UFO Reporter - Vol 1 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue: Volume 1, Number 2
Date: June 1992
Publisher: UFO Research (New South Wales)
Country: Australia
ISSN: 1038-1015
Type: Quarterly Publication of UFO Research

This issue of UFO Reporter delves into various UFO phenomena, investigations, and historical reflections within the field of ufology, with a particular focus on Australian sightings and research.

Editorial: Forty Years On

The editorial, written by Bryan Dickeson, reflects on the 40th anniversary of the significant UFO incidents that occurred over Washington D.C. in July 1952. These events, involving radar detection of 'flying saucers' and subsequent attempts by USAF jets to intercept them, are presented as pivotal moments that transformed the UFO movement. Prior to 1952, UFO study was largely an informal pursuit among scattered individuals. The Washington incidents, however, created a public sensation, politicised the subject, and intensified media interest. While astronomer Dr. Menzell offered a 'scientific' explanation involving radar 'ghosting', which became the official version, the events spurred the formation of organised civilian UFO investigation groups. The editorial notes the enduring patterns in UFO research: difficult relations with authorities, challenges in engaging mainstream scientists, and the struggle to manage media attention, concluding that 'the more things change, the more they stay the same.' The editorial also mentions Edgar Jarrold's early investigations in Fairfield, Sydney, starting in 1950, and the establishment of groups like Aerial Phenomena Research by Coral and Jim Lorenzon.

Features

• Cigar-shaped UFO and three small discs at Hexham, December 1984 (Page 6-7): This article by Frank Sinclair and Coralee Vickery details a sighting by Mr and Mrs L at the Ponderosa Caravan Park near Hexham, NSW. On a December morning in 1984, they observed a large, cigar-shaped object with a brilliant white front light, estimated to be 20-25 metres long. The object had windows and was grey. Approximately five minutes later, three smaller disc-shaped objects (3-4 metres across) flew rapidly to join the cigar, forming what appeared to be a 'tail'. Mrs L reported a low, fluctuating humming noise and estimated the objects' altitude at 60-90 metres. She also perceived a possible 'shadow or outline of a head with a helmet' in one of the smaller discs. The objects seemed to be travelling towards Williamtown Air Force Base. Sadly, Mrs L passed away before the report could be fully processed.

• Agnes Banks fungus circle, April 1992 (Page 8-10): Bryan Dickeson investigates a circular pattern in grass at Agnes Banks, west of Sydney, reported as a possible crop circle. The resident, 'S', first noticed the formation on his property on April 5, 1992. The grass was 35-50 cm long. Upon closer inspection, the circle appeared as swirled and flattened grass, looking brownish. While initially resembling reported crop circles, the investigation, including soil samples, concluded that the formation was most likely due to a fungus (a species of Amanita), possibly related to nearby 'fairy rings' and toadstools. The article provides a detailed methodology for investigating such ground traces, listing materials used on the field trip.

• Cloud cigars and cigar-shaped UFOs (Page 13): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• A 'net full of stars' at Collector, May 1992 (Page 20): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• East coast flap of 1992 - Part I (Page 24): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• Malabar - A formation of orange UFOs, May 1992 (Page 28): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• Close sighting of a disc at Kyeemagh, April 1992 (Page 30): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Also

• Editorial - Forty years on (Page 3): As detailed above.

• UFOR(NSW) UFO Hotline (Page 4): UFOR(NSW) has established a telephone hotline to receive UFO sighting reports. The service receives approximately 20 calls per week, with 350-400 requiring further investigation annually. The organisation plans to run an introductory course for aspiring investigators on December 12, 1992.

• Letter to the Editors (Page 5): A letter from Bill Chalker corrects inaccuracies in his lecture report published in the first issue of UFO Reporter. He clarifies details regarding dates, locations, witness descriptions, and the nature of the evidence in several cases, including the 'Eden' witnesses, the Woolgoolga case, the Bent Headlight case, the Horseshoe Lagoon, and the Rosedale case. Chalker emphasizes the strength of the Rosedale case evidence, which he characterises as a 'long duration landing' with a 'well-defined, apparently structured object'. Bryan Dickeson apologises for the errors.

• Fungus circles and fairy rings (Page 11): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• Crop circle update - Australia and New Zealand (Page 12): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• New UFO Research Group in Canberra (UFORIC) (Page 19): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• UFOs and earthquake lights (Page 23): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

• Review - UFO Research in Australia and New Zealand (Page 32): This article is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of physical traces (fungus circles, crop circles), detailed witness accounts of aerial phenomena (Hexham sighting), and historical analysis of significant UFO events (Washington 1952). The editorial stance, as expressed in 'Forty Years On', acknowledges the persistent challenges in UFO research, including official reluctance, difficulties in scientific engagement, and media sensationalism. The publication appears committed to documenting and investigating UFO reports, as evidenced by the establishment of the UFOR(NSW) hotline and plans for investigator training. The correction of errors in previous issues also indicates a dedication to accuracy and transparency.

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue: June 1992
Volume: Vol. 35 No. 3
Publisher: UFO Reporter (NSW)
Country: Australia
Language: English
ISSN: 0725-4196
Cover Headline: Cigar-shaped UFOs

Fungus Circles and Fairy Rings

The article "Fungus circles and fairy rings" explains the biological phenomenon of fungal growth that creates circular patterns in the ground, often accompanied by toadstools known as fairy rings. A fungus develops from a single spore, growing radially outwards through a nutrient medium via thin threads called hyphae. This expansion depletes the medium, and under ideal conditions, the fungal ring produces toadstools. These rings can persist for decades or even centuries, with some examples in North America being thousands of years old and forming some of the largest living organisms on the planet. The article notes that if a fungus ring encounters a barrier, it may slow or stop expansion at that point, leading to arcs of growth. When rings merge, complex patterns can form. The text also touches upon the symbiotic relationship of mycorrhiza, where fungi invade plant root tissues, benefiting both the plant and the fungus by facilitating nutrient and mineral exchange. This relationship can supplant root hairs and influence plant health, sometimes causing subtle effects like changes in foliage color. The author also discusses observations of kikuyu grass, noting the absence of tough surface roots (rhizomes) and the presence of fibrous roots, suggesting high soil fertility. The roots of kikuyu plants within fungus circles and toadstool arcs showed stunted fibrous root formation, potentially making them mechanically insufficient to support tall plants. In contrast, paspalum grass exhibited extensive healthy roots and leaves. Microscopic examination of the kikuyu roots revealed fungal hyphae forming a mycorrhiza.

Crop Circle Update — Australia and New Zealand

This section reports on crop circle activity in both Australia and New Zealand. In Victoria, Australia, a farmer discovered six crop circles within a month, leading to further investigations and contact with British crop circle researcher Colin Andrews. These circles varied in size, with one oval measuring 6.5 meters across. Additional crop circles were reported near Hopetoun and possibly near Beulah. The article contrasts this with reports from mid-Canterbury, New Zealand, where two crop circles were confirmed as hoaxes. These circles, approximately 20 meters in diameter, were created by two agricultural contractors who admitted to using a ski pole, a piece of wood, and a rope to flatten the wheat heads. They were inspired by an overseas television program about similar circles in England. The article also mentions that a member of the Australian Air Force informed a UFO investigator that numerous crop circles had been reported in native grasslands in the Australian Far North during the early 1980s, discovered during normal reconnaissance flights by the RAAF, though no details of their investigation were provided.

Cigar-shaped UFOs

The main focus of this issue is an extensive examination of "Cigar-shaped UFOs" by Paul Sowiak-Rudej, a UFO investigator with 20 years of experience. The report, developed from a talk given to UFOR (NSW), analyzes sightings from the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS) up to 1980, categorizing UFO shapes. Spherical objects accounted for 29%, point sources for 19%, elliptical for 12%, and cigar-shaped for 9%. The article highlights the prominence of cigar-shaped objects in UFO literature, particularly during the mid-1960s. Eyewitness accounts frequently mention a distinctive vapor trail produced by slower-moving cigar-shaped UFOs.

Theories and Classifications

Gene Plantier's 1950s theory proposes that UFOs are propelled by a force field that drags surrounding air. For cigar-shaped UFOs, this motive power is concentrated at the ends, causing incandescence and an elliptical light zone. The air behind the craft is rarified, forming a trail of condensed water vapor. Jacques Vallee's 1966 UFO classification system includes cigar-shaped UFOs as Type II objects, described as "sky objects with a vertical cylindrical form, often associated with a diffuse cloud." Vallee further categorizes these into Type IIA (erratic behavior) and Type IIB (stationary objects causing secondary phenomena).

Case Studies of Cigar-Shaped UFOs

The article presents numerous case studies from various locations:

• Case 1: Paris, France (September 1954): A witness saw a red cigar-like object with luminous smoke escaping, moving slowly.
• Case 1 (continued): Paris, France (September 1954): Another witness observed a stationary, vertical red cigar surrounded by clouds, from which multiple small disk-shaped objects detached and flew away.
• Case 2: Kununurra, WA, Australia (August 1966): A cotton farmer observed a white light with a red light behind that stopped, then reappeared with four red lights, hovering before moving off and leaving a vapor trail. The object was estimated to be 40-50 meters long and 2.5 meters wide.
• Case 3: Atlantic Ocean (May 1963): 50 NATO personnel on a DC8 observed a "gigantic, stationary dark-grey torpedo" with no windows or wings, estimated to be 2,000 meters long.
• Case 4: Newcastle-on-Tyne, UK (February 1978): A mother and daughter reported a silvery object shaped like a cigar tin, with a string of 20-25 lights down each side, approximately 9-10 meters long and 2.4 meters high.
• Case 5: Plymouth, UK (November 1978): A long black cigar-shaped object with a white light on the front and a smaller white light at the back was observed pacing a car and then shooting off into the sky.
• Case 5 (continued): Plymouth, UK (November 1978): A cigar-shaped object, estimated to be twice the size of a Jumbo Jet (around 130 meters long), was seen at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
• Case 6: Kempsey, NSW, Australia (September 1972): A greengrocer witnessed a long cigar-shaped UFO from which small objects emerged, forming an arrowhead formation before the larger craft climbed rapidly and disappeared.
• Case 7: Zanthus District, WA, Australia (August 1968): Two Air Services pilots reported a large craft in the middle with four or five smaller aircraft to its right and left, maintaining station.
• Case 8: Siberia, USSR (December 1989): An experienced jet pilot instructor reported a dark grey, cigar-shaped object with a length-to-thickness ratio of 8:1, which caused a strange crust-like coating on his face.
• Case 9: Manchester, UK (November 1977): Four witnesses saw a "huge dark oblong" object with a pulsating red light, described as "amazing" in size and taking a long time to pass over. It approached the area shining a large floodlight.
• Case 10: Galisteo Junction, New Mexico, USA (March 1880): Three men heard loud noises from a "large balloon the shape of a fish" controlled by occupants in a suspended carriage.

Other Australian Cases

• Perth (July to October 1957): A yellow cigar-shaped object, approximately 7 cm long (apparent size), was seen traversing the moon through a refracting telescope.
• Cambridge Plateau, Casino NSW (July 1982): A small, vibrating pinkish-yellow object was observed.

Summary of Cigar-Shaped UFO Characteristics

The article summarizes common elements of Type IIA and IIB objects:

• Size: Very large objects (100-1,000 meters long) are usually squatter, with a length-to-width ratio of about 2.2:1. Small craft (less than 1 meter across) are not usually found with these objects.
• Shape: Conical-ended cigars are usually illuminated at the cone tip; blunt-ended cigars are usually unlit.
• Color: Usually dark metallic grey.
• Movement: Move slowly at low altitudes, often following horizontal trajectories or moving straight upwards.
• Features: Often include intense searchlight facilities.
• Location: Seen in isolated areas late at night, near power stations, oil refineries, military bases, or over water.
• Associated Craft: Disc-shaped UFOs associated with cigars position themselves alongside, trailing, or behind in formation.
• Altitude: Tend to be seen at very low altitudes (below 200 meters).
• Sound: Usually silent.

Further Considerations

The article suggests that cigar-shaped UFOs, due to their characteristic of producing smaller craft, might be termed "mother ships." Their function could be similar to terrestrial naval aircraft carriers, acting as passive platforms for aerial reconnaissance craft. To avoid radar detection, these craft would fly below 200 meters, with their dark grey appearance aiding camouflage. The concentration of smaller UFO reports might correlate with the reporting of cigar-shaped UFOs, indicating carrier operations.

UFO Sightings by Country and Time Period

A table lists waves of UFO sightings by country and year, including USA (1947-1973), Australia (1965), New Zealand (1960), New Guinea (1959), USSR (1962-1978), UK (1967-1977), and Western Europe (1954-1973). The Belgian wave from October 1989 to May 1990 predominantly featured triangular-shaped UFOs, with no reports of landed objects, suggesting a possible terrestrial origin.

New UFO Research Group in Canberra

A new UFO investigation group, UFO Research and Investigation Canberra (UFORIC), held its first public meeting in July 1992. UFORIC has produced its first newsletter, "Communique," and has adopted a code of ethics for investigators. The group has cooperated with UFOR(NSW) on the "Collector UFO" report. Contact information for UFORIC is provided.

Collector Sighting: A 'net full of stars' at Collector

This section details a sighting on Sunday, May 17, 1992, near Collector, NSW, Australia. Witnesses G, E, and K were returning from Sydney to Canberra when G observed an unusual "large net full of stars" in the eastern sky. The object appeared to be close and moved erratically, changing direction and altitude. After disappearing for a couple of minutes, it returned, and the witnesses stopped the car for a better look. They observed two distinctive lit objects. The smaller object on the left was described as being shaped like a child's toy top, formed by two saucers placed edge to edge. The article includes a map of the sighting location and a diagram of the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of anomalous aerial phenomena, specifically cigar-shaped UFOs and fungus circles, alongside crop circle reports. The magazine adopts a stance of detailed reporting and analysis of sightings, presenting theories, case studies, and classifications from various sources. It encourages further investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the formation of new research groups and the call for information from readers. The editorial approach is to document and explore these mysteries, distinguishing between potential hoaxes and genuine unexplained events.

This issue of UFO Reporter from June 1992, titled "Collector sighting" and "East coast flap", focuses on UFO phenomena observed in Australia during 1992. It includes detailed eyewitness accounts, investigative notes, and discussions on potential geological connections to these sightings.

Collector Sighting

The primary article details a sighting by witnesses E and G, involving two distinct objects. The first object, described as a 'top-like object', had stationary white lights arranged in parallel bands and small cylinders at its top and bottom. The lights on the upper surface were greenish, and on the lower surface, reddish. This object was estimated to be about one and a half times the width of a full moon.

The second object was a larger, brighter, more diffuse yellowish-white light source with soft edges, appearing slightly flattened or 'saggy', possibly rotating slowly. It was observed sinking gradually groundwards at a slight angle. Both objects were silent.

After hovering, the top-like object transformed into a bright brick-red crescent of light with well-defined edges. This crescent then executed a series of loops, arcs, flips, and figures-of-eight, while the elliptical blob continued its descent. The investigators speculated that the red crescent might have been an auroral discharge, but the witnesses believed the object itself retracted portions and turned over. This 'active' phase lasted about eight minutes before the top-like object shot vertically upwards at great speed and disappeared.

Later, the large blob descended to ground level and was visible through pine trees on a low hill. The observers noted that despite many cars passing, none stopped to watch. The investigators later visited the location and found a ground mist, suggesting the witnesses might have mistaken this for a lake. The probable landing site was estimated to be about 1.25 ±0.05 km away. The estimated sizes were 13.5 ±0.5 m wide and 5.5 ±0.5 m high for the top-like object, and 18.0 ±0.5 m wide and 10.5 ±0.5 m high for the blob. No unusual physical traces were found after some rain.

East Coast Flap of 1992 - Part I

This article, by P. Sowiak-Rudej, Frank Sinclair, Coralee Vickery, and Moira McGhee, investigates the 'Australian east coast flap of 1992'. Initial reports came second-hand from newspapers and a TV news item, likely occurring on Tuesday, April 28, 1992. Witnesses had used false names, making identification difficult. Toukley police were skeptical.

Media reports suggested US-Australian military exercises as a possible source. Some local businessmen offered explanations, including one real estate agent who claimed UFOs contained 'little green men' and another who suggested the UFOs were kites from his shop. The confusion led UFOR(NSW) to delay using the term 'UFO flap' until late June.

A military spokesperson initially suggested Australian jet aircraft, but this was later withdrawn. UFOR(Queensland) reported increased activity in their state, referring NSW witnesses to them.

The wave of activity appeared restricted to the central east coast of Australia, with independent accounts from Sydney and Canberra. UFOR(NSW) began earnest investigations, noting frequent events, particularly around Gosford. A public meeting in Gosford in August 1992 generated more material.

The report includes a chronological list of sightings:

• Tuesday, April 28, 1992 (NSW Central Coast): A possible UFO, no details.
• Friday, May 1, 1992 (UFOR Queensland): An enormous flash of bluish-white light over southern Brisbane, affecting a radio station and power supply. Martin Gottschall of UFOR(Qld) provided an analysis.
• Saturday, May 2, 1992 (UFOR Queensland): Two Brisbane campers reported a green oblong object hovering. Other observers reported a brilliant green light with horizontal movements. The RAAF suggested meteorites.
• Saturday, May 2 & Sunday, May 3, 1992 (UFOR Queensland): Strange yellow/orange lights reported hovering and moving around Brisbane at low altitudes.
• Sunday, May 3, 1992: Two people driving near Maitland saw a large, dazzlingly-bright white flashing light, unknown shape, hovering at low altitude (100-300m), making no sound. It moved erratically and at incredible speed. RAAF suggested F-18 planes, but witnesses were familiar with them.
• Sunday, May 3, 1992 (evening): A UFO seen at Toronto, NSW, reported to the Newcastle Herald.
• Wednesday, May 6, 1992: Near Ballina, NSW, several groups reported UFO activity.
• Friday, May 8, 1992: A bright pink light tapering to white seen over Haberfield/Leichhardt, Sydney, larger than a plane, hovering.
• Sunday, May 10, 1992: A distinct black dot with no lights seen over Sydney Harbour, at the height of a plane, appearing like a jellyfish through binoculars. It followed a cycle of circles and rising.
• Sunday, May 10, 1992: Three witnesses saw a top-like object and a large globe of light southeast of Collector.
• Wednesday, May 13, 1992: Two witnesses reported several lit objects with red, green, and white lights moving landwards from The Entrance, circling for two hours during an electrical storm.
• Wednesday, May 13, 1992: Two fishermen saw a kidney-shaped object with multi-coloured lights southwest of Soldiers Point, moving below tree-top level.
• Sunday, May 18, 1992: Four adults watched eight orange lights in formation over Malabar, Sydney, for 15 minutes.
• Monday, May 24, 1992: A 4-metre metallic disk with a pointed dome seen at Waverley Park, Sydney.
• Sunday, May 24, 1992: Two people saw a large, bright green, oval object flying over their car in Kangaroo Valley.
• Monday, May 25, 1992: Five observers saw eight pairs of bright amber lights plus a single light move across the eastern sky over Hamilton South.
• Sunday, May 31, 1992: A large white disk seen sinking slowly seawards in Botany Bay, Sydney.

UFOs and Earthquake Lights

This section explores the possibility of a connection between UFO-type phenomena and earthquake lights or earth lights. It notes that such lights are occasionally reported near geological fault zones, especially around the time of earthquakes. The theory suggests these lights arise from geological stresses generating electrical charges in rocks with piezoelectric properties, similar to those used in spark generators. The area around Lake George, NSW, is discussed in this context, being part of the 'ring of fire' and containing significant geological evidence of past earthquake activity. The North Captain's Flat-Goulburn Synclinorial minerals zone and a major fault line near Lake George are highlighted. While the area has volcanic rocks containing elements associated with perovskites, a direct reference to perovskites in this specific formation could not be found. The article references 'The Mineral Deposits of New South Wales' by Markham & Basden (1974).

Malabar - A Formation of Orange UFOs

This article by Bryan Dickeson and Moira McGhee details a sighting on Monday, May 18, 1992, between 21:25 and 21:30 hrs. Mr. and Mrs. L observed a series of eight extremely bright orange lights in loose formation rising in the southern sky. The lights were described as being about four times the size and brightness of the brightest star, possibly magnitude -6. The formation moved through 95 degrees of sky from south to east, with the lead star slightly brighter. As the formation stretched, the objects maintained their relative positions. The Ls, who are Chinese Australians, initially referred to them as 'the seven stars'. They invited their neighbours to witness the event. As the formation approached the Moon, the lights diminished in size and brightness, disappearing from back to front until only the brightest front light remained before vanishing. Mr. L contacted UFOR(NSW) the next day. The report was confirmed by another resident who had seen a similar phenomenon with six or seven lights. UFOR(NSW) also received a prior report from Mr. W describing a similar experience in January or February 1965, involving nine white stars in a loose arrowhead formation.

Close Sighting of a Disc at Kyeemagh

This article by Frank Sinclair and Paul Sowiak-Rudej describes an exceptional sighting near the control tower of Sydney Airport. The four members of the C Family were fishing when Mrs. C noticed a stationary object in the north-western sky. It was described as a noiseless, metallic upturned saucer with a dome on top, about 30 degrees to the horizon. A ring of red lights inside the rim fluctuated like 'Knight Rider' TV show car lights, and a bright amber-red light blinked on top of the dome. The object was located directly south of Kingsford Smith Airport. Mrs. C and her two daughters watched the object for about 10 minutes. Mrs. C then called her husband, who also observed it. The control tower at the airport had a blue rotating light that was not usually switched on.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation of UFO sightings, particularly the 'East Coast Flap' of 1992, and the exploration of potential explanations, including geological phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of serious investigation, collecting eyewitness accounts and cross-referencing information, while also acknowledging the skepticism encountered from authorities and the public. The editorial emphasis is on presenting factual reports and encouraging further investigation, as evidenced by the call for information regarding the witnesses 'Peter and Pat Keo' or 'Bill Brown'. The magazine also promotes its merchandise, such as T-shirts and videos, related to UFO research.

This issue of the magazine, dated June 1992, features the 'Kyeemah sighting' as its cover story and includes a review of the 'UFO Research in Australia and New Zealand' book.

Kyeemah Sighting

The main article details a sighting that occurred in Kyeemah, Australia. A witness, referred to as Mr C, observed an object hovering above a bridge. Initially, he dismissed it as a gimmick but noted the absence of typical aircraft lights. He estimated the object to be about 45-50 metres above the riverbank and 80 metres away, describing it as having an oval ring of rotating red lights with a single blinking red light above. The object was estimated to be about two car widths in diameter, approximately 7 metres across.

Shortly after Mr C joined the group of observers, the object pitched over by about 45 degrees, revealing its round base. The red lights forming the circle on the bottom edge were diamond-shaped. As the object flipped, a light on the control tower sped up, and an alarm sounded with loud beeps. All the object's lights intensified, with the ring of red lights and the amber-red light on the dome pulsating faster. Mr C found it unusual that the top light was still visible from their position after the object pitched over, suggesting the dome must have been higher than initially thought.

The object then began to move off noiselessly and slowly, at an estimated speed of 40 kph, moving north-north-eastwards towards Sydney's Central Business District (CBD). Its path was at an angle of about 40 degrees overall, slightly above its initial elevation, suggesting it would have passed between the domestic and international terminals at Sydney Airport, potentially at an altitude of 700 metres.

Witnesses noted that the object's movement was not smooth or continuous but erratic, characterized by a step-like path and small jumps. Once the object moved away, the control tower alarm stopped, and its blue light slowed down. After 7-10 minutes, the object appeared to level off, possibly due to perspective, and was still visible as a single red blinking light high above the CBD.

The C family expressed surprise that other people who saw the object seemed stunned and uninterested, and that there were no reports in Sydney newspapers the following day. When they attempted to contact the Control Tower at Sydney Airport, they were informed that nothing unusual had been reported and that the tower was likely on automatic and not manned.

Review: UFO Research in Australia and New Zealand

This section reviews a 'digitised book' designed to run on IBM-compatible PCs, comprising about 800 searchable or printable screen files on two 5-inch disks, accompanied by a 12-page booklet. The compilation was put together by Vlad Godic, Pony Godic, and Keith Basterfield of UFORA South Australia, with material contributed by Australian investigators and New Zealander John Knapman. Funds from sales are intended to support UFORA's investigations.

The reviewer, B Dickeson, notes that the book works well on a 286 or 386 PC but mentions his own ancient PC had insufficient storage capacity for the fully expanded text files. He found very few errors in the provided information, noting only a couple of misplaced digits in obscure references, likely typos.

Drawbacks

Dickeson identifies several minor drawbacks. Firstly, the editors appear to have minimally edited the contributions, resulting in a variety of writing styles, data, and opinions that give the book a lack of unity. He suggests a better brief to contributors could have helped. Secondly, the final product may not be as balanced as the introductory comments suggest, with some viewpoints being more thoroughly covered than others. For instance, the Mundrabilla/Knowles material is well-represented from the UFORA perspective but lacks coverage of better-known VUFORS material. Thirdly, the operating system for running the book is described as clunky and potentially confusing for computer-illiterate users, with minimal running hints provided.

Benefits

Despite the drawbacks, the advantages are seen to outweigh them. The book provides a large amount of detailed information in a small volume at a reasonable price. The search and print functions are highlighted as surprisingly effective, making browsing and cross-referencing easy, which is a significant advantage for UFO literature that is often poorly indexed. The reviewer also praises the technology as simple and effective once mastered, suggesting that this information format could be adopted by other UFO groups for preparing and exchanging material in bulk and in a standard format.

Dickeson concludes that 'UFO Research in Australia and New Zealand' is a timely and innovative idea, congratulating UFORA for the initiative and expressing anticipation for a sequel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and UFO sightings, with the 'Kyeemah sighting' being a prominent example. The review of the UFORA book suggests an editorial stance that values detailed research and the dissemination of information within the UFO community, particularly through digital formats. There is an emphasis on the importance of accessible and searchable databases for serious researchers.