TUFOIC Newsletter - No 098 - October 2005

Magazine Overview

This issue of the TUFOIC NEWSLETTER, Edition 98 from October 2005, focuses on a significant 'mini-flap' of UFO sightings that occurred in Tasmania between late December 2004 and February 2005. The cover story, "A TASMANIAN UFO MYSTERY," by Keith Roberts, highlights the Melton Mowbray sighting that gained media attention in February 2005, prompting further reports.

The 'Mini-Flap' of 2004-2005

The newsletter details a series of unexplained aerial phenomena reported across Tasmania. Prior to the media coverage of the Melton Mowbray case, TUFOIC had received only three unexplained reports in all of 2004, indicating that media assistance was crucial for bringing more sightings to light.

Molesworth Sighting (December 25th, 2004)

The flap began with a low-key start on December 25th at Molesworth. Witnesses relaxing outside saw a star-like light, initially mistaken for a satellite or shooting star. The light moved across the northern sky, halted, reversed direction at increased speed, and then reappeared later, performing the same manoeuvre before disappearing.

Richmond Sighting (December 28th, 2004)

Three days later, in the early hours of December 28th near Richmond, a witness named Anne and her son observed a distant bright light in the north-west sky. Puzzled by its back-and-forth movement, Anne continued home. As the light approached rapidly, she stopped her car. She described the object as 2-3m across with a dark area in the centre and blinking red and blue lights below. A beam of light then illuminated her car for 30 seconds before everything went dark and the object vanished.

Brighton Sighting (January 18th, 2005)

Just after midnight on January 18th, a witness driving north of Brighton encountered a strange green football-sized light with a rigid green tail. The light was seen just above the car, and the witness reported that the car seemed to lose power. As she drove over a rise, the light disappeared ahead. Later, she saw the green light moving rapidly from the north, which then performed a U-turn and disappeared.

Legana Sighting (Date not specified, but within the flap period)

The scene shifts north to Legana, near Launceston, where two witnesses saw a bright 'something' in the south-east around 4:30 am. Using binoculars, one witness, Mr. L, observed a cylindrical object with a band of white light above, yellow in the centre, and red light below. The object moved northwards at an angle, but when it stopped, the cylinder would become vertical. It gradually gained elevation and was obscured by a cloud bank.

Devonport Encounter (February 14th, 2005)

A significant sighting occurred on February 14th soon after midnight when Jane, Terri, and Pam were travelling north to Devonport. About 35 km north of Hobart, they noticed three star-like lights low over the hills, one much larger than the others. As they approached, the car radio faded. The light resolved into a football shape with a steady red light on the left and a blue light on the right. The object came towards them, stopped over the roadside, and emitted a beam that lit up a square area in a paddock. All three witnesses heard a humming sound as the object and beam moved in unison at a low altitude. Descriptions of the object varied, with some seeing a dark shape above lights, others the bottom of the object, and one noting an orange light revolving within a triangle at the rear.

Other Sightings and Investigations

Additional reports include a motorist near Epping Forest seeing a bright round white light that disappeared, and a family near Mangalore observing lights that seemed to overtake their car. Mrs. W near Rekuna saw a brilliant white light shining through trees. A witness near Mangalore reported a stationary bright white light that disappeared rapidly. Mrs. N at Native Corners saw a large white ball with a glow and red tinge. Two final reports came from Swansea and Campania, involving rows of lights and a silent object.

TUFOIC investigated these cases, ruling out air traffic, helicopters, and astronomical explanations. A Department of Defence contact stated that flying in such a manner would only occur in a life-or-death situation. The investigation contacts included Air Traffic Control, airports, police, and search and rescue services.

Statistics and Publications

The newsletter provides statistics for September 2005, showing 114 total reports, with 17 classified as Unidentified, 25 as Astronomical, 13 as Aircraft, 8 as Satellites, 34 as Balloons/Flares, and 17 as Others. It also lists available TUFOIC publications, such as catalogues of UFO cases and specific documented events, with prices and payment instructions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of TUFOIC is evident in its thorough investigation of reported sightings and its commitment to classifying cases as unexplained only when no plausible explanation exists. The newsletter emphasizes the close geographical proximity of many sightings during the flap and notes common features like bright white lights, slow movements, and low altitudes. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of unidentified aerial phenomena, as highlighted by the concluding statement that the 'U' in UFO still stands for 'Unidentified'. The publication also expresses gratitude for accurate media reporting and assistance.