TUFOIC Newsletter - No 105 - January 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: TUFOIC REPORT 2011
Issue: 105
Date: January 2012 Edition
Publisher: TUFOIC
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the TUFOIC Report provides a year-end review of UFO activity in Tasmania for 2011, noting a significant decline in reported sightings. It also details several specific incidents and lists available TUFOIC publications.

Year in Review 2011

The report begins by stating that calls to the TUFOIC Centre reached their lowest point since 1968, with only 42 reports lodged in 2011. The author speculates that the UFO phenomenon may have dropped from public and media interest, comparing the current lack of fascination with flashing lights or fast-moving objects to the greater interest shown 20 or 30 years ago. The article attributes this decline in interest partly to increased urbanisation and attachment to modern technology like mobile phones, computers, and television.

Despite the decrease in reports, TUFOIC's membership remained stable, and the 'Ufologist Magazine' continued to feature a wide range of articles. Phil Polden, the Northern Representative, established a TUFOIC Facebook page and acted as a liaison with the Tas Sky Patrol site, encouraging witnesses to report their sightings to TUFOIC. Tas Sky Patrol also provides a forum for local and overseas UFO news.

Key Sightings and Incidents in 2011

The report details several specific UFO sightings from Tasmania during 2011:

December 23rd, 20:45 - Burnie

A witness observed a bizarre series of red and white lights moving steadily north-west to south-east over 12 minutes. The lights appeared in a square pattern, with approximately 10 rows of lights. The display moved silently away into the distance. Despite investigation, no aircraft were identified as an explanation.

Undated Incident - Near Burnie

Around 1 am, a witness noticed a light cluster that suddenly moved down to the left in an arc. The lights disappeared behind a hill or in mid-air, only to reappear in the same place a few minutes later. The witness found it difficult to estimate the elevation. The lights were not seen again near 2 am.

February 4th, 06:45 - Wivenhoe

A witness leaving early for a flight saw a small metallic ball travelling from east to west for about 3 to 4 minutes before being obscured by cloud. The object moved at a steady speed with no deviation or sound. Follow-up investigations ruled out aircraft, balloons, or airborne debris, leaving the case a puzzle.

March 14th, 03:00 - Spring Beach

While looking out the window towards Maria Island, a witness observed a bright light, roughly pear-shaped with a pulsing centre, at an estimated 45-degree elevation. Two small steady blue lights were noted on the north edge, and wing-like protuberances were visible at the rear. The witness watched the light mass until about 5 am, noting no major movement. The object appeared to be above the cloud level.

March 17th, 02:30 - Primrose Sands

Two witnesses observed a bright mass of yellow/orange light in the sky, described as being about 1/8th the size of the moon. It gave the impression of being distant and looked like a cluster of lights, possibly car headlights. No noise was heard, and no movement was noted. The witnesses contacted the Airport, but their call was not taken seriously. The light dimmed and reappeared further away before disappearing.

December 12th, 23:00 - Cambridge

Mrs. J noticed a bright light shining through the blinds. Looking out, she saw a light towards Richmond, described as a red light above a shiny area. Her husband observed it as stationary, estimating its apparent size as about half a moon. Later descriptions included two red lights above a row of three white lights, with curving white lights on each side forming a bell-like outline. The lights were steady and not flashing.

TUFOIC Publications

The issue lists several publications available from TUFOIC:

• TASMANIAN U.F.O. SIGHTINGS CATALOGUE TASCAT 2008: A register of over 500 Tasmanian UFO cases ($3.00).
• TASMANIAN and THE UFO UFOs of HIGH MERIT: Tasmania's Top Sightings ($3.00).
• CRESSY DOCUMENT: Details a significant UFO sighting in Cressy ($3.00).
• MAATSUYKER ISLAND DOCUMENT: Covers UFO reports from the island lighthouse ($3.00).
• NORTH-EAST TASMANIA - 1974 DOCUMENT: Details the largest Tasmanian UFO flap in 1974 ($3.00).
• UFO TASMANIA: The TUFOIC Annual Report.
• MYSTERIOUS MELODALE: Strange paranormal events over years ($3.00).

Various single editions are available at $1.00. All prices include return postage (surface mail only). Overseas Air Mail rates are available on request.

TUFOIC Statistics 2011

The newsletter includes a breakdown of reported sightings for 2011:

• Unidentified: 5
• Astronomical: 13
• Aircraft: 3
• Satellites: 4
• Balloon/Fireworks: 6
• Others: 11
• TOTAL: 42

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the perceived decline in UFO sightings and public interest in Tasmania, contrasted with the continued efforts of TUFOIC to document and investigate such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of continued vigilance and documentation, despite the challenges posed by modern lifestyles and the diminishing media attention on UFOs. The organization actively encourages witness reports and utilizes platforms like Facebook to maintain engagement. The publication of detailed sighting reports and historical UFO data through their catalogue and documents indicates a commitment to preserving information on the subject.