Australian UFO Bulletin - 2004 06 - June

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, identified as issue number 38 and volume 24, is dated June 2004. The cover features a striking illustration of flying saucers and a space shuttle against a starry backdrop, with the prominent title "THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN". The publication is from the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society, based in Australia.

Editorial: June 2004

The editorial, written by President Judith Magee, highlights the ongoing UFO activity in the Grampians region, noting that the area has drawn many people interested in the subject. She mentions that locals are accustomed to sightings, treating them with indifference due to their long-standing presence. Magee shares that Paul Norman recently brought relatives from the USA who witnessed UFO activity, with a member's telescope adding to the experience. She speculates about what might be attracting these objects to the area near Melbourne. The editorial also thanks Tony Cook for his work at a recent meeting, particularly his use of a digital projector and his display boards featuring images of the Whittlesea-Beveridge UFO.

A notice for the 2004 Election is included, stating that a new Committee will be declared or elected at the General Meeting on September 6th, 2004. Nominations require signatures from a nominator and seconder, both financial members, and must be submitted to the Secretary by July 15th, 2004.

On The UFO Trail

This section features two articles. The first, by Paul Norman, discusses a photograph taken on October 8th, 1981, near Kelsey Bay on Vancouver Island, Canada. The object in the photo was circular with a dome, analyzed by Dr. Richard F. Haines, who used a micro-densitometer and computer enhancement. The analysis revealed a well-focused, silver oval shape with a dome, and the film was checked for anomalies. Norman also recounts a telephone call from a man who described a similar object speeding over New South Wales, though the man failed to appear for an interview. Norman argues against the idea that the Whittlesea-Beverage photo shows a bird, citing the speed blur as evidence of a non-avian object.

Another report details an investigation by VUFORS Investigator Jacqui Purtell at Reids Lookout on March 16th, 2004, where she viewed five anomalous aerial lights. One large light blinked out before recording, and two luminous objects positioned themselves behind her, one emitting a high-intensity beam. She notes that the objects were seen above the Victoria Range and sometimes used trees or fences to obscure their activities. Purtell's description is compared to Federick Valentich's statement about a UFO playing a game. The article also mentions that UFO activity has shifted to another valley after jets flew overhead, and recounts a report of an object hovering with two smaller objects emerging.

A third piece in this section touches upon the "Brookings report" from forty years prior, warning about potential contamination from visiting entities. It questions whether ET would be welcomed or apprehended upon arrival, considering biosafety protocols. The author notes the increasing consideration of contact and the debate over whether visitors are friend or foe.

I Saw UFO Too, Says Andrew

This article, from the Rochdale Observer in England dated March 13, 2004, reports on a sighting by Andrew Smith. Children playing in Summit, Littleborough, reported a 'spacecraft' hovering, which then shot off at hyperspeed. Smith himself saw a similar object in Wakefield. He theorizes that it was not a satellite due to its hyperspeed departure. The object was described as diamond or square-shaped, bright, and below cloud level. A friend also reported a similar object in Stalybridge.

Cosmic Magnifying Glass Finds Distant Planet

Written by Deborah Zabarenko, this article from the National Post (April 16, 2004) explains how astronomers used gravitational microlensing to detect a hidden planet in the Milky Way. This technique, which uses a planet's gravity to bend light from a distant star, has the potential to help amateur astronomers confirm discoveries. Researchers found a Jupiter-mass planet orbiting a star about 17,000 light-years away. The article notes that while over 100 extra-solar planets have been found, most are inferred by stellar wobble. Philippe Crane of NASA calls this discovery a significant step, and Bohdan Paczynski of Princeton University highlights the difficulty of aligning stars for the effect to work, estimating it occurs in "one star in 100 million."

"FIRESTORM" Book Review

James Owen reviews Ann Druffel's book "FIRESTORM," which details the life and beliefs of Dr. James McDonald. Owen praises Druffel's portrayal of McDonald's character, his Irish heritage, and his relentless pursuit of truth regarding UFO phenomena. The review highlights McDonald's struggle against resistance, including alleged cover-ups and false information. McDonald's efforts to push for a congressional hearing on UFOs are mentioned as a significant event. The review concludes by posing questions about McDonald's demise and whether he uncovered a serious cover-up, recommending the book as a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

Fatal Plane Crash Mystery

This article by Joe Danborn, from The UFO Enigma (June 2004), reports on a Cessna crash on October 23, 2002, in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Federal investigators determined that the plane hit an unidentified object in the sky moments before crashing, evidenced by red marks on the aircraft's nose and belly. The pilot, Thomas J. Preziose, died in the crash.

The Early Years

Compiled by Clive Yates, this section presents selected UFO reports from magazines published in the 1950s and 1960s.

• Tyndall Air Force Base, U.S.A. - May 20, 1961: A strange round object was observed for 90 minutes, tracked by radar, and evaded interception attempts by a jet and helicopter.
• Valensole, France - July 1, 1965: A farmer reported seeing a "flying saucer" take off from a field, leaving tracks. A small human form was also seen near the craft.
• Punta Arenas, Chile - June 4, 1968: Two pilots and 18 passengers on an Argentine Air Lines flight observed a shining reddish cylinder flying at an estimated height of 1,800 to 2,000 meters.

International Sighting Reports

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings from around the world:

• New York - Flying Triangle (April 20, 2004): Three triangular white lights were seen flying north.
• Pennsylvania - Two Discs (April 9, 2004): A couple observed two orange, disc-shaped objects travelling at high speed.
• Delaware - Flying Wing (April 21, 2004): A wing-shaped object with a red light underneath was seen.
• Washington - "Orb” Above Aircraft (April 15, 2004): A bright, bluish-tinted orb, brighter than the sky, was observed from an aircraft at high altitude.
• North Carolina - Fireball Fort Bragg (April 9, 2004): An orange-red fireball flew under two planes and vanished multiple times.
• Florida - Disk Lands In Ocean (April 9, 2004): A golden disk was seen travelling at high speed, slowing down, and landing in the ocean.
• Orlando, Florida (April 16, 2004): An oval shaped object, making no vapour trail, was seen between two jet aircraft.
• Ohio - Ball Against Heavy Winds (April 18, 2004): A white sphere defied strong winds, moving from south to north.
• Indiana - Lights In Formation (April 16, 2004): Three large yellow/orange orbs with smaller lights were observed.
• Illinois - Bright Glaring Objects (April 12, 2004): Two bright lights with a motor sound suddenly bolted away.
• Kentucky - Shape With Much Colour (April 18, 2004): A strange, colorful shape changed form and flew near planes.
• Mississippi - Disk On TV (May 3, 2004): A silver disk was captured on a WAPT-TV webcam.
• Louisiana - Clear Sphere Seen (April 15, 2004): A small, almost invisible sphere reflecting sunlight was observed.
• Canada - Black Flying Triangle (April 20, 2004): An oddly shaped fighter jet-like object was seen hovering at low altitude.
• Mexico - Flying Triangle Over Ocean (April 20, 2004): A flying triangle was observed hovering and illuminating the night sky.
• UK/Scotland - Two Spaceships (April 21, 2004): Two dots of lights moved at incredible speed, parallel to each other.
• UK/Wales - Three Spherical Objects (April 18, 2004): Three silver spherical objects flew in a triangular formation.
• Macedonia - UFO Video (April 21, 2004): Macedonian television showed a video of an object, with the air force confirming no flights at that time.
• Iran - Flying Saucer Fever: Numerous sightings reported, including a sparkling white disc over Tehran.
• South Africa - Flying Triangle (April 12, 2004): A flying triangle with yellow, blue, and red lights was observed.
• Afghanistan - Dot-Sized UFO (April 15, 2004): A bright, dot-sized silver-coloured flash moved very fast.
• New Zealand - Stick like Object (April 17, 2004): A white stick-like object with wing-like projections moved at high speed.

Dying Gasp Of X-Rays Detected

This article from The Toronto Sun (February 19, 2004) reports on astronomers finding strong evidence of a supermassive black hole stretching and tearing apart a star. The event, located near the center of galaxy RX J1242-11, produced a powerful X-ray blast. Scientists believe this was debris from the star falling into the black hole. The flare was thousands of times brighter than other stars in the galaxy. This particular black hole is estimated to have a mass 100 million times that of the sun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings from various global locations, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the ongoing debate about the nature of potential extraterrestrial contact. The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society maintains a stance of welcoming and evaluating reports, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for credible explanations. The inclusion of historical reports and astronomical discoveries suggests a broad interest in unexplained aerial phenomena and related scientific inquiries. The editorial emphasizes the importance of continued observation and reporting, while also managing member expectations regarding winter meetings. The society appears to be a dedicated group focused on collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to UFOs and related mysteries.

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 21, February - March 2004
Publisher: VUFORS (Victorian U.F.O. Research Society)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin delves into various UFO phenomena, featuring an investigative report on a 'missing time' incident, a compilation of historical witness accounts, and numerous contemporary sighting reports from across Australia.

Investigation into Missing Time in North Eastern Victoria

The lead article, "What Happened To That Hour?" by James Owen, VUFORS Regional Representative for North Eastern Victoria, details the ongoing investigation into a missing time incident involving a witness identified as Mrs J and her niece. Owen recounts a further conversation with Mrs J, noting minor discrepancies in her recollection and the need to visit the Strathbogie Ranges to ascertain the area where the event occurred. During the visit to Violet Town and the ranges, Mrs J identified specific locations, and photographs were taken. Despite efforts to gather information from locals in Strathbogie, no further clarity was obtained. Upon returning to Violet Town, Mrs J recognized some areas, but her memory remained incomplete. Owen concludes that conventional methods have been exhausted and suggests hypnotherapy as a potential avenue to help Mrs J recall the events of the missing hour.

Notable Witnesses: NICAP 1969

This section presents a chronological list of notable UFO sightings and witnesses compiled by the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in 1969. The entries span from June 29, 1947, to October 14, 1967, and include sightings by various individuals, including missile experts, airline pilots, astronomers, and engineers. Notable incidents include:

• June 29, 1947: A round, silvery UFO seen near White Sands by Dr. Carl J. Zohn.
• July 4, 1947: Two groups of disc-like objects observed by Capt. E. E. Smith and co-pilot Ralph Stevens between Emmett, Idaho, and Ontario, Oregon.
• July 10, 1947: A rapidly ascending ellipsoidal UFO sighted by astronomer Dr. Lincoln LaPaz and his family near Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
• July 24, 1948: A rocket-like object observed by Capt. C. S. Chiles and co-pilot John Whitted passing close to their DC-3, then climbing sharply over Montgomery, Alabama.
• April 24, 1949: A high-speed oval object tracked by aerologist Charles E. Moore and his staff at Arrey, New Mexico.
• August 20, 1949: A formation of rectangular lights seen by astronomer Dr. Clyde Tombaugh and his wife at Las Cruces, New Mexico.
• March 20, 1950: A circular UFO with lighted ports observed by pilots Adams and Anderson over Stuttgart, Arkansas.
• May 29, 1950: A cigar-shaped object sighted near Washington, D.C., by American Airlines Captain Willis Sperry and co-pilot William Gates.
• October 10-11, 1951: Sightings of glowing objects performing 'controlled manoeuvres' by cosmic-ray expert J. J. Kaliszewski and associates over Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• July 14, 1952: Eight manoeuvring discs seen by Pan American pilots William Nash and William Fortenberry.
• July 16, 1952: A manoeuvring flight of four objects observed by aeronautical engineer Paul R. Hill at Hampton, Virginia.
• June 11, 1954: Three round UFOs seen by astronomer Dr. H. P. Wilkens over northern Georgia.
• April 8, 1956: A glowing orange UFO observed by Capt. Raymond Ryan over central New York.
• August 1, 1966: A lighted low-flying UFO sighted near Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, by physicist Dr. Vasil Uzunoglu.
• January 21, 1967: A boomerang-shaped object observed over Houston, Texas, by Dr. Albert Kuntz.
• September 23, 1967: An elongated, silvery UFO sighted near Amherst, Massachusetts, by geology professor Bryce M. Hand.
• October 14, 1967: A low-hovering, white-glowing object observed at Mendota, California, by physicist Lewis Hollander and his wife.

Victorian Sighting Reports (2003-2004)

This section compiles numerous UFO sightings from Victoria, Australia, primarily from March to November 2004, with a few from late 2003. The reports describe a variety of phenomena:

• Norlane, Vic. (April 26, 2004): A bright circular white light observed gliding silently across the sky.
• Abbotsford, NSW (April 24, 2004): A cone-shaped object within an orange ball of flames, accompanied by a loud roaring sound, was seen descending.
• Reids Lookout - Grampians, Vic. (March 16, 2004): Two luminous objects, one larger than the other, were observed exhibiting suspicious or defensive aerial movement. The observer also noted other lights and a phenomenon where lights would 'blink-out'.
• Rosedale, Vic. (March 13, 2004): A round yellow/white light moved silently across the sky.
• Berwick, Vic. (March 8, 2004): Three intensely glowing orange lights were observed moving, changing direction, and colour.
• Archies Creek, Vic. (March 3, 2004): Three circular flame-orange lights in a triangular formation were observed after bright flashes.
• Melbourne CBD, Vic. (November 2003): A large chrome ball, appearing golden, was observed moving erratically and at high speed.
• Queenscliff, Vic. (January 1979): A chrome or silver object, similar in size to a Chuck Yeager's X1 aircraft, was observed rocking side-to-side before disappearing.
• Reids Lookout - Grampians, Vic. (May 26, 2004): Multiple lights were observed for three hours, ranging in colour from white-gold to blue-white, appearing as point light sources at a distance.
• Brunswick, Vic. (May 9, 2004): A round orange light appeared, moved silently with right-angle turns, changed colour, and vanished.
• Norlane, Vic. (April 26, 2004): A bright circular white light was observed gliding silently across the sky.
• Abbotsford, NSW (April 24, 2004): A cone-shaped object in an orange ball of flames was observed descending with a loud roaring sound.
• Reids Lookout - Grampians, Vic. (March 16, 2004): Two luminous objects were seen, one larger than the other, exhibiting suspicious or defensive aerial movement. Lights were also observed to 'blink-out'.
• Rosedale, Vic. (March 13, 2004): A round yellow/white light moved silently across the sky.
• Berwick, Vic. (March 8, 2004): Three intensely glowing orange lights were observed moving and changing colour.
• Archies Creek, Vic. (March 3, 2004): Three flame-orange lights in a triangular formation were observed.
• Melbourne CBD, Vic. (November 2003): A large chrome ball was observed moving erratically and at high speed.
• Queenscliff, Vic. (January 1979): A chrome or silver object, described as similar to a Lockheed Martin SR71 Blackbird, was observed rocking side-to-side before disappearing.
• Bell Bay (November 28, 2003): A silver metallic cigar-shaped object was observed moving southward and then angled up into the sky.

Tasmanian Sighting Reports (2003)

This section details several UFO sightings from Tasmania in 2003:

• March 3, 2003 (Swansea): Two witnesses observed a spherical object, bright silver with a dark shadow, moving steadily north over the water.
• March 31, 2003 (Tunbridge): A motorist observed two bright white flashing lights that moved as one, streaked downward, and reappeared near the roadside.
• June 27, 2003 (Powranna): A bright blue light was observed following a vehicle, puzzling the witness as it emitted no glare.
• September 22, 2003 (Copping): A glowing yellow to white box shape with a flowing line of light around the perimeter was observed stationary before departing rapidly.
• November 28, 2003 (Bell Bay): A silver metallic cigar-shaped object was observed moving southward and then ascending rapidly.

Queensland Sighting Reports (2003-2004)

This section covers various UFO sightings reported in Queensland between November 2003 and February 2004:

• November 24, 2003 (Margate): A massive object, shaped like a bat with outstretched wings and lights on each wing, was observed gliding silently.
• December 10, 2003 (Edens Landing): A circular object, silver with a matt finish, was observed travelling low in the sky before disappearing into a rain cloud.
• December 20, 2003 (Isle of Capri, Gold Coast): Seven reddish-pink lights, fading to orange, moved erratically in a cluster.
• December 27, 2003 (Ingham): A light the size of a golf ball with a tail streaked behind it, moving close to the ground.
• January 1, 2004 (Morningside): A bright orange-red light was observed travelling east to west, flickering like a flame.
• January 5, 2004 (Bray Park - Brisbane City): A large soft vertical flame was observed moving in the sky.
• January 12, 2004 (Caboolture): A bright golden light changed direction sharply multiple times before accelerating rapidly.
• January 16, 2004 (Bundaberg): Two green lights were observed flashing, disappearing when outside lights were turned on, and reappearing when they were turned off. A previous sighting of a green ball of light gliding over a shed was also mentioned.
• February 4, 2004 (Rosewood): A long flat flame-like object was observed.
• February 11, 2004 (Paddington): A light with a bright blue aura appeared like a shooting star and disappeared over the city.
• February 11, 2004 (Carina): An enormous white ball with a large tail, glowing white and then green, was observed.
• February 13, 2004 (Spring Hill): An object described as a 'windmill of light' with spinning circles was observed changing direction and trajectory.
• February 17, 2004 (Tasmania): A large orange light was observed travelling south to north, flickering and making sideways adjustments.
• February 18, 2004 (Burpengary): A flashing star-like object changed colour and appeared to be making small adjustments.
• February 19, 2004 (Tin Can Bay): A white star-like object that appeared to be rotating, with a bright red light, was observed.
• February 25, 2004 (Rochedale South): An orange light, circular and not clearly outlined, was observed moving slowly before disappearing into clouds.
• February 28, 2004 (Brisbane Airport): An object shaped like an upturned banana with yellow lights on its tips was observed hovering before taking off vertically at extreme speed.
• May 27, 1992 (Tully): A disk-shaped craft with two oblong portholes emitting a yellow glow was observed hovering before disappearing in a shower of red and green sparks.

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 early 1950s with groups like the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." The Victorian branch was formed in 1957, evolving through several name changes to become the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." The society published "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and "The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin," sponsored a radio program, and maintained a large UFO library. Despite facing challenges, including the loss of books due to postage costs, V.U.F.O.R.S. continues to hold quarterly meetings and remains open to interested individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and investigative efforts. The publication showcases a wide range of reports, from detailed investigations into specific incidents like missing time, to broad compilations of historical and contemporary sightings. The editorial stance, as indicated by the history of V.U.F.O.R.S., is one of dispassionate observation, treating UFO phenomena as a scientific problem deserving closer attention. The magazine actively encourages the reporting of sightings through its hotline and email, demonstrating a commitment to collecting and disseminating UFO-related information.