UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 4 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "UFO Research Australia newsletter" is Volume 4, Number 2, published in September-October 1983. It is a bi-monthly publication that presents the work of UFO researchers and is independent of any UFO organization. The cover features a stylized atomic symbol with a silhouette of Australia inside, in white on a red background, along with the publication's title.

Editorial

The editorial, a guest piece by Keith Basterfield titled "The Evolution of a Ufologist - A Personal Viewpoint," reflects on his fifteen years of investigating UFO phenomena. He describes passing through several stages, from initial absorption of information to fieldwork in Australian "flap areas," and later, a more research-focused approach. Basterfield discusses his book "UFOs – the Image Hypothesis," which explored the idea that the human mind might generate phenomena. He now holds the position of Reports Coordinator for ACUFOS. Basterfield also touches upon alternative views like Alvin Lawson's birth trauma idea and Paul Devereux's Earthlight concept. He notes his sideline of collecting Australian near-death experience accounts, finding parallels with UFO abduction stories. Basterfield expresses a shift in his personal belief, no longer automatically invoking extra-terrestrials, suggesting the Earth and human minds as more likely causes. He emphasizes that the mystery will be solved by fieldwork and patient research, not by armchair theorists or professional scientists. He urges support for the newsletter, UFORAN, as a vital vehicle for disseminating ideas within the UFO community, concluding with an optimistic outlook.

Articles and Reports

Stringer/Manson UFO Sighting

Investigated by Bruce Harding in 1973, this article by Harold J. Knapman details a UFO sighting by Steve Stringer and his girlfriend, Karen Manson, on January 14, 1973, near Spencerville, New Zealand. The witnesses were driving when they heard a humming noise and saw an egg-shaped object with bright, circular spotlights around its middle. The object, described as yellow-white and not metallic, approached them rapidly. They described the sound as high-pitched and like wind. The object cleared trees 25-30 feet high. Surprisingly, there were no physical effects on the car or the witnesses, only emotional trauma. Both witnesses are described as average, helpful people who were initially skeptical of UFOs but became interested after the experience. The investigator, Harding, found the case to be a "first class CE 1 case" and believed the reporters to be of utmost integrity.

New Zealand Entity Reports

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this section aims to address the lack of prominence of New Zealand entity reports in worldwide UFO journals. Basterfield presents summaries of 18 entity reports from New Zealand, dating from 1909 to 1981. These include:

• Gore (July 30, 1909): Two dredgehands saw an "air-ship" lower, circle, and depart, with two figures visible on board.
• Port Molyneux (later than July 1909): An "air-ship" landed, and occupants who looked "Japanese" emerged and spoke to a local.
• Waipawa (August 3, 1909): A resident saw a grey torpedo-shaped structure with three men inside, one of whom spoke in a foreign language.
• Invercargill (January 1910): Witnesses, including a vicar and the mayor, saw a cigar-shaped object hover, with a man appearing at a door and speaking an unknown language.
• Christchurch (1944/45): A nurse reported an "upturned saucer" with green entities inside transparent casings.
• Blenheim (July 13, 1959): Mrs F. Moreland saw a "saucer" descend, with two men in shiny suits and opaque helmets visible, before it ascended vertically.
• Wairakei (December 18, 1968): A "man" in a shiny, plastic-type, dark blue suit with a helmet was seen walking alongside a road.
• Whangamata (January 1969): A couple reported four to six tall figures in black clothing descending from the air, accompanied by a grey balloon.
• Awanui (February 22, 1969): Mr Brown saw two men and a woman sitting on the grass, with an invisible barrier between the men; marks were found the next day.
• Tirau (Late 1969): A woman saw five black shadows, resembling figures, silhouetted against a bright, yellow light.
• Waluka (May 1971): A woman saw three "men" shrouded in grey mist near a bright red light.
• Brookby (January 8, 1975): Mr Norton and Miss Ricard saw an object with a dome and legs, with three shadowy figures moving inside.
• Gisborne (March 12, 1977): Three young women had two hours of their night unaccounted for, with one recounting waking to a light and a disc hovering nearby, and being drawn to it.
• Waimata (December 2, 1977): A farmer found a "saucer" on the ground and saw two humanoids carrying off his dog; footprints were found.
• Waimata Valley (December 8, 1977): A man reported seeing an entity standing by the road, wearing a silver suit.
• Warkworth (January 1978): A couple saw a round, saucer-shaped, silver object land, revealing a tall standing figure.
• East Coast Bays Road (April 2, 1978): Ms Robinson saw a wedge-shaped object with lights, and two figures peering out.
• Dunedin (July 11, 1981): An 82-year-old woman reported seeing a football-shaped object with two entities inside.

Other Content

• Should NASA Fly Private Citizens Aboard the Space Shuttle?: An article by James M. Beggs.
• "The Isle of Ustica is Like the Bermuda Triangle": An article by Massimo Greco.
• Study of Official Australian Government Involvement in the UFO Controversy - a Progress Report: An article by Bill Chalker.
• An A to Z of UFO Explanations: An article by Paul & Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej.
• Abductions, "E.T.s" and Birth Trauma: An article by Alvin H. Lawson.
• UFO Tech Notes: An article by John F. Schuessler.
• Reference Library: A section listing references.

Subscription Information

Annual subscription rates are provided: $15.00 for Australia, $ Aust. 18.00 (surface mail) or $ Aust. 30.00 (air mail) for foreign subscribers. Overseas subscribers are asked to remit by banker's draft or International Money Order. Single copies are $ Aust. 3.00.

Organizational Information

The issue lists contact details for various UFO research centers across Australia, including the Australian Centre for UFO Studies, UFO Research (FNQ), UFO Research (QLD), UFO Research (NSW), UFO Research (SC), Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC), UFO Research (SA) Inc., Perth UFO Research Group Western Australia, and UFO Research (WA).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, entity encounters, and the investigation of such phenomena, with a particular focus on Australian and New Zealand cases. The editorial stance, as expressed by Keith Basterfield, suggests a move towards more grounded explanations and emphasizes the importance of fieldwork and empirical research in understanding the UFO mystery. The publication positions itself as an independent platform for researchers to share their findings and ideas, encouraging reader engagement and support.

This issue of UFOlogy, dated 1983, features a diverse range of articles covering astronomical theories, UFO entity reports, and government investigations into UFO phenomena. The cover headline announces that astronomers believe the universe will not end with a bang but will continue expanding forever. The magazine also includes a report on the possibility of private citizens flying aboard the Space Shuttle and a progress report on official Australian government involvement in the UFO controversy.

Universe Won't End With a Bang, Say Astronomers

An international team of astronomers, including Dr. Bruce Peterson from the Australian National University, has concluded that the universe will not end with a 'Big Bang'. Their research indicates that there is insufficient matter for gravity to halt the universe's expansion. Instead, the universe is predicted to expand forever, eventually becoming a cold, dark, and lightless void as stars exhaust their nuclear fuel.

Australasian UFO-Related Entity Reports

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this comprehensive article reviews available UFO cases involving entities in Australia and New Zealand. Out of sixty-seven known events, twenty-one are deemed worthy of further study. The article details the formation of the Australian Entity Study Group and the adoption of a classification system (ERA, ERB, ERC, ERD) for entity reports. A residue of 67 cases was identified after applying the ERA-D classification, with 27 falling into a category for further study. Several specific cases are highlighted, including:

• Daw Park, South Australia, May 30, 1976: A youth reported seeing a humanoid figure in a silver suit with a visor and a symbol on its chest.
• Belmont, NSW, August 1960: Mrs. Helen Aldridge reported seeing a round, glowing object and a humanoid figure in her paddock.
• Waimata Valley, NZ, December 2, 1977: A farmer witnessed a landed 'flying saucer' with two humanoids carrying a dog. One entity was shot and escaped, while the other fled in the craft.

The analysis of these cases reveals that 20 out of 27 occurred in rural/isolated areas, and reporters were often in familiar environments. Diurnal peaks were observed between 1500-1800 hrs and midnight to 0300 hrs, with durations typically short (10-100 seconds). Most cases involved a single object and a humanoid entity. The article concludes that while these ERA events are unsubstantiated verbal accounts from a scientific perspective, they offer a rich dataset for understanding the UFO phenomenon.

Should NASA Fly Private Citizens Aboard the Space Shuttle?

This article, submitted by Jane Brooks and written by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs, discusses the growing possibility of private citizens flying on the Space Shuttle. NASA has long desired to offer this opportunity, and with routine access to space becoming a reality, a task force has been established to study the criteria for selecting passengers. The Shuttle has a capacity of seven people, with four being standard crew. The remaining three slots could be used for private citizens. The task force, led by former chief scientist John Naugle, includes individuals with diverse expertise. They are examining questions related to the objectives of private citizen flights, their roles (tasks or observers), the benefits to the public, selection criteria, and medical/training requirements. The task force plans to present its report in late winter.

'The Isle of Ustica is Like the Bermuda Triangle'

This report, translated by Massimo Greco, details an incident on April 17, 1982, over the Mediterranean Sea near the Isle of Ustica. The pilot of a DC-9 aircraft reported being violently shaken by a mysterious object with a trail of fire passing at close range. While NATO forces were conducting 'Distant Drum' manoeuvres in the area, officials denied any involvement of missiles. However, the incident, along with thirteen others in the region over eight years, has led to the area being dubbed a 'Bermuda Triangle', suggesting it is a crossroads for unidentified aircraft and submarines.

Official Australian Government Involvement in the UFO Controversy: A Progress Report

Authored by Bill Chalker, this report details his extensive research in 1982 into Australian government UFO files. He examined files held by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Department of Aviation, including those related to the 'Drury film affair' and the 'Bouganville Reef event'. Chalker also consulted with a retired defense scientist and initiated inquiries with other Australian agencies and overseas government departments. Overseas inquiries revealed that the UK Ministry of Defence holds records dating back to 1962, investigating UFOs for defense interest, while New Zealand appears to have little organized UFO investigation. Copies of USAF Project Bluebook files on Australian cases were also obtained. The report also touches upon the disappearance of Frederick Valentich and the release of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Summary Report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with scientific inquiry and governmental processes. There's a clear interest in cataloging and analyzing UFO sightings, particularly those involving entities, and in understanding the official responses and investigations conducted by governments. The inclusion of an article on the universe's fate suggests a broader interest in cosmic mysteries beyond terrestrial UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting on these subjects, encouraging reader participation through the 'forum' section.

Title: A PROGRESS REPORT
Issue: 19
Volume: Vol.3
Date: May-June, 1982
Publisher: UFORAN
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of "A Progress Report" details ongoing research into UFO phenomena in Australia, with a focus on official government involvement and the analysis of documented cases. The report highlights the challenges faced by researchers in accessing information, the publication of findings, and the exploration of various explanatory hypotheses.

Official Investigations and File Access

The author recounts a visit to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation in November 1982, where discussions with A.R. Woodward revealed that files pertaining to the "Valentich Affair" were considered privileged information, treated solely as "air accident" investigations. Despite this, the author was informed that if the missing aircraft VH-DSJ were salvaged, it would be confiscated due to its status as part of an aircraft accident investigation. Dr Richard Haines's paper on sound spectrum analysis of radio transmissions related to the VH-DSJ is also mentioned.

Publication of Research Results

The author has published research results in various outlets, including the UFO Research Australia Newsletter (UFORAN), MUFON UFO Journal, Omega Science Digest, APRO Bulletin, and The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies. These publications cover topics such as "UFOs and the Royal Australian Air Force - The Inside Story" and "UFOs: Australia's Secret Documents Revealed". The British Flying Saucer Review and UFO Nyt have also expressed interest in publishing some of this material.

Limited copies of documents have been made available to individuals with bonafide interests, covering events like the Nebo area events of 1964-1965, a landing near Mandurana in 1978, a radar visual event in Tasmania in 1957, and a USAF aircraft encounter near Cressy in 1960. The author is bound by a DAFI document to maintain confidentiality of RAAF documents, with plans to release them with confidential details deleted as time permits.

Special Areas of Study

Several areas have received particular attention:

• "Cover-ups" of UFO data: Over twenty accounts from civilian sources alleging "cover-up" activities are being examined.
• The Drury film affair: Original documentation is secured, but film frames are of poor quality. A report will be made available upon completion of the investigation.
• Reports by military personnel: These have been collected, and a report will be made available.
• Reports from aircraft: These cases are being catalogued in conjunction with Keith Basterfield's revision of his document on this theme.
• Official policies to UFOs: An evaluation of Australian official policy on UFOs from 1950 to 1983 is being conducted.
• Summarising and indexing official file holdings: Preliminary indexes for the period 1950-1983 are being compiled.
• Search for missing files: While most RAAF/DAFI file holdings have been examined, some individual file parts remain to be located, including those covering 1973-1974, the "current policy" file, and original DAFI files prior to 1955. Evidence suggests these early files may have been destroyed during a move of Defence from Melbourne to Canberra in the early 1960s.

The author expresses confidence in their understanding of the DAFI UFO files, noting that a DAFI intelligence liaison officer once remarked that the author knew the files better than he did.

Conclusion

The author expresses amazement at the extent of material allowed to be reviewed, moving from a perception of clandestine official involvement to a detailed understanding through officially sanctioned file reviews by a civilian researcher. The author intends to continue making their findings available.

An A to Z of UFO Explanations

This section, by Paul & Cassandra Sowlak-Rudej, presents a range of proposed explanations for UFO activity, not as an exhaustive list, but to stimulate thought and examination of the evidence. Explanations covered include:

• GATE THEORY: UFOs have different atomic structures, allowing them to exist undetected, entering our system through periodically opening gates.
• GULF THEORY: UFOs represent a system so advanced that humans cannot comprehend them, similar to an ant understanding a city.
• HYPNOTIC EXPLANATION: UFO sightings are implanted into the minds of hypnotized subjects, leading them to believe they have undergone real experiences.
• HOLLOW EARTH: The Earth is hollow with entrances at both poles, inhabited by a superior race that periodically emerges in flying machines.

Abductions, 'E.T.s' and Birth Trauma

This article by Alvin H. Lawson, PhD, explores the origin of alleged CE-III events. Lawson's research, including a study of hypnotically retrieved CE-III data, suggests that abductions may be related to inner psychological experiences rather than extraterrestrial visitors. The "birth trauma hypothesis" posits that the imagery in abduction reports is similar to the physical and psychological ordeal of birth trauma. Parallels are drawn between the fetus's experience in the birth tunnel and an abductee's experience in a UFO, including sensory stimuli, examination, and the presence of entities. The hypothesis is presented as testable, with potential to distinguish fantasies from actual events and to challenge the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Reported humanoid characteristics in CE-III cases are detailed, including diminutive size, frail bodies, large heads and eyes, rudimentary hands and feet, and pallid skin. Additional parallels with birth trauma narratives include missing time, umbilical pain, and a sense of ineffability.

The article discusses the testability of the birth trauma hypothesis, suggesting that narratives can be scrutinized for echoes of birth history and that its presence can distinguish fantasies. It also notes that confirmation of this hypothesis would not solve the entire UFO mystery but would shift the focus to the nature of the stimulus triggering the abduction/BT hallucination.

UFO Tech Notes

By John F. Schuessler, these notes offer an alternative tool for UFO investigation and analysis, aiming to cross discipline lines and present valuable concepts. The author criticizes investigators who rush to judgment without thorough field investigation, emphasizing the importance of documenting facts and principles.

• Eyewitness Reporting: Despite critics' claims, eyewitness testimony, even from untrained individuals, can be reliable, as demonstrated by a meteorite case where reports allowed for reconstruction of the event. The U.S. Army's Project Skyfire study also showed consistency in visual reporting.
• A New Space Surveillance Net: The obsolescence of the Baker-Nunn camera system is noted, with a new GEODSS system being installed for enhanced detection and analysis of space objects, including UFOs.
• Metal Identification: The process of identifying unknown metallic artifacts is discussed, including simple tests (color, spark, chemical) and more complex spectrographic methods. The article mentions a metallic disc found near Georgetown, Louisiana, identified as titanium from an Apollo Service Module storage tank.
• Project VISIT Data Needs Defined: Project VISIT is seeking correlative data from abduction cases to construct a technological model of what is happening. They focus on five elements: baseline data, the witness, the vehicle, humanoids, and post-incident follow-up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent investigation of UFO phenomena in Australia, the challenges of official secrecy and access to information, and the exploration of diverse explanations for sightings and alleged encounters. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of rigorous, evidence-based research, critically examining both official narratives and alternative hypotheses, such as the birth trauma theory, while also highlighting technological advancements relevant to UFO detection and analysis. There is a clear emphasis on documenting facts and moving beyond simplistic explanations or dismissals.

Title: UFO TECH NOTES
Issue: 30
Date: 1974 (raw date)
Publisher: Not specified
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO Tech Notes delves into various aspects of UFO investigation, technology, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. It covers methodologies for analyzing witness reports, explores emerging detection tools, and reviews relevant literature and research.

UFO Investigation Methodology

The article "UFO TECH NOTES" outlines the systematic approach used by Project VISIT in investigating UFO cases. The process involves gathering detailed witness information, ranging from personal comfort and physiological status to sensory data and descriptions of vehicles and humanoids. Bodily reactions, such as skin sensations like burning and tingling, are noted as potentially significant. Vehicle information should include perceived size, shape, color, and movement, with witnesses encouraged to use familiar comparisons. Humanoid descriptions are also crucial, as they can offer insights into the design and operational capabilities of the craft. The post-incident period is emphasized for its importance in gathering "proofs," with advice for witnesses to seek medical assistance and consult with VISIT experts. Cases are to be handled through major UFO organizations like MUFON, CUFOS, or APRO.

Life in the Universe and Extraterrestrial Civilizations

A section titled "LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE" introduces a brochure by George Miller that explores the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth. It questions whether civilizations could have developed elsewhere in the vast universe and if they might possess technology similar to Earth's. The discovery of other advanced civilizations is presented as a topic that could profoundly affect human affairs. The brochure is recommended for UFO researchers and is available from the Public Affairs Office at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Technological Advancements in UFO Detection

The issue examines potential new tools for UFO investigators. The police polygraph machine, while used with some success (notably in the Travis Walton incident), is seen as needing supplementation. Regressive hypnosis is also discussed as a useful technique, though the question of witness veracity remains. A more accurate, but costly, method is the Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE), extensively used by the NATIONAL ENQUIRER. The need for a low-cost, portable screening unit is highlighted. Several companies, including Dektor, Law Enforcement Associates, and Communication Control Systems, are refining polygraph technology. Psycho-Science, Inc. offers the SA-X, a lie detector that measures stress through voice analysis.

LANDSAT: An Eye in the Sky for UFO Investigations?

This section explores the utility of the Landsat satellite program for UFO investigations. Launched in 1972, Landsat satellites transmit millions of images of Earth's surface. They orbit the Earth every 103 minutes, covering the same area every 18 days. Their multispectral scanners capture data across four bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. While Landsat images can be correlated with Earth-based data, they have limitations for UFO research. The low resolution means objects must be larger than 260 feet to be recognizable, and they cannot be used for topographic mapping due to monoscopic coverage. The data relies on computer manipulation, and the images do not portray natural Earth colors. Therefore, investigators must be selective, as most UFO artifacts would likely not be discernible. Information for further inquiry can be obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey, EROS Data Center.

Book Review: The Crack in the Universe

This section features a review by Paul Sowiak-Rudej of the book "THE CRACK IN THE UNIVERSE" by J. Bourret, published by Neville Spearman UK in 1974. The book is described as a collation of UFO-oriented interviews and talk-back programs from France-Inter Radio, offering a disjointed look at past UFO events in France and internationally. A notable aspect is the interview with Robert Galley, the French Minister of Defence, who spoke on the need for open minds regarding the phenomena. The book also discusses the French Airforce and Gendarmerie tracking rapid UFO movements on radar. Claude Poher, from the French National Centre for Space Studies, is quoted on the need to accept evidence and prepare for confrontations with UFOs scientifically. The review mentions a psychological experiment conducted in France to measure the impact of preparation on eyewitnesses, which surprisingly did not increase reported sightings. It also notes that educated individuals tend to report more sightings and that UFO speeds are random, unlike conventional aircraft. The book is recommended for its insight into the French and European UFO scene.

Reports Digest Service

A new service called "REPORTS DIGEST" is introduced. It is a document that records UFO sighting reports flowing through ACUFOS. Subscriptions are available per 12 issues, with rates for Australia and overseas (surface and air mail). Payments can be made via cheque, money order, or banker's draft to ACUFOS in Prospect, South Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic investigation of UFO phenomena, the development and application of new technologies for detection and analysis, and the broader philosophical questions concerning extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious scientific inquiry, emphasizing the need for open-mindedness, rigorous data collection, and the critical evaluation of evidence. While acknowledging the potential significance of UFO reports, the publication also highlights the limitations of current investigative tools and the challenges in verifying witness accounts. There is a clear interest in exploring both the technical and theoretical aspects of the UFO phenomenon.