The Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC) has recently produced a new 77 page publication titled "Tasmania: A UFO History." The document was compiled by long-term TUFOIC researcher, Keith Roberts.
It's a fascinating read, covering reports of unusual aerial phenomena since 1898. It consists of copies of newspaper clippings; sketches of objects seen, and text. It is also a potted history of TUFOIC itself, which was founded back in 1965.
Here you will find summaries of such classic cases as the October 1960, Cressy observation; (click here) the November 1960 USAF aircraft encounter; the 1971 Lynchford trace; as well as details of visits to Tasmania by J Allen Hynek, and James E McDonald.
In addition, there are some, even to me, previously unknown events, such as the August 1973 Air Traffic Control, Hobart, observation of a silver, circling object.
The publication notes that the 1970's were the peak times for UAP sightings in Tasmania. "The year 1974 was one non-stop action, with almost 200 reports to investigate, leaving a residue of over 50 unexplained sightings." (p.18.) Older cases were uncovered, e.g. in 1970 "...a pastoralist had to dive his light aircraft to avoid an object." (p.19.)
There were some spectacular close encounters during this period, e.g. the 22 Sep 1974, Tayene event. (click here.) I can clearly remember travelling to Tasmania in 1974 and going to visit the site of this puzzling observation.
Due to the large number of events during this period, other civilian UFO organisations sprang up. "Both the Tasmanian UFO Observers Association (Peter Dunbobin) and the Tasmanian UFO Bureau (Jeremy Holden) operated for a number of years in the early 1970's. Another short-lived operation was Peter Zehmeister's Tasmania South West UFO Centre." (p.26.)
Case after intriguing case is summarised, providing the reader with an overview of Tasmanian events. There are lights in the sky, and close encounters, including 'car stops' and entity cases.
All in all, a great read. Copies may be obtained from TUFOIC at 30 for a colour copy or 20 for a black and white copy. Inquiries to tufoic@yahoo.com
