UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 2 no 2

Magazine Overview

This document is the "UFO Research Australia newsletter", Volume 2, Number 2, dated March-April 1981. It is published by Vladimir Godic in Prospect, South Australia, and registered for posting as a publication under Category B. The newsletter features articles investigating UFO/UAP sightings and related phenomena within Australia.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "WE MUST 'LEAD' THE SCEPTICS.", advocates for a rigorous and self-critical approach to UFO research. It stresses the importance of quickly identifying and debunking hoaxes or cases with mundane explanations to enhance credibility with professional scientists and avoid association with the 'lunatic fringe'. The editorial highlights the 'alien honeycomb' incident from the previous year as a wasteful use of time. It emphasizes concentrating efforts on well-investigated cases and promises to deliver first-hand, well-investigated information. The Rosedale, Victoria event from September 30, 1980, is mentioned as an example of a thoroughly reported case that was published in the newsletter before appearing in the "Flying Saucer Review".

Far North Queensland: Retrospective Investigation of a Possible Trace at Mt. Garnet

This article, by Holly Goriss & Russell Boundy, investigates a purported landing trace discovered in February 1977 near Mt. Garnet, North Queensland. The investigation was carried out on March 7, 1981, due to new information indicating a possible landing. A local woman, Mrs. C., reported seeing a shed-like structure on the site two weeks before the trace was found. She described it as having sides that angled like a roof and appearing like weathered galvanized iron. When she returned five hours later, the structure had disappeared. The trace itself, discovered two weeks after her sighting, consisted of one large circle surrounded by four smaller oval shapes. The article details the site's location, the surrounding terrain, and the condition of the grass within and outside the trace, noting that the grass within the marking was weaker and sickly, suggesting an external influence. Soil samples were taken for analysis by ACUFOS. The conclusion states that the vegetation is still being affected by something, and the results of the soil analysis were pending.

New South Wales: A Ten Year Old Mystery

This article documents an extraordinary aerial object sighting from approximately ten years prior (circa 1971) in Whalan, a western Sydney suburb. The investigation was prompted by a caller to a 2GB radio forum, and led by Bill Chalker (Director of UFO Research NSW) and David Reneke. The witness, a woman waiting for her daughter, described a white, pencil-shaped object heading towards her, which then curved, descended, and reappeared near rooftop level. The object dropped a 'bent stick' about 4 feet long, which then shot back up to the object, appearing as a 'fiery arrow'. The object was described as egg-shaped, about 12 feet in diameter, white, metallic, and without visible rivets or panels. It had two yellow windows and a copper rod pointing downwards. The object performed a sideways maneuver and then took off like a jet, leaving a smoke trail that abruptly stopped. The event is considered unusual, with no conventional explanation apparent.

South Australia

This section reports that UFO Research (SA) has received 25 reports year-to-date, most of which were explainable (satellites, meteors, aircraft, birds, planets). Two interesting identified cases from March are highlighted. The first, on March 5, was a red glow in the southern sky identified as a spectacular southern aurora, rare at their latitude. The second, on March 24, involved multiple calls reporting a spectacular yellowish ball of light with an orange-red-yellow tail moving horizontally, likely a satellite re-entry or bright meteor. The article includes a section on "AURORA", explaining that auroras occur at high altitudes due to ionization of the Earth's atmosphere, likely connected to charged particles from the sun interacting with Van Allen belts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes a methodical and critical approach to UFO research, aiming for credible, well-investigated reports. The theme of physical traces and their environmental impact is explored in the Mt. Garnet case, while the Whalan sighting focuses on detailed witness testimony and object description. The South Australia section highlights the importance of distinguishing between anomalous phenomena and conventional explanations, such as auroras and atmospheric events. The editorial stance is clearly one of seeking factual evidence and rational explanations while remaining open to genuine mysteries.

This issue of "AUSTRALIA - 1980" is a compilation of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and investigations conducted or reported by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS) and its affiliated organizations throughout 1980. The publication serves as a record of sightings, encounters, and the subsequent investigative efforts to understand these phenomena. The issue is divided into sections detailing specific incidents across various Australian states, alongside a list of available publications from ACUFOS and a speculative article on telepathic connections with extraterrestrials.

Rosedale-Victoria, Update

The lead story, by Keith Basterfield and Bill Chalker, revisits a spectacular event that occurred on a farm property near Rosedale, Victoria. This incident involved a close encounter with an object that left physical traces on the ground. ACUFOS investigators have been conducting follow-up investigations to gather more documentation and information. They have obtained newspaper articles, photographs, and meteorological data for the area. Soil and rock samples were collected and are undergoing scientific tests. Two other physical traces were found on surrounding farms, and telephone interviews were conducted with the owners. ACUFOS also secured a video-taped interview with the percipient from GTV Channel Nine, and a report on this evidence will be featured in the next newsletter.

Publications Available from the Australian Centre for UFO Studies

A list of publications is provided, including reference catalogues of UFO cases from 1978 and 1979, a report on UFO observations by aircraft crew members, an in-depth review of Australasian UFO-related entity reports, a catalogue of UFO-anthropoid cases, and proceedings from a UFO conference held in Canberra in December 1980. Prices are listed in Australian dollars, with instructions for overseas orders via International Money Order. Orders should be directed to ACUFOS, PO Box 546, Gosford NSW 2250, AUSTRALIA.

Australia - 1980: A Year in Review

The main body of the magazine details UFO sightings reported in Australia during 1980. The year is described as relatively quiet compared to previous years, but several interesting cases were investigated.

Tully, Queensland (January 9-1980)

On January 8, a farmer near Tully reported a large, round, amber-colored object that changed colors and was visible for half an hour. A similar nocturnal light was seen the following night but was not positively identified.

Miriwinni, Queensland (January 15-1980)

A lady observed a bright, colored light detach from Orion's belt and move, changing colors from white/silver to red/blue. The light then moved southwards, performed a U-turn, gained altitude, and disappeared.

Stirling, South Australia (February 7-1980)

An incident involving a damaged tree was reported, with a witness momentarily seeing a yellow object. Investigations by UFO Research (SA) Inc. concluded that the damage was due to natural causes, likely a misperception of dust and debris from a collapsing branch.

Malanda, Queensland (February 11-12, 1980)

A large area of seed crop was flattened, with smaller patches affected. The damage was concluded to be caused by a strong wind force, though a resident heard a 'clunk' noise and another saw a bright glow.

Blanchetown, South Australia (February 12-1980)

Unusual lights followed a vehicle for some time. Investigations by UFOR(SA) revealed alternative conventional explanations.

Broadwaters, New South Wales (February 23-1980)

Three independent witnesses observed a large, fire-colored object with four appendages moving slowly from north-east to south-west.

Caravonica, Queensland (February 23-1980)

Four people dining together observed a pulsing glow and sound. A bright, rectangular orange light appeared, stationary and about two meters off the ground. It then disappeared, followed by an orange glow behind a house. Television reception interference was reported.

Cairns, Queensland (February 25-1980)

A lady saw an orange light moving horizontally, followed by an aircraft light. The light then dimmed, stopped, and moved again in the same direction as the aircraft.

Smithfield, Queensland (February 27-1980 and Feb. 80)

Two large, stationary, oval-shaped lights with orange-red auras and a dull humming sound were observed. They moved westwards, one with a zig-zag trajectory. Another report from Smithfield mentioned a flattened area of sugar cane, attributed by the property owner to heavy wind and rain.

Bagdad, Tasmania (March 10-1980)

A white oval to elliptical shape, seemingly spinning, moved rapidly west. One witness thought she heard a low whirring noise.

Burpengary, Queensland (March 29-1980)

Three people driving home observed a bright white light directly ahead of the car, which moved towards their right, sloped downwards, and dropped below the horizon.

Adelaide, South Australia (April 1-1980)

A lady observed a mushroom-shaped object with large angular size, exhibiting circular patches of different colors. The object had disappeared by the time her husband woke up.

Cunningham, South Australia (April 13-1980)

A man driving home noticed a row of lights flashing in sequence. He experienced a lack of power in his car, which cut out several times. The lights then moved away rapidly.

Babinda, Queensland (April 26-1980)

Brothers observed an object to the west of a building, described as oval with curved "wings", silver, dimming and brightening. A red light was reported at the top and bottom, along with a humming noise.

Murdunna, Tasmania (June 7-1980)

Two teenage boys encountered nocturnal lights. They saw a white stationary object and later two squarish areas of light that circled each other. A silver ball was also observed before the boys fled the paddock.

Mountain Creek, Tasmania (July 6-1980)

Two people observed lights at ground level, described as white at the sides and flickering red in the middle, with a green-yellowish glow illuminating a long body. A deep whirring noise was heard, and the object moved away, then shot vertically into the sky.

Warrnambool, Victoria (July 24-1980)

Ten observations of an object described as saucer, cigar, or rocket-shaped were reported. It was photographed, and analysis by Ground Saucer Watch in the USA concluded it represented a high altitude military aircraft.

Northern Territory (August 7-1980)

A TAA airline pilot flying a DC9 jet reported seeing a dark dot with a distinctive contrail heading north-west, estimated at 1600 meters altitude. Civil and military sources found no traffic in the area.

Tully, Queensland (September 14-1980)

Two people riding pushbikes saw a cigar-shaped object with a red stripe that faded into the sky.

Rosedale, Victoria (September 30-1980)

A 54-year-old man reported a spherical object, 8 meters by 5 meters, passing by his house and settling on the ground. It emitted a whistling sound before taking off. The witness experienced watch malfunctions and ill health. A doughnut-shaped ring was found where the object rested, and a water tank reportedly emptied.

Ayr, Queensland (October 28-1980)

A pulsating red nocturnal light was observed travelling north-west to south-east. The object responded to a spotlight with quick flashes, turned, went out, came back on, and was lost to view.

Perth, Western Australia (December 4-1980)

A series of radar/visual events occurred. The Perth airport tower observed a glinting object matched by radar. Later, a lady reported four discs overhead, also observed by the tower and radar. A third incident involved a radar return and a sighted object high above a runway.

Is There a Telepathic Connection?

This article by Pony Barenson speculates on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the nature of their communication. It posits that without other planets and life, the question of extraterrestrial life might not arise. Discounting hoaxes and psychological events, the author assumes a percentage of unexplained phenomena are alien visitations. Witnesses describe aliens flying in advanced, wingless vehicles. Communication with these beings is almost invariably described as telepathic. The author contrasts human individuality with a hypothetical telepathic society, suggesting that unity and progress would depend on telepathic communication. Such a society would distribute resources fairly, and individuals would experience the emotions of others. The article questions the motives of telepathic aliens, noting that contactees describe them as individualistic, occupying ranks, and performing specific functions, often involving fear-based emotions and traumatic physical exams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings across Australia, the search for mundane explanations, and the reporting of physical trace evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting detailed accounts of sightings and the investigative processes undertaken by organizations like ACUFOS. There is a clear effort to distinguish between cases with potential mundane explanations and those that remain unexplained. The inclusion of the telepathy article suggests an openness to exploring more speculative aspects of the UFO phenomenon and potential alien contact.

This issue of "THE CHANGING FACE OF UFOLOGY" explores various facets of UFO phenomena, from the potential for telepathic communication with extraterrestrials to the impact of radar technology and government secrecy on our understanding of these events. The magazine features articles by David Reneke, Lindy Whitehurst, and others, covering historical sightings, research methodologies, and significant incidents.

Is There a Telepathic Connection?

The opening article posits the idea of a telepathic connection between humans and extraterrestrials. It suggests that while abductees' memories are often sealed, emotional disturbance can lead to partial recall. The author argues that telepathic beings would have aims and that their non-invasive approach to Earth suggests they are not seeking to conquer. The experience of Betty Andreasson, who was taken by abductors and witnessed a phoenix-like destruction and rebirth, is used as a parallel to human intelligence arising from struggle and the potential for self-destruction. The article questions the detached, clinical interest described by some contactees, suggesting motives could range from scientific curiosity to preparation for galactic politics or even a form of warfare. It concludes by pondering if the gap in understanding is not between humans and visitors, but between humans themselves.

The Changing Face of Ufology

David Reneke traces the evolution of ufology from the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting, which popularized the term 'flying saucers,' through the era of 'contactees' like George Adamski, to the more sober, evidence-based research that emerged in the 1970s. He notes the division between those who accepted explanations from alleged extraterrestrial visitors and those who sought tangible proof. The article highlights the formation of research groups in the U.S. and Australia, such as APRO, NICAP, MUFON, UFOIC, TUFOIC, and QUFORB, which aimed to collectively advance the study. The current approach involves ordinary people reporting sightings, with science now employing new methodologies to find answers. The author acknowledges the persistence of fringe elements but emphasizes the dedication of true researchers who work at their own expense, seeking elusive evidence.

Scientific Approaches and Evidence Analysis

Recent years have seen specialized groups and individuals achieve significant results through scientific and automated scrutiny of tangible evidence, particularly close encounters of the second kind. Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) and Project Starlight International (PSI) are highlighted for their work. GSW uses equipment similar to NASA's to enhance electronic signals from UFO photographs and films, with a rigorous process that has identified a small percentage of genuine 'unidentifieds.' PSI, based in Austin, Texas, employs a range of scientific equipment, including magnetometers, gravitometers, and radar, to record UFO events. Project director Ray Stanford has documented numerous UFO sightings through motion picture films and magnetometer recordings, some suggesting magnetohydrodynamic propulsion effects.

Crashed UFOs and Humanoid Occupants

Leonard Stringfield is presented as a researcher with extensive documentation on alleged 'crashed UFOs' and humanoid occupants, based on over 25 independent accounts, primarily from the southwestern U.S. These reports describe small, humanoid beings with large hairless heads and slanted eyes. A sworn affidavit from 'Fritz Werner' details an investigation into a crashed object near Kingman, Arizona, in 1953, describing an aluminum-like disc and the remains of a four-foot-tall occupant in a silvery suit. Stringfield is reportedly working to obtain photographic evidence and affidavits to prove the existence of UFOs.

Radar Influences UFOs

Lindy Whitehurst examines the question of how UFOs materialize suddenly and undetected. The article notes the historical reputation of New Mexico and the southwestern U.S. as 'flying saucer country,' suggesting a pattern of UFO activity clustering around military installations and industrial complexes. The author questions why the southwest was a frequent point of entry, speculating it might be due to its sparse population. The article then delves into the vulnerabilities of U.S. air defense radar systems, particularly after cost-reduction measures in the 1960s and early 1970s. It highlights that the southern perimeter of the U.S. had significant gaps in surveillance, making it an attractive entry point for foreign aircraft and, by analogy, UFOs. The report of a Cuban Mig fighter plane landing in Florida in 1969 and a Cuban commercial airliner incident in New Orleans are cited as examples demonstrating these weaknesses. A 1971 report by the Armed Forces Subcommittee for the U.S. House of Representatives is quoted, emphasizing the uselessness of the existing air defense system and a 1500-mile opening on the southern border. The article suggests that UFOs, with advanced technology, could easily map and exploit these radar gaps, flying at low altitudes to avoid detection. The limitations of radar in distinguishing UFOs from ordinary aircraft and the lack of comprehensive coverage below 14,500 feet are discussed. The article concludes by suggesting that radar, or rather the lack of it, might be the missing link in understanding UFO incursions and that UFOs may exploit mountainous terrain in the southwestern U.S. to avoid detection. A notable incident in Socorro, New Mexico, in 1964, where humanoids reportedly entered a craft and flew it low towards the mountains, is presented as an example of UFOs potentially using terrain to avoid radar.

NORAD and Radar Trends

The article details the reduction in NORAD's operational strength, including fighter squadrons and radar sites, from 1961 onwards, with significant cuts in the early 1960s. These cost-saving measures led to a refocusing of defenses on the north, at the expense of the southern U.S. A table illustrates the decline in Nike/Hawk batteries, fighter squadrons, Bomarc missile squadrons, and radars. The text explains that while aircraft above 14,500 feet are generally tracked if they file a flight plan, private aircraft flying below this altitude, especially in mountainous regions, can evade radar detection. The article notes that radar scopes often cannot distinguish UFOs from ordinary airplanes, and that UFOs can potentially fly at low altitudes without significant radar contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the role of human institutions in either concealing or revealing information. There's a clear emphasis on the shift from anecdotal evidence to more scientific investigation and the use of technology like radar and photographic analysis. The magazine highlights the perceived shortcomings and secrecy within governmental and military organizations regarding UFO phenomena, suggesting a deliberate or systemic lack of transparency. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical examination of official narratives and a persistent pursuit of evidence, advocating for a more open and scientific approach to understanding UFOs, with the ultimate goal of proving their existence and understanding their implications for humanity.

Title: UFO ROUND-UP
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 1
Date: January 1982
Publisher: UFO Round-Up
Country: Australia
Price: $1.50
ISSN: 0725-5195

This issue of UFO Round-Up delves into the complex relationship between radar technology and UFO sightings, exploring how radar capabilities and limitations influence our understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena. It also features a significant review of Keith Basterfield's book, 'UFOs: The Image Hypothesis,' which offers a psychological perspective on UFO encounters.

Radar Influences UFOs

The lead article, "RADAR INFLUENCES UFOs," examines how radar systems, both military and civilian, are challenged by low-flying objects. It highlights the limitations of Over-the-Horizon radar, such as the one at Eglin Air Force Base, in detecting aircraft at lower altitudes and over seas. The article references a 1977 incident where a Russian YU95 Bear reconnaissance bomber, capable of carrying nuclear bombs, flew close to the U.S. coast and was initially lost by radar until it was detected by a U.S. Naval task force. This event, along with the intermittent patrol of AWACS systems for low-flying aircraft, underscored the vulnerability of radar to such objects.

The article further explains that the FAA's long-range enroute radar system also struggles with low-altitude detection because radar impulses travel in straight lines and do not follow the Earth's curvature. Aircraft flying below 2,000 feet are only detected within 20-25 miles of a non-elevated antenna, while those below 14,000-16,000 feet are detected within 160-200 miles. While raising radar transceivers to higher elevations can increase range, minimum coverage areas persist, especially in vast western regions.

Beyond altitude and range, radar systems can miss UFOs due to selectivity. Radars are electronically geared to display objects based on their angular characteristics. Objects moving too slowly, too fast, or at the wrong altitude might be overlooked. Military radarmen claiming they don't see UFOs may indicate that their equipment or superiors refuse to acknowledge them, or that 'uncorrelated targets' are rejected from display if they don't correspond to known hostile threats like ballistic missiles or enemy bombers.

The article also touches upon 'Electronic Counter Measures' (ECM), a science used by military aircraft to baffle or jam radars. ECM can blank out enemy scopes or 'paint' blips on different parts of the scope, rendering basic civil radars ineffective. A November 1979 incident where a charter airliner's captain reported being 'buzzed' by UFOs near Spain illustrates this; the objects were not picked up by Valencia airport radar but were recorded by more sophisticated radar at a Spanish military base.

The author notes that many UFO accounts involve objects not being picked up by local civil radars, yet being witnessed as solid phenomena. This leads to speculation about how 'radar conscious' UFOs might be, using mountain ranges as blinds and possibly employing electronic jamming equipment, while military spokesmen issue denials, potentially being victims of similar alien ECM devices.

Reference Library: 'UFOs: The Image Hypothesis' Review

This section features a review by Bill Chalker of Keith Basterfield's book, 'UFOs: The Image Hypothesis: Close Encounters of an Australian Kind.' Basterfield, described as one of Australia's leading UFO researchers, proposes his 'Image Hypothesis' as a potential explanation for the unexplained residue of UFO events.

The book is characterized as being free of sensationalism, adopting a critical approach in line with current trends in UFO research. Basterfield recounts his journey to this theory through personal investigation, distinguishing between explainable UFO sightings and a residue of ostensibly unexplainable cases.

He gives little credence to claims of 'angel hair,' photographs, and radar evidence, and dismisses 'UFO nests.' However, he focuses on cases like the Rye housewife's experiences and a mechanic's encounter near Murray Bridge, South Australia, as examples of the unexplained residue that his hypothesis addresses.

The 'Ivy Tanks' case from September 6, 1973, is cited as the initial stimulus for Basterfield's hypothesis. He found correspondences between these cases and the characteristics of hypnopompic and hypnagogic imagery, suggesting that many close encounter cases, which often occur during the nocturnal interface of waking and sleep, might be the result of imagery.

Basterfield also offers a mechanism for UFO events occurring when people are ostensibly awake, referring to 'neural discharges' that can happen during 'paradoxical sleep.' Deprivation effects in studies have led to 'neural discharges' and intense visual imagery or hallucinations during waking hours.

The reviewer, Bill Chalker, acknowledges the potential utility of Basterfield's theory, particularly for explaining 'abduction,' 'time-loss,' and 'interrupted journey' experiences. However, Chalker expresses reservations about Basterfield's dismissal of 'physical traces,' considering it an oversimplification. He points to other impressive physical trace events, such as the Socorro case, as counterexamples.

Chalker also questions the application of Basterfield's psychological mechanism to cases like the Boyup Brook incident, where a driver's watch also stopped for five minutes, creating a 'time-gap' consistent with the witness's impression. He notes that 'EM' cases with multiple witnesses seem to rule out purely psychological causes, citing BUFORA Vehicle Interference Project data.

A weakness identified is the lack of cases, particularly overseas ones, illustrating each part of the theory, attributed to publisher constraints on manuscript length. Chalker also suggests that Basterfield's listing of 'Close Encounters' could have been more critical, excluding less relevant cases.

Despite these criticisms, Chalker recognizes that the 'Image Hypothesis' could be a testable, potentially 'scientific' hypothesis if viewed through a classical falsification stance. He references research on the hypnagogic state by Charles T. Tart and others, suggesting that UFO-based imagery could be produced under controlled conditions, similar to Alvin H. Lawson's 'imaginary abductees' experiments.

Chalker concludes that Basterfield's theory has wide utility but requires more detailed qualification and development. He views it as a non-rigid working hypothesis deserving thoughtful consideration. The reviewer agrees with Basterfield's concluding thought that the truth about UFOs might lie in understanding ourselves and our beliefs, rather than in the stars, emphasizing the need for further research and open-minded debate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the technical aspects of UFO detection, particularly the limitations and influences of radar technology. There's a clear exploration of how conventional scientific and military tools interact with or fail to capture UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the review of Basterfield's book, leans towards a more critical and psychological interpretation of UFO events, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases and the need for rigorous investigation. The magazine appears to favor a balanced approach, presenting both technological challenges and psychological theories in the study of UFOs.