TUFOIC Newsletter - No 073 - October 1994

Magazine Overview

The TUFOIC Newsletter, Edition 73, dated October 1994, is published by the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring local and international reports, investigations, and news relevant to UFO researchers.

UFOs Back on the Agenda: Tasmanian Sightings

The lead article, "UFOS BACK ON THE AGENDA," details a significant increase in UFO phenomena in Tasmania during August and September 1994, following a relatively calm period. The Centre had previously recorded only one nocturnal light report from the Midlands in February and a possible sighting from King Island in April. However, the evening of July 7th saw the arrival of 'red lights' reported by witnesses from both western and eastern shore suburbs, located over the Derwent River and north of the Tasman Bridge. Lone witnesses reported similar lights on three further occasions in July, including one from Lower Sandy Bay. Activity continued with further sightings in Lower Sandy Bay on August 5th, and on the 17th and 19th. The major event occurred on August 20th, when sightings of 6 orange/red lights over the Cornelian Bay area were reported. These lights moved slowly down the river, and two were seen to fall into the river near the Botanical Gardens, while others faded or moved over Rosny Hill. Information gathered suggested the source might have been persons unknown releasing balloons or hot air devices with lights attached. Similar incidents have been prevalent in other capital cities over the past year. A subsequent publicity effort led to more reports, including a brief video from a Dover resident showing a point source rapidly crossing the sky. Other erratic orange and white lights were seen over Launceston, Kingston, and Cairns Bay. The article notes that these are distinct from Venus, which is large and bright in the western sky. Reports also came from a property in the Northern Midlands, indicating recurring lights over several years with increased activity recently. Terry Gibbons, a member from Launceston, is following up this case.

National and International News

TUFOIC gained national attention in September after ABC Radio reported sightings at Wycliffe Well, south of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Paul Jackson of UFO Research Australia contacted and interviewed the witnesses. These reports included nocturnal lights over several weeks, a car pace sighting, and an auto-stop incident, with claims of telephone and fax communications being affected. The article speculates that bright planets Venus and Jupiter might be responsible for some events, while also dismissing explanations like 'earthquake lights' as too broad. The newsletter also covers "INCOMING NEWS" from international sources. One report details allegations from late 1992 of Russian divers encountering an enormous submarine craft in the Gulf of Finland. In December 1992, reports from Iceland described three UFOs descending and entering the sea near Langness, followed by sightings of rapidly moving underwater craft with flashing lights that damaged fishing nets. In February 1993, an Icelandic airliner was accompanied by two glowing spheres over Scotland. Later that year, a witness from Lockerbie, Scotland, videotaped strange lights. In May, two Icelandic fishing boats went missing, and beams of light were seen overhead by searching vessels, which also experienced radio failures. During the same period, alien entities were reportedly seen by Icelanders near Langness Fjord. The article concludes by noting how many such reports briefly make headlines and then disappear.

Midlands - 1965 Sighting

This section details a sighting report by Reverend Mr. Bill Drooger from August-September 1965 in Tasmania. While driving to see the Session Clerk near Oatlands, he observed an object approximately between 4000 and 5000 feet high, appearing like a plane on fire, though he later realized it was just lit up with an even glow. He noted the absence of noise, which was unusual for a plane. The object maintained a constant height and speed, moving from the southeast to the northwest. Six smaller objects, described as lighted arrow-heads, shot out from the main object at intervals of about ten seconds, three from each side at a 45-degree angle. Reverend Drooger reported the sighting to the Police the next morning, who informed him that no plane was known to be in the area at the time. He did not pursue the matter further for fear of ridicule.

UFO Connection and Abductions

Written by Anne Fellows, this article reflects on the second anniversary of the "UFO Connection" shop, a place for sharing UFO interests and knowledge. Fellows expresses amazement at the experiences shared by people who have had metaphysical encounters. She recounts a story from 1952 where a person brought in a piece of fused rock and black glass, broken from a larger clump after witnessing a light land in a field. The witness experienced missing time (45 minutes unaccounted for) and found three depressions in the ground with a large fused mass in the center. Another man, "Ron," shared his experiences of numerous sightings, face-to-face contacts, and actual trips with "ETs" on their vast ships. Ron's first sighting was at 11 years old, and he has consciously accompanied them on multiple occasions, except for one incident while serving as a merchant seaman. The phenomenon has followed him globally. Ron now lives a simple life in Tasmania, where his encounters continue. Fellows notes that many people suppress such experiences due to societal pressures or fear, and that studying this subject inevitably changes one's perception of reality. She thanks aware people and encourages others to think.

Northern Representative Appointment

TUFOIC announces the appointment of Terry Gibbons as its new Northern Tasmanian representative, taking over from the long-serving Don McSween. Thanks are extended to McSween for his work, and it is noted that he will continue to assist with investigations in the north of the state. A new contact number for Northern Tasmanian sightings is provided: 003 - 28 1357.

Correspondence Requested

Mr. John Robson, a private UFO researcher from England, has requested an exchange of correspondence and information on the UFO subject with any TUFOIC members. His address is provided for interested members.

Lights Puzzle in Red Centre

This article, sourced from The West Australian dated Monday 5/9/94, discusses mysterious lights in the sky near Wycliffe Wells in the Northern Territory. Lou Farkas, who runs the Wycliffe Wells roadhouse, is accustomed to the phenomena, but his employee, Malcolm White, reported a scare when a light "came down and rushed towards him," causing his car engine to cut out for 15 minutes. Farkas notes that the lights, described as orange with some red and green, appear west of the roadhouse and descend to the ground before 9:30 pm, causing disruptions to electronic equipment like EFTPOS machines and phones. The local Aboriginal population has also known of these lights. Jasmin Afianos, a newspaper owner from Tennant Creek, drove to Wycliffe Wells to witness the phenomena, describing two large spheres positioned at a 45-degree angle, which descend around 9:20 pm and cause electrical trouble. She was awaiting photographs and intended to return with a video camera. Reports also came from Ross Douwe of the National reporting and sighting service.

CSIRO to Search for Life in Space

This news brief, from The Melbourne Age dated 23/6/94, reports that Australia's premier scientific agency, the CSIRO, has signed a $2 million contract with the US-based Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence Institute to join Project Phoenix. This project, the largest search yet for extraterrestrial intelligence, will use two radio telescopes near Parkes and Coonabarabran in western NSW from mid-January to mid-May. CSIRO director Ron Ekers stated that their equipment is best suited for observing stars from the Southern Hemisphere. Project Phoenix will search for specific radio signals from approximately 200 sun-like stars. The article also mentions that photographs from the Hubble space telescope show dust discs around stars, suggesting planets are more likely to form, thus increasing the chance of life elsewhere in the universe.

Gold lights and green men: Utterly Far Out

Written by David Porter, this article discusses the astronomical rise in UFO sightings over Australia. According to Ross Dowe, founder of the "UFO reported sighting hotline," there were 119 sightings during the week of June 6th and another 80 the following week, significantly higher than the usual 20-30 per week. Dowe, a computer buff who set up the hotline out of interest, categorizes about 20-30% of reports as "oddballs" and 10% as "very, very interesting" from credible sources. Recent sightings include a "huge gold light" over the NSW central coast and a "bizarre looking object with red and green lights" north of Perth. A woman reported seeing a bright light like a "big plastic bag on fire" hovering over her paddock, resembling "Ned Kelly's helmet." The article notes that the current period marks the 47th anniversary of the first reported UFO sighting by a reliable source: pilot Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine disc-shaped flying saucers over Mount Ranier, Washington, on June 24, 1947.

PARANET Service

This section explains the PARANET service, an Electronic Mail/Bulletin board service operated in Australia by UFO Research Australia, Cairns, Queensland. It is a restricted service available only to UFO researchers, and TUFOIC has been granted full access. Access requires an IBM compatible computer, a standard telephone line, and a modem. TUFOIC currently has limited access due to using a borrowed 2,400 Baud modem, which makes downloading files from Cairns time-consuming and expensive due to phone charges. UFORA has upgraded to a faster 14,400 baud modem, which is expected to reduce local and overseas phone costs. TUFOIC believes this service is essential for staying updated on global UFO trends and is initiating a fund-raising effort to purchase a fast modem. Members are requested to assist at the next meeting, and Paul Jackson has arranged a special price for a new 14400 baud modem for under $200. Donations are also gratefully received.

Members Meeting

Details are provided for the final TUFOIC meeting of 1994, to be held on December 2nd at 7:30 PM at the Glenorchy Library, Terry Street, Glenorchy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of UFO investigation and data collection, encouraging witness participation and the sharing of information. There is a clear stance on the reality of UFO phenomena, presenting numerous witness accounts and investigative efforts. The publication aims to connect researchers, share findings, and keep the public informed about UFO activity both locally in Tasmania and internationally. The editorial tone is one of serious inquiry, acknowledging the challenges and societal skepticism surrounding the subject while advocating for open-mindedness and continued research. The newsletter also highlights the collaborative nature of UFO research, mentioning partnerships with other organizations and researchers.