UFOIC Newsletter - No 48 July-August 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter
Issue: No. 48
Date: July - August 1976
Publisher: Unidentified Flying Objects Investigation Centre (UFOIC)
Country: Australia
Price: 30¢

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter presents a comprehensive overview of UFO research and reported incidents, with a strong focus on Australian cases. It highlights the organization's efforts in documenting, investigating, and understanding the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing a shift towards more scientific approaches and the development of specialized equipment.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Bill Chalker, discusses the complex and patterned nature of UFOs, asserting that significant advances have been made in understanding how they are 'manifested'. It notes that Australian research aligns with an international perspective, with a focus on predicting UFO activity ('flaps') through computerised data analysis. Dr. D. Saunders' success in forecasting US activity is mentioned, and UFOIC aims to improve its own monitoring by compiling Australian reports into a computer program developed by Andy Cole. The editorial also highlights UFOIC's use of advanced research equipment, including a magnetovelometer and an electromagnetic spectrum detector, devised by Andrew Cole, which are presented as superior to simpler 'UFO detectors'. The changing attitudes towards UFOs are reflected in the success of civilian UFO conferences, with a second conference, UFOCON II, planned for Mount Gambier in October, which UFOIC will attend.

Office Bearers and Staff

The newsletter lists the office bearers, including President Mr. F. J. Philips, Co-ordinators Mr. W.C. Chalker and Mr. M. Smyth, and various staff members. Consultants include Dr. D. Herbison-Evans, Dr. G. Stevens, Dr. R. Molnar, Mrs F. Smyth, and Mr. B. McDonald.

Important Notices

UFOIC is adopting a more formal organizational format to facilitate active operation. Honorary Life Memberships have been awarded to Mr. W. E. Moser, Mr. T.V. Homan, and Mr. H O'Brien in recognition of their support.

Meetings

Due to the unavailability of their old meeting venue at Science House after September, future meetings will tentatively be held at a public hall in Blues Point Road, North Sydney. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 29th, 1976, at the Blues Point Road Hall, with the topic "UFOs and the News Media." The new venue offers extended hours and tea/coffee facilities. The continuation of meetings will depend on public patronage.

New Publication

UFOIC announces the projected publication in September of a new national magazine, "The UFO Observer," with which the co-ordinators have been closely associated. The magazine will be available through normal distributors at $1, with UFOIC offering an initial discount and potentially including it in future membership subscriptions.

New Staff Member

Barton Carter of Lakemba has joined the UFOIC staff as a field investigator.

Recent Reports

1. Nemingha, N.S.W. (March 22nd, 1976): A "Physical Trace" Case

This case involved a Murrurundi couple who witnessed a small white car approaching with headlights on. As they stepped out, a bright greenish-yellow light descended, enveloping the car in a thick white haze. The car drifted across the road. After two minutes, a woman emerged and wiped the windscreen, which was covered in a white substance. When the car lights suddenly reappeared, she threw away the cloth, which burst into flames. The car, covered in a substance like white paint (except for the wiper areas), then drove off towards Nundle. The report is sourced from an investigation by B. Chalker and published in the "Northern Daily Leader" on April 8, 1976.

2. Campbelltown Area: A "Repeater" Case

This section addresses the concept of 'repeater' witnesses, arguing for the validity of their experiences. The report details two incidents involving the same motorist:

• April 30, 1976: On Menangle Road, a triangular shaped object hovered over the motorist for about 20 seconds before moving off slowly, skimming over trees and disappearing.
• July 12, 1976: On Camden Road, the motorist observed a very bright light of undefinable shape moving across a paddock. The light vanished and reappeared, moving towards the car at high speed (up to 90 m.p.h.). It then slowed to 30 m.p.h. and, at an altitude of 200 feet, banked right and crossed the road, passing over trees. The investigation was conducted by B. Chalker.

3. Sydney: A Possible Daylight Disc

On June 1, 1976, the breakfast announcer at 2UE, broadcasting from North Sydney, observed a strange orange light in the sky, described as a contrail attached to a brilliant flattish-shape light, resembling a Saturn V rocket. This led to about six calls from people reporting similar phenomena. One caller, viewing with binoculars, described a distinct disc-shaped object with two 'rocket type lights' beneath it. The object hovered for several minutes before banking and moving into the haze. Checks with authorities revealed no aircraft flights in the area. The investigation was conducted by B. Chalker and B. Carter.

4. Norah Head, N.S.W. (February 1973): A Bizarre Case

This report revisits a case from Newsletter No. 44, involving a 'ghost light' that emitted smaller objects. A similar case, occurring a few hundred yards away, has come to light through investigations by B. Chalker, M. Smyth, and H. Griesberg. In this incident, a man and woman in a parked car near the Norah Head Kiosk observed a bright golden ball rise from beyond trees, changing color to orange and deep red. The object then emitted several small red glowing balls that travelled downwards. The couple's car experienced electrical issues (dim headlights, failure to start) during the event. The street light also flickered. Once the object moved away, the street light returned to normal, and the car started immediately. A subsequent garage check found no fault with the car's battery or starter motor. The area was dense scrub, preventing a search for physical traces.

Membership Renewal

Information is provided for membership renewal, with rates for a full year and for pensioners and students.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a commitment to rigorous investigation and scientific analysis of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, acknowledging the complex nature of UFOs and advocating for evidence-based research. There is a clear move towards more sophisticated methods, including the use of specialized equipment and computer analysis, to understand and potentially predict UFO activity. The publication of "The UFO Observer" magazine signifies a broader outreach and dissemination of information. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort by UFOIC to advance the study of UFOs in Australia through detailed reporting, investigation, and the sharing of knowledge.