Panorama - Vol 08 No 06 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: No. 6
Volume: VOL. 8
Date: NOV DEC. 1969.
Publisher: U.F.O.P.I.A.
Country: Australia
Price: 25c.

This issue of Panorama magazine, the official publication of U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation, Australia), presents a blend of spiritual interpretation of UFO phenomena and detailed investigations into unexplained occurrences, particularly concerning the Moon. The cover features a striking illustration of Australia with a UFO and a man looking skyward, emphasizing the magazine's focus on UFOs in an Australian context.

Editorial: "Peace on Earth - Good Will to Men"

The editorial, penned by Editor Fred. P. Stone, draws a parallel between the biblical message of "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men" and the concept of UFOs. It posits that the "angels" mentioned in sacred writings were essentially "messengers from outer space." The editorial argues that the message of peace was not fulfilled at the time of Christ's birth but was a prophetical one for a future time when "God's will is fulfilled." The author expresses hope that the increasing number of UFO sightings suggests that an intervention or a "New Age" is imminent. The piece encourages readers to actively practice peace and goodwill rather than merely wishing for them, suggesting that this personal action is a step towards a larger, universal peace.

The Moon and Its Unexplained Mysteries

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the Moon, particularly in light of the recent Apollo missions. The articles question the findings of astronomers and the evidence presented by NASA, suggesting that there might be more to the Moon's surface than what has been officially revealed.

Controversy Surrounding Apollo Missions

The article "THE MOON AND ITS UNEXPLAINED MYSTERIES" highlights a controversy arising from the Apollo 11 and 12 missions. While astronomers have long reported strange formations and behaviors on the Moon, the close-up images provided by the astronauts seemed to lack evidence of these phenomena. The editor of "Flying Saucers," Ray Palmer, is quoted expressing disappointment that the television pictures did not reveal the expected mysteries, leading to speculation that certain areas might have been deliberately avoided or images withheld.

Historical Lunar Sightings

The magazine details numerous historical sightings of unexplained lights and phenomena on the Moon, dating back to the 18th century. These include:

• Mare Crisium: Numerous blinking lights were observed starting in 1869, with over 2,000 reports by 1871. These lights eventually disappeared.
• Aristarchus: This crater is described as the brightest spot on the Moon, exhibiting flares, glowing ovals, and red spots, suggesting it might be a "saucer-port" with artificial lighting.
• Plato: This dark crater has shown changing light patterns, geometrical formations like triangles and "girds," and "luminous music"-like dimming and brightening.
• Other phenomena: Reports include "spires," "weird clouds," "bowler hats," and "torches in procession."

"Volcanic Eruptions" as Spaceships?

An analysis of observations from October 29, 1963, describes "spots" and "streaks" interpreted by astronomers as "volcanic eruptions." However, the magazine argues that sketches of these phenomena reveal them to be perfectly circular objects, ovals, and formations resembling spaceships, suggesting intelligent design rather than natural geological activity. The article questions how natural volcanoes could produce such precise geometric shapes and coordinated events.

Russian Lunar Discoveries

An article on "LAKE TSIOLKOVSKY.. ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON" discusses the possibility of air and water on the Moon. It mentions that Russians picked up pictures of a lake in 1959 and that the "Canadian UFO Report" for May-June 1969 reproduced photos of a lake on the hidden side of the Moon taken by Apollo 8 astronauts. The magazine implies that both Russian and American authorities are reluctant to admit the presence of such features, which could support native moon beings.

"Saucer-Ports on the Moon"

This section reiterates that the Moon has been "active" for centuries, with over 10,000 baffling light phenomena observed. It highlights the crater Aristarchus as a potential "saucer-port" with multiple searchlights and klieg-lights. The article also mentions the observation of blinking "signals" and patterns resembling Morse code.

News Items

"NEWS" OCT. 29. 1969. MOON MAN RESIGNS.

Dr. Persa Bell, a leading American space scientist and director of the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, resigned from NASA. The reason cited was an engineer taking over his duties. Dr. Bell had previously criticized the Space Agency's plans for lunar scientific exploration.

JOHN FAIRFAX NOTED SEA ADVENTURER. BUGGED BY SAUCERS.

John Fairfax, who rowed across the Atlantic, reported an encounter with flying saucers. He described them as too bright to be stars or planets and their flight pattern as too irregular to be satellites. Fairfax stated that although he didn't believe in flying saucers, he couldn't explain the objects otherwise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations, including those that intersect with spiritual or prophetic beliefs. It challenges official narratives, particularly regarding space exploration, and suggests that extraterrestrial intelligence may have been present on celestial bodies like the Moon for a considerable time. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a willingness to accept evidence that aligns with a hopeful outlook on humanity's future, potentially involving intervention from "Space Brothers."

This issue of Panorama, Volume 8, Number 6, dated October 1969, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs, particularly with the lead article titled "SAUCER-PORTS ON THE MOON (Contd.)". The magazine presents a collection of historical and contemporary accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to observations related to the moon and various sightings across Australia and New Zealand.

Saucer-Ports on the Moon

The main article revisits historical observations of mysterious lights on the moon, dating back to 1903 when Aristarchus noted intermittent flashing lights. It references a 1873 study by the Royal Society of Britain, which concluded that 'coded' lunar flashes were "intelligent attempts by an unknown race on the moon to signal earth." The article questions the natural causes for these lights, suggesting they cannot be explained by reflected sunlight, volcano action, or meteors. It posits that UFOs and UFOnauts might be the cause, noting that most lights occur in the northern hemisphere, similar to human congregation patterns.

The text also details reports of "Moving Objects" observed near or on the moon. These include French astronomers in 1820 seeing objects moving in "military precision" during a lunar eclipse, and similar observations in 1869. A 1874 report describes a dazzlingly white object traversing the moon's disc and leaving it. The article recounts an 1899 observation of an enormous 'star' changing colors and moving like a kite near the moon, suggesting it could be a large UFO. Other reports from 1912 and 1917 describe intensely black objects, 'superb rockets' shooting from the moon, and new, solid, alien-shaped objects appearing on the lunar disk. The article also mentions black dots or objects appearing in lunar craters, with some disappearing overnight, suggesting movement.

Further discussion addresses "flocks or fleets" of black dots or luminous objects crossing the moon's face, observed by astronomers like Herrick and Messier. While acknowledging the possibility of birds, the article argues that the slow movement and precision suggest powered vehicles manned by intelligent beings.

The Coming Easter U.F.O. Convention

A significant section announces an upcoming UFO convention, detailing its organization and speakers. The convention faced setbacks, including the cancellation of a tour by New Zealander author Capt. Bruce Cathie due to alleged threats and a need for police protection. However, the event proceeded with speakers like Mr. Bill Moser of the UFOIC of Sydney, who would discuss Astronomy and UFO matters with special slides, and Mr. Michael Tonti, who would speak on magnetic principles. Delegates and visitors were expected from various Australian states, including Queensland, Canberra, Picton, Ballarat, Tasmania, West Australia, and Adelaide.

The article also mentions the merger of AFSRS with UFOPIA, aiming for greater unity within the UFO community. The convention was scheduled to take place at the Estonian Hall in North Adelaide.

A Teenager's Point of View on UFOs

Wayne Usher, a teenager from the Elizabeth Branch of UFOPIA, shares his perspective on UFOs. He states he has learned much about UFOs over his two years of membership and believes they exist due to available proof. Usher challenges the idea that UFOs are mere figments of imagination, citing the willingness of great men like Albert Einstein to believe in them. He argues that as humanity progresses into space, the truth about UFOs will become more apparent. Usher also speculates about the vastness of the universe, suggesting that life may exist in other galaxies beyond our own, referencing the Sombrero Hat Galaxy as a potential candidate.

Usher discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life originating from planets like Saturn and Jupiter, questioning the feasibility of life in their extreme atmospheric conditions. He also proposes that extraterrestrial beings might be observing Earth due to concerns about humanity's destructive potential, such as the development of cobalt bombs.

He reviews several books on UFOs: "HARMONIC 33" by Capt. Bruce Cathie (finding the equations difficult), "FLYING SAUCERS SERIOUS BUSINESS" (a good student book), "UFOS UNIDENTIFIED" (connecting UFOs with electrical systems), and "PLANETS FOR MEN" (explaining conditions for extraterrestrial life). Usher concludes by encouraging serious study of UFOs and astronomy.

Sightings Here and There

This section compiles numerous recent UFO sightings from various locations:

• Whangarei, New Zealand (Oct. 19, 1969): A Northland farmer discovered three large mystery "circles" in his paddocks, about 20 ft. in diameter, with a darker green rim and brown, dying grass within. This followed a report of an unidentified flying object in the neighborhood.
• Auckland, New Zealand (Oct. 11, 1969): Scientists are studying three mystery circles in scrub and grass. Reports indicated the scrub was dehydrated and radio-active. A 42-foot circle on Bertram G. O'Neil's farm featured bleached and dead trees. Horticultural consultant H. Stuart-Menzies noted geiger-counter tests showing radio-activity and that moisture in the trees had been vaporized, suggesting a high-frequency radiation event from an outside object.
• Tauranga, New Zealand (NZPA): The Ngatea "flying saucer mystery" involved a horticulturist reporting high-frequency shortwave radiation causing the death of manuka trees. On Mr. O'Neil's property, an equilateral triangle of ground devoid of vegetation with imprints was found, surrounded by a 60 ft. diameter circle of dead manuka.
• Tauranga, New Zealand (NZPA): Mr. H. Cooke suggested markings were caused by a heavy object making a soft landing, noting "too much detail for it to be a hoax." He stated the craft landed vertically and took off at a 45-degree angle.
• Melbourne, Australia (Oct. 25, 1969): Photographs of a strange, bright object baffled Professor David Marshall, head of Melbourne Observatory, who stated, "The object could not possibly be Saturn... I have no idea what it is. I am baffled."
• Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia: Over 60 people reported seeing strange bright objects in the sky. Recent incidents include a farmer chased by a silvery-blue object, a glowing object photographed moving diagonally across the sky, an illuminated object following a car at high speed, a bright object descending behind trees, and an orange-yellow object appearing in the sky.
• Deniliquin Area (Past Five Months): Incidents occurred within a 40-mile radius. A farmer, Mr. Lindsay Dillon, reported a brilliant light moving above trees, hovering, and then accelerating sharply upwards. A photographer, Mr. Geoff Allen, took seven photographs of a similar object using time exposure, with experts stating the images were not caused by camera flaws. The R.A.A.F. stated that all UFO information is carefully considered, citing potential public panic as a reason for not commenting officially.
• Finley-Tocumwal Area, New South Wales: Sightings included a bright object hovering over a car and a glowing bright object landing behind trees.
• Echuca District: Residents discussed a shower of meteorites that fell about five weeks prior. Experts found fragments containing regwort spores and noted a hexagonal structure with carbon-type material capable of hosting living cells of outer space origin.
• Deniliquin Area (Recent Report): A bright silvery object streamed across the town at blinding speed.
• South Africa (April 2, 1969): Two flying objects were seen over Umtata. Mr. H.P. Smit described a bright object about 25 ft. long, big and round with a point, traveling at high speed at about 400 feet. Another bright light was seen at 2:30 a.m.
• Yeppoon, Queensland (Nov. 10, 1969): A man reported seeing colored flashing lights (red, green, orange, white) in a circular formation, estimated at about 100 feet above sea level, with no known aircraft in the vicinity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects and aerial phenomena, both on Earth and in relation to the moon. The magazine presents a wide range of evidence, from historical astronomical observations to contemporary eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence. There is a clear editorial stance that leans towards the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence being involved, often highlighting the inability of conventional scientific explanations to account for the observed phenomena. The inclusion of a teenager's perspective and the announcement of a UFO convention suggest an effort to engage a broad audience and foster discussion within the UFO community. The magazine seems to champion the idea that these phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, often contrasting the open-mindedness of some researchers with the skepticism or dismissal from mainstream scientific or governmental bodies.

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 6, Page 20
Date: March 1970 (implied by convention date)
Publisher: Panorama
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of Panorama focuses on a continuation of the 'Yeppoon Sighting' and announces a significant merger between two UFO research organizations. It also previews upcoming content and events.

Yeppoon Sighting Cont. (2)

The article details a sighting where a plane appeared to be motionless and could have flown out to sea. A spokesman from the Weah-er Bureau stated that from some angles, the plane could appear to be motionless. Crucially, there were no meteorological balloons in the area at the time, nor were any satellites scheduled to be overhead, suggesting the observed object was not a conventional aircraft or satellite.

Extraordinary News Item: Merger Announcement

A major announcement is made regarding the merger of the Committee of U.F.O.P.I.A. with the Society previously known as U.P.I.A. (Unidentified Phenomena Investigation Association). This merger is presented as a positive development, with both organizations agreeing to work together as one. The U.P.I.A., though less widely known than U.F.O.P.I.A., was comprised of former members of the A.F.S.R.S. who had previously severed ties with that society. These members formed the nucleus of the U.P.I.A. committee and have since conducted research in a wide field, not necessarily confined to UFOs, but encompassing anything unexplained.

The Editor expresses great joy in welcoming the U.P.I.A. members into the U.F.O.P.I.A. family, believing that this unity will enhance their collective efforts. Mr. John Rolfe, the President of U.P.I.A. and a qualified chemist, is highlighted for his leadership and absorption in the subject.

Furthermore, the Editor, who also serves as Leader President and Publisher of Panorama, mentions feeling the strain of his health and other obligations. He has been looking forward to this merger as an opportunity to step back from a greater part of the leadership. He recommends Mr. Rolfe as the incoming President of the merged organization, allowing the Editor to take a lesser role while remaining as the Editor and publisher of Panorama for the Society.

The magazine promises to publish a new list of officers for U.F.O.P.I.A. in the next issue, which will include new members from the merger as well as the existing team.

Upcoming Events and Contents

The Coming Easter UFO Convention

Attention is drawn to an upcoming Easter UFO Convention scheduled for March 27th to 29th, 1970. This event is presented as a significant gathering for those interested in UFO phenomena.

Table of Contents

A detailed table of contents is provided, listing various articles and their page numbers:

• Editorial: "Peace on Earth" (Pages 1-4)
• Moon Man Resigns (Page 4)
• John Fairfax sees Saucer (Page 4)
• The Moon and its Unexplained Mysteries (Pages 5-7)
• Lake Tsiolkovsky on the Moon with map (Page 8)
• Saucer Ports on the Moon (Pages 9-12)
• A Teenagers Point of View (Pages 13-14)
• SIGHTINGS ETC. N.Z. (Pages 15-15)
• Victoria (Pages 15-19)
• South Africa (Page 19)
• Queensland (Pages 19-20)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and research efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a desire to unite researchers. The merger announcement strongly indicates a belief in the power of collaboration and a commitment to advancing the study of UFOs. The Editor's personal reflections suggest a desire for continuity and the nurturing of new leadership within the UFO community.