Panorama - Vol 08 No 04 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: No. 4
Volume: 8
Date: July-August 1969
Publisher: U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation, Australia)
Price: 25c. Au +

This issue of Panorama, the official magazine of U.F.O.P.I.A. Australia, presents a comprehensive look at the UFO phenomenon, with a strong focus on a significant symposium held in Washington D.C. and ongoing research and sightings.

Editorial Notes and Announcements

The Editor, Fred P. Stone, notes the large volume of sighting reports and excellent articles, leading to a lack of space for his usual editorial. He highlights two key points: a shift in official attitude towards UFOs, with the term 'IFO' (Identified Flying Objects) possibly replacing UFO, suggesting a growing official acknowledgment of extraterrestrial or superhuman origins. This, he posits, is leading to global defensive measures by governments concerned about world dominion. Secondly, he announces a preliminary plan for a forthcoming convention in Adelaide, likely at Easter, intended to foster togetherness following the 'collapse of Capio'. He invites participation and information requests.

The magazine also reports on the success of a display at the Marion Shopping Centre, which attracted thousands, and notes the increasing openness of high schools to discuss UFOs with senior students, indicating a positive shift in public opinion.

Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects, Washington D.C.

This section details a symposium held on July 29, 1968, by the Committee on Science and Astronautics of the United States House of Representatives. The event aimed to inform influential committee members, who control government research expenditure, about the UFO subject. The symposium featured eminent scientists, some presenting in person and others via written contributions.

Key Participants and Contributors:

• Guests: Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Astronomy, Northwestern University), Dr. James E. McDonald (Meteorology, University of Arizona), Dr. Carl Sagan (Astronomy, Cornell), Dr. Robert L. Hall (Sociology, University of Illinois), Dr. James A. Harder (Civil Engineering, University of California), and Dr. Robert M. L. Baker, Jr. (Astronautical Engineer, Computer Sciences Corporation).
• Written Contributions: Stanton T. Friedman (Nuclear Physicist), Dr. Donald H. Menzel (Astronomy & Astrophysics, Harvard), Dr. Leo Sprinkle (Psychology, University of Wyoming), Dr. Carry C. Henderson (Space Sciences, General Dynamics), Dr. Roger N. Shepard (Psychology, Stamford), and Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Plant Science, Utah State University).

Symposium's Purpose and Outcome:

The symposium's main purpose was to inform the committee and recommend future policy. While criticism of the Air Force and the Colorado project was excluded, the event is seen as having brought significant benefit and prestige to the subject through calm, sensible discussion. The likely outcome is increased government funding for UFO research, potentially leading to greater professional involvement. The article reassures amateurs that their role in collection, transmission, and evaluation remains vital.

The official record of the session is highlighted as a crucial document for students and newcomers, containing valuable information, sighting reports, and references.

Revealing Discussions:

• Dr. Hynek: Warned of public dissatisfaction with official treatment of UFOs and was asked if the scientific establishment could be persuaded to research UFOs without government initiative. He emphasized the need for government funds and suggested approaching the United Nations for global data collection.
• Dr. McDonald: Expressed a strong belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis and supported Dr. Hynek's call for a multi-faceted approach. He suggested the New York electricity blackout might be attributable to UFOs.
• Dr. Sagan: Confirmed the high probability of intelligent life elsewhere but cautioned about vast distances and emotional factors influencing perceptions. He suggested the symposium was biased but advocated for further UFO research, particularly in radio communication.
• Dr. Hall (Sociologist): Examined the hypothesis that UFO sightings arise from popular belief and mass hysteria, using witness cases to argue against it. He advocated for the unhindered circulation of information and intensified research.
• Dr. Harder: Focused on propulsion, invoking the Faraday Effect to explain concentric rings around UFOs, suggesting strong magnetic fields are involved. He also commented on pure magnesium samples from Ubatuba, Brazil.
• Dr. Baker: Commended for his analysis of Utah and Montana films, concluding they were inexplicable in ordinary terms. He made technical recommendations for UFO detection teams and witness examination.

Written Contributions:

• Friedman and Sprinkle: Argued strongly for extraterrestrial origin, with Friedman citing fusion power and hydromagnetics for flying saucers and interstellar flight. Sprinkle based his views on personal sightings and the psychical aspects of witnesses.
• Henderson: Called for determined efforts to develop UFO detection instruments.
• Salisbury: Referred to the Zamora and Gill sightings, while others seemed hesitant to discuss humanoids, possibly due to embarrassment about being behind in space exploration compared to potential alien visitors.

Detection Methods and Recommendations:

The discussion confirmed that US radar systems often detect unexplained objects but are programmed to reject them. Dr. Baker's recommendation to modify programs to record UFOs was strongly supported.

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS, or VIMANA (SANSCRIT - CHARIOT IN THE SKY)

By Howard Sloane

This article explores the nature and implications of UFO sightings, drawing parallels to the ancient concept of 'Vimana' from Sanskrit texts.

The Phenomenon and Public Perception:

Sloane notes that the term 'Flying Saucer' is widely understood, making descriptions of hovercraft apt. While a percentage of the population finds UFO reports incredible due to their scientific understanding, worldwide evidence cannot be refuted. The article calls for a rethinking of physics and scientific discovery to include this phenomenon.

Reliable Sightings and Characteristics:

Thousands of reliable sightings have been reported. Based on flight patterns, ground impressions, and electromagnetic effects, Sloane postulates about the construction of these objects. They are described as heavy, with no wings, yet capable of eliminating gravity and controlling momentum for remarkable maneuvers. Examples of sightings include:

• Ballarat, Australia (1965): Mr. C. Brew described a saucer descending from clouds.
• Blenheim, New Zealand (July 13, 1959): Mrs. F.E. Moreland saw a descending saucer with two pilots in silver suits and helmets.
• New Guinea (1965): Rev. W. Gill and 30 other witnesses observed 'scout ships' emerging from larger carriers, a technique proposed for moon landings.

The author concludes that Earth is under surveillance by beings from elsewhere in the Universe.

Theories on Propulsion and Construction:

• Mr. T. Filippini (Bendigo): Theorizes that electrified craft will travel on magnetic fields, pushing off magnetic streams to attain fantastic speeds across galaxies.
• UFOs and Electromagnetism: UFOs are thought to have magnetic auras and build up electric charges, ejected by Earth's magnetic field. They are described as cold, radioactive, and enveloped in electromagnetic fields.
• Professor R. Street (Monash University): Simulates these conditions, finding that ions from radioactive material form a concentrated beam in a magnetic field, supporting the theory of propulsion by sub-atomic particles.
• Materialisation and Dematerialisation: The article discusses how UFOs might be constructed by force fields and mentions instances of apparent dematerialisation, such as a battleship vanishing.
• Nature of Matter: The nature of matter is questioned, with light-like holography created by laser beams being contrasted with solid material objects. The concept of instructed magnetic fields is proposed as a means to recover lost objects.
• Force Fields: Evidence suggests UFOs are moved and protected by force fields. An encounter by Mr. Ron Sulan in Victoria involved an intense force field and a cone of light atoms.

Hibernation and Space Travel:

The article explores hibernation of life as a potential mechanism for space travel, where mental fields control body temperature and slow atomic vibration, making cold unfelt and time pass slowly. This is compared to frogs hibernating and Australian aborigines using hibernation principles.

Atomic Vibrations and Consciousness:

It is suggested that matter is composed of light in various states, and atomic vibrational speed can be modified to create different densities. This could explain how UFOs appear rarified and can penetrate other matter. The possibility of controlling vibration with a developed mental field is also raised.

Contact and Future Implications:

Behind UFO research lie questions about the identity and purpose of these visitors. Sloane suggests that philosophers and theologians may hold keys to contact and that humility is needed to learn from them.

THE FLYING SAUCER (Poem)

A short poem describing the visual experience of a flying saucer sighting, evoking wonder and contemplation about its origin and visitor.

WAS S.A. "BUZZED" BY MOONCRAFT?

This section reports on a newspaper article from 'The Advertiser' (July 24, 1969) detailing sightings in South Australia that some theorized could be related to space craft being tested for moon travel. A sparetime pilot, Mr. R.C. Hudson, sought further information about a green ball-shaped object with a tail sighted over Balaklava and other locations. Theories ranged from flying saucers and meteorites to space-junk or mooncraft. The article humorously mentions 'lunartics' as a term for moon-probe capsules.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, moving beyond skepticism towards a more open-minded approach. It highlights the growing public interest and acceptance, as evidenced by school invitations and successful public displays. The magazine emphasizes the importance of scientific research, government involvement, and international cooperation (e.g., through the UN) in understanding UFOs. The extraterrestrial hypothesis is presented as a plausible explanation, supported by expert testimony and detailed sighting reports. There's a recurring theme of questioning conventional physics and exploring advanced concepts like materialisation, force fields, and consciousness to comprehend the phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of encouraging continued research, open discussion, and a willingness to accept the possibility of non-human intelligence visiting Earth.

This issue of Panorama magazine, dated June-July 1969, is a compilation of "SIGHTINGS HERE AND THERE," focusing on numerous reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unexplained aerial phenomena primarily from Australia and South Africa.

Natal "Big Red Ball" Mystery

The Pletolia News reported on May 4, 1969, that for the second time in a week, people in Natal, South Africa, were puzzled by a mysterious object. At Umkomaas, hundreds witnessed a "big red ball" appear from the direction of Port Shepstone. The object hovered in the air for approximately 10 minutes before descending into the sea, where it rested for about two minutes before disappearing. A local resident described the ball as appearing to drop about three miles offshore and exhibiting controlled movement.

Flying Saucer, say Farmers (Australia)

The Daily Telegraph reported on April 24, 1969, that residents at Bungawalbyn, near Lismore, Australia, believed a flying saucer had landed on a farm. The only evidence left was in a fodder patch, which was partially flattened, forming two distinct rows nearly 20 yards long. Share farmer Mr. Tom Heffernan, 34, stated that over 100 people had visited to see the marks, which he claimed could not have been made by cyclonic winds due to their specific formation. He noted that the acccaline fodder cane was about nine feet high and that the event occurred on a still night. Local authorities had taken pictures and examined the area, with Mr. Ian Robinson, Country Party MHR for Cowper, believing the patches were flattened by an unidentified object ejecting jet-force blasts of air or gas. He concluded that any other explanation seemed out of the question, noting similar unexplained "landings" in the Lismore area over the past five years.

UFO Sighted in Hobart (Australia)

The Sun reported on July 18, 1969, that a man took three colour pictures of an unidentified flying object over north Hobart. Paul Berry, 50, described the object as looking like a big grey kite. He, an oil heater serviceman, his wife, daughter, and another friend all saw it. They described it as a kite-like object resembling a silver-grey sheet of plastic. As Mr. Berry was taking his first photo, another UFO appeared, and he took several shots before both disappeared into cloud.

An Odd Thing's Been Seen in Bealiba (Australia)

The Melbourne AGE reported on July 3, 1969, that Bealiba residents were witnessing a mystery vessel hovering over their town in the early hours of the morning. The craft was described as shaped like a plane but with no wings, and it displayed bright lights fore and aft and inside. It had been seen several times.

"Saucers" in Natal (South Africa)

Pretoria News reported on May 28, 1969, that two unidentified flying objects were seen by five people in the Howick and Hillcrest areas of Natal. Two telephonists saw the objects from different locations between 5 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. A 19-year-old resident, Miss Delia Ainsworth, saw a "pencil-shaped flying object" at 6.50 a.m. The Government Meteorological Office could not offer an explanation. Mrs. M. Crowe of Howick watched a "star-shaped object with a tail" at 5 a.m., which appeared to have a light at the front. Another anonymous telephonist and her companions saw two objects shaped like stars but longer, with lights, hovering before one moved towards Durban and the other east.

Object may have been satellite (Australia)

"West Australian" reported on July 25, 1969, that many people in the metropolitan area and country areas south of Perth saw a bright object travelling at high speed from north to south shortly after 7 p.m. The Carnarvon tracking station director, Mr. R. Jacomb, suggested it could have been a satellite re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, noting a worldwide alert for such an event. Reports came from Scarborough, Fremantle, and Lesmurdie, as well as country areas. Mr. Harry Smith, an ex-R.A.A.F. bomber pilot, described the object as the most remarkable thing he had ever seen. In Bunbury, police received about 15 calls reporting sightings. A car salesman, Micheal Dubois, described seeing a glow about the size of a ping-pong ball that grew in size, veered south, and showed a red tail marked by white sparkles, frightening him.

Wandilo UFO is Sighted Again (Australia)

The unexplained bright light sighted near Millicent, Australia, reappeared at almost the same point as a similar phenomenon in mid-February. At that time, Mrs. R.H. Baker reported an object "brighter than daylight" that lit up nearby pigstyes at Wandilo. Last week's light reportedly illuminated the same pig farm. The object was described as an inverted cup with two red lights on top and made no noise, but followed a car travelling at 60 mph before shooting off over the paddocks. Two other people saw an orange glow, which terrified them.

Riverina hosts to space visitors? (Australia)

The berrigan Advocate reported on May 27, 1969, that unidentified flying objects ("U.F.O.'s") had been sighted in various parts of the Riverina, including Deniliquin, Tocumwal, Finley, and Berrigan. At Deniliquin, a sighting incited a photographer and radio engineer to watch the area. They reportedly saw an object appear at about 4 a.m., which photographer Mr. Geoff Allen photographed. Experts from the R.A.A.F. and Bureau of Meteorology reportedly conducted an inquiry. Witnesses were adamant about seeing a large ball-like object with smaller objects going to and from it, which vanished without warning. Mr. Allen stated the object appeared from behind trees at about 500 feet, 63 degrees east of north, questioning if it could be the planet Venus.

Tocumwal-Finley Sightings (Australia)

Two young men holidaying in the Finley-Tocumwal area reported seeing a bright glowing object in the sky on a Sunday evening around 11.45 p.m. They described it as hovering over their car for a few moments before rising and disappearing towards Finley. They were accompanied by Bill Cooling, who also witnessed the light. The object was described as having lights and was seen for about five to ten minutes. Further inquiries revealed similar sightings in the Berrigan and Jerilderie areas.

Town "At U.F.O. Crossroad" (Australia)

Perth, May 30: A woman resident of Corrigin, Western Australia, stated that about 200 unidentified flying objects had been seen within 80 miles of the town in the past 18 months. Dedicated UFO watchers map these sightings, supporting a theory that the town is on a crossroads of a UFO highway. Mrs. Yvonne Winnett, a farmer's wife, noted that initial ridicule had turned to serious consideration as sightings increased. She believes that investigating even a small percentage of these objects is worthwhile and that humanity might not be alone. She observed a pattern of changing colours (red, green, white, blue) in reported UFOs, which travel east to west, contrary to satellite direction. Seeding and ploughing times, early in the morning, are noted as prime UFO sighting times. Mr. Rey Smith reported seeing two UFOs from his tractor, one a big flashing red light that hovered, faded, and reappeared.

"200 UFOs Fly" over W... Town (Australia)

This article reiterates the Corrigin "Crossroads theory," with residents reporting about 200 unidentified flying objects in the past 18 months. UFO watchers map sightings, and some residents have become accustomed to them. Mrs. Ivonne Winnett is quoted again, emphasizing the need to investigate and the possibility of not being alone. She also noted the east-to-west travel pattern and colour changes. The article mentions that some people are reluctant to speak openly about UFOs due to fear of humiliation.

Impressions of a visitor at the U.F.O Display at Marion (Australia)

By Aaron Tamuly, Glengowrie S.A.: The author visited a UFO exhibition in Adelaide and found it impressive. He met Mr. Stone, President of UFOPIA, who claimed to have seen UFOs in Australia multiple times. Tamuly argues that if mythical creatures like Nessy and Yeti exist, then extraterrestrial UFOs are also plausible. He suggests improving the abbreviation UFOPIA to "U.F.O.R.I.A." (UFO RESEARCH In Australia) to better convey its meaning and promote a sense of "WELL-BEING (EUPHORIA)".

Flying Saucer at Calton Road (Australia)

The Gawler Bunyip reported on July 9, 1969, a sighting on Calton Road, Gawler. Mr. M. Small reported being woken before 4 a.m. on June 27th by a noise and seeing a flat round object with white lights coming from the Barossa Valley. The object hovered near her house, and she noted it was hard to judge distances. After a few minutes, it moved back towards the Barossa Valley. A car stopped nearby, seemingly observing the same object. The article notes that many local people have seen UFOs but are reluctant to report them publicly.

UFOPIA

A section introduces UFOPIA (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation Australia), a group of Gawler people who meet monthly to collate and discuss UFO reports. Mr. C.D. Paul is highlighted as a keen member who follows up local reports and interviews witnesses. He expressed a desire for organized meetings in Gawler to educate people about UFOs and reduce fear.

SEASONS OF A CYCLE OF THE PLANETS

This short piece by Mrs. B. Perkins speculates on planetary cycles and astronomical changes, questioning if life might return to the moon and if humanity was once a "moon race."

SOME OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SIGHTINGS - JUNE - JULY 1969

A.E. BRAN, REPORTS OFFICER, provides a detailed account of several sightings:

• June 4, 1969: A very bright red light was seen near Clare, South Australia, at 7:55 p.m. by A.T. Pink. Aircraft were not observed, and the light's movements suggested it was not a natural phenomenon.
• June 19, 1969: Mrs. Joan Edwards and two friends observed a bright orange object, the size of a tennis ball held at arm's length, pulsating and changing brilliance over the sea near Port Victoria. The object climbed rapidly and disappeared after almost two hours, with no associated noise.
• June 29, 1969: Graeme Mildren and his friend Kay Mac Kenzie saw a bright star-like object near Kadina. It appeared to move towards their vehicle, then took up a position above and behind their car, stopping whenever they stopped. This occurred around 4:00 a.m. in misty conditions.
• July 2, 1969: Mr James Fox of Paradise saw a vivid green ball with a fiery tail traveling horizontally low in the sky near Adelaide. The object, about the size of a ten-cent piece, flashed by with a "burning copper" colour and a bright yellow tail, leaving a deep impact despite lasting only a few seconds.

EVALUATION OF THE ABOVE

A.E. Bran evaluates the Port Victoria sighting, suggesting it might have been a meteorological balloon released from Adelaide Airport, which could travel at high speeds. However, he notes that the balloon would need to travel at nearly 200 M.P.H. to reach Port Victoria by the stated time. He concludes that due to inconclusive evidence, the sighting cannot be assumed to be conventional craft. Regarding the Kadina sighting, Bran acknowledges it as a problem and takes the report at face value, noting many similar past reports. He discounts theories like temperature inversions and swamp gas, suggesting objects might be remote-controlled devices or intelligent life forms. For Mr. Fox's sighting, Bran disagrees with official explanations like meteorites, recounting a similar experience where a meteorite was seen at Woomea and then climbed rapidly into the sky. He states he would "eat my hat" if that was a true meteorite action.

FLYING SAUCER AT SANDY CREEK. S.A.

The "Gawler BUNYIP" reported on August 6, 1969, a sighting on a Sunday morning in the Sandy Creek-Rosedale area. Mr. F. Geue was woken by a sound like a diesel engine, which approached and then became a "rumbling noise." This was followed by silence, then a buzzing and "rushing noise." Mr. Geue's son, Maurice, saw a circular object with a bright red circumference and a moving yellow orb in the center, sitting in a paddock about a quarter of a mile away, possibly hovering very close to the ground. He judged it to be about 25 feet in diameter. The object was stationary for some minutes, with yellow lights appearing to move within the circle. They ruled out the moon as they were looking south.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from various locations in Australia and South Africa during the period of June-July 1969. The magazine presents these reports without definitive conclusions, often quoting witnesses and sometimes including tentative explanations from authorities or experts, such as the possibility of satellites or meteorological balloons. There is an underlying tone of open-mindedness towards the phenomena, with some articles encouraging further investigation and questioning humanity's place in the universe. The formation and activities of UFO investigation groups like UFOPIA are highlighted, suggesting a growing interest and organized effort to understand these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these occurrences and encouraging public awareness and discussion, rather than dismissing them outright.

This document appears to be a continuation of an article titled "Sandy Creek Sighting Cont." from a publication likely named "The Bunyip," with a reference to "Sandy Creek Sighting Cont. fro, Page." The issue date is indicated as July 1969. The content focuses on UFO sightings and related topics, including an index of articles and subscription information for "UFOPIA" and "PANORAMA."

Sighting Reports

The primary narrative details a UFO sighting in Sandy Creek, Australia. The object was observed to move off slowly, gathering speed as it rose and moved into a southerly direction towards Cawler, disappearing behind trees while flying low. Three other people in the area reportedly admitted seeing a similar object early that morning, but requested their names not be published.

A few days later, Mrs. R.A. Virgin of Rosedale, Australia, reported seeing a similar object. She described a red and white circular object moving over a paddock near her house around 9 p.m. She watched it from her front porch, feeling frightened but fascinated. This was the second time she had seen such an object. The object hovered for a few minutes before moving over the paddock back and forth. Mrs. Virgin described it as circular with a reddish glow outside and a white inside. She did not tell her husband or son, fearing they would not believe her. This sighting was also confirmed by a man who wished to remain anonymous. The names of three other people from Sandy Creek and Rosedale were given to "The Bunyip" as having seen saucers, but upon being asked, they denied having seen anything. Another person who reportedly spoke of the saucer at Rosedale is now in Melbourne and could not be contacted for the publication.

Featured Articles and Sections

An article titled "SEASONS CF CYCLES" by B. Perkins, continuing from Page 16, is mentioned. The excerpt suggests a connection between research into the past of the Inca race and an answer related to being "clothed in flesh- a strange breath of life, travelling on a journey of Destiny." The author is identified as B. Perkins from Perth.

The "EDITORIAL NOTES" section lists several items:

• New Official Concepts
• UFO CONVENTION Adelaide 1970
• High Schools Interest
• "Turning Point" by R.H.B. (indexed from 1 to 12)
• From F.S. Reveiew Eng. (indexed from 2 to 5)
• UFO or Vimana by H. Sloane, Ballarat (indexed from 6 to 9)
• Was S.A. buzzed by a Mooncraft? (indexed from 9)
• Scientists Comments at Marion Display (indexed from 16)
• Season and Cycles of Planets by Mrs B. Perkins (indexed from 16 to 20)

The "INDEX" section lists "SIGHTINGS HERE AND THERE" with specific locations and page numbers:

• South Africa. Natal. Pretoriaa. (pages 10-11)
• N.S.. Lismore. (page 12)
• Hobart Tas. (page 14)
• Victoria. (page 14)
• West Aust. (page 15)

It also lists "SOUTH AUSTRALIA SIG TINGS":

• Mt. Gambier.
• Gawler. Sandy Crek. (pages 18 to 20)
• Clare.. Kadina. Pt. Victoria. (pages 18 to 20)

Subscription Information

A notice reminds members of UFOPIA that the net subscription is now $1.50 for Junior Members and $2.50 per annum for Seniors, effective from July 1969. The overseas subscription to PANORAMA is $1.50 per annum (Australian).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and related conventions or concepts, as indicated by the "EDITORIAL NOTES" and the "INDEX" of sightings. There is also an interest in historical or philosophical connections, as suggested by the "SEASONS CF CYCLES" article. The publication seems to cater to an audience interested in ufology and potentially broader topics of destiny and life's journey.