TUFOIC Newsletter - No 025 - September 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE.
Issue: Newsletter No25
Date: September 1978

This newsletter from the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre reports on the state of UFO activity in Tasmania during September 1978. It notes a significant drop in reported sightings, with only 5.8% of cases from the previous twelve months remaining unidentified, a low not seen since 1967/68. The release of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' had no discernible impact on the number of reports or public interest in Tasmania.

Public Response and Recent Activity

The Centre notes that public response to UFO sightings has been low, with newspaper items on local sightings, rather than the film, generating some interest. A call on August 23rd reported two sightings of a green triangle object near Ouse. On the same night, the Search and Rescue was alerted on the North Coast due to reports of green flares, which are speculated to be related to the same phenomenon as the southern reports. An item in the "Mercury" newspaper generated a good response, with over 30 calls received, allowing the piecing together of a scenario involving green burn-ups over the state at various times.

UFO Sightings Database

The newsletter details several specific sightings, many of which are from the Lake Country region and some dating back to the "Lake Sorell Flap of 1975." The impact of these older cases is noted as diminished due to the delay in reporting.

Early 1975, Kingston: Witnesses observed a white circular light below Bonnett Hill, which moved towards Hobart and disappeared in the Ridgewat area. The witnesses reported this to the RAAF but did not receive sighting forms.

March 1975, Lake Sorell: A witness at Silver Plains saw a large flashing light (red and green) approach rapidly but stop at tree-top height, then move slowly back into the sky.

April 1975, Interlaken: Visitors to Lake Sorell heard a noise resembling a missing plane engine. This was followed by a loud explosion and white flashes after the noise passed overhead.

Winter 1975, Poatina Highway: A witness experienced car steering difficulties and saw a hovering orange and blue object described as similar to a helicopter without rotors.

March 1978, Lake Crescent: Two large, steady orange lights were observed approaching from the northern sky, passing by and moving south, with one veering off.

July 6, 1978, Blackmans Bay: Several white lights tinged with yellow were seen over water off Bruny Island, varying in number and exhibiting erratic movement.

August 5, 1978, Lake Crescent: An object described as a thin cigar, approximately 30 meters long and half a meter thick, moved rapidly and smoothly over the choppy lake surface. It was black to brown and featureless.

August 5, 1978, Interlaken: A glow appeared north-east of Lake Sorell, reflecting off the overcast sky. A white light was then seen on the opposite shore, moving rapidly back and forth through trees. A large glow with beams also moved southwards.

Information and Events

The Centre offers copies of its Sightings Value system and a complete list of Tasmanian sightings from 1948 to 1978. Interested parties are instructed to write or telephone the Secretary. The Annual Meeting was scheduled for Friday, October 13th, at the usual venue at Scots Church rooms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects a period of low UFO reporting, contrasting with earlier years. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and record-keeping, despite the challenges of delayed reporting and public apathy. The Centre actively collects and disseminates information on UFO sightings within Tasmania, providing a valuable resource for researchers. The uncertainty in predicting UFO events is acknowledged, highlighting the complex and often elusive nature of the phenomenon.