UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 3 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "UFO Research Australia newsletter" is Volume 3, Number 3, published bi-monthly in May-June 1982. The magazine presents the work of UFO researchers and is independent of any UFO organization. The material presented does not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine. The ISSN is 0726-1764, and the price for a single copy is $ Aust. 2.00.

Editorial

The editorial highlights UFORAN's objective of establishing a world-wide network of correspondents for comprehensive global coverage of UFO events. It emphasizes presenting the work of researchers with high integrity without prejudice. The editorial notes that while UFO activity has been quiet in Australia, individuals like Bill Chalker have used this time productively, achieving access to RAAF files and uncovering previously unknown cases. It also commends organizations like Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) in the United States for their success in combating UFO secrecy. The editorial stresses the importance of a global overview for identifying trends in the UFO phenomenon and views UFO research as a significant adventure with the potential to revolutionize science.

Articles and Reports

Far North Queensland

"Min-Min" Lights? by Russell Boundy

This section details three unidentified sightings in Far North Queensland during January 1982. The first, on January 20, involved a 22-year-old man near Petford who saw a "round light, with an orange tinge" travelling at ground level across a reservoir, which then disappeared into the scrub. Local residents identified it as the "Petford Min-Min light".

The second sighting, on January 23, involved two boys near Bellenden Ker who observed an unusual object for about an hour and a half. Initially seen as a "lighthouse flashing" and later as a "glowing bright, pinky coloured, ball", the object traversed approximately 5km in 4-5 seconds. The boys reported the object's beam moving in an arc before it disappeared.

The third case, on March 14, at Majors Creek near Woodstock, involved a "bright, circular light" observed by four people. It was described as "circular, reddish pink in colour similar to burning magnesium" and "appeared to be spinning" for 10-15 minutes before darting away and returning, eventually speeding off.

Western Australia

Esperance Car Pace by Michael Borley

This report details an incident on March 28, 1982, on the South Coast Highway near Munglinup, involving two witnesses, Mrs Francis Collins and Mrs Maggie Yeend. They reported a soundless, round, hazily outlined, magnesium-bright object pacing their vehicle, limiting its speed to 80km/h. The journey, which should have taken 60-70 minutes, took 1.5 hours. The Esperance Bureau of Meteorology recorded clear skies and moderate wind speed at 3 a.m. Pearce Air Base and Jandakot Airport reported no aircraft in the area. Perth UFO Research Group found that statistically, two out of three people in the locality had seen UFOs or strange lights. The investigators deemed the three witnesses reliable.

Tasmania

1981 – An Update by Keith Roberts

This section reviews UFO activity in Tasmania during 1981, noting a low level of reports compared to the mid-1970s. Seven unexplained cases were noted, with four occurring in February. One case at Ross, investigated twelve months later, involved Mrs A and her passenger seeing a bright white light that descended and then changed direction, appearing to grow in size near a hotel. The object, described as elliptical and greenish metallic with gold light beams, eventually shot south and disappeared. Another case on November 17 involved a lone motorist who saw an unusual green light near Dover that appeared to be getting lower and closer. Later that night, he and his wife observed a white light moving northwards.

Australia - 1981

This article details various UFO reports from across Australia in 1981, noting it was a quiet year with record low report numbers in every state.

• South Australia (January 6): A couple near Minlaton observed a silent, bright white light, described as egg-shaped with five to seven circular lights on its underside, travelling at 34° per second.
• Tasmania (January 8/9): Two men sailing near Flinders Island saw two white lights with a pulsing beam, followed by an area illuminated by an unseen source. Their battery was found flat the next morning.
• Tasmania (February 20): Two people witnessed a huge stationary white ball with a silver-blue edge that exploded into intense light, then contracted and fell from the sky.
• Queensland (March 4): Five people near Butchers Hill observed one large and four smaller oval shapes, colored bright white with an orange-golden glow.
• Queensland (March 19): Twenty people witnessed a large red object with flashing lights at Gumdale, a Brisbane suburb, which swooped low over houses.
• New South Wales (April 5): Three people mistook a crop-dusting plane with its spotlight for a UFO.
• Tasmania (April 11): A pulsating red nocturnal light was observed at Partridge Island.
• Victoria (date unspecified): A couple at Tinamba witnessed a red/white flashing light.
• South Australia (April 14): Three perfect 10cm wide circles forming a triangle were discovered 200m from a homestead.
• Queensland (April 15): Eight people near Malanda observed a "spotlight" appearance stationary light that contracted to a pink light and moved away in a zig-zag trajectory.
• Western and South Australia (May 16): Two people travelling by car saw a glowing bright red dome-like structure near Cocklediddy on the Nullabor Plains.
• South Australia (June 22): A woman and her children encountered a large orange glow above pine trees near Forreston.
• Queensland (July 11): A family travelling between Cairns and Mt Isa were paced by a "huge" object encircled by red lights and emitting white beams.
• South Australia (July 20): A spectacular "formation" of lights travelled across the Adelaide sky, described as a bright light followed by 20-40 smaller lights with multi-coloured tails.
• New South Wales (August 2): A miner observed an unusual "coffin" shaped object with angular sides and corners, and a ring of yellow and white lights, emitting a faint hum and a pale yellow beam of light.
• Western Australia (August 25): A group of fifteen bright silent objects were witnessed off the Bunbury coast, hovering before moving rapidly north and ascending vertically.
• Western Australia (August 26): Two men near Albany saw a soundless object with three red lights and two flashing white lights that undulated above a paddock.
• New South Wales (September): A Mr F. Burke reported his car became enveloped in a blazing light that allegedly melted a tape recorder and caused soreness.
• South Australia (September 27): A farmer near Tooperang was enveloped by an intense 3-metre wide "tube of light" which was soundless and odourless.

Phenomena Research/UFO Research

A new group called PHENOMENA RESEARCH/UFO RESEARCH has been formed in Western Australia by Don Ferguson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings and unexplained phenomena within Australia, with a particular emphasis on detailed case reports and investigations. The editorial stance promotes a scientific and open-minded approach to UFO research, advocating for global cooperation and the acquisition of new knowledge. There is a clear interest in official investigations, such as those involving the RAAF, and in challenging secrecy surrounding the topic. The publication aims to present factual accounts without prejudice, encouraging dedicated researchers to contribute their findings.

This issue of "Forum" magazine, dated 1981, focuses on UFO phenomena and Australia's role in space science. The cover headline "AUSTRALIA - 1981" sets the theme for the year's ufological events and scientific endeavors.

Australian UFO Sightings in 1981

The magazine details several notable UFO sightings in Australia during 1981. On September 28, in Tasmania, an "amber, stationary, light" three times larger than Venus was observed. It moved slowly, emanating rays, then rapidly picked up speed, zig-zagged over mountains, and disappeared. Later, on October 17, the crew of an Air Cargo L188 aircraft flying from Sydney to Brisbane tracked two targets on radar approximately 40 nautical miles west of their track. These targets were also tracked by Sydney Air Traffic Control radar, despite no known aircraft being in the area, and vanished near Newcastle. The last notable event of 1981 occurred on October 25 near Clare, South Australia, where a young woman reported being paced by a white oblong light that twice illuminated her car and the surrounding countryside, possibly causing interference with her car radio. The article notes that the Clare area experienced many UFO events during the 1968-72 period, concluding that 1981 was "yet another quiet Australian ufological year."

Airline Crew Observations

Keith Basterfield contributes a section on "Airline Crew Observations," highlighting significant UFO sightings by pilots in Australia prior to the mid-1950s. One case involved a bomber pilot, T.R.H. Royal, who observed a dark "shadow" alongside his plane over Bass Strait for 18-20 minutes. The object had a flickering light, belched flame from its rear end, and accelerated away at approximately three times the aircraft's speed. During this event, all radio and direction finding equipment allegedly refused to function.

Another report from July 1952, near Sydney, involved Captain Bob Jackson of Australian National Airlines (ANA). He reported seeing a UFO with an orange-coloured light at the tail, which flashed past towards the coast, circled his aircraft, and vanished at terrific speed. He had not reported it earlier for fear of ridicule, and radar proved negative.

Prior to 1953, Trans Australian Airline (TAA) pilots Captain Gordon Sauage and First Officer F.E. Hastilow sighted an unidentified object to their east, described as a very powerful white light changing to red. The object moved away at high speed and vanished into atmospherics, reappearing later. Captain Sauage later considered it might have been Venus, but Co-pilot Hastilow disagreed.

In 1953, south of Mackay, Queensland, Captain B.L. Jones sighted a flying "fish bowl" with an illuminated glass dome that maneuvered quickly around his DC3 before disappearing west. The Mackay Control Tower and radio operator also reported the object.

On January 1, 1954, Captain D. Barker of ANA believed he saw a flying saucer near Melbourne. He described a semi-transparent, disc-shaped object, like a top, travelling at high speed approximately 2,000 feet above the Yarra Valley. He estimated it to be 3-4 km away and about four times the size of a DC4 at that distance.

Captain Barker later reported seeing a similar object over Templestowe, describing it as four or five times larger than a large passenger aircraft, transparent, smoky celluloid-colored, with a tail and a mushroom-shaped head. It oscillated in and out of clouds and changed course to a north-easterly direction, travelling faster than any jet plane. Civil Aviation authorities suggested it was a reflection of a Convair aircraft, but Captain Barker strongly disagreed, citing overcast conditions and the object's unusual behavior and appearance.

Finally, a review includes the case of a pilot flying a Sea Fury aircraft on August 31, 1954, who encountered two lighted objects near Goulburn, NSW. Radar operators at Nowra recorded three objects in the area, including the aircraft and two others.

UFOs Pace Aircraft in Kenya

Mark Moravec reports on a sighting from 1966 involving a DC3 East African Airways airplane flying from Mombasa to Nairobi. The pilot and co-pilot noticed six disc or lens-shaped objects to the right of the cockpit, in formation, about 3-4 miles distant and at an angle of elevation of 15-20° below the airplane. The objects appeared metallic and reflected the sun. They kept pace with the aircraft for 15-20 minutes before suddenly accelerating to the east in an angular climb, disappearing at terrific speed. The witnesses checked with Nairobi Control and were told no jets were flying in the area. The report explores possibilities like meteors, RAF Vampire jets, aircraft reflections, or sundogs, but concludes the sighting remains unexplained due to the objects' speed, metallic appearance, and formation.

Australian Space Science at the Crossroads

Jane Brooks writes about the critical state of Australian space science, arguing that the nation is "snoozing in blissful oblivion to the Space Age." She highlights two key projects: "STARLAB" and the "AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE," neither of which received funding in the August 1981 Federal Budget. These projects are presented as essential for Australia to remain at the forefront of Space Science and to avoid becoming a "Scientific Third World."

AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE

This project aims to build a 6km long array of 22m diameter dishes at Culgoora, NSW, to be used in conjunction with the Parkes Radio Telescope and other facilities. It is intended to be a world-class instrument, offering higher resolution and superior performance for spectral line observations than existing telescopes. The project is 80% Australian manufactured and is expected to be operational by 1988, in time for Australia's Bicentennial Celebrations. The article emphasizes that without this upgrade, Australian Radio Astronomy, a field where Australia has been a world leader, will decline.

STARLAB

STARLAB is proposed as an Australian-Canadian-USA Free-Flying UV-Optical Space Telescope. It is designed to operate from the ultraviolet through the visible to the infrared region of the spectrum, capable of high-resolution imagery and spectroscopy over a wide field of view. The telescope, along with its instrument package, will be placed on a NASA Space Platform in a circular orbit of 450 km altitude. The project involves collaboration between Australia, Canada, and the USA, with Australia responsible for the initial instrument package. The division of observing time is proposed as 1/3 each for Australia, Canada, and the USA over a 20-year period. The article stresses that STARLAB represents a significant challenge and opportunity for Australian industry, potentially leading to advancements in space communications technology and establishing Australia as a leader in advanced technology.

Funding and Government Support

Both articles on space science lament the lack of government funding for these crucial projects. The authors urge readers to contact their local Federal MPs and Senators to advocate for government support. They argue that investing in these projects will not only advance scientific knowledge but also provide significant boosts to Australian industry, creating jobs and technological expertise. The article notes that the Memorandum of Understanding for STARLAB's feasibility study will terminate if funds are not provided in the 1982 Budget.

Profile: Jane L. Brooks

Jane L. Brooks is profiled as a UFORAN Space Technology Correspondent. Her interest in space exploration began in childhood, leading to a scrapbook of space events. She became interested in UFOs in 1978, joined UFO Research SA, and presented a paper on "Physiological Effects of Electromagnetic and other Forms of Radiation and their Relevance to UFO Related Effects" at UFOCON 6 in 1981. Her interest in UFOs also fueled a greater interest in space exploration and the possibility of extra-terrestrial life. She has campaigned for a formal, Government-funded Australian SETI program and co-authored a paper on that topic. She also launched "Space Day 1981" and is founding a new pro-space organization. Jane is studying part-time for a science degree and enjoys reading about space and science fiction.

Italian UFO Research Today

Massimo Greco reports that Italian UFO sightings are decreasing, and media interest has waned. However, the Centro Ufologico Nazionale has completed its reorganization, and a co-operative was created in April 1982 to support the review "UFO Phenomena." A research project called "Italia 3" aims to re-analyze CEIII cases since 1977.

Fund for UFO Research Inc. Poll

This section presents a poll from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., seeking public input on which categories of UFO research deserve support. The categories include Photoanalysis, Pilot Sightings, Physical Trace Cases, Electromagnetic Effect Cases, Physiological Effect Cases, Radar/Instrument Cases, Suppressed Government Information, Humanoid Reports, Abduction Reports, Crash/Retrieval Reports, and "Other." The Fund invites donations to support active research in these areas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, particularly those involving aircraft and pilots, and the critical need for Australia to invest in space science and astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of concern over Australia's current lack of progress in space technology and a strong advocacy for government funding of projects like STARLAB and the AUSTRALIA TELESCOPE. There is an underlying belief that these scientific endeavors are vital for Australia's future technological and industrial standing. The critique of government efficiency and effectiveness, as expressed by Frank Gillespie, suggests a skeptical view of bureaucratic capabilities in handling complex issues like UFOs or funding advanced research.

This issue of 'UFOS AND THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE' focuses on the "INSIDE STORY" of how the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) handled UFO investigations and public information from the 1960s to the early 1980s. It includes excerpts from internal RAAF documents and interviews with prominent UFO researchers.

Part Two: Continuing Bill Chalker's Investigation

UNGA 33 and Grenada's UFO Agency Proposal

The article begins by referencing a Foreign Affairs document detailing attempts by Sir Eric Gairy, then Prime Minister of Grenada, to establish a UN agency for researching UFOs. A review by P.A. Jackson for the Australian UN delegation summarized negotiations, noting that a "much more modest draft decision" was eventually adopted by consensus on December 7, 1978. This decision did not commit the Outer Space Committee to extensive action but allowed Grenada to present its views. The author wryly notes that Sir Eric Gairy might have been better served focusing on domestic matters, as he was later deposed in a coup.

RAAF UFO Policy in 1966

Two illuminating RAAF documents from 1966 are presented: "UFOS RAAF HANDLING OF PROBLEM" (August 16) and "UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS RAAF POLICY" (October 12). The first document arose from a conflict between the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence and the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) over whether to cease distributing a "Summary of Unidentified Aerial Sightings Reported to Department of Air from 1960." Intelligence wanted to "soft-pedal the UFO business" to avoid public interest, while DPR saw the "Summary" as a way to provide statistical information for ministerial replies and to collate an unclassified, innocuous summary of sightings.

DPR argued that the RAAF had no right to act as an arbiter of public interest and that suppressing public interest only fueled the impression that the Department of Air was withholding vital information. They also noted that the USAF was believed to be making its unclassified UFO findings public, partly in self-defense. DPR felt that coming out into the open would reduce occasional adverse publicity and counter the belief that the RAAF was hiding information to prevent panic.

The second minute paper from October 1966 highlighted ongoing confusion and uncertainty in RAAF UFO policy. It referenced a ministerial statement indicating that anyone interested could apply to the Department of Air for information and a synopsis of sightings. However, it was unclear if this policy was consistently reflected in departmental views, particularly DAFI (Directorate of Air Force Intelligence). The paper also pointed out the need for rationalization of RAAF files on UFOs, noting that at least four different files contained conflicting policies and information.

Evolution of RAAF UFO Reporting

By the end of the 1960s, the "Summary" had become the public face of the RAAF's UFO involvement, evolving into a largely annual publication. The article details the numbering and coverage of these summaries from 1960 to 1977. A 1980 "Brief for the Minister for Defence on RAAF policy for reporting of UAS..." described the established formula: each RAAF base had an officer responsible for investigating Unidentified Aerial Sightings (UAS). Reports were to be forwarded to the Department of Defence, where they were checked and filed. The original reporter could be advised of the findings if requested. While the files were unclassified, summaries of findings could be made available, but not the complete files, often due to the anonymity of the reporters.

The RAAF maintained that it did not conceal facts about UAS and was prepared to release details of reported sightings upon request, provided the case had been investigated.

Confusion and Frustration in RAAF UFO Policy

Despite official statements, the article suggests that confusion and a low priority base for RAAF interest in UFOs persisted. Handwritten annotations on a letter sent to the Director of Public Relations in April 1980 reveal ongoing uncertainty about policy. One annotation questioned whether information on UFOs should be provided, especially with the advent of the Freedom of Information Act. Another annotation, possibly written in jest or frustration, asked if they were "still in the UFO business" and requested a suitable reply for Mr. Chalker.

Scientific Investigation vs. Defense Implications

The article notes that while RAAF investigations were the only known official study of UFOs, scientific investigation often took a backseat to defense and political implications. It suggests that after decades of involvement, the RAAF likely concluded that most reports were misidentifications, leading to a low priority for investigating the small residue of "unknown" cases. The RAAF's approach was characterized by a reluctance to delve deeply into provocative reports, possibly due to the perceived low return for effort expended.

Criticism of RAAF Investigations

Dr. Claude Poher, who led France's first major official UFO research group (GEPAN), criticized the RAAF's investigations. After reviewing the RAAF's Annual Summaries, Poher found the explanations for sightings unacceptable. He cited the example of an April 4, 1975, sighting in Wickham, NSW, of a "silver object about the size of a cricket ball," which the RAAF listed as Venus, despite the planet being below the horizon at the time. Poher warned that such "impossibilities" could lead to ridicule from journalists and scientists if not carefully checked by specialists.

Other examples of questionable RAAF classifications include the Cressy (1961) sighting labeled "Astronomical," a 1963 sighting near Moe labeled "Tornado like meteorological manifestations," and a 1965 sighting at Vaucluse Beach, Sydney, labeled "tornado."

The article concludes this section by stating "To be continued - see the next issue of UFORAN for part 3: 'The RAAF 'Unidentified Flying Objects - Reports of Sightings' files'."

An A to Z of UFO Explanations

This section, by Paul & Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej, is presented as a non-exhaustive list of possible explanations for UFO activity, intended to stimulate thought. It includes:

• ALIEN PEACE CORPS: Proposed by Brayce Gembler, suggesting UFOs are extraterrestrials studying Earth to help society achieve a better future.
• AIR INVERSION: Proposed by Dr. Donald Menzel, attributing UFO sightings to mirages and atmospheric inversions.
• AETHERIAN EXPLANATION: Proposed by George King, positing that UFOs are spacecraft from other planets in our solar system, piloted by beings commissioned to guide humanity.
• ANCIENT ASTRONAUT: Proposed by Agrest, Von Daniken, and others, suggesting UFOs are from advanced alien civilizations that visited Earth in ancient times, influencing myths and religions.

This section is also marked "To be continued."

The UFO Phenomenon - Three Perspectives

This section, by Quentin Fogarty, presents interviews with three prominent scientists involved in UFO research in the United States:

Introduction

UFOs are described as a phenomenon that provokes controversy and division, particularly within the scientific community. Many scientists involved in UFO research pursue their inquiries confidentially for fear of ridicule. However, some believe UFOs represent a phenomenon worthy of serious study. The article highlights three key figures in US UFO research: Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, and Dr. Richard F. Haines.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek

Dr. Hynek, formerly a consultant to the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, initially thought UFOs were a fad. However, after 33 years, he acknowledges that the phenomenon is still a current topic of interest and is no longer easily dismissed. He now directs the Centre for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in Evanston, Illinois, and notes that more intellectually aware people, including those who read Scientific American, are beginning to take notice, realizing that the UFO phenomenon "just does not go away. It is here."

Hynek discusses the increasing interest from the American military and intelligence communities, despite public pronouncements to the contrary. Regarding the release of UFO files from US intelligence agencies, Hynek stated he learned little new, but confirmed his prior knowledge that agencies like the CIA had been investigating the matter for some time. He believes any government would be remiss not to investigate something that intrigued 57% of the American population.

He explains the intelligence community's tendency to classify information and view the public as adversaries, describing it as an "occupational disease." Hynek suggests that the military's initial concern about potential Russian or Martian involvement led them to treat UFOs as an intelligence question rather than an academic or scientific problem. He criticizes the past practice of providing simplistic explanations like "it was a balloon" or "it was Venus" when more complex cases existed.

When asked if the files indicated real concern from intelligence communities, Hynek defined it as a "monitoring concern" rather than an "emergency concern." He found no indication that intelligence agencies had uncovered more answers than civilian investigators, noting that national security could still be used as a pretext to withhold information, such as details about UFO propulsion systems.

Hynek believes that while there isn't yet a "scientific breakthrough" in the released papers, the ongoing legal battles by those seeking information might yield results. He also notes that many interesting aspects of the field emerge by accident, such as conversations with individuals.

He observes that UFOs seem to have a "liking for war zones, military bases and intelligence centres," suggesting this is a clue that needs to be added to other evidence. He emphasizes the importance of sifting through clues carefully, particularly in a subject rife with rumor and superstition. He explains that single-witness cases are often disregarded because witnesses might hallucinate or wish to see a UFO. However, when multiple, independent witnesses report the same phenomenon identically, it suggests a real event, not a hallucination.

Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee

Dr. Maccabee, a Navy physicist and consultant for UFO groups, is involved in investigating UFO sightings. He considers the possibility that some reports describe "hardware of some sort," such as metallic objects, and that multiple witnesses reporting such objects are unlikely to be hallucinating. He also notes reports of entities or creatures associated with UFOs, suggesting that "somebody, from somewhere, is coming here." He raises the possibility of higher dimensionality or time travel when objects appear suddenly.

Maccabee acknowledges the speculative nature of much UFO research due to a lack of hard evidence. He suggests that if UFOs are advanced spacecraft, the technology might be so successful that crashes are rare, or they might occur in remote areas like oceans. He also considers the possibility of "psychic projection" as an explanation, which would leave no physical evidence.

Regarding crashed saucers, Maccabee states he is unaware of any confirmed cases but mentions reports, some from military personnel, suggesting that in the late 1940s and early 1950s, there may have been crashes. He believes that whatever the Air Force recovered, they may not have known what to do with it, leading to an "intentional cover-up" or simply a lack of action. He points out that the Air Force ended its investigation in 1969, leaving 700 cases unexplained.

Concerning the current attitude of the American defense establishment, Maccabee explains that official responses direct inquiries to public affairs offices, stating that the Air Force closed its investigation in 1969. However, he notes that military personnel are still instructed to report unusual aerial objects to military intelligence, as they could be ballistic missiles. He confirms that UFO reports continue to enter the intelligence community, with specific procedures for urgent reporting.

Dr. Richard F. Haines

Dr. Haines, a NASA research scientist, specializes in UFO encounters reported by aircrews. He has files on approximately 3,000 cases from various countries dating back to the 1920s. He has taken a particular interest in the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in 1978, who reported his aircraft being buzzed by a UFO. Haines classifies most sightings as "nocturnal lights" but notes a small number of cases where pilots reported seeing large objects with physical details.

He states that pilots often describe objects as "apparently metallic craft," with words like "silver, aluminum, and chromium" being frequently used. While his files include commercial, military, private, and test pilots, the majority are commercial. He prioritizes sightings with two or more observers for reliability reasons, though he investigated the single-pilot Valentich case due to its significance.

Haines believes that while these reports lend credibility to the basic event, they do not explain the phenomenon itself. He notes that some pilots fear ridicule and do not wish to be named.

Regarding harm from aerial encounters, Haines states that while he has no direct evidence of harm, some Air Force cases from Project Blue Book raise interesting questions. He mentions that more recently, there have been reported cases of aircraft damage, such as dents or bent ailerons and landing gear, from collisions with objects.

When asked about the implications of such damage, Haines admits he does not know yet. He also mentions a case where a private pilot flying into Mexico City claimed to have been accosted by several discs, one of which came so close it dented a portion of his aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government secrecy and the official handling of UFO phenomena, particularly by military and intelligence agencies like the RAAF and its US counterparts. There is a clear emphasis on the contrast between official explanations and the experiences of witnesses and independent researchers. The article highlights the bureaucratic processes, the challenges of obtaining information, and the skepticism faced by those who investigate UFOs seriously. The editorial stance appears to favor transparency and a more open, scientific approach to studying UFOs, criticizing the tendency towards dismissiveness and inadequate explanations by official bodies. The inclusion of the "A to Z of UFO Explanations" and the interviews with prominent ufologists underscore a commitment to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon beyond official narratives.

This issue of 'THE UFO PHENOMENON - THREE PERSPECTIVES' delves into the complex topic of unidentified flying objects through various viewpoints, featuring interviews, case updates, and book reviews. The publication appears to be an Australian magazine, indicated by references to Australian organizations and locations.

Three Perspectives on the UFO Phenomenon

Interview with a NASA Scientist (Haines)

The issue opens with a discussion featuring a scientist identified only as Haines, who works for NASA. Haines expresses a personal frustration with the lack of understanding regarding high-energy density effects on metal structures, which could explain unusual object appearances. He clarifies that his UFO research is a hobby, conducted entirely on his own time, and that NASA has not taken an official stance, neither encouraging nor discouraging such private investigations. Haines notes that his colleagues are generally open-minded and curious about his research, and he is not alone in pursuing it within the agency. When asked about his public opinion on UFOs, Haines states he has no evidence that UFOs represent visitors from outer space. Instead, he leans towards the idea of natural phenomena that science currently understands poorly. He emphasizes the scientific approach of considering all evidence and systematically checking hypotheses.

Quentin Edward Fogarty: Journalist and Film-maker

The profile section introduces Quentin Edward Fogarty, a journalist and film-maker from New Zealand. Born in 1946, Fogarty has extensive experience in print and electronic media. At the time of the New Zealand UFO sightings, he was working for Channel 0 in Melbourne. He has since worked for National Nine News and has completed a book titled "Let's Hope They're Friendly," due for publication by Angus and Robertson. The book is described as a unique account of what happened to ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events, detailing the lead-up to sightings, the events themselves, and the aftermath, including interactions with skeptics and debunkers like Philip Klass.

NEW ZEALAND 1978 - AN UPDATE by Dr Bruce S. Maccabee

Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee provides an update on the 1978 New Zealand UFO case, specifically addressing the widely publicized sighting near Christchurch on December 31, 1978. He refutes explanations that the photographic images were of Jupiter or Venus, citing the movement of horizontal bands within the images as impossible for celestial bodies. Maccabee also critically examines the 'squid boat hypothesis,' which suggested the lights were from fishing vessels. He details several problems with this explanation, including the failure to locate registered boats, the unusual relative motion of the lights with respect to the plane, and the lack of satellite imagery confirmation for boats in the area. Furthermore, Maccabee analyzes photographic evidence, noting that while a reflection of a bright light source might be expected from a squid boat, the Christchurch imagery lacks any such reflection. He also addresses the issue of a pulsating red/white light seen in the latter part of the film, which has defied identification as a known source. Klass's suggestion of a reflection of the plane's red rotating beacon is dismissed due to the inability to explain how a red light could produce saturated pure white images. Maccabee concludes by wondering if the unknown light adjusted its frequency to match the plane's light, suggesting a positive indication of intelligence.

UFO RESEARCH PUBLICITY BOARD

This section addresses an article in 'People' magazine concerning a 'glowing cigar' object photographed over Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Frank Gillespie, a Publicity Board member and ACUFOS Scientific Consultant, points out that one of the accompanying photographs, presented as an 'eerie object,' is actually a street lamp, and the exposure time claimed was inaccurate.

Reference Library: Book Review

Ronald D. Story's book, "UFOS AND THE LIMITS OF SCIENCE," is reviewed by Frank Gillespie. The review notes that Story presents a balanced view of UFO cases but is criticized for inconsistency in his attitudes and for possibly unadmitted bias. The reviewer argues that Story, like Philip Klass, prioritizes scientific explanation for individual cases over statistical analysis of the broader UFO phenomenon. A specific criticism is leveled at the inclusion of the Trent photographs, where a supporting string on the model is visible but allegedly missed by computer analysis. The review also points out that Story's book fails to quote any Australian UFO researchers, even when discussing Australian cases like the Tully flap. The reviewer concludes that while the book could have been better without its bias, it does acknowledge unexplained UFO cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical, scientific investigation into UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases and the personal research of individuals like Haines and Fogarty, there is a clear emphasis on rigorous analysis, debunking unsubstantiated claims (as seen in the critique of the squid boat hypothesis and the Queensland photo), and a cautious approach to extraordinary explanations. The inclusion of a book review that criticizes bias and lack of comprehensive research further reinforces this theme of demanding high standards in UFO reporting and analysis. The magazine seems to advocate for open-mindedness tempered with scientific skepticism.