Australian UFO Bulletin - 2000 09 - September

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated September 2000, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS). It features a cover illustration of a space shuttle and two UFOs in space, with the main headline "U.F.O.". The issue includes a detailed investigation into the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich, a survey of medical professionals regarding UFO sightings, and discussions on the physiological effects of abduction experiences.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Judith Magee, reflects on her past involvement with VUFORS and her 'middle of the road' approach to UFO research, emphasizing honesty, sincerity, and fair play. She notes the society's continued operation despite the rise of the internet and thanks members for their support. The editorial also mentions the upcoming elections for 2000/2001 and a report from the Returning Officer.

On The UFO Trail

Authored by Paul Norman, this section discusses a purported UFO sighting related to a space shuttle experiment. Norman expresses skepticism about claims of a "smoking gun" UFO breakthrough, suggesting misidentification due to waste disposal, camera effects, and experimental conditions. He also references a similar situation with the Santilli autopsy case, implying attempts to exploit the "gullibility market." The article criticizes the sensationalism surrounding certain UFO reports and highlights a Canadian individual who allegedly fabricated stories about astronaut communications.

SUFOG Newsletter Excerpts

Excerpts from the SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) newsletter, dated March/April 2000, are included. The newsletter announces the release of "Smoking Gun" UFO footage, which the author finds unimpressive and of questionable copyright. The author advises readers to save their money and support local UFO groups instead.

Valentich Disappearance: New Evidence and a New Conclusion

This extensive article, co-authored by Richard F. Haines and Paul Norman, presents new evidence regarding the disappearance of Frederick Valentich on October 21, 1978. The authors analyze the pilot's final radio transmission, eyewitness accounts from the Apollo Bay area, and flight path data. Three primary eyewitnesses, including Ken Hansen and his two nieces, reported seeing a large green light accompanying Valentich's Cessna. Based on this evidence, the paper concludes that Valentich's airplane likely crashed into the sea southeast of Cape Marengo. The article details the flight path reconstruction, the eyewitness testimonies, and the analysis of the radio transcript, suggesting the unidentified object's nature remains unknown. The paper is a reproduction from the Journal of Scientific Exploration.

UFO Potpourri

This section, compiled by John F. Schuessler, presents various UFO-related information. It includes a summary of a UFO survey conducted by Drs. David Gordon and his wife, which found that 11% of surveyed HMO members had seen a UFO, and 0.8% reported abduction experiences. The implications of these findings, suggesting the phenomenon is widespread and potentially kept secret, are discussed. The section also touches upon the potential for contact with non-earth intelligence and the possibility of "ET diseases" affecting abductees.

Abduction Effects on the Human Circadian Clock

This subsection explores the potential impact of abduction experiences on the human circadian clock, posing questions about how to measure these effects and whether they are permanent.

Abduction/Physiological Effects

This part discusses physiological effects resulting from abduction experiences, referencing a book by Berthold E. Schwaarz, M.D. It includes an excerpt describing an encounter with two types of alien life forms and the resulting physical and psychological distress experienced by an abductee named "Lois."

Abductees Report Similar Ailments

This report, from Filer's Files #20, discusses the suggestion that many abductees suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia. It raises the question of whether abductees contract illnesses from contact with ETs, or vice versa, and notes that immune system status might play a role.

UV Blamed for Burns in Some UFO Cases

This brief section discusses how UV light can damage DNA and cause vitamin A deficiency, suggesting a possible link to injuries reported in UFO cases.

Calls to Reopen 22-year Apollo Bay Plane Crash Mystery

This news article from the Geelong Advertiser reports on renewed calls to search for Frederick Valentich's plane, based on new evidence from eyewitnesses. Investigator Paul Norman and researcher Richard Haines believe the crash site has been pinpointed. The article includes interviews with Steve Robey, the radio controller who last spoke to Valentich, and Valentich's mother, Alberta. The search is dependent on sponsorship.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of specific UFO cases, particularly the Valentich disappearance, the analysis of eyewitness testimony, and the potential physiological and psychological impacts of UFO encounters and abductions. The editorial stance, as expressed in the editorial section, is one of scientific rigor, honesty, and fair play, emphasizing the need for investigation rather than blind acceptance of reports. The publication also appears to support the ongoing research and efforts of UFO investigation groups.

Title: AUSTRALIAN UFO BULLETIN
Issue: 370
Volume: May 2000
Date: June 1, 2000

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, with a strong focus on a potential breakthrough in the 21-year-old mystery of pilot Frederick Valentich's disappearance.

Valentich Disappearance: New Evidence and Search Planned

The lead story, "Plane's location believed found," details new findings that could pinpoint the location of pilot Frederick Valentich's plane, which mysteriously disappeared in 1978. Investigators from the Victorian UFO Research Society, Paul Norman and Richard F. Haines, have gathered evidence from three witnesses who were hunting in the Apollo Bay area at the time of the disappearance. These witnesses reported seeing a green light hovering over Valentich's plane moments before it vanished. The new evidence suggests the plane likely crashed into the ocean south-east of Cape Marengo. The researchers believe they have plotted the plane's final descent and are now calling for an underwater search to find the wreckage. This is described as one of the most intriguing aviation mysteries since Amelia Earhart's disappearance. Paul Norman stated that this is the first time they have been able to plot what happened based on circumstantial evidence and that the next step is a search. The society is seeking sponsors for sonar, scuba, and computer-based underwater searches. The article also mentions that Guido Valentich, Frederick's father, had never given up searching for clues and had joined the Victorian UFO Research Society shortly after his son's disappearance. He passed away in April, having accepted that his son was not alive.

Dad Hunted for Clues

This section highlights the persistent efforts of Frederick Valentich's father, Guido, to uncover the truth behind his son's disappearance. He joined the Victorian UFO Research Society and worked with scientists and UFO researchers. Although he died in April, he had been aware of the case's developments and had reconciled himself to the fact that Frederick was no longer alive.

Witness Accounts Support Valentich's Reports

One of the key witnesses, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing the same green light that Valentich radioed about. This witness initially kept quiet to avoid ridicule but later mentioned it to a policeman, who informed Guido Valentich. Both women in the trio corroborated the uncle's account, describing both a small aircraft and a very large green light traveling directly above it. They noted that both the airplane and the accompanying light descended at an apparent 30 to 40-degree angle. The witnesses did not see the plane crash. The new evidence supports details from Valentich's 13-minute audio tape of his final radio messages. Mr. Norman believes that despite the 20 years that have elapsed, an underwater search should be mounted to locate the plane, as no wreckage has been found, supporting the theory of an ocean crash.

International UFO Sightings

Illinois: Huge Hovering Craft Reported

On April 25, 2000, a witness in Wood Dale, Illinois, reported seeing an extremely huge aircraft, much larger than a 747, hovering very low to the ground. The craft was described as well-lit, slowly rotating, and shaped like a thin fuselage with very long wings. It appeared fixed in one position and made no sound.

Missouri: UFO Caught on Infrared Video

In Kansas City, Missouri, John Colaw reported a sighting with seven other witnesses. They observed a pulsing star-like object with brilliant, rapidly changing colors. A friend captured footage of the object using a Sony Handycam with Night Shot infrared. The object appeared as a pulsing fog with a bright triangular nucleus that was spinning rapidly. The video is being uploaded to the internet.

Physics: Space Travel May Become 10 Times Faster

This article discusses research by Robert Winglee, a professor at the University of Washington, funded partly by NASA, into a magnetic propulsion system. This system, called Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2), aims to make space travel approximately 10 times faster. The system involves creating a magnetic bubble to deflect the solar wind and accelerate a vessel to speeds of 80 kilometers per second. If successful, exploration beyond the solar system could become possible within 10 years. Experimental tests are planned at the NASA Marshall Space Center.

Meteorology: Giant Ice Cubes from Clear Skies Tested in Spain

Experts studying a phenomenon in Spain where giant ice cubes fell from clear skies in January suggest it may be linked to global warming. The ice cubes, some weighing four kilograms, were analyzed and ruled out as meteorites or parts of comet tails. The hypothesis that they fell from an airplane was also excluded. Satellite maps showed a depression in the ozone layer over Spain during the time of the event. The report by 14 Spanish scientists noted that while the phenomenon is documented historically, its cause remains uncertain.

The Early Years: Historical UFO Reports

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

• August 1959, Moscow: The Civilian Radar Post reported three disc-shaped objects at high altitude.
• May 27, 1961, Nashville, Tennessee: A bright, triangular object was sighted at an estimated altitude of 60,000 feet.
• July 30, 1964, Flemington, New Jersey: A UFO reportedly landed in a rural field, and then moved towards the witness.
• March 14, 1965, Florida Everglades: A large, metallic cone-shaped object landed, and a witness experienced a physical blow upon approaching.

Australian Sighting Reports

Several recent sighting reports from Australia are detailed:

• November 6, 1999, Perry Sands, NSW: Two observers saw yellow and white objects interacting with an aircraft.
• November 29, 1992, Western Australia: Three observers witnessed a large, gold-colored object with a round front and three glowing tails.
• June 7, 2000, North West of Pine Gap: Two witnesses observed a disc-shaped object with orange lights that hovered and then moved out of sight.
• May 15, 2000, North of Pine Gap: Two witnesses observed a large, dark object with lights.
• February 28, 2000, Balnarring, Victoria: A witness reported a large triangular object with yellow and blue lights.

Crop Circle Theory a Shocker

British expert Colin Andrews concedes that most intricate crop circles are man-made. However, he believes that simple round ones are the work of a giant unseen force, possibly related to the earth's magnetic field. His research, funded by a billionaire, involved hiring private detectives to track down crop circle artists.

Recent Sightings and Investigations

• Hackham, April 7, 2000: Three white objects were sighted, changing shape from a circle to a rectangular shape and then a flying saucer.
• Mildura, April 20, 2000: Several white lights were seen moving fast and zig-zagging in formation.
• Skye, May 18, 2000: An engineer observed a single orange object that rose like a firework rocket with a fiery tail.
• Smithfield, May 20, 2000: A bright white light, the size of a full moon, was seen at high altitude and disappeared rapidly.
• Victor Harbour, June 19, 2000: Four orange objects were observed moving slowly east to west, with one disappearing and the others exhibiting dimming and flaring.

Louisiana Abduction?

A witness named Allen H. reported losing an hour and fifteen minutes of time while driving late at night. His car radio experienced static, his pager went wild, and his car lights were on with the engine dead upon regaining consciousness. He also described recurring nightmares of being looked at but unable to move or yell.

Lake Michigan Has Frequent Sightings

Paul Willison reports that coworkers have witnessed numerous unusual sightings over Lake Michigan. Witnesses describe seeing 20 or more strange objects, often lights traveling in formation, low to the horizon, and capable of shooting up at tremendous speed. Some lights traverse the entire horizon in seconds. These sightings are common along the sparsely populated lake shore.

Michigan Airport UFOs

Dr. Harry Willnus, a former MUFON Michigan State Director, shares insights into UFO activity near Detroit Metro Airport. He suggests that UFOs may use airports as 'hiding places' due to the abundance of lights. He notes that major US airports often have numerous UFO sightings reported by people in the immediate area, though these are seldom reported.

UFO Shoots Object At Indiana UFO Researcher Taping 'Huge Disks'

On March 12, 2000, John Tosti, a UFO researcher, videotaped two illuminated objects hovering near his home in Smithville, Indiana. Two more objects appeared, described as 'huge disks' with 'headlights.' A small yellowish object then 'shot out' of one of the disks towards Tosti, causing him to feel scared. The large disks then 'blinked out' and disappeared. The videotape is currently under analysis.

Society News and History

This section includes information about the VUFORS Sightings Hotline, items for sale, and back issues of The Australian UFO Bulletin. It also provides a brief history of UFO organizations in Australia, starting with the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s and tracing the evolution to the current Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. The society emphasizes a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs and maintains the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include ongoing UFO investigations, particularly the Valentich case, a wide range of recent and historical UFO sightings from around the world, and the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific research and technological advancements. The editorial stance, as indicated by the history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, is one of a dispassionate, scientific approach to the subject, treating UFOs as a scientific problem deserving closer attention.