UFO Reporter - Vol 4 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Reporter
Issue: Volume 4, Number 4
Date: December 1995
Publisher: UFO Research (NSW)
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO Reporter, a quarterly publication from UFO Research (New South Wales), delves into several intriguing UFO-related topics, including a potential sighting near the Moon, the mysterious 'Project Aurora' in Australia, and a pilot encounter over the UK. The editorial section reflects on the growing public interest in UFOs and the challenges posed by the scientific and governmental 'Establishment'.

Features

'Konig 080895': UFO videoed near the Moon?

This article by Graham Stewart details an event on August 8, 1995, when an amateur astronomer in Dee Why, New South Wales, videotaped a dark object passing across the Mare Humorum on the Moon. Using a 10-inch Meade reflector and a video camcorder, the astronomer captured the object for approximately 0.72 seconds across 26 frames. Preliminary investigations, including checks with Sydney Observatory, ruled out the object being an aeroplane, man-made satellite, or space junk. The object appeared elliptical with a dark central mass and a possible dome-like feature, showing a faint highlight suggesting it was solid and slightly reflective. Its low albedo and fuzzy margin suggest it was at least 7,500km from the observer, out in space, and not casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. The article explores various possibilities for its distance and speed, concluding that its properties are peculiar to the UFO itself.

Project Aurora - coming to a secret base near here?

This feature by Groenmann discusses the implications of 'Project Aurora,' a term associated with alleged secret UFO technology developments at Area 51 in Nevada. The article suggests that due to increasing 'UFO tourism' and potential embarrassment, many 'black' research projects are being relocated from the US to Pine Gap in Australia. This move is partly attributed to Australia's less liberal Freedom of Information legislation. The publication notes an increase in overseas requests for information on this development, which they are often unable to provide. It also touches upon US scientists on secret projects taking 'holidays' in Australia and not returning.

Also

Editorial: Fifty more years?

Written by Bryan Dickeson, this editorial reflects on 1995 as a 'good year' for UFO enthusiasts, marked by increased public interest and acceptance, partly due to US television shows like 'The X-Files' and the 'alien autopsy' footage. The editorial notes the historical fluctuation of interest in UFOs since World War II, with current interest at its highest level. It posits that Western Civilization will likely continue to develop for at least another fifty years, with UFO 'culture' being a part of this development. Key developments from 1995 highlighted include the Roswell Initiative's efforts to gain official acknowledgement for the 1947 crash, despite not yet producing physical evidence, and the promotion of the alleged Roswell alien autopsy film. The editorial also mentions the continued allegations of secret UFO technology at Area 51 and the challenges of 'UFO tourism.' It notes the relocation of US military research projects to Australia, specifically Pine Gap, due to FOI concerns.

Comment: Up the establishment

Alan Craddock's comment argues that the scientific 'Establishment' often resists new ideas that challenge existing theories, likening it to the Spanish Inquisition. He criticizes the prioritization of military spending over research into the origins of the universe or extraterrestrial life. Craddock suggests that mainstream scientists may avoid confronting UFO phenomena due to a desire for comfort and control. He advocates for bypassing the Establishment and forming an international body to deal with the truth about UFOs, asserting taxpayers' right to know what their government agencies are doing. The article draws parallels to the Cold War, where paranoia was promoted for funding, and suggests that military agencies might be seeking a new mandate by transferring the 'threat' off-planet. It anticipates that candidates in the 1996 US Presidential Campaign will be asked to disclose information on aliens.

British Airlines jet pilots duck as UFO flashes past at 13,000 ft

This report details an incident on January 6, 1995, where two British Airways pilots, Roger Wills and Mark Stuart, reported a triangular UFO flashing past their Boeing 737 jet at 13,000ft over the Pennines. The object was not detected by air traffic control. The pilots' log and sketches were sent to the Joint Air Miss Working Group, which launched an inquiry but could not trace the aircraft involved. Experts from Jane's Defence Weekly discounted theories that it could have been a new military aircraft.

Argentinian plane buzzed by a spaceship

This brief mention indicates a report of an Argentinian plane being 'buzzed' by a spaceship, though no further details are provided in the scanned pages.

Transient lunar phenomena (TLPs)

This brief mention indicates a discussion of Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs), though no further details are provided in the scanned pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the increasing public and media interest in UFO phenomena, the challenges of UFO research in the face of skepticism and 'Establishment' resistance, and the potential for future disclosures regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for open investigation and disclosure, critical of governmental and scientific gatekeeping, and optimistic about the eventual acceptance and understanding of UFO phenomena. The publication also highlights international aspects of UFO research, with mentions of US developments and their impact, as well as Australian cases and events.

Title: Moon UFO
Issue Date: December 1995
Publisher: UFO Reporter (NSW)
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Moon UFO delves into two primary areas of ufological interest: a specific lunar sighting and the development of advanced, possibly secret, aircraft.

Konig 080895: A Lunar Anomaly

The lead article, "Konig 080895", examines a video recording of an object observed near the Moon's crater Konig. The object, appearing to be about 10% shorter than Konig (which has a diameter of 20-21km), suggests a maximum length of 18-19km. The analysis highlights that the object's estimated speed, potentially over 1,140,000 km/hr (Mach 950 or 315 km/sec), and its size are considered unrealistic for any known natural or man-made phenomenon. The conclusions drawn are that the UFO is likely outside Earth's atmosphere, closer to Earth than the Moon, and moving at extremely high velocities. It is described as slightly elliptical, at least 100 miles long, with a dome-like structure. Its dark, barely-reflective core is surrounded by a fuzzy zone that may absorb light. The object's low albedo is consistent with a dimly sunlit or partially reflective body, possibly within Earth's penumbra or further out in space. The article dismisses the possibility of it being a Transient Lunar Phenomenon (TLP) due to the unrealistic calculated speeds and sizes if it were on the Moon, suggesting further image enhancement might clarify the details. A "Further reading" section points to W.R. Corliss's "Transient Lunar Phenomena" in "Mysterious Universe: A Handbook of Astronomical Anomalies" (1979).

Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs)

A separate section defines Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs) as thousands of unusual short-term events recorded on the Moon's surface over centuries, including flashes, dust storms, and colored lights. While some have been interpreted as large structures, mainstream science has not encouraged this. Previously attributed to volcanic or meteorological causes, these are now considered unlikely. TLPs have been photographed by astronauts and continue to be reported, with a 1992 report of a bright light parallel to the Moon's terminator caught on video by a Canberra astronomer. In recent years, TLPs have regained interest, with US scientist Richard Hoagland and others suggesting they might be caused by light reflected from vast artificial, possibly extraterrestrial, structures.

Argentinian Plane Buzzed by a Spaceship

This short report details an incident on August 2nd where an Aerolineas Argentinas jet, piloted by Jorge Polanco, narrowly avoided a UFO while approaching San Carlos de Bariloche. The pilot described a white light bearing down on the plane before halting abruptly about 100 meters away. The UFO then took a bizarre turn and flew alongside the airliner for about 100 meters. Air Force Major Jorge Oviedo confirmed the sighting, noting a simultaneous power cut throughout the city. The object was estimated to be the size of a jetliner. The report is sourced from "The Age, Melbourne, Thursday 3 August 1995."

Project Aurora - Coming to a Secret Base Near Here?

This extensive article investigates "Project Aurora," a rumored secret US aircraft program. It begins by linking mysterious sonic booms over the western US to trials of test aircraft from secret facilities like Area 51/Groom Lake. Investigators have suggested that sonic booms heard in Sydney, Australia, in May 1992, might be linked to long-distance trials of such aircraft, possibly flying from Area 51 to Pine Gap in Central Australia and back.

Area 51/Groom Lake

The article describes Area 51 (also known as Groom Lake) as a complex facility with giant hangers, runways, underground tunnels, and testing laboratories, used for covert military research and development since the 1950s. Known projects include the U2, SR-71 Blackbird, and US Stealth fighter/bomber. Security is extreme, with warnings of "deadly force" against intruders. US commentators believe it houses most of the US's "black" programs. The US Air Force officially admitted its use for "testing and training technologies, operations and systems critical to the effectiveness of US military forces" in 1994. Recent lawsuits by families of ex-employees allege deaths caused by exposure to toxic chemicals from stealth projects.

Ufological Interest and Dark Star

UFO investigators have shown intermittent interest in Area 51, fueled by reports of "exotic" aircraft. Commercial airline pilots have reported aircraft on radar traveling at speeds over 8000 km/hr (Mach 7.5) and executing high-speed right-angle turns. Bob Lazar's 1989 accounts of working on extraterrestrial craft at Area 51 added to its notoriety. The article mentions "Dark Star," a project reportedly involving hypersonic "robot" aircraft or drones. Details released by Lockheed-Martin/Boeing describe Dark Star as a mid-altitude reconnaissance craft with a large wingspan and a small fuselage, possibly subsonic, made of composite materials, and powered by a single turbofan. It was slated for transfer to NASA-Dryden for launching in late 1995. The article contrasts this with the "new" technology being developed, possibly related to the fabled "Aurora."

The Stealth Family

Diagrams illustrate various stealth aircraft, including the B-2 Bomber, F117A Fighter, and two spy drones: "Dark Star" and "Tier II Plus." The article notes that Dark Star and Tier II Plus are self-propelled gliders with subsonic speeds (420 km/hr and 480 km/hr), much smaller and presumably less expensive than the B-2 bomber. Their low speeds suggest they are intended for nighttime surveillance.

Project Aurora

Reports on Project Aurora mention unusual condensation trails, triangular craft, and supersonic booms. Aeronautical engineers suggest a "pulse detonation system" might be used, potentially achieving speeds of Mach 8 at high altitudes. The US Military remains highly secretive about Aurora, suggesting development might be moving away from Groom Lake.

The Australian Connection

The article posits that the US military is seeking overseas test locations due to public interest in Area 51. Australia is considered a prime option, with Pine Gap being highlighted as a suitably inaccessible site. Unlike the Philippines and Okinawa, which face political issues and are more accessible to foreign submarines, Pine Gap is inland and more secure. Australia's Freedom of Information (FoI) legislation is described as less liberal than the US. While the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty allows monitoring of "secret" bases, it's unclear if this applies to overseas sites. Reports of high-speed, highly maneuverable objects over Central Australia since 1992 are compared to Area 51 reports. The article notes that while local UFO investigators rely on external sources, Pine Gap is likely to feature more prominently in future "Area 51" material.

Tier II Plus

Details are provided on the "Tier II Plus" spy drone, including its wing span (116 ft) and speed (480 km/hr). The article references a Space Shuttle report from September 1991 indicating interference capability at Pine Gap. Pine Gap is described as inaccessible, with nearby mountains offering poor viewing. Protests against foreign bases have occurred there. An area called "Jay Creek Aboriginal Reserve" was previously shown on maps near Pine Gap, possibly allowing limited access, but this area is no longer marked, suggesting increased security. The article concludes that strict security in Australia means local investigators depend on external information, but Pine Gap will likely become a significant focus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena observed in space (specifically the Moon) and the secrecy surrounding advanced military technology and potential extraterrestrial influences. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, presenting evidence and speculation from UFO researchers and commentators while acknowledging the limitations of current data and the challenges posed by military secrecy and disinformation. The magazine highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs, ranging from potential extraterrestrial craft to advanced human technology developed in secret.