ll C'll d Oct 62) ARCHIVAL ACTION REFERRED TO DE.PARTME.NT OF AIR TITLE Q.~o.ca...~ Ol!!ol f:'-~ I.~Cr.-~Ao~ National Archives of Australia Records in the National Archives are available for public access after 30 years. This record contains documents that are currently less then 30 years old (ie created since 1973). These documents have not been digitised. The records not digitised typically consist of Department of Defence administrative correspondence dealing with requests for statements of service, or requests for copies of the record. The material does not normally relate directly to the serviceman or to his service. It will be available for public release once it is over 30 years old. Imaging Services DEPARTMENT OF AIR MINUTE PAPER (Tbis side only to be written oo) REPLIES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC RE UFO REPORTS 1 . The enclosed proformas which are replies to UFO sighting reports at :folios 44 and 45 have been prepared for your signature and release. (C.R. HICKEY) GENERAL STATEMENT IN RELATION TO UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS 1. Your report on the sighting of an Unusual Flying Object (UFO) has been investigated and the object was f-:-(:.(~( You may be interested in the investigation of reports in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom and the following information provides a brief outline of the subject. The investigation of reports of UFOs in Australia is carried out by the Royal Australian Air Force, Directorate of Air Force Intelligence, at the Department of Air in Canberra. A considerable amount of effort is spent in investigating each report and the majority of observers are interviewed by selected RAAF personnel. 4. Between 2; January 60 an~ 26 May 71, the RAAF received 572 UFO reports. Department of Air has assessed that 9; percent were explainable by present scientific knowledge. Six percent of the reports did not provide sufficient information to permit proper analysis and evaluation. One percent of the reports were attributed to unknown causes. The United Kingdom Air f'linistry has stated that on an average, 90 percent of the sightings it investigates are explained by causes ranging from meteorological balloons and meteors to aircraft lights. The other 10 percent probably remain unexplained because of lack of reliable information. In 1966 the University of Colorado, under contract to the USAF, spent two years processing and investigating all American reports. Its findings have been published by Bantam Books as 'The Condon Report'. Its general conclusion is that 'nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge' and that 'further extensive study of UFOa probably cannot be justified in the expectation that science will be advanced thereby. A panel of eminent scientists, chosen by the US National Academy of Sciences, has examined and endorsed the Condon Report. ihe USAF 'Project Blue Book' investigation of unidentified aerial objects between 195} and 1965 analysed 7 ,641 UFO reports. It concluded that: n . 80 percent of sightings were natural phenomena, hoaxes, birds or man-made objects; b . 17 percent of sightings provided i~sufficient data to permit thorough analysis and evaluation; and three percent were unidentified. US and Soviet space exploration has found no evidence to support the theory of life on planets in our solar system. It seems that the Mariner series of space exploration to Mars has proved it a 'dead' planet. The only other source of extra-terrestrial life, then, would have to be in another 'solar system'. It would seem, therefore, that whilst it may be possible for extra-terrestrial life forms to visit Eartb, it is improbable. Department GENERAL STATEMENT IN RELATION TO UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS 1 . Your report on the sighting of an Unusual Flying Object (UFO) has been investigated and the object was f-. {-if'-:7.'?-'J.<.-'.f~a.."'.l ./ t>f. You may be interested in the investigation of reports in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom and the following information provides a brief outline of the subject. The investigation of reports of UFOs in Australia is carried out by the Royal Australian Air Force, Directorate of Air Force Intelligence, at the Department of Air in Canberra. A considerabl e amount of effort is spent in investigating each report and the majority of observers are interviewed by selected RAAF personnel. 4. Between 23 January 60 anc 26 May 71, the RAAF received 572 UFO reports. Department of Air has assessed that 93 percent were explainable by present scientific knowledge. Six percent of the reports did not provide sufficient information to permit proper analysis and evaluation. One percent of the reports were attributed to UPJmown causes. The United Kingdom Air Ministry has stated that on an average, 90 percent of the sightings it investigates are explained by causes ranging from meteorological balloons and meteors to aircraft lights. The other 10 percent probably remain unexplained because of lack oi reliable information. In 1966 the University of Colorado, under contract to the USAF, spent two years processing and investigating all American reports. Its findings have been published by Bantam Books as 'The Condon Report. Its general conclusion is that 'nothing has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge' and that 'further extensive study of UFOs probably cannot be justified in the expectation that science will be advanced thereby'. A panel of eminent scient~sts, chosen by the US National AcadeDzy' of Sciences, has examined and endorsed the Condon Report .. 1~e USAF Project Blue Book' investigation of unidentified aerial objects between 195~ and 1965 analysed 7,641 UFO reports. It concluded that: a . 60 percent of sightings were natural phenomena, hoaxes, birds or man-made objects; b. 17 percent of sightings provided L~sufficient data to permit thorough analysis and evaluation; and three percent were unidentified. US and Soviet space exploration has found no evidence to support the theory of life on planets in our solar system. It seems that the Mariner series of space exploration to Mars has proved it a 'dead' planet. Tho only other source of extra-terrestrial life, then, would have to be in another solar system'. It would seem, therefore, that whilst it may be possible for extra-terrestrial life forms to visit Earth, it is improbable. Department of Air ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE TU1'HONE. 6905SO TElEGRAPHIC ADDRESS: AtRCOMMANO, MELBOURNE" neartment of Air (DAFI) HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT COMMAND VICTORIA BARRACKS SC1 VIC 3004 REPORT ON UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTING 1. Attached is a report by .Mrs A. Higgins of 1\ia.ffra Victoria concerning an unusual aerial sighting in the early hours of 11th February 1972. 2 . The conclusions of the Investigating Officer that this sighting could have been the waste burner operating at the Longford Gas Plant is a reagzsnab e lanation in this .A.NNEXES: Mrs Higgins Report For Air Officer Commanding Report by Flg Off Ogden (Investigating Officer) RESTRICTED ANNEX A to nqsc 5/6/1/Air(119) DAhill 2 MAR 72 REPORT ON Ul\uSUAL AEillAL SICHl'Il!G Jart I -Report by Observer (As a preliminary to completing this fo . the observer is invited to describe the sighting in his or h~r own manner, us~ either s.eparate sheets or the back of this form. ) Date and time of start of observation . tt.F~P.7? .. 9?t5. Row certain is the date? Observer's location at time of sighting i':'' . !' .... ...... . ileather conditions at time of observation ~ . .);}, 7 .'JQ .~!<:.n. Yli'i Jl~. Describe any aids/equipment used in the observation ... Where was object first observed?: nei_:huo~ .ara~--e 10. llhat first attracted observer' s attention? .. l.!~l! . . Y. 11. If ohere was more than one liDht/object: RE::i'l'RIC'l'ED 13. \lhat "-as the brightness? (compare with full moon or common light ource at a stated distance, eg oridinary street light at 100 14. What was the apparent size at nearest approach?: b. relative dimensions in inches at arm' s length (about 20 inches 15. What were th~ bearing and elevation angl~s at ne~est approach and now were these v~ues assessed? .:f.-.'{>, 17. Describe any sound heard, includillg chan&es in pitch and intensity 18. What was the maximum and minimum angle of elevat~on (or height, if an estimate can be j ustified)? ... ~. 19. What was the maximum and minimum angular velocity (or speed, if an estimate can be justified)? If necessary, compare with the movement of familiar objects at stated distances . .. . 20. Give duration of ru.y stationary phases 9!~.~P!l!!FY!'!i ~. 1:9~j!fY ..... 21. Describe any deviations or manoeuvres . t~f ............ . .. .............. . 22. Ilescribe aey trail of exhaust, vapour or light seen .... tl H .............. . 23. Where was object last observed: a . releti ve to. your surroundings ~r. fen~. :. rn. 9:PI"frYC'"I'iQtl. 24. What was the manner of its disappearance? .. ~-! .~t.~o;~.H.Oi ;r ...... 25. Do you know of any associated physical evidence (such as fragments, photographs, scorching, ground indentations, residunl magnetism or 26. ::itate any tra~ which enables observer to btl reaso'rlably certail1 of his/ht:r ability t o estimate angles and Elll8'1llar velocity .!.' .il RL'S'i'RIC'l'ED RESTRICTED 28. Do you know of witnesses to similar sight~s in the area? ~ 29. ;/hat rmtural pnenomenon (ro phenomena) would be nearest to explaining ? "C-3i4 '-'as lant at ....o-e"fori' \~at are your main reasons for excluding this &KPlanation?, ?~; . .... . d , .... ~ e ~c. ruch high~r in be ~-y Plt!ase sketch the li~;ht/object wi t,t all details. If appropriate, sketch position and/or movement of obj~ct in relatlon to your surroundiDt.S lise be.ak of form, if needed. "-IJFf.J'/J I((. <E,.;'L'lUCl'ED Part 2 -Unit Evaluation 1'he f ollowing militarl' aircraft were in t h e vicinity of the reported UFO position a t tn~ t ime : 33. The following civil aircraft wer e in the vicinity of the reported UFO position at the time: , 1 Nil Nil Nl *Give location of n~arest ATD or ~. Observer ' s loaction: 35. Gi ve bearing and e ler.ation of any planets and maj or stars t ha t were in that portion of t he sky a t that t ime. By day, g i ve .rro ::;aj o r st~:~r"' or _1 ll"' .s ov r 'llP n .u e o~ C 36. A meteor ological balloon was real eased from f1ir.t. ~ : ').!J .. lhite . 1. 51os 'ltl:lSO'O:l~llatt~e as requir<;od) . . Ol C-060 ~ce wind calm 6-a at 10 OOO' \ol(ls i t known to have burst? No 37 The first sig:ni.ficant temperature inverSl.on wa s of. n .J. C a t 38. Any remarks on satellites, rockets, res earch balloons, oomots, meteorites etc. relevant to the 29. ~ben en aircraft is a possible identification, include radar trnce if available, and ascertain which of the aircraft liehts \fere RES'l'RICTED 40 , The ceuse tor likel y cause) of the sighting can*/~ be determined. 41 The obJ~t repo.rWd probably was*/my Rav e he en* ( v.~.;lete c.s rt:quired) RLS TiU.Cl'LD n .. ::OIUC'HC'lT ANNEX B t o H~SC 5/6/1/Air(11~) DATED 2 I4AR 2 1. On tho :1 F~b ~2 th base eu~y controller received a telerhone call f!Qo a :Mrs M ton of 3Q Church .::t:rcet J.:ai'f::-a :rerorting that her neighbour, :.!rs A. Higgins, h d ob rv d a trangl" object in the ~l:y at 0215 EDST bat morning. 2 . The investi atine; of . icer visited J.l:rs Hi6gins on +be 16 Feb 72 to conduct a::: interview Vlitb h"r about tht> si~hting. 3 . !:.ll'S Ei gins said hat at about 0215 EDS'l' she hed gone out the back of her house, and bad seen a strange object in the sky. She describPd it as looking like 8 large board. red-sold in colour with a blurred top end. She observAd the object for about 5 n.ins, and then returned to bed. AUALITY OF 'PEE EVID:i;;NCE 4. !:Irs Higgins is a.n elderly lady in her seventies, ho appeared to be very quiet, and romewhat shy in the };restince of' +;be investigatine; officer. Initially she did not even want to disclose her name, fearing some form of involvement re- c:ultins from an investigation. S!le Cid not wa."'lt to re_port thE' sighting but her next door nci hbour, re Fulton, after hearing of the observation rang and reported instead. After talking "i th ...rs fulton she disclosed that cbo was \P.J. J.nte:rested in t.:FOc, and regretted that he had not shared her neir.hbours sight.n c:. i.o:'s Hi ins wea"J:s tinted corrective lenses and on her own ae!mi ssion her eyes are "not as ood as thc:-y used -;;o be". ..:.:t'ter a series of questions, l!rs ?.iggins did not deviate from her ori~inal description, but it is the investigating officers opinion, that oY:illf.., to hEll' failing eye sight, the description she gave be ~re~ted r.ith caution. 6. The following aspects Ylere co!lsidered in attemptil".g to find a satisfactory expla.l'latlon: a . Aircraft. .'here were no known civil or military 11ircraft in the vicinity at the tiee of the sighting. b. VisiblA Sat~llites. There were no visible satellite passes at "hat c. l~teorolo<tic"l.l Balloons. The balloons l:eleased from Sale and Laverton at 24CO ...:.DS_ en the 10 Feb