Report of Unusual Aerial Sightings - HMAS Adroit, April 1978

This document file contains a collection of reports and correspondence regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings in Australia, primarily from 1976 to 1978. The central report concerns a sighting on 11 April 1978 by the crew of the HMAS Adroit. According to the report filed by LEUT John David Napier, the crew observed a large, brilliant red, oval-shaped object while at anchor. The object was seen to rise, hover, descend to the horizon, and then rise again before switching off its lights and sinking below the horizon. The observer noted that the object was bathed in brilliant red light and emitted no sound. Despite excellent radar conditions, no radar contact was made to confirm the object. The investigating officer, J.F. Roddy, concluded that the cause was unknown, suggesting it might be a form of light aberration. The file also includes correspondence from 1976 regarding a sighting by Miss Lesley Rourke near Providence Hill, which was investigated by the RAAF and attributed to potential satellite activity or light refraction, though the RAAF acknowledged the source remained unestablished. The document also contains various satellite prediction bulletins from the Weapons Research Establishment in Adelaide, which were used by authorities to cross-reference sightings with known satellite passes. The file is part of the National Archives of Australia series E1327.