and the potential for electromagnetic effects causing physical symptoms is highlighted. Dr. Robert F. Creegan expresses his conviction in intelligent extraterrestrial life controlling UFOs. Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle believes UFOs are craft controlled by intelligent beings studying humanity. Dr. J. Allen Hynek states that UFOs are now a respectable scientific subject. Dr. Emerson W. Shideler believes UFOs exist and are controlled by intelligence from another planet, posing no threat but having a significant impact on culture and religion. Dr. Frank B. Salisbury suggests UFOs might be controlled by virtual immortals from other galaxies.

Dubai Official Stands by UFO Report

This article reports on Dubai Civil Defense Chief Colonel Ali Al Sayed's conviction that he witnessed an alien spacecraft. He described the object as a round white light that became oval in shape, moving steadily without sound. He based his conviction on his experience scanning the skies and his knowledge of identifiable aircraft.

Ball Traveling at Nearly the Speed of Light

A brief report from The Orange County Register describes a mysterious ball of light videotaped in the Earth's upper atmosphere, traveling at nearly the speed of light. The object appeared for a fraction of a second and was observed crossing the field of view with intense glow.

Chilean Air Force UFO Committee

This brief note mentions that Chile's air force appointed a committee in 1997 to compile reports on UFOs, but it will only consider reports from reputable sources, not ordinary people.

To Blimp or Not to Blimp

This short piece recounts an incident in Wangaratta where a bright light was reported and investigated. It was ultimately identified by a Police Officer as an unidentified flying Blimp, thus solving the case.

Laser Beam Can Pop Out Single Cells

This article explores the potential connection between UFOs and animal mutilations, suggesting advanced laser technology might be used. It details a scientific development where a laser can cut out single cells from tissue samples, a process that could have implications for field operations.

The Boianai Sightings - 40 Years On

This detailed report by J. Magee revisits the UFO sightings that occurred over the Anglican Mission Station at Boianai, Papua New Guinea, on June 21, 26, and 27, 1959. With 38 witnesses, the sightings involved large, manned craft with elaborate superstructures and smaller, remote-controlled discs. The objects exhibited incredible speed and maneuverability, with one large object crossing a bay in less than a second. The witnesses were primarily Papuan natives, including educated teachers and medical assistants.

The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident

This book review by Joan Price discusses John F. Schuessler's research into the 1980 UFO encounter that left three victims, Vickie Landrum, her grandson Colby, and Betty Cash, with serious medical problems. The incident involved a fiery, triangular object and military helicopters. The review highlights the author's dedication to seeking justice for the victims and the "extreme strangeness" of the case, including multiple witnesses, severe medical effects, and alleged government cover-ups.

Military Intervention

This section details the aftermath of the Cash-Landrum incident, describing the appearance of numerous helicopters and the subsequent onset of serious illness in the victims. It notes the difficulty in starting the car and the escalating physical symptoms experienced by Betty, Vickie, and Colby. The article also mentions other witnesses who reported similar triangular UFOs in the area around the same time.

The Pentagon Express Interest

This part of the Cash-Landrum incident report discusses the US government's involvement, or lack thereof. Investigators sent letters to various military branches and representatives, receiving no response. Telephone calls also yielded little information. The article suggests bureaucratic apathy and highlights the victims' eventual turn to the media and legal action. A Congressional Inquiry eventually prompted a response from the Pentagon, which denied the use of twin-rotor helicopters by USAF in the area.

Space Colonies Increasingly Possible

This article from the National Post discusses NASA's vision for long-distance space travel and the increasing possibility of human space colonies. It mentions Robert Frisbee of NASA's Advanced Propulsion Technology Group and Dr. Packam's work on NASA's Advanced Life Support System (ALSS), which aims to create self-sustaining ecosystems for space missions. The article also touches upon the challenges of long-duration space travel, including the physiological effects of acceleration and the communication time lags for missions far from Earth.

Youth Dies to Meet Aliens

A brief report about a 16-year-old youth in Victoria who died after jumping from a cliff, reportedly in an effort to join an alien culture. The children's commissioner noted that the youth never received the help he needed.

Flying Saucer Review - Vatican UFO Department

This article discusses reports that the Vatican has its own UFO study department. It highlights Monsignor Corrado Balducci's public statements about extraterrestrial contact being a real phenomenon and that the Vatican is studying these encounters. The article notes the Catholic Church's analysis that these encounters are not demonic but deserve careful study. It also includes a cautionary note from the magazine's perspective, suggesting that UFO phenomena might be from "other dimensions" or "Inner Space" rather than "Outer Space" and could be sinister.

Hoaxers!

This section, based on an article from UFO*BC QUARTERLY, discusses the motivations behind UFO hoaxes. British forensic psychologist Dr. Mike Berry suggests that hoax offenders are often lonely individuals seeking attention. The article criticizes James van Greunen for perpetrating hoaxes related to alleged UFO crashes in southern Africa, noting that despite initial beliefs by some investigators, the events were fabricated. The authors express a desire to move past these hoaxes and focus on genuine research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings and incidents, the role of scientific research in understanding UFO phenomena, and the critical examination of potential hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO reports, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or fabrications. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based research and a cautious approach to sensational claims. The publication also touches upon broader topics like space exploration and the societal impact of UFO encounters.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated February 1999, features a cover story titled 'What Next' by G. Simpson, which delves into the aftermath of the Roswell incident, specifically the official press conference held by General Roger Ramey on July 8th, 1947. The article discusses the photographic evidence from the event, including the smell emanating from brown paper parcels and the possibility of deciphering words on a document Ramey held, believed to be his orders to suppress the 'saucer story'.

The Early Years: A Selection of Reports

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

• Dubuque, Iowa – March 4, 1960: Reported by The UFO Investigator (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), this incident involved airplane instructor Charles Morris and six other witnesses who observed three elliptical flying objects in a line formation. The objects were described as clear-cut, blue-white, brighter than the moon, and estimated to be 200 by 60 feet. They disappeared on a northeast course without sound or visible trails.
• Townsville, Queensland – June 7, 1965: From The Australian Flying Saucer Digest (Allied UFO Groups in Australia), this report details three men who saw two unidentified objects while fishing. The objects appeared as bright white lights, possibly with a white ring around them, moving in a southeasterly direction and disappearing after a few minutes.
• Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan – October 24, 1968: Featured in Saucers, Space & Science (Gene Duplantier, Canada), this account describes Ben Bridges, who experienced his car's lights dimming and headlights going out while observing a large, orange object in the sky that tapered to a white tail and moved away at tremendous speed. No sound was heard.

UFO Potpourri

This section contains various short reports and articles:

• Mysterious Light Smashes Into Plane, Vanishes: An article from the Associated Press in Springfield, Illinois, dated July 30, 1950, describes a pilot, Jim Graham, who reported a blue streak with a reddish-yellow tail that bumped into his plane with a blinding flash but caused no damage. Other witnesses described a similar streak with an intense blue light.
• Britons Believe In Extraterrestrial Life: A report from BBC News citing the magazine FOCUS indicates that 52.2% of British people believe alien life exists. The article notes the influence of 'The X-Files' TV series and public suspicion of authorities regarding UFO information.
• Did Jackie Gleason See Dead Aliens?: This piece references a BUFFALO NEWS article from June 12, 1987, about Jackie Gleason's alleged trip with President Richard Nixon to Homestead Air Force Base in Florida to see embalmed bodies of four dead aliens.
• Optical Signals From ET: According to SCIENCE magazine (January 29, 1999), astronomers suggest that laser light might be a more effective method for extraterrestrials to communicate than radio signals, with The Planetary Society funding new initiatives for 'optical SETI'.
• Space Shuttle Launches to the Space Station: NASA announced its 1999 launch schedule for the Space Station, including flights carrying supplies, the Russian Service Module, and new equipment.
• Some Useful Web Sites: A list of websites related to aviation, science, and space flight is provided.

Local Sighting Reports

This section compiles recent sighting reports:

• Malmsbury Reservoir, 1990: A report describes several pillars of white light, cylindrical tubes about 40 feet high, circling counter-clockwise over the water. The light source was in the center of each column.
• Frankston, Melbourne – May 6, 1999: A witness, A.T., recorded an unusual object on video that appeared to hover, change shape, and 'hop' between locations, suggesting instantaneous movement. The object was observed over the R.A.A.F. base in Laverton.

UFO's, Hoaxes or Mistaken Identities

This section addresses various reports and potential explanations:

• Albury, NSW: Reports of strange lights, described as aircraft lights or three stationary pulsing lights, were investigated. While some lights were identified as obstruction warning lights or bright stars, two reports remain unexplained.
• Wodonga / Albury Area: This region has been a focus for hoaxes, but two recent sighting reports are still under investigation.
• Colac: A witness reported a bright blue object, 5 meters in length with a diamond head, that was stationary before speeding down below the horizon.

Sightings

This section provides a collection of recent sighting reports:

• Moggill – August 13, 1998: A woman reported seeing three white and five reddish lights in the sky.
• Middle Park – August 13, 1998: A witness observed three, then two more, intense bright lights moving downwards and disappearing behind trees.
• Sunshine Coast – August 14, 1998: A witness saw two huge circular patches of light, one orange and one white, on the ground near Burpengary.
• Kingston – August 15, 1998: Six observers saw a dark doughnut-shaped object moving just below cloud height.
• St George – August 16, 1998: A woman observed a red/orange pulsating ball of light in the sky, the size of a soccer ball.
• Dayboro – August 18, 1998: A man observed a bright white object moving northwest at aircraft speed without making noise.
• Gateway Bridge – August 15, 1998: A pilot observed several lights moving from near the bridge to Brisbane Airport, estimating them to be 200 to 500 feet high.
• Keperra – August 21, 1998: A witness saw a big white light, similar to the full moon, flashing on and off, with sheet lightning around it.
• Deception Bay – August 22, 1998: Six witnesses observed three round orange lights moving faster than a plane and making no noise. Two other reports of orange lights in the same area were received.
• Waterside – September 18, 1998: A member observed a pale orange light moving east, faster than a plane, without making noise.
• Ipswich – September 19, 1998: Thirty witnesses observed six orange lights that formed a half circle and then took up a formation of three pairs before fading out.
• Rapid Creek – November 14, 1998: Warwick Sweeney reported an oval-shaped object with flashing lights, estimated to be the size of a small car, moving slowly over the sea.
• Nullabour Plains – 1987: Mark Ingham reported his Landcruiser being buzzed repeatedly by a metallic object with no rivets or welds, which shone a 'misty' light on the vehicle and moved erratically.
• Alice Springs – August 29, 1998: A Church Minister and eight youths witnessed three objects appearing as bright dots, larger than stars, which disappeared one by one.

UFOs on the Internet

• By Tony Cook - VUFORS: This section highlights the VUFORS website, which provides news, membership information, and sighting summaries.
• Billionaire in crop circle research: US billionaire Laurance Rockefeller is funding a large-scale survey of crop circles in the UK to determine their authenticity.

Press Release

• Milestone in UFO studies published on floppy disc (January 1999): This release announces the compilation of the author's UFO research into a diskette titled 'UFOlogy II: Some Final Answers'. The book explores unusual phenomena and seeks scientific explanations, with chapters covering scientific challenges, interpreting reports, vehicle disruption, radio effects, and human body changes.

Society News

• The VUFORS Sightings Report Line: A 24-hour hotline is available for reporting sightings.
• Discussion Evening: An upcoming discussion evening on June 7th features Stanton Friedman's CD-ROM, 'UFOs...THE REAL STORY'.
• Back Issues: Back issues of The Australian UFO Bulletin are available for purchase.
• Elections: Information regarding the upcoming Annual General Meeting and committee elections is provided.

Society History

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian UFO Research Society, detailing its formation in the early 1950s and its evolution through various names and leadership changes. The society has published papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian UFO Bulletin', and maintained a large UFO library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of UFO sightings from various locations and time periods, with a focus on eyewitness testimony and attempts at scientific explanation. There is a clear emphasis on reporting and investigating these phenomena, with organizations like VUFORS and the Victorian UFO Research Society playing a central role. The issue also touches upon public perception of UFOs and alien life, the potential for extraterrestrial communication, and the ongoing search for scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and dispassionate investigation, encouraging members and the public to contribute to the collection and analysis of UFO data.