TUFOIC Newsletter - No 023 - January 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO 1978 Tasmania
Issue Date: 1978
Publisher: TUFOIC (Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre)
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Country of Publication: Australia
Language: English
Price: 50c

This issue of UFO 1978 Tasmania, published by the Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre (TUFOIC), serves as their annual report and contains a collection of UFO sighting reports and investigative summaries from 1977. The magazine emphasizes a scientific and open-minded approach to UFO research, likening the modern UFOlogist to a private detective.

Editorial Stance and Approach

The editorial, attributed to Paul Jackson (Liaison Officer), stresses the evolution of UFO research from a fringe activity to a more scientific pursuit. It highlights the responsibility of researchers to investigate phenomena thoroughly, not to prove pre-existing theories but to uncover the truth. The article acknowledges the unknown nature of the UFO phenomenon and the ongoing efforts by responsible organizations to find answers.

Year's Sightings Statistics (1977)

TUFOIC received 144 reports for investigation in 1977, with some reports from earlier years also being considered. The report notes that Venus was a common cause for sightings in the first half of the year, alongside meteorite and space debris re-entries. Unusual events included a possible electrical discharge and sightings related to a Japanese research vessel. The majority of unexplained cases occurred between February and July, with May and June being particularly active.

Comparative Figures (1971-1977):

| Year | Reports | Unidentified | UFO% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | 93 | 21 | 22 |
| 1972 | 65 | 13 | 20 |
| 1973 | 136 | 26 | 19 |
| 1974 | 157 | 52 | 33 |
| 1975 | 171 | 42 | 24 |
| 1976 | 184 | 38 | 21 |
| 1977 | 144 | 31 | 20 |

Analysis of 1977 Investigations:

• Unidentified: 31
• Investigating/Insufficient Info: 13
• Astronomical: 42
• Aircraft: 22
• Satellites: 8
• Ground Lights/cars/ships: 11
• Birds: 5
• Other Explanations: 12
• Total Investigations: 144

Sighting Reports (1977-1978)

A Quiet Start to the Year

• Pipers River Report (January 27, 1977): The first case investigated involved two lights seen to the west, accompanied by a humming noise and agitated dogs. One light was red and moved up and down, while the second was larger, elliptical, and appeared stationary over a ploughed paddock.
• Seven Mile Beach (February 3, 1977): A dome-shaped object with windows and flashing lights was observed by children at a youth camp. Investigations with the Department of Transport confirmed no air traffic in the area.
• Geilston Bay (February 12, 1977): A starlike white light was seen travelling south, followed by two other similar lights that merged and moved vertically at high speed.
• Brighton (February 19, 1977): A brilliant circle of steady orange lights was observed about a kilometer away, moving southwest and then returning northwards.

Erratic Lights at Mt. Stuart (March 28, 1977)

A Hobart Police call alerted TUFOIC to a possible sighting of a nocturnal light. A moon-sized round ball with red, orange, and purple colors was seen travelling south, then north at high speed, reappearing and disappearing multiple times.

Other Sightings

• New Town (date not specified): Mrs. Carr reported a crackling noise and an orange glow, seeing a moon-sized orange-apricot colored ball of light that darted away and returned.
• Howrah/Ranelagh/Sandy Bay (date not specified): Multiple witnesses reported lights flashing south over Mt. Nelson and heading south across the sky.
• Mt. Stuart (7:30 PM): Paul Gourlay reported seeing plane-like lights to the east that were yellow to white, losing height, and moving south over Bellerive, then returning north in a zigzag manner.
• Collins Cap (early April): Mrs. A reported flashing lights over trees, which appeared as a dome-shaped area of bright orange-white light with flashing white lights beneath. The object angled down and disappeared.
• Warrane Drive In (June 11, 1977): Maneuvering lights, described as stars with red and silver colors, were seen returning over Hobart, splitting into two lights, and then merging and separating.

A FLAP DEVELOPS

• Lenah Valley (April 30, 1977): A witness observed a disc-shaped area of white light with red flashing lights stationary over a gully.
• Kingston (May 8, 1977): Three witnesses reported a very bright white light moving low towards Mt. Wellington and then over hills near the Hobart Waterworks.
• South Hobart (May 8, 1977): A large white light was seen passing from Mt. Wellington towards Lenah Valley.
• Port Huon (May 21, 1977): A 13-year-old witness reported three large orange lights approaching from the east, with the central light being larger.
• Glenorchy (May 28, 1977): Mrs. Oakley reported a very bright white light stationary north of Mt. Direction that became larger and brighter before fading.

SIGHTINGS SPREAD

• Nubeena UFO (May 30, 1977): Mr. O. Bitterman reported an elliptical-shaped object in the southeastern sky, emitting blue flashes. It was bright orange and white with a rear flash.
• Port Arthur (same night as Nubeena): A similar bright glowing white light was seen in the northwest sky.
• Opposum Bay (10:30 PM): A strange light, estimated at 10 meters off the ground, passed by and was described as a silver soccer ball with a red edge and a red tail.
• Norfolk Bay (June 1, 1977): Mr. G. Batchelor reported a large white light, oblong in shape, moving west at high speed.

CARS AND UFO's

• Brooker Highway (June 25, 1977): Two witnesses reported flashing lights at a high elevation that appeared to pace their car.
• Sandfly District (July 2, 1977): Two witnesses reported a bright red light about 3 meters off the ground, which caused their car to lose power for 15-20 seconds.
• Southern Outlet (June 30, 1977): Another car reportedly had its engine cut out on the Southern Outlet.

Oatlands (July 3, 1977)

• Mrs. M. Pegg and her daughter reported a long oblong shape in the southeastern sky, resembling a neon tube with flashing white lights.
• Const. Pegg reported a similar object, described as a matchbox size above the treeline, with flashing lights along the side.

TUFOIC Meetings 1978

• Meetings are scheduled for:
• February 10th
• April 14th
• June 9th
• August 11th
• October 13th
• December 1st

These meetings are held at Scots Church rooms, Bathurst St. at 8 p.m. Prospective members and those with sighting information are welcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of numerous UFO sightings across Tasmania, with a focus on 'nocturnal lights' and 'erratic lights'. The magazine emphasizes the importance of systematic investigation and data collection, as evidenced by the statistical analysis provided. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry, aiming to demystify the UFO phenomenon through careful observation and reporting, rather than succumbing to sensationalism or pre-conceived notions. The publication also highlights the collaborative efforts of UFO research groups in Australia.

This issue of 'UFO REPORTS' focuses on UFO sightings from mid-1977, with a particular emphasis on reports from Australia and the establishment of a new UFO study group in France. The cover headline, "WHERE HAVE THEY GONE?", reflects the transient nature of many reported phenomena.

UFO Sightings in Australia

The magazine details several sightings:

• Warrane (July 10th): The Russels reported a large, moon-sized white light flashing on and off at 8:30 pm, estimated to be 400 meters off the ground, which disappeared in mid-air.
• Conara to Epping Forest (July 29th): Mrs. L. Keating and her family sighted a bright silver cylinder moving in an upright position, with what looked like a rope and smoke haze beneath it. The object was seen below cloud level and moved erratically before disappearing behind trees.
• Ellendale (October 9th): The Bannister family reported two white star-like lights moving in an erratic manner, veering off near stars and then moving back towards the north east before converging and disappearing.
• Oatlands/York Plains: A motorist reported encountering a long white cylinder object south-east of the road near York Plains, which upset the witness. This incident is noted as being similar to others that night.
• West Wales: Several reports from West Wales are included:
• Billy and Pauline Coombes reported a seven-foot giant in a silver suit with a box-shaped helmet blocking their cottage window. The figure had no discernible facial features and a luminous glow.
• Earlier, the Coombes family had been terrified by a flowing orb that followed their car.
• Josephine Hewison, wife of farmer Richard Hewison, described a silver object, shaped like a jelly mould, about 50 feet across the base and as high as a double-decker bus, parked near a greenhouse. It had no visible windows or openings and remained stationary for about 10 minutes before leaving without a trace.
• Stephen Taylor reported seeing a black shape with a dim glow, followed by a figure dressed in silver with fisheye-like eyes, near RAF Brawdy.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman commented that reports from the West Wales area were from sincere, concerned people and that investigations were conducted without discounting the possibility of life in outer space.

UFO Studies Department Created in France

The issue highlights the creation of a government-run group in France called G.E.P.A.N. (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés) by the National Centre of Space Studies (C.N.E.S.). This group will be managed by Mr. Claude Poher, head of the Science Department at the Space Centre in Toulouse. G.E.P.A.N. aims to scientifically analyze and classify UFO sightings. A scientific council, nominated by C.N.E.S. Director Mr. Hubert Cubien, will be formed to determine trends and follow activities. The group's work will be directly linked to Mr. Jean-Claude Husson, Director of the Space Centre at Toulouse. The information for this report is credited to Jean Sider from "Le Parisien" dated 2.9.77.

Other Phenomena and Information

• Meteors and Satellite Re-entries: A "Did You Know..." section explains that meteor paths can be at any angle, and their streaks can last from a few seconds to over 15 seconds. Satellite re-entries are also mentioned as appearing similar to meteorites but can last up to two minutes, exhibiting a wider range of colors and sometimes appearing to manoeuvre.

TUFOIC (Tasmania)

The magazine includes information about the Tas. UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC), founded in 1965, located in Hobart, Tasmania. Their aims include investigating Tasmanian sightings, collecting evidence, and disseminating data. Membership is open to those who support the centre's aims. Contact details for sightings and membership inquiries are provided, along with information on publications and annual reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the ongoing mystery of UFO sightings and the need for scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a commitment to gathering and analyzing evidence, as demonstrated by the creation of G.E.P.A.N. and the reporting of various sightings without immediate dismissal. The inclusion of the Ministry of Defence statement reinforces a serious approach to the subject.