TUFOIC Newsletter - No 091 - February 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: TUFOIC
Issue: Edition 91
Volume: February 2002
Publisher: Tasmanian Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)
Country: Australia
Date: February 2002

This issue of the TUFOIC Newsletter provides a comprehensive review of UFO activity in Tasmania during 2001 and delves into historical cases of vehicle interference.

2001 In Review

The year 2001 was characterized by a significant decrease in reported unexplained UFO cases, described as an 'all-time equal low for the year of 5'. The majority of sightings featured 'just lights' with no indications of Close Encounters. Despite this apparent lull in significant activity, the Centre saw an increase in reports received via the National UFO Hotline and email. However, the latter method presented challenges in making contact with witnesses.

Media coverage during the year included explanations for phenomena such as meteors and the Christmas light display. The Burnie Advocate reported on a video case later identified as Venus, and the Launceston Examiner featured an article on the Centre, which prompted responses regarding older sightings from the 1974 Northeast flap, but failed to uncover recent activity.

The Centre noted a number of videos and photographs, including two videos likely caused by birds or Venus, and a puzzling flashing light seen from Norwood on July 9th. A photograph taken near Port Arthur on October 20th also proved difficult to explain.

On a positive note, Daniel Lowe was appointed as the Northern Representative, with hopes for future investigations. Membership remained steady, partly due to publicity in the UFOlogist Magazine, which also boosted publication sales.

Tasmanian Stats 2001

The newsletter includes a statistical breakdown of reports received by TUFOIC in 2001:

• Unidentified: 5
• Astronomical: 22
• Aircraft: 5
• Satellites: 15
• Meteorological: 2
• Balloons: 5
• Ground Lights: 11
• Other: 9
• Total Reports: 74

Analysis of cases indicated that the primary stimulus for sightings continued to be astronomical and satellite causes. A disturbing upward trend in hoax calls and night time balloons was noted, consuming valuable time.

Tasmanian Sightings

Several specific sightings from 2001 are detailed:

• April 5th, 5.15 am, Beaconsfield: A witness observed a bright white light moving northwards, which accelerated ahead of his car. Later, it reappeared to the southeast and then the north. Venus was checked and had not risen at the time of the initial sighting.
• May 18th, 7.22 am, Newstead: Witnesses reported a silver metallic shape in the northeast sky, initially oval with a rounded top, then changing to an elongated teardrop with a red shield and rotating balls. A faint droning sound was perceived.
• May 31st, 6.30 pm, East Devonport: Two bright objects were seen moving fast and in unison in a zigzag pattern from the northeast, crossing the road and heading over Bass Strait. They were described as round, bright, metallic, and about two moons apart.
• July 9th, 11.14 pm, Norwood: A video captured a flashing light cycling through red, green, and blue colours, moving from high elevation towards the NNW horizon. It appeared larger than Mars and moved about 40 degrees in approximately 3 minutes.
• October 9th, 11.00 pm, Geeveston: Two witnesses saw a half-circle shape west of the Southern Cross, opaque with a defined edge, twice the size of the moon. It changed to a round shape and moved slowly before becoming stationary and disappearing.

UFOs and Auto-Stops

This section extensively details cases where UFOs have interfered with motor vehicles. The Centre's TASCAT database contains over 30 cases of vehicle interference and 10 reports of 'auto-stop' events, with the majority occurring in the 1970s.

• 1956, Glen Huon to Huonville: A car stalled and stopped. Occupants saw a spinning top-shaped object with bluish lights. The car started immediately after the object vanished.
• 1974, September 16th, near St Helens (Priory case): A mother and her children experienced car radio static, power loss, and electrical system failure while a bright light enveloped the car. They felt electric shocks and a choking smell. The car's bonnet was warm, but otherwise appeared functional after the event.
• 1974, November, The Sideling: A motorist's car lights, radio, and motor cut out while observing a large flame-coloured glow. His watch dial brightened, and the car clock lost two minutes. The object moved back and forth before disappearing.
• 1975, July, near Hobart Airport: A family's car interior heated up, and the car stalled. They tasted an odd gas. A round, metallic object, about 5 meters in diameter, was observed before moving away at high speed.
• 1978, Winter, Central Highlands: A lone motorist's vehicle lights, radio, and motor failed when a mass of light appeared. The object, about 30m across with a red light on top, shone a beam on the car.
• 1979, February 5th, Hamilton to Hobart: A car failed and was enveloped in a mass of light, leading to memory loss for the driver. The car's battery was flat, and headlight wires were damaged.
• 1982, July 6th, Hampshire: A motorist's car lost power, and the headlights remained on. He observed a dark cigar-shaped object surrounded by a blue haze. The fence sparked, and the object moved away. The car started afterwards.
• 1987, December 14th, near Launceston: An auto-stop event was reported, claimed to have similarities to the Knowles family encounter on the Nullarbor Plain.
• 1990, Summer, Lake Highway: A motorist and friends experienced their car lights and motor failing after observing a silver luminous cylindrical object over the Great Lake. The object moved vertically and disappeared.
• 1997, near Hagley: A bright light zoomed in at a car and enveloped it, causing witnesses to be unable to recall driving the next section of road.
• 1979, Waratah, Murchison Highway: A bright green light appeared behind a car, seemingly taking control. The driver lost time and could not control the vehicle's speed until the light disappeared.

Stop Press

This section briefly mentions UFO lights from Tasmania's east coast in December and subsequent reports in the Binalong Bay area, indicating about a dozen events over the past couple of years. Many of these cases are difficult to fully investigate due to the passage of time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of UFO activity trends, detailed reporting of specific sightings, and a significant focus on the phenomenon of UFOs causing vehicle malfunctions ('auto-stops'). The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation and documentation of UFO-related events in Tasmania, presenting both the data and witness accounts objectively. The inclusion of statistical data and historical case studies suggests a commitment to understanding the broader patterns and implications of UFO phenomena.

This issue of UFO Tasmania, published by TUFOIC, appears to be a compilation of UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in Tasmania, primarily focusing on events from 1999 to 2002. The magazine details numerous individual reports, often including witness accounts, locations, dates, and descriptions of the observed phenomena. It also lists various publications available from TUFOIC, such as catalogues of UFO cases, specific incident documents, and magazines.

Documented Sightings and Encounters

The issue presents a chronological list of reported incidents:

1999. Sept/Oct. 2am. St Helens.

A witness was awakened by a 'thud thud' noise and a ringing telephone that was not connected to any system. Upon investigating, the witness saw gold/white square lights in the window. The lights and noise stopped, and the phone went quiet. Later, the witness's daughter reported being followed home, experiencing a similar 'thud thud' noise without seeing anything.

2000 Winter. 10pm. Binalong Bay.

A single witness observed a bright white light emerge from the north. The light moved west, then up and down, became stationary for several minutes, and then moved away to the west very rapidly.

2000 Winter. Bay of Fires.

An Examiner report details a camper named Jack who spotted a large, bright yellow light. The silent light loomed nearby, remained stationary for a few seconds, and then switched off.

2000. Nov 18. Douglas River.

An object was reported to approach and hover over a hill, illuminating trees. It then descended, rose up, and moved away. TUFOIC was unable to complete the investigation into this event.

2000 Dec 4. St Peters Pass.

A motorist reported noticing lights by the road that appeared to zigzag and keep pace with their car. The witness left their address, but no follow-up was possible.

2001. Easter (April) about 9pm. Binalong Bay.

Multiple witnesses at different locations observed a bright light appearing to the east to southeast. The descriptions varied, but all agreed the light approached, grew in size, and gained elevation. The white to yellow light then became stationary, sparkled, and seemed to fall before either ascending out of sight or moving away to the northeast, disappearing in less than a minute.

2001. Late April.

A motorist driving on the coast road between Bicheno and Scamander saw a large white light just over the land. The light was visible for about 5 minutes before blinking out. No further information was available.

2001. Winter. St Helens area.

A third-hand account describes an 'auto-stop' event where a farmer reportedly encountered a landed object on the road. The farmer's truck was allegedly dragged towards the UFO, prompting the farmer to abandon it and flee home. Upon returning later in a four-wheel drive to recover the truck, it was gone. The report notes this story might be a garbled version of two earlier cases from 1974 near St Helens and 1987 near Launceston.

2001 October. 2am. Binalong Bay.

Another report describes a large white light observed over the area that simply switched off. No further details were provided.

2001 Dec 8th. 11.30am. Binalong Bay.

An Examiner item reported on a sighting by 'Eric' of a bright amber light approaching from the west. The light had five points, with the longest below it. The silent light passed nearby to the west before turning south, gaining elevation, and fading into the distance.

2001 Dec 26th. 9.55am. Bay of Fires.

A Second Examiner item reported on 'Morgan's' sighting of a bright red light seen over the sea as it moved north. The light moved up and down erratically for five minutes before blinking out.

2002 Jan 25th. 9.30pm Binalong Bay.

A brief sighting at a barbecue involved a reddish light to the south, which appeared to be moving away and faded into the distance after a few minutes.

The issue concludes with a statement acknowledging that while some lights may have explanations, the frequency of such occurrences that do not reach UFO groups is significant.

TUFOIC Publications

The magazine also serves as a catalogue for TUFOIC publications, including:

• TASMANIAN U.F.O. SIGHTINGS CATALOGUE-TASCAT 2000: A register of over 500 Tasmanian UFO Cases ($3.00).
• TASMANIAN UFO LANDINGS CATALOGUE – 3rd Edition (1995): A compilation of Tasmanian UFOs seen on or near ground level ($3.00).
• CRESSY DOCUMENT: Details a significant UFO sighting in Cressy ($3.00).
• MAATSUYKER ISLAND DOCUMENT: Covers UFO reports off the southern tip of Tasmania ($3.00).
• NORTH-EAST TASMANIA - 1974 DOCUMENT: Documents the largest Tasmanian UFO flap in 1974 ($3.00).
• UFO TASMANIA Magazines: Single editions of The TUFOIC Annual Report Magazine are available for $1.00.
• MYSTERIOUS MELODALE: Covers strange paranormal events over years ($3.00).

All prices include return postage (surface mail only). Overseas air mail rates are available on request. Payment can be made via money order or bank cheque within Australia, or via international money order or bank cheque from overseas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained lights and aerial objects in Tasmania, the variety of witness experiences, and the documentation of these events by TUFOIC. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent record-keeping and dissemination of UFO-related information within Tasmania, encouraging the reporting of sightings and making resources available to the public. The concluding remark suggests an underlying belief that many unexplained phenomena occur and are worthy of investigation and documentation, even if definitive explanations are not always found.