UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 2 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Research Australia newsletter
Issue: Volume 2, No. 5
Date: September-October 1981
Publisher: UFO Research Australia
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the UFO Research Australia newsletter, published bi-monthly, presents the work of UFO researchers and is independent of any UFO organization. The material does not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine. The newsletter aims to provide a broad overview of UFO phenomena by including contributions from many nations, emphasizing a cosmopolitan approach to research.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'On the Importance of Studying UFOs Worldwide', highlights the increasing overseas content of the newsletter and the global nature of the UFO phenomenon. It stresses the benefit of international cooperation among researchers and warns against nationalistic prejudices that can hinder progress. The editorial emphasizes that the capabilities of researchers should be assessed based on their published work rather than the opinions of supporters or critics. It reiterates the newsletter's policy to be cosmopolitan, believing that the answer to UFOs, like any scientific problem, lies in shared research and practical steps towards a solution.

UFO Conference 6

This section details the Sixth National UFO Conference, arranged by the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, held in Adelaide, South Australia, from October 10-12, 1981. The conference featured fifteen papers on topics ranging from 'Comparison of Symptoms of Electromagnetic Radiation Overdose and UFO Physiological Symptoms' to 'An Ultimate Alien Encounter'. The general public was invited to attend as 'observers'. A public meeting was held on the evening of Sunday, October 11, chaired by Vladimir Godic, Editor of the UFO Research Australia Newsletter. Talks included 'The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence' (SETI) by Jane Brooks and John Prytz, 'Investigating UFOs' by Harry Griesberg, and 'The A to Z of UFO Explanations' by Paul and Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej, followed by a panel discussion. The cost was $1 by donation, and the venue was the Tonsley Hotel/Motel in Clovelly Park.

Far North Queensland: "NESTS" NEAR CAIRNS, 1976 ?

This article by Russell Boundy reports on the discovery of unusual "nests" in 1976 on the southern outskirts of Cairns. Two, or possibly three, circular areas of damaged vegetation were found on open scrub land at Portsmith. The site, formerly a rifle range, had its vegetation flattened and twisted. The 'No.1 trace' was approximately 6-7 meters in diameter with an outer ring of about 1 meter. The vegetation was a common salt grass, which appeared flattened and twisted, with the centre vegetation pointing in one direction (north) and the outer ring twisted in various directions. The soil within the trace was damp, unlike the dry, cracked surrounding soil. The two known traces were about 92 meters from a nearby roadway. The article notes the limited information available due to the absence of UFO investigation groups in the area at the time. An evaluation suggests that while not appearing to be a hoax, there were anomalies, including the lack of associated UFO sightings and the unusual placement of the traces. The possibility of a vertical landing was considered difficult due to an overhead telegraph wire. The conclusion states that these markings are similar to other "nests" attributed to UFO landings in Australia, with no satisfactory explanation provided.

New South Wales: TRANSITIONS

This section reports on the passing of two long-time staff members of UFO Research (New South Wales): Frederick J.M. Phillips and William E. Moser. Bill Chalker, Director of UFO Research (NSW), writes about Frederick J.M. Phillips (June 10, 1903 - June 21, 1981), highlighting his broad interests, intellect, and willingness to share knowledge. Phillips' interests spanned the occult to practical explorations of mysteries, and he maintained a large library. His involvement with UFOs dated back to the fifties, and he served as President of the UFO Investigation Centre (UFOIC) after Dr Miran Lindtner's death. Phillips was among the first in Australia to consider the psychic dimensions of the UFO phenomenon. He consented to be honorary President when UFO Research (NSW) was formed in 1977 and assisted in research for the story of an 1868 UFO landing in Parramatta.

The article also commemorates William E. Moser (September 17, 1907 - July 8, 1981), who was an accountant, astronomer, J.P., and spoke six languages. He acted as secretary for the UFO Investigation Centre from 1963 to 1974, managing extensive worldwide correspondence. Moser's interest in UFOs was evident in his article 'Astronomers and UFOs' and his role as a past president of the British Astronomical Association. He played a significant part in organizing the visit of Dr J. Allen Hynek to Australia in 1973. The author notes that Moser was instrumental in establishing rapport with UFOIC. An epilogue mentions the recent passing of Hall Robb of WA, who had donated his complete collection of UFOIC newsletters to UFO Research (NSW).

South Australia: OFFICIALDOM AND THE MEDIA STRIKE AGAIN

This article by Keith Basterfield reports on two incidents in South Australia. The first concerns a sighting over Adelaide on July 20, 1981, where dozens of residents reported a spectacular "formation" of lights. The Bureau of Meteorology attributed it to static electricity on a weather balloon, but witnesses described a bright light followed by many smaller lights with multi-coloured trails. The analysis suggested it was a meteor. The second incident, the following night, involved a report on Mr Roger Collins of Tranmere who found a burnt area of grass and a blackened "rock". This "rock" was analyzed by the South Australian Museum and identified as a "concretion", a natural geological formation of limonite and ash, debunking the meteor theory. The article concludes by expressing dissatisfaction with official pronouncements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the importance of global cooperation in UFO research, the reporting of specific UFO sightings and trace evidence in Australia, and the commemoration of significant figures in the Australian UFO research community. The editorial stance is clearly cosmopolitan, advocating for an open, research-driven, and international approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, while also acknowledging and documenting the contributions of individuals and organizations within Australia. The newsletter also demonstrates a critical stance towards official explanations for UFO phenomena, as seen in the South Australia section.

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN UFO PHOTO FILE
Issue: PART II
Publisher: Ground Saucer Watch Inc. (GSW)
Country: Australia
Language: English

This section of 'The Australian UFO Photo File' focuses on photographic evidence of UFOs, specifically detailing the Kempsey, New South Wales case and discussing the broader challenges and methodologies of analyzing UFO photographs.

The Kempsey (New South Wales) Photographs:

The article begins by acknowledging that while photographic evidence can be easily faked, there are also genuine photographs that prove the existence of unusual aerial craft. It introduces the Kempsey case as one such instance, highlighting the photographer's competence, exceptional equipment, and the presence of independent witnesses, with no evidence of trickery.

On July 21, 1975, at approximately 8 p.m., Mr. and Mrs. W were driving through Kempsey when they observed a large, bright object directly above them, traveling rapidly westward at an estimated 500 to 1,000 feet. The object was described as traveling at fantastic speed with no audible sound, and its size ruled out conventional aircraft.

The witnesses pursued the object in their car, eventually stopping at River Street to get a better look. The object had moved over Euroka, near the Great Dividing Range, and appeared to be hovering motionless. Upon exiting their car, they noticed cows in a nearby paddock bellowing in fright and dogs barking loudly, suggesting the object had passed close to them.

As the object hovered, it changed colors from white to yellow and red. Mrs. W observed the object moving in a triangular fashion and pulsating at regular intervals while her husband set up his camera. Mr. W, an expert amateur photographer, used a Praktica LTL camera with GAF 500 ASA film, a high-speed emulsion suitable for night photography.

Mr. W took several photographs. The first, hand-held at 8:05 p.m., used an F:8 setting with a ten-second exposure. He then set up a tripod for steadier shots, taking two more photographs with 25 and 30-second exposures at an F stop of 2. During these exposures, the object remained stationary and continued to pulsate. At 8:08 p.m., as Mr. W prepared for a telephoto shot, the object began to descend, eventually disappearing behind a distant mountain range. Mrs. W noted the object moved up and down a few times before descending.

Immediately after the object disappeared, the cows stopped bellowing and the dogs stopped barking. The photographs, taken at night, were of very good quality due to the fast film and the photographer's expertise.

Investigators later determined the witnesses were not far from a river, with the Pine tree and buildings on the western side in Euroka. The exact position of the object was unclear, making size and distance estimations difficult. Mr. W was unsure if it disappeared behind the Great Dividing Range or closer foothills.

The incident was reported to the local newspaper, The ARGUS, and one photograph was published. Local investigator Bill Chalker of Kempsey-Armidale confirmed the details with the witnesses. Chalker's examination of the prints revealed that while photograph #1 showed a stationary object, photographs #2 and #3 indicated movement in a south-north direction, confirming Mrs. W's observation of an up-and-down movement before disappearance.

Other Kempsey residents also reported seeing the object. Two members of the L family observed a cigar-shaped object from a caravan park, with their son seeing it traverse the sky and their mother witnessing it change colors from red to green, then yellow to orange. Many others reportedly saw the object but were reluctant to come forward due to fear of ridicule.

The article notes that the photographs, taken with fast color film, appear to have been taken in daylight due to the extraordinary light-gathering capability. Photograph #1 is described as the best shot, depicting a roundish, self-luminescent, hovering object. Photographs #2 and #3, taken with a tripod, show the terrain more clearly but offer less detail of the object, with #2 being overexposed and #3 being darker. Despite the challenges, Mr. W's persistence in trying various exposures was rewarded, with at least one photograph being of high quality.

These photographs are considered among the best ever taken in Australia, representing what UFO researchers term a 'nocturnal light'.

Visions of Visitors? (Excerpt from an upcoming UFO book by William H. Spaulding)

This section, an excerpt from a book by William H. Spaulding, discusses the complexities and challenges of UFO photography and analysis. Spaulding emphasizes that while a picture can be worth a thousand words, its interpretation is often subjective, involving guesswork and 'black-magic'.

He notes that many UFO photographs appearing in media are of poor quality, often showing an 'inarticulate blob of light' or a vague disc shape. The core questions remain whether these objects are real and what objective data the pictures provide.

Spaulding points out that photographs can be faked, and the ease with which realistic scenes are depicted in Hollywood movies suggests that faking a UFO photograph is also possible. The variety of shapes and sizes reported for UFOs further aids hoaxers. He states that the statistical figures for object shapes are so varied that it confuses photographic interpreters, and that photographic hoaxers have done more damage to UFO investigations than critics.

He describes the common scenario of a 'camera-armed buff' attempting to photograph UFOs, often resorting to suspending objects or using simple tricks. The advent of Polaroid cameras has made the process even simpler. Spaulding recounts seeing many hoax photographs created by teenagers, often with parental assistance, which are then presented as 'hard proof' to the media or hobbyists.

These hoax photographs are often revealed as lens flares, hubcaps, or other terrestrial objects, or misinterpretations of phenomena like searchlights or aircraft lights. These misinterpretations are more common during UFO 'flaps'.

Spaulding argues that just as a model airplane can be photographed to look authentic, so can a model UFO. However, he stresses that the ability to fake a UFO photograph does not mean UFOs do not exist.

Before the advent of computer image enhancement, conventional methods of UFO photograph interpretation were time-consuming and relied heavily on human judgment. These methods often involved analyzing copies rather than original negatives, leading to potential loss of data. Issues like receiving black and white copies of color photos or cropped images also hinder analysis.

Hoaxers sometimes omit photographs from a sequence, presenting only the 'clearest' ones, which may offer the least analytical information. The ideal scenario for analysis involves having all the data, including camera type, lens settings, and film speed, provided by the witness or investigator.

Professional photographers use densitometers to measure film darkening. Conventional analysis can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Image enlargement can aid in viewing details but has limits due to resolution. Excessive enlargement can lead to 'picture noise' from film grain, obscuring details.

Magnification techniques can sometimes reveal anomalies like supporting threads used in faked photographs. Montage techniques, where images are combined, are also used in hoaxes. Identifying finite, abrupt changes in film emulsions can reveal such manipulations.

Photometric formulas and distance factoring can help estimate distances if reference points are known, but many photographs lack these points, rendering conventional methodology ineffective.

Hoaxers often use diffused, glowing flashlight beams or brilliant planets to simulate UFOs, making conventional distance gauging difficult. Many such objects are classified as 'unknown nocturnal lights' due to insufficient data.

Spaulding emphasizes the importance of distinguishing hoaxes and misinterpretations from genuine unknown objects. He believes that even a small percentage of bonafide photographs that pass rigorous analysis would be more compelling evidence than numerous visual sightings. Photographic evidence provides 'hard' secondary evidence that can be evaluated over time.

He notes that as photographic analysis techniques have advanced, so have the 'deceiving skills' of hoaxers. He has witnessed clever hoaxing methods over twenty years and believes one cannot appreciate the ingenuity of hoaxers without studying UFO pictures.

Spaulding shares an anecdote about showing photographs to ufology students, who often remark on the apparent validity of sharply defined images, stating, "This is it, the real thing... look how high the object is in the sky... it can't be a faked picture".

The excerpt includes diagrams illustrating different photographic techniques:
1. Camera-Close-to-Ground Technique for Object Height: Shows a camera positioned low to the ground with a small bush and clouds for background data.
2. Vertical Support Technique: Depicts a UFO 'framed' to remove a supportive structure, with a mountain in the background.
3. Horizontal Support Technique: Illustrates a camera positioned horizontally, with a small tree and a UFO model.
4. Hand Held Object: Shows a hand holding a cardboard UFO model, with a cloud in the background.

An Example of Computer Photographic Analysis

This section details a computer analysis of a purported UFO photograph from San Jose de Valderas, Spain, 1967, conducted by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW).

A first-generation photograph was obtained, and a high-resolution negative was manufactured. The photograph showed a lone disc-shaped object with a marking on its surface, possessing good image clarity and foreground data. The analysis utilized computer image enhancement techniques, including Edge Enhancement, Color Contouring, Digitizing for Pixel Distortion, and computerizing for high resolution.

Conclusions: The GSW photographic staff unanimously concluded that the depicted UFO image was a crude hoax. The supporting evidence included:

1. Lack of Substance: A cursor line analysis revealed the UFO image was completely flat, with only a dark symbol on its surface showing any profile.
2. Low Luminosity and Reflectivity: Digital densitometry indicated low luminosity and reflectivity.
3. Proximity to Camera: A pixel test showed that the 'object' was extremely close to the camera/witness.
4. Paper Plate Similarity: Special computer software indicated the object was similar to an inverted paper plate with a painted symbol.
5. Size: The object measured less than eight inches (20.3 cm) in diameter.
6. Illusion of Height: The camera was positioned low to the ground to create the illusion of height and distance.
7. Supporting Thread: Edge enhancement revealed a linear structure representing a supporting thread above the UFO.
8. Sharp Pixel Edges: The pixel edges of the UFO were sharper than those of a foreground post, indicating its closeness.

Two images, labeled 'Photo 1' and 'Photo 2', are presented, showing close-ups of the symbol on the object.

Copyright and Next Issue

Copyright is held by William H. Spaulding, Ground Saucer Watch Inc. (GSW), Phoenix, Arizona, 1980.

The next issue will cover "Usage of Computer Photographic Evaluation Techniques as Applied to Purported UFO Photographs."

Documents and Technical Papers Available from Ground Saucer Watch, Inc.

A list of documents and technical papers available from Ground Saucer Watch, Inc. is provided, many of which are the result of legal action and Freedom of Information requests concerning U.S. Government and military UFO documents. These include reports like "Estimate of the Situation - September 1948," "Project Sign," "Project Saucer," the "Robertson Panel Report," and "JANAP 146." Prices are listed for individual documents and a special group rate. A note indicates that foreign orders must include airmail or surface postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO photographic evidence. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unverified photographic claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous analysis to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes and misinterpretations. The publication actively promotes the exposure of UFO hoaxes as essential for serious UFO research to proceed with objective results. There is a strong focus on the technical aspects of photographic analysis and the importance of scientific methodology in evaluating UFO reports. The publication also serves as a resource for historical UFO documents, suggesting a commitment to providing a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon's history.

This issue of 'PROFILE' focuses on William H. Spaulding, a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer at Air-Research Manufacturing Company, who also dedicates significant time to UFOlogy. The magazine details his professional background and his extensive involvement in UFO research.

William H. Spaulding: A UFOlogist Engineer

William H. Spaulding is presented as a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer with sixteen years of experience at Air-Research Manufacturing Company, a leading builder of gas turbine engines and aerospace components. His professional expertise complements his avocation as Director of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW, Inc.) and the State Director for MUFON in Arizona. Spaulding became actively involved in UFOlogy in 1958 and has been the Western States Director for GSW since the mid-1960s. GSW's primary contribution to the UFO field is its serious analysis of secondary evidence, employing modern technology and methodology to scientifically analyze UFO phenomena. In 1975, Spaulding, with aerospace associates, developed a computerized UFO photographic evaluation system to move beyond subjective analyses. In 1976, Spaulding and the GSW Research staff initiated a lawsuit against the CIA using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which led to the release of over 1,000 pages of UFO-related documents in 1978. Despite GSW not being considered one of the 'big four' UFO organizations, its 500 members have significantly contributed to the objective study of the phenomenon. Spaulding is also noted for teaching scientific UFOlogy classes in Phoenix, Arizona, with high enrollment.

Ten Reasons for Studying UFOs

Authored by Mark Moravec, this section outlines ten compelling reasons to study UFOs:

1. To determine if intelligent life exists in the universe and is visiting Earth.
2. To advance technological and scientific achievements by studying UFO propulsion, electromagnetic effects, and physical traces.
3. To enhance understanding of the human mind through the psychological effects of UFOs.
4. To study human group behavior by examining UFO cults and social movements.
5. To ascertain if the UFO phenomenon is altering human history and its potential social, cultural, political, religious, and economic implications.
6. To improve human medicine by studying the physiological effects of UFOs, including injuries and healings.
7. To advance understanding of extrasensory perception and other paranormal phenomena.
8. To alleviate the fears and anxieties of UFO witnesses by providing explanations.
9. To broaden understanding of the universe by examining how UFOs challenge current conceptions of reality.
10. To develop new methodologies for the scientific study of elusive phenomena.

Historical Romanian UFOs or Astronomical Events?

Written by Tiberius A. Topor, this article explores early documented reports of UFOs in Romania, dating back to the 17th century. The first report mentions frescoes in the Woivodal Church in Tirgoviste depicting objects resembling space capsules. The 'Letopisetul Moldovenesc' (The Moldavian Chronicles) describes a large sign in the northern sky in 1517, visible like a man's face and stationary. 'Annals of Brassov', as found by Professor N. Topor, detail several sightings: three sun circles in 1536; six suns in 1549; three suns in 1549, with one being smaller and darker; three clear suns in 1600; a large fiery sign from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. in 1604; a big brilliant fiery sign from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. in 1613; a blood-like sign in 1613; three fireballs over Brassov in 1687; and a large bright blood-coloured circle at midnight in 1694. A manuscript from Banat describes a wide, red, blood-like sign in the sky in 1737 that later split and reunited. The bibliography lists several Romanian sources for these historical accounts.

Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind - An Analysis

Authored by John Prytz, this extensive analysis delves into Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind (CE4K) cases, examining the evidence for and against extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) as the cause. Prytz acknowledges the apparent contradiction where CE4K cases seem to support ETI while also being used to argue against it. He critiques the tendency to explain these phenomena solely through social, psychological, or psychic (S3P) means, suggesting that while S3P may play a role, much of the abduction phenomena is likely controlled by an external, advanced intelligence, possibly extraterrestrial. The article argues that the 'nuts-and-bolts' appearance of craft and occupants, multi-witness consistency, and the nature of the experiences themselves point towards an external intelligence rather than purely internal psychological factors. Prytz lists several points supporting the ETI hypothesis, including the overall 'big picture' of UFO events suggesting technology, the behavior of UFOs as observational devices, the logical extension of the UFO effect to CE4K, eyewitness accounts suggesting ETI, minimized S3P influences due to close proximity of witnesses, and the commonality of multi-witness events. He also notes that many CE4K cases occur at times unlikely for S3P influences and that witness denials of S3P factors should be considered. Patterns in CE4K cases, such as the purpose of abductions (medicals, messages), recurring visits, programmed amnesia, and the average nature of witnesses, are presented as evidence for intelligence. Independent physical evidence, such as psychological and physiological changes in victims, and supporting evidence like EM effects and ground markings, are also discussed.

Conversely, the anti-ETI faction argues that historical UFO cases reflect 'social expectations' of their time (e.g., airships in the 1890s) and that the 'victims' selected for CE4K cases are not logical choices for extraterrestrial kidnappers. The article counters that the psychic component of S3P is atypical in CE4K victims, and that S3P profiles are often atypical or changing. Witness accounts of absurdities, the giving of 'messages' followed by orders to forget, and the content of these messages (often contradictory or wrong) are also examined. The variation in entity appearances, while humanoid, is considered, as are 'medicals' which could be subconscious resurfacings of terrestrial operations. Prytz argues that the normal CE4K scenario of an isolated single person with an abnormal S3P profile is often false. He posits that the ETI/UFO and S3P/UFO theories are not mutually exclusive and that the average person can distinguish reality from fantasy. He also references Arthur C. Clarke's quote: "ANY SUFFICENTLY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IS INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM MAGIC." Prytz suggests that alien technology may not be logically extrapolated from human understanding. He also proposes an 'ETAI' (extraterrestrial artificial intelligence) theory. He notes that if S3P were the primary stimulus, ufologists would be investigating other ufologists more frequently, which is not the case. The article critiques the idea that media or social expectations solely drive the UFO phenomenon, pointing out that the 'space race' and SETI programs began years after the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting. Prytz concludes that CE4K literature does not rule out ETI as a cause and, in fact, reinforces his belief that ETI is behind much of the UFO phenomena, operating in our environment since historical times with advanced technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of historical sightings, and the complex debate between extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) and psychological/social explanations (S3P) for UFO encounters, particularly Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind (CE4K). The editorial stance appears to favor the ETI hypothesis, viewing it as a more plausible explanation for the evidence presented, while acknowledging the need for rigorous scientific analysis and the potential for S3P influences to be a contributing factor or a misinterpretation of phenomena.

CE4K is a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, with this issue (page 30-32) featuring a legal battle involving the CIA, a profile of a prominent ufologist, and reviews of Australian UFO literature. The publication appears to be Australian-based, as indicated by the content and the registration information on the back cover.

UFO/CIA Lawsuit

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the ongoing legal efforts concerning a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. The suit seeks the release of over 200 documents related to Unidentified Flying Objects. The legal action is being pursued by Ground Saucer Watch, Inc. of Arizona and Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, a Washington-area public interest organization. They are appealing a Federal District Court decision that allowed the agency to keep the documents secret. A hearing for this appeal took place on May 1 in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington. The Fund for UFO Research, Inc., a scientific nonprofit organization supporting UFO research, has provided financial assistance for the litigation. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund and a physicist, expressed that the organizers await the court's decision with "extreme interest."

Table One: Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind - Cause & Effect

Page 30 presents a table analyzing "Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind" by categorizing external causes (Intelligence, Social, Psychological/Psychic, Physiological) and their effects, linking them to theories. The table lists 11 entries, exploring how different combinations of these factors might lead to various types of experiences, from "Real 'Nuts & Bolts' Experience" to "Brain Damage/Mental Illness Related Imagery Based on Social Expectation." A note clarifies that "Psychological/Psychic" are grouped due to the difficulty in distinguishing between them.

Profile: John Prytz

Pages 31 and 32 feature an in-depth profile of John Prytz, an Australian ufologist and librarian. Born in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in 1947, the same year the "Flying Saucer" phenomena gained prominence, Prytz developed an early interest in science, astronomy, biology, and exobiology, which led to his passion for ufology. He briefly enlisted in the USAF in 1965, hoping to join Project Blue Book. After his release in 1969, he pursued higher education in earth and space science, biology, and sociology, earning a B.S. degree in 1971. He then migrated to Australia, taught for three years in Sydney, and became involved with the UFOIC group. His interest in librarianship, sparked during his USAF service, led him to obtain professional qualifications in 1976. He was employed by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library in 1977 and became an Australian citizen. At the time of writing, he is the acting science reference librarian there. Prytz rejoined ACUFOS (formerly ACOS) in 1978 and has since been active, known for applying his librarianship and information science skills to ufology. He compiles the ACUFOS Bibliography Service. Prytz has authored over 50 journal articles in various publications and three monographs, including "UFOLOGY AND THE UFO" (1970) and two ACUFOS documents in 1981. He is also working on future monograph projects. The profile notes his broad interests beyond ufology, including cosmology, planetary astronomy, exobiology, SETI, archaeology, geology, oceanography, marine biology, limnology, ecology, the origin of life, and artificial intelligence. He is an avid reader and collector of books, with a personal library of about 1300 books and 6000 journal articles. He enjoys various sports and music, and designs crossword puzzles. Currently 34 years old, Prytz is unmarried and actively seeking a wife.

Reference Library: Australian Books on UFOs

Reviewed by Mark Moravec, this section (Part 1) examines several Australian books on UFOs published between 1965 and 1969. The reviewed books include:

• FLYING SAUCERS OVER AUSTRALIA by James Holledge (Horwitz, 1965): Described as an illustrated collection of UFO reports providing a brief history of the subject in Australia from the 1940s to the early 1960s.
• FLYING SAUCERS - WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? by Richard Tambling (Horwitz, 1967): An illustrated collection of local UFO reports that also includes an uncritical examination of propulsion, origins, and contactees. The author later became a contactee.
• UFOS OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE by Michael Hervey (Horwitz, 1969): Characterized as a dry collection of UFO anecdotes from newspapers and letters. While it includes some interesting cases, the author is noted for limited knowledge and an uncritical attitude, despite claiming to be a UFO "expert."

The reviewer concludes that these three books offer only limited value, primarily providing brief details of early Australian UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers legal and governmental aspects of UFO research (e.g., the CIA lawsuit), profiles key figures in the ufological community (like John Prytz), and critically reviews relevant literature, particularly from Australia. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, analytical approach to ufology, acknowledging the complexities of witness accounts and the potential for psychological and social factors to influence interpretations, as suggested by the "Cause & Effect" table. There is also an underlying interest in the ETI (Extraterrestrial Intelligence) theory, as mentioned in relation to John Prytz's views.