UFORA Research Digest - No 12 - Jun 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: RESEARCH DIGEST
Issue: 12
Date: June 1990
Publisher: UFO RESEARCH AUSTRALIA
Country: AUSTRALIA
Compiler: Keith Basterfield

This issue of the Research Digest focuses on recent UFO/UAP (Unidentified Flying Object/Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from Australia, alongside reviews of new books in the field and notes on ongoing research.

Cases

The "CASES" section details several sightings, categorized by UFORA case numbers and locations:

Tasmania

• UFORA90057 TA90016 (Autumn 1974, Dysart TAS): A witness, aged 14 at the time, and her grandmother were woken by a light shining into their room. They observed a large, round, greenish light approximately 600-800 meters away at ground level, accompanied by a low humming noise. The light illuminated nearby trees before moving upwards into the sky and diminishing to a speck before disappearing. This case is classified as Med Level D, S3/P3.
• UFORA90058 TA90016 (8 April 1990, Midway Point TAS): While driving north-east on Tasman Highway, the witness noticed a green light low to the right. The light bobbed across the road at car height, moving towards the north-east. As the witness approached, the light returned to the right of the road (east to south-east). After passing Hobart airport, the witness saw airport lights and a flashing red beacon. Crossing a causeway, the light reappeared as a bright traffic light green off to the right. Upon reaching Midway Point, a green mass with a glow, described as rectangular in shape, seemed to approach the car from the eastern side. The witness, feeling frightened, drove home quickly. Her husband looked out but only saw Venus in the eastern sky. This case is classified as Med Level A, S3/P4.

South Australia

The following reports are stated to be Low, Level C cases, except where otherwise noted:

• UFORA90059 (28 April 1990, Elizabeth Grove SA): Three blue oscillating lights were observed travelling south for over 2-3 minutes. A whirring sound, likened to a “washing machine,” was audible. Classified as S2/P4.
• UFORA90060 (30 April 1990, Glenelg North SA): A light was seen hovering over the sea at dusk. Classified as S2/P4.
• UFORA90061 (2 May 1990, Marion SA): A stationary, “quite bright” light was observed in the sky at 30 degrees north-east. It was noted as possibly an aircraft. Classified as S2/P4.
• UFORA90062 (2 May 1990, South Plympton SA): A light shot across the south-eastern sky, leaving a trail. This was noted as possibly a meteor. Classified as S2/P4.
• UFORA90063 (20 May 1990, Adelaide SA): A flashing, bright light was seen travelling from north to south. This was considered most likely an aircraft. Classified as S2/P4.
• UFORA90064 (21 May 1990, Panorama SA): A light in the sky was observed to move around and then become stationary. Classified as S2/P4.
• UFORA90065 (27 May 1990, Truro SA): A light was reported to have “buzzed” a car, and the car's radio reportedly failed. The witness also reported seeing a red light in a paddock at one stage. Classified as S4/P3.

Research Notes

Keith Basterfield restates the intention of the Research Digest for new network members:

a) To provide brief details of new cases currently under investigation, enabling researchers to be alerted to interesting new events.
b) To publish abstracts of cases that have been investigated, with full documentation lodged with UFORA.

Readers are encouraged to contact the investigating body or individual directly if a case interests them.
c) To alert readers to new books of interest and provide brief outlines of their contents.
d) To provide details of research projects to raise awareness and encourage contribution, emphasizing that "YOUR IMPUT IS VITAL."

New Books

Two books are reviewed:

1. "Mind Monsters" by J. Randles (1990): This paperback discusses UFOlogy and the Paranormal, incorporating cryptozoology into a hypothesis aimed at explaining various facets of these fields. The review praises it as a "thoroughly thought provoking work" and "one of the most important works to be written on the UFO subject in quite a while."
2. "The circles effect and its mysteries" by G. T. Meaden (1989): This hardcover book provides an overview of the crop circle mystery, presenting Meaden's hypothesis for their cause, including possible links to UFO events. The review notes that while the plasma vortex hypothesis is favored by some UK ufologists, others disagree. It suggests Australian researchers will find it stimulating and may gain a new perspective on their own cases.

Note

There will be no July edition of the Research Digest because the compiler will be overseas between June 25 and August 1, 1990. Reports and mail during this period should be directed to Vladimir at PO Box 229, Prospect, SA 5082.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic collection and dissemination of UFO/UAP sighting reports, primarily from Australia, with a focus on providing factual details and encouraging further research. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, aiming to inform and engage the UFO research community. The publication values input from its readers and seeks to provide a platform for sharing information on cases, books, and research projects. The inclusion of book reviews indicates an interest in broader related topics like the paranormal and cryptozoology, as well as specific phenomena like crop circles.