U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 28
Date: July - September 1970
Publisher: U.F.O.I.C.
Type: Bi-Monthly Publication
Price: 20c

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter focuses on the state of UFO research, particularly within Australia, and presents a collection of recent sightings from around the world.

Editorial: The Need for Unity

The editorial, titled "U.F.O.'s are serious business," highlights the dedication of UFO researchers and the formation of various groups and clubs. It outlines three common aims for these organizations: to promote UFO research, to facilitate study through data exchange, and to raise public and scientific interest in UFO phenomena. However, the editorial laments the prevalence of internal rivalry and ill-feeling within these groups, citing the winding up of overseas organizations and the drastic reduction in operations of others due to membership loss. The editor argues that the time has come for Australian UFO clubs to unite to form a solid body of serious researchers, which would allow them to speak with greater authority and improve the cataloguing and exchange of UFO data. The failure of C.A.P.I.O. is presented as a lesson from which a better organization could emerge, emphasizing the need for careful planning and correspondence among all Australian UFO groups before initiating discussions.

World Scene: International Sightings

Japan On January 7, 1969, at 8 p.m., over 1000 people in Japan witnessed twenty fireballs with long tails moving silently across the sky. Witnesses included airport personnel and air traffic control men. An official from the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory stated that the objects could not have been artificial satellites or meteors, noting their brightness and speed, which exceeded conventional jet aircraft.

Finland On August 19, 1969, in the early hours of the morning, Mrs. B. Bofarull of Kotka observed a bright, star-like object through her bedroom window. She identified it as a saucer-shaped object emitting light, hovering at an approximate altitude of 500 meters, several miles away. The object was observed for about an hour, executing a spiral downwards, becoming larger, and then disappearing at high speed. Simultaneously, 15 kilometers away, Mrs. S. Kluge also experienced a similar phenomenon, being woken by a bright, bluish light.

Stover, U.S.A. On October 18, 1969, a farmer near Stover, Missouri, sighted a round, balloon-like UFO, approximately three to four feet in diameter, with green, red, and blue lights. The object was about 7 feet above the ground and moved in a straight line across the highway before suddenly disappearing. Mrs. Smith, who was present, noted that the object had a glow that made the colors stand out.

Bournemouth, England On October 21, 1969, a retired Lieutenant Commander and his family in Bournemouth observed a "fluttering" light outside their drawingroom window. Investigating from a sun balcony, they found the light emanated from a circular object, about 9-12 inches in diameter, translucent, eerie-looking, and pulsating at its center. The object hovered silently at a height of 30 feet, with a blue center and darker rim, before accelerating away southerly without leaving a trail. The Commander described it as jellyfish-like, while his daughter likened it to a legless octopus.

New Zealand On October 30, 1969, at 3:10 a.m., Mr. J.D. Cudbey, a security officer at Waipukurau aerodrome, observed a UFO during a routine inspection. He saw a large, saucer-shaped object, approximately 60 feet long and 12 feet thick, hovering at about 50 feet altitude. The object had green, red, and green lights emanating from its upper surfaces. When Cudbey activated his spotlight, the object's sound increased in pitch, its lights brightened, and it tilted 15 degrees, climbing until it disappeared. Notably, Mr. Cudbey's dog began to growl during the sighting, and the ground directly beneath the object was warm and dry.

Australian Reports

Blackheath, Australia On March 5, 1970, at 4:50 a.m., Mr. Michael Davis observed a star-like object described as a point of light, approximately 1/8" in diameter. The object was a steady, brilliant ball of light, well-defined and apparently solid, at an estimated altitude of 50,000 feet. It ascended through an arc of 80 degrees per second for 15 seconds before vanishing, following a trajectory from 290°W to 120°E, then changing course to approximately 90°E at a 60° angle. The object was estimated to be about 7 miles away.

Chester Hill, Australia On May 15, 1970, at 8 p.m., Miss Janice Gray reported seeing a round object with a vibrating white light that appeared as large as a ten-cent piece held at arm's length. The object was very bright white, suddenly changed to pink, and then faded to an orange amber color. It moved from West to East, gradually losing height, and left a vapor trail that was "spiralling upwards - not trailing behind."

Eastwood, Australia On May 21, 1970, Mrs. B. McGuiness and Mr. Boyce Ewer observed a "red and white flashing light" that looked like an oversized evening star. The object oscillated and remained stationary for about 30 minutes before dropping about 500 feet and disappearing over the horizon. It was dark and cloudy at the time.

Dulwich Hill, Australia Also on May 21, 1970, Mrs. P. Davison reported an object observed from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. that "formed like a cloud." It appeared "filmy" and not solid, traveling in a straight north-westerly direction. It disappeared instantly into the blackness of the sky and only showed up on the actual clouds. Mr. Davison described it as "like a dull cloud moving" but not like a searchlight. The "Sun-Herald" newspaper also covered similar sightings, with the official explanation suggesting a commercially owned spotlight.

Another Solar System?

This section discusses astronomical findings, specifically Dr. Peter van de Kemp's detection of the first planetary body of Barnard's Star, which is 6.5 light-years away. It notes that while Alpha Centauri A and B are closer (4 light-years), no planets have been detected there. The article suggests that Barnard's Star represents another potential location for extraterrestrial life.

News and Forthcoming Events

Reader Contributions The newsletter announces the introduction of a "Letters to the Editor" section and invites readers to submit letters on UFO topics, ideas, and constructive criticism.

Meetings A Members Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at 3 p.m. at 33 Wybalena Road, Hunters Hill. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and a plate to share.

A Public Meeting was held on Tuesday, August 4th, featuring Professor Mills, designer of the Mills Cross radio telescope. The lecture was followed by a Q&A session and slides of the moon and Mars. A summary of Professor Mills' lecture will appear in the next newsletter.

Publications and Kits

• "SPACE LINK": A UFO magazine priced at 50 cents (including postage) or $2 for an annual subscription.
• "INTERPLANETARY NEWS" (U.K.): Priced at 40c plus postage.
• "QUEST": Priced at 50c plus postage.
• "U.F.O.I.C. REVIEW": A 60-page professional publication available.
• U.F.O. KITS: Available from Mr. Moser, designed to aid in identifying UFOs.

Membership and Subscriptions

A reminder is issued to members with unpaid annual subscriptions that issue No. 29 will be their last. Subscriptions and other payments should be sent to U.F.O.I.C., Box E170, St. James, Sydney, 2000.

Library

The Club Library is available for research and general interest. Donations and suggestions are welcome. The librarian, Michael Duggan, will assist members in finding requested items. A new library listing is planned.

Address Change

A new address for M. Duggan is provided: 22 Ferguson Avenue, Springwood, 2777.

The newsletter concludes by thanking readers for their support in 1970 and expressing a hope for increased solidarity and progress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges faced by UFO research organizations, the importance of collaboration and unity, and the reporting of diverse UFO sightings from around the globe. The editorial stance is one of concern over fragmentation within the UFO community and a strong advocacy for a more organized, unified approach to research. The publication also touches upon the broader implications of UFO phenomena, including the possibility of extraterrestrial life, as suggested by astronomical discoveries.