UFO Reporter - Vol 1 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue: Volume 1, Number 3
Date: September 1992
Publisher: UFO Research (New South Wales)
Type: Quarterly Publication of UFO Research

Features and Articles

Unusual Tremors Shake Coastal New South Wales (Pages 6-7) This article by Bryan Dickeson and Moira McGhee investigates a mysterious 'tremor' reported on Friday, May 29, 1992, which shook buildings and rattled windows in northern seaside suburbs and along the Central Coast of New South Wales. Dozens of residents reported the incident, which lasted about three seconds and was strongest around Wyong, The Entrance, Terrigal, and West Gosford. Residents compared it to earthquakes, with some reporting fallen masonry and cracked bricks. However, seismographs in Sydney, Newcastle, and Canberra registered no seismic activity, discounting an earthquake. Suggested causes included a supersonic boom from an RAAF aircraft (discounted by RAAF) or a quarry explosion (deemed unlikely due to the wide area affected). A Carlton resident also reported a loud explosion in southern Sydney earlier that morning. The cause of both 'tremors' remains unknown.

The article also touches upon 'Mystery booms' from R.L. Corliss's book 'The Handbook of Unusual Natural Phenomena', detailing similar unexplained booms from North America and England in 1978-79, and other incidents. It notes that atmospheric scientists' suggestions of supersonic SST flights were discounted by a geophysicist who found the sounds did not match SST signals and seemed to originate from the south.

UFO over Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand (Pages 8-9) Authored by P. Buttery, this report details an unusual sighting by three youths on Saturday morning, November 16, 1991, near Lyttelton Harbour. The youths observed a large, metallic object, described as 'like a triangle, but with a flat, blunt nose' (trapezoidal), moving slowly above the sea. The object was approximately 21 metres long and 28 metres wide, noiseless, and too large to be a plane. It had two 'searchlight' beams from its front, two rows of coloured lights (red and blue) on its underside, and a small red light at the tip of each 'wing'. A bright red triangle of light appeared behind the object, which increased in brightness. The object emitted a slight 'swishing' sound, assumed to be from a 'thruster', before accelerating rapidly north-eastwards and disappearing. A spokesman from Wigram Air Force Base confirmed no New Zealand Air Force aircraft were airborne at the time. The youths' separate drawings of the object were nearly identical.

The article includes geographical context about Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, noting the object's flight path within and below the old crater rim, and its acceleration upwards to clear the crater wall. The boys' account was considered genuine after they were interviewed on radio and television, and S spoke to a meeting of UPERS.

A Close Observation in Waverley Park (Page 10) This report by Paul Sowiak-Rudej details an observation made by a nine-year-old boy on Sunday, May 24, 1992, in Waverley Park, Sydney. The boy saw a grey disc-like object with a slightly reddish cylindrical 'cap' on top, moving horizontally at treetop level. The object passed about 6 metres above a 16-metre pole supporting floodlights. It had an antenna-like structure at the back and 'curly things' underneath, possibly an undercarriage or atmospheric effect. The observer was unsure if it made a low noise. The disc section was estimated to be about the size of a car, approximately 4 metres in diameter.

UFOs over Sydney - Glenfield & Waverley (Cover & Page 2) The cover headline and a brief mention on page 2 indicate reports of UFOs over Sydney, specifically Glenfield and Waverley, with the cover noting a 'Close-up view of bullet-shaped UFO at Glenfield, July 1992'.

1992 East Coast Flap - Part II (Page 15) This article, co-authored by Sowiak-Rudej, Sinclair, Vickery & McGhee, is a continuation of the discussion on the 1992 East Coast flap.

Also

Editorial - Early Days (Pages 3-4) Bryan Dickeson's editorial reflects on the early days of UFO research, particularly his personal connection to George Adamski. He recounts meeting Rosemary Decker, the historian for MUFON, who was part of Adamski's circle in the 1950s. Decker was present on the day Adamski recounted his first 'Venusian' contact in November 1952. Dickeson shares his own childhood encounter with Adamski during his 1959 New Zealand tour, noting the contrast between the public's perception of Adamski as a legend and his personal impression of him. He details an incident in Dunedin where security men threatened Adamski, possibly due to a harassment program coordinated by US security concerns. The editorial also touches on the ongoing debate about Adamski's credibility and the evolution of UFO investigators' trust and complexity since the 1950s.

Special Interest Groups (Page 4) This section announces the successful formation of the UFOR(NSW) Support Group in mid-1992, aimed at providing support for individuals with traumatic UFO abduction experiences. It calls for members to suggest new special interest groups and projects, and to indicate their willingness to contribute. Suggestions include developing databases of UFO information, methods for evaluating photographic and video material, and improving information distribution to members.

Letters to the Editors (Pages 5)

• 'Alien Update' by Timothy Good: Timothy Good praises UFO Reporter as the best-produced Australian UFO magazine and states he will list it in his forthcoming book 'Alien Update'. He requests permission to include an abbreviated account of the Kyeemagh disc and reports from the East Coast flap, promising full credit to the sources.
• East coast flap by KT (Burwood): KT suggests a geophysical hypothesis as an alternative to the ET explanation for recent sightings along the NSW Central Coast. He notes an explosion originating from the sea that jolted the coast, and mentions that no seismic activity was recorded. He correlates this with earlier nocturnal lights and UFO sightings in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley area. KT proposes that geotectonic changes and unstable seismic fault lines might be responsible, suggesting the phenomena could be piezoelectric in origin.

Mystery booms (Page 6) This section, likely an excerpt or summary related to the 'Unusual Tremors' article, references R.L. Corliss's book 'The Handbook of Unusual Natural Phenomena' and discusses 'The East Coast Mystery Booms' from North America in 1978-79, as well as similar booms from England, California, and Canada. It mentions detonations in Charleston, South Carolina, and New Jersey, with luminous phenomena accompanying some explosions. The article notes that atmospheric scientists' explanations involving supersonic SST flights were discounted.

UFOs and the media (Page 19) This article's content is not detailed in the provided pages.

New magnetic materials testing laboratory (Page 29) This article's content is not detailed in the provided pages.

UFO investigation and related organisations (Page 30) This article's content is not detailed in the provided pages.

Review - Lost in Bass Strait: Sky (Page 31) This section likely contains a review of the play 'Sky' by John Misto, which dramatizes the Valentich disappearance over Bass Strait. The play is advertised to star Henri Szeps at Glen Street Theatre, Frenchs Forest, from March 3-7 and March 17-21, 1993.

Advertising and Subscriptions

Subscriptions (Page 2) This publication is available free to members of UFO Research (NSW) and for $20 per year (4 issues) by subscription. Cheques should be made payable to UFO Research (NSW).

Advertising (Page 2) Enquiries about advertising rates are invited, and all advertising copy must be camera-ready.

Merchandise (Page 7) An advertisement offers UFO Reporter T-shirts for $20.00 (including postage). It also lists a comprehensive range of UFO videos available to members and novices, including lectures from the 1991 UFO Conference in Sydney and documentaries. A catalogue can be obtained for $3.00 in stamps. Orders should be sent to THOTH R.A., P.O. Box 405, Villawood, NSW 2163.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded yet critical approach to UFO phenomena. It presents various sightings and reports, including those from New Zealand and Australia, while also exploring alternative explanations such as geophysical phenomena. The editorial stance, as stated, is that the views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the editors' views. There is a clear interest in the history of UFO research, particularly the contactee era of the 1950s, and a commitment to providing a platform for discussion and investigation through UFOR(NSW) and its publications. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and suggestions for special interest groups.

This issue of UFO Reporter, dated September 1992, is titled 'East coast flap of 1992 — Part II' and is the second part of an article detailing complex and intriguing events investigated in New South Wales. The magazine features reports on multiple UFO/UAP sightings, with a focus on witness testimonies and the investigation of these incidents.

Waverley Park Object

The first article describes an encounter at Waverley Park. The witness, referred to as 'J', observed an object that increased its altitude in a series of vertical and horizontal steps, reaching about 80 meters. The object then traveled north-west, hesitated, and changed direction to move due east, out to sea. 'J' last saw the object disappearing seawards, estimating it was in view for about 10 seconds. The article also describes the surrounding area of Waverley Park, noting a concrete stairway, a steeply-sloped mound with a reservoir building, and a radio mast, likening the structure to a 'concrete wedding cake'. The object's trajectory was described as being just north of a hill and tower.

Close-up view of bullet-shaped UFO at Glenfield

This detailed account, co-authored by Moira McGhee and Bryan Dickeson, describes an incident on Monday, 6 July 1992, at 2110 hrs. Witnesses M and C were driving northeast through Glenfield when they noticed a cluster of bright, yellowish lights behind trees. Initially thought to be sports field lights, they were too low and too far east. As they approached the north-western corner of the playing field, they clearly saw a single object hovering beyond the park. The object was described as elliptical, sharper at the front and flatter at the back, with an equatorial groove and various colored lights. C, a commercial draftsman, provided a diagram. The object was hovering motionless about 6 meters above ground level. It had a hard-edged, pale blue metallic body with a rounded top, flat bottom, and sloping lower sides. Two large, lit triangular orange-yellow shapes with a cross-hatch pattern were on the back, along with two flashing red lights on the bottom and one blue light on top. M turned off the car lights and slowed down. C got out of the car and approached the noiseless object. When C was within 15 meters, all the lights suddenly switched off. The orange-yellow shapes rotated 90 degrees, and the object accelerated south-eastwards. M and C then chased the object, which passed over a woman in her front garden. They continued the pursuit, eventually losing sight of it. Later, the object reappeared stationary, about 2-3 km directly north of them. The blue and red flashing lights were on, and it was hovering. A second, identical object joined it, and after a few minutes, the second object moved eastwards. The first object then moved south-westwards and took up a hovering position about 3-4 km west of the observers. A third identical object joined it. After about 4-5 minutes, M and C left. Later that evening, C saw one of the objects moving northwards along an aeroplane flight path, about 150 meters up, much lower than a normal plane.

East coast flap of 1992 — Part II

This section, co-authored by P.Sowiak-Rudej, F.Sinclair, C.Vickery, and M.McGhee, details two complex events investigated in New South Wales.

Soldiers Beach Incident (Wednesday 13 May 1992)

A Toukley couple and a friend were at Soldiers Beach. Around 1900 hrs, they observed a string of unusually bright clusters of red, green, and white twinkling lights. Three objects formed a line about 20 degrees above the southern horizon, and seven others hovered above the shoreline. Some objects seemed to rotate slowly, others moved back and forth or made quick jumps. At times, there were at least ten objects. The witnesses noted sporadic lightning flashes from an electrical storm. Two fishermen also observed the objects. The nearest object southwestwards moved northwards towards Soldiers Point, periodically stopping and starting. As it moved closer, observers saw it was made up of a main body with three or four smaller red and white lights underneath. When the object passed about 500 meters overhead, it appeared reflective, metallic, and disc-shaped with a flattish underside and a dome on top. Angular measurements suggested the object was about 36±7 meters across. The witness near the van noted a slight 'whooshing' noise and lights underneath. Two more objects from above the shoreline started moving northwards. These objects engaged in 'dogfight' maneuvers, making small, fast jumps. The fishermen flashed lights at the objects, which then shot upwards and faded. The witnesses followed the first object inland. Over Munmorah Power Station, the object sped up and faded from view. Later, two more objects from the southern shoreline reached the Soldiers Point area and turned inland. A large oval red light approached from the southeast, traveled faster than a plane, and shot straight upwards out of sight. Another object, larger and with brighter lights, hovered above the rocks at Soldiers Point for about 15 minutes. It was disc-shaped underneath, about twice the diameter of previous objects, with six red, green, and white lights. The overall outline was similar to a conventional aeroplane, over 130 meters long. This 'jumbo' object rotated horizontally and had smaller lights around its edges and wings. When it moved away, these subsidiary lights switched off, making it look like a large disc. The fishermen flashed a torch at the object, which replied with three bright white searchlight beams. The 'jumbo' then veered off northwestwards, following the path of the first object. Another object from the line, identical to the smaller ones, followed the same flight path.

Hamilton South Incident (Monday 25 May 1992)

Four members of a family watched eight or nine large orangy-red stars pass directly overhead in formation, moving from west to east between 1200 and 1230 hrs. A single light was followed by three pairs of lights, and then a final trailing light. A civilian airplane with flashing navigation lights passed below the formation. The front light moved smoothly, but the trailing light moved erratically. The objects were thought to be about 2 km away. Binoculars revealed each red light appeared as an orange bell-shaped object with a red light on top. A ninth object trailed the first eight, was less bright, and had an orange color and hexagonal shape. The family watched for 10-15 minutes before the objects faded. One witness contacted Williamtown RAAF Base, where the duty officer stated their radar was off but they had received other calls about the lights.

UFOs and the Media

This section discusses the role of local print media in reporting UFO sightings during the 1992 East Coast Flap. Initially, reports were treated as a novelty. As sightings became more frequent, newspapers began treating the incidents humorously, inferring witnesses were misguided. Larger metropolitan papers largely ignored the reports. A 'Telegraph Mirror' report from April 28, 1992, is cited as paternalistic, describing 'worried and hysterical people' and suggesting the sightings might have been helicopters or planes. Civil Aviation Authority and RAN spokespersons stated no unusual activity was detected on radar. The article criticizes the 'Telegraph' for its condescension towards people outside Sydney. It also notes that wire reports indicated a high-speed object that turned night into day, and that police found some callers genuinely shaken. The media is accused of having a 'strong desire to 'humanise' the phenomenon', which may have misled readers.

Media Reports and Police Investigations

This part details specific media reports and police investigations. Toukley police contacted Civil Aviation Departments and RAAF officials without finding an explanation. Reports of round objects moving at high speeds were received from multiple callers. Naval Fleet Command confirmed war games but denied using flares. The Civil Aviation Authority's radar at Sydney Airport did not report unusual activity. Inspector Mike Stephens of Toukley patrol expressed skepticism, noting that some witness details did not check out. Williamtown Air Force Base confirmed no aircraft were flying. Toukley police faced difficulties investigating, with some witness phone numbers disconnected or witnesses unwilling to speak further. Andrew Plumley reported on sightings around Soldiers Point and Budgewoi Lake. Another report mentioned a sighting at Pearl Beach. The section concludes by noting the tendency of some reporters to treat details fluidly and 'humanise' the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of UFO/UAP sightings, the challenges in investigating such phenomena, and the critical examination of media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of witness testimonies, while also acknowledging the difficulties in verification and the often sensationalized or dismissive nature of media reporting on the subject. The magazine aims to present factual accounts of sightings and the subsequent investigations, providing a platform for UFO research.

Title: UFO Reporter (NSW)
Issue: September 1992
Cover Headline: East coast flap

This issue of UFO Reporter focuses on a period of heightened UFO activity and public interest along Australia's East Coast, particularly in the Central Coast region, during early to mid-1992. The magazine details numerous reports of unusual lights and objects, the subsequent media frenzy, police investigations, and various proposed explanations, including kites, balloons, and military exercises.

East Coast Flap: A Wave of Sightings

The 'East coast flap' began with reports of UFOs and starry nights, encouraging individuals to come forward with their sightings. One anonymous man from East Gosford reported seeing an 'illuminated' wedge-shaped, silent object moving south to north in his backyard.

Central Coast police, led by Inspector Mike Stephens of Toukley, found themselves inundated with calls reporting unidentified flying objects. These reports attracted significant media attention, with speculation that naval exercises were responsible. However, police investigations found no corroborating evidence, and some complainant details were found to be inauthentic. Inspector Stephens expressed skepticism, noting that many calls were not verifiable.

Local newspapers, such as the Central Coast Express and The Newcastle Herald, covered the events extensively. The Central Coast Express produced cartoons on the 'UFO flap,' while The Newcastle Herald reported on the police dismissal of sightings and the media's chase for information. A Mr. Smith, who claimed to see a sighting while walking his dog, was one of the individuals whose report could not be verified.

The 'Kite Solution' and Media Sensationalism

As the number of reports grew, the media explored various explanations. One prominent theory that emerged was that many sightings were caused by kites. Brett Phillips, proprietor of Dizzy Heights Kites at The Entrance, admitted to flying large, illuminated kites at night, which he stated were responsible for a significant portion of the reported sightings. He used chemical 'starlights' attached to his kites, which could be seen from a distance. Phillips organized a kite display, which drew large crowds and benefited local retailers.

However, the 'kite solution' was not without its inconsistencies. While Brett Phillips claimed responsibility for many sightings, a check of the 'starlight' tubes indicated they were low-power devices, likely visible only within one or two kilometers. Furthermore, a check of relevant dates and times confirmed that Brett's kites could not account for all reported sightings, especially those from further afield.

Despite the emergence of the kite explanation, the media continued to report on unusual lights. The Newcastle Herald reported on mysterious red lights over Newcastle, initially attributed to Macchi jet aircraft practicing for a flypast, but later denied by an RAAF spokesman. Wing Commander Ed Baldwin stated that no aircraft were operating from Williamtown at the time, and even if a flypast occurred, Hornets would be used, not Macchis, and pilots would not practice close formation flying at night.

Skepticism and Investigation

UFO investigators, such as those from UFOR(NSW), were actively collecting witness accounts. Professor Colin Keay, an Associate Professor of Physics and astronomer at Newcastle University, noted a correlation between the increase in UFO reports and 'beat up' TV programs on flying saucer sightings. He is also the President of the Hunter Region branch of Australian Skeptics.

Mike Scanlon, writing in The Newcastle Herald's 'Topics' column, explored various explanations, including a 'burning rope' trick used by media in Queensland and a 'kite ploy' used in the Central Coast. He also recounted a story from Jim Page about using a paper kite with lights for fun in 1935, highlighting a historical precedent for such explanations.

The article also touches upon other unusual reports, including an alien 'real estate' angle involving an estate agent claiming contact from 'Mr and Mrs Martian' interested in property. This was presented as a humorous take on the UFO phenomenon.

Scientific Developments

Separately, the issue includes a brief report on the opening of the National Pulsed Magnet Laboratory (NPML) at the University of New South Wales in April 1992. This laboratory is designed for testing materials using intense pulsed magnetic fields, focusing on semiconductors, organic molecules, and high-temperature superconductors. It represents a significant development in Australian scientific research.

UFO Organisations Directory

The magazine concludes with a comprehensive list of UFO investigation and related organizations in Australia and overseas, including contact details for various branches of UFOR (UFO Research) across different Australian states, as well as international groups. It also includes a 'Help wanted!' section seeking assistance with preparing material for publication and the UFOR(NSW) database.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the role of the media in shaping public perception, the skepticism of authorities, and the search for rational explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and explanations while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensational claims, particularly those that can be attributed to mundane causes like kites or balloons. The magazine aims to document UFO reports and investigations, providing a platform for both witnesses and researchers.

This issue of UFO Reporter, dated September 1992, features a review of the play "Lost in Bass Strait: a review of the play Sky," which dramatizes the 1978 disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich over Bass Strait. The review is written by Mark Moravec of the Anomaly Research Centre, Victoria.

Review of "Sky"

The play "Sky," starring Henri Szeps at the Glen Street Theatre in Frenchs Forest, is a critically-acclaimed Australian drama that revisits the Frederick Valentich UFO encounter. The review describes the play's opening with dimmed lights, a suspended wing, and music, leading into the reenactment of Valentich's final conversation with Air Traffic Control.

The play is inspired by Australia's most famous UFO case, the 1978 disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich. On October 21, 1978, Valentich, flying a Cessna 182 aircraft, reported seeing a large aircraft with four bright lights and an object with a long shape that was orbiting him. His transmission ended with engine trouble and a loud metallic sound. An extensive search of Bass Strait failed to find any trace of him or his plane.

The incident gained further attention when other UFO sightings were reported on the same day, including photographs taken by Roy Manifold near Apollo Bay that appeared to show unusual phenomena over the sea.

"Sky" has had successful seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, and Henri Szeps is reprising his role. Szeps is known for his roles in the TV series "Mother and Son" and the mini-series "Palace of Dreams." In the play, Szeps delivers a performance as a father whose son has gone missing, conveying a range of emotions from humor to despair. The play explores the UFO encounter, interactions with government and media, family context, and personal repercussions.

Playwright John Misto originally considered a TV series about mysterious phenomena but adapted some material for "Sky." In the play, Misto changes the time to Christmas 1987 and the main character to Rocco Bettoni, an Italian immigrant dealing with the loss of his son, Frankie. However, the initiating UFO incident and the dialogue between Valentich and the Control Tower are presented authentically.

The play addresses and dismisses some 'official' explanations, such as the plane accidentally being flown upside down or reflections from the sea being mistaken for lights, noting that a Cessna's engine would run out of fuel in about 30 seconds if flown upside down. It also touches on the possibility of a hoax or suicide.

Fictional Developments and Themes

The second half of the play introduces a fictional element where Rocco Bettoni descends into madness, tormented by guilt. The review contrasts this with the real-life father of Frederick Valentich, Guido Valentich, who did not go mad but desperately wanted to believe his son was alive, possibly abducted by a UFO. Guido Valentich reportedly visited Cape Otway annually on the anniversary of his son's disappearance.

The play's central theme is the personal repercussions of losing a child, encompassing disbelief, shock, self-doubt, guilt, and uncertainty about life and death. John Misto, in the Melbourne program note, extends this theme to missing persons in general, highlighting that hundreds of thousands of Australians go missing each year, with a significant percentage never being located. This makes the play particularly relevant to Missing Persons Week.

The review notes that the issue of dealing with ridicule, trickery, and blame also reflects the experiences of many UFO witnesses, urging consideration of the ethical implications within the UFO subject.

The play concludes with a deafening noise and a flash of green light, depicting the pilot's end.

Official Report and Case Weaknesses

The Department of Transport selectively released a sparse 'Aircraft Accident Investigation Summary Report' dated April 26, 1983. It stated the degree of damage and injury were 'not known' and 'presumed fatal,' concluding that the reason for the disappearance was undetermined.

The review points out significant shortcomings in the Valentich case that weaken it for some. The missing airplane means vital physical evidence is absent, and the missing pilot means the central UFO witness was never interviewed. The hoax-suicide explanation cannot be ruled out.

Valentich's Beliefs and the Mystery

According to his father, Frederick Valentich believed in UFOs, claimed to have seen classified Air Force information on them, and had previously seen a UFO. He may have even taken a scrapbook of UFO press clippings with him on his last flight, suggesting he was not a naive UFO witness.

Despite these flaws, the case remains a genuine mystery, unlikely to be solved unless new information emerges.

Performance and Staging

"Sky" leaves a strong impression due to Henri Szeps's serious and powerful performance. The minimalist set allows the audience's imagination to fill in the details, while computer-controlled lighting and sound enhance the dramatic impact. The reviewer suggests that the two-hour duration, including a 15-minute intermission, might be a bit long, and the play could have been more effective as a shorter, one-hour presentation.

For those interested in ufology, the play's themes are considered doubly interesting.

Addendum: Kyeemagh UFO, 1992

An addendum corrects a previous issue, stating that the Kyeemagh UFO sighting occurred on Sunday, April 19, 1992 (Easter Day).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, the personal and familial impact of disappearances and loss, and the dramatization of such events in popular culture. The editorial stance, as reflected in the review and the inclusion of the Kyeemagh UFO sighting, is to explore and report on UFO phenomena, acknowledging both the compelling nature of the mysteries and the limitations of evidence and official explanations. The publication also appears to support the broader discussion of missing persons, linking it to the experiences of UFO witnesses.