TUFOIC Newsletter - No 108 - January 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: TUFOIC REPORT
Issue: 108
Volume: 2014
Date: January 2015

This issue of the TUFOIC (Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre) Report, published in January 2015 as the 2014 edition (Ed: 108), provides a comprehensive overview of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) activity and related information primarily concerning Australia, with a strong emphasis on Tasmania. The publication details the organization's activities, statistics, and notable cases from the year.

Executive and Contact Information

The executive members of TUFOIC are listed as President Janis Burns, Secretary Keith Roberts, Librarian Ray Thomas, and North Rep Phil Polden. Contact information includes a P.O. Box in South Hobart, Tasmania, an email address ([email protected]), a website (http://tufoic.eu.pn/), and a telephone number (03 62236009). The newsletter notes that items may be quoted provided TUFOIC is credited.

TUFOIC Publications

The report lists several publications available from TUFOIC, including:

• TASMANIAN A UFO HISTORY: 78 pages, covering sightings from 1898 to the present, available in Colour ($30) and Black & White ($20).
• TASMANIAN and THE UFO UFOs of HIGH MERIT: Priced at $3.00.
• Tasmania's Top Sightings: Priced at $3.00.
• CRESSY DOCUMENT: $3.00, detailing significant UFO sightings in Cressy.
• MAATSUYKER ISLAND DOCUMENT: $3.00, concerning UFO reports from the island lighthouse.
• NORTH-EAST TASMANIA - 1974 DOCUMENT: $3.00, covering the large UFO flap in 1974.
• MYSTERIOUS MELODALE: $3.00, documenting strange paranormal events over years.

All prices include return postage via surface mail, with overseas rates available on request.

TUFOIC Statistics 2014

The statistics for 2014 show a total of 42 reported cases, categorized as follows:

• Unidentified: 4
• Astronomical: 7
• Aircraft: 0
• Satellites: 10
• Balloons / Kites: 7
• Others: 14

Year in Review 2014

The year 2014 was characterized by the prevalence of Facebook and misleading images online. TUFOIC's Facebook site saw increased engagement. Many posted pictures, often showing dark spots, circles, and lights, with little observed at the time. Explanations varied, including birds, house lights, lens flares, and hoax balloons. Two clips were noted as particularly interesting, appearing to show hoax balloons. The report states that approximately 10% of reports remained unexplained, with astronomical, satellite, and balloon explanations being common. Aircraft were surprisingly not mentioned in reports. Media interest was limited to the beginning of the year, focusing on TUFOIC's new history document, which led to sales and a sighting off Flinders Island. The report notes the difficulty in gauging UFO activity across Australia due to the unreliability of online information. Keith Basterfield, an independent UFO researcher, initiated a monthly listing of UFO/UAP reports from Australian sources, providing details on events, their sources, and whether they were investigated.

Sightings 2013-14

Odd Lights Highland Lake

Exclusive pictures and video from November 2013, obtained by Team Paranormal, remain unexplained. This prolonged event continued at a declining rate into 2014. Residents reported seeing strange flashes of light away to their north-west for about fifteen minutes on one occasion. A camera captured a bright oval light with light on either side in the sky over the trees.

Night Observations (November 30th, 2013)

On the second night of observation (November 30th), a large number of orange torch-sized lights were seen. Two lights appeared to flash on and off, with only one party observing them. Another light was seen moving through trees approximately 40m distant, casting a glow and appearing to have a directional beam.

Off Flinders Island

An email from Hobart Coast Radio reported a yachtsman 40 nautical miles north-east of Flinders Island who had been followed by several white lights on February 14th. The witness described a long, grey, sausage-to-cylinder-shaped object, approximately 100m long and 20m thick, with 7-9 small white lights moving above it. The object was estimated to be at a 20-degree elevation and receded into the north-east.

Midlands Cylinder

On April 8th, near 9pm, a witness driving south on the Midland Highway near Jericho observed a cylinder object with a red light at the rear. The object was close and low, pacing the car for about 10 seconds before disappearing south of the highway. It was estimated to be about 30m long, with a greenish-silver color and four darker panels. No explanation was found for this event.

Latrobe Daylight Case

This sighting occurred on September 21st at approximately 5.10 pm on the southern edge of Latrobe. The witness described a bright, glinting object about 40 meters away and 40 meters high, which seemed to ripple and waver before becoming solid. The object was described as bright chrome, with a flat bottom curving inward to a dome, resembling a flying saucer. It made no sound and moved slowly at a 45-degree angle, descending. It stopped 25 meters high and hovered for 10 seconds before moving away at a 15-degree incline with a speed of 25 kph, precisely navigating around trees. The witness noted its intelligent path and was later joined by another witness who also observed the object. The object hovered 10 meters above gum trees before departing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO and UAP phenomena, with a particular focus on cases within Tasmania. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation, cataloging, and reporting, while acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation, especially in the digital age. The publication aims to provide a reliable source of information on these unexplained events, drawing from witness accounts, photographic evidence, and researcher collaborations. The emphasis on historical data (e.g., 'Tasmanian A UFO History') suggests a commitment to understanding the long-term patterns of UFO activity.