Panorama - Vol 08 No 02 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: No. 2
Volume: VOL. 8
Date: MARCH-APRIL 1969
Publisher: Published at 22 Northcote St. Kilburn.S.A. 5084
Country: Australia
Price: 25c. Aust

This issue of Panorama, the official magazine of U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation. Australia.), features a prominent editorial by Editor Fred P. Stone, along with articles on telepathy and parapsychology, and reports on UFO-related findings.

Editorial: "Not Proven"

The editorial addresses the recurring question of UFO hostility, noting a trend in books to portray UFOs as hostile. The editor expresses skepticism, citing warnings from American associates about fabricated cases and deliberate misinformation. He suspects a plot to discredit the UFO field by creating a fear complex. The editorial reviews several cases to support this stance:

• Flatswood Monster Case: While a large light and UFO were seen, there's no proof the 'Monster' came from a UFO; the evidence is circumstantial and would not stand up in court, hence 'Not Proven'.
• Bender Case: This and similar cases are suggested to be the work of 'Men in Black' aiming to discredit UFO researchers through fear.
• 7 Avengers Lost at Sea: Official reports mention strange lights but no UFO contact, leading to speculation about enemy laser rays or secret devices.
• Captain Mantell Case: His death is attributed to ignorance of the UFO's force field and flying too high, not hostility from the UFO itself.
• Barney and Betty Hill Case: Their experience is discussed in the context of hypnosis and the mind's vagaries, not as proof of hostility.
• Animal Destruction Cases (e.g., 'Skippy' incident): While extraordinary events occurred, there's no proof a saucer was responsible; evidence is circumstantial.
• Brazil Case: Three men found dead were experimenting UFO students; while a saucer was seen nearby, there's no proof they were killed by it, suggesting self-inflicted harm.
• New York Blackout: Blamed on saucers, but the editor suggests experiments or a nuclear sub are more likely causes, though a saucer was seen.

The editor concludes that no case definitively proves hostile action, and all evidence is circumstantial, thus 'Not Proven'. He invites readers to share their views, emphasizing an open forum policy.

Telepathy: Or How Not To Keep Your Thoughts To Yourself

Authored by A.E. Bran, this article discusses the growing scientific interest in telepathy, particularly for communicating with astronauts. It contrasts past perceptions of telepathy users as cranks with current research. The author posits telepathy as an inherent, natural human function, largely forgotten in modern 'civilized' life. For ufologists, telepathy is seen as a universal, language-barrier-free communication method, superior to synthetic means. The article humorously explores the practical implications of widespread telepathy, such as unwanted mental intrusions and the challenge of 'engaged signals'. It also touches upon the potential for governments to monitor telepathic communication and the possibility of 'Brain Tax' revenue. The author also briefly mentions telekinesis as another lost human power being rediscovered.

University Group to Study Parapsychology

This section reports on a new student group at the University of California's Berkeley campus called 'The Prometheans'. This group aims to investigate neglected areas of scientific inquiry, starting with parapsychology. The article defines established science by reproducibility and predictability, and notes that parapsychology is controversial due to the lack of physical explanation for phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and precognition. The Prometheans intend to examine past and present research in these fields. The article also welcomes the group and lists its key members: George Gierny (President), Richard Evans (Vice President), and James Gulseth (Sect.-Treas.).

Editorial Note

This brief note expresses admiration for the courage of young pioneers like The Prometheans, emphasizing that great discoveries often come from those who challenge established knowledge. It encourages attempting the unknown rather than passively accepting existing scientific dogma.

Ancient Fort Found in the Andes

This report, sourced from the NZ. Herald (Oct. 29, 1968), details a discovery by a group of climbers in Chile. While searching for a flying saucer base, they found what might be a fortress of an unknown civilization. They also claimed to have seen a flying saucer and a flash of light. Investigations in the area near Talca, following reports of UFOs and unexplained phenomena, led to the discovery of two large platforms made of volcanic rock near an extinct volcano. Further facts are promised on another page.

Riddle of Nature's Magic Circle

This report, from 'The Sunday Mail Magazine' (Brisbane Qld., March 16, 1969), investigates an unexplained phenomenon in Oregon, USA, known as the Oregon Vortex. Within a dusty circle, gravity appears to behave erratically, birds avoid flying overhead, and trees are twisted into strange shapes. Physicists have studied the area, located 30 miles from Grant's Pass, for years without finding a scientific explanation. A local resident describes how horses shy away and birds change flight patterns. Trees within the circle lean noticeably, and an old assay office shed inside is warped. Visitors feel a strong downward pull, leaning involuntarily towards the center. Experiments, such as hanging a 28lb steel ball on a chain, show it hanging at an angle that defies gravity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of UFO evidence and claims. The editorial strongly advocates for a skeptical approach, demanding concrete proof rather than relying on circumstantial evidence or emotional interpretations. The magazine positions itself as an open forum for discussing these complex topics, encouraging readers to question assumptions and seek verifiable facts. The exploration of telepathy and parapsychology reflects a broader interest in unexplained phenomena and the potential of human consciousness beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, urging readers to avoid jumping to conclusions, particularly regarding UFO hostility, and to maintain a rational perspective.

This issue of PANORAMA, Volume 8, Number 2, dated February 2, 1969, is a magazine focused on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and related mysteries. It features a mix of investigative reports, witness accounts, and discussions on controversial theories.

Riddle of Nature's Magic Circle (cont.)

The article continues the exploration of the Oregon Vortex, detailing its peculiar effects. It notes that cigarette smoke is affected, spiraling within the vortex. Instruments have measured the disturbance, determining the circle's size to be roughly 165 feet. Experiments using a steel ball and golf clubs showed they would hang or lean towards the center of the vortex, indicating a measurable force. This phenomenon is described as electro-magnetic, affecting light meters and causing compasses to cease functioning. The Oregon Vortex is compared to a less powerful 'magic circle' at Camp Burch, Colorado, and is deemed the oddest spot on Earth.

Canadian Report of Hovering U.F.O.

Reported by the Port Hope Guide on September 13, 1968, Donald Fenton and David Black witnessed a UFO hovering over Lake Ontario. It appeared suddenly, described as three times brighter than the brightest star, glowing steadily as it moved erratically east to west. The object, initially cigar-shaped, performed maneuvers, turning 50-degree angles and revealing a saucer shape. It then disappeared with a long sweep upwards, estimated to be at least 3,000 feet high, and was a constant blue-green color.

More Lawn Mysteries

This section reports on an increase in unusual lawn effects across suburbs, with markings consistently appearing on the back or rear lawns. The effect involves a dark oily substance that turns into brownish powder and then greyish globules. Analysis by the University and Police Forensic Department identified the deposits as carbon and graphite, contradicting earlier declarations of fungi. The article questions how fungi could form perfect geometrical designs. A specific case from Sefton Park on March 18th describes a woman who found geometrical markings on her lawn after hearing a loud crack and a noise like a cot being dragged. Her dog exhibited extreme fear, refusing to leave under the bed. This case is noted as similar to others where animal fear behavior and strange noises preceded lawn markings.

The markings are described as circular, with one square marking, all 3.5 inches across. Discs followed an arc pattern of about 32 feet, with six discs and one square found stretching across the lawn. The article states there is no explanation and cannot confirm UFO involvement, noting the absence of evidence pointing to any seen object or any sighting at the time. It poses questions to readers about whether it's fungi formation or something else, concluding that they are not prepared to dogmatically associate it with UFOs.

More News of Lawn Deposits From Overseas

White Giant Mushrooms on Land Area of Flying Saucers in Argentine

An excerpt from 'UFO Nachrichten' (January 1969) reports on landing strips found near Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina. The area, a 600 x 800-meter flat grass land, had landing circles approximately 50cm wide where giant mushrooms were growing. These mushrooms, identified as similar to Lycoperdon bovista or Globaria bovista, were 35cm in diameter. Eighteen landing areas of various sizes (5m to 12m diameter) were counted, with two being figure-eight shaped. The grass in the 50cm circles was slightly yellow-brown, and a whitish-grey mouldy growth was found about 7 to 10cm deep. The mushrooms were not radioactive.

Landing Area 3260 Metres High in the Andes

This section mentions landing strips made of regular stone blocks (2.50 x 2 meters, estimated 15-20 tons each) forming strips 700m long by 300m wide, where lights were seen at night.

Sightings in Antarctica

Another report details sightings of giant cigar-shaped crafts in Antarctica by Chilean scientists between 1956-1958, who remained silent until further sightings in June and July 1965.

Saucers Found

According to Argentine researcher Dr. Pedro Romaniulc, both the Soviet Union and the U.S.A. possess damaged flying saucers. He stated this at a ceremony at John Kennedy University. He claimed the Soviet Union captured a 'nurse ship' and that the U.S. had found a spaceship in Alamo Gordo, New Mexico.

Those Allende Letters

This lengthy section discusses the controversial 'Allende Letters', which purportedly detail a US Navy experiment in 1943 to dematerialize a ship using Einstein's Unified Field Theory. The experiment allegedly went wrong, causing the ship and crew to be teleported but not fully returned to their original dimension, resulting in 'dread effects' on the human 'guinea pigs'. The author notes that Morris Jessup, whose book 'The Case for the UFO' hinted at this experiment, died under mysterious circumstances, leading many to believe he was silenced for knowing too much. The story was reportedly exploded open in 'SAGA' (Nov 1967) and further detailed in a booklet by Brad Steiger and Joan Whitenour. A recent article by Erci Aggen JNR in 'Flying Saucers' (Feb 1969) claims the letters are a fraud. The author personally believes the letters are genuine based on witness accounts, the maxim 'where there's smoke, there's fire', and the idea that governments would cover up such a significant failure. The article suggests that extraterrestrials may be withholding knowledge because humanity is not yet ready to handle it responsibly, urging readers to examine the facts and form their own conclusions.

Sightings Here and There

Condon Flying Saucer Report Slated

A Sydney investigator, Dr. Miran Lindtner, president of the Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Centre, attacked a US report compiled at the University of Colorado under Dr. Edward U. Condon. The 1,450-page report claimed UFO sightings were 'myths' and that further investigation was a waste of time and money. Lindtner alleged the committee's findings were predetermined, with scientists instructed to focus on discrediting witnesses rather than the phenomena. He noted that only 59 sightings were investigated, compared to over 2,000 in the US Air Force's records. Two scientists were reportedly fired for objecting to Condon's methods. Dr. Lindtner stated that flying saucers are in the 'doubt' stage of scientific development, moving past ridicule. He and other researchers investigated a reported sighting in Goulburn, N.S.W., which they concluded was a hoax involving a small model disc.

Glowing Object in Sky

Residents of Sydney suburbs reported seeing a large, bright white light hovering before flying off at tremendous speed. The object was seen over Cronulla and Leichhardt, described as very big and bright, and high in the sky, estimated at 10,000 feet. It floated for a while before shooting off faster than anything witnessed. Spokesmen for the Department of Civil Aviation, RAAF, and Bureau of Meteorology offered no explanation.

"We Saw a Flying Saucer and It Scared Us."

A group of children at Te Mata School in Havelock North, New Zealand, reported seeing a flying saucer hovering over an orchard. Descriptions varied but agreed on its size, shape, and that it was 'scared'. They described a hatch, antenna, clicking noises, and the object being about half the size of the school's swimming pool. It suddenly shot upward and travelled towards Hastings, leaving a vapour trail. A teacher also observed the object, noting it moved backward and forward and appeared at times like an aeroplane but also too round. Gavin King, 10, described it touching a tree, with lights around the bottom, a hatch, and flames coming out. Graham Hebden, 10, compared it to a bird that grew larger. Peter Taylor, 9, saw 'things' hanging from it, and Pamela Berry, 9, saw the vapour trail. Other children reported sightings near Te Mata Peak. The Civil Aviation Department reported no aircraft in the area at the time.

Flying Saucers Found Continued

Dr. Romaniuk is quoted as saying that an astronomer, Mr Silas Newton, brought to the attention of the US Air Intelligence Centre that extraterrestrial craft had small exit traps instead of doors, allowing passage for small beings. Inside a 'seamless hard metal object', six small dead bodies morphologically similar to man were found, possibly killed by atmospheric decomposition when a trap door failed.

Scare on Flying Saucers

In Kyogle, New South Wales, two 'flying saucer nests' were discovered, causing fear. One 'nest' on Mrs. A. V. Bryant's property was a scorched circle 20 feet in diameter. No unusual sounds or sights were reported before its appearance. A second, elliptical impression (30 ft long, 12 ft wide) was found on Mr. J. O'Neill's property, with flattened grass in a swamp. Mr. O'Neill reported seeing an orange light on a mountain.

Our Supplement

The magazine includes a supplement offering a simple guide for beginners to help identify known phenomena versus UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, anomalous aerial phenomena, and unexplained terrestrial events. The magazine presents a wide range of reports, from scientific investigations of phenomena like the Oregon Vortex to anecdotal witness accounts of UFOs and mysterious ground traces. There is a clear interest in exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and advanced, unknown technologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing them as definitive. The magazine encourages reader participation in solving these mysteries, as seen in the 'Lawn Mysteries' section and the supplement for beginners. There's a critical view of official reports that dismiss UFOs, exemplified by the critique of the Condon Report, suggesting a belief that some phenomena remain unexplained by conventional science and that governments may be withholding information.