UFOIC Newsletter - No 26 December 1969

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER, dated December 1969, is a bi-monthly publication from Sydney, Australia. It features a President's Christmas Message, articles on space exploration and the Moon, numerous UFO sighting reports from around the world, and a section on ancient knowledge and modern science.

President's Christmas Message

President F. Phillips reflects on the changing world, noting tremendous technical advances alongside an upsurge in violence and defiance of the law. He emphasizes the enduring validity of Christmas values like "PEACE AND GOOD WILL" and draws inspiration from the collective goodwill shown during the Apollo 11 and 12 missions, expressing hope for mankind's future.

The Moon

Dr. Don Herbison-Evans discusses the significant expenditure on space exploration and the Moon. He posits that beyond scientific knowledge, the goals include the eventual expansion of mankind into the Universe and understanding the origins of our solar system and galaxy. The article explores puzzles surrounding the Moon, such as its origin (separate from Earth or torn from it), the cause of its craters (meteorite impacts or volcanic activity), and the possibility of life. Preliminary analysis of Apollo 11 moon rocks shows differences from terrestrial rocks but similarities that leave the question of its origin unanswered. No organic matter was found. The rocks were last molten 3.1 billion years ago. Glazing on some rocks suggests a massive solar flare 100,000 years ago. The presence of "Mascons" (massive concentrations of material) beneath the lunar surface suggests the Moon may not have been completely molten.

NASA Releases Report on Moon

This section details a comprehensive report released by NASA in 1968, titled "Chronological Catalog of Reported Lunar Events" (NASA Technical Report NASA TR R227), which documented 579 cases of strange occurrences on the Moon. Compiled by astronomers from America and Northern Ireland, the report can be ordered for $3 (US). Extracts mention sightings of light flashes, coloured glows, spots, extreme silvery "flows," and obscuration of lunar landscapes. Reports from other sources include sightings of bright red lights near the crater Herodotus, which later reassembled in an oval formation. A bright beam of light was observed streaming out of Aristarchus. From 1930 to 1960, over 200 domes were seen on the lunar surface. The Apollo 10 crew reported red glimmers of light in lunar mountains. Dr. G. Kiupers hypothesizes volcanic activity. The article concludes by suggesting that the Moon might not be as "dead" as believed and that more than volcanic activity may be taking place.

Cosmonauts, Astronauts and Bogeys

• This section presents a chronological list of UFO-related incidents:
• July 1960: 12 satellites (11 U.S., 1 Russian) were checked by trucking gear, with 13 showing.
• January 10, 1961: During a Polaris Missile test firing, an object locked onto the missile, requiring 14 minutes to disengage.
• February 17, 1961: During a Russian space launch, the cosmonauts experienced issues with lights and air supply, reporting a sighting.
• April 30, 1962: Major Joe Walker, testing the X15, was followed by 5 disc-cylinder objects.
• July 17, 1962: Major White was paced by a "grey-white sheet of paper" at 2000 mph.
• May 1963: Major Gordon Cooper reported a greenish object moving east to west.
• April 8, 1964: A Gemini spacecraft was joined by 4 UFOs on its first orbit.
• 1967: Gemini 7 crew reported seeing a "bogey."
• November 14, 1969: Charles Conrad, Apollo 12, spotted a bright UFO, which Houston controllers theorized was a spent Saturn V rocket stage, though its trajectory differed.

Tunisia. UFO Big Bang!

A news item from the Shields Gazette refers to the appearance of two UFOs over Tunisia on July 6th, 1969. The first was a blue spherical ring. The second, appearing minutes later, had the brightness of the morning star and suddenly exploded, illuminating the sky like an atomic explosion.

Australian Scene

Shipping Alerted in North Sea: The Yorkshire Post reported UFOs flying along the Kent Coast, described as four oval-shaped objects, one large and orange, the others smaller, with searchlights. Official sources attributed the lights to a satellite burning out.

Brazil. Man Paralysed: Angelo Randi claimed to have observed a vivid yellow object that changed colours, which affected his eyesight and caused his car's engine to slow down and stop. He felt paralysed until the object left.

U.S.A. Illinois: Dr. J. Allen Hynek is investigating a sighting by two 18-year-old boys and three other witnesses. The object was described as saucer-shaped with a concave indentation, a large light, and blinking red and white lights. It emitted brilliant beams and had an unusual humming noise.

UFO Symposium in the Argentine: Various UFO organizations in Argentina held a symposium in Rosario. Key resolutions included the certainty of UFO existence, the existence of intelligent life in the universe, astronauts filming UFOs, the advancement of other civilizations, and the need for standardized reporting procedures.

RAAF Chase UFO Over Darling Downs: An RAAF Canberra bomber chased a mystery flying object shaped like an aluminum zeppelin over Northern N.S.W. The object hovered for over three hours before accelerating away and vanishing.

What is the Pattern Suggested by the Following? This section lists several incidents in Australia involving scorched circles, flattened reeds, charred rings, circular depressions, and oval-shaped depressions, suggesting a potential pattern or grid being established by UFOs.

Swinging Saucer Over Melbourne: Julie McDonald reported an oval-shaped, orange-coloured object rotating on its axis, with flashing and flickering red lights.

Light Beams Sweep Cane Farm: A cane farmer and neighbours reported a light hovering over cane fields, with beams directed across the sky. They later saw a cigar-shaped object about 30' long and 12' high.

UFO Answers Light Signal: John Blattman and Shane Brown observed a brilliant star-like object that responded to a cigarette lighter's signal by turning on a white light.

News and Forthcoming Events

• November 7th: A lecture on Comets by Dr. Harley Wood was held for 50 members.
• November 15th: Junior members met, with Mr. K. Lane discussing UFOs and ESP. The next meeting is scheduled for February 20th, 1970.
• Appeal: The organization is seeking storage space for its property.
• Dr. D. Herbison-Evans: Has formed a group to experiment in filming UFOs using time exposures.
• Election of Officers: An Annual General Meeting will be held on December 2nd to elect officers for 1970.
• UFO Kits: Available for purchase.
• Library: UFOIC has a range of modern books on UFOs.
• Christmas Party: Cancelled.

Australian Scene (Continued)

Queensland FSR Bureau very alert: A report from Tully district farmer Louis Maule described a black, circular-shaped object with red lights descending from the sky. Mr. Vince Mele of the Queensland FSR Bureau reported his mobile detector alarming at the same time.

UFOs Run Rings Around New Zealand: A mysterious circle of bleached manuka scrub was found on a farm in Ngatea, Waikato. The circle contained V-shaped grooves and the manuka was found to be radioactive and dry, suggesting instantaneous vaporization by short-wave, high-frequency radiation.

December, 1969 (Page 6)

New Zealand (Continued): Further investigation into the manuka circle by Mr. Cooke suggested the marks were caused by a heavy object making a soft landing, consistent with overseas reports. Mr. P. Scantlebury supported this, noting the complexity of creating such a deception. The DSIR report suggested a saprophytic fungus, but the minister did not explain the symmetric marks. Prof. N. F. Barber and Dr. D. R. McQueen collected samples. Mr. R. G. Bagnell stated the manuka died suddenly, evidenced by arrested flower buds. Other circles were found later in different locations.

• From Here and There:
• Botanical Drugs: A revival of interest in ancient folk remedies and native medicines is noted. Rauwolfia Serpentina (snakeroot) is highlighted for its effects on headache, insomnia, high blood pressure, and insanity. Aloe Vera is mentioned for treating radiation burns. Cabbage juice is used to treat alcoholism.
• Enzymes in Laundry Powder: A UN expert warns that enzymes in new laundry powders could be dangerous due to their bio-chemical activity.
• Licorice Addiction: A 64-year-old man was admitted to a Manchester hospital suffering from paralysis due to excessive licorice consumption.
• Mayan Civilization: Electronic computers are being used to decipher Mayan inscriptions, a task expected to take three years instead of thirty by conventional methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the belief in the existence of UFOs and intelligent extraterrestrial life. It highlights numerous sightings and incidents as evidence, often questioning official explanations. There is a strong emphasis on scientific investigation, both in the context of UFO phenomena and broader scientific inquiry (e.g., space exploration, ancient knowledge). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a desire to uncover the truth behind unexplained phenomena, encouraging members to participate in research and share information. The publication also shows an interest in historical and cultural aspects related to unexplained phenomena and ancient civilizations.