Australian UFO Bulletin - 2001 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: SEPTEMBER 2001
Publisher: V.U.F.O.R.S. (Victorian U.F.O. Research Society)
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated September 2001, presents a diverse range of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, scientific inquiry, and related societal issues. The publication serves as a platform for sharing information and investigations conducted by the V.U.F.O.R.S. and other related organizations.

Editorial

The editorial section, penned by President Judith Magee, expresses gratitude to individuals and organizations for their contributions. It notes a recent dearth of high-quality sighting reports, attributing this partly to occasional balloon or stray lights that consume investigator time. The editorial highlights the active and capable investigators within the society, such as Wendy Wolfe, John Thompson, and Dan Haylock. It also addresses recent reports of unusual lights in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs, speculating on possible causes ranging from pranksters to military exercises, while emphasizing the society's commitment to investigation. A planned meeting with observers is announced. The editorial also notes the availability of an English-language newsletter from Sweden's Archives for UFO Research Foundation (AFU).

Committee

An announcement regarding the committee elections states that no nominations for new committee members were received by the due date, indicating that the committee remains unchanged as listed on the inside front cover.

On The UFO Trail

Written by Paul Norman, this section discusses the increasing credibility of ufology and highlights the Frederick Valentich encounter. It then delves into the historical UFO activity in the Hessdalen valley of central Norway, detailing the investigation project organized by Dr. Earling Strand. Norman recounts his visits to Norway and the involvement of institutions like the Universities of Oslo and Bergen, and the Norwegian Defence Establishment. The article describes the 'Hessdalen Phenomenon' characterized by strange lights observed daily from December 1981, with increased reports in 1984 and 1985. It details different types of lights observed, including a 'yellow bullet' and a 'strong white-blue' light, and mentions associated phenomena like radar detection and electromagnetic disturbances. The project is lauded as an example of cooperative investigation.

New Times, Old Songs

This section, an editorial from RIAP Bulletin (April-September 2000), discusses the Russian Academy of Sciences' (RAS) commission for the struggle against pseudoscience. It highlights concerns about pseudoscientific publications and the penetration of pseudoscience into the RAS. The article notes the differing perspectives within the RAS, with some warning against dismissing unstudied phenomena, while others advocate for a more aggressive stance. It touches upon the challenges of funding scientific research in Russia and the potential for scientific communities to develop alternative standards. The piece also references a paper on state-directed UFO research in the USSR and mentions upcoming publications in the RIAP Bulletin, including topics like 'Astroengineers over Tunguska' and 'UFO Landings on the Mzha River.' Subscription details for the RIAP Bulletin are provided.

When UFOs Land

This article reports on a May 2001 issue of 'Popular Mechanics' that unequivocally stated UFOs are real, featuring lead story 'When UFOs Land.' The article discusses investigations by Peter Sturrock and others into physical evidence from UFO landing sites. Three cases are reviewed: a UFO explosion in Brazil in 1957 leaving magnetic debris, a 1992 incident in Florida where a UFO sighting caused a police cruiser to stop, and a 1981 case in France where a hovering UFO left circular marks and contaminated soil. It also mentions a 1977 incident in Iowa where a UFO ejected molten metal.

Scientists Say Meteors Common Mass Sightings Rare

This piece discusses a fiery meteor observed over the northeastern United States on July 23rd, which, despite being a common occurrence, was unusual due to its visibility over a populated area. It contrasts this with a similar event in 1992 in Peekskill, New York. Scientists, including Don Yeomans of NASA, explain that while interplanetary material enters Earth's atmosphere daily, such events over inhabited areas are rare. The article notes that data from missile-detection satellites and government sensors are being analyzed.

Former Government Employees Say It's Time to Reveal UFO Evidence

This article reports on a group of about 20 former government workers, including military and security officials, who publicly stated they had witnessed evidence of aliens and UFOs, calling for congressional hearings. Steven Greer, director of the Disclosure Project, is quoted as saying, "These testimonies establish once and for all that we are not alone." The article mentions Daniel Sheehan, a lawyer involved with the group, and James Oberg, a space consultant, who commented on Greer's theories. It also notes that the U.S. government has repeatedly denied having evidence of alien species.

Earthlings Welcome In Nevada Town

This article focuses on Rachel, Nevada, a small town near 'Area 51,' which has become a hub for UFO enthusiasts. It describes the local attractions, including a café called the 'Little A'le Inn' with a sign saying "Earthlings Welcome," and mentions the Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375). The article touches upon the history of above-ground nuclear tests in the area and the legends surrounding the secret military facility.

First Direct Evidence Of Negative Gravity

This piece reports on a NASA press conference where astronomers announced the first direct evidence of a mysterious 'negative gravity' force, or 'dark energy,' that pervades the universe. The findings, based on observations of a distant supernova, confirm Einstein's conjecture about the cosmological constant and suggest that this force is accelerating the expansion of the universe. The article quotes astrophysicists Adam Riess and Michael Turner on the significance of this discovery.

Area 51 The Musical?

This short article mentions a potential sci-fi musical titled 'Area 51' by composer Daniel Richard O'Brien. It references the secret military facility and its association with UFO lore, including claims made by Bob Lazar. The description of the musical hints at a plot involving an extraterrestrial threat and a scientific unit tasked with halting an invasion.

International Sighting Reports

This section presents selected extracts from Filer's Files #33 MUFON Skywatch Investigations. It includes reports of UFO sightings from various locations including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Canada, Australia, England, Turkey, and Belorussia. Specific reports detail near misses with aircraft, potential electromagnetic interference caused by UFOs, and airborne collisions. A 'truck size cigar shape object' was reported in Philadelphia, and a bright white light/object exhibiting complex maneuvers was observed over St. Petersburg, Florida.

Disclosure Project An Initial Success

This article discusses the Disclosure Project's press conference held on May 9, 2001, at the National Press Club, where twenty former government employees testified about UFOs. It highlights the event's impact and the reporters' impressed reaction. The article also touches upon the FBI's release of information related to the Timothy McVeigh case, suggesting a potential connection or diversionary tactic. It mentions the U.F.O. Study Group of Greater St. Louis and its publication, 'The Enigma.'

Disclosure Project and the Wright Brothers

This piece draws a parallel between the Disclosure Project's press conference and the initial reception of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight. It suggests that skepticism and resistance to new information are common, referencing how the Wright Brothers had to actively demonstrate their invention to gain acceptance. The article encourages New York reporters to observe UFOs, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, the challenges of gaining mainstream acceptance for ufology, and the role of government secrecy and disclosure. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence, witness testimony, and scientific analysis, while also acknowledging historical cases and cultural phenomena associated with UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging investigation and the documentation of sightings, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach. The publication also engages with broader scientific topics, such as the discovery of negative gravity, suggesting a connection between unexplained phenomena and fundamental physics.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, dated September 1957 for its historical section and featuring reports up to 2001, presents a comprehensive look at UFO sightings and the history of UFO research in Australia. The publication is from the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, with an ISSN of PP338968/0023.

Early Years: 1950s and 1960s Sightings

The magazine opens with "The Early Years," a selection of reports from the 1950s and 1960s. These include:

• January 23, 1958, Adelaide, South Australia: Witnesses reported a bright red ball with a halo, moving fast and disappearing with a reddish glow, observed around the time Sputnik 2 passed overhead.
• September 2, 1960, New York, New York: A mysterious space object was photographed by a tracking camera at the Grumman aircraft plant, described as moving at about three times the speed of the Echo 1 satellite and glowing with an intermittent reddish light. It traveled east to west, unlike satellites.
• June 14, 1964, Huntingburg, Indiana: On a farm near Dale, a glowing object landed, leaving a burned spot, three indentations, and the smell of sulfur. An Air Force investigator examined a metal fragment from the site, noting it was grooved. The object was also seen earlier by youths traveling at treetop level.

Australian Sighting Reports (Recent)

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to "Australian Sighting Reports," detailing numerous sightings from the late 1990s and early 2000s:

• March 8, 1999, Kew, Victoria: A witness observed a trio of peculiar orange lights, joined by a fourth object, which hovered, orbited, and then slowly faded. The objects were estimated to be the size of a golf ball at arm's length.
• October 2, 1999, Chadstone, Victoria: A dark, largish object, possibly a balloon, was observed to be stationary for several minutes despite strong winds, raising questions about its nature.
• July 13, 2001, Victoria: After observing several satellites, a witness saw another 'star' moving from South to North, brighter than Mars, with a rapid trajectory.
• July 23, 2001, Boronia, Victoria: Five lights were seen moving in unison and maneuvering together at speeds much faster than conventional aircraft.
• July 24, 2001, Noble Park North, Victoria: An object flashing blue and red was observed, followed by a smaller yellow light that moved upwards in an arc. Other witnesses also reported seeing similar phenomena.
• July 24, 2001, Brisbane, Queensland: While crossing the Wivenhoe bridge, a continuous flashing light was seen, which revealed a hovering, dome-shaped object.
• July 1999, Melbourne, Victoria: A witness reported seeing three bright yellowish lights in a triangular formation moving easterly.
• August 5, 2001, Melbourne: A black, round, wingless object was observed flying at a slow pace, appearing higher than a passenger plane.
• August 1999, Sunshine, Victoria: A sighting of lights matching the description of the "9th August, 1999" sighting in Ferntree Gully.
• July 2001, Ferntree Gully, Victoria: An orange light was observed hovering and then moving south, recorded on video.

International Sighting Reports

This section expands the scope to include sightings from around the globe:

• July 31, 2001, Blanchester, Ohio, USA: A witness described a Flying Triangular shaped object with white lights in the corners and a red light in the middle, which hovered, stopped abruptly, and then moved at high speed.
• August 1, 2001, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA: A glowing, gold/orange cylinder-shaped object flew near major airports, appearing to observe a B-757 aircraft, leading to concerns about air traffic safety.
• August 7, 2001, Evanston, Illinois, USA: A streak of light was observed that slowed down.
• August 3, 2001, Wausau, Wisconsin, USA: Approximately 300 people reported witnessing a mysterious green or blue light floating low in the sky.
• August 7, 2001, Kelowna, BC, Canada: A disk-shaped object, described as black with a large red and white ball of light in the center, hovered silently.
• August 12, 2001, Victoria, BC, Canada: A group of about 6-7 oval-shaped objects, appearing grayish, flew in formation, resembling stars in a hexagonal pattern before speeding off.
• July 28, 2001, Rockingham, Australia: Multiple witnesses reported seeing five bright orange lights traveling slowly over Waikiki and Warnboro, with one later performing aerial maneuvers.
• August 11, 2001, Tyneside, England: A glowing object, later joined by a larger one, was observed hovering and moving at high speeds.
• August 6, 2001, Aegean Sea, Turkey: Two Turkish pilots reported being chased by a bright, cross-shaped object moving at high speed.
• July 19, 2001, Minsk, Belarus: A triangle-shaped object with sparkling lights, making square turns, was observed, possibly scanning the city.
• July 29, 2001, Singapore: A silver, egg or hamburger bun-shaped UFO, 25 feet high and 70 feet wide, with portholes and lights, was observed hovering over an air base.

Society History

The "Society History" section provides a brief overview of UFO research in Australia, starting with the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s, founded by Edgar Jarrold and Andrew Tomas. Fred Stone established the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society" in Adelaide. The Victorian branch was formed on February 17, 1957, evolving into the "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society" and later the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society published "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and "Australian UFO Bulletin," and sponsored a radio program. The current executive, including Mrs. Judith Magee, Paul Norman, and Clive Yates, has led the society since 1978. They maintain a dispassionate stance, viewing UFOs as a scientific problem, and previously managed the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, though this service has been discontinued due to postage costs.

Public Meetings and Membership

Information is provided on public meetings held by VUFORS in Brisbane, with details on dates, times, and admission prices. Membership rates for VUFORS are also listed, including full, associate, overseas, and non-member options, with benefits such as magazine subscriptions and free meeting entry.

Other Sections

• "UFOs - What The Public Should Know" Conference: Details of a conference on October 13-14, 2001, in Brisbane, including topics and speakers like Mike Farrell, Gary Opit, and Sheryl Gottschall.
• Internet Survey on Frederick Valentich Encounter: A survey on the VUFORS website asks for public opinion on what happened to Frederick Valentich, with initial results showing a majority believe he was abducted by aliens.
• Items for Sale: A list of items available for purchase, including CD-ROMs, videos, caps, t-shirts, lapel badges, and pens related to UFO research, as well as back issues of The Australian UFO Bulletin.
• Change of Address for MUFON of Ohio: Contact information for MUFON of Ohio is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, both historical and contemporary, from Australia and internationally. There is a strong emphasis on witness accounts and the presentation of evidence, however anecdotal. The Victorian UFO Research Society's stance is described as dispassionate, viewing UFO phenomena as a scientific problem deserving attention. The publication also serves to promote the society's activities, publications, and membership.