Australian UFO Bulletin - 2002 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society in March 2002, features a cover with the headline "Discovery" and an illustration of a space scene with a NASA shuttle and UFOs. The publication details various UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena from around the world.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Bernard Wilson, reflects on humanity's cosmic origins, likening humans to "children of the stars" born from supernova processes. It discusses the formation of solar systems and the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy, suggesting that extraterrestrial visitors might already be among us.

Special VUFORS Meeting

An announcement details an upcoming extra meeting for VUFORS (Victorian U.F.O. Research Society) on Sunday, July 7th, at the Royal Victorian Aero Club, Moorabbin Airport. The meeting will run from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with facilities for lunch and dinner available. VUFORS now has an office at the airport.

On The UFO Trail by Paul Norman

Paul Norman discusses the investigation of UFO-related ground markings and unusual lights. He recounts a significant event in Rosedale, Victoria, on September 30, 1980, where a farmer witnessed a dome-shaped object hovering over a water tank. The object later sped away, leaving behind a nine-meter circle with altered soil composition. Norman also mentions other cases, including one near Mildura, Victoria, and an incident in Delphos, Kansas, where soil would not absorb water. He touches upon the phenomenon of crop circles, noting that while many are hoaxes, he is interested in those with UFO connections. He also references a claim by hoaxers Doug and Dave regarding crop circles in Tully, Queensland.

US Experts to Check UFO Film by Mark Dunn

This article reports on a 2.5-minute video of mysterious lights captured by David Farthing in Pakenham, Australia. The footage, showing yellowy-red, pulsating lights that oscillated and moved in unison, has been sent to the US and Europe for analysis by flight and UFO researchers. Farthing expressed his conviction that the objects were not man-made.

NASA's Kepler Mission

A brief note highlights NASA's Kepler Mission, scheduled to launch in 2006, which aims to discover Earth-like planets by monitoring stars for dips in light. This mission could provide the first census of planets capable of supporting life.

More Hard Evidence by Bill McNeff

Bill McNeff, State Director for Minnesota MUFON, revisits his 1997 article "We Have Hard Evidence!" He emphasizes the need for tangible proof, such as analyzing a piece of an alleged alien craft. McNeff details a significant piece of evidence from 1957 in Brazil, where fragments of an object that exploded over the ocean were recovered. Laboratory analysis indicated the material was pure magnesium with no detectable impurities, a finding that suggests an extraterrestrial origin, as such pure magnesium is rare on Earth. He also discusses research by Dr. Roger Leir on suspected alien implants removed from individuals, citing a case where a metallic object was surgically removed from a patient's wrist and found to be amorphous, highly magnetic iron, a material not producible by current known processes.

Object Near Sun-like Star Caught on Film

Astronomers have captured optical images of a giant planet-like body orbiting a sun-like star, identified as a brown dwarf. This discovery, made by Michael Liu, is significant as it is the closest such object observed through direct imaging.

Mothman Movie

This section mentions the upcoming movie based on John A. Keel's book "The Mothman Prophecies," detailing sightings of a winged man in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1966. The legend is linked to the collapse of the Silver Bridge, which resulted in 46 fatalities.

International Sighting Reports

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports from different locations:

• Arkansas Abduction: Paul S. reports being abducted on October 28, 1999, in Carlyle, detailing a GPS trail that suggests his boat was flying. He recalls a grey alien and a structure on a craft.
• New Hampshire UFO Sightings Not Yet Identified: Fremont police investigated a report of two bright, silently hovering objects described as "bright and full of lights." The objects moved silently and vanished.
• Maryland Fluorescent Green-Blue Centred Egg-Shaped Object: Witnesses in Bel Air saw a glowing egg-shaped object with a faint blue center traveling southwest.
• Baltimore: A streaking white light turned blue and accelerated at incredible speed.
• Georgia White Round Spinning Object Flashing White, Red, Green Lights: A round, bright blinking light hovered for two hours before disappearing. An older report from Jefferson, Georgia, describes a red glow hovering near the ground.
• Arizona Flying Triangle and White Object Streaks Across Sky, Explodes: A witness in Phoenix saw a bright bluish-white object streaking across the sky, which then exploded.
• Chandler: A witness reported a green cylinder-shaped object flying at high speed, described as a perfect and fast craft.
• Hawaii Two Round White Lights Moving: Witnesses in Kapalua Bay saw two round lights moving together smoothly across the water, then flying and disappearing.
• Mexico UFO Sighting: David Antonio Triay Lucatero reported sighting an elongated, silvery-white discoidal object for 20 seconds.
• Brazil Strange Light: Workers in Calama saw an enigmatic static and cylindrical light, described as a UFO, which authorities could not detect with their instruments.
• England Yellow Egg-Shaped Object: A 100-foot-long yellow egg-shaped object with a blue light stopped and hovered, after which sheep in the field disappeared into thin air, followed by a sonic boom.

2001 MUFON Symposium Notes by Richard Moss

Richard Moss summarizes presentations from the 2001 MUFON Symposium in Irvine, California. He highlights a presentation by Ryan S. Wood on a 1941 crash retrieval near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The event involved a flying saucer with non-human entities. Wood's research focuses on validating UFO documents, including leaked documents hinting at crashes prior to 1947 and references to "extraterrestrial biological entities" in an Einstein memo. Remote viewer Joe McMoneagle suggested that wreckage might still be recoverable. The presentation also referenced the "Majestic Documents" website, which contains information on alleged alien technology predating the Roswell incident.

A Huge UFO Filmed In Argentina by Gordon Creighton

This article details a report by Antonio Zuleta, a journalist from Salta, Argentina, who claims to have filmed an enormous UFO on June 23rd. The object, described as "as big as a football stadium," appeared to vary in shape, had green and red lights, and emitted beams. It was filmed for over 34 minutes and vanished at high speed. The film was reportedly accepted as genuine by local UFO experts and was planned to be shown at the "First World Congress on UFOs."

Something In The Air

A brief report notes that UFO sightings in Malaysia have doubled in the past year, with one man claiming abduction by a square-headed alien.

Hubble Reveals Backwards Galaxy

This scientific note mentions that the Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of a spiral galaxy, NGC 4622, that appears to be rotating in the opposite direction than expected, possibly due to consuming a smaller companion galaxy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and analysis of UFO sightings, the search for tangible evidence of extraterrestrial craft, and the exploration of abduction experiences. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society maintains an open stance towards reports of unusual phenomena, evaluating them on their own merits and emphasizing the importance of supporting evidence, such as GPS tracking data. The publication also highlights the international scope of UFO phenomena, featuring reports from various countries and referencing global UFO research organizations and events like the MUFON Symposium.

This issue of The Australian UFO Bulletin, published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO Investigator Chases Out-of-This-World Reports" by Michael Sangiacomo. The magazine delves into various UFO sightings and the investigations surrounding them, alongside articles on astronomical discoveries and historical accounts of UFO phenomena.

Huge UFO Filmed In Argentina

The issue begins with a report from Argentina detailing a sighting by two police officers. They encountered a large, vivid white UFO, estimated to be 60 ft wide, emitting a torrent of colored flashes. The object stalled their vehicle's engine and flew parallel to them for an hour at a distance of 300 meters, making no sound.

New Estimate of Exoplanets in Our Galaxy

An article by Charley Lineweaver and Daniel Grether of the University of New South Wales presents a revised estimate of exoplanets. Their calculations suggest that the Milky Way galaxy may contain in excess of a billion, and possibly up to 30 billion, Jupiter-like planets. They highlight Jupiter's role in protecting Earth by absorbing asteroids and comets, and suggest that for every Jupiter-like planet, there may be an Earth-like planet, implying enormous possibilities for life. The article notes that current technology is limited in detecting smaller planets.

UFO Investigator: Chases Out-of-This-World Reports

This main feature by Michael Sangiacomo focuses on the work of John Timmerman, treasurer of the Centre for UFO Studies. Timmerman, a 77-year-old retired banker, has investigated UFO sightings for over 50 years and believes the sources are extraterrestrial. The article recounts a specific sighting by Denise Knitz and 17 other travelers on Interstate 75 near Bowling Green, involving a low, slow-moving, egg-shaped object. Skeptics like Lawrence Krauss are mentioned, who argue against the extraterrestrial hypothesis due to the energy requirements for interstellar travel and the government's detection capabilities. Timmerman expresses skepticism about government claims of disinterest in UFOs, suggesting they have been monitoring the phenomenon for years.

The article also touches upon the legacy of J. Allen Hynek and Project Blue Book, the Air Force's official investigation into flying-saucer sightings from 1952 to 1969. It notes that the Air Force concluded there was insufficient evidence for alien visitations, and Timmerman felt Hynek was used for legitimacy.

Early U.F.O. Sighting 1929

This section presents an original report by Ken Dyer, investigated by Dan Haylock. In 1929, in Mathoura, New South Wales, two pupils observed a fast-moving, silver, bullet or cigar-shaped object with no sound or flashing lights. The witness notes that in 1929, there were no aeroplanes or dirigibles that could have been mistaken for the object, which had no wings or tailpiece.

NASA Proposes Atomic Rocket Program

A brief article outlines NASA's plans to develop atomic-powered rockets to increase spacecraft speed and nuclear reactors for planetary outposts. The 2003 federal budget proposes significant funding for these initiatives, aiming to eventually replace chemical rockets.

The Early Years: Compiled by Clive Yates

This section compiles selected reports from magazines published in the 1950s and 1960s:

• Kangaroo Island, South Australia - October 26, 1959: A brilliant white light, about the size of the Moon, was seen moving eastwards and faded over half an hour.
• Boyup Brook, Western Australia - October 30, 1967: A shearing contractor reported his car stopping and a 'tube of light' descending, revealing a football-shaped object. The object then sped off, and the car resumed operation.
• Lake Cyprus, Florida - November 26, 1968: Pilots of two Cessna aircraft encountered four oval-shaped UFOs, described as the size of C-130 transports. One object descended, while the others ascended rapidly at an estimated 2,000 m.p.h.

Victorian Sighting Reports (Received By VUFORS)

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings reported in Victoria, Australia, primarily from late 2001 and early 2002:

• Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne (July 21, 2001): A crescent-shaped object, dullish silver, was observed climbing at 30 degrees.
• Eight Mile Plains (July 29, 2001): Two orange lights, larger than stars, travelled in formation and were described as not being aircraft.
• Thornlands (July 30, 2001): A lime-green light with a white tail was observed falling at a slant and disappearing.
• Labrador (August 10, 2001): A bright soft orange light was observed moving southeasterly, described as one-tenth the size of the moon, and responded to torch flashes with colored lights.
• Bribie Island (August 17, 2001): A round bright orange light with a green tinge appeared stationary before moving away in a straight line. Witnesses described rays of light.
• Wellington Point (August 25, 2001): A round orange light moved northwest, followed by a noise and dog barking.
• Daisy Hill (September 2, 2001): A shooting star-like object, electric blue, fell and slowed down. Another sighting involved a 'car container' floating through the sky.
• Warrego Highway near Tivool (September 4, 2001): Two large circular white lights illuminated the ground as they followed a car.
• Wycliffe Well NT (September 11, 2001): Blue-green and white flashing lights were seen in a straight line by a group, and an orange disc was observed hovering silently.
• Holland Park (September 17, 2001): A woman saw four to five orange lights evenly spaced, which dispersed and disappeared.
• Carseldine (October 6, 2001): An orange light, round and making no sound, was seen moving across the sky.
• Emmaville near Glen Innes (October 9, 2001): A big light, glowing white hot like a searchlight, appeared and disappeared.
• Townsville (October 12, 2001): Two objects joined and there was an explosion like a star burst.
• Park Ridge (October 19, 2001): A light like a shooting star moved horizontally, stopped, and disappeared, moving about eight times faster than a plane.
• Nyah West, Vic. (January 31, 2002): Extremely bright lights alternating yellow, orange, and white were sighted dropping at a controlled speed.

South Australian Sighting Reports

This section details sightings from South Australia:

• Wayville SA (November 19, 2001): Two slightly oval shaped pink/red colored objects were observed moving at a medium pace.
• Paradise SA (December 15, 2001): Four large star-like white lights with occasional blue were observed moving slowly with a small zigzag motion.
• Darlington SA (December 25, 2001): An orange light was observed travelling north, then east, dropping significantly, changing direction, and then accelerating rapidly, disappearing in a white flash. A shadow effect of a large triangle was seen.
• Waikerie SA (December 27, 2001): Two round white objects, 4-5 times larger than Venus, were observed moving fast and disappearing into the northeast sky.
• Dernancourt SA (December 29, 2001): A cone-shaped object with a ring of translucent yellow lights was observed moving at a medium pace.
• Parahills West SA (July 20, 2001): An object with approximately eight lights on it, described as oval in shape, was observed moving from east to west, rising up until lost from sight. The object appeared to flash on and off.

Queensland Sighting Reports

This section details sightings from Queensland:

• Bundaberg (October 21, 2001): A string of 5 bright orange lights travelled from the south to the north, with one object dropping in altitude. The objects were brighter and larger than stars and travelled without audible sound.
• Dalby (October 25, 2001): A bright orange ball with a long tail was seen coming down to the ground, lighting up the sky.
• Samsonvale (October 31, 2001): A bright orange light, three times as big as a star, moved in a straight line in the eastern sky, then moved right and disappeared.

It's Madness to Believe That Man is Alone

This short piece quotes Vatican Astronomer Jesuit George Coyne, who states that it is "madness" to think humans are alone in the universe, based on studies from the astrophysical research centre near Rome.

Society News

This section includes contact information for VUFORS (Victorian Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society), including their hotline number and email address. It also lists items for sale, such as comprehensive CD-ROMs, videos, T-shirts, caps, lapel badges, and pens related to UFOs. Back issues of The Australian UFO Bulletin are also available for purchase.

Society History

This article provides a history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, tracing its origins from earlier Australian UFO groups in the early 1950s. It details the formation of various societies, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." The "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (Victorian Branch)" was formed in 1957, later becoming the "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society" and eventually the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society has published papers, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin," and sponsored a radio program. The current executive, Mrs. Judith Magee, Paul Norman, and Clive Yates, have led the society since 1978. The society maintains a dispassionate attitude towards UFOs, viewing it as a scientific problem, and has historically maintained the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, though postage costs have forced them to discontinue this service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings from various locations, the investigation of these phenomena, and the scientific and public interest in extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO reports, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. The publication also highlights the activities and history of UFO research organizations, particularly the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society.