UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 5 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Australia newsletter, Volume 5, Number 2, dated March-April 1984, is published by UFO Research Australia and has an ISSN of 0726-1764. The cover features a stylized atomic symbol with a UFO silhouette and the magazine's title.

Editorial: Formation of UFORA

The editorial announces the formation of a new-concept organization called UFO Research Australia (UFORA), which will consist solely of persons actively participating in UFO research. UFORAN (UFO Research Australia Newsletter) will serve as its publishing vehicle. UFORA's emphasis is on cooperative research and information exchange, and it will not compete with other UFO organizations. The formation was initiated by Vladimir Godic, Pony Godic, and Keith Basterfield. Bill Chalker is welcomed as a UFORA Scientific Consultant. The organization's address is provided as PO Box 229, Prospect, South Australia 5082, Australia.

North American UFO Federation, Inc.

This article introduces the North American UFO Federation, Inc. (NAUFOF), formed to foster cooperation and mutual support among UFO investigators. It details the federation's objectives, including developing standardized reporting forms, acting as an information source, establishing a computerized data-base, and creating a public relations committee. The article lists the Board of Directors and officers elected in Pasadena, California, and provides contact information for those interested in membership.

AUSSAT: The Australian National Satellite Communications System

Written by Jane Brooks, this article describes the AUSSAT system, comprising a Space Segment (satellites and ground control) and an Earth Segment (user equipment). It mentions the planned launch of satellites in 1985 and the system's coverage of Australia and Papua New Guinea. The article outlines the main users, including the ABC, Department of Civil Aviation, and TELECOM, and notes that the system is intended to be profit-making. Details about the system's costs are available from AUSSAT Pty. Ltd.

An A to Z of UFO Explanations

This article, by Paul & Cassandra Sowiak-Rudej, continues from a previous issue and presents various proposed explanations for UFO activity. It covers concepts such as 'The Phenomenon' (a cosmic psychic source), 'Paraphysical' (ultraterrestrial energy beings), 'Psychic Projection' (dream-like sequences projected into minds), 'Quarantine Theory' (Earth being monitored by a galactic federation), and 'Radiant Beings' (non-material energy beings from the Van Allen Belt).

British Government Confirms UFO Landing

Authored by John F. Schuessler, this piece reports on an incident on December 27, 1980, in Tangham Wood, England, where British and American military and civilian personnel allegedly witnessed the landing of a strange, triangular, glowing flying machine. Key witness Lt. Colonel Charles I. Halt described the object and its effects, including animal panic and vehicle malfunctions. The article notes that the incident occurred shortly before a similar event near Houston, Texas, and questions the lack of answers regarding such phenomena.

A Review of Research Todate into Vehicle Interference Effects

Keith Basterfield reviews research into UFO reports involving vehicle interference effects (VIE). The article discusses the general acceptance of 'electromagnetic effects' since 1947, opposing viewpoints suggesting driver panic, and early research efforts. It examines various hypotheses, including those involving electromagnetic fields, microwaves, and atmospheric plasma. The article references work by researchers like Coral and Jim Lorenzen, Dr O. Fontes, Philip J. Klass, Dr James E. McDonald, and James McCampbell, exploring the possibility of UFOs using 'weapons' or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation to cause vehicle malfunctions.

Other Content

The issue also includes a 'Reference Library' section and mentions correspondents from various countries, including Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Rumania, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organization and study of UFO phenomena. The editorial clearly establishes the formation of UFORA as a cooperative research initiative, emphasizing a scientific and independent approach. The articles discuss the establishment of UFO organizations (UFORA, NAUFOF), the exploration of potential explanations for UFOs, and the investigation of specific incidents and phenomena like satellite technology, government reports, and vehicle interference. The stance is one of serious inquiry and information sharing within the UFO research community, aiming to present credible information and encourage further investigation.

This issue of "Australian "Interrupted Journeys"" focuses on the phenomenon of Vehicle Interference Effects (VIE) and 'interrupted journeys' in Australia, presenting several detailed case studies primarily from the 1970s. The publication highlights the work of various researchers and organizations in documenting and analyzing these events, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive data.

Vehicle Interference Effects (VIE)

The article begins by discussing how early investigations, such as those related to the Condon Report, often dismissed cases with single witnesses or attributed vehicle malfunctions to normal wear and tear or poor maintenance. It references the work of researchers like Menzel and Taves who critiqued cases for lacking corroborating evidence and finding mundane explanations for car problems.

The publication then shifts to more serious research, citing the British UFO Research Association's (BUFORA) 1979 report which cataloged 424 vehicle events and examined two specific UK cases from 1968. These cases involved temporary electrical failures in vehicles, including headlights, radios, and engines stopping, with effects that sometimes persisted after the apparent UFO event. BUFORA also explored statistical extractions related to engine malfunctions, lights, humanoids, and physiological effects.

Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington, in their book "UFOs: a British Viewpoint," are quoted suggesting that while electromagnetic fields are a possible explanation for VIE, the lack of typical field strength signs in examined vehicles raises questions about whether the experience itself creates an atmosphere that causes vehicles to stop, rather than a direct physical effect.

Further research by Professor John Taylor is mentioned, suggesting that witnesses might create the effects themselves, a departure from earlier ideas of metallic discs halting vehicles. Stanton T. Friedman, in the "Encyclopedia of UFOs," proposed several factors for why not all UFOs manifest EM effects, including distance, testing of devices, and specific object proximity. The need for greater data collection and laboratory duplication of effects is stressed.

Mark Rodeghier's 1981 analysis of 441 land vehicle events is presented as a significant contribution. Rodeghier found thirty-five statistically significant correlations, including the presence of light beams, vehicle control, physiological effects, and vehicle chasing. His conclusions argued strongly against the hypothesis that these EM events were due to unknown natural phenomena, citing factors like their post-1953 emergence, avoidance of populated areas, and the presence of humanoids.

Donald A. Johnson's 1981 study of 78 cases identified seven clusters of information, with incomplete ignition interference cases predominantly found in two clusters representing encounters with small objects of brief duration.

Australian "Interrupted Journeys"

The second part of the publication, titled "Australian "Interrupted Journeys"", shifts focus to cases where witnesses experience a loss of total recall or memory lapses, particularly in contact and abduction genres. The author, Bill Chalker, notes that while Australia has many entity accounts, few demonstratively show 'contact' aspects. However, he points to a rich indigenous tradition of initiation accounts among Aboriginal medicine men that bear similarities to modern UFO abduction and contact accounts.

Chalker introduces the concept of 'interrupted journeys' as a sub-genre of UFO reports, where a significant portion of time is unaccounted for. He presents five cases from Australia:

Case One: Gladstone-Rockhampton, Queensland, 1971

A Finnish couple, Ben and Helen K, driving late at night, experienced a time lapse and unusual vehicle effects. They reported seeing green lights, a feeling of repeating the same road, and then finding themselves significantly further along their journey than expected, with no memory of the intervening distance or villages. Their car was later found to have a thin film of odourless oil and peculiar marks on the bonnet, suggesting exposure to extreme heat. Hypnotic regression attempts on the couple were met with violent shaking.

Case Two: Moonie, Queensland, 1977

Two travellers, Jennifer Hands and Michael Noonan, reported waking up to find their vehicle's lights on and battery flat. They experienced a strange, immobile sensation and later saw a hovering object with flashing lights. Their vehicle then ran erratically, with generator and light issues, and temperature fluctuations.

Case Three: Bakers Creek Falls, New South Wales, 1978

Gary P reported observing two UFOs, followed by a significant time lapse and a loss of memory. He found himself in a different location, experiencing unusual fog, sounds, and later, 'shockwaves' that shook the area. His reconstruction of events indicated a discrepancy in the perceived time between sightings and his arrival at a new location.

Case Four: Baladonia, Western Australia, 1978

A truck driver reported multiple sightings of a large, diamond-shaped light that changed shape and color. He experienced a memory lapse of approximately three to three and a half hours preceding the event, and later found his clothing disarranged and missing some items.

Case Five: Lawitta, Tasmania, 1979

A young man driving experienced his car's radio going dead, lights out, and engine stopping after being illuminated by an intense white light. He was later found by police in a different town, suffering from shock and with no memory of how he got there. Recalling the event under medical examination, he remembered the car stalling and attempts to start it, but not the journey to Hobart.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the unexplained interference of UFOs with terrestrial vehicles and the phenomenon of 'interrupted journeys' or time/memory loss experienced by witnesses. The publication emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and documentation of such cases, moving beyond dismissive attitudes. It highlights the potential connection between these modern accounts and ancient indigenous traditions, suggesting a deeper, possibly universal, aspect to these experiences. The editorial stance clearly supports the serious study of UFO phenomena, advocating for more data collection, analysis, and a willingness to explore explanations beyond conventional ones, while acknowledging the challenges in obtaining reliable evidence and the possibility of subjective factors influencing witness perception.

This issue of "AUSTRALIAN \"INTERRUPTED JOURNEYS\"" delves into the complex world of UFO phenomena, focusing on the 'interrupted journey' or abduction genre. The magazine explores the nature of these experiences, the challenges in verifying their authenticity, and the pervasive influence of media and public perception.

The Betty and Barney Hill Case and its Interpretations

The issue begins by examining the seminal Betty and Barney Hill case, where the couple reported being abducted by a UFO and subjected to examination. John Fuller's analysis suggests that a dual psychosis or joint fabrication is unlikely, leaving two main possibilities: a real experience or one affected by emotional states leading to misinterpretations. Dr. Benjamin Simon, who conducted the hypnotic regressions, concluded that the experiences likely assumed the quality of a fantasied experience, though he acknowledged the case could not be settled in an absolute sense.

Camps of Interpretation

The controversy surrounding such cases is largely divided into three camps:

1. Objectively Real Experiences: Proponents like the Lorenzens and their organization, APRO, have gathered extensive data and attempted to validate accounts through hypnotic regression, lie detector tests, and psychological evaluations. Leo Sprinkle and James Harder are noted for their work in this area.
2. Hoaxes or Misinterpretations: This view is championed by Phillip Klass and the late Dr. Donald Menzel, whose arguments often focus on discrediting witnesses.
3. Psychological Nature: This hypothesis gained traction from the work of Macall and Lawson with "imaginary abductees," highlighting the impressive similarities between "imaginary" and "real" abduction experiences and other phenomena like out-of-body experiences. Psychological phenomena such as "time-gap" and hypnagogic imagery are offered as explanations, with the work of Targ & Puthoff on brain hemisphere duality providing further insight.

Investigating 'Interrupted Journey' Cases

The article outlines a recommended approach for investigators dealing with these types of cases. It emphasizes approaching them with an open mind, gathering as much information as possible from conscious recall, and familiarizing oneself with existing literature. For cases involving "time loss," careful use of hypnosis and memory retrieval techniques is advised, requiring experienced practitioners and investigators. Harold Cahn's method of monitoring bodily direct current potential is suggested for discriminating between true and false hypnotic regression cases. Supplementary information, such as lie-detection and psychological assessment, is also recommended.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the impact of media and public perception on the UFO subject. Mark Tyrrell's article, "RUMOURS AND PUBLICITY - THEIR CAUSES AND EFFECTS," explores how witness and non-witness misconceptions, media publicity, and rumor-mongering contribute to the field. Tyrrell argues that the subject becomes immersed in a "welter of rumours and, sometimes, paranoia," making it difficult for objective researchers. He notes that sensational articles and books sell more, often at the expense of truth, and that the UFO subject is often treated with ridicule rather than serious consideration.

Misconceptions and Hysteria

The article highlights how rumors can be amplified through hysteria, distorting facts and leading to delusions. Examples of such hysteria are drawn from historical events and the common tendency to fit information into pre-existing beliefs. The influence of popular culture, such as films like "Star Wars" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," is seen as a major contributor to public preconceptions about UFOs, often portraying them as technological, interstellar machines.

The Challenge for Journalism and Research

The profession of journalism is discussed in terms of its extremes, from exposing societal evils to appealing to baser instincts. The article criticizes sensationalistic UFO reporting and the tendency for headlines to be humorous or dismissive. It points out that while the media can be a powerful tool, it can also corrupt objectivity, especially when driven by the need to sell papers or increase listeners. The RAAF's decision to cut UFO checks due to cost, unless related to national security, is presented as a newsclip illustrating the practical implications of this.

Witness Testimony and Reporting

The magazine explores the challenges of obtaining reliable witness testimony. Jenny Randles describes being "hypnotised by the charming lure of the journalist" who promised a different outcome, which never materialized. The nature of the UFO phenomenon lends itself to sensationalism, making it a target for the "seeder side of journalism." The article suggests that while some witnesses may be naive or susceptible to esoteric beliefs, others may be inhibited by fear of ridicule or the traumatic nature of their experiences. A study of public attitudes towards UFOs revealed that while some witnesses reported their sightings, others did not, citing fear of ridicule or a lack of interest.

Gender Differences in Perception

A study on public attitudes towards UFOs indicated differing viewpoints between sexes and age groups. Younger males tended to treat the subject with ridicule, while older males and females expressed more sensible attitudes. The article speculates that this might be due to females maturing earlier and being less affected by the general hostile climate surrounding the UFO subject.

The 'Outer Space' Theory and its Influence

The "extra-terrestrial or outer space theory" of origin is identified as a primary cause of public preconceptions. This theory, prevalent in the 50s and 60s, has been reinforced by modern media, leading to a popular concept of UFOs as alien spacecraft. The article notes that while the ETH is not new, its modern interpretation is heavily influenced by technological advancements and popular culture.

Testing Preconceptions

To test public preconceptions, a sample of 61 people were asked to draw what they felt a UFO looked like. The results showed a variety of shapes, including oval, spherical, cigar, and disc, with a significant percentage responding with these common forms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO experiences, particularly abductions, and the critical role of interpretation and evidence. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages a balanced approach, acknowledging the potential for genuine phenomena while critically examining the influence of media, public perception, and psychological factors. It advocates for rigorous investigation and a cautious interpretation of data, emphasizing the need for researchers to be aware of the pervasive rumors and misconceptions that can cloud the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the UFO phenomenon without succumbing to sensationalism or unverified claims.

This document comprises pages 30-32 of a publication titled 'RUMOURS AND PUBLICITY', focusing on various aspects of UFO phenomena, media coverage, and research methodologies. It includes analyses of witness sketches, discussions on the impact of sensationalism, and references to other publications and organizations in the field.

Analysis of Witness Sketches and Preconceptions

The first section details a study comparing witness-drawn UFO sketches with those found in the "Flying Saucer Review" (FSR) literature from 1968 to 1971. Out of 42 initial sketches, 40 were used for comparison. The study found that 57.5% of the test sample met the criteria for similarity to FSR sketches, with 22.5% correlating with more than one sighting, resulting in a total of 38 correlations. The most frequent shapes identified were 'Disc and cupola' (15), followed by 'Spherical' (8) and 'Cigar' (5), with 'Ovals' (6), 'Pyramid-shaped' (3), and 'Disc' (1) also noted. The author suggests that the prevalence of the 'disc and cupola' shape indicates ingrained preconceptions about UFO phenomena, which is the traditional shape.

The analysis posits that there is a 66% chance of a witness having preconceptions, and that a clumsy investigator can lead to accounts being colored by subconscious beliefs. The conclusion drawn is that due to public conditioning regarding UFOs, witnesses may not provide objective accounts. A significant amount of sightings could be attributed to preconceptions that emerge when visual stimuli are perceived. The article suggests that 'hidden reports' will surface not through constant press publicity, but by removing the 'ridicule barrier,' a climate that is only temporarily available.

Media Coverage of UFOs

The document critiques media coverage of UFO cases, particularly highlighting the sensationalistic approach of some newspapers. It mentions headlines such as "MYSTERY OF THE SILVER SPACE BEAM," "THE STRANGE ONES," "THE 'SPACEMEN' WHO HAUNT THE TERROR TRIANGLE," and "7FT FIGURE HAD NO FACE," labeling them as 'journalese' typical of American pulp magazines. The author expresses disappointment that the subject is treated in such a manner.

Two specific media series are discussed: 'The Sun's' series, which had the headline "Watch Out There's a UFO," and the 'Daily Express' series, titled "The Year of the UFO." The 'Daily Express' series is noted for treating the subject more seriously and featuring major cases like the Travis Walton abduction and the Broad Haven multiple witness case. The 'Daily Express' also created a "Daily Express UFO Bureau," inviting readers to submit sightings anonymously. Approximately 4,000 accounts were received and distributed to the UFO Investigators Network and the British UFO Research Association.

Despite initial success in attracting witnesses, the article suggests that extensive publicity may have had a negative long-term effect. While 1977 and 1978 saw a large number of sightings, reported incidents began to decrease as publicity focused on the subject. The author speculates that constant exposure to UFO-related material in the media might be stripping away the mystery by making the phenomena commonplace before it is understood.

To avoid this, the article advocates for ufology to maintain professionalism, build good local relations with regional authorities, and for investigators to be seen as sympathetic, open-minded individuals who take witness accounts seriously, though not at face value. This approach, it is argued, will help bring forth 'hidden reports' rather than relying on the media.

References and Publications

The document includes a list of references and mentions several publications and organizations relevant to UFO research:

• Books: "Advanced Warnings" (Panther Books, 1978), "PROJECT URD/Communication Case Study: Demonstration of Listening" (Task Force for UFO Identification, Stockholm, 1978), "THE NEW APOCRYPHA" by John Sladek, "NORTHERN UFOLOGY No.77/UFOs in the Public Eye" (Northern UFO Network, October 1980), "Saucers for Consumption" by Jenny Randles, "BIOGRAPHY OF A HOAX" (UFO Insight Vol.1 No.4, FUFOR February 1980), "THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE MYSTERY - SOLVED" by Lawrence David Kusche (New English Library Ltd., 1978), "HAVE ASTRONAUTS SEEN ALIEN SPACESHIPS?" by C.D. Allan (UFO INSIGHT Vol.2 No.1, FUFOR January, 1981), "THE NEW APOCRYPHA" by John Sladek.
• Newspaper/Magazine Series: 'The Sun' series "WATCH OUT THERE'S A UFO ABOUT" (February 20-23, 1978), 'Daily Express' series "THE YEAR OF THE UFO" (February 20-28, 1978), 'Crewe Chronicle' articles (August 9, 1979), 'Manchester Evening News' articles (August 9, 1979).
• Organizations: FUFOR (mentioned in relation to UFO Insight), UFO Investigators Network, British UFO Research Association.
• Other Publications: 'UFO Insight' magazine.

Fortean Times

A section is dedicated to 'Fortean Times', described as "The Journal of Strange Phenomena." It is acclaimed as the world's foremost journal in this field, now in its tenth year, continuing the work of Charles Fort. It aims to cover the spectrum of strange phenomena worldwide, publishing news, articles, comix, letters, and reviews. A 4-issue subscription is priced at UK 5 pounds, and a single issue at UK 1.25 pounds. The address for Fortean Times is 96 Mansfield Road, London NW3 2HX, England.

UFOs and the Royal Australian Air Force

Another section highlights a history-making series of articles titled "UFOS AND THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE - THE INSIDE STORY" by Bill Chalker, which first appeared in UFORAN (Vol.3 Nos.2,3 & 4). Back issues of these magazines are available for $ Aust 6.50, with orders to be addressed to PO Box 229, Prospect, South Australia 5082.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the psychological aspects of UFO sightings, the critical role of media in shaping public perception, and the challenges faced by serious researchers in obtaining credible accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one that favors objective, professional investigation over sensationalism, advocating for a removal of the 'ridicule barrier' to encourage more reliable reporting. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for bias in witness testimony and a call for a more rigorous approach to ufology.