TUFOIC Newsletter - No 024 - May 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE. Newsletter.
Issue: no 24
Volume: May 1978
Publisher: TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE
Country: Australia
Language: English
Cover Headline: Vacant Skies

This issue of the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre's newsletter, dated May 1978, focuses on the apparent decrease in UFO sightings in Tasmania and reports on various investigations and past incidents. The publication aims to investigate UFO reports and disseminate this information to interested parties.

Vacant Skies

The editorial section, titled "Vacant Skies," notes that the past nine months (since July 1977) have seen a significant drop in UFO reports within Tasmania. Despite increased media attention, including TV coverage and mention of their 1978 Annual Report, the Centre has received more reports of Identified Flying Objects (IFOs) than actual UFOs. The exposure has made the Centre better known, but UFO figures are comparable to levels seen in 1972/73 when the organization was less prominent. The article mentions that UFO activity seems to have shifted elsewhere, with reports of high strangeness events from Victoria (Echuca area) and an increase in sightings from Northern New South Wales.

"Close Encounters"

This section discusses the upcoming film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The Centre has received conflicting reports about the film but anticipates that it will significantly bring the UFO subject to public attention, regardless of any controversy surrounding it.

SIGHTINGS

This section presents detailed accounts of UFO sightings investigated by the Centre. The number of UFO cases has fallen, with only 4 reports by the time of writing, compared to 14 in the same period of 1977. Several older sightings are also included:

• Winter 1969: A truck driver near Tarraleah, Tasmania, reported seeing a bright orange dome-shaped object on the ground that rose and disappeared into the sky. This case was heard of in 1978 and given a Sighting Value of O.E.

• January 1977 (02:00): In Buckland, Tasmania, a mother was woken by her son who noticed an "amt sized light" on a hillside. The light pulsed red and eventually disappeared. A tree stump was found pushed over nearby. This case was investigated in February 1978 and valued at 3.A.

• Late January 1977 (evening): Another sighting on the same farm in Buckland, Tasmania. A dozer driver reported his van being rocked, followed by a roaring noise and a white light that grew orange before moving south. Later, he and his son-in-law heard loud voices. Radio interference was also noted. Investigated in January 1978, valued at 1.B.

• July 18, 1977 (02:30): A third sighting in Buckland, Tasmania, by a son shooting in the early hours. He observed a semi-circle of 6-8 lights flashing pink/red, positioned at a 45-degree angle in the sky, estimated to cover an area of 200mts at an elevation of 200mts. The witness noted that stars were blocked out by something within the lights. Individual lights were estimated to be 3-5mts wide. Interviewed in February 1978, valued at 2.B.

• Late November 1977 (02:30): In Ulverstone, Tasmania, a witness saw a large round sphere with pulsating red, blue, and green lights over the sea. The object moved at high speed towards Devonport, performed erratic maneuvers, and disappeared northwards. Reported in April 1978, valued at 1.B.

• January 31, 1978 (04:10): In Pawleena, Tasmania, a bright white light approached, circled a farmhouse, and then moved away over hills. On-site investigation found no air traffic. Valued at 3.A.

• February 18, 1978 (10:15): Two witnesses near Granton, Tasmania, observed two spherical metallic objects that disappeared and reappeared as disc-shaped brown objects before speeding away. Valued at 2.B.

• March 27, 1978 (20:02): Seven boys near Highcroft, Tasmania, saw two star-sized orange lights moving side-by-side. The lights came together, emitted a red flash, and then faded. Valued at 1.B.

• March 31, 1978 (06:00): A witness on the Brooker Highway, Tasmania, saw a white light moving straight up from a peak, which stopped and then dropped back down. A second, smaller light also appeared and dropped. Valued at O.B.

RENDEVOUS NEAR ALBURY

This section reports on an incident from the Melbourne Herald on April 8, 1978. Two young farmers, Christopher and Geoffrey Kloppenborg, near Albury, Australia, witnessed two large, bright silver objects hovering above a valley. The objects were described as chrome or mercury colored and about the size of a small hayshed. One object was joined by a second "stingray craft." The UFOs moved off rapidly to the east. The farmers attempted to use binoculars and a camera but were too late.

Publications and Meetings

The newsletter announces the availability of a complete list of all Tasmanian UFO sightings from 1948 to January 1978. It also provides details for the next TUFOIC members meeting, scheduled for June 9th at 8 pm at the Scots Church rooms in Bathurst Street.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the perceived decrease in UFO activity in Tasmania, contrasted with reports from other Australian states. The Centre maintains its investigative role, documenting sightings and providing information to the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting and investigation, acknowledging the public's interest, particularly with the anticipation of the "Close Encounters" film. The newsletter also serves as a promotional tool for their compiled sighting lists and upcoming meetings.