Australian UFO Bulletin - 1999 12 - December

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated December 1999, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It features a cover depicting the magazine title with a space scene including a NASA shuttle and two UFOs. The issue contains a variety of articles, reports, and press cuttings related to UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the long-standing association with the English Flying Saucer Review and its editor, Gordon Creighton. It highlights the importance of in-depth UFO research beyond simply 'chasing lights in the sky,' emphasizing the need for experience and a scientific approach. The editorial also appeals to members to forward local sighting reports to the society.

On The UFO Trail

This section, written by Paul Norman, discusses various UFO sightings, including large, oblong, or cone-shaped objects and disc-shaped craft. It references historical cases from the 1940s and 1950s, such as an incident in Tennessee where a 'Parent Object' emitted smaller discs, and an elliptical object observed in California. Early reports from Air Force pilots are also mentioned, including a spherical, red-orange object seen over Ceylon in 1944 and a sighting by pilot Jack Puckett in 1946.

Summer of 1951

This report details a sighting by Lt. George Kinman over Augusta, Georgia, who observed a white, thick disc-shaped object, twice the size of his F-51 plane, which repeatedly dipped and closed in on him.

Triangular Satellite Formations

VUFORS has received reports of three unblinking, starlike objects in triangular formation. The article explains this is likely due to the U.S. Navy's space-borne electronic intelligence system, code-named Parcae, which uses sets of three satellites for tracking military ships.

Hubble in Trouble

A brief report on the Hubble Space Telescope suffering a critical systems failure due to a gyroscope malfunction, rendering it scientifically useless until an in-orbit service call.

Mars Climate Orbiter Lost

This section notes the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter due to a failure to convert English measures into metric values, as reported by NASA.

DID A HUGE UFO CRASH IN KAZAKHSTAN IN 1991?

By Gordon Creighton, this article details an alleged UFO crash in Kazakhstan in September 1991. Based on information from Russian ufologists, the report describes a large tubular object emitting intense radiation, which prevented close examination and caused burns. The object's size is estimated at 620 x 120 meters, and it is suggested that an 'auto-destruct' mechanism may have caused it to split. Annotations mention radiation, green marks, and a significant absence of a magnetic field. A skid-track of the craft was also noted, and a military helicopter was reportedly destroyed after flying too close to the wreckage.

I. THE STRANGE CASE OF CORPORAL VALDÉS.

This report by Daniel Giribaldi, translated from Spanish, details an incident involving Chilean Corporal Armando Valdés in April 1977. Valdés was abducted by a UFO near Arica and returned 15 minutes later. The extraordinary aspects of the case include the corporal having grown a five-day beard and his wristwatch showing that five days had elapsed, indicating a time distortion phenomenon. The military authorities attempted to suppress the story, but it eventually became public.

II. COMPARISON OF TWO SPECTACULAR REPORTS FROM CHILE AND CHINA.

By Gordon Creighton, this section compares the Arica case with Chinese UFO reports. It notes the historical context of UFO reports from South America and the challenges in obtaining information. The article republishes Creighton's original 1978 FSR article on the Valdes case and includes a translation of Chinese reports involving time distortion. One Chinese case from 1975 describes a soldier being picked up by a UFO and experiencing a similar time-lapse effect. The article also mentions the difficulty in verifying such cases.

THE "ARICA CASE" OF THE CHILEAN SOLDIER WHO "WENT INTO THE FOURTH DIMENSION" AND "AGED BY FIVE DAYS" IN FIFTEEN MINUTES!

This section, also by Gordon Creighton, provides further details on the Corporal Valdés case. It discusses the challenges faced by Flying Saucer Review due to a 'blanket ban' and lack of resources. The report emphasizes the similarity of the Valdés case to other reported incidents involving time distortion and the victim being found in remote locations. It also references a Chinese case from 1975 where a soldier disappeared and reappeared with accelerated aging and a magnetized watch.

The Lagoa dos Patos Incident

This detailed report by Michael Wysmierski describes an encounter by Brazilian pilot Haroldo Westendorff in November 1996. Westendorff, an experienced pilot and aerobatics champion, observed a massive, pyramid-shaped UFO over Lagoa dos Patos. He described the craft as enormous, with eight sides and prominent bulges resembling windows. The UFO was soundless and turned on its axis. Westendorff flew closer and observed a smaller saucer-shaped craft exit the pyramid. The large craft then spun rapidly and departed at an estimated speed of 12,000 km/h. Westendorff's encounter lasted 30 minutes, and he expressed certainty that the object was not of terrestrial origin. The report includes details about the pilot's communication with air traffic control and the subsequent request for sketches of the UFO.

UFOs on the Internet

This section includes brief news items. One reports on the growing amount of space junk orbiting Earth, increasing the risk of satellite destruction. Another discusses the discovery of a planet larger than Jupiter. A third item reports on thousands of people witnessing a UFO over Papua New Guinea, described as a large, city-like object moving slowly and quietly.

PRESS CUTTINGS OF INTEREST

This section contains newspaper clippings. One from the Sentinel-Times reports on sightings of a 'strange, flashing blue light' in the Wonthaggi-Inverloch area of Australia, witnessed by multiple people. Another clipping from the Herald Sun discusses a 'UFO' filmed by fishermen, which was later identified as the planet Venus by an astronomer. A third clipping announces the discovery of a new planet orbiting a star in the constellation Pegasus, confirmed by scientists using the Keck Telescope and remote-controlled telescopes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of significant UFO sightings and alleged crashes, with a focus on unusual phenomena such as time distortion and radiation. The editorial stance, as expressed in the editorial and the nature of the articles, is one of serious, scientific investigation into UFO reports, encouraging witness cooperation and the exchange of information. There is a clear emphasis on documented cases and the need for rigorous analysis, moving beyond simplistic explanations.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated 1957 (though content spans multiple decades including historical reports and recent 1999 sightings), presents a collection of UFO reports and related articles. The cover prominently features a review of the book "Reaching For Reality" by Constance Clear, M.A., M.S.W., which details seven cases of alien abduction. The magazine also includes historical "Early Years" reports from the 1950s and 1960s, a section on "Australian Sighting Reports" from 1999, and a historical overview of the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society."

The Early Years

This section compiles historical UFO reports from the 1950s and 1960s:

• Albany, Western Australia - February 6, 1959: Reported by UFORUM (Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society). A strange glowing white object, brighter than a meteor, was seen by Stan Whiteman and his family, as well as campers. It moved erratically and was not like a star or planet. The Royal Australian Air Force confirmed no aircraft were in the area.
• Darwin, Northern Territory - July 27, 1961: Reported by LUFORO Bulletin (London UFO Research Organisation). Multiple people witnessed a saucer-shaped, bluish object appearing from the north-west or north. It flew in a wide circle, appeared to buzz a train, and was described as a 'big ball of fire' by the train driver. Witnesses also saw it over Tennant Creek later.
• Santa Rita, Venezuela - October 6, 1961: Reported by The UFO Investigator (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). This report highlights UFO close approaches leading to a death and frightening witnesses. A fisherman drowned when he and others jumped from their boats as a huge, glowing object approached. The UFO crossed Lake Maracaibo, leaving a reddish, exhaust-like trail.

Book Review: Reaching For Reality

This section reviews "Reaching For Reality" by Constance Clear, M.A., M.S.W., with the review by Joan Price. The book is an account of seven individuals who claim to have undergone surgical experiments after being carried aboard UFOs. Constance Clear, a professional therapist, helped them recover their experiences. The book includes detailed sketches of crafts, beings, and equipment. The review notes that the book provides "new" detail and includes an appendix with suggestions for abductees and a survey called "The Roper Survey" which helps identify abductees. The reviewer considers it a well-prepared book and a benchmark in research.

Book Review: Cosmic Voyage

This review, by Wendy Wolfe, discusses "Cosmic Voyage: A Scientific Discovery of Extraterrestrials Visiting Earth" by Dr. Courtney Brown. Dr. Brown, an Associate Professor of Political Science, uses "Scientific Remote Viewing" (SRV) to investigate extraterrestrial contact. The review explains that SRV originated from US military spy systems and has been developed with new protocols by Ingo Swann. Dr. Brown claims to have had experiences with extraterrestrials and believes they are involved with Earth humans, with some possibly living here. The book explores communication with two extraterrestrial civilizations surviving catastrophes.

Australian Sighting Reports

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings from 1999 across Australia:

• Summer 1970, Near Mildura, Victoria: Two witnesses saw a grey object with flashing orange and white lights rise from behind trees and pass at close range (150-160 feet). The object had a grid shape underneath.
• June 8, 1999, Tyers, Glengarry road, Victoria: A witness observed an oblong object with a bright white tail flying east to west for 4-5 seconds.
• June 16, 1999, Sale, Victoria: A witness reported three spherical objects, one large white and two smaller, flying towards the NE. The sighting was described as beautiful and unexpected.
• July 1999, Yulara, NT: An observer reported an oval-shaped, bright white object speeding from west to east, faster than anything previously observed, leaving the witness scared.
• July 10, 1999, Sunshine, Victoria: Four witnesses, including two policemen, observed four orange-red lights moving SW to SE in formation.
• August 4, 1999, Ballarat, Victoria: Two witnesses saw a silvery white disc-shaped object that banked into a controlled dive and disappeared behind trees. It had a bright tail.
• August 24, 1999, Near Anglesea, Victoria: A circular fluorescent green object with a bright red rim was observed for about 10 seconds before shooting away to the NW.
• August 31, 1999, Eldorado, Victoria: An oblong object with visible sections (front rose, second blue) was seen flying horizontally from NW to SE for about 8 seconds.
• September 2, 1999, North Balwyn, Victoria: A diamond white object, about a third the size of the moon, flew slowly and descended behind trees. It had small white lights flashing.
• September 13, 1999, Parafield Gardens: Beverley Bugg saw two yellowish round objects in a north-easterly direction. Ian Johnson saw four red/white circular objects, three within 4 km and one further away. Some objects flew away, others passed overhead.
• September 22, 1999, Woodcroft: Eugene Morris saw two objects, one star-like and the other a 'pursuit object' with flashing lights, moving north-north-easterly. A bright flash occurred when the second object caught up with the first.
• Late September 1999, Inverlock, Victoria: Witness M reported a sudden flash of brilliant blue light, followed by subsequent flashes at different locations and altitudes. The object was compared to a medium four-door sedan. Mobile phone service was interrupted.
• October 10, 1999, Inverlock, Victoria: Witness M again observed a flashing blue light, similar to the previous sighting. The light was very close at one stage, bathing the car in blue light. Mobile phone service was again interrupted.

Society History: 1957

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.). It traces its origins back to the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society" in the early 1950s. The "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society" was formed on February 17, 1957, later becoming the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society published the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and later the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin." It maintained a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs and held the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, though this service was discontinued due to postage costs. Membership is open to those genuinely interested.

Society News

This section includes information about the VUFORS Sightings Report Line, available 24/7. It also lists items for sale at a December 6th discussion evening, including Stanton Friedman's CD-ROM, VUFORS lapel badges, and pens. Back issues of The Australian UFO Bulletin are available by mail for $5.00 each.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien abduction, and the history of UFO research organizations. The magazine appears to present a wide range of reports and information related to the UFO phenomenon, from historical accounts to contemporary sightings and research initiatives. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, as indicated by its historical overview and news section, is dedicated to the study of UFOs, maintaining a scientific approach and providing a platform for reporting and discussion. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry and documentation of UFO-related phenomena.