UFO Reporter - Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue: Volume 2, Number 2
Date: June 1993
Publisher: UFO Research (NSW)
Country: Australia
Language: English
ISSN: 1038-1015

This issue of UFO Reporter, a quarterly publication of UFO Research (New South Wales), delves into the complex world of UFO sightings captured on video, with a particular focus on 'orange lights' and the challenges of analyzing such visual evidence. The cover prominently features images of these phenomena and headlines highlighting cases from Italy, Belgium, and Australia, alongside a diagram illustrating a video camera's zoom mechanism.

Editorial: The Orange Lights — What Are They?

Bryan Dickeson's editorial addresses the numerous reports of unusual orange lights collected by UFOR (NSW) over the past year. These sightings range from distant, star-like objects to smallish globes or ovals. While acknowledging some hoaxes, such as fire-balloons, Dickeson notes a 'goodly residue of incidents of a more intriguing nature' involving multiple lights moving quickly or in formation, which do not fit conventional explanations like ball lightning or plasmas. One particularly intriguing case involved a young woman who reported an unusual orange light outside her kitchen window, followed by a period of lost time and curtains fluttering despite closed windows.

The editorial also introduces the theme of UFOs on video, mentioning a case involving an orange light near an Australian Air Force base at Glenbrook-Lapstone, which displayed a 'definite, 'intelligent' response'. The issue promises to explore the difficulties in analyzing video material, including a translation of a skeptical Italian article discussing problems with video evidence from Italy, Belgium, and Norway.

UFOs on Video

This section forms the core of the magazine, presenting several case studies and analytical articles.

UFO Footage Probed by Air Force

This article details a case where RAAF officials were to view footage of a UFO captured by a Canberra couple. Zoran Ivanesic, initially skeptical, described seeing a bright, disc-like object about 10 times larger than a star. His wife filmed the object, which appeared as a bright circle with a black hole in the middle, and had indentations at the top and bottom. The object was estimated to be about 1500m above the ground. Ivanesic's experience led him to change his mind about UFOs.

Analysing a UFO Video: The Crosia Documentary

This article, translated from the Italian publication UFO, discusses the Crosia case from 1987, where a luminous disk was videoed. The incident gained public attention through an Italian RAI TV broadcast. The article highlights how early technical examination could have diffused speculation. It traces the event's path to public notice, starting with a journalist's report in 'Il Tempo' in August 1987, followed by a TV program in October 1988. The case involves a 'Virgin Mary cult' and visions reported by children, Vicenzo Fullone and Anna Basi, after discovering a weeping statue. Pasquale Campana videoed a revolving globe of light during an evening 'manifestation'. The article notes that none of the publicizers checked the technical details of the VHS camera, and the event time is uncertain (given as between 22.00 and 22.30 hours).

When the video is analyzed, a moving luminescent spot appears, possibly due to crowd jostling and camera instability. The presence of a street lamp in the footage is noted. The object appears as a circle of light that fades and darkens towards the center, with two indentations. The sound track contains confused voices but no sounds from the object itself. The article points out that the witnesses include a priest who believes in visions.

Some contradictions are noted regarding the date of the sighting, with various sources citing June 4, May 30, or June 2, 1987. The number of witnesses is also highly variable, ranging from 'hundreds' to 'thousands'. Despite these inconsistencies, the article suggests that the number of witnesses was likely very high. The article also mentions suggestions made during the 'Incredible' program, describing the object as a 'star, or half an apple', and a 'round ball that kept approaching'. Despite the lack of definitive evidence, all accounts agree on an unexplained light source above Crosia, though local people were expecting 'signs' from the Madonna. The camera operator claimed the object's movements could not be replicated by a zoom effect. The article concludes that to judge this event, one should concentrate on facts internal to the case, rather than comparing it to videos from Belgium and elsewhere.

A Norwegian Precedent?

This section discusses a UFO film taken in Southern Norway on February 20, 1976, which shares similarities with the Crosia case. Two locals videoed a small rosy ball of light. An investigation by UFO-Norge, with analysis from the Solar Observatory at the University of Oslo, concluded that the camera was out of focus, showing a two-degrees wide object instead of the reported 0.5 degrees. Captain A. Knutsen and A. Bratzeg confirmed the camera was out of focus and the film lacked reference points, similar to the Crosia event. A positive aspect noted is a dark stain across the top portion of the disc.

Technical Considerations

This part focuses on the work of French ufologist and engineer Giles Munsch, who produced a report suggesting that the ghostly images in the Belgian and Crosia sightings are due to a video zoom lens effect. Munsch highlighted the lack of perspective in the Crosia object and, coincidentally, obtained a video of the Crosia area himself, noticing similar luminous shapes when the videocamera was 'zooming' with street lamps in view. These images disappeared when the auto-focus was off. Munsch demonstrated this effect by filming a helicopter landing light. He proposed three hypotheses: optical properties of the camera, characteristics of the camera's electronics (CCD sensor), or a particular type of street lamp. The last hypothesis was rejected when the effect was reproduced with other street lights. The conclusion is that the effects are caused by the internal characteristics of the video camera. The article notes that obtaining technical details for the Japanese camera used was difficult.

Further analysis by Patrick Ferryn of the Belgian UFO group SOBEPS, examining video film from the Belgian wave of triangular UFOs, also showed similar zoom effects. SOBEPS identified the light source for two films as the planet Jupiter. One case from Gemmenich involved a 'very bright', stationary light, identified as Jupiter. Another case from Amay showed a large luminous spot becoming a disc with dents. A third case from Flemalle also showed a disc-like object with indentations. Ferryn suggested that investigations should start by examining the videocamera's optical system. The article concludes that the zoom mechanism is noticeable and that the effects are clearly visible during close-ups.

Also

Editorial: The Orange Lights — What Are They?

This is a repeat of the main editorial, reinforcing the theme of the issue.

UFOR(NSW) Members Survey, October 1992

This article by Paul Sowiak presents the results of a survey conducted by UFOR (NSW) in October 1992. The survey, which had a 41% response rate from paid-up members, aimed to gauge member satisfaction and gather input for future programs. Key findings include:

• Value for Money: 100% of respondents felt UFOR (NSW) offered good value and were satisfied with the dissemination of UFO information.
• Meetings: Ninety-nine percent found general meetings entertaining. Twenty-three percent regularly attend meetings, with most (38%) attending two meetings in the previous year. Meeting duration was considered 'just right' by 80%.
• Improvements: 90% of members requested more meetings and video nights, though few offered to help organize them.
• Membership Growth: 35% were introduced by friends, 22% by newspaper articles, and 13% from other UFO groups. 86% were willing to bring new members, and 92% supported a membership drive.
• Advertising: 70% considered newspapers the best advertising medium, followed by 'word of mouth'.
• Funding: 89% believed the organization should do more than cover operating costs, with suggestions for increasing the budget. To raise funds, 63% suggested raffles, and 79% suggested a stall to swap/sell goods.

The survey indicates strong support for UFOR (NSW) but highlights the need for increased participation.

UFO Footage Probed by Air Force

This appears to be a brief mention or summary related to the article detailed earlier in the 'UFOs on Video' section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of UFO video evidence, the challenges in interpreting such material due to technical factors (like camera zoom effects), and the potential for misidentification of phenomena. The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded approach, presenting skeptical analyses alongside case reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, acknowledging both genuine mysteries and potential mundane explanations. The UFOR(NSW) members' survey reveals a dedicated membership base that values the organization's efforts in information dissemination and community building, while also indicating a need for greater engagement in organizational activities and fundraising.

Title: UFOs on video
Issue: June 1993
Publisher: UFO Reporter
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue delves into the analysis of UFO sightings captured on videotape, exploring the technical aspects of videography and potential explanations for observed phenomena. It features several case studies, including the Crosia case, the Lapstone incident, and the Parramatta UFO video, examining how camera technology and environmental factors can influence the visual evidence.

The Crosia Case and Technical Explanations

The article begins by discussing the Crosia case, where an indented disc was observed on video. It suggests that the phenomenon might have a more mundane cause, often occurring at maximum zoom settings or when the zoom mechanism is operated. Problems with autofocus synchronization with the zoom are highlighted as a significant factor. The inherent instability of lightweight videocameras, even when filming stationary celestial bodies like Jupiter, can produce undesirable results. Ferryn points out that the indentations seen on the disc could be attributed to the internal configuration of the videocamera's zoom mechanism, though these vary between models. It is noted that while sophisticated and expensive video equipment might overcome some technical issues, the effects seen in the Crosia video are difficult to reproduce with standard cameras.

A student from Rome provided further insights, suggesting optical causes for the Crosia disc, including the zoom effect and the emotiveness of witnesses. By using a videocamera and a light bulb in a darkened room, the student was able to reproduce the phenomenon, showing a central, eight-sided hole and indentations, identical to the Crosia video. The article questions whether the light source in the Crosia video had an astronomical cause, but concludes that it likely arose from conventional sources, with the video itself not suggesting anything abnormal.

The 'Hole' in the Centre and Astronomical Possibilities

The dark, circular zone in the centre of the disc, a common feature in examined videos, could not be reproduced by Munsch in his experiments. Despite this, the writer finds little hope for the 'UFO-ness' of the Crosia case, with CUN stating it could be explained by known technical details. The possibility of an astronomical cause is explored, with the Belgian videotape from Amay and a video taken by the Italian research group SHADO at Cerreto di Borgo suggesting this origin. The SHADO cameraman initially saw a luminous dot that rose from the horizon, but upon adjusting video controls, it became clear it was the planet Venus. This reinforces the idea that camera zooming and internal characteristics can cause misinterpretations.

Taking UFO Videos: Practical Advice

Part III offers practical advice for readers with videocameras interested in filming UFOs. Key pointers include keeping the video powered up, practicing with the camera, and knowing how to use manual focus, especially in dark conditions, to avoid automatic colour adjustments that can alter the appearance of objects. Stabilizing the camera on a substantial object is recommended to avoid shaky footage. Providing commentary during filming is encouraged, as the camera's computer and the brain may perceive things differently. Including nearby 'known' objects for reference is also advised. Detailed notes about the incident, including time, direction, and height, along with camera brand and model, are crucial. Finally, it is stressed to send a good copy of the video and store the original safely, as TV channels may not return original material and may use it for free.

Orange Lights Videoed Over Lapstone

This section details an incident on July 13, 1992, where two identical orange objects were observed and videotaped over Lapstone, Australia. Seven witnesses saw the objects, described as flaming and moving parallel to the ground. The objects were orange with 'flickering' flames, casting an orange glow. One visitor used a new videocamera to capture footage of the objects, which appeared as small, orangy-white lights fading into the distance against a dark sky. The objects were estimated to be around 1.5m long and moved at approximately 20 kph. The incident lasted 10-15 minutes, and other individuals in nearby streets also reported seeing similar objects, initially thought to be balloons.

A subsequent investigation on July 15, 1992, involved four adults who observed and filmed four or five orange 'stars' manoeuvring around a street light near the RAAF base at Lapstone. The video footage showed a 'highly manoeuvrable' phenomenon. Playback of the video revealed a 'zoom' and 'figure-eight' effect, which initially confused the witnesses. The objects moved energetically and occasionally peeled off at high speed. One larger light appeared to superimpose itself on the streetlamp before flying away. The incident concluded when a car's headlights appeared, causing the remaining objects to disappear simultaneously. The article notes the strategic location of Lapstone Hill and the RAAF base, suggesting a slight possibility that the lights could be a side-effect of sophisticated microwave equipment, though this is considered unusual for a car park.

Parramatta UFO Video

This part describes an incident from mid-September 1989, where two Sydney men videotaped a cluster of bright lights moving eastwards north of Parramatta. The object appeared as a small, distinctive horizontal circlet of about a dozen yellowish-white lights, each surrounded by a slight haziness. The array was rotating about a vertical axis while moving eastwards at a slow pace, estimated at less than 30 km per hour. The video, filmed by a private investigator, shows the object about 25 degrees up in the eastern sky. The object was estimated to be 10-15 metres in diameter. The men followed the object and filmed it for about ten more minutes. The video shows the object slightly closer up, with the image being larger. The object was described as having a rounded top and a flatter bottom, resembling a 'classical UFO disk shape'. The video footage was kept for almost four years before being shown to a TV technician, who noted a slight deterioration in quality and some loss of colour intensity. The technician enlarged a section of the video, which revealed details of the lights and their rotation. The article suggests that the complex manoeuvring of the objects makes them unlikely to be simple balloons or kites, and a hoax is also considered less likely. The video is considered difficult to fake due to the foreground elements. Despite attempts to interest TV channels, the video was not broadcast due to its age. UFOR(NSW) was contacted and provided with a copy for research, but Australia currently lacks the facilities for proper analysis. Sophisticated computer enhancement could potentially determine the object's distance, probable size, and the nature of the haziness around the lights.

UFO Reporter: Formatting Problems

The final section addresses formatting issues within the UFO Reporter publication. The editors have been trying to convert from the Ventura DTP system to WordPerfect 6.0a, which has caused delays. WordPerfect 6.0a is described as slow, inflexible, and difficult to use. As a result, they have reverted to Ventura for the time being and plan to revamp the magazine's layout after completing the 1993 volume. They are seeking suggestions for an IBM-format based DTP system that works effectively.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO video evidence. The magazine emphasizes the importance of understanding the technical limitations and potential artifacts of videocameras, suggesting that many sightings can be explained by mundane causes related to equipment malfunction or misinterpretation of common phenomena like planets or lights. There is a strong stance towards a scientific and skeptical approach to UFO investigation, advocating for rigorous analysis and caution against jumping to extraordinary conclusions. The issue also highlights the growing accessibility of video technology and its impact on the volume of UFO reports, while lamenting the lack of advanced analysis facilities in Australia. The editorial stance is one of encouraging critical evaluation and providing practical guidance for those who encounter and document potential UFO phenomena.