RESEARCH DIGEST

Magazine Overview

Title: RESEARCH DIGEST
Issue: 5
Volume: 1989
Date: November 1989
Publisher: UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA
Country: AUSTRALIA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of RESEARCH DIGEST, compiled by Keith Basterfield and published by UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA in November 1989, presents a collection of UFO sighting reports and research notes.

Cases

UFORA89055: Nullarbor Station, SA (9 Sep 1989)

Mr and Mrs Hennessy and their son Deanne reported seeing a cluster of about a dozen lights in the sky approximately 10-15 degrees above the north-western horizon while travelling westwards near Nullarbor Station. The lights approached their car, leading Mr Hennessy to stop. He described the object as a metallic shape with dull yellow lights, essentially rectangular with a length/height ratio of 5 or 6 to 1. The object passed by at an estimated 50-80 metres, moving quickly into the distance. The observers reported no noise or effects on their vehicle, and suffered no ill effects. The sky was clear.

UFORA89056: Melbourne, VIC (13 Oct 1989)

An unusual object in the sky over Port Phillip Bay generated an estimated 50 telephone calls to St Kilda police. Descriptions were consistently of a cigar shape, orange in colour, with two balls of fire at either end and dark in the middle. The object was reported as stationary or moving very slowly. Press reports suggested it was 250 metres up and 500 metres off the coast, but reports from Geelong and Frankston, which are about 50km apart, make these estimates questionable. On the same morning, a ground marking was found at Point Ormond on Elwood Beach. Ken Hayes inspected the mark the following day, noting it was hard to discern, lacked clear edges, and showed no evidence of burnt material. Hayes commented that the burnt patch could not be assumed to be linked to the sightings, and police also expressed doubts about its authenticity.

UFORA89057: Papua New Guinea (1978)

A woman, now residing in Queensland, underwent two hypnotic regression sessions that revealed an abduction event she experienced as a 12-year-old child.

UFORA89058: Mt Barker, SA (16 Oct 1989)

A very bright blue light was observed for a few moments before it went behind a cloud. It was considered possibly an aircraft.

UFORA89059: Belair, SA (20 Oct 1989)

A round object, resembling a mercury vapour street lamp, was seen at a 20-30 degree elevation. It travelled quickly from the south-east to the north-east in a level trajectory over 4-5 seconds, then remained stationary for 8-10 seconds.

UFORA89060: Adelaide area, SA (20 Oct 1989)

An aurora in the southern sky generated reports from various parts of the Adelaide area, including Gawler, Tea Tree Gully, Aberfoyle Park, and Clarendon. It appeared as a red glow with vertical white stripes.

UFORA89061: Brighton North, SA (23 Oct 1989)

An 18-year-old woman observed a huge white light in the sky with red lights around it in formation. The phenomenon lasted for three minutes, slowly moved away to the sea, and then appeared to 'just go out'.

Research Notes

1. Follow-ups

Three previously documented cases (UFORA89012, 013, and 016) are noted, with full reports to appear in the next UFORAN. Attempts to follow up cases UFORA89008, 010, 011, and 019 were unsuccessful due to a lack of response from the individuals involved.

2. Freedom of information requests

A response was received from the Federal Department of Transport and Communications stating they do not hold the requested UFO documents, and that such matters are more closely concerned with the Department of Defence, to whom the request was transferred.

3. USSR CE3 case

The issue mentions significant media attention on a reported CE3 case in the USSR. The author has received 14 pages of original telexes from Reuter's news agency detailing this and other recent Russian cases, and offers copies to interested readers.

4. Media contact

A reporter from channel 7's 'Hinch' programme contacted researchers for assistance with a segment on abductions. Vladimir Godic and Keith Basterfield declined involvement.

5. Visit by David Webb

David Webb, a founder of the MUFON Humanoid study group in the 1970s, visited Adelaide. He discussed abduction cases with the author and expressed interest in Australian events. Webb maintains a computer database of CE3 events, and the author agreed to update his Australian listing.

Books

Ray Brooke of UFOR(SA) advises that "Circular Evidence" by Pat Delgardo and Colin Andrews, which details unusual crop damage, is a UK bestseller and available in hardcover in Australia for approximately $40.

An Article to Note

The November 1989 issue of "Australian Penthouse" features an article titled "Abducted?" by Bill Chalker, which explores the subject of abductions and presents details of possible Australian events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings across Australia, with a focus on detailed case descriptions and witness accounts. There is also a clear interest in abduction phenomena, as evidenced by the mention of a specific case, the visit from David Webb, and the article in "Australian Penthouse." The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival and investigative work, seeking to document and understand these phenomena, while also engaging with media and government bodies on the subject. The publication also highlights the importance of international research and publications in the field.