TUFOIC Newsletter - No 044 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Tasmania
Issue: 44
Volume: 1985
Date: 1985
Publisher: Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)
Country: Australia
Price: $1

This issue of UFO Tasmania, dated 1985, serves as a chronicle of UFO activity and the Centre's operations, primarily focusing on the year 1984. The cover prominently features the word "UFO," a stylized UFO graphic, a map of Tasmania, and the year 1985.

Executive and Statistics

The T.U.F.O.I.C. Executive for 1984 is listed, with Ron Jolly as President, Paul Jackson as Secretary/Liaison, and Keith Roberts managing Investigations/Files. Janine Hunt is in charge of the library. Area representatives are noted for Northern Tasmania (Don MacSween) and West Coast (Peter Zehmeister). The publication includes a detailed statistical table of UFO reports and unidentifieds from "Pre 65" up to 1983, showing a fluctuating number of reports over the years. For 1984, a total of 41 investigations were conducted, with the majority classified as 'Astronomical' (23), followed by 'Aircraft' (7) and 'Unidentified' (5).

1984 Sightings

The year 1984 is described as a "lean year" for the Centre, with the most significant event being a large burn-up over the state in September, which garnered publicity. Despite the lull in UFO reports, membership remained stable, and the Centre received some reports from the Department of Aviation.

Montumana Report

On February 25th, three witnesses near Montumana reported a bright white light that appeared to be a falling star. It then changed course, moved southerly, halted, and disappeared rapidly towards the east. The light was visible for about a minute and appeared star-sized and steady.

Melton Mowbray Report

On April 18th, a single witness reported seeing a bright glow in the sky. A round gold shape was observed low to the east, illuminated by a creamy glow, with black vertical lines on its surface. The object appeared to be rapidly approaching and receding. Later, a bright yellow domed object was seen, followed by a yellow bowl-shaped object. These objects then joined up and moved off to the north at high speed. The objects were estimated to be about 1km distant and 15-30mts in width.

Greens Beach Cigar

On July 15th, a cigar-like object associated with a cloud effect was sighted at Greens Beach. After the cloud faded, a dark elliptical shape became stationary and then moved south in a series of back and forth movements. The object reappeared from the cloud, disguised itself, and moved low over the hills near Georgetown before disappearing. Witnesses described it as considerably larger than nearby buildings.

Other Lights (October)

Two other reports from 1984 include a star-like light seen on October 30th near Turners Beach, which flickered and had a slight orange glow. On October 21st, a number of lights were observed near Ben Lomond, including a large blue light and three red lights in a triangle formation that moved erratically and changed to blue.

North East 1974

This section revisits UFO sightings in Tasmania's North East area, focusing on a flap that peaked in the winter of 1974. It details several cases from that period:

• 1970: A pastoralist had to dive his light aircraft to avoid collision with a helicopter-type object.
• 1971: A powerful blue light near ground level was seen lighting up sand dunes.
• 1972: A Derby resident followed a bright light for several kilometers before it "zipped off," with an exhaust or vapor effect noted below.
• 1973: A red and white flashing light was reported from Targa. Two round white lights were seen near Lilydale, moving slowly northwards. A similar sighting occurred near Perth. Fishermen near Waterhouse Island reported a white light that dropped to near sea level, halted, and then sped off north at high speed.
• December 1973: Martin Riley reported a metre-wide yellow light moving ahead of him on a road near Gladstone, which disappeared after crossing a sandbank.

North East Contd. (1974 Sightings)

• April 14th: Two large yellow lights were reported from Bridport. One light appeared as a disc and shone a beam onto the beach. A muffled diesel noise was heard.
• May 5th: Two yellow lights were seen vibrating and blurring, with a smaller red light appearing. A vibrating noise was heard. The lights were estimated to be 1m wide each.
• May (early morning): A lone motorist encountered a very bright light near Fort Letta. The light traveled beneath an overcast sky, and the vehicle's engine, headlights, and radio cut out briefly.

Boobyalla Sightings (May 25th & 27th)

On May 25th, three witnesses at Boobyalla Estate observed a large bright orange banana-shaped object stationary over paddocks. It moved slowly towards their car before disappearing. On May 27th, a similar bright yellow/orange banana-shaped object was seen traveling slowly over paddocks, approaching the farm but then moving away. Its glare was intense, and it was estimated to be about 7m wide.

Four in a Row (Mid-June, Gladstone)

• June 10th: A group of shooters near Rushy Lagoon observed three star-colored headlight-type lights low over a bush track.
• June 11th (night): Another party encountered a set of lights on the track to Mayfield Flat. The lights were described as yellow/green near ground level and later appeared as a set of lights with a shorter second row below.
• June 12th: Lights reappeared near the Cape Portland Road, flashing and making no sound.
• June 14th: Mr R. Groves observed a round pulsing silver object low to the south of Gladstone. It paced his car and then shot over the top of it and disappeared.
• June 15th: A familiar UFO lit up a bedroom at the Boobyalla Estate, described as a banana-shaped object, very bright yellow/orange, traveling slowly.

July Sightings

• Early July: A CE3 encounter was reported near St. Helens on Ansons Bay Road, involving an object with lights and a ramp, with figures seen entering and exiting. Burn marks were reportedly found later.
• Mid-July: A circular bright mass of light with a central white light and surrounding white lights was seen near The Gardens. The object's radio played up, and it disappeared out at sea.
• July 9th: A motorist encountered a yellow/white light near Pioneer that paced his car.
• July 20th: Two Police Officers observed a flashing stationary blue light near Gladstone.
• July 23rd: Three Gladstone residents sighted a round white ball that turned orange and moved slowly east over Rushy Lagoon.
• Late July: A red light was seen near Cressy, followed by a mass of yellow light that rose from behind a hedge and moved away at terrific speed.
• Late July (South of State): A bright triangular UFO with red and white lights paced a car near Tea Tree, affecting the car's control.

August Sightings

• August: A large glary white light was seen south of Rushy Lagoon, described as being as big as a house.
• August 30th: A round orange/yellow light was reported from Epping Forest.
• August 30th (late night): Two witnesses at Scamander beach observed a bright aircraft-type light that darted, hovered, and altered course. It later traveled southwards and disappeared into cloud. The object was described as a sharp dome with pink, green, white, and pale blue lights moving around a disc, estimated at 7mts across and at an elevation of 500m.

September Sightings

• September 13th: An orange vibrating ball was seen approaching slowly near Rockbank, Gladstone. It paced a Landrover and then moved away to the southeast.
• September 15th: A Legana sighting by 3 witnesses of an erratic yellow light.
• September 16th: A frightening event for the Richards family near St. Helens. Their car lost power, radio, and lights, and they experienced electric shocks and a choking smell. The car was later checked and found to be in working order.
• September 18th: Mr Richards observed a light half way up the sky, south east. Later, an object shaped like an inverted banana, vibrant yellow, was seen over trees.
• September (elsewhere): A Bruny Island report mentioned a mass of white light at low level with flattened vegetation found. Two fishermen at Bradys Lake reported a bright round object that affected the lake level.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings across Tasmania, with a particular focus on the North East region. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, aiming to collect and disseminate evidence. The publication highlights the importance of witness testimony, even in cases where physical evidence is scarce. There's an underlying theme of the unexplained and the potential for unusual aerial phenomena to occur in seemingly ordinary circumstances. The inclusion of historical cases suggests a long-term interest in UFO activity in the region. The Centre's aims, as stated, are to conduct investigations, collect data, and co-operate with similar organizations, indicating a methodical and research-oriented approach.

This document, titled "NORTH EAST 74 contd: A Scary Moment.", details UFO sightings and investigations primarily in the North East region of Tasmania, Australia, during 1974 and early 1975. It is presented as a continuation of reports, likely from a UFO research organization like TUFOIC, given the later mention of their publications.

The Tayene UFO Case (September 22nd, 1974)

The primary focus of the initial pages is a detailed account of a UFO sighting by a witness identified as Mrs W. On a misty wet afternoon, approximately 200 meters from the junction of Tayene and Diddleum Plains roads, Mrs W was parked on the wrong side of the road to ensure visibility for log trucks. At 5:20 PM, her car radio emitted a high-pitched whistle, and the area was illuminated by a bright light. Mrs W observed an object moving down a hill, approaching the road between two trees. She described it as the size of a large car, approximately 15-20 meters above the ground, glowing orange on top and silver below.

Disturbed, Mrs W started her car and backed away, but ran off the road edge and became stuck. The UFO then moved over the road, hovering at fence-top height (30 meters) in the middle of the road. It remained in front of her car for a few seconds before disappearing. Mrs W fled home, shaken and sick for days, having previously not believed in UFOs.

Following the incident, Mrs W's car radio, which had been working perfectly, suffered from distortion. The car's front was found to be exceptionally clean, contrasting with the rest of the vehicle which was dirty from the rain. This cleanliness, despite the weather, was noted as unusual. Mrs W described the UFO as domed on top, with a silvery grey lower section featuring a wide brim that might have had portholes. Below this were stepped sections, and at the base, a revolving disc and a protruding box or tube that split into four sections as the object sped off. The object was estimated to be about 4 meters wide, with the stepped area less than 2 meters deep.

The RAAF investigation yielded no explanations. John Dean, the Centre's Northern Representative, interviewed Mrs W. The report notes the similarity of this case to the "Priory case" and a later event near Sideling, highlighting effects on car radios and vehicle exteriors.

Other Sightings and Events (October 1974 - January 1975)

The document then chronicles further reports from the North East region as the "flap" began to ease in October 1974.

• October 15th: Five witnesses near Lowbray saw a yellow oval object with three yellow lights and a red light on top, which moved erratically before disappearing south.
• October 18th: Two Police Officers at Ross observed a distant saucer shape with red and blue lights, moving in an erratic pattern.
• October 20th: A motorist near Gladstone reported a half-moon shaped UFO that illuminated his car and the surroundings. The object, described as longer than half-moon shaped with bumps, moved with the witness before disappearing behind a cloud.
• November 10th: Three travellers on the road from Conara to St Marys reported their car being lit by a blue/green light from a bright round object. This was followed by a large red light, about a meter above the road, which paced their car for several kilometers before fading out.
• November (undated): An "auto stop" event occurred on the Sideling, a stretch of the Tasman Highway. A witness saw a huge flame-coloured glow that caused his car's lights, radio, and motor to cut out. The witness's watch luminous dial became brighter, and the car clock was two minutes slow. The front left mudguard changed color from red to orange. This is compared to the effects on the car bonnet in the Tayene sighting.

Other brief mentions include a train crew at Stonor watching an object, a motorist paced on the Midland Highway, and a car followed at South Queenstown.

• January 3rd, 1975: Two sightings are reported. The first, at Winneleah, involved a bright, round, full moon-sized object seen high overhead. The second, near Fingal, involved seven schoolboys who witnessed two large lights descend rapidly, becoming stationary over a hillside. The objects emitted humming noises and flashing green and orange lights. John Dean investigated the Fingal site and found damaged trees.

Notes and Publications

Notes provide context, mentioning that many North East reports are covered in TUFOIC's Annual Reports and Newsletters. A note also defines the Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine) and compares UFO reporting to "Tiger Sightings." A similar report to the Fingal incident occurred on the same stretch of road in October 1974.

The document concludes with a list of TUFOIC Publications available for purchase, including a computer catalogue of UFOs, landing catalogues, island documents, and magazines. Prices and ordering information are provided.

Australian Sightings 1984 and Late Items

Pages 4 and 5 present a tabular list of "AUSTRALIAN SIGHTINGS 1984" and "Late items" from 1984. These entries include date, state, time, type of sighting, location, shape, notes, and source. The sightings cover various states including Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), Queensland (Qld), Victoria (Vic), New South Wales (NSW), Tasmania (Tas), Northern Territory (NT), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Shapes range from cigar, disc, oval, sphere, to ball and dome. Descriptions include lights (red, green, yellow, white, blue, orange), erratic movements, hovering, pacing cars, and unusual effects like heat felt, buzzing noises, and radio blackouts. Some entries mention specific witness numbers or details like objects being seen through binoculars or with radar contact.

Western Australia is noted as having the "lions share" of sightings, followed by South Australia and Queensland. The January 1984 cases from Midland (WA) are highlighted. Nocturnal Lights were common in February/March, while Close Encounters occurred in South Australia in March and June. Rumours of strange events in the Adelaide Hills and activity in the Ballarat district of Victoria are also mentioned. The Pilbarra area in WA is noted for objects at low levels, cars paced, and potential time loss. The report mentions UFOs being discussed in the Australian Senate and press attention given to a train being affected by lights at Ooldea.

UFO Forgettable Experience (Article from The Sun, January 18, 1985)

This section reprints a newspaper article detailing an incident where a freight train on the Nullarbor Plain reportedly stopped due to UFO activity. The article states that the engine started playing up, and the driver noticed strange lights. Train control and a railways official confirmed a mechanical failure that delayed the train for about two hours, but denied any connection to UFOs. The Australian National Railways spokesman, John Beattie, dismissed the UFO connection as speculation, stating the lights were not a plane in distress and that no aircraft had been identified. The article questions whether the lights were a UFO and if it drained power from the engine.

UFO Did Not Stop the Train, Says Annoyed Rail Man (Article from The Mercury, January 19, 1985)

This article from The Mercury corroborates the previous one, stating that a UFO sighting over the Nullarbor Plain was unconnected to the breakdown of a freight train at Ooldea. The Australian National Railways stated that the breakdown was due to mechanical failure and that the reported lights had nothing to do with it. John Beattie reiterated that the two events were unconnected and that speculation was getting out of hand. The RAAF also stated they had not received reports of unidentified aircraft in the area.

Siberia 'meteor' a gas fireball (Article from The Mercury, December 2, 1984)

This brief article discusses a Soviet scientific report suggesting that the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia may not have been a meteorite but plasma from the sun, directed by magnetic waves. Two experts from the Siberian Academy of Sciences believe computer analysis of eyewitness accounts indicates the event involved three objects, not one.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters, and the physical effects these phenomena can have on vehicles and electronics. There is a consistent focus on witness testimony, often from ordinary individuals, and the subsequent investigations by organizations like the RAAF and the Centre (presumably TUFOIC). The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and investigating these events, acknowledging their strangeness and the lack of conventional explanations, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism or caution, as seen in the newspaper article reprints that downplay the UFO connection to the train incident. The publication of detailed sighting logs and catalogues suggests a commitment to cataloging and disseminating UFO-related information.