TUFOIC Newsletter - No 075 - July 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: TUFOIC Newsletter
Issue Date: July 1995
Publisher: Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Mid Year News

The "Mid Year News" section reports on a spate of red to orange lights observed in the West Moonah, Glenorchy, and Montrose areas of Tasmania during the first few months of 1995. These sightings, occurring between 9:30 pm and 10:45 pm, are noted for their lack of resolved shapes, with the lights moving on the prevailing wind and often disappearing. A video from Regina Street captured one light flaring, breaking apart, and disappearing, leading to speculation that it might have been a garbage bag wired to a container, lifted by hot air, and possibly catching fire. Similar reports were received from other Australian capital cities, including Knox in Melbourne, where a similar incident was explained as a can attached by wires to a garbage bag. The article humorously suggests the need for a witness to the prankster at work.

TUFOIC has established an Internet mail address: [email protected] for correspondence regarding sightings, membership, and general information.

Overseas news highlights the upcoming screening of a nearly 50-year-old film from the Roswell crash site at the BUFORA Conference in August. However, there are already claims, via the MUFON Network, that the film might be part of a 1970s documentary made in Brazil. Analysis of a video taken at Dover last year revealed a daylight meteor, with the analysis picking up eight objects crossing the field of view.

Sightings for 1995 have been low-key, including an orange light reported near Frederick Henry Bay on January 4th, which caused a motorist to leave at speed. Two orange lights were seen moving near Coles Bay, and a sighting over Frederick Henry Bay on Easter Holidays involved a circular yellow area of light moving erratically before disappearing rapidly.

A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 7th, at 7:30 PM at the Glenorchy Library, Terry Street, Glenorchy.

A "WARNING" section reprints two photos from the Roswell autopsy film, noting they are explicit and may be offensive or disturbing. These photos were previously published in the Australian WHO magazine.

SIGHTINGS

1956 Winter - Den Hill

This section details a sighting from 1956 where Mr. and Mrs. R were driving to Bothwell. They observed a large yellow light low ahead over the Apsley area, which later appeared to be in trees near the top of Den Hill. Mrs. R described the object as egg to oval shaped. The couple experienced a time lapse, arriving at their destination much later than expected, with no memory of the last several miles to Bothwell.

Runnymede Triangle

Mr. B reported an encounter in April 1983 near Bust Me Gall Hill. He and a friend observed a triangle of lights that later appeared as a single light. They also saw what they described as a headless motorcyclist. The lights later vanished at high speed to the northeast.

The Witness Couldn't Move

Mrs. T recounted an incident on July 15th, 1984, in Glengarry. She awoke to a bright light outside her house, illuminating the lawn. She found herself unable to move her body, experiencing a feeling of physical suspension and fear. A humming noise was present, followed by a sound like air escaping a tyre when the light disappeared. She felt weak afterward.

Midland Highway UFO

Mr. D and his family reported a sighting on June 14th, 1993, while traveling south of Ross. They observed a very bright white light on the driver's side of their car, which rapidly moved to a new position a couple of kilometers ahead, described as two times Venus sized and at a low elevation. The light continued to follow their car before disappearing.

Another Triangle of Lights

Mrs. P described a sighting on October 9th, 1987, involving a triangle of white lights seen north of Gretna. The lights approached from the left, moved parallel to their car, hovered, and then shot off to the right at high speed. Her husband's uncle, who had served in Vietnam, corroborated the description, noting the object's low altitude, size, and maneuverability.

Daylight Disc?

On December 31st, a witness and his friend observed a roundish white shape, well-defined and reflecting sunlight strongly, moving from north to south over St. Helens. The object made no noise and moved at an estimated speed of 100-150 knots at 4000-5000 ft, with no visible wings or tail. The witness, a pilot, attempted to contact air traffic control without success.

East Coast Light Performance

This section discusses a 1986 sighting near Bicheno involving a large yellow light that merged with several star-like lights. The main light then moved away rapidly. The sighting lasted about five minutes and was silent.

SKYWATCH

This section provides astronomical information for skywatchers. Jupiter is noted as a brilliant sight. Venus will reappear in the early evening sky. Saturn is described as a fairly easy object to view, and Mars is visible in the evening sky but will disappear into twilight by year's end.

FOR SALE

A compilation of hundreds of UFO cuttings and related material dating back to the early 1950s is available for $70 delivered from Clive Williams.

ROSWELL - The Autopsy Film

This section addresses the controversial Roswell autopsy film, noting that much of the information regarding its authenticity is negative, with claims it might be a Brazilian documentary from the 1960s or a hoax. TUFOIC states they are not in a position to comment on its authenticity as it has not been released to the public or scientifically analyzed. However, they have decided to keep their members informed. Two slides from the film, provided by Mastervision, are published on page 4, with TUFOIC disclaiming responsibility for the film's authenticity. The article "Resident says UFO mystery just hot air" by Katy Ashley-Griffiths is also featured, explaining that the Knox UFO mystery was likely caused by garbage bags filled with debris.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The TUFOIC Newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings, particularly unexplained lights, in Tasmania and Australia. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, presenting witness accounts and potential explanations, while also acknowledging the controversial nature of some topics like the Roswell autopsy film. The publication aims to keep its members informed and encourages them to draw their own conclusions. There's a blend of local reports, overseas news, and practical advice for skywatchers, indicating a comprehensive approach to the UFO phenomenon.