TUFOIC Newsletter - No 047 - January 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Tasmania
Issue: 47
Volume: 1986
Publisher: TUFOIC (Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre)
Date: 1986
Price: $1
ISSN: 0158-0590

This issue of UFO Tasmania, dated 1986, serves as a publication for the Tasmanian U.F.O. Investigation Centre (TUFOIC). It provides a comprehensive look at UFO activity, including statistics, recent sightings, and historical cases. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO', the year '1986', a graphic element, and a map of Tasmania, along with the organization's name.

Statistics and Centre Information

The publication begins with statistics related to UFO reports and investigations. It lists the number of reports and unidentified cases from 'Pre 65' through to 1984, showing a fluctuating trend over the years. For instance, 1974 saw a high of 159 reports with 54 unidentified, while 1984 had 42 reports with 6 unidentified. The 'INVESTIGATIONS 1985' section details the breakdown of investigations for that year, totaling 83, with categories such as Unidentified, Insufficient Info./Investigating, Astronomical, Aircraft, Satellites, Ballons, and Others.

The core details of the TUFOIC executive are provided: President Ron Jolly, Secretary/Liaison Paul Jackson, and Investigation/Files head Keith Roberts. Janine Hunt manages the library. Area representatives are listed for Northern Tasmania (Don MacSween) and West Coast (Peter Zehmeister). The centre's aims are clearly stated: to conduct investigations into Tasmanian sightings, collect and disseminate evidence, and cooperate with similar organizations. Membership is open to those who support these aims.

Meetings were scheduled for the first Thursday of March, June, September, and December at 7 P.M. at the St. Ives Hotel Bistro, Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay.

Sightings 1985

The 'SIGHTINGS 1985' section details several notable encounters from the year. The number of incoming reports showed an increase, though unexplained cases were only slightly above previous years. Several sightings are described:

• March 11th: A nocturnal light was observed in Glenorchy, travelling in a curved path across the sky, appearing as a bright white flat hazy shape. It moved at a constant speed and was heading west to southwest. The Department of Aviation and RAAF confirmed no civilian or military aircraft were in the area.
• May 1st: In Richmond, a witness reported seeing three white lights, some with a touch of red, appear and move randomly. One light eventually appeared red, about 200m distant, and illuminated the surroundings with an amber glow before disappearing.
• May 15th: East of Fingal, a witness observed rapidly winking lights moving like a small aircraft. Later, a spherical, multi-coloured object (mainly green with orange, yellow, and violet) was seen for 12 minutes. Flattened ferns were noted in the sighting area, but no aircraft were detected.
• August 11th: Near Fingal, a motorist reported seeing a round orange object with a bright beam coming from its side, hovering over the road.
• October 25th: In Bridgewater, a family observed a round light, dull yellow to white, with the apparent size of a quarter moon. It moved silently and steadily north, then got smaller and disappeared.
• October 26th: A yellow/white light was seen over Bridgewater from Granton, but the witness did not investigate further.
• November 18th: On the Tasman Highway between Swansea and Triabunna, a dome-like object, estimated at 20m long and 5m high, with three lights, was seen alongside the witness's car. The object was white and emitted loud static and electrical interference via the CB radio.
• November 28th: A Westerway resident reported seeing two large lights side by side in the northeast sky, with a beam of red light.
• October (unspecified date): In Roseberry, parents reported their children were frightened by a round mass of lights accompanied by a whirr-whirr noise, seen near Mt Murchison.

Australian Sightings '85

This section provides a tabular list of sightings across Australia in 1985, detailing Date, State, Time, Type (NL - Nocturnal Light, CE - Close Encounter), Location, Shape, Notes, and Source. States covered include Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea. The entries describe various phenomena, from car-paced lights and humming objects to large UFOs and objects with beams. Western Australia and New South Wales feature prominently in the early months, with a possible CE3 encounter reported in NSW. The summary notes that Victoria and Queensland appear to be experiencing a lull in sightings.

Twenty Years and Flaps

This article reflects on the Centre's twenty-one years of operation since its founding in 1965. It contrasts the high level of sightings during the initial 'flap' periods with the current trend of prolonged lulls. The article traces the history of UFO reports in Tasmania, starting with the 'Cressy Affair' in October 1960, followed by a period of low activity until the Centre's formation in 1965. It discusses subsequent periods of increased sightings (flaps) in the 1970s and notes the current decade has seen a return to lower levels, with only minor ripples like events in the GeorgeTown area in 1981/82. The author muses on the difficulty of predicting flaps and suggests the potential use of computers to analyze data for external influences. It questions whether flaps are connected to weather, cost of living, media coverage, or sports results, or if they occur randomly.

Sightings of the Sixties

This section delves into significant UFO cases from the 1960s, aiming to bring these historical accounts to light. It covers:

• October 1960 (Cressy Affair): The sighting of a cigar object and attendant discs by Reverend Browning, which reportedly triggered a series of UFO reports and included a US Air Force report.
• April 23rd, 1963 (Levendale): A farmer witnessed a circular yellow light that circled him, then passed overhead, illuminating the area with a beam of light from below. The object was estimated to be 30m in size and 50m up.
• Mid-Sixties (Jericho Area): Four individuals reported a brilliant white light, described as silver, that lit up a large area. The object remained stationary before diminishing in size and disappearing vertically.
• Winter of 1965 (Hamilton to Bothwell): A Police Constable observed a triangle formation of orange, green, and yellow lights, which were also seen by another motorist.
• October 1965 (Granton): A family reported an elliptical object beaming orange, green, and blue rays, which rose silently into the sky.
• October 1965 (Granton/Bridgewater): Mrs B described a bright glowing gold cigar-shaped object over the Derwent River, accompanied by a high-pitched whine.
• Summer of 1965/66 (Maatsuyker Island): Light keepers reported prolonged sightings of nocturnal lights.
• February 14th (Woodbridge): A resident reported a landing case involving a big glow of light at ground level with clusters of orange and red lights, which then took off at high speed.
• February (unspecified date): A motorist returning from Queenstown encountered a vapour trail and a large blue football-shaped object near Hamilton, followed by a white cigar-like shape emerging from a cloud, emitting a beam of light.
• February 22nd (Tamar Valley): The Stroessingers observed a brilliant blue/white light that lit up the surrounding paddock, described as shimmering with a vague oval shape. It moved slowly and displayed four distinct reddish lights in a rectangle.
• February 26th (Eaglehawk Neck): Mr Ohlsen reported a bright yellow/white light low over the Blowhole, described as a cross between a crescent moon and a meat pie, which faded out in a clear sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Tasmania revolve around the documentation and investigation of UFO sightings, particularly within Tasmania. There is a strong emphasis on historical research, with significant portions dedicated to cases from the 1960s and statistical data from previous decades. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and data collection, aiming to understand the UFO phenomenon. The publication highlights the cyclical nature of UFO activity, noting periods of intense sightings ('flaps') followed by lulls, and expresses a desire to understand the underlying causes. The Centre's commitment to rigorous investigation and the open invitation for membership suggest a dedicated effort to gather and analyze evidence related to UFOs.

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: 1985 (with content spanning from the 1960s to 1985 and a cover date of April 1986 for the TUFOIC Information Sheet)
Publisher: TUFOIC (The UFO Information Centre)
Country: Australia
Date: April 1986 (Information Sheet)

Sightings of the Sixties

This section details numerous UFO sightings primarily from the mid-1960s in Australia, with some extending into the late 1960s and a few reports from the mid-1980s.

Hobart and Surrounds (1966)

The issue highlights a significant sighting reported in the Hobart Mercury on April 16th, 1966, concerning four flying saucers observed over South Hobart on April 14th by a woman named Mrs. Worbel. She described four convexed-shaped saucers in a horizontal line, with one rising and changing color from pinkish to bright green before disappearing. A bright light from beneath the saucers illuminated the trees. The era is noted for producing cases with beams of lights and multiple objects, with a lull in reports during the winter of 1966.

Witness sketches are included, depicting various shapes and phenomena. One sketch is labeled "CENTRE CHANGING GOLD TO DEEP ORANGE." Another series of sketches from March 1966 in Hamilton shows a "CLOUD CEILING," a "GLIMPSE" of an object "BURIED" in cloud, and a "LIGHT BEAM" just before the object's departure.

Another winter case from 1966 occurred near Collins Cap around 8:30 pm. A witness saw a glowing orange blob approaching, emitting a throb noise. The object passed directly overhead at an estimated 30 meters, described as having a bright orange and blue dome on a dark triangular shape, about 3 meters wide. It continued south, emitting sparks.

A red light was reported pacing a motorist near Moltema for about 10 minutes. The light, estimated at 5 meters ahead and 10 meters off the ground, maintained its position relative to the car, even when the car's speed changed. Witnesses confirmed it was not a reflection.

At Arthurs Lake, Hydro Electric Commission workers reported a cigar-shaped object seen near the western side of the lake around 2 am. A dark body was visible above a white beam shining down about 100 meters. The beam swung around for about an hour before the object rose and disappeared.

A daytime report from Geeveston described six bright, silvery objects. One was rectangular and half black and white. The objects moved in various directions, with the rectangular one tumbling as it departed.

Penguin Photograph (1967)

Information is regrettably lost on a photographic case from Penguin on February 24th, 1967. Three Adelaide tourists reported seeing a row of flying objects above the water, and one tourist took a photograph.

Multiple Sightings (Late 1960s)

A photograph taken showed four flying objects at different levels, appearing white and surrounded by dark shadows. They were hovering but then shot off at great speed. The objects were described as silvery and oval, similar to the South Hobart case.

Another multiple sighting occurred on August 29th, 1967, near Binalong Bay in North East Tasmania. Mr. Singline and six others saw six saucer-like objects with lights. When spotlighted, they appeared black on top and white underneath, and moved away in formation.

Close Encounters (1968)

Nineteen sixty-eight was a quiet year with only three reports. One involved a motorist whose car headlights failed twice when a yellow beam of light shone on the car. Another motorist reported a white-blue glowing flat object pacing his car between Stanley and Smithton.

A close encounter near Murdunna on the Tasman Peninsula during the 1968 Christmas holiday involved Mr. A. He observed an oval-shaped object at tree-top level, emitting a flash. The object was dark on top, with a white band and blue below, and red sparks fell from beneath. After 15 minutes of observation, the object departed with a swish sound and at fantastic speed.

UFO News 1985

China

A report from China's first UFO Seminar indicated over 600 unidentified flying objects reported in the past five years. A meeting of 40 scientists in Dalian heard that the first UFO picture was taken in Tianjin 40 years ago. China established its first UFO research society in 1981 and has 20,000 members. A spectacular sighting involved the pilot of a CAA Boeing 747 jetliner encountering a brilliant UFO extending for 40-50 km over western China's Gansu province in June 1985. The pilot described it as a yellow UFO, appearing as large as a walnut, glowing brighter than stars, and pacing the aircraft.

Italy

According to Dr. Eduardo Rosso, President of the National Centre for Ufology, Italy experienced its best year for UFOs in 1985, with hundreds of calls and 78 unexplained cases. Reports included a Boeing 747 pilot seeing a "cigar-shaped object" near Milan, a couple claiming a UFO landed and emitted a yellow fog that killed their car engine, and two army generals observing a luminous cigar-shaped object over a Pordenone army base. Two motorists and another couple in Pordenone claimed encounters with aliens or armless humanoids.

A notable quote from an Italian Ministry of Defence official stated: "We don't believe in these nonsensical things - and we don't want them in our files."

Abduction Case: Indu Shah

A detailed government report from New Delhi, leaked by disgruntled officials, describes the account of Indu Shah, a 17-year-old peasant girl who claimed to be kidnapped by space aliens. She was found wandering near her village in Bihar, disoriented, with glowing patches of skin on her face, arms, and legs. Army physicians noted high radioactivity. A government medical team conducted tests, finding intense radioactivity confined to round skin patches. Under sodium pentothal and interviewed by psychologists, Indu described a silver, saucer-shaped craft hovering over her. She was enveloped in a bright light and felt herself rising. Inside, she spoke with dwarf-like aliens who assured her she would not be harmed. She was placed in a glass booth with a machine that descended from her head to her feet, which researchers concluded was an advanced X-ray. She remembered nothing else before being found. Lie detector tests reportedly confirmed her truthfulness, leading scientists to conclude she was captured and examined by beings from another planet.

UK Government Report

UK cabinet papers released under the 30-year rule revealed that the then-Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill ordered a ministerial report on flying saucers. The Air Secretary, Lord De L'Isle and Dudley, inquired, "What does all this stuff about flying saucers amount to? What can it all mean? What is the truth?" His subsequent report apparently satisfied him.

TUFOIC Information Sheet (April 1986)

This section announces that the TUFOIC Annual Report magazine for 1986 is two months overdue due to the Liaison Officer, Paul Jackson, moving house. It apologizes to members and states that the next publication will be the June Newsletter, expected in early July. It also advertises TUFOIC publications for sale, including a comprehensive computer catalogue of over 400 unidentifieds from 1948, a catalogue of Tasmanian landings, a document on Maatsuyker Island sightings, and UFO Tasmania Magazines (annual reports). Computer printouts of sightings are also available. Information on applying to join TUFOIC is provided, with membership options and costs listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, emphasizing witness accounts and detailed descriptions of objects and their behavior. There's a focus on cases from Tasmania and Australia, but international reports from China and Italy are also included. The issue highlights the scientific investigation of a purported alien abduction case, suggesting a serious approach to the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and investigating UFO phenomena, providing information to members through publications and newsletters, and maintaining an archive of sightings. The inclusion of a government report from the UK and the Italian Ministry of Defence's dismissive quote suggests an awareness of official attitudes towards UFOs.