Panorama - Vol 08 No 05 - 1969

Magazine Overview

This issue of Panorama, the official magazine of U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation, Australia), is dated September-October 1969. The cover prominently features the magazine's title, an illustration of a UFO above a map of Australia, and a drawing of a man looking skyward. The issue number is 'No. 5' and the volume is 'VOL 8'. The price is listed as 25c. (Aust). The magazine is published bi-monthly from 22 Northcote St., Kilburns, Australia.

Editorial: Unqualified Teachers and U.F.O.

The editorial, written by Editor Fred P. Stone, addresses the issue of individuals who present themselves as authorities on UFOs with only a superficial understanding of the subject. Stone warns that such 'unqualified teachers' can be dangerous, not only to themselves but also to the credibility of the UFO field, by calling down ridicule through their dogmatic and often unsubstantiated claims. He acknowledges that everyone starts with limited knowledge but emphasizes the need for deeper study. The editorial criticizes those who, despite having access to logical information, are easily swayed by unsubstantiated claims, citing an example of a speaker claiming positive proof of life on Mars and other planets, who then deflected questions by referring to the spirit world.

Stone highlights the phenomenon of 'guides' whose names have changed with the popularity of UFOs, shifting from Indian or Rod Indian figures to more exotic names. He asserts his belief in the reality of space beings and their communication with certain individuals on Earth, based on personal experiences where their statements were proven correct. However, he distinguishes this from claims about astral travel, which he states is a vast subject not easily entered into, and that not everyone experiences dreams or astral travel. He criticizes those who claim to be teachers but lack personal experience, such as never having had an astral travel experience because they do not dream.

The editorial uses the analogy of the Bluebird to describe people chasing excitement and the truth, only to find it overlooked. It recounts an anecdote about a lady who wished to see a space man, unaware that they had been present on two occasions. The piece concludes by referencing the biblical saying, "How many have entertained 'angels' unawares... and were so blind they perceived it not."

Unqualified Teachers (Continued)

The article continues to discuss the issue of unqualified teachers, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Manoah, the father of Sampson, who prayed for a child and was visited by an angel. The narrative points out that Manoah did not initially recognize the visitor as an angel until it was revealed to him. This is used to illustrate that even a godly man was unaware of the angelic presence, and that the messenger appeared like any other human being. The author also notes the tendency of these 'teachers' to travel without apparent means of support and to solicit 'love' donations from followers, which are not subject to taxation or governmental accountability.

The piece criticizes how these individuals can be used to belittle the UFO subject, even by those in media like TV, who, due to their experience in human relations, are aware of the tactics used. It references a newsman's critique of an Eastern teacher who claimed to have answers to the world's woes but was urged to return to his own country to help his people. The article concludes this section by reiterating the biblical advice, "By their fruits ye shall KNOW them," urging readers to examine the results of these teachers' teachings.

Vale: Dr. Miran Lindtner

This section announces the passing of Dr. Miran Lindtner, President of the N.S.W. UFOIC Organisation, due to an accident in Germany. The editor expresses deep regret and shock, extending sympathy to his widow. Dr. Lindtner is described as a man of outstanding worth who was associated with the UFO cause since its beginnings in Australia and had recorded one of the earliest sightings around Sydney. He is remembered as a strong character and born leader, prominent in UFO committees and a past President of the Society. In his private life, he was a Doctor of Veterinary Science, a composer, pianist, violinist, chessplayer, and a fighter pilot in World War II. He also served as Vice President of the R.S.P.C.A. His loss is considered immense, and his upcoming lecture at a convention in Adelaide is now a memorial event. The article notes that Dr. Lindtner was on his way to England via the U.S.A. and had visited several UFO groups. It concludes with a philosophical reflection that while death is not the end, his work and memory will live on.

Another Great Australian UFO Worker Passes On: Mr. Cyril Jones

This section reports the sad news of the passing of Mr. Cyril Jones of the Perth UFO Research Group. Jones was a founding member of the society in 1955 and served as its first President from 1958 until 1968, after which he became Vice President and a Life member. His activities in UFO work were numerous, including leading a delegation to the Ballarat Conference in 1965. His health had been poor, but his passing was still a surprise. He died at the Rapatriation General Hospital in Perth on September 10, 1969. The editor expresses deep sympathy to his family and friends, remembering Cyril Jones as a sincere man and a true friend who was quiet yet able to defend the truth. Fond memories are shared of occasions spent together in Perth and Adelaide.

Lunar Gravitational Perturbations

This article, by L.M. Young, discusses the discovery of 'mascons' or areas of gravitational disturbance on the moon's surface, revealed by the Apollo 9, 10, and 11 missions. The cause is speculative, but comparisons with Earth suggest it might be due to lighter materials on the lunar surface. The article explores various scientific theories, including extrusions of solidified lava, large meteoric matter, or accumulations of sediment. It notes that some features might imply the former existence of water.

Strange Happenings in New Zealand

This report from correspondent Ron Murray details unusual events in New Zealand. A large square hole was found in the Kaipara area, being investigated by American scientists. Another occurrence involved grass and vegetation being beaten flat at Ngatea. These events are linked mathematically to bomb detonations by Americans in Colorado and Russians in Siberia. The report also mentions an exceptionally large thunderstorm and lightning display in Auckland.

$200,000 Plan to Seek UFOs

This news item from the 'SUN HERALD' in Sydney reports that a Sydney astronomer, Dr. D. Herbison Evans, a 32-year-old Oxford University Physicist, believes Australia should spend $200,000 on UFO research. After analyzing a 9666-page report from the University of Colorado, Dr. Evans stated that the evidence suggests extraterrestrial visitors have been here. He advocates for scientific research, including the use of filed cameras to capture sky images. He suggests distributing 2,000 cameras across Australia for a better chance of sightings. Evans believes that proof of extraterrestrial visitors would fundamentally change human life, religions, and philosophy. He references the University of Colorado report, which cost $100,000 and could not explain at least two UFO sightings: a disc-shaped object photographed in Oregon in 1950 and a brightly colored object chased by a P.A.F. pilot in 1956.

"1947 AND ALL THAT."

This section, written by 'The Surveyor,' reflects on the dawn of the 'Moon Age' and humanity's exploration of the solar system. It congratulates American astronauts and the 'back-room boys and girls' involved. The author poses questions about life beyond Earth and the potential use of the moon as a base for UFOs, stemming from Ken Arnold's 1947 sighting of a 'flying saucer.' The article discusses the challenges of space exploration, including supply and transport. It notes that astronomers as far back as the mid-19th century recorded artificial structures and lights on the moon's surface. The author suggests that if these observations were made by modern ufologists, they might be dismissed as cranks, but coming from accredited astronomers, they warrant serious consideration. The piece posits a strong possibility of life elsewhere and the moon being used as a base for observation. It references George Adamski, a 'contactee,' whose descriptions of the moon's dark side were later corroborated by American spacecraft photographs. The author wonders if NASA will ever recognize Adamski's contribution.

The article further explores the question of the moon being used as a base for alien traffic, arguing that given humanity's nascent steps into space, advanced aliens could have been visiting Earth for years. It logically deduces that if life exists on Earth, it is probable that life exists on other planets in similar systems. The author acknowledges that while humanoid life in our solar system cannot be confirmed without physical contact, the statements from scientists must be considered. The piece touches upon books by 'contactees' and validates George Adamski's accounts. It addresses the vast distances involved in interstellar travel, suggesting that human minds struggle to comprehend intellects far beyond our own and the possibility of faster-than-light travel. A growing theory suggests that light might be constant, which could make galactic measurements obsolete and bring planets closer.

Sightings Here and There

This section presents brief reports of UFO sightings:

• "Peninsula People": Four Donovan children sighted a UFO near Balgowan, Australia, which maneuvered in a figure-eight path. The object was estimated to be about 100 feet in diameter and emitted a low humming noise. The sighting was reported to local police and then to Adelaide.
• "Melbourne Today Show": On June 16th, 1969, Mr. Bowler, an age newspaper photographer, and his family watched an object from their home in East Purwood, Melbourne, and Mr. Bowler attempted to photograph it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO information and the individuals who disseminate it. The editorial strongly advocates for rigorous research and warns against the dangers of unsubstantiated claims and 'unqualified teachers' who may mislead the public. There is a clear emphasis on the need for evidence-based understanding and a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also pays tribute to prominent figures in the UFO community who have passed away, highlighting their contributions. The issue touches upon broader themes of space exploration, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and astronomical discoveries, particularly concerning the moon. The editorial stance is one of promoting genuine investigation and cautioning against gullibility, while also acknowledging the profound implications of confirming extraterrestrial contact.

Title: PANORAMA
Volume: 8
Issue: 5
Date: July, 1969

This issue of Panorama magazine delves into the UFO phenomenon, presenting multiple sighting reports and a unique religious interpretation of these events. The magazine maintains an open mind, featuring diverse viewpoints.

Sightings Reports

McDonald Sighting (Newport, Victoria)

On Sunday, August 17th, 1969, at approximately 9:30 PM, Julie and Carl McDonald witnessed an object in the North-West sky from their home at 72 Challis Street, Newport, Melbourne. Initially, Julie saw an amber-colored object. When Carl joined her, the object was still visible and described as slowly moving northwards for about three minutes before disappearing. The object was noted to be rotating slowly on its axis, alternating between clockwise and anti-clockwise movements. Initially described as banana-shaped with a brilliant orange light at each end and red blinking lights, further analysis and drawings suggested a circular or oval shape. The red lights were later interpreted as portholes from which a red glow emanated, while the orange lights were likely actual lights. The object was estimated to be over or near the Laverton Air Force Base. The report concludes that no natural explanation seems apparent for this unidentified flying object.

Little Sighting (North Williamstown, Victoria)

On Wednesday, August 5th, 1969, between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM, Mrs. Little observed an object from her home at 32 Tobruk Crescent, North Williamstown, Melbourne. While letting her dog out, she saw a brightly illuminated object slowly glide into view and head north out of sight. The object was described as oval-shaped with a cluster of small lights around its circumference, each shining like a star and not merging into a glow. It moved at a constant altitude, approximately 45 degrees above the horizon, for about five minutes before disappearing. The object's shape and behavior ruled out conventional aircraft, meteors, or fireballs, leading to its classification as a UFO or flying saucer.

Religious Interpretation: God's Astral Vehicles

Author: The Rev. G.H. Nicholson, Rector of Burghfield, England.

Rev. Nicholson presents a theological perspective on UFOs, linking them to biblical prophecies and divine intervention. He discusses the 'Lunic Enterprises' project, which he believes has discovered a method to build a craft that can derive motive power from the universe's electromagnetic field, allowing flight without earthly fuel. This discovery, he argues, aligns with the biblical prophecy of increased knowledge in the "last days" before Christ's return.

Nicholson equates these 'astral vehicles' with the 'chariots of God' described in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophecies of Ezekiel. He draws parallels between the descriptions of these divine vehicles (coming with clouds and fire, moving at high speeds, and having unusual shapes like 'a wheel in the middle of a wheel') and observed UFO characteristics. He suggests that these vehicles are not of terrestrial origin and may be controlled by 'living creatures,' akin to Cherubim.

He posits that these vehicles will play a role in a future 'take-over' event, where humanity will be 'invaded' and 'completely taken over' by those who come with Christ from 'the heavens.' He dismisses rocketry as a crude method of space travel compared to the advanced technology of these divine or extraterrestrial craft. The article emphasizes that this increased knowledge of heavenly spacecraft, both past and future, serves as a sign that God's judgment is at hand, preceding a period of 'Kingdom blessedness.'

Alternative Propulsion Concepts

Michael Tonti-Filippini's Experiments

Michael Tonti-Filippini, a 49-year-old man from Kangaroo Flat, Victoria, has been experimenting with 'radiant-thrust space craft' inspired by George Adamski's work. He believes he has found a way to harness energy from a medium that carries light and electromagnetic energy, which can be used as a propellant. Tonti-Filippini, who studied engineering at Melbourne University, examined thunder clouds and lightning flashes, suggesting that storm clouds are essentially upside-down flying saucers and that electrical discharges within them create winds. He believes lightning flashes are caused by this 'electrical fluid' being set in violent motion. He is confident he will one day launch a 'radiant-thrust space ship' and has already submitted a model of his proposed two-man craft, which would run on deuterium and cruise among planets, to the Department of Civil Aviation.

Editorial Stance

This magazine is devoted to printing all points of view on the UFO question, with an open mind. The editorial comment highlights that while readers may not agree with the presented views, it is beneficial to consider different perspectives. The article by Rev. Nicholson is presented as one such viewpoint, which, though rooted in religious interpretation, is suggested to contain a 'great Truth.' The magazine notes that scientific theories also suggest the possibility of a world catastrophe and that the Earth is nearing the end of a 25,000-year cycle, aligning with the Age of Aquarius.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential for advanced propulsion systems, and a religious interpretation of UFO phenomena as divine or extraterrestrial vehicles. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to consider various perspectives on the UFO question, even those that blend scientific inquiry with religious belief. The magazine aims to present information and allow readers to draw their own conclusions.