UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 2 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Research Australia newsletter
Issue: VOLUME 2, No. 3
Date: MAY-JUNE 1981
Publisher: UFO Research Australia
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of the UFO Research Australia Newsletter (UFORAN) aims to provide readers with a broad overview of UFO research activities while maintaining an objective and non-sensationalist approach. It emphasizes cooperation among researchers and publications like The ACUFOS Journal, which offers more technical content.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the dual function of UFORAN: independent reporting and operational cooperation with the Australian Centre for UFO Studies. It stresses that the newsletter is written for serious-minded individuals and is not a commercial venture, thus avoiding sensationalism. Readers are encouraged to share their views in the FORUM section. The editorial notes that while research often debunks sightings as misperceptions, there are genuine unexplained events. It also points out that some individuals' prejudices can obscure the truth. The newsletter aims to present arguments and counter-arguments in an unbiased manner and explore theories about what unexplained UFOs might be. The importance of cooperation among researchers within the Australian Centre for UFO Studies is emphasized, and the upcoming 1981 UFO Conference in Adelaide (October 10-12) is announced.

Far North Queensland

This section details an event that occurred on December 3, 1980, but was reported in March 1981. One witness, identified as Gavin (18 years old), reported a close encounter near Tully. While traveling north in a Valiant, Gavin and the driver noticed a "strange light" approaching. The car's engine and radio stopped, and the car lights flickered. The object, described as emitting a "high pitched drumming sound," hovered above the car for approximately 20 minutes, causing vibrations. The object then moved away and took off at a 45° angle. Afterward, the witnesses noted an absence of "insect noise" and animals. The car started normally, and no damage was found.

The object was described as having a "brilliant yellow light" for its front section and a "red overlaid by a green tint" for the rear. It also appeared to have "laddered walkways." The witnesses estimated its altitude as tree-top level and its size as "very big." Vehicle effects included the radio emitting static and beeping, and the car vibrating. The radio's internal components were found to have shorted out. The evaluation suggests that no aircraft would have been flying at that altitude, and the witnesses suffered no ill effects.

Tasmania

This section reports on three recent cases received by the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre.

February 9, 1981: Two witnesses sailing near Flinders Island reported seeing two flashing lights and a puzzling glow. Their yacht's battery went flat, and a clock stopped at 18:18, despite recent charging. The lights were no longer visible by 3 am.

February 20, 1981: Two witnesses traveling near Campbelltown saw a huge white ball with a silver-blue edge stationary above a paddock. The object exploded into intense light, then contracted back into a spherical shape and appeared to fall to earth. The sighting lasted about 10 seconds.

February 21, 1981: Two witnesses at Mt. Nelson saw two large white lights approaching from the east, followed by four white lights moving south-east. The Department of Science and Technology suggested these might be satellite debris re-entry, as several objects were expected to re-enter in February.

The section concludes by listing publications available from the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre.

South Australia

UFO Research (SA) Inc. received few reports in the preceding two months, with weather being a significant factor in misidentifying objects like aircraft and satellites. Several reports were identified as aircraft or meteors.

Two events, however, remain unexplained:

• April 7: A young man driving near Adelaide saw a very bright, stationary light, much larger than a star, which faded from view.
• April 8: A woman reported a humming sound and an extremely bright light moving slowly for about a minute.

An "OLD ENTITY REPORT" recounts an incident from around 1965 in Gumeracha, where a young girl named Christine reported seeing a "small man" following her. While not directly a UFO event, it is included as an example of phenomena sometimes associated with UFO reports.

Forum

This section reviews the ABC's "Nationwide" program on the "Bass Strait Triangle," which aired on May 15. Investigator Rocky Wood criticizes the program for its superficiality and misinformation, particularly Gaynor Thomas's comment that "Claiming to see UFOs is almost equal to claiming to be insane." The program discussed the Valentich case and other theories for disappearances in the area, but Wood argues that the ABC perpetuated rumors and did not adequately question explanations. The pro-UFO stance of the Victorian UFO Research Society and Guido Valentich is also noted. Wood concludes that such programs are an annoyance to researchers and damage the credibility of organizations like the ABC.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes objective, rational research into UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting. It highlights the importance of inter-organizational cooperation within Australia and encourages reader participation through the Forum section. The recurring theme is the presentation of factual accounts of sightings and investigations, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by misidentification, skepticism, and misinformation from media outlets. The publication serves as a platform for sharing research findings and case studies from various Australian states, contributing to a broader understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "THE AMERICAN SEARCH FOR GOVERNMENT UFO DOCUMENTS" is a research article by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, focusing on the extensive efforts to uncover government information regarding UFO phenomena. The publication date is not explicitly stated, but the content references events up to 1980, suggesting a publication in the early 1980s.

The Search for Government UFO Documents

The article details the long-standing search, initiated in 1976, for documentation concerning UFO crashes, reports, and government policy. It highlights the widespread belief that governments, particularly the US intelligence community, possess more information than has been revealed. The article notes the emergence of researchers like Leonard Stringfield who have begun to reveal accounts of 'crashed' or 'retrieved' UFOs, primarily through word-of-mouth sources, emphasizing the lack of concrete written or visual documentation.

William H. Spaulding, Director of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) and State Director for MUFON in Arizona, initiated contact with the CIA in 1976. The CIA's response indicated their only involvement was with the Robertson panel in the early 1950s.

Larry Bryant, an American researcher, sought documents from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in March 1977 concerning the September 19, 1976, Iranian jet encounter, but was informed that the DIA did not collect UFO information.

In 1977, Bruce S. Maccabee, MUFON State Director for Maryland, obtained 400 pages of FBI documents related to UFO reports from 1947 to 1955, with some material collected up to 1964. These documents indicated the FBI's official involvement between July 30 and October 10, 1947.

Facing little progress with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the CIA, GSW filed a federal court suit in 1978. The suit aimed to prevent the CIA from withholding reports and photographs allegedly involving UFOs. Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), led by W. Todd Zechel, took over the management of the GSW suit. Through negotiations and a court stipulation, CAUS compelled the CIA to search for UFO-related material, with Peter Gersten acting as legal consultant.

In July 1978, CAUS filed a FOIA request with the USAF concerning a 'crashed' object. After a denial, CAUS appealed, but the USAF maintained that no such documents existed.

In August 1978, the CIA notified CAUS of locating "1000 pages of additional material related to UFOs." Close to 1000 pages were released in late 1978, covering the use of UFO sightings for psychological warfare, the vulnerability of the US to UFO threats, and various sightings. These documents included reports collected by US embassies abroad and forwarded to the State Department, which then disseminated them to various agencies, including the CIA.

In September 1979, CAUS and the CIA met before Judge Pratt of the US District Court regarding the CIA's motion for summary judgment on holding back 57 documents and the adequacy of their search. The judge allowed CAUS 60 days to respond.

In October 1979, a press conference summarized successes, stating that an aggregate of 3000 pages of UFO-related documents had been acquired from the Departments of State, Army, Navy, Air Force, FBI, CIA, NSA, and DIA. Peter Gersten stated that these documents "expose the policy of this government to debunk reports of UFO sightings by the public and thereby succeed in minimising their significance."

On May 30, 1980, Judge Pratt issued a memorandum of opinion, ruling in favor of the CIA. However, on June 24, 1980, Gersten filed a notice of appeal, questioning the CIA's veracity and the adequacy of their search.

Also on June 24, 1980, three new suits were filed against the NSA, DIA, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by Gersten on behalf of CAUS. The NSA indicated they had 135 UFO-related documents, possibly including a teletype about a UFO/jet incident in Peru. CAUS aimed to stop the DIA from preventing access to its supposedly non-existent UFO records. The FAA faced action due to an inadequate search, despite releasing a few dozen documents.

The progress of the search revealed that various agencies, both domestic and abroad, collect UFO information and channel it to government agencies. Soil samples from Rosedale (Vic.) and Mt. Garnet (Far North Qld.) were undergoing analysis.

UFOs and Synchronistic Events

This section, authored by Mark Moravec, explores the concept of synchronicity – "meaningful coincidences" – in relation to UFO cases. It posits that in complex UFO cases, apparent coincidences can be startling to investigators.

Case Study 1: Dr. Andrija Puharich

The first case involves Dr. Andrija Puharich, an electronics engineer, parapsychologist, and UFO contactee, who was associated with psychics like Uri Geller and Arigo. Puharich claimed communication with extraterrestrial entities. After splitting with Geller, Puharich re-initiated contact through other psychics. A number of synchronistic events occurred, interpreted by those involved as evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence.

• Faraday Cage Incident: During communication sessions, the "Management" (extraterrestrials) suggested improved communication under electromagnetic shielding. Puharich then acquired a Faraday cage cheaply, which was used for improved communications. The Management implied this was not a mere coincidence.
• Holroyd's Visit: While visiting a friend in America, John Holroyd learned that Sir John Whitmore, whom he knew from a parapsychology conference, lived nearby. Holroyd visited Whitmore and learned of his involvement in the Puharich communications. Two days prior, Puharich and Whitmore were told in a communication that "those that will come to you this weekend that will be of benefit" would arrive, and they would eventually understand and work with them. Holroyd was the only person to visit that weekend.
• Poltergeist Activity: At one point, Phyllis, a medium, encountered "opposition entities." Puharich praised her bravery. Shortly after, Phyllis' daughter called from Florida reporting poltergeist phenomena, including Watson's book "Supernature" jumping off a bookcase. The Management explained this as due to "the anger and the frustration of those that are opposing."
• Middle East Peace Junkets: The Ossining group engaged in meditations supposedly to avert war. During a festival in a remote Israeli village, they saw a painted screen depicting nine slant-eyed beings in groups of three, with illustrations of "Sacred Mushroom" types. Nine children then danced out carrying umbrellas. The Management claimed credit for "preparing" the event.

Case Study 2: Stella Lansing

This case extensively investigated by psychiatrist Berthold Schwarz, involves Stella Lansing, who sighted, tape-recorded, and photographed puzzling UFO-related phenomena. Several synchronistic events occurred:

• UFO Sighting and Recorder Failure: On April 15, 1971, Mrs. Lansing, a friend, and Dr. Schwarz filmed two pulsating, white-yellow-orange discs that merged and separated. During this event, Dr. Schwarz's cassette recorder failed, despite new batteries, and only worked the next morning.
• Monk Image and President's Death: On January 3, 1973, Mrs. Lansing filmed anomalous images on TV, including a bearded, cowled monk with a death-agony expression. The previous night, Dr. Schwarz had a disturbing "presumptive telepathic death dream" involving the imagined death of a former teacher and a man with a Spanish name. Immediately after dictating notes on the monk picture and his dream, Schwarz heard news of former President L.B. Johnson's death. Mrs. Lansing later obtained film of clock-like UFO images when filming President Johnson's funeral on TV.
• Father's Death and Crashing Saucer: On January 30, Mrs. Schwarz received a call that her father was in critical condition. While deciding whether to fly out, she and Mrs. Lansing witnessed a large coffee cup and saucer crash to the floor. A fragment pointed to the word "Dad" on the unbroken cup. Mrs. Schwarz left immediately; her father had died that afternoon. On the same morning, Dr. Schwarz received a letter from Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle commenting on the Lansing case.
• Herringbone Pattern: On September 21, 1973, Stella Lansing and Dr. Schwarz visited a laboratory. Audio-videotapes of known objects showed a herringbone pattern not previously seen on that equipment. Control filming by Schwarz did not produce the pattern. The same pattern was later found on film taken by Mrs. Lansing on September 19. Dr. Schwarz was familiar with this pattern from his epilepsy studies.

Case Study 3: Jerome Clark and Mothman

Jerome Clark, researching "Big Bird" creature sightings, noted similarities to the "Mothman" reports from ten years earlier. John Keel had claimed a connection between these sightings and UFOs. During a radio interview, immediately after the word "sightings," a loud, startling "EEPPP!" sound was heard on the tape, which is reportedly the sound Mothman made.

Analysis of Synchronistic Events

The article questions whether these events are simply coincidences, imply paranormal effects, or represent a manifestation of "UFO intelligence." It discusses Carl Jung's concept of synchronicity as an acausal ordering principle and a manifestation of the collective unconscious.

It references research by Hardy, Harvie, and Koestler, who conducted a mass experiment in telepathy and found "coincident thoughts" unrelated to targets, suggesting a potential synchronicity factor or non-randomness in target digits. Koestler proposed an "Integrative Tendency" in nature, complementary to entropy, with parapsychology phenomena as its highest manifestation.

Vaughan views psi and synchronicity as indistinguishable at a basic level, suggesting that synchronicity is the basic particle of psi. He implies a cosmic design where a life force uses psi to activate its plans.

An alternative hypothesis is that "meaningful" coincidences are caused by psi processes. Rex Stanford suggested "Psi-Meditated Instrumental Response" (PMIR), where individuals unconsciously use ESP to bring about coincidences based on their psychological motivation.

In the UFO context, a telepathic or psi link may occur between investigator and percipient, creating a matrix of psi experiences. The Puharich and Lansing cases showed paranormal events in addition to coincidences, suggesting psychokinetic effects or audio imprints.

The article concludes that the role of coincidence is underestimated, as probability theory suggests random events can cluster. It warns against a blind belief in synchronicity, which could lead to confusing coincidence with conspiracy or reality with fantasy, and suggests that synchronistic events might be explicable in terms of psychopathology or projection of responsibility onto external forces.

The most reasonable conclusion presented is that "synchronistic events" are a combination of (1) random coincidences and (2) paranormal events, possibly explained by psi processes and Rex Stanford's PMIR concept. The article suggests that synchronicity, as a hypothesis, has the disadvantage of projecting away responsibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, the challenges of obtaining official documentation through legal means like FOIA, and the exploration of the psychological and potentially paranormal aspects of UFO encounters, particularly the concept of synchronicity. The Australian Centre for UFO Studies, as the author, appears to adopt a critical and investigative stance, seeking factual evidence while also exploring more speculative theories like synchronicity and psi phenomena. The article emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and cautions against unsubstantiated beliefs, particularly regarding synchronicity, advocating for a grounded approach that considers both random chance and paranormal events.

This issue of APESG (Australian Physical Evidence Study Group) focuses on the investigation of UFO-related physical evidence and historical 'entity cases,' alongside a detailed examination of the 'Vela Satellite Mystery.' The magazine highlights the APESG's aim to document and publish studies of cases involving tangible interactions with the environment, including physical traces, effects on living organisms, and apparent violations of physical laws. They are also interested in natural phenomena that mimic UFO evidence. The group collaborates with the Australian Centre for UFO Studies (ACUFOS) and seeks assistance from the public in reporting such cases.

APESG Activities and Publications

The APESG, formed in early 1977, is a loosely knit group within Australia dedicated to investigating, documenting, and publishing 'entity' related cases. They have issued a review of 67 Australian events and are preparing a comprehensive listing of 'physical trace' cases. Publications like Bill Chalker's 'A SOURCE BOOK OF AUSTRALIAN UFO RELATED PHYSICAL TRACE EVENTS AND OTHER RELATED SIMILAR PHENOMENA' and a paper on 'PHYSICAL EVIDENCE FOR UFOS IN AUSTRALIA' are mentioned. A periodic newsletter, 'APESG UPDATE,' compiled by Bill Chalker, will circulate research updates, case studies, and literature reviews to foster dialogue on physical evidence for UFO reports in Australia.

Entity Cases Emerge From The Past

This section, authored by Keith Basterfield of the Australian Entity Study Group, presents several historical UFO and entity encounter cases from Australia:

Smithfield, New South Wales (1968)

A 21-year-old machinist witnessed a saucer-shaped object approximately 200-500 feet away. The object had a square window with a blackish figure silhouetted by yellow light, and blue and orange pulsating lights rotating anti-clockwise underneath.

Wynyard, Tasmania (1968)

A witness observed a greyish, cigar-shaped 'zeppelin' airship hovering over Table Cape. His wife recounted the story, noting that the object seemed to have windows and appeared to have people moving inside. An elderly neighbor also reported seeing an 'aeroplane' object over the same cape.

Tasmania (circa 1974)

A resident driving between St Helens and Ansons Bay reported seeing an object in a paddock at ground level with lights. 'Men' were observed going up and down a ramp leading into the object. A residual 'bum mark' was reportedly found at the site. TUFOIC investigations noted other cases in the area in 1974, including nocturnal lights and car 'paces,' and two other 'traces' were reported in the region.

St Helens, Tasmania (September 16, 1974)

A spectacular incident occurred near St Helens when a car driven by a lady was affected by very peculiar noises, odours, and lights.

The Vela Satellite Mystery

Authored by John Prytz, this extensive article examines the enigmatic event of September 22, 1979, when a US Vela satellite detected an intense two-stage burst of light over the South Atlantic Ocean. This event, characterized by a double-peak optical signature, strongly resembled a nuclear fireball, leading to speculation that South Africa had conducted an atmospheric nuclear test.

Initial Investigations and Accusations

The US initially implied South Africa was responsible, given its advanced nuclear program. However, South African officials, including the Foreign Minister Pik Botha, vehemently denied conducting such a test. The South African Naval Chief suggested a Soviet nuclear submarine mishap, a theory the Americans rejected. Various other countries, including Russia, China, Israel, and Pakistan, were also suggested as potential culprits, all of whom denied involvement.

Alternative Theories

Professor J. Yan R. Smith proposed the blast was from a Soviet nuclear ICBM that failed to explode in 1963 and detonated years later due to salt water corrosion. Another theory involved Israel and South Africa jointly testing a mini-bomb, a claim dismissed by the US as lacking intelligence support. Ex-BBC reporter David Taylor suggested South Africa tested a long-range nuclear shell fired from a howitzer, with US assistance, to gain military superiority over Angola.

The 'Zoo Animal' Explanation

Despite the compelling evidence for a nuclear event, a White House panel of nine scientists concluded the cause was 'technically indeterminate.' They ruled out natural phenomena like meteorites, solar flares, and lightning. The panel eventually suggested 'zoo animals' – strange signals received over the years with no satisfactory explanation, including a meteoroid or space debris rotating and reflecting sunlight, creating a false nuclear signature. This explanation was met with skepticism due to its low probability.

Further Complications and CIA Report

An American CBS Television report cited an unpublished book by two Israelis suggesting a joint Israeli-South African atomic bomb test. The CIA also reportedly concluded that Israel or South Africa were the most likely candidates. Another incident on December 15, 1980, detected by a US surveillance satellite near South Africa, further fueled the mystery, though officially deemed not a nuclear detection.

The Mystery Persists

The article concludes by questioning the reliability of US surveillance systems if they cannot distinguish between a nuclear explosion and natural phenomena. It raises the possibility that the 'zoo animal' signals, and even the Vela event itself, might be related to extraterrestrial surveillance or interaction, suggesting that terrestrial watchers might be observed by extraterrestrial watchers.

References

The issue includes a chronological list of 25 references, primarily news articles from Australian and international publications, related to the Vela Satellite Mystery and South Africa's nuclear capabilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of physical evidence for UFO phenomena, the documentation of historical UFO and entity cases, and the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained events like the Vela Satellite incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, critical analysis of evidence, and openness to unconventional explanations, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the potential for government obfuscation or misdirection. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of gathering and disseminating data related to physical evidence of UFOs, particularly within Australia.

Title: REFERENCE LIBRARY
Issue: 30
Date: 1979 (inferred from publication dates of reviewed books)
Publisher: N/A
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of "Reference Library" presents a guide to the best UFO books available, curated by Michael Hough of UFO Research (N.S.W.). The emphasis is on books that focus on the known facts about UFOs, rather than speculative theories about their origin or purpose. The selection aims for accuracy and readability, covering a worldwide scope, though noting that a comprehensive book on the Australian UFO scene is not yet available.

The introduction stresses that the selection is for those seeking factual evidence, cautioning that those with a strong spiritual commitment to UFO existence might be disappointed. It is stated that at least 90% of reported UFO sightings are misperceptions of common objects or natural phenomena.

Book Reviews:

1. J. Allen Hynek. THE UFO EXPERIENCE: A SCIENTIFIC ENQUIRY (1972)

• This book is considered the best introduction to UFOs, despite being dated.
• Based on Hynek's 20 years as a consultant to the U.S. Air Force.
• Details his transition from skeptic to believing UFOs are reported by credible people.
• Classifies UFO reports into nocturnal lights (NLs) and daylight discs (DLs), and categorizes close encounters into 1st kind (UFO within 500 ft), 2nd kind (UFO lands), and 3rd kind (occupant seen).
• Critiques the unscientific and negative attitudes of the Project Bluebook and Condon investigations.

Supplements to Hynek's book:

• THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF UFOS (1979) by Ronald Story (editor): Described as a standard reference.
• THE HUMANOIDS (1969) and ENCOUNTER CASES FROM FLYING SAUCER REVIEW (1977): Collections of papers from 'Flying Saucer Review' focusing on high-strangeness cases like humanoids, abductions, and teleportation, not covered by Hynek. Gordon Creighton's work on the Tibetan 'gramophone' library is mentioned.

2. Allan Hendry. THE UFO HANDBOOK: A GUIDE TO INVESTIGATION, EVALUATING AND REPORTING UFO SIGHTINGS (1979)

• Hendry is chief investigator for INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER.
• The book is based on 15 months of telephone interviews with witnesses of 1300 UFO reports.
• Concludes that 90% of sightings are readily explicable (planets, stars, aircraft, etc.).
• Shatters myths about UFOs, noting that even qualified individuals can make errors in perception.
• Evaluates tools for investigation, finding animal reactions, hypnosis, and lie detectors unreliable, while radar, photographs, radiation, magnetic detectors, and statistics are more valuable.

3. David M. Jacobs. THE UFO CONTROVERSY IN AMERICA (1974)

• Based on his doctoral thesis, tracing the historical development of UFO phenomena, organizations, and personalities in the U.S. from 1896 to 1973.
• Draws on USAF and private documents.
• Covers key events: the 1896 airship flap, 1947 sightings, Project Sign, Project Grudge, Bluebook, the 1952 flap, the CIA-Robertson panel's debunking efforts, the rise of contactees, Keyhoe and NICAP's struggle against cover-ups, the Condon enquiry, and the 1973 humanoid wave.

4. James M. McCampbell. UFOLOGY (1976)

• McCampbell, a nuclear engineer, assumes UFOs are 'mechanical constructions'.
• Analyzes 1000 worldwide reports to find patterns explained by known scientific principles.
• His analysis includes size, shape, composition, luminosity, sounds, electrical interference, physiological effects, flight, and propulsion.
• Recommends an international study program on UFOs.

5. Jacques Vallee. PASSPORT TO MAGONIA: FROM FOLKLORE TO FLYING SAUCERS (1970)

• Explores similarities between modern humanoid sightings and folklore (fairies, elves, angels, devils).
• Argues that UFOs offer a unique opportunity to observe folklore in the making.
• Suggests UFO 'myths' could be manipulated to control human development.
• Mentions his other books: 'Invisible College' (re-issued as 'UFOs: The Psychic Solution') and 'Messengers of Deception: UFO Contacts and Cults'.

Books on Ancient Astronauts:

• Ronald Story. THE SPACE GODS REVEALED (1976) and Peter White. THE PAST IS HUMAN (1978):
• Critically examine evidence for ancient astronauts (Piri Re'is map, Nazca lines, Easter Island, Palenque astronaut).
• Argue that evidence is based on inaccurate research and loose argument, and that old ruins can be built by humans without divine intervention.
• Peter Krassa. ERICH VON DANIKEN: DISCIPLE OF THE GODS (1976):
• A defense of Von Daniken, offering insights into his character and ESP visions.

Books on the Bermuda Triangle and Disappearances:

• Lawrence Kusche. THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE MYSTERY SOLVED (1975):
• Analyzes 50 disappearances, finding logical explanations like hurricanes.
• Criticizes Berlitz's data for being incomplete and selective.
• Notes that some alleged disappearances did not occur in the Triangle.
• Alan Landsburg. SECRETS OF THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE (1978):
• Challenges some of Kusche's interpretations.
• Suggests short-lived magnetic/gravitational anomalies or ball lightning as causes.
• Paul Begg. INTO THIN AIR: PEOPLE WHO DISAPPEAR (1979):
• Examines stories of people vanishing on land, sea, and air.
• Includes an account of the Bermuda Triangle and the 'missing regiment' at Gallipoli, questioning their basis in reality.

6. Francis Hitching. THE WORLD ATLAS OF MYSTERIES (1978)

• A collection of oddities from continental drift to fringe topics like UFOs and ESP.
• Aims to show that science and technology have not discovered everything.
• Includes articles on death of dinosaurs, spontaneous human combustion, Velikovsky's theories, ley lines, dowsing, Atlantis, the Sirius mystery, Noah's Ark, Turin shroud, levitation, unknown writings, monsters, and vanishing people.

Related Book:

• John Michell and Robert Rickard. A BOOK OF WONDERS (1977):
• Described as a similar but less critical book to Hitching's.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical evaluation of information related to UFOs and other mysteries. The editorial stance, as expressed by Michael Hough and the reviewed authors like Hynek, Hendry, Jacobs, and Kusche, is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a strong emphasis on factual evidence and scientific investigation. There is a clear distinction made between misperceptions and genuine unexplained phenomena. The issue advocates for a rational approach, urging readers to question unsubstantiated claims and to seek out reliable sources. The reviews consistently highlight the importance of rigorous research and the dangers of selective data or emotional interpretations in understanding these complex subjects. The underlying message is that while the UFO phenomenon is intriguing, a significant portion of reported events can be explained by conventional means, and a scientific approach is necessary to discern the truly anomalous.