TUFOIC Newsletter - No 027 - May 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE Newsletter
Issue: no27
Volume: 7001
Date: May 1979
Publisher: TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE
Country: Australia
Language: English
Cover Headline: Vacant Skies.

This issue of the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre Newsletter, dated May 1979, reflects a noticeable decline in reported UFO sightings across Tasmania. The lead article, "Vacant Skies," notes that while the public's attention was captured by events like the Valentich case and New Zealand film footage, the local scene has quieted down. Despite a brief increase in reports around October-November of the previous year, investigations into the new year have revealed a low rate of unexplained phenomena, currently around 3%.

Northern Centre Activities

The Northern Branch of TUFOIC is reported to be well-established, with expanding media contacts and regular meetings. Two recent investigations are highlighted:

• Lebrina (January 28th): Mrs Bassett observed a white light diving in the northeast sky, which then disappeared behind a hill. A second similar light appeared in the southeast, made rapid dives, and a cloud seemed to form around it. Smaller white and red lights appeared beneath the main light, which also shone a red light on the surrounding area.
• Bellingham (March 4th): A group of people around a campfire noticed a bright orange light over the sea. The object was stationary for about 10 minutes, reflecting light onto the sea. It then moved slowly, coming within a mile of the shore, and appeared to descend into the sea, changing shape from cigar to elliptical as it lost elevation.

Phillip Tattersall, the Northern Representative, notes a similar trend of decreased reports in his area, suggesting that the longer frosty nights ahead might improve viewing conditions. He also mentions a recent increase in misidentifications of stars and building lights.

Sightings

The newsletter states that over 60 sightings were reported by mid-May, but only 3 remained unexplained. However, the Northern cases from Lebrina and Bellingham are also presented for consideration. The publication also offers copies of its sightings value system and an updated list of Tasmanian unexplained cases from 1948-1977 and 1978.

Detailed Sightings Reports:

• January 9, 1979 (South Hobart): A family observed a silver-white light at 45° elevation moving slowly west, then turning north. The light flashed every 30 seconds, performed a circular movement near the belt of Orion, and then disappeared to the north. (Sighting Value 1.B)
• January 15, 1979 (New Norfolk): A witness heard a noise resembling a large electric fan and observed a beam of whitish-yellow light shining down in their garden. The witness also noted that their electric stove clock was 10 minutes slow that morning, and the kettle took 15 minutes to boil, though these events are not definitively linked to the sighting. (Sighting Value 3.A)
• February 5, 1979 (Lawitta): A driver experienced his car radio going dead and an intense white light surrounding his car. He later found his car had a flat battery, was low on oil, and needed repairs to the headlights and cut-out switch. The witness felt tired for days afterward and declined hypnotherapy. (Sighting Value 5.B)

Old Investigations:

Three older cases are presented:

• June/July 1975 (Strahan Road): A family encountered a large red/orange light low over the mountains that appeared to be heading towards their car. The light was estimated to be 50 meters away when they sped off. Later, the light reappeared, travelling parallel to them, and approached within 200 meters before receding and disappearing. It reappeared again at their home, moving slowly up into the sky. (Sighting Value 3.C)
• July 1975 (Cambridge): A family's car interior became hot, the car stalled, and they tasted an odd gas. They observed a metallic object with iridescence, white to grey in colour, stationary about 200-300 meters ahead and 20 meters above the road. The object then spiralled up and away into the southwest sky. The car's motor was checked and found to be fine. (Sighting Value 3.B)
• September 1974 (Lake Echo): Two men fishing observed a yellow, dome-shaped, luminous object with no noise. It moved slowly to rest on or just above the lake. The object then accelerated rapidly east, causing the lake level to advance 3 meters horizontally across the shore. Large waterlogged logs also floated to the surface, which later sank as the water level returned to normal. (Sighting Value 3.B)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings and investigations within Tasmania. There is an underlying theme of distinguishing genuine unexplained phenomena from media sensationalism and misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and documentation, providing a platform for witnesses and researchers to share information. The publication also seems to encourage readers to engage with their materials by offering lists and value systems for assessing sightings.