Our Conclusions - pending further investigation:
What they are not:

Flares - They do not last 10 - 15 minutes.

Astronomical objects - Many of the objects were seen below and in front of heavy clouds - this rules out totally any astronomical explanation.

Auroras - Many of the observations were in the North and Northeast sky, Aurora Australis is mainly seen in the Southern sky - In the direction of the South magnetic Pole. Auroras are not seen under totally overcast weather conditions. The only day that an Aurora may have been a possibility, as the K index showed higher than normal readings, was Friday 25th - yet all of the reports on that day were in the North and Western sky.

(The above suggestions were put forward by experts in the local press)

Explanation:

Based on the following evidence:

The reports are consistent with the orange Garbage bag hoax/Prank seen in Hobart, Southern Victoria and parts of NSW about 2 years ago. Some of which were later found on the ground, and in at least one instance that I am aware of in Victoria, was responsible for a scrub fire.

They just float gently along in the same direction as the prevailing winds.

They were not seen on the Monday or Tuesday - When there were very strong winds (Making it virtually impossible to fly anything - Man-made?).

They were all seen in the same general area - North & Northeast of Currie, and probably originated from somewhere between the Racecourse and the Airport.

There are around 50 children home on school holidays from Victoria.

The events have all taken place after dark, yet not late at night when most would be expected to be at home. In the judgement of the investigation team, The lights/Objects reported on King Island are a prank and/or hoax and are believed to be Orange/red coloured plastic Garbage bags being used as hot air balloons with tin cans attached below containing a flammable substance (on past experience - Firelighters). We suspect that, as in the past, some of these balloons will be found, but due to the wind and the size of the island, most are likely to have come down out to sea.

Further investigation is in progress.

Media Response

Stig Agermose
Stig_Agermose@online.pol.dk
Source: Australian News Network

OPPOSITION Leader Tony Rundle says the mysterious King Island UFO sightings are about as credible as Tasmanian Tiger sightings.

Mr. Rundle backed Premier Jim Bacon's disinterest in the island's unexplained after-dark sensations yesterday, despite a groundswell of outrage among alienated residents.

And King Island Mayor Vernon Philby has spurned his UFO-watching Island folk, saying their mysterious sightings do not warrant an official Government probe.

Mr. Rundle bravely risked political fall-out over the sightings, by voters in his own electorate, and revealed himself as a UFO skeptic. "I haven't actually seen one. It's a bit like the thylacine; people say they're there but there hasn't been a sightingthat I believe is all that credible," he said.

"I haven't seen a UFO myself and I don't expect to."

Mayor Philby said he did not want a team of public servants running around the island trying to spot the UFO and government resources could be used on more pressing issues facing King Islanders.

"To be honest, I think the State Government has more on its plate and I'd be more inclined to ask for help on other issues," Mayor Philby said, adding that unlike hundreds of other islanders, he had not seen the UFO.

Mr. Rundle strayed further into the bizarre Bass Strait UFO minefield, saying King Island was more at risk of a takeover by Victoria than visitors from outer space.

"King Islanders are very reliable people. If they say they've seen flying saucers, I'm sure they have," he said.

"I think Mr. Bacon has more on his plate than UFOs and so I would agree with him on that.

"I don't know if there is a takeover imminent for King Island apart from the fact that at one stage, Mr. Kennett expressed interest in it.

"He said he likes the cheese very much when I was talking to him and if Tasmania didn't want it, he'd get it just for the high possibility of getting the cheese factory."


Conclusion

Paul Jackson
TUFOIC
On a Radio interview this afternoon (7/10/98 - ABC local radio) I did make the comment that a Small government grant would allow us to send an investigation team there for a week. I have had not response from the government as of this writing - Snigger!.

REPORTS:

08.01.98 Burnie, TAS 0440hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two witnesses see elongated shape, red on top and green below. Visible in NE sky until obscured by cloud.

18.01.98 Tunnack, TAS 0330hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two white lights move down then level off towards the south, one light changes to flashing red. Lights well separated.

25.01.98 Tunnack, TAS 0130hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two white lights travelling south, level out and one light starts flashing red. Lights well spaced and not on one object.

08.02.98 Bell Bay, TAS 0945hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Five witnesses' report white cigar object with smaller objects moving around it. Small objects disappear and cigar goes off to south.

10.05.98 Bellerive, TAS 0200hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
A stationary bright white light seen to SE, then it moves off to the west and goes behind high cloud.

16.05.98 New Norfolk, TAS 1915hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Witness sees flash of light from red light surrounded by circle of blue lights low to west. A red light appears at low level in the garden, moves to within 10m before turning off.

17.05.98 Lauderdale, TAS 2030hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Bright light low to east with red/white/blue colours. Rises up to stop in sky alongside a prominent star before blinking off.

18.05.98 Black Hills, TAS 2030hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
On three occasions two witnesses see an oval light in the northern sky, it looks to have a beam pointing towards the ground. It moves quickly away.

21.05.98 Kingston, TAS 1745hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two separate reports of a large pink/white light low to the west and moving away to the northwest. No air traffic in the area at the time.

28.05.98 Mt Lloyd, TAS 2007hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two witnesses see a bright light low to the southwest. It looks to move around over the hills, then small lights seen darting around the larger light.

31.05.98 Collinsvale, TAS 0110hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Witness notices flashes of light outside. Sees a series of huge square and triangular areas of light in front of Big Rocky hill. Lights go on/off for 2 minutes.

05.06.98 Tunbridge, TAS 0230hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two travelers notice a rotating beam, of light in the clouds on or just above hills to SE. The beams rotate every 20-30 seconds.

08.06.98 Devonport, TAS 2205hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two men leaving a house see a white light passing across to the NW. A video on night vision shows two lights. One light pulses and moves below and away from the first light. The lights recede to the northwest in differing configurations.

19.06.98 Granton, TAS 1920hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Motorist reports a bright white light coming down off the hills west of the Lyell Highway. It hovers over the Derwent and looks round with 3 red portholes, and flashing blue, red, and orange lights.

20.06.98 Granton, TAS 1930hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Motorist travelling north on highway says a row of 4 big red lights with 3 smaller lights appeared behind the vehicle. Some minutes later they disappeared after rounding a curve.

29.06.98 Launceston, TAS 1420hrs (DO)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
A shiny silver cigar is seen in a clear blue sky. The two witnesses say it just disappeared in a second. Launceston Airport had no air traffic in the area.

23.07.98 Granton, TAS 2030hrs (CE1)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
An ill-defined dome-shape with flickering blue/red/white lights is reported by a motorist. The object, taken at first for a helicopter, was stationary out over the Derwent River.

24.07.98 Granton, TAS 2230hrs (NL)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
A motorist sees red/yellow lights in front of the Dromedary Hills. The steady lights look to move up and down on the hill. The motorist thought it could be a helicopter and stopped for a couple of minutes before driving on.

08.08.98 Bell Bay, TAS 1715hrs (DO)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre)
Two workers see a silver shape with an irregular flashing light. The shape is darting about over Mt. George before it dives down behind the hills.

24.09.98 King Island, TAS 1915hrs (CE1) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness was leaving home to go to Currie. From several kms north of town, on West Side of Main Rd just beyond the Racecourse. Getting into car when a bright red light caught her eye, it was low to the east and seemed to be gaining elevation from behind the trees in that direction. At this stage she noticed a shimmer or sparkle beneath the light. It was about 1/4 to 1/2 moon sized and a flatish oval type shape. It looked to pass fairly close to the witness in level flight to the north. It was silent and moved slowly, almost like floating. The witness had time to get out of the car and watch it as it went away NW being obscured by trees in that direction. It was in view for 7-8 minutes. Ref No.TA98123

24.09.98 King Island, TAS (nr Hospital Hill) 1918hrs (CE1) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness Lives just north of Hill. Had gone out to collect some wood, noticed a red ball almost 1/2 moon size seemingly coming straight at him from the SE. It was passing just to the north at a 50-60deg elevation. Tried to estimate its height at 500ft, but now feels it was higher. During observation about 4-5 times it seemed to have flames coming off the top right side, they were 1/3 size of the object itself. Silent, he thought it was a plane on fire, went and rang local Police. Came back out and it was still there moving away into the NW. It was getting smaller now and looked to dip a bit before being obscured by trees in that direction. Must have been in view well over 5 minutes. Wind. 5 knots Southerly.

25.09.98 King Island, TAS 1930-2000hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness saw an orange/pink light stationary to the N/NE. Then it seemed to gain elevation and start moving to the SW. It looked to gather speed and disappeared into the SW sky. Visible for 6-8 minutes. Ref No.TA98124

25.09.98 King Island, TAS 2000-2030hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness having dinner at Hotel, she glanced out the window and noticed a bright red light out over the sea. It was about 45deg elevation and traveling in level path towards the south. Pointed it out to others. It was visible for nearly 2 minutes.

25.09.98 King Island, TAS (nr Hospital Hill) 2015hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Two boys walking up from the town. They saw out to the west a bright, large, orange light seemingly over the sea. It was moving along the coast towards the south. At one stage they noticed what looked like a whitish thing drop down from the light. The thing fell down and disappeared. It went away to the south and was in view some 5 minutes. Wind. Northeast 10 knots.

26.09.98 King Island, TAS 1900-1915hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witnesses live just north of the town. The wife had noticed a red light in the northeast, did not take much notice at first. An aircraft came in to land and take off at once from the Airport she went to have a look (probably a RAAF Orion). She then called him out as the light was still there. He brought out the binoculars. He could see a bright orange/red round light which had a glow around it. It was 2 times Jupiter sized to the naked eye. It was stationary in the northeast sky below the overcast sky. After some 10-15 minutes it started to move horizontally away towards the NNE of the island. It moved slowly, but after 2-3 minutes, had been obscured by the cloud. The time was now 7.20-7.30pm. Ref No.TA98125

26.09.98 King Island, TAS (Currie) 1910hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness had gone to a dinner in Currie. Went outside for a cigarette. It was dull and cloudy, no stars. Noticed a bright red ball of light below the clouds in the N sky towards the Towers by the road north of the town. It did not appear to be moving. Then it went away towards the east, but it stopped briefly a couple of times as it moved on more towards the northeast. About 1/4 moon sized but bright. It faded into the distance after some 6/7 minutes.

26.09.98 King Island, TAS 2000hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness was at a Birthday party. Somebody noticed an orange/pink light in the northeast. It was there for some 6/7 minutes before it looked to gain elevation and disappear. It was overcast at the time and there had been some drizzle. Wind. SW at 5 knots, .04m of rain between 7-8pm.

27.09.98 King Island, TAS 1930hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness saw a pink /orange light appeared out of the east. It was at a high elevation and seemed to be moving fast. Went across the sky beneath the moon and away to the west out over the sea. In view for 2-3 minutes. Called friend to have a look. Ref No.TA98126

27.09.98 King Island, TAS 1930-1940hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Friend phoned - Witness went out and saw a light that looked to be yellow with a red rim. It was moving at a steady speed from the northwest towards the southeast. It passed just to his north. It was a large light, much bigger than a star. It seemed to suddenly shoot a flame or something from the back. It increased speed and went out of sight to the southeast. Visible 3 minutes.

27.09.98 King Island, TAS 1945hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness had just been on telephone and decided to have a look for the light again. Went outside and there it was. A very bright red/orange light in the northern sky. It was moving from northwest to southeast. It was 2 x Jupiter in size. Managed to get a look with binoculars, there seemed to be a red flame at the rear. It was moving faster than earlier nights and was gone in 3-4 minutes. Met a local Airport employee just after sighting, he had seen the same light. They rang Tullarmarine Control who advised there were no aircraft in the area.

27.09.98 King Island, TAS 1945hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness at Airport when noticed an orange light moving fast on a north to south track, it seemed high up and going south. Checked for cloud cover at time, at 6/7000ft and wind 60deg 10/20knts.

27.09.98 King Island, TAS 1940-1952hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
On outside deck when noticed a light crossing the sky. There was an orange light and glow some distance away towards the Racecourse direction. It was moving across the sky at a 35-40deg elevation. It passed along the coast and was moving south down the coast. The light was in the west and moved well to the south and faded into the distance. Wind. ENE wind at 10 knots.

30.09.98 King Island, TAS 2017hrs (CE1) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Visiting friend's house opposite the Racecourse. Went out to feed dog. Turned and looked up and saw this large cone object approaching out of the northeast. (Like inverted ice-cream cone). It was silent and traveling almost directly overhead. Looked about 1/2 moon size and seemed to have shafts of orange light from all around it. It was traveling towards the SW but it did a long boomerang shaped turn and moved away to the SE. Looked to travel off quickly. It was in view 7-8 minutes. The weather was fine with low cloud and a few stars. Called for friend to come and have a look. Ref No.TA98129

30.09.98 King Island, TAS 2015hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Was at the Airport with several other people. They all saw a bright orange light to the south. It was traveling away to the SE and seemed to fade or flicker a few times before it disappeared at a 45deg elevation. Maybe just got to far away to view. Visible for about 2 minutes.

30.09.98 King Island, TAS 2020hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Call from friend. Went outside and saw at once almost overhead a conical red glow or light. It was moving away to the east as he watched for some 4 minutes. Managed to have a look with binoculars. It seemed to have a white leading edge and flames or red glow trailing behind. Changed colors as moved further away, went from red to orange, until before faded out it turned to white and almost looked like a star. Seemed to fade into distance.

30.09.98 King Island, TAS (nr Currie) 2020hrs (NL) (U/I)
(Source: Keith Roberts & Paul Jackson, Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 02.10.98)
Witness had a call from a friend that he had spotted the orange light whilst driving north from Currie. Witness went out and at once noted the light coming from the northwest. Had a look with binoculars but it was just a big red light. The light passed to the west of his residence and looked to be moving off SW. Jumped into car and tried to follow the light, it seemed to be moving quicker and going higher. At one point something fell from the light. The light was now south of the Grassy Road and moving into distance. He managed to keep it in sight for some 3 kms until it faded into distance or went out. Last seen near location of Hydro Station. Wind. Police reported wind at Airport was NE, although it was more NW in Currie. Light breeze at ground level although clouds were moving quicker.

12.10.98 Nowra, NSW 2300-2330hrs (NL)
(Source: Brad Mildern & Diane Harrison, e-mail: tkbnetw@fan.net.au. The Keith Basterfield Network 13.10.98)
Fifteen objects in changing formations seen south-southwest of Nowra. All heading south at first, range from 5km going away to 15-20km, then turning and hovering and performing "ballet like" maneuvers. Total observed time around 30 minutes from 11pm to 11.30. Objects seen through binoculars were "bell shaped with steady light on top and fluctuating coloured lights around the bottom rim. All seemed to be translucent".

Sources for this issue:
The Keith Basterfield E-mail Network, tkbnetw@fan.net.au
Brad Mildern, bradm@shoal.net.au
TUFOIC, PO Box 6174, South Hobart, TAS 7004