UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 5 no 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Australia newsletter, Volume 5, Number 4, dated July-August 1984, is published bi-monthly and presents the work of UFO researchers independently of any UFO organization. The material presented does not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine. The cover features a stylized atomic diagram with a flying saucer silhouette, and the main headline is 'UFO Research Australia newsletter'. The price for a single copy is $ Aust. 3.00.

Editorial: Peer Groups - A Social Influence in UFO Investigations

Guest editorialized by Holly Goriss, this section explores the significant impact of peer groups on witnesses of UFO phenomena. The pressure from peers can lead to the modification of witness behavior and attitude, distortion of details, and even the decision not to report an event, with younger witnesses being more susceptible. The editorial suggests that investigators must be flexible, adopt a non-aggressive, non-authoritarian attitude, and provide clear explanations about the reporting process and confidentiality to build trust. It emphasizes the need to reassure witnesses that seeing UFOs is socially acceptable and that they are being heard without prejudice. For witnesses who are more disturbed and need to rationalize their experience, prompt reassurance and action are crucial. The editorial also notes that peer pressure can sometimes positively influence a witness to report an event.

NASA Takes First Steps Towards Flying Civilians in Space

Contributed by Jane Brooks, this article reports on NASA's initiative to allow civilians to fly on the Space Shuttle. NASA has filed a proposed rule to establish policy and selection procedures for citizen observers/participants on future flights. This process involves a 60-day comment period, followed by NASA's review and potential incorporation of changes. A NASA Advisory Council task force, chaired by John E. Naugle, recommended that NASA open space flight to all people by flying observers. The regulation will establish a Citizen Observer/Participant Evaluation Committee at NASA Headquarters to manage the selection process, setting guidelines for health, training, and space adaptability. Applicants will be evaluated by an outside review panel, with NASA retaining final selection authority. Flight opportunities will be announced through the Federal Register and public media.

Is There an Alien Artifact in the Lagrange Points of the Earth-Moon System?

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this article investigates the possibility of alien artifacts being located at the Lagrange points of the Earth-Moon system. The article explains the 'three body problem' in astronomy and introduces the five Lagrange points, which are stable locations where a small mass can remain stationary relative to two larger bodies. Historically, these points have been suggested for various uses, including solar observation satellites, space habitats, and as locations for extraterrestrial intelligence searches. Anthony Lawton proposed in 1974 that these points would be ideal for parking an alien spaceship. However, despite searches conducted by astronomers like Kazimierz Kordylewski (since 1951), Clyde Tombaugh (1953-56), J.R. Bruman (1969), and R.A. Freitas and F. Valdes (most recently in 1983), no evidence of discrete objects or artifacts has been found at these points, even when searching down to significant magnitudes.

Forum: "Flying Saucers" - The Boise Boys' Legacy?

This section features an article by Bill Chalker, who discusses an anecdote from Air Marshal Sir Victor Goddard regarding the origins of the 1947 flying saucer wave. Goddard claimed that in 1946, while recovering from a broken leg, he heard from a naval captain from Boise, Idaho, about a prank by local elites called the 'Boise Boys' to create a 'flying saucer' scare in the press. Goddard believed this might have led to the subsequent reports and a U.S.A.F. search that resulted in a fighter pilot's death. Chalker questions the dating and the veracity of this anecdote, noting that it has not been widely discussed in U.S. literature and suggests it warrants further investigation by UFO historians. He also touches upon Goddard's coining of the term 'ufology'. The article also briefly mentions John Burford's suggestion of a connection between Kenneth Arnold, Dave Johnson, Captain Smith, and Boise, Idaho, and addresses the mention of the Roswell affair in literature.

Forum: A Letter to the Editor

Walter Reid, Secretary and Founder/Director of the Junior UFO Club (JUFOC) in Great Britain, writes to the editor. He states that the JUFOC, founded in July 1981, has 189 members and is expanding internationally with members in Singapore, New Zealand, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. The club is for children interested in UFO phenomena. Membership is free, with postage costs for overseas members. Reid requests that the club be mentioned in the newsletter and seeks to establish contact for an exchange of information and resources, particularly regarding UFO sightings and case histories. He also suggests the possibility of forming a JUFOC branch to alleviate postage costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO research, historical cases, and the scientific investigation of phenomena. There's a clear interest in the origins of the UFO phenomenon and its potential connections to historical events and scientific exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities involved in UFO investigations, such as the influence of peer groups and the need for rigorous evidence. The publication aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and perspectives on UFO-related topics.

This issue of the magazine, dated May 19, 1984, focuses on the state of ufology, with a prominent article titled 'A Positive Contribution to UFOLOGY' by OSEAP (Organisation for Scientific Evaluation of Aerial Phenomena).

A Positive Contribution to UFology

The article by OSEAP highlights the need for organized archival databases for UFO research, noting that the question of where serious ufologists can access comprehensive files of main UFOlogical journals has been relevant for five years. The recent formation of the OSEAP Resources Centre is presented as a step towards answering this need. The article references earlier efforts, such as LUFORO's library in 1962 and Bob Girard's call for a 'National UFO Reference Center' in the United States. The author attributes the slow progress to the tendency of local UFO groups to split rapidly, lacking the initiative needed for long-term contributions. W.E. Ashley Brown is credited as an inspiration for founding the Ashley Library. OSEAP emphasizes action over rhetoric, with its adopted index system making steady progress. Currently, 200 UK UFO publications from the last 10 years have been integrated, with 923 subject headings (names and themes) and 4238 references. The goal is to install a computer system for better resource management. The Centre has seen a 150% increase in usage, with people using it for various purposes.

The article also discusses the popularity of the second-hand sales section and draws a parallel with the Archives for UFO Research in Sweden, which celebrates its tenth anniversary. The author notes the significant cost of acquiring a complete set of popular UFO journals and emphasizes the need for specialized and non-UFO-oriented titles, citing 'The Journal of Meteorology' as an example. The advantage of a broad spectrum of subjects is illustrated by Keith Hearne's articles appearing in diverse publications like 'Nursing Mirror,' 'Society for Psychical Research Journal,' 'Psychic News,' and 'Prediction.' OSEAP aims to be inclusive, not driven by selfish individual collections or a desire for recognition. They believe it's time for a positive contribution to ufology and accept any material for the Centre, including journals, books, audio recordings, news clippings, case histories, photographs, slides, videos, fact-sheet examples, and memorabilia.

An A to Z of UFO Explanations

This section, by Paul & Cassandra SowiaK-Rudej, presents a list of proposed explanations for UFO activity, designed to stimulate thought and examination of evidence. The explanations covered include:

• Raelian Explanation: Proposed by Claude Vorihlon (Rael), suggesting humans were created by an advanced race, and our destiny is to create another race. Creators are visiting to guide humanity.
• Sky People: Proposed by Brinsley Le Poer Trench, positing UFOs originate from an ET civilization in another dimension, traveling via hyperspace and wormholes. They are believed to have bred with humans in the past and are now here to teach better living.
• Spaceship Moon: Proposed by multiple authors, including Mikhail Vasin and D. Wilson. The concept is that the Moon is a hollow, artificial satellite placed by extraterrestrials about 13,500 years ago, inhabited by beings who influenced early human societies and are the source of current UFO events. This theory attempts to explain anomalies like the Moon's size, orbit, shallow craters, and low mass.
• Secret Civilization: Proposed by various authors, suggesting UFOs are machines made by a human or alien civilization living undetected in remote areas like Siberia, the Himalayas, or Antarctica.
• Tourist Theory: Proposed by R. De Lillo and R.A. Marx, suggesting UFOs are extraterrestrial tourists visiting Earth for natural, playful reasons, similar to human tourism. UFO waves are seen as seasonal tourist peaks, and their lack of direct contact is attributed to a rule against interfering with the native species.
• Undersea Technology: Proposed by Ivan Sanderson, suggesting UFOs originate from an underwater society, possibly extraterrestrial or native, existing for up to 300 million years, supported by the observation that 50% of sightings are water-related.
• UFO Rescue Theory: Proposed by various authors, suggesting UFOs represent another race aiming to rescue humanity from self-destruction (nuclear weapons, overpopulation).
• Vacuum Creatures: Proposed by John Bessor, describing UFOs as space animals that materialize and dematerialize at will, traveling via telekinetic energy and changing shape.
• Waking Hallucinations: Proposed by M. Monnerie, suggesting UFO sightings are a result of a waking hallucination or dream triggered by real physical stimuli (e.g., aircraft lights) that activate the subconscious.
• Zoo Theory: Proposed by Richard Mooney and others, positing that mankind was bred on Earth by space colonists, either as a pure species or a crossbreed. The aliens' original settlement was destroyed, but their society is supervised, akin to a zoo.

Newsclips: RAAF UFO Policy

A letter to the editor of The Sydney Morning Herald (May 19, 1984) discusses the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) 'new' UFO policy. The author, Bill Chalker of UFO Research, states that the RAAF's 34-year involvement has been based on national security and political expediency. While the RAAF claims that unexplained cases do not firmly support alien visitation, Chalker contends that many contain extraordinary details deserving scientific scrutiny. He points to incidents like a UFO hovering near the North West Cape US Naval Communications base in 1973 and a UFO near weapons storage at Loring Air Force Base in 1975, suggesting 'clear intent.' Chalker believes the new policy is appropriate, allowing the RAAF to identify national security violations and enabling civilian groups to investigate 'close encounters' that the RAAF might otherwise ignore.

Estimate of the UFO Situation - 1984

This extensive article by John F. Schuessler offers an assessment of the UFO field in 1984, based on nineteen years of involvement. Schuessler notes the difficulty in finding up-to-date UFO information in mainstream media, with public interest often directed towards tabloids whose UFO content is questionable. He highlights that the bulk of UFO investigation is done by volunteers, many of whom are intelligent professionals driven by curiosity or frustration with the lack of answers. However, these volunteers face attacks from 'skeptics' or 'debunkers,' who are accused of fabricating information and conducting personal attacks to suppress UFO-related programs.

Schuessler criticizes the 'debunkers' for their one-sided journals and abusive approach, noting their desire for everyone to share their negative outlook. He observes that volunteer investigators, when targeted, may opt for easier explanations to avoid conflict, leading to a decline in their activity. The article mentions the North American UFO Federation's founding to unify UFO research efforts.

NICAP is described as a powerful organization that could have been more influential but was limited by biases, such as excluding abduction cases. Current major organizations include CUFOS, MUFON, and APRO. Schuessler discusses CUFOS's financial struggles despite its talented consultants, suggesting a need for adaptation to changing management styles and greater personal feedback for members. APRO, the oldest organization, faces challenges due to health issues of its founders and a failure to develop successors. MUFON, while successful due to its grass-roots approach and Walter Andrus's dedication, is criticized for a portion of its hierarchy imposing limits on thought and technique, potentially alienating its base.

Schuessler addresses the claim of government cover-up, acknowledging it as a real problem but arguing it's often exaggerated. He uses the Cash-Landrum case as an example, where victims claimed harm from a UFO and military helicopters, and government agencies offered no information. While CUFOS and MUFON provided support, APRO and author William Moore were critical, claiming inside knowledge that it was a malfunctioning government device. Schuessler criticizes Coral Lorenzen of APRO for conducting a personal attack on the investigator instead of providing substantiation for the cover-up claim.

He also discusses the negative impact of some pro-UFO individuals attacking fellow researchers, citing the case of Wendelle Stevens, who was attacked personally rather than on the merits of his work. Schuessler criticizes the practice of some UFO figures delighting in the misfortunes of others. He notes that debunkers use their publications to tear down others' work using armchair techniques, while pro-UFO people often fall into similar traps. The MUFON UFO JOURNAL is seen as having shifted from a grass-roots focus to a forum for disagreements and allowing debunkers to attack investigators, with a move towards a more technical journal that may eliminate grass-roots input.

Schuessler concludes that ufologists are at a turning point, with many yielding to outside pressure or engaging in petty bickering. He believes that without strong, thoughtful leadership, existing organizations will become ineffective, and the ultimate solution to the UFO puzzle, and help for victims, will be delayed. He expresses a dwindling hope for success in achieving a free flow of information and a broader perspective.

Fifth Brazilian UFO Symposium

This section reports on the Fifth Brazilian UFO Symposium held in Campo Grande on June 16-17. Organized by the Center for Flying Saucer Research (CPDV) and the National Association of Brazilian UFOlogists (ANUB), the event attracted about 600 people and featured seven UFOlogists giving lectures. The central theme was why UFOs, if visiting Earth for a long time, haven't formally contacted world leaders. The symposium aimed to provide impartial, documented UFO information, including over 500 slides and three films. A statistical analysis of personal opinions on the UFO mystery will be released. The speakers included Dr. Adhemar Eugênio de Mello, Professor Jaime Lauda Veiga, Professor Carlos A. Reis, Professor J. Victor Soares, Professor A.J. Gevaerd, and Mr. Antônio J. Fligliolia. Paulo Fernando Kronemberger, a UFO promoter, was also instrumental in organizing the event and has been active in promoting UFOlogy in Brazil.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the challenges and complexities within the field of ufology. Key themes include the critical need for organized archives and databases (OSEAP), the pervasive influence of skepticism and 'debunking' efforts, and the internal struggles and organizational issues faced by UFO research groups (MUFON, APRO, CUFOS). There is a strong undercurrent of frustration with the lack of progress, the prevalence of personal attacks over substantive debate, and the perceived resistance to open information exchange. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more professional, organized, and evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the dedication of volunteers and the importance of addressing the phenomenon seriously. The Brazilian UFO Symposium section highlights international efforts and specific research interests within that region.

This document comprises pages from a publication detailing the Fifth Brazilian UFO Symposium and a specific case study, 'The Jardim Alvorada Affair'. The symposium covered various aspects of UFO phenomena, including encounters, psychological impacts, and physical effects, while the case study delves into a detailed abduction account.

Fifth Brazilian UFO Symposium

The Fifth Brazilian UFO Symposium brought together researchers and enthusiasts to share information and discuss UFO phenomena. Lauda, a leading Brazilian UFO researcher, presented findings on UFO encounters and their psychological and sociological aspects, as well as the reactions of witnesses. Fligliolia presented a series of UFO encounters from western Brazil, particularly those involving close encounters of elevated degrees. Reis, a professor, discussed the physical effects of UFOs, such as luminous, sound, and magnetic phenomena, and promoted discussion on their origins. He also challenged UFO debunkers to solve ten selected cases involving electromagnetic effects. Kronemberger shared his views and personal contacts with UFO crews, suggesting that UFO phenomena might occur within homes with the assistance of paranormal individuals. Victor Soares and Gevaerd discussed physical effects and close encounters, with Gevaerd highlighting incidents from 1979, termed the 'year of the UFOs' for its numerous CE3 and abduction cases, and the UFO wave of March 1982, which involved a formation of four lights seen by over a million people across seven Brazilian states and neighboring countries. 1982 was noted as the 'quantitative year of UFOs' in Brazil, while 1979 was the 'qualitative year'. The symposium concluded with plans for future discussions and events, including a seminar and the Sixth Brazilian UFO Congress, with an expected public attendance of 1,000, reflecting the public's strong interest in UFO phenomena and parapsychology in Brazil.

The Jardim Alvorada Affair

This section details a UFO abduction case that occurred on April 13, 1979, in Maringa, Brazil, involving brothers Jocelino de Mattos (21) and Roberto Carlos de Mattos (13). The case is described as unusual due to the reported sexual relations between a witness and an extraterrestrial, bearing some resemblance to the Villas-Boaz case. The investigation was conducted using time hypnotic regression.

General Data and Witnesses

The incident took place on April 13, 1979, between 23:30 and 01:30, in a suburb of Maringa called 'Jardim Alvorada'. The primary witnesses were Jocelino and Roberto Carlos de Mattos. Secondary witnesses included their mother, Maria Rosa de Mattos, and another brother, Antonio de Jesus de Mattos. Tertiary witnesses were their sister, Neuza de Mattos, and brother-in-law, Alvaro Loureiro. An occasional witness was Jocelino's wife, Marilena de Mattos, who, despite not seeing the UFO, was considered important due to her contact with Jocelino.

Case History

The Jardim Alvorada affair is presented as a significant case because it involves an abduction with sexual relations, suggesting an extraterrestrial interest in human genetic reproduction. The extraterrestrial crew identified themselves as 'UNITY AGRIPO', a 'team for research and study of Earth and human civilisation'. The case was presented at approximately 30 UFO symposiums in Brazil since 1981.

Jocelino's Conscious Narrative

Jocelino recounted that on the night of April 13, 1979, while returning home from his sister's house, he and his brother were drawn by a strange, bright-yellow to white spherical object they initially mistook for a star. As they approached a corner near their home, they felt a strange sensation, as if hypnotized, and were compelled to walk towards the object. They described feeling physically affected, with their legs weakening and a sense of being doped or hypnotized. They fell to the ground near a large tree, about 10-15 meters from the object, which was floating silently a few meters above the ground. Jocelino reported hearing a voice, possibly telepathic, stating, "The job is not ended, we will come back or we will intervene".

Post-Encounter Experience

After a period of unconsciousness, the brothers regained awareness, finding the object gone. They experienced extreme weakness and difficulty standing. Upon reaching home, their family confirmed they appeared "electrified" and were unable to move for a time. A strange light was observed around their bodies, pulsating with the departing object. The event was later investigated by local police. Jocelino described being hit by a "ray" that caused them to fall and feel electrified, though their family was unaffected. He also noted a strange hunger and weakness.

Hypnotic Regression Findings

Subsequent interviews and hypnotic regression sessions revealed that the brothers had experienced a "missing time" of about one to two hours. During regression, Jocelino described entering the craft and being taken to a "medical room" where instruments were used on his head, and sperm was collected. He also described a "command display" room and a room with "motors". He recounted an encounter with a woman in the "medical room" which led to sexual relations, after which she stated, "Perhaps the seed will come alive". He also reported telepathic communication about peace and the Earth's study.

Considerations and Observations

The investigators noted that the brothers' low educational level influenced their descriptions. They concluded that the hypnosis, possibly induced by the UFO's lights, sounds, or the crew, facilitated the abduction. The "ray" incident was interpreted as a measure to make them forget the experience. The hypnotic regression provided details of events inside the craft, suggesting the abduction was a planned happening. The investigation was conducted by the Unidentified Flying Objects Theoretical Studies and Researches Organization (UFOTSRO) and OPETOVNI, with Dr. Oswaldo Alves acting as the hypnotist.

The Time Hypnotic Regression Procedure

The first hypnotic regression session was held in January 1981, with subsequent sessions following weekly. The sessions were tape-recorded and transcribed, forming part of a book titled "The Jardim Alvorada Affair: UFOs The Cosmic Connection". The initial session served as an introduction, with Jocelino probing his mind for missing details, assisted by investigators who ensured his responses were voluntary and uninfluenced. The narrative presented in the document is a partial account from the first session.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are UFO encounters, abductions, and the investigation of these phenomena through scientific and quasi-scientific methods like hypnotic regression. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO events, presenting detailed accounts and analyses, and aiming to treat the subject scientifically and methodically, as indicated by the description of UFOTSRO and OPETOVNI's approach.

This issue of THE JARDIM ALVORADA AFFAIR, dated July 28, 1984, focuses on a specific UFO case and related topics, including government involvement and research.

The Jardim Alvorada Affair

The main article details the "Jardim Alvorada Affair," concerning Jocelino de Mattos and his brother Roberto Carlos. The narrative describes an event where they felt they were attacked by a "strange kind of light," causing them to fall and become paralyzed. Following this, they were taken inside their house and later found to have been unconscious for several minutes, feeling "electrified."

Observations and Hypnotic Regression

Investigators (referred to as CPDV) concluded that Jocelino and Roberto Carlos were involved in an extraterrestrial abduction. A hypnotic regression procedure was used, which the investigators believe revealed facts produced by their minds, possibly influenced by the craft's brightness and sounds. The report suggests that Jocelino and Roberto Carlos have been ashamed and withdrawn since the event, not fully participating in communal life.

When first interviewed a year later, Jocelino was still disturbed. The investigators established a friendship based on trust. Jocelino agreed to the hypnotic regression on the condition that he would only review the revealed information after all sessions were completed. He accepted the conditions, allowing him to be hypnotized and to see the information revealed only after the sessions concluded.

Sexual Involvement and Emotional Distress

A particularly difficult part of the regression involved Jocelino recounting sexual relations while in the craft's "medical room." This caused him distress because his wife was present and listening, and he also felt nervous due to the strangeness of the moments he was reliving. The report notes that his wife understood the situation without problems. The sexual involvement was described as the most difficult moment for Jocelino to relive.

The Collection of Semen

This section details a passage from the case where Jocelino's sperm was collected by extraterrestrials in a "medical room" using a tube and a special machine. He felt little pain but was scared. The collected semen was placed in a special plastic package. The report speculates that this extraction was to determine if Jocelino was an "ideal human specimen" for experiments, specifically to see if his semen was suitable for fertilizing an extraterrestrial female and potentially producing a half-human, half-extraterrestrial child.

Conclusion of the Report

The report, identified as No.02/82, is presented as a summarized description of the Jardim Alvorada Affair. It offers the Portuguese-language version of the case and requests that the source and author's name be used in all publications. Contact information for Prof. A.J. Gevaerd (Co-ord. CPDV) in Campo Grande, Brazil, is provided.

May The C.N.R. Will Start A UFO Project

This news item from Rome, dated July 27, reports that the Italian Premiership was considering creating a section within the C.N.R. (National Research Council) dedicated to UFO research. This consideration arose from a reply to an interrogation by four Italian Parliament Deputies who also requested the inclusion of civilian experts in a potential UFO project within the Italian army. Italy's Minister of Defense, Mr. Giovanni Spadolini, stated that while UFO documentation is kept by the General Staff of Air Forces, the Defense Department did not believe it possible to include civilian experts in its organization at that time.

Reference Library: Clear Intent - The Government Coverup of the UFO Experience

This section reviews the book "Clear Intent" by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood. The reviewer, George W. Earley, notes that the book uses hundreds of government documents obtained via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expose alleged government deception regarding UFOs. Despite official claims of little interest, the book presents memos showing a continuing interest from agencies like the CIA, FBI, and NSA. It also documents cases of U.S. military forces being unable to intercept or identify UFOs. The review highlights that the U.S. government has spent over thirty years lying to its citizens about UFOs and keeping information classified. The reviewer criticizes the book for spending too much space on speculative subjects like cattle mutilations and rumors of crashed saucers, which dilutes the impact of the factual material unearthed.

Reference Library: Enigma Books

This section advertises "Enigma Books," a mail-order business specializing in second-hand books on "fringe of science" topics, particularly UFOs. It lists several available titles, including "The Humanoids," "UFO Flying Saucers Over Britain?", "The Uninvited," "The UFO Experience," "Socorro Saucer," "UFOs: A Scientific Enigma," "The Devil's Meridian," "Flying Saucers Where Do They Come From?", "UFOs? YES!", "Flying Saucers Have Landed," and "Visitors From Space." Contact information for Enigma Books in Adelaide, South Australia, is provided.

UFORA Document Service

This section lists several documents available through "UFORA Document Service," including reports on UFO observations by aircraft crew members in Australia, Australasian UFO related entity reports, Australian close encounters, and Australian vehicle interference cases. All documents are described as high-quality photocopies, with prices including packaging and postage. Payment is to be made to 'UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and alleged government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting detailed case studies like the Jardim Alvorada Affair and reviewing literature that challenges official narratives. There is a clear interest in documenting UFO sightings, abductions, and the potential involvement of intelligence agencies and governments in concealing information. The inclusion of book reviews and document services suggests an aim to provide readers with resources for further research into the UFO subject.