UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 2 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Research Australia newsletter
Issue: Volume 2, No. 1
Date: January-February 1981
Publisher: UFO Research Australia
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the UFO Research Australia newsletter presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from various regions of Australia, alongside updates on research projects and organizational activities. The editorial emphasizes a commitment to scientific, objective, and well-researched material, while consciously avoiding sensationalism and unfounded beliefs.

Editorial Stance

The editorial section outlines the newsletter's mission: to provide thoroughly researched material and intelligent, objective theories to its readers. It states a commitment to scientific rigor but also acknowledges the role of imagination in discovery. The newsletter aims to present a balanced overview of the UFO phenomenon, as seen by objective researchers. It explicitly declares an intention to avoid the 'lunatic fringe' and irrational beliefs, preferring an open and questioning approach to the subject.

Contents and Featured Articles

The newsletter features a diverse range of articles and reports, including:

• Editorial: Setting the tone and objectives for the publication.
• Regional Reports:
• Far North Queensland: Details a motorist's encounter near Kuranda in November 1980, involving a bright, round light described as "like a very bright floodlight" shining down. The witness estimated the object's size at 30 cm at arm's length and its elevation between 40 and 80 degrees.
• New South Wales: Reports on a sighting in Frenchs Forest on June 7, 1980, where 14 people witnessed an oval ring of bluish-grey light hover and then move west. The object was described as "saucer-like" and "silver all over." Independent witnesses Mr. K and Mr. L provided accounts that corroborated the main report.
• Tasmania: Features two reports from 1980. The first, from Murdunna, describes two boys encountering a white starlike light, followed by two squarish lights and a silver ball object. The second, a 'Plateau Sighting' near Lake Sorell, describes a long body illuminated by a green-yellow glow with a red flickering centre, observed at ground level.
• South Australia: Details an "Unusual Nocturnal Light" observed on Yorke Peninsula on January 6, 1981. Mr. Kevin Morris reported a bright white light, half the size of the moon, moving south. Binocular observation revealed an egg-shaped object with circular lights underneath.
• Forum: A section for discussion and shorter reports.
• "Not so 'Alien Honeycomb'?": An article likely exploring a specific case or phenomenon.
• AESG Computer File: Suggests the use of computer technology in UFO research.
• Rosedale, Victoria - A Close Encounter: A report from Victoria.
• An Approach to the UFO Maze: A more theoretical or analytical piece.
• Reference Library: Information on resources for further study.

Organizational Information and Projects

Several UFO research organizations are listed with their contact details, including:

• Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS)
• UFO Research (FNQ) Far North Queensland
• UFO Research (QLD) Queensland
• UFO Research (NSW) New South Wales
• UFO Research (CC) Central Coast
• Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)
• UFO Research (SA) South Australia
• UFO Research (WA) Western Australia

The newsletter highlights the ACUFOS project, which is investigating 58 Australian motor vehicle interference cases. It announces plans to publish a preliminary catalogue of these events and encourages the submission of additional cases.

Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC)

TUFOIC, founded in 1965, is a non-profit civilian investigation and research organization based in Hobart. Its objectives include collecting and examining UFO phenomena information, particularly from Tasmania, and distributing authentic findings. TUFOIC publishes the annual magazine "UFO TASMANIA" and maintains contact with other organizations globally. It was a founder member of ACOS (now ACUFOS).

Subscription Information

Annual subscription rates are provided: $10.00 for Australia, $12.00 (Aust) for foreign surface mail, and $2.00 for single copies.

Postal Address Change

UFO Research (SA) Inc. announced a change of postal address effective April 20, 1981, from GPO Box 497 Adelaide SA 5001 to 3 Park Lake Drive, Wynn Vale, SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5127.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings across Australia, with a focus on providing detailed accounts and encouraging objective analysis. The editorial stance is clearly defined as one of scientific inquiry, seeking to present credible information while actively distancing itself from sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The emphasis is on reasoned investigation and the pursuit of understanding the UFO phenomenon through rigorous research.

This issue of Western Australia magazine, published by the Australian Physical Evidence Study Group, focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and research within Australia. The publication date is listed as July 1979, though some articles reference events and materials from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, scientific analysis, and open communication among researchers.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Cases in Western Australia (1980 and earlier)

The issue begins by noting a low number and quality of UFO reports in Western Australia during 1980 compared to previous years. It proposes reviewing past cases with good data, particularly those included in the National Computer Programme based in New South Wales, to aid in piecing together the UFO puzzle. Three specific cases from Western Australia are detailed:

• Case 1: Occurred on December 16, 1976, at Kalgoorlie Airport. A meteorological officer observed an oval-shaped object, brightest at its edges, pass from northeast to southwest and stop for approximately five seconds before vanishing.
• Case 2: Occurred on March 14, 1977, 7 km north of Yalgoo. A prospector was approached by a very bright light, the upper half of which glowed bright orange and was round, slightly bigger than a softball. The glow suddenly switched off, and the object disappeared.
• Case 3: Occurred on November 15, 1967, at Yerecoin. A farm manager heard a 'whinning' sound and saw a saucer-shaped grey metallic object heading towards him, about 100 meters above the ground. The object hovered close to the witness' vehicle, showing portholes, then rose at great speed with a sound like an overloaded generator before disappearing.

"NOT SO ‘ALIEN HONEYCOMB'?” by Bill Chalker

This extensive article critically examines the claims made in the book "Alien Honeycomb" by John Pinkney and Leonard Ryzman. The book purported to present "the first solid evidence of UFOs" based on material found in the Greenbank area of Queensland. The publisher's blurb claimed the material was from a UFO that exploded, with wreckage containing unknown elements and configurations that would present science with fundamental problems.

Chalker argues that the book fails to substantiate these claims. He notes that John Pinkney stated the evidence rested in the material itself and its dispersal, which Chalker deems mere implication. The UFO event witnessed by Mrs. Fraser in 1966 is considered potentially irrelevant, as the UFO was not seen exploding.

Chalker, along with a fellow chemist and Paul Hebron (a UFO researcher and aircraft engineer), suspects the material is terrestrial high-strength honeycomb bonded structural material. Ciba-Geigy markets similar materials under the name Aeroweb. Metallurgist Paul Brixis also agrees that the material is similar or identical to terrestrially produced material.

The article suggests possible mundane explanations for the material's presence, such as wreckage from Liberator or Canberra bombers that crashed in the region in the 1950s and 1965, respectively. Honeycomb structures are integral to aircraft technology.

Dick Smith, an electronics entrepreneur, offered John Pinkney $10,000 if a recognized Australian laboratory confirmed the "alien honeycomb" was unidentifiable within a week. Pinkney refused the offer and a debate with Chalker. The article concludes that the claims are likely spurious and that Occam's Razor suggests a mundane explanation. A postscript mentions better correlations between UFOs and fragments in cases like the Ubatuba fragments (Brazil, 1957) and Kallavesi Lake material (Finland, 1964).

"ALIEN HONEYCOMB" EXPLAINED: STOP PRESS

This follow-up report confirms the findings of the previous article. Bill Chalker reports that analyses undertaken of samples identified as "alien honeycomb" by Mrs. Jean Fraser indicated an entirely mundane origin. An investigator sent by Dick Smith interviewed Mrs. Fraser, and samples were analyzed by UNISEARCH Limited at the University of NSW. The analysis, conducted by Dr. T.S. Hickie, indicated the material was "woven fabrics in plain and sateen weaves and woven from multifilament fibre-class," with no unknown elements. Dr. Hickie stated that the weave pattern is simple and has been known for thousands of years, and fibreglass yarn has been manufactured globally since around 1938.

A related item briefly describes a new process for making high-strength titanium aircraft parts using superplastic forming/diffusion bonding, developed by McDonnell Douglas.

COMMUNICATION: A NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT by V. Godic and P. Barenson

This article discusses the challenges in UFO research communication. The authors argue that serious researchers should deal directly with each other worldwide to maximize progress, rather than being hindered by the "enthusiastic static of 'believers.'" They note that in Australia, research organizations and the Australian Centre for UFO Studies maintain good communication and a computer file of investigations. However, communication between the Australian and American Centres for UFO Studies broke down in 1979, with the American Centre preferring to quote Australian media rather than engage directly.

The authors criticize the "hoarding of information" and state that no single individual or organization can solve the UFO riddle alone. They mention UFORAN Vol. 1, issues 1 and 2, which covered a reported UFO crash near Stirling, South Australia, later explained as a natural event. They also cite the Apro Bulletin and other magazines quoting Australian newspapers without contacting UFO Research South Australia, who had solved the case. An example of good international cooperation is cited with LES EXTRATERRESTRES magazine contacting UFO Research South Australia directly regarding a New Zealand sighting.

The article concludes that communication barriers frustrate researchers and inevitably lead them to fall away from research, delaying solutions to the phenomenon.

THE AESG COMPUTER FILE

This section describes a simple computer program developed by the AESG (Australian Entity Study Group) for storing basic information on Australian entity reports. The file has been updated to provide more in-depth information. A typical display format is shown, including fields for Date, Type, Location, Time, Duration, Reporter, Entity (ENT) codes, and Source. The ENT codes are detailed, with 12 digits for the first code representing aspects like the number and type of entities, height, body features, build, hand features, movement, and behavior. The second 11-digit code covers equipment, other features, reaction to reporter, head features, reporter's reaction, type of communication, sound from entity, and how the entity appeared and disappeared. The AESG computer file holds coded information on 105 known Australian and New Zealand events and is updated as new events occur.

ROSEDALE, VICTORIA - A CLOSE ENCOUNTER by Keith Basterfield and Bill Chalker

This article reports on a spectacular event that occurred in the early hours of September 30, 1980, on a property near Rosedale, Victoria. The investigation was conducted by Bill Chalker, Gary Little, and Keith Basterfield on behalf of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies.

The percipient, a 54-year-old farm hand, was awakened by a screeching whistle, cattle bellowing, and a horse in panic. He observed an object moving from right to left, estimated at 8-10 feet above the ground. Initially thought to be an aircraft in distress, it was later described as a domed object with a white top, orange and blue lights, and an estimated diameter of 26 feet and height of 15 feet. It passed between structures, hovered over a paddock, and rested over a water tank before moving to a stationary position on the ground.

The witness decided to investigate, riding his bike towards the object. He reported an unusual body sensation, feeling "like a jelly on a plate," with everything trembling. The object remained on the ground, emitting a whistling noise. The witness could not approach closer due to the noise intensity. The object consisted of two sections: a white dome on top and a larger orange section underneath with circular windows or lights.

Suddenly, the noise increased to "an awful scream," a black tube appeared around the base, inflating to a tremendous size, followed by a "bang" and a blast of air and heat. The object lifted up and rolled off eastward. The witness observed the black "tube" deflating and noted six evenly spaced "spokes" or V-shaped "things" around the rim of the base. At about 30 feet out, it fell silent, and material fell from its underside, described as stones, cape weed, and cow paddies.

Later, in daylight, the witness found a ring of flattened grass, about 28 feet in diameter, with six "spokes" of undamaged grass within it. The area inside the ring was green grass, while the surrounding paddock had yellow flowers. Debris was found leading east from the spot.

Notably, the witness's watch, which had been reliable, stopped at 0110hrs during the event and experienced intermittent stopping over the next three days.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a stance of critical inquiry and scientific rigor in UFO research. It emphasizes the need for verifiable evidence, analysis of materials, and direct communication between serious researchers. The debunking of the "Alien Honeycomb" claims and the detailed investigation of the Rosedale encounter exemplify this approach. The publication also highlights the importance of data collection and organization, as demonstrated by the description of the AESG Computer File. The underlying message is that while UFO phenomena are intriguing, research must be grounded in evidence and objective analysis to move towards understanding.

This document details a UFO close encounter incident that occurred in Rosedale, Victoria, Australia, in late September 1980. The issue includes witness testimony, descriptions of physical trace evidence, and an analysis of potential explanations for UFO phenomena.

Rosedale, Victoria - A Close Encounter

The primary account describes an event where a witness inspecting a mark on his property was approached by a truck driver. The truck driver reported being followed by an object from Traralgon to Rosedale at approximately 0100hrs on the morning of the incident. Later that morning, around 0900hrs, the property owner visited and noted the witness appeared distressed. The witness showed the owner the mark, and the incident was reported to the local newspaper, "Gippsland Times", with an account appearing on October 1, 1980.

The Tank Incident

A significant aspect of the encounter involved a 12-foot high, 8-foot wide concrete water tank. The witness stated that the tank, which held about 10,000 gallons of water, was full the day before (September 29, 1980). Upon inspection on the day of the event, approximately 10,000 gallons of water were gone. Additionally, a muddy residue was piled up in the center of the tank to a height of about two feet, despite the outlet being on the side. Algae, which had been floating on top, was stuck to the walls hanging downwards. It was estimated that it would normally take 72 hours to empty the tank through the standard pipe.

Additional Comments and Physical Effects

Further observations included a noticeable strip of grass beneath the path of the object, extending from a tree to a hayrick and from a fence to the tank. By 1100hrs on the same morning, the witness developed a severe headache that persisted until about 1500hrs. This headache, described as a sharp, constant pain across his forehead and at the top of his head, was unusual for him. For the following 7-8 days, similar headaches occurred daily, and he also experienced difficulty sleeping, waking up in a sweat. He reported vomiting and diarrhoea when eating meals in the mornings, though evening meals caused no problems. He did not seek medical advice. On the 7th or 8th night, he had a vivid dream of seeing the object again and holding a shotgun, after which he recovered his normal health.

The Stock

Immediately upon awakening, the witness heard cattle bellowing and a horse racing. He observed cattle in an adjacent paddock and a horse running anti-clockwise in a small paddock. Later, he found a cow hiding under a shed. Cattle were still being rounded up in the large paddock for up to a week later. The witness also stated that the stock would not go near the mark.

Investigation

Following the discovery of the mark, numerous individuals inspected it. An inspection by Paul Norman (VUFORS vice-president and MUFON state representative for Victoria) and his associate Pat Gildea took place about two weeks after the event. A brief report of their findings was published in the December 1980 issue of the VUFORS Bulletin. The authors, along with Gary Little of Melbourne, conducted an on-site investigation in December 1980. The witness provided a detailed report and underwent a six-hour interview. Three months after the event, a vaguely defined area of bare earth/grass, approximately 28 feet across, was still visible. New clover growth was regrowing in parts of the paddock, but only in one corner of the marking. Soil and rock samples were taken for analysis. The property owner was interviewed, and copies of local newspapers were obtained. Efforts were made to locate a GTV 9 news report film, the truck driver, and accurate weather details.

Summary of Extraordinary Elements

The event included a witness close encounter, a UFO apparently correlated with physical ground traces, effects on the reporter, his watch, other trace effects, effects on stock, and the disappearance of 10,000 gallons of water from a tank. Further unusual events were reported in the Gippsland area in the months following the Rosedale incident, including more ground traces, UFO reports, and water losses. A fuller report was to be published by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies.

Notes

1. The Australian Centre for UFO Studies is located at PO Box 546, Gosford NSW 2250.
2. The witness provided estimates in the imperial system, which have been retained for accuracy.
3. VUFORS is the Victorian UFO Research Society, with a PO Box 43, Moorabbin Vic 3189.

Available Documents

Two new documents by John Prytz of Canberra were advertised: "IN SEARCH OF A SUBJECT: AN AUSTRALIAN SETI PROGRAMME" (145 pages, $10) and "INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL FOR UFOLOGISTS" (52 pages, $5). Both are available from ACUFOS, PO Box 546, Gosford NSW 2250.

An Approach to the UFO Maze: Philosophy Based on Clarke's 3rd Law

This section, authored by John Prytz, explores a philosophical approach to understanding UFO phenomena. It begins by quoting Dr. Einstein on the comprehensibility of the universe and posits that UFOs are not random but understandable. Prytz proposes that the key to understanding UFOs lies in asking the right questions, particularly "why UFOs at all?" rather than just "what are UFOs?"

Four Scenarios for UFO Existence

Prytz outlines four possible scenarios for the existence of UFOs:

1. UFOs exist physically and are the sole stimulus for data.
2. UFOs exist physically but are confused by psychic, religious, sociological, and psychological phenomena.
3. UFOs exist solely due to a need to believe in mysteries, driven by psychological and sociological factors.
4. UFOs are natural phenomena, not necessarily "nuts and bolts", and their perception is influenced by human belief.

Three General "What" Answers

These scenarios lead to three general categories for "what" UFOs are: Physical Phenomena, Mental Phenomena, and Technical Phenomena. Each of these can be further divided.

Nine "What" Subdivisions

The nine subdivisions are:

• Physical Phenomena: Natural and common phenomena (e.g., Venus, mirages), natural and rare phenomena (e.g., ball lightning), and artificial but manmade phenomena (e.g., flares, satellites).
• Mental Phenomena: Delusions, hoaxes, frauds, fabrications, psychological/sociological phenomena, and psychic/religious phenomena.
• Technological Phenomena: Terrestrial "secret weapons", parallel/alternative times/universes technology, and extraterrestrial technology.

Methodologies: Occam's Razor vs. Clarke's 3rd Law

Prytz contrasts two methodologies for approaching the UFO problem: Occam's Razor (simplicity rules) and Arthur C. Clarke's Third Law ("Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"). He suggests that Occam's Razor has failed to explain the UFO problem to date, leading him to adopt Clarke's philosophy.

The "Strangeness" Factor

Prytz argues that UFOs exhibit a high degree of strangeness, and therefore, the explanation must also be strange. He posits that "advanced technology" is the most likely explanation, potentially extraterrestrial or involving time/dimensional travel. He critiques the common portrayal of aliens in science fiction as too similar to humans, suggesting that true advanced ETI would be far more alien, akin to the technology depicted in "2001: A Space Odyssey".

Ranking of "Whats"

Through a personal exercise, Prytz ranked the nine "whats" based on their ability to explain UFO "effects". Extraterrestrial technology ranked highest in strangeness, followed by parallel/alternative times/universes technology. He concludes that the UFO picture is confusing and that a core "smoking gun", likely technological in nature, needs to be identified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation and analysis of a specific UFO incident in Rosedale, Victoria. The magazine presents detailed witness testimony, physical evidence, and subsequent investigations. The editorial stance, particularly in the latter part of the document, leans towards a philosophical exploration of UFOs, favoring explanations rooted in advanced technology and the concept of "strangeness" over simpler, more conventional explanations. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting related research and documents within the UFO community.

This issue of Reference Library, identified as issue number 32 and dated November-December 1979, features a review of the book "UFO...CONTACT FROM THE PLEIADES" Volume 1, published by Genesis III Productions Ltd. The book, priced at $24.95, is presented as an account of the 'contactee' story of Eduard Meier of Switzerland, supported by 71 pages of text and photographs.

Book Review: "UFO...CONTACT FROM THE PLEIADES" Volume 1 by Frank Gillespie

The review, written by Frank Gillespie, highlights the book's unique presentation, which is primarily composed of twenty-two flying saucer photographs, accompanied by a text described as 'sketchy and disjointed.' The book also includes personal photographs, philosophical snippets, and connections to ancient structures. The photographs are attributed to Eduard "Billy" Meier, a farmer from Hinwel, Switzerland. The review notes that the book is a collaborative effort by nine individuals and four companies.

Gillespie's central argument is that the photographic evidence presented in the book is largely fabricated. He points to the very first photograph as containing the most obvious signs of fakery, specifically a superimposition technique. He details how the apparent illumination of the spacecraft, supposedly from a reddish sun, terminates abruptly along the line of distant hilltops, and how color discrepancies (displacement of magenta and yellow from cyan and black) create an artificial orange flash. He questions whether this defect is due to poor printing or deliberate manipulation, noting that similar defects appear in other photos in the same series. He suggests that the color displacement was intentionally reversed in a second printing of one image, further indicating deliberate fakery.

The reviewer categorizes several common faults found in the photographs that point to superimposition techniques, likely involving models for the spacecraft. These include discrepancies in lighting direction, inconsistent exposure between background and craft, craft being in better focus than the scene, lack of ground shadow, and inconsistent lighting between shots supposedly taken at the same time. The last picture in the book, with obvious painted-on 'portholes,' is cited as further evidence. The technique of front projection is identified as the probable method used.

Beyond the photographs, Gillespie also criticizes the book's text. He dismisses the excuse for poor focus (camera jammed just short of infinity) as hollow, given the clarity needed for landscape photography. Micrograph images are described as nonsensical, with claims about conductivity and machining being questionable. The repetition of five images for no clear reason is also noted. Drawings of craft are deemed accurate for some types but not others.

Gillespie expresses significant concern regarding the book's 'scientific investigation' section. He notes the lack of named individuals involved, apart from acknowledging De Anza Systems Inc. He suggests that some colleagues may have been misled by advanced technology, failing to see how easily systems can be cheated. He likens relying solely on computer analysis for UFO photograph analysis to staking one's reputation on a computer beating all chess players. He explains that factors like distance and size assessment, based on edge sharpness, can be manipulated to produce desired results during superimposition. He also points out that isotope analysis, a technique capable of determining the extraterrestrial origin of materials, is not mentioned in the book, despite the alleged presence of such specimens.

Further scientific critique is offered regarding electron microscopy and color film analysis. Gillespie argues that electron microscopy on color film images would only show the topography of the emulsion, making dye materials indistinguishable from the gelatin. He states that three dimensionality can be detected from original photographs but is often falsely inferred from copied images. He dismisses the idea that mysterious radiation could produce images or that wires/threads supporting models would be visible with computer enhancement, suggesting a 300mm foam plastic model could be supported by a single nylon stocking fiber, undetectable at a distance. He explains that film grain analysis cannot determine exposure history or darkroom techniques, concluding that computer techniques cannot replace careful visual examination.

Gillespie concludes his review with a direct message to Eduard "Billy" Meier, inviting him and the Pleiadians to visit him for courtesy and consideration, and offering to take infinitely better photographs of their spacecraft to convince the world of their existence. He notes the Pleiadians' avowed purpose is to contact willing humans to disseminate knowledge of their existence.

A Word of Caution

Additional material received concerning the book is presented. Walt Andrews of MUFON, writing in the MUFON Journal of June 1980, states that the book is an 'outright fraud perpetrated upon the public for financial gain.' Similarly, the APRO Bulletin, dated November-December 1979, labels the book a 'hoax.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical examination and debunking of a UFO-related book, "UFO...CONTACT FROM THE PLEIADES" Volume 1. The editorial stance, as represented by Frank Gillespie's review, is one of strong skepticism towards photographic evidence presented in UFO literature, emphasizing the importance of careful visual analysis over technological interpretation. The issue also highlights the prevalence of alleged UFO hoaxes and fraudulent publications within the field, citing reports from reputable organizations like MUFON and APRO. The overall tone is investigative and critical, aiming to provide readers with a discerning perspective on UFO claims.