TUFOIC Newsletter - No 086 - November 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: TASMANIAN UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: November 1999, Edition 86
Publisher: TUFOIC (Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Content: This issue focuses on recent UFO sightings in Tasmania, astronomical observations, and updates on the organization's publications. It includes a detailed list of reported incidents, a skywatch guide for November, and information about upcoming events.

November Update

The Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre has had a successful year in finding explanations for UFO sightings. Approximately 50% of reports were attributed to astronomical sources, with Venus being prominent in the western sky during darker months. Rotating Iridium satellites also puzzled observers, but Paul Jackson identified them using the internet. Other explanations included lights from soccer training and TV buildings on Mt Wellington, and 'hoax balloons'. The majority of unexplained cases this year involved nocturnal lights.

The Centre notes that while UFO activity might seem low, calls have been steady, and investigations have been initiated through the new Australian UFO Telephone Hotline. Keith Roberts, Investigations Co-ordinator, highlights this.

The Ufologist Magazine

This issue marks the first TUFOIC Newsletter published since the adoption of 'Australasian Ufologist' as the official publication. The TUFOIC Newsletter was intended to be phased out by the end of 2000. Paul Jackson, Coordinator, expresses disappointment at the low take-up rate from members for the new publication, despite a favorable vote on the transition.

Recent Tasmanian Reports

The newsletter details several UFO sightings from Tasmania:

• 1998 January, Ouse: Witnesses reported a bright, thin oval object that moved erratically northwards at increasing speed.
• 1998 August, Granton: A lone witness observed an orange beam of light shining onto the Derwent River, which kept pace and bounced along.
• 1998 December 2nd, Eaglehawk Neck: A bright white stationary light was seen to the north, which then moved overhead and out across Pirates Bay.
• 1999 January 17th, Granton: Four round, moon-sized shapes with glowing golden circles and pulsing lights were observed above the river, without sound.
• 1999 February 21st, Ouse: A witness reported strange pulses of blue flashing light with random flashes resembling bubbles in boiling water.
• 1999 July 5th, New Norfolk: Two silvery shapes, one oval to bow-shaped, were seen moving towards the clouds and then upwards into them.
• 1999 July 5th, Ross: A rectangular structure illuminated by an orange glow was observed, which then seemed to rise and tilt before fading from sight. Subsequent inquiries found no unusual marks or traces at the location.
• 1999 August 12th, Franklin: An object initially thought to be a falling star halted, moved north and south, then gained elevation before disappearing from sight. Astronomical and aircraft explanations were ruled out.
• 1999 Sept. 17th, George Town: A bright white light was observed, accompanied by a green and red flashing light that passed through the white light and turned into white. The lights then moved in tandem before returning to their original positions. Checks on aircraft and astronomical explanations failed to provide an explanation.

Investigations for these sightings were conducted by Keith Roberts, Bill Kelly, and Paul Jackson.

Evidence of Transient Lunar Phenomena

During October, planetary scientists met in Italy to discuss recent observations. A significant finding was the first unambiguous confirmation of a spontaneous change on the Moon, specifically at the 'cobra head' area near the crater Aristarchus. Images from the Clementine spacecraft showed changes, with two bright spots appearing redder in 'after' images, indicating a change occurred between March 3rd and April 27th.

Meeting Information

A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16th, at 7:30 PM at the Moonah Community Centre, Gormanston Road. The agenda will include surprises and details of recent sightings and UFO news. No video will be shown at this meeting.

Our Final Meeting of the Year

The final meeting of the year is anticipated to have a varied agenda, including recent sightings and UFO news.

Skywatch November

• Venus: Dominates the eastern morning sky, visible about halfway up before sunrise. It reached greatest elongation from the Sun on October 30th and is about 45 degrees west of the Sun at the end of November.
• Mars: Visible in the north-western evening sky, identified by its red/orange color.
• Jupiter: A prominent object in the north-eastern evening sky, visible all night. Binoculars can reveal its oblate disc and four brightest satellites, while a small telescope shows detail in its atmosphere.
• Saturn: Also visible in the north-eastern evening sky, rising about an hour after Jupiter and reaching opposition on November 6th. It appears as a bright whitish object below and to the right of Jupiter. A small telescope can reveal its disc, ring system, and brightest satellite, Titan. The rings are tilted at around 20 degrees. The Moon will appear near Saturn and Jupiter on November 21st/22nd.

Leonid Meteor Shower

There is considerable anticipation for the upcoming Leonid meteor shower on November 17th, 1999. While exact timing and intensity are uncertain, predictions suggest it could be a memorable event. The best viewing time in Tasmania is expected to be from about 3 AM until dawn, looking towards the North-East.

The Aurora

Tasmania is well-positioned to observe auroral displays due to its southerly latitude. Auroras are generally seen in the southern sky but can cover the entire sky. With solar activity expected to peak in 2000, displays are likely to be impressive. It is recommended to look at the southern sky on moonless nights during the coming months.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a focus on providing rational explanations where possible. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of member support for the organization's continued operation and the transition to a new publication, 'The Ufologist'. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and a commitment to informing members about both unexplained phenomena and astronomical events. There is a clear effort to maintain a connection with the scientific community, as evidenced by the inclusion of the Transient Lunar Phenomena report.