UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 7 no 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Australia Newsletter, Volume 7, Number 1, dated May 1989, is the 22nd issue published. The newsletter is dedicated to presenting the work of Australian and Overseas Researchers on the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance acknowledges that the material presented does not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine itself.

Editorial Team and Network

The Editor and Publisher is Vladimir Godic, based in Prospect, South Australia. Keith Basterfield serves as the Contributing Editor and is also listed as a Research contact and Correspondent. The administration includes Vladimir Godic and Keith Basterfield, with Pony Godic as Secretary. The UFORA New South Wales Branch is managed by Moira McGhee and Bryan Dickeson. The Associates of UFORA Network spans Australia with various branches and individuals like Russell Boundy, Holly Goriss, Paul Jackson, Joan Johnston, and Stephen Bolton. Overseas associates include Professor A.J. Gevaerd (Brazil), John Knapman (New Zealand), Massimo Greco (Italy), and Joaquim Fernandes (Portugal). A list of Scientific Consultants includes Bill Chalker (Chemistry, Physical Traces, Government Involvement, Historical Cases), Michael Hough Ph.D. (Physical Traces, Parapsychology), Mark Moravec B.A. (Psychology), and Richard F. Haines Ph.D. (Human Vision, Perception, Illuminating Engineering, Photographic Analysis and Interpretation, Human Factor Analyses) from the USA.

Contents Overview

The issue features several articles and sections:

• Editorial: Discusses UFO Research and the Mass Media.
• The Mundrabilla Incident - An Update: A detailed investigation by Keith Basterfield & Ray Brooke.
• The Tasmanian Connection: By Keith Roberts.
• A Possible Vehicle Interference Case: By Bryan Dickeson & Moira McGhee.
• Bedroom Visitation: By UFORA Staff.
• The Frontiers of Ufology: By Hillary Evans.
• The Critic Doesn't Count: By John F. Schuessler.
• Reference Library

Editorial: UFO Research and the Mass Media

The editorial reflects on the complex relationship between UFO researchers and the mass media. It notes that while some researchers use the media for self-publicity, others lament inaccuracies or a lack of serious interest. The editorial suggests that media outlets, particularly radio and television newsrooms, primarily "report the news" rather than conduct in-depth investigations. Daily newspapers follow a similar pattern, with "investigatory" pieces appearing mainly on weekends. Magazines are seen as the domain for researched articles, though the depth varies. UFO Research Australia has prepared "fact" sheets on the UFO phenomenon and abduction cases to provide background information to journalists. The editorial anticipates that the media will continue to report sensational claims rather than complex issues, leaving the in-depth reporting to specialized UFO journals like UFORAN.

The Mundrabilla Incident - An Update

This extensive article by Keith Basterfield and Ray Brooke revisits the Mundrabilla Incident, which occurred on January 19, 1988. The investigation team interviewed the Knowles family and truck driver Graham Henley, and also received details from Richard Haines in the USA regarding tests on samples from the Knowles' vehicle.

The Knowles' Account:

Mrs Faye Knowles and her three sons (Patrick, Sean, Wayne) were on a 3,500 km trip from Perth to Melbourne. Around 3 pm on January 19, they departed, leaving a note for Mr Knowles. They drove continuously, sharing the driving. At 1:30 am the next morning, they stopped at a roadhouse in Caiguna, where they were seen by truck drivers who would later be involved. The incident occurred west of Mundrabilla, WA, on a clear, moonless night.

Sean, the driver, saw a bright light approaching from the east, initially mistaking it for a truck headlight. The light disappeared and reappeared, described as "jumping about a bit." Sean described it as looking like a "spaceship," becoming brighter and bigger. The object was a white light, shaped like an "egg in an egg cup" with a yellow center, estimated to be about 1 meter wide. At one point, it blocked their view of the road.

Another vehicle, a white Holden HQ station wagon towing a caravan, approached from the opposite direction. Sean swerved to avoid it, nearly hitting the car and caravan. The light then reappeared behind them. They performed a U-turn to pursue it, and later another turn, losing sight of the object. They then believed the object landed on their car's roof and lifted the car off the road. Mrs Knowles felt a "spongy" substance on the roof and experienced a brief sensation of warmth.

Despite questioning, the family could not accurately estimate the car's height off the ground or describe the ground below. After an indeterminate time, the car was dropped, causing a tyre to burst, forcing them to brake to a halt. Sean blacked out briefly. Following this, a "greyish-black mist" entered the car. During the event, their voices changed pitch and slowed down, a humming sound was heard, they became hysterical, their dogs went "crazy," and there was a smell like "dead bodies." The car also started shaking.

After stopping, they hid in the scrub while the object remained nearby before departing. They returned to the car, changed the tyre, and drove to the Mundrabilla Motel. The family admitted uncertainty about the exact time, duration, and location of the event. They were later interviewed by police in Ceduna and by Channel 7 TV.

Notes on the Incident:

1. Reports of cassette tapes being affected were denied by the family.
2. Their dogs lost clumps of hair, later examined by a vet who found no cause, and the hair regrew.
3. A red Torana vehicle was seen parked by the side of the road, with no occupants.

Further Details and Witness Accounts:

• The Knowles maintained they made 2-4 U-turns during the event.
• Sean, Patrick, and Faye were hypnotized in Melbourne, with no new details emerging. Faye and Patrick were later hypnotized in Adelaide, also yielding no new information or abduction scenario.
• Graham Henley, a truck driver, was interviewed by Bill Chalker.

Henley's Account:

Henley and his co-driver De Jong (Porky) were driving east from Norseman. They saw the Knowles' blue Telstar car at Caiguna around 1:30 am. By 3:30 am, near Madura Pass, Henley noticed a bright light in his mirror, described as a "big bright.....like a big egg, like a fried egg hung upside down...... it was more like a projection light." He initially thought it was Porky playing a trick but realized it was too high to be another vehicle. The light disappeared and reappeared, eventually lost to view.

Henley arrived at Mundrabilla around 4:30 am and saw the same Telstar car pull in. The Knowles family appeared scared and recounted their experiences. Henley offered them assistance, but they declined. The Knowles told Henley they saw a big white light in the middle of the road, which started to lift. They drove around it, and it followed them, eventually hovering over their car. They heard a whirring sound, like a "chain saw" or "high pitched scream." The object then landed on or picked up the car.

Mrs Knowles had a burn on her hand, described as "dead cold." Similar marks were seen on her during a TV interview. The car was dropped, and the mark faced back towards Perth. Henley observed numerous cars parked along the road, appearing empty, which he attributed to people sleeping.

The Event Continued (Henley's Observations):

The family had refueled their car. Mrs Knowles changed clothes. One son had bare, bleeding feet. Henley noticed a substance described as "ash" or "silicon type sand" on the car, including the wiper blades, back window, and everywhere inside and outside the vehicle. He described it as "very, very fine, almost like ground glass......fine and dry and it was black, and had this horrible bakelite smell about it." He noted no grass under the car, suggesting it hadn't spun out at high speed. The burst tyre had a mark on the inside, with no rubber flapping. Henley compared the dust to "bulldust" from the Nullarbor. He also noted a horrible stench like bakelite, which he was later told is the smell electro-magnets give off.

Henley believed the event was a military episode involving a secret network of multinationals and the military, working on a new power source, rather than extraterrestrials. He estimated the incident site to be 70-75 km west of the Mundrabilla Roadhouse, differing from Porky's estimate of 40 km.

Follow Up to Earlier Leads:

1. The identity of the occupants of the car and caravan seen by the Knowles remains unknown.
2. The South Australian Police Department provided half of a sample collected from the Knowles' vehicle, consisting of two "lift-off" tapes taken 8 hours after the event, for analysis.
3. Hypotheses from meteorology experts did not align with the available data.

The Tuna Boat Connection

This section details a media-reported UFO observation by crews of two tuna boats. The UFO was described as a bright light that approached one boat, and the crew's voices were reported as "slowed and distorted." The pilot, Mr. White, who spotted tuna fish, was interviewed. He stated he did not see a UFO himself but was told about the incident "a couple of days" before the Knowles' incident was reported on TV (January 20, 1989).

One crew member on the tuna boat "Monica" reported seeing a bright light that became brighter and displayed various colors. The light was estimated to be 1 km distant. As a man emerged from the wheelhouse, the light moved rapidly and disappeared. Mr. White's hearsay evidence suggests the tuna boat incident occurred shortly before the Knowles' sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the detailed investigation of specific UFO cases, particularly the Mundrabilla Incident, emphasizing witness testimony and physical evidence. The newsletter also critically examines the role of mass media in reporting UFO phenomena, suggesting that specialized publications are better equipped for in-depth coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough, evidence-based research, acknowledging the limitations of media and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented information.

This issue of "The Tasmanian Connection" focuses on several UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) related events, primarily from Australia, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony, physical evidence, and the challenges of investigation. The main articles delve into the Mundrabilla Incident, a close encounter in Tasmania, a Nullarbor crossing event, and a detailed vehicle interference case near Walcha, New South Wales.

The Mundrabilla Incident

The article begins by addressing discrepancies between media reports and the actual accounts of the Mundrabilla Incident. It states that the crew of the "Monica" witnessed a nocturnal light, but not a structured object or any electromagnetic effects. Despite attempts to contact witnesses, including a letter to the editor in the "Port Lincoln Times" in early 1988, no response was received. Media reports suggested local police interviewed the crew, but promised interview notes never materialized. The article also mentions that dust samples taken from the Knowles' vehicle were analyzed by Dr. Richard Haines of Los Altos, California. These samples, taken from the disc brakes and rear floor, contained dust and dog hair. Haines noted that the dust found inside the car was different from that obtained from the brake drums and appeared to consist of elements common to Earth's surface. However, he cautioned that without control samples from the same region, it would be impossible to determine if the dust was merely normal accumulation from the Nullarbor trip.

A "Consolidated Document" is announced, which will include interviews, police and AMDEL reports, maps, correspondence, and press clippings related to the case, with details of cost and availability to be announced.

The "forum" section invites readers to submit their thoughts and discussions in 500 words or less.

The Tasmanian Connection

This section, by Keith Roberts of the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre, details three sightings investigated by the center. The first is a close encounter in Northern Tasmania on December 14, 1987. The witness, referred to as Mr. "A", was driving southeast of Launceston when he noticed lights behind his car. He initially dismissed them as aircraft lights, but then saw a mass of light land on the road ahead. His car's lights failed, the motor stopped, and the vehicle was pulled about 10 meters towards the object. The object was described as grey, 5-6 meters wide and 2m high, with bright lights. Mr. "A" hid behind bushes and felt sick. He noted rubber marks on the road. After a few minutes, another vehicle approached, and Mr. "A"'s car started again. He observed that the bitumen on the road appeared melted, with some splashed on his car. The car required electrical repairs later. Follow-up on road works revealed the section had been repaired the week before the sighting, and any traces were obliterated by traffic by the time TUFOIC visited.

The second connection is a story from the North West Tasmanian newspaper "Advocate" on January 25, about a Burnie man who experienced car trouble and saw bright lights while crossing the Nullarbor three hours before the Knowles sighting. This individual was traveling along the Eyre Highway between Penong and Ceduna at 2:40 am when he heard a loud thump. He saw flashing lights in the sky for about 15 minutes. His vehicle was buffeted by near gale-force winds that shook the roof and bent the aerial. He woke his girlfriend, and they continued driving.

The third connection involved Tasmanian yachtsmen in the Tall Ships race from Hobart to Sydney who encountered a series of lights off Cape Perpendicular on the night of January 20-21. The article notes that a complete follow-up has been beyond the resources of the investigators.

A Possible Vehicle Interference Case

This lengthy article by Bryan Dickeson and Moira McGhee details an event on Thursday, September 22, 1988, near Walcha, New South Wales. The primary witness, Mr. F., experienced a loss of car power and a significant drop in interior temperature on two separate occasions while driving on the Oxley Highway. The first incident occurred around 1930 hours, and the second around 2200 hours on the return journey. During both events, Mr. F. noticed a definite, bright reddish-orange light in the sky, which he distinguished from a nearby TV tower light. The car's engine temperature gauge dropped to zero, and the interior became cold, despite the car heaters being only slightly on and the windows up. Conventional heat transfer methods are discussed as unlikely explanations for the cooling. The article also explores possible causes for the engine power loss, referencing the Chrysler Sigma GE car manual, and suggests that the temperature monitor might have malfunctioned due to external electromagnetic fields.

The article includes detailed astronomical considerations for the night of September 22, 1988, comparing the position of the observed light with prominent stars and planets. It also describes the local terrain and weather conditions, noting a slow-moving anticyclone and a slight westerly airflow. The Walcha area is described as sparsely populated with scattered farming properties.

Accompanying the article are a map of the "Observation Area" near Walcha, showing the location of the TV tower, granite bluffs, and the Oxley Highway, and a diagram illustrating the "Transverse Section" of the terrain and the "Astronomical Objects" relative to the sighting location.

The Four Unusual Effects Reported Were

This section elaborates on the reported phenomena from the Walcha incident:

• A. Loss of Power by the Engine: The Chrysler Sigma GE car manual lists four possible causes: wear and tear of distributor contacts, failure or malfunction of the vacuum advance unit, and failure of the electronic ignition system. The article notes that these causes require mechanical attention and may recur without parts replacement.
• B. Loss of Heat within Vehicle Interior: No detectable atmospheric pressure loss occurred, so the temperature drop is not attributed to a sudden loss of pressure. The drop was estimated at 10-15 degrees Celsius. Radiative heat loss, convection, and conduction are discussed as unlikely explanations. The car interior is described as an enclosed air volume, making convection unlikely. Conduction effects are usually observed in solids and occur slowly. Conventional heat transfer methods are deemed unlikely.
• C. Temporary Malfunction of Engine Thermometer: The article suggests that the temperature monitor may have malfunctioned due to external electromagnetic fields, which can affect semiconductor operations and reduce sensitivity. However, it notes that the car's bonnet would largely shield the thermistor. The low fuel registration thermistor is also discussed, noting its susceptibility to temperature changes but also its shielding by the petrol tank.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness accounts of unusual lights and craft, and the physical effects these events can have on witnesses and their vehicles. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, acknowledging the limitations of resources while striving to gather and analyze evidence. There is a clear effort to connect seemingly disparate events and to explore potential explanations, including electromagnetic interference and physical traces, while maintaining a critical approach to media sensationalism. The "forum" section indicates an openness to reader contributions and discussions on these topics.

This issue of "A Possible Vehicle Interference Case" (Vol. 1, No. 2, March 1979, published by Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena) delves into unexplained phenomena, focusing on a specific case of vehicle interference and exploring the broader theoretical and interdisciplinary aspects of ufology.

A Possible Vehicle Interference Case

The issue begins by examining a reported vehicle interference case, noting the difficulty in pinpointing a cause. The observed effects include persisting tiredness in observers, and three other effects that could potentially be consistent with exposure to a high-intensity, high-frequency oscillating magnetic field. Electronic ignition systems installed after August 1978 are mentioned as potentially susceptible to such fields, leading to temporary mistiming. However, recreating these effects under controlled conditions is challenging with current technology.

A particularly unusual aspect reported in some vehicle interference cases is the rapid cooling of air inside the vehicle. Out of 500 cases, only six involved cooling, and details about car ignition or type were often missing. The article discusses magnetocaloric effects, which involve heat removal by a magnetic field, and are typically rare and confined to specialist laboratory applications like adiabatic demagnetization used to supercool liquid helium. The process involves aligning paramagnetic electrons in a substance, releasing heat, and then absorbing heat when the field is removed. The author speculates that atmospheric oxygen, being paramagnetic, might be influenced by a very strong and possibly oscillating magnetic field, leading to a magnetocaloric cooling effect within a car. However, this would require extremely high magnetic field values and frequencies, and the author notes a lack of scientific evidence for this phenomenon occurring in such a context.

The article also touches upon the need for UFO investigators to review experimentation on paramagnetic substances at high field densities and frequencies. It mentions a series of unusual UFO incidents in the New England area during 1977-78, some involving objects surrounded by unusual mist, suggesting a potential link to induced cooling of the atmosphere. The author highlights that 'cloud and object' reports could offer insights into visualizing electromagnetic fields.

Bedroom Visitation

A separate report details a 'Bedroom Visitation' case from April 12, 1989, involving a German lady in Australia. She reported an encounter with an entity estimated at 60-70cm tall, described as semi-transparent with a pinkish boundary and a neon green belt. The entity was observed interacting with a teacup and an earring box. The incident was accompanied by a loud, high-pitched noise that ceased upon the entity's disappearance, described as 'like switching off a light.' The witness's husband heard and felt nothing.

The Frontiers of Ufology

This extensive section, authored by Hillary Evans, explores the interdisciplinary nature of ufology, arguing that a comprehensive understanding requires looking beyond UFO sightings themselves to adjacent fields.

The UFOLOGY/METEOROLOGY FRONTIER

This frontier examines natural phenomena that resemble UFOs, such as lenticular clouds and Venus. It highlights Bill Corliss's 'Sourcebook Project' and its catalog of anomalous sightings, including 'luminous phenomena' and 'nocturnal lights.' The article discusses ball lightning as a proposed explanation for UFOs, noting its imperfect definition and the need for more research into its characteristics (size, lifespan, movement, altitude, penetrative ability). The relationship between ball lightning and earthquake lights, which have a geological origin, is also considered, suggesting a common underlying meteorological or geophysical condition might generate plasma-like phenomena.

The UFOLOGY/GEOLOGY FRONTIER

This section posits a connection between geophysical phenomena and UFO reports. It references the work of Paul Devereux and Michael Persinger, who claim to have found quantitative correlations between geological conditions and UFO report frequency. The author suggests that geological events like earthquakes, while physical, might also affect the atmosphere, influencing human brain states and potentially leading to hallucinations or altered perceptions, which could then be grafted onto real physical stimuli.

The UFOLOGY/PSYCHOLOGY FRONTIER

This frontier emphasizes the importance of understanding human psychology in field investigations. It notes that modern ufologists are more inclined to assess witness dependability, a shift from earlier practices where many UFO reports were gathered without such scrutiny. The article points out that emotional predispositions can distort a witness's account, and investigators must also be aware of their own potential biases.

The UFOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY FRONTIER

This section examines the influence of social and personal forces on UFO situations, referencing the study "When Prophecy Fails" on a UFO cult. It highlights how societal attitudes towards the unexplained, ranging from indifference to fascination, and the media's interest in 'good stories,' can shape perceptions. The article also touches upon the role of 'extraterrestrial visitor' imagery as a symbol carrying emotional meaning.

The UFOLOGY/RELIGIOUS BELIEFS FRONTIER

This part discusses how religious beliefs can color UFO reports, citing the belief that UFOs are sent by Satan. It also notes the correlation between UFO sightings and religious visions, using the Fatima sighting in Portugal as an example, where both religious apparitions and remarkable aerial phenomena were reported.

The UFOLOGY/PARAPSYCHOLOGY FRONTIER

This section addresses the reluctance of some ufologists to engage with psychical matters, arguing that serious psychical research is grounded in observable phenomena. It mentions 'electric-sensitive' individuals whose presence affects electronic devices and links this to cases involving both UFOs and poltergeists. The author suggests a correlation between psychic ability and UFO sightings, though the reasons remain unclear.

The UFOLOGY/MYTHOLOGY FRONTIER

This frontier explores the parallels between UFO reports and mythology and folklore. It references books that draw conclusions from historical accounts and notes the striking similarity between modern UFO stories and old sci-fi tales, suggesting a connection that defies simple cause-and-effect explanations. The author also hints at a disturbing link between UFO happenings and present-day political facts, referencing a work on 'The perfect cover-up.'

The Critic Doesn't Count

Authored by John F. Schuessler, this article discusses the natural human fear of criticism and the tendency to seek approval. It contrasts the role of the critic with that of the 'doer,' quoting Theodore Roosevelt's definition of the man in the arena who strives and achieves, even with failures. The article concludes that critics, while often seeking recognition, do not ultimately 'count' in the same way as those who actively engage in endeavors.

Recommended Reading

A list of recommended books is provided, covering topics such as CIA hypnosis, UFO sourcebooks, earthlights, visions, prophecy, poltergeists, UFO observation, government surveillance, and the history of science fiction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a broad, interdisciplinary approach to ufology, urging researchers to look beyond narrow definitions and explore connections with meteorology, geology, psychology, sociology, mythology, and even political science. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking, witness evaluation, and avoiding simplistic explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging a rigorous and comprehensive study of unexplained phenomena while cautioning against paranoia and naive acceptance of claims. The article 'The Critic Doesn't Count' reinforces the value of active participation and constructive criticism in any field of study.

This issue of the "reference library" features reviews of two significant books within the ufology and paranormal research community: "Disneyland of the Gods" by John A. Keel and "Abduction" by Jenny Randles. The publication date is not explicitly stated, but the books reviewed are from 1988, suggesting the magazine issue is likely from late 1988 or early 1989. The content is primarily focused on book reviews and information about UFO research organizations.

Book Review: Disneyland of the Gods by John A. Keel

The review, written by Pony Godic, describes John A. Keel's "Disneyland of the Gods" as an "interesting read embellished with many fascinating details, cryptic insights into human nature and, for me, the occasional belly laugh." The book aims to "dispel both our skepticism and gullibility, thus affording us the intellectual space to ask deeper questions." Godic highlights Keel's perspective that UFOs should not be isolated from other bizarre phenomena, citing Damon Knight's analysis of 1,200 Fortean events which showed positive correlations between UFOs, unknown bodies in space, poltergeist activity, and falls of strange substances. This suggests evidence of "rhythmic fluctuations" in these phenomena.

Keel's framework includes examining a wide range of unexplained events, such as lightning bolts from clear skies, inexplicable crimes like thefts of antique weather vanes, animal mutilations, stolen copper cable, sea and lake monsters, phantom boatmen, mysterious marsupials (like a kangaroo in Illinois), unbelievable reptiles, "Mothman," and "Hairy monsters." The review notes that sightings of sea serpents often occur simultaneously with UFO sightings, showers of frogs, and worms.

The book also delves into ancient observatories, potential communication from Epsilon Bootis, correlations between UFOs and Earth's magnetism, skyquakes, UFO routes, inexplicable holes in ice, and the "Idaho Triangle" with its associated unknowns, warps, and time gaps. Keel discusses Atlantis and other lost civilizations, and the history of "UFOnauts" referred to by various names like fairies and gods. He explores Ley lines and the work of Wilhelm Reich, questioning if "sky people" influenced early man to construct guideposts related to magnetic currents.

Keel's historical evaluation includes an ancient civilization in America predating Native Americans, and Native American legends of giants and sexual unions with gods. He posits that if unworldly travelers are among us, they seem intent on confusing humanity. The review mentions Keel's revelation of abduction and sexual contact cases from the 1960s resulting in children who were more intelligent but prone to poltergeist manifestations.

In summing up, Keel suggests that UFO encounters are "more hallucinatory than real," involving a complex hypnotic process, with the "real phenomenon" hidden behind propaganda. He states, "We are biochemical robots helplessly controlled by forces that can scramble our brains, destroy our memories and use us in any way they see fit." The reviewer agrees that the UFO debate centers on whether they are from here or not, suggesting possibilities of natural phenomena, misperceived phenomena, or psychological origins if they are terrestrial, or extraterrestrial/extra-dimensional if not.

The reviewer concludes that "Disneyland of the Gods" is full of fascinating information and makes a positive contribution to the UFO controversy spectrum.

Book Review: Abduction by Jenny Randles

This review, by Keith Basterfield, covers Jenny Randles' book "Abduction," which is described as an excellent review of the most puzzling portion of the UFO phenomenon. The book begins with 1950s claims of George Adamski and other contactees, distinguishing them as willing participants, unlike abductees who are forced. It briefly describes two watershed abduction cases: Antonio Villas Boas and Betty and Barney Hill.

Subsequent chapters explore historical parallels with fairy lore, the influence of science fiction as a trigger for abduction details, and bizarre accounts that make most cases seem mundane. The book then provides details of cases from the United Kingdom, covering "time lapse events," entity cases, and actual abductions, followed by a sampling of cases from diverse countries worldwide.

Chapter 10, "The search for answers," explores four possibilities for abduction explanations: 1. A physically real event with extraterrestrial intelligence. 2. A psychological experience. 3. A mix of physical stimulation and triggering of a psychological event. 4. A psychological experience producing a "real" event.

Randles examines the pros and cons of these hypotheses, noting the lack of independent witnesses to abductions and that in at least three cases, the percipient was observed by outsiders during the period they were supposedly abducted but went nowhere. She concludes that psychological explanations fall short, and Hypothesis 1 also falls short. Randles opts for a "daring" hypothesis: "A creatively visual person, who has a track record of strange experiences....., finds him/herself in a position to be contacted by an alien intelligence."

Basterfield finds Randles' views refreshing, noting she is not caught up in the "aliens in spaceships are kidnapping us" syndrome and speaks from experience. She has identified common characteristics among abductees, linking them to visual creativity and recent psychological research. The reviewer found the work a stimulating and valuable contribution to the debate on abduction experiences.

The book is available in Australia from J.M. Dent Pty Ltd.

New Books Noted

This section provides brief descriptions and prices for several other books related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena:

• "Abductions" by Jenny Randles (1988): Reviews abductions, includes a catalogue of British cases, and discusses various hypotheses. (US $24.95)
• "Abductions: a dangerous game" by Philip Klass (1988): A skeptic's look at abductions, examining alternative explanations to the ETH. (US $18.95)
• "Dimensions: a casebook of alien contact" by Jacques Vallee (1988): A revamp of Vallee's previous writings, offering an overview of his current thinking that the ETH is not bizarre enough an explanation for UFOs. (US $17.95)
• "Transformation: the breakthrough" by Whitley Strieber (1988): Strieber's second book about his interaction with visitors. (US $18.95)
• "A Disneyland of the gods" by John Keel (1988): A broad look at ufology. (US $8.95)
• "Uninvited guests" by Richard Hall (1988): A balanced overview suited for those wanting an introduction to ufology. (US $14.00)
• "UFO abductions: the measure of a mystery" by Thomas Bullard (1988): A massive comparative study of abduction reports, including summaries of 270 cases. (US $60.00 for Volume 1 & 2, US $40.00 for Volume 2).

UFO Research Australia

This section details the organization "UFO Research Australia" (UFORA), which operates as a network of interested persons and groups. Vladimir Godic coordinates general network administration, and Keith Basterfield oversees research. The aims of UFORA are to stimulate Australian research into the UFO phenomenon on a non-prejudicial basis and to aid research by promoting co-operation.

A periodic newsletter, "UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER" (UFORAN), is produced and edited by Vladimir Godic, open to public subscription and featuring work by Australian and overseas researchers. UFORA holds Australian reports dating back approximately 30 years, with about 1000 placed on a computerized database in Canberra, maintained by Andy Cole. UFORA liaises with many overseas organizations and individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs, abduction phenomena, and broader paranormal or "Fortean" events. The editorial stance, as reflected in the book reviews and the description of UFORA's aims, is one of open inquiry and research into these unexplained phenomena, encouraging a critical yet non-dismissive approach. The reviews suggest a move towards understanding these events within a wider context of human experience and potentially unusual natural or psychological processes, rather than solely focusing on conventional extraterrestrial explanations.