Phantoms and Monsters

Australian Spiral UFO Sightings...Falcon 9 Rocket or Something Else?
NASA Claims Alien Life May Exist on Titan
Russian Man Commits Suicide With Homemade Guillotine
Euro Record Monster Catfish Landed In Italy
Mysterious Old Radio Picking Up Ghostly Vintage Broadcasts

Australian Spiral UFO Sightings...Falcon 9 Rocket or Something Else?

Posted: 05 Jun 2010 11:00 AM PDT

hindustantimes - A bright spiralling light, believed by astronomers to be a rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, was spotted in skies across Australia's east coast just before dawn on Saturday, sparking a UFO frenzy.

Described by some witnesses as a "lollipop-type swirl", the cloud of light was seen over the country's three easternmost provinces - New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory - shortly before sunrise.

"It had a distinct bright centre, much like a bright star ... (with) trails spiralling and fattening out from it," Canberra resident James Butcher told broadcaster ABC of the spectacle, which he said lasted two or three minutes.

Other witnesses likened the spectacular phenomenon, footage of which was quick to hit the Internet, to a "huge revolving moon" with a swirl in the middle, or an illuminated cloud moving high and fast above the horizon.

"It certainly had that lollipop-type swirl ... but it was travelling low and fairly fast, and as it went past me and I looked up, it looked like a row of lights, maybe four lights," one Brisbane resident said.

Astronomer Andrew Jacob, acting curator of the Sydney Observatory, said it was most likely SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, launched Friday from Cape Canaveral shortly before dawn broke over Australia.

"It fits best, a rocket travelling overhead with something venting out of it, fuel venting out of the motor," Jacob said.

"The rocket's probably tumbling or spinning a little which creates a spiral effect, a little like water coming out of a hose when you spin it. That's the best explanation I have so far, probably the most likely one."

The light was travelling the wrong way for it to be an astronomical phenomenon, and Jacob said he had ruled out other possibilities such as comets, a spotlight on cloud or reflection of the moon, or a meteor shower.

He said the timing was right for the SpaceX rocket to have travelled over the Atlantic Ocean, Africa and the Indian Ocean and be in skies over Australia at the time the spiralling light was seen.

The fact that it could be seen over such a broad area meant whatever caused the flare had to be very high in the atmosphere or in orbit above the Earth, Jacob added.

"All the information points to this SpaceX rocket," he said.

The launch of the privately owned Falcon 9 test rocket marked a milestone for the space industry in the race to develop commercial carriers capable of ferrying cargo and astronauts to the orbiting International Space Station.

Click for video

***********

MUFON witness report: I saw a spiral in the sky @ 5.50am 5 June 2010 Brisbane. It was about the size of an orange and had a bright light at the centre and a spiral but it wasn't spinning. It traveled across the sky and disappeared over the horizon after 2 min.

1. Where were you and what were you doing at the time?
We where in Munna Street Wilston Brisbane facing South about to head of for a bike ride.

2. What made you first notice the object?
Looking ahead you couldnt miss it. It was huge.

3. What did you think the object was when you first noticed it?
I have never seen anything like it before, it was mesmerizing, so much so I didnt even think to video it on my phone.

4. Describe the object and its actions and motions.
It had a very bright light in the centre and 5/6 clockwise spirals which travelled about 270 degrees around the center and faded off.

The spiral travelled from SSW 210, over our heads to 90 west and disappeared over the horizon.

The spiral did not rotate but moved across the sky at speeds slightly slower than an aircraft.

As it approached the horizon in the west the shape changed as if we where looking at a spiral from behind, the spiral was more cone like in appearence.

It looked similar to the one in Norway but the spirals did not rotate around and around the center like that one.

The morning sky was still black and crystal clear. The moon was visable with no halo around it. Stars could also be seen.

5. Describe your feelings, reactions and actions, during and after sighting the object.
Just felt as if it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. And a bit of WTF!

6. How did you lose sight of the object?
It disappeared over the horizon.

Sorry images are average taken from a mobile phone, #1 is the original and #2 I tried to lighten.

***********

MUFON witness report: A police officer took these two photos from a mobile phone at 5:48am EST after observing an object travelling North East across the sky above North Brisbane, Australia. The object was described as having a bright centre with a spiral emanating from it. The source compared the object with the Norway sighting in December 2009 only the centre was brighter and more defined. The object was observed for about 5 minutes by more than one person before disappearing on the horizon.

NOTE: Why, all of a sudden, are there so many 'spiral' UFO sightings...then later, we are told that these are merely man-made objects? These 'explanations' are becoming, IMO, a bit too convenient. Any thoughts? Lon

Australian Spiral UFO Sightings...Falcon 9 Rocket or Something Else?

NASA Claims Alien Life May Exist on Titan

Posted: 05 Jun 2010 10:31 AM PDT

Above: NASA artist rendition of Titan's surface. Left: This is the first colored view of Titan's surface, following processing to add reflection spectra data, gives a better indication of the actual color of the surface. Initially thought to be rocks or ice blocks, they are more pebble-sized. The two rock-like objects just below the middle of the image are about 15 centimetres (left) and 4 centimetres (center) across respectively, at a distance of about 85 centimetres from the imager. The surface is darker than originally expected, consisting of a mixture of water and hydrocarbon ice. There is also evidence of erosion at the base of these objects, indicating possible fluvial activity.

telegraph - Researchers at the space agency believe they have discovered vital clues that appeared to indicate that primitive aliens could be living on the planet.

Data from Nasa's Cassini probe has analysed the complex chemistry on the surface of Titan, which experts say is the only moon around the planet to have a dense atmosphere.

They have discovered that life forms have been breathing in the planet's atmosphere and also feeding on its surface's fuel.

Astronomers claim the moon is generally too cold to support even liquid water on its surface.

The research has been detailed in two separate studies.

The first paper, in the journal Icarus, shows that hydrogen gas flowing throughout the planet's atmosphere disappeared at the surface. This suggested that alien forms could in fact breathe.

The second paper, in the Journal of Geophysical Research, concluded that there was lack of the chemical on the surface.

Scientists were then led to believe it had been possibly consumed by life.

Researchers had expected sunlight interacting with chemicals in the atmosphere to produce acetylene gas. But the Cassini probe did not detect any such gas.

Chris McKay, an astrobiologist at Nasa Ames Research Centre, at Moffett Field, California who led the research, said: "We suggested hydrogen consumption because it's the obvious gas for life to consume on Titan, similar to the way we consume oxygen on Earth.

"If these signs do turn out to be a sign of life, it would be doubly exciting because it would represent a second form of life independent from water-based life on Earth."

Professor John Zarnecki, of the Open University, added: "We believe the chemistry is there for life to form. It just needs heat and warmth to kick-start the process.

"In four billion years' time, when the Sun swells into a red giant, it could be paradise on Titan."

They warned, however, that there could be other explanations for the findings.

But taken together, they two indicate two important conditions necessary for methane-based life to exist.

NASA Claims Alien Life May Exist on Titan

Russian Man Commits Suicide With Homemade Guillotine

Posted: 05 Jun 2010 10:08 AM PDT

A Russian engineer killed himself using a guillotine he built in his bedroom.

47-year-old Albert Repin's mother said he had shut himself in his bedroom for days, saying he wanted to build a cupboard, according to a report in newspaper Tvoi Den (translated version below), which also published photographs and sketches of the contraption.

His body was found jammed in the "strange construction" which used a metal plate - attached to a plank and weighted with large water bottles - as a blade.

The man, a divorcee from Moscow, lay on the floor beneath and triggered the guillotine himself. He had reportedly suffered psychiatric problems in recent years.

**********

Translated Version

A resident of suburban estate Malakhovka suicide using a homemade guillotine.

An engineer by education, 47-year-old Albert Repin his own hands he built from scrap materials machine execution, invented in the XVIII century in France, and he himself had brought it into action.

According to relatives, the man was not able to survive the separation from his wife, with whom divorced several years ago.

The night before, Repin locked in his room and something was making - told "to Your Day" in the police. In the morning the parents were worried when he did not open the door for them. My father and mother called his second son, he knocked the door and found his brother dead.

The body of Albert was lying in a corner in a strange device that he built a few days. In the wooden racks engineer put the plywood to which the attached sheet of iron. "Blade" suicide raised to the ceiling and would add to his load of four 5-liter bottles of water.

Best to calm down on the "block", Repin cut with scissors held the "ax" rope, and the blade with great force fell upon his neck.

The guillotine is not completely cut off the head just because that piece of iron was not confined, - commented "Thy Day" law enforcement source. But he did so he could not otherwise have attracted the attention of relatives.

Construction of the terrible "death machine" suicide carefully concealed.

It is always something to master, - said "Thy DAY" elderly mother, Alberta. At this time, said he wanted to make a cabinet. I bought the board, any piece of iron.

The mother had no idea that his son all these days did the guillotine to punish myself. Albert recent years he lived with us - the woman says. Several years ago he married, but they are children with his wife and not gained. Lived two years together and separated. It was then that he and the problems started.

Divorce has become a tragedy for Albert. After that he required the assistance of psychologists.

We thought we had calmed down, survived - lamented mother. And it turned out that there is no ...

Russian Man Commits Suicide With Homemade Guillotine

Euro Record Monster Catfish Landed In Italy

Posted: 05 Jun 2010 09:29 AM PDT

dailymail - This monster from the deep has broken the record for the biggest freshwater fish caught in Europe.

Measuring 8.2ft long and weighing just over 250lbs the gigantic catfish was heaved out of a lake after a 45 minute back-breaking tussle.

Plucky angler Roberto Godi was nearly thrown into the water when the brute took his bait of a bream fish.

After an epic battle to reel it in, several other fishermen rushed to his aid to help him lift the beast onto a weighing frame and mat designed to support such beasts.

The scales shot up to a mighty 250lbs 2ozs - or 17.8 stones - sparking scenes of celebration on the river bank.

Not only is the catch the biggest of its kind in Europe, it is also the biggest species of wels catfish ever caught in the world.

It broke the previous European record which was another catfish that weighed 246lbs 14oz and was caught by French angler Christophe Dubreuil on Spain's River Ebro.

The specimen was netted by Roberto, 32, on the River Po at Mantova, northern Italy, before being released back into the water safe and well.

Alberto Bartoli, the charter captain who was with Roberto, said: "At first we thought it was a medium sized fish, then Roberto felt a lot of pressure and the water cleared and we knew it was a big one.

"It took around 45 minutes to reel in, it was a real fight.

"When he got it in all the other fisherman were so surprised, we knew it was big and when the weight was confirmed Roberto was delighted.

"He said he had never been so happy and that it was the strongest fish he had ever caught, Roberto is also pleased the fish was returned unhurt." Simon Clarke, secretary of the Catfish Conservation Group, believes the fish is probably between 20 and 30 years old.

Simon said: "It is the largest Catfish I have seen in 25 years. I think there could be some bigger but not significantly.

"It is feasible for this fish to reach 300lbs but no more than that. I have never seen pictures of anything bigger.

"Once these fish get over 100lbs it becomes a physical battle as they become more powerful than you. It is a fantastic achievement." Roberto has submitted his catch to the International Game Fishing Association, which is expected to confirm it as a record.

Jack Vitek, of the IGFA, said: "The record is still being verified, there are quite a few checks we need to make first but hopefully it will be confirmed soon."

Euro Record Monster Catfish Landed In Italy

Mysterious Old Radio Picking Up Ghostly Vintage Broadcasts

Posted: 05 Jun 2010 09:19 AM PDT

stv - A 70-year-old radio at a Scottish heritage centre has been picking up vintage broadcasts featuring Winston Churchill and the music of Glen Miller.

The Pye valve wireless at Montrose Air Station, a heritage centre that tells the story of the men and women who served there, has no power and is not connected to any source of electricity.

The aerodrome has been a source of paranormal sightings and sounds for almost a century, with reports of ghostly figures, eerie footsteps and door handles turning, but the mysterious wireless broadcasts have had even the most sceptical staff at the station searching for a rational explanation.

The vintage radio set is kept in a recreation of a 940s room. Several people have heard Second World War era broadcasts including the big band sound of the Glenn Miller orchestra and speeches by Winston Churchill. The broadcasts come on at random and can last for up to half an hour.

Technicians who examined it removed the back, but found "nothing but cobwebs and spiders".

Bob Sutherland, a trustee of the air station heritage centre and its treasurer, said: "I have heard it playing Glenn Miller and recognised the song as At Last.

"The volume was very low but the music was quite identifiable.

"Graham Phillip, another volunteer, has heard what he was sure was Winston Churchill and others, including centre curator Dan Paton and his wife, have heard it.

"I was a wireless operator with the RAF and know a bit about them. We have also had our resident radio expert, Ewan Cameron, look at it.

"If we had a powerful transmitter in the area the radio might pick up something, but we don't.

"It is an old Pye radio which would probably explode if it was switched on."

Mr Phillip said: "We have all heard the footsteps and seen door handles turn but the wireless is something new and unexplainable.

"It's not just one of us who's heard it - most of us here have. We are talking about highly educated, reliable people.

"My wife Aileen was with me when we heard the Glenn Miller Orchestra last weekend. She's a physicist and not predisposed to believing in things like this but no-one has an explanation.

"If there was a transmitter nearby you'd think it might pick up Radio One or something, but I know what we heard. It went on for half an hour on and off. But the aerial is out anyway.

"We've had the back off and the technicians said there was nothing but cobwebs and spiders."

Volunteer Marie Paton, 67, whose father Jack Stoneman bought the wireless secondhand in 1962, said: "It's a bit scary. I thought someone was playing a prank on us but I heard it myself last Saturday.

"It plays Glenn Miller, and that's what everyone has heard. It is very faint and you have to put your ear to it, but that's what it's playing. All the experts say it should be impossible.

The wireless broadcasts join a long list of mysteries at the air station, where the heritage centre is in the original headquarters building. Visitors have reported strange "energies" around the airfield, phantom footsteps, doors opening and shutting, the sound of aircraft engines, shadowy figures walking in and out of rooms and even the sighting of a pilot in full flying kit.

The most notorious were the sightings of Lieutenant Desmond Arthur of the Royal Flying Corps who was killed when his biplane crashed.

He is said to have haunted the area until honour was satisfied in 1917, when a government inquiry concluded that he had not been killed by his own foolhardiness but because of poor repairs to his plane.

Peter Davis, 65, the heritage centre's secretary, added: "It is most odd and we cannot understand it. The station has a very abnormal presence. Several paranormal groups have been in to investigate various things, but the wireless has everyone including our radio technicians stumped."

Mysterious Old Radio Picking Up Ghostly Vintage Broadcasts

Have you had a close encounter or witnessed something unusual?
Send us an email

Become a fan of 'Phantoms and Monsters' at Facebook

Listen to our segment
'Strickly Paranormal: For Those Seeking the Truth!'

New 'SPECIAL OFFER' Category
BUY 2 and get the 3rd FREE!

Anomalist Books - works on maverick science, unexplained mysteries, unorthodox theories, strange talents, and unexpected discoveries. Please check out their excellent and diverse catalog