TUFOIC Newsletter - No 080 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Tasmanian UFO Report
Issue: 80
Volume: 1997
Publisher: The Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)
Country: AUSTRALIA
Language: English
ISSN: 0158-0590

This issue of the Tasmanian UFO Report, published in 1997, provides a comprehensive review of UFO activity and investigations primarily in Tasmania during 1996. It details numerous sightings, organizational information for TUFOIC, and statistical data on UFO reports.

TUFOIC Executive and Aims

The report lists the TUFOIC Executive for 1997, including Chairpersons Keith Roberts and Paul Jackson, Investigations Coordinator/Secretary Keith Roberts, Liaison Officer Paul Jackson, Treasurer/Membership Sec./Computer Networks Matt Whayman, Library Ray Thomas, and the Editorial Committee comprising Michael Whayman, Matt Whayman, Keith Roberts, and Paul Jackson. State Area Representatives for Launceston, North-West/Burnie, and East Coast are also listed.

The principal aims of TUFOIC are clearly stated: to conduct investigations into Tasmanian UFO reports, to collect and examine information on the UFO phenomena, and to distribute authentic findings to members, fellow UFO organizations in Australia and overseas, and the general public via publications and the media.

Membership is open to all who support the aims of the Centre and have a serious interest in the UFO phenomena. Information on membership can be obtained by writing to the Membership secretary or via email.

Meetings are held quarterly in Hobart on the first Thursday of the month, with specific dates provided for 1997. Meetings are open to all members, friends, and the general public. The views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the TUFOIC Executive, Staff, or Membership.

1996 in Review

The year 1996 is described as a significant year for UFO sightings, surpassing previous years and coinciding with increased media interest, including films like "Independence Day," TV shows like "The X-Files," and a wide range of publications. The report ponders whether sightings preceded or followed media interest. While acknowledging the public's general reluctance to report sightings due to fear of disbelief, it notes the impact of "The OZ Files" by Bill Chalker and books by Stanton Friedman and Nick Pope.

Local media coverage in Tasmania, which was minimal in 1995, increased significantly in 1996. The Launceston Examiner and the Hobart Mercury provided assistance with reports, particularly concerning the Tamar Valley cases. However, some journalists insisted on linking "Slime Reports" with the UFO phenomenon. TUFOIC executives were interviewed on the radio multiple times.

A disappointment noted is the emergence of expensive hotline telephone numbers, which often direct potential witnesses away from local investigation groups. The report highlights a resurgence of UFO sightings worldwide, with increased activity from Europe, the Americas, and Australia. The number of UFO reports in Australia alone increased significantly, filling six pages in the report compared to one page in previous years. Sightings were reported across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia.

Membership in TUFOIC showed an increase, and a Northern Representative was regained. The report also notes the passing of Ron Jolly, the ex-President, a significant loss to the group.

Tasmanian Statistics

Detailed statistics for UFO reports in Tasmania are provided from pre-1965 up to 1996. The data includes the year, the number of reports, and the number of confirmed UFOs. For 1996, there were 175 reports, with 46 confirmed UFOs. The highest number of reports in a single year was 192 in 1976, and the highest number of confirmed UFOs was 57 in 1974.

The Cases: 1996 Sightings

The report details various UFO sightings throughout 1996, categorized by type and location.

Nocturnal Lights in the South

Following a lull in late 1995, the second half of 1996 saw a series of calls regarding lights in the south of the state. Between January 17th and 21st, seven reports described lights performing unusual moves, with some sightings in the Warrane area. Initial reports from the Derwent Valley on January 17th described star-like lights moving south-west, with explosions of light. Similar reports came from Kingston, involving lights merging and disappearing. Further reports from the Derwent Valley on January 19th described lights moving erratically, and two lights were seen moving west in Claremont.

The Cases: Tamar Valley and Other Locations

The UFO cases in 1996 occurred in three bursts: January-February, May-June, and October-November. Sightings were reported from most parts of the state, with the exception of the East Coast and far North-East. Initial calls included Nocturnal Lights in the Derwent Valley and Close Encounters in the Huon. A significant number of cases emerged from the North, particularly the Tamar Valley, during May and June. Sightings returned to the South in October and November.

Features noted during the year included daytime sightings of misty cylinders and cigar-shaped objects in the Tamar Valley, often associated with a misty appearance and disappearing into thin air. Repeated sightings from the same locality were also common. May was the busiest month with 12 reports, followed by January (7), March (6), and November (6).

"Object Over Highway"

In late 1995 and on January 21st, 1996, sightings of a rectangular object with a slope and a flashing white light were reported over the Tasman Highway in Warrane, Hobart.

"Lake Country Cases"

Two reports from Lake Sorell's northern shore on January 18th described two bright white lights in the western sky that descended, then rose back up, with a reddish light appearing and performing erratic moves.

"Close Encounters in the Huon"

Strange events in the Huon Valley were reported, including lights descending and moving above hills, and a silver-white elliptical to dome-shaped mass with a beam of light and coloured lights.

"Northern UFO Flap"

What began as isolated events in early 1996 escalated into a surge of sightings in May, particularly in the Tamar Valley area. Reports included mystery daytime cylinders with associated vapour. One sighting on May 8th involved a large orange cone radiating coloured fingers, which hovered, spun, and shot upwards. Another on May 15th described a bright yellow to white shape that speared straight up. On May 22nd, a large orange to copper upright cigar was seen. On the same evening, a bright yellow to orange shape with white lights was observed.

"First Sightings"

On February 7th, three lights clustered together were seen over the Tamar River near Swan Point. These lights emitted a soft generator sound and then disappeared.

"Orange Lights"

In March, reports of bright orange lights were received from the Western Tiers area. One sighting involved a stationary round orange light that ascended rapidly. Another orange light over Bracknell moved towards the Tiers, reappeared, changed to red, and moved away. A bright orange light south of Evandale changed into four lights and moved towards the southern horizon.

"Car Pacing?"

Two car pacing reports occurred in early April. One involved a cobalt blue light appearing alongside a car near Deloraine, leaving a brown mark on the witness's wrist. Another involved two white lights with a blue aura that moved rapidly behind a car, merged into one light, and then ascended above the car, illuminating the area.

"Tamar Flap Peaks."

The Northern Flap peaked in May, with nine cases between the 22nd and 26th. Daytime reports of mystery clouds and cylinders were common. An article in the Launceston Examiner detailed sightings by Ruth McAuley, including an orange cone radiating coloured fingers that hovered, spun, and shot upwards.

"Sightings Spread"

Following publicity, more UFO reports surfaced. Mrs. W and her family reported an oval shape in the sky that changed colour and disappeared rapidly. Another sighting on the same evening involved a bright yellow light flanked by blue and red lights, forming a triangular pattern, which passed overhead and disappeared.

"May Day for UFOs."

May 25th was a busy day with three sightings: a daytime cylinder, a possible car pace, and another UFO over the West Tamar. Mrs. K reported a cylinder shape in a horizontal position that disappeared in a fraction of a second. Mrs. A reported a bright yellow light that kept pace with her car, eventually disappearing. A Beauty Point resident reported an orange glowing triangular cone shape that brightened and dimmed over time.

"Grand Finale to Northern Flap."

On June 10th, Andrew Souto and Simone Woolnough had an experience involving a bright white horseshoe-shaped object that resolved into a solid white object and lost elevation. This event was covered by the Hobart Mercury.

"Sightings Elsewhere"

A Kettering witness saw two flashing silvery white lights that separated and rejoined. A sighting in Rosebery involved a metallic shiny object that appeared to be laying horizontally before gaining elevation and moving south-east. A report from Carlton Beach described a bright orange glow that moved away to the west. A young boy in a Hobart suburb reported a circular shape with red and purple lights. A trainee pilot near Hobart Airport reported a bright white light always to the rear of the aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the increase in UFO sightings in 1996, the role of media in publicizing and potentially influencing UFO interest, and the detailed documentation of various types of sightings across Tasmania. The report emphasizes the investigative efforts of TUFOIC, including checking air traffic controls and local information, and highlights the persistent lack of conventional explanations for many cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of phenomena that remain unexplained, aiming to provide authentic information to the public.

The publication also touches upon the challenges faced by UFO investigation groups, such as the proliferation of expensive hotlines and the need for continued public reporting. The loss of a former president and the ongoing efforts to maintain membership and outreach are also noted, underscoring the dedication of the organization to its mission.

This issue of TUFOIC, published by The Mercury Newspaper (Sunday Tasmanian) on December 22, 1996, focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, primarily from Tasmania, and also touches upon the 'Monuments of Mars' controversy. The magazine presents itself as a serious, scientific, objective, and unbiased investigation into unexplained phenomena.

North-West Coast Sightings

The magazine highlights that the Centre receives fewer reports from Tasmania's North-West Coast due to reasons such as lack of local representation and media reluctance to pass on sightings. However, several incidents are detailed:

• September 10th: A motorist traveling from Devonport to Launceston reported seeing a bright green and white light that initially appeared to be an aircraft. The light then seemed to fall from the sky, only to reappear and follow her car for the entire journey to Launceston, sometimes appearing as approaching headlights.
• September 18th: In Burnie, a witness saw a line of four or five very bright orange lights over the sea near West Park. The lights were visible for a short time before disappearing, and the witness noted that the conditions made it unlikely for a vessel to be so close to shore.
• September 24th: Following up on the Burnie sighting, the Burnie Advocate reported on Mrs. Walker's experience. Mr. Walker, while looking for the Russian space station Mir, saw a bright orange and yellow light moving rapidly up and down in the southern sky. The object then departed into the north-western sky at high speed.
• October 22nd: Near Wynyard, a witness named D observed flashing lights and a brilliant white light in the center of a grey shaped object with red and blue lights on either side. The object appeared to be approaching and was only a few metres above the ground. The witness felt panicked and hurried away, noting another vehicle stopping, suggesting others had also seen the object. Subsequent investigation found no traces in the paddock, and no aircraft movements were reported for that evening.

October and November Activity

Reports increased towards the end of the year, partly fueled by media interest in "Slime Reports".

• August 31st: Mrs. J of Molesworth reported seeing a cluster of white star-like lights above a hill towards Collins Cap, which were in view for over five minutes, darting about randomly before disappearing.
• November 2nd: A Fern Tree resident reported a light, initially thought to be a satellite, moving in a NNE direction. The light faded but then performed a U-turn, traveling back south at increasing speed before disappearing.
• October 10th: A series of sightings originated from Bridgewater witnesses. Travelers on Hobart's Northern Outlet noticed a strange, bright glowing oval object with a flattened base pacing their car. The object moved to the west and then returned into view as they approached Bridgewater before shooting off towards Mt Dromedary at high speed.
• October 11th: The following evening, witnesses returning home on the Highway near Bridgewater saw the bright oval UFO again. It moved about in the sky and a roaring jet-like noise was heard, causing their dog to howl. The UFO appeared to drop down as if to land in paddocks beyond the rise.
• October 12th: Mrs. M's neighbor, A, and Mrs. M observed the glowing oval object to the south-east. The object darted off and returned multiple times, appearing elongated like a blimp. A noise was heard, and the object shone a beam down towards a hillside before shooting off to the east. A attempted to record the object on video, but the footage only showed the moon and stars. Attempts to get explanations from Hobart Airport and the Army were unsuccessful.

SNAILS GO COSMIC

This section, written by Simon Bevilaquoa for The Mercury Newspaper (Sunday Tasmanian) on December 22, 1996, addresses the "cosmic slime" phenomenon. The Tasmanian UFO investigation unit analyzed slime samples from Kempton and the North-West of the state. Results indicated that one sample was the eggs of a mollusc, while others were a jelly-like substance. Keith Roberts, spokesman for the UFO investigation centre, stated that most of these phenomena have reasonable explanations. Ross Dowe, spokesman for the UFO Information Hotline, suggested the slime was likely man-made and deposited by a storm. The media coverage of Tasmanian slime reports had sparked similar reports nationwide.

AIRLINERS IN CLOSE APPROACH WITH UFOS

This article details three incidents from 1995 involving close encounters between commercial airliners and unidentified objects:

• 1995, Argentina: A jetliner approaching Bariloche had to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a bright object that passed at only 100 metres distance. Concurrently, the airfield experienced a power failure.
• 1995, British Midland flight: A flight into Manchester Airport encountered a dark wedge-shaped object, leading the pilot to log a "near miss." An official investigation could not explain the object.
• 1995, Texas/New Mexico border: An America West airliner at 39,000ft encountered a row of eight lights to their starboard. Lightning revealed an immense dark cigar-shaped object, estimated to be 300 to 500ft in length. A US Air Force pilot also sighted the object at a lower level, and NORAD confirmed a radar echo. The target exhibited unusual behavior, stopping and accelerating to speeds between 1000 mph and 1400 mph.

MONUMENTS OF MARS by Donna Hartley

This section reviews Richard Hoagland's book "The Monuments of Mars: A City on the Edge of Forever." The author, Donna Hartley, a member of TUFOIC, finds Hoagland's research compelling, arguing that a previous civilization built monuments on Mars. Hoagland's work is supported by NASA photographs and scale drawings. For those seeking a less complicated explanation, a website (http://home.navisoft.com/cydonia/cydonia.htm) is recommended, which includes pages on the "Face on Mars" controversy, the Argument from Design, and the history of the search for life on Mars. However, the site also includes a Creationist page that, according to Hartley, tends to work against the belief in a previous Martian civilization.

TUFOIC Membership and Publications

The final pages provide information on TUFOIC membership, subscription rates within Australia and other countries, and a list of TUFOIC publications available for purchase. These publications include "TASCAT 1996 - The Tasmanian UFO Sightings Catalogue," "Tasmanian UFO Landings Catalogue - Third Edition," "Cressy Document," "Maatsuyker Island Document," "North-East Tasmania 1974 Document," and "Tasmanian UFO Annual Report Magazines." Contact information for TUFOIC, including a PO Box in South Hobart, Tasmania, and a telephone number, is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a stance of objective investigation into UFO and UAP phenomena, refraining from drawing conclusions beyond the fact that unexplained phenomena exist. It emphasizes scientific and unbiased research, making reliable information available to the public. Recurring themes include detailed eyewitness accounts of sightings, particularly in Tasmania, and the exploration of related phenomena like the "cosmic slime" and extraterrestrial mysteries such as the "Monuments of Mars." The publication also addresses potential misidentifications, such as the "cosmic slime" being snail eggs, and highlights the challenges in obtaining official explanations for sightings. The magazine actively encourages membership and provides a platform for disseminating research through its publications.