AI Magazine Summary
Canadian UFO Report - vol 2 no 3 - 1971
AI-Generated Summary
Cover Headline: Rocky Mountain Trench. Why does it attract space visitors?
Magazine Overview
Title: CANADIAN UFO REPORT
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 3 (Whole No. 11)
Date: 1971
Publisher: John Magor
Country: Canada
Price: $1.00
Cover Headline: Rocky Mountain Trench. Why does it attract space visitors?
Cover Description: The cover features the title "CANADIAN UFO REPORT" in large red and white letters, with the subtitle "A STUDY OF FLYING SAUCERS & OTHER AERIAL PHENOMENA". Below this is a large, reddish aerial photograph of a mountainous landscape with a river, identified as the "Rocky Mountain Trench", with the question "Why does it attract space visitors?" printed in white.
Main Content
This issue of Canadian UFO Report delves into the persistent mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong focus on the Rocky Mountain Trench region of Canada. The magazine presents a collection of witness testimonies and reports detailing sightings of UFOs and other strange occurrences.
Our "Fictional" History
This editorial piece, likely written by John Magor, begins by discussing the implications of Mariner 9's images of Martian satellites, Phobos and Deimos, suggesting they appear to be natural rock formations rather than artificial constructs as some ufologists had theorized. The author then pivots to terrestrial mysteries, drawing parallels between the sudden extinction of prehistoric creatures like the mastodon and the disappearance of ancient civilizations such as the Maya. The editorial posits that cataclysmic events, possibly involving atmospheric disturbances or even aerial weapons, could explain these abrupt vanishings, drawing a speculative link to the possibility of advanced technology or extraterrestrial involvement in Earth's past. It concludes by referencing Jonathan Swift's imaginative writings as an example of how fiction can sometimes foreshadow scientific discovery.
Playground of Gods
This article introduces the Rocky Mountain Trench as a region of spectacular natural beauty and a focal point for UFO activity. It describes the Trench as a vast, 50-mile-wide geological feature running from British Columbia into Montana, once the bed of an inland sea. The landscape is characterized by its dramatic contrast between fertile valleys and snow-capped peaks, leading the author to describe it as a "playground of gods" with a "seemingly endless record of visits from the sky." The article then begins to recount the lifelong experiences of Mrs. Dino De Hart, who grew up in the valley and is familiar with local Indian tales of strange lights and sights. Her first personal encounter occurred as a child when a sudden, bright white light illuminated the entire valley, making their house visible as if in daylight. Her mother, an Indian woman, interpreted this as a visitation and prayed. Later, Mrs. De Hart heard Indian stories of a great "wagon" from the sky with large wheels that moved smoothly. She herself witnessed another eerie occurrence when a hill was suddenly lit up as if by a floodlight, and her sister and brother-in-law saw their house glowing in a weird light. These lights appeared and disappeared abruptly and inexplicably. The article also mentions an incident where Mrs. De Hart's son and his companions saw a light dash up a mountainside with the speed of an express train, too fast for any known terrestrial vehicle.
#### Mrs. De Hart's Encounter
Mrs. De Hart recounts a personal sighting from June 1954. While in her kitchen late at night, her room was suddenly lit by a pink light coming through the window. Upon looking out, she saw a strange object "going by in the air." She described it as metallic, like highly polished aluminum, and shaped like a "big hat." It had three oval-shaped windows from which the light emanated, with a greenish color around the outside and pink inside. She noted shadowy lines suggesting seams between metal plates. The object moved with an undulating motion, and its lights brightened as it ascended and dimmed as it descended. She estimated it was about 100 feet up and 400 feet away. Intriguingly, she thought she heard a faint sound like "Chinese chimes" when the object climbed.
Witness Testimonies from the Trench
This section compiles several more accounts of UFO encounters in or near the Rocky Mountain Trench.
#### The School-Teacher's Light
A young married school-teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, reported an incident in November 1969. While driving on a familiar highway near Invermere, B.C., she saw an unusual green luminescence, described as a "pool of controlled light," on a section of land where there were normally no lights. She had the impression that her car was momentarily lit up by this strange light. She also noted that the light seemed to spread invisibly from its source, similar to how a bush fire might spread. A peculiar effect of this sighting was that her car radio turned off when she saw the light and turned back on after she passed it. The witness felt emotionally involved and described the experience as deeply impactful.
#### The Schneider Sisters' Terrifying Experience
In October 1969, two sisters, Mrs. Lorraine Goodwin and Mrs. Janice Schneider, along with their five children, had a frightening encounter near Edgewater, B.C. While driving, they reported a brilliant light, alternating between red and green, repeatedly diving at their car. The object came very close, almost landing on the car, before darting away. This occurred over a distance of about 15 miles, causing the group to become so alarmed that they nearly went into a ditch.
#### Joanne Hammond's Pursuit
Joanne Hammond, then 16, of Radium, B.C., had a frightening experience in the winter of 1969. While driving alone at night, a UFO came flying directly towards her windshield, then shot up and disappeared, only to reappear and come at her from the driver's side. She described it as having a "golden light coming from it" and that it was following her, lighting up the inside of her car. She was doing about 70 miles an hour, but the object kept pace. After about a mile, the object gave up the chase when they approached a point where people were walking. Joanne later drew a sketch of the object, which resembled a miniature delta-wing aircraft. The article notes a similar report from Australia about "four delta-shaped objects" seen over Lake George, suggesting that delta-shaped craft are a common feature of visitors' equipment.
#### Kern Clement's Close Encounter
Kern Clement, a foreman from Windermere, reported an incident on the Trans-Canada Highway near Roger's Pass. He and a young woman, Trudy Rexford, noticed an unusual cloudy form with a spotlight shining into it on a clear, starry night. As they stopped to observe, the object descended towards them. Clement described it as a "circular and very white" light, about 10 feet in diameter. After a few seconds, it took off again. Clement, who had previously wished to see a UFO, admitted that upon experiencing it, he was the first one back in his truck.
#### Jim Statham's Observation
Jim Statham, in charge of Christmas-tree operations at Radium Hot Springs, noticed a strange flying object crossing the valley from east to west around 8 p.m. He described it as moving fast, taking about a minute to cross his view. He estimated the distance at about 20 miles. The object had a darkish bottom and a very bright light on top, appearing like a big star at first but revealing a definite shape as it got closer. It made no noise. His son Tommy also witnessed the event.
#### Bud Amy's Conversion
Bud Amy, known for his handicraft work and amusement park near Radium, had been watching for UFOs for 10 years without success. In August 1969, his experience changed dramatically. He saw a "thing with three soft glowing lights underneath" coming from the west. The object was circular in shape with the lights set in the bottom, and a rim was visible. He estimated its diameter to be about 50 feet. It moved silently overhead and passed directly over his house. He called his wife and son to witness it. Later, a skeptical friend from Windermere, who was initially shown where to look, became a convert after observing the light stationary and then moving rapidly north, then south.
#### The Beamish and Baker Sighting
In the spring of 1963, Mrs. Katherine Beamish and Mrs. Barbara Baker of Edgewater, B.C., reported an "astonishing sign" of UFO interest in the Trench. While driving toward Radium, they saw an intensely bright light in the air, far more brilliant than the sun. As they watched, the light appeared to release another object from its side. This second object was described as having a "whitish opaque appearance, something like a cloud, but its outline was very sharp and it was completely round," like a "huge ball." While the parent body remained stationary, the released object began bouncing gracefully from one mountain peak to another along the eastern ridge of the Trench, disappearing to the south. Both women agreed they had seen the same thing, describing it as a "very thrilling experience."
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena in the Rocky Mountain Trench, the variety of forms and behaviors reported by witnesses, and the impact these encounters have on individuals. The magazine appears to take a serious approach to UFO reports, emphasizing that witness testimony should not be dismissed, even if the witness is alone or excited. The editorial stance, as suggested by the "Fictional History" piece, is open to speculative explanations that go beyond conventional understanding, hinting at the possibility of advanced technology, extraterrestrial intelligence, or unknown natural forces being involved in historical and contemporary mysteries. The magazine aims to document these events and contribute to the ongoing investigation of UFOs.
Key Persons Mentioned
- John Magor (Editor & Publisher)
- Brian Cannon (Contributing Editor)
- Hayden Hewes (U.S. Contributing Editor)
- Thomas House (Feature Writer)
- Richard Horsfield (Photo Analyst)
- Lesley Footner (Artist)
- Hal Crawford (Artist)
- D.H. Potts (Advertising & Circulation Manager)
- Daniel Radford (Field Agent)
- Mrs. Dino De Hart (Witness)
- David Thompson (Explorer)
- Mrs. Janice Schneider (Witness)
- Mrs. Lorraine Goodwin (Witness)
- Joanne Hammond (Witness)
- Kern Clement (Witness)
- Trudy Rexford (Witness)
- Jim Statham (Witness)
- Bud Amy (Witness)
- Elizabeth Amy (Witness)
- Arnold Amy (Witness)
Organizations Mentioned
- Department of Lands, Forests & Water
- McQueen Sales Company Ltd
- Computo Print Ltd
- Amy Artcraft Products
Locations Mentioned
- Rocky Mountain Trench (Canada)
- Montana (USA)
- British Columbia (Canada)
- Oregon (USA)
- Victoria (Canada)
- Vancouver (Canada)
- Cooksville (Canada)
- Duncan, B.C. (Canada)
- Mars (Planet)
- Central America
- Invermere (Canada)
- Edgewater, B.C. (Canada)
- Radium Hot Springs (Canada)
- Cranbrook (Canada)
- Radium (Canada)
- Windermere (Canada)
- Canberra, Australia (Australia)
- Lake George (Australia)
- Roger's Pass (Canada)
- Trans-Canada Highway (Canada)
Themes
- UFO Sightings
- Rocky Mountain Trench
- Unexplained Phenomena
- Witness Testimonies
- Aerial Phenomena
Tags
UFO, Rocky Mountain Trench, Flying Saucers, Aerial Phenomena, Witness Accounts, Unexplained Lights, Strange Objects, Canadian UFOs, UFO History, Mysterious Events, UFO Investigation, Sightings, Encounters, UFO Evidence, Paranormal
Key Incidents
- June 1954: Mrs. Dino De Hart witnessed a pink light and a metallic, hat-shaped object near her home.
- November 1969: A school-teacher saw a strange green light on a highway near Invermere, which turned off her car radio.
- October 1969: Mrs. Goodwin and Mrs. Schneider reported a brilliant, alternating red and green light repeatedly diving at their car near Edgewater.
- Winter 1969: Joanne Hammond was pursued by a UFO with a golden light near Radium.
- Undated: Kern Clement and Trudy Rexford observed a circular white light descend near Roger's Pass.
- Undated: Jim Statham saw a fast-moving object with a bright light over the valley near Radium Hot Springs.
- August 1969: Bud Amy witnessed a circular object with three lights overhead near Radium.
- Spring 1963: Mrs. Beamish and Mrs. Baker saw a bright light release a round object that bounced between mountain peaks near Edgewater.
Notable Quote
"It looked so much like the star next to it that Elizabeth and I began to wonder if we had been seeing things."
Speaker: Kern Clement
FAQ
- Q: What is the significance of the Rocky Mountain Trench in relation to UFO sightings? A: The Rocky Mountain Trench is presented as a location with a seemingly endless record of visits from the sky, attracting space visitors due to its spectacular natural features.
- Q: What types of UFOs were reported in the Rocky Mountain Trench area? A: Reports include metallic objects shaped like hats or delta-wings, brilliant lights of various colors, round opaque objects, and objects with spotlights.
- Q: What unusual effects have been associated with UFO sightings in the area? A: Some reports mention lights that illuminate surroundings, objects moving with unusual speed and motion, and one instance where a car radio was turned off by a strange light.
- Q: Are there any historical accounts of strange phenomena in the Rocky Mountain Trench? A: Yes, the issue mentions lifelong experiences of Mrs. Dino De Hart, who grew up in the valley and heard tales from Indians about strange lights and sights, including a great "wagon" appearing from the sky.
This issue of PSI SCORES AGAIN, dated July-August 1971, delves into a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, ancient history, and scientific inquiry. The cover headline, "PSI SCORES AGAIN," introduces an editorial comment on the magazine's stance regarding spiritualism and its adjacent field of ufology, emphasizing the growing awareness of psi phenomena like ESP.
PSI SCORES AGAIN: Editorial Stance
The editorial clarifies that the magazine is not turning into a spiritualist organ but acknowledges the overlap between ufology and extra-sensory perception (psi). It highlights an article concerning a woman, referred to as Mrs. X, who allegedly communicated with space visitors and provided photographic proof. This proof involved guiding pilot Alan Laing to photograph a UFO, a feat that initially seemed improbable but was later supported by further evidence.
UFO Sightings and Psychic Communication
The issue details Mrs. Beamish's sighting of a luminous object over a Rocky Mountain ridge, described as a "ball" that stayed in one place for about 10 minutes. She also reported seeing a parachute-like object descending without a visible plane. The case of Mrs. X is further explored, with reference to correspondence from 1966. Mrs. X claimed to communicate with space visitors, and her psychic direction led pilot Alan Laing to photograph a UFO near Banff, Canada. The magazine notes the difficulty in obtaining tangible proof for psychic communication but found Mrs. X's case compelling.
The Hydrogen Cloud Discovery
A significant scientific discovery reported is the passage of our solar system through a massive hydrogen cloud. This cloud, estimated to be 50 billion miles long and moving at 130,000 miles per hour, is extremely hot (10,000 degrees) and raises questions about its origin and potential impact on the solar system. Dr. Gary Thomas of the University of Colorado is quoted, suggesting it might be remnants of the dust that created the solar system. The article connects this scientific finding to Mrs. X's letter from 1966, which predicted the solar system's drift into a large mass of hydrogen, potentially causing increased solar activity and geological changes.
UFOs on Radar: Military Encounters
Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, reports on UFO sightings observed by USAF radar operators. He recounts a case from 1951 where a UFO was tracked moving at 3800 miles per hour. Another incident involved three UFOs heading south, leading to the scramble of a USAF jet interceptor that subsequently disappeared. Friedman also details a night-time radar-visual sighting in the Washington area where a UFO changed color and broke radar lock-on. A third case describes an F-106 fighter jet chasing a UFO at high speed, which ended with the plane crashing after the UFO rapidly ascended.
The B-47 Incident
A detailed account is given of a September 1957 incident involving a B-47 aircraft. The crew tracked a luminous object emitting 2800 megacycle radiation, which orbited the aircraft at 35,000 feet. The object was also detected by ground radar and displayed characteristics similar to search radar. The incident involved multiple radar channels confirming the entity's presence and maneuvers, including sudden stops and disappearances.
Advanced Cultures and Flying Techniques Before the Great Flood
Professor H. Malthaner explores the idea of highly developed civilizations existing before the Stone Age, challenging conventional anthropological views. He references zoologist Cuvier's "Theories of Catastrophes" and contrasts it with Lyell's theory of gradual change, citing evidence like salt water lakes at high altitudes and submerged landmasses as indicators of past cataclysms. The article discusses the legend of Atlantis and suggests that multiple floods have decimated mankind. It also touches upon the possibility of the moon being a captured celestial body and its potential impact on Earth's geology and climate.
Ancient Technologies and Evidence of Past Catastrophes
The article presents evidence of advanced ancient technologies, including a polished steel cube found in tertiary coal and ruins at Tihuanacu, suggesting civilizations destroyed by cataclysmic events. It also examines the "Veda" texts, which describe flying machines called "Vimanas" and powerful weapons, drawing parallels to modern atomic weapons. The existence of Tektites, stones resembling molten black glass, is discussed in relation to ancient weapons and their devastating effects.
The Origin of Life and Evolution
Thomas House, in "Earth Calling Part 2," discusses the origin of life and evolution. He posits that life is formed from stable carbon-based compounds and explores the possibility of silicon-based life elsewhere. The article touches upon Darwinian evolution and introduces a theory of "manipulated" evolution, suggesting that extraterrestrial visitors may have influenced human development. It also examines the environmental factors, such as temperature and pressure, that influence life's existence and adaptability.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue include the intersection of ufology and psychic phenomena, the evidence for advanced ancient civilizations and technologies, and the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry, presenting diverse theories and reports while encouraging critical analysis. The editorial emphasizes a focus on factual reporting and the exploration of topics that challenge conventional scientific and historical paradigms.
This issue of "CANADIAN UFO REPORT" (Volume 1, Issue 8, dated October 1969) delves into the complex and often frustrating world of UFO investigations, with a particular focus on the Canadian government's perceived lack of action and transparency. The magazine also broadens its scope to include significant UFO activity in Australia and New Zealand, alongside a scientific discussion on the probability of extraterrestrial intelligent life.
"Official Action" on UFOs in Canada
Arthur Bray, author of "Science, the Public and the UFO," provides a detailed status report on the Canadian government's handling of UFO matters. He criticizes the lack of official action and the general attitude of the government, which he characterizes as dismissive. Bray recounts his efforts to obtain information from various government agencies:
- U.T.I.A.S. Project: The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies began a study in late 1967, but by October 1968, it was reportedly on the verge of collapse due to a lack of evidence. Information from the institute was difficult to obtain, and no report was ever published.
- Science Council of Canada: The council appears disinterested or unwilling to communicate on the subject. Bray's inquiry in September 1968 received no reply, and the topic was absent from their report on a space program for Canada.
- House of Commons: Members of Parliament have been unable to get satisfactory answers to questions about UFOs, with incomplete files sometimes tabled.
- National Research Council (NRC): The NRC, the official government agency, is described as doing "next to nothing," only investigating sightings with remaining physical evidence.
- Dept. of Energy, Mines & Resources: A sample of a "chunk of metal" submitted for analysis in August 1969 had not yielded public results two years later, with only a preliminary statement suggesting it was "manganese steel."
- Ministry of Transport: The ministry claims "no evidence of UFOs intruding in controlled air space," despite numerous sightings near major Canadian airports, a claim Bray finds unbelievable.
- Department of External Affairs: Inquiries about placing the UFO problem on the UN General Assembly agenda were met with a response that prospects were not encouraging, though Canada would be prepared to act if the situation changed. The department also stated the matter was being kept under consideration and study.
Bray concludes that the government's admission of recognizing the seriousness of the matter is unprecedented, but questions the lack of a positive program to solve the mystery.
What Can Be Done?
Bray suggests several actions for concerned citizens:
1. Report UFO intrusions into controlled airspace to the Ministry of Transport: This involves plotting confirmed sightings on aeronautical charts and reporting them.
2. Apply constant pressure to the federal government: Emphasizing the seriousness with which many Canadians regard the UFO matter.
3. Support the petition to the United Nations: Signing the questionnaire for inclusion with a petition may be the only means of placing the matter on the UN agenda, as international cooperation is deemed essential.
Bray notes that his book, "Science, the Public and the UFO," is available for purchase.
Flying Saucers Invade Australian Skies!
Michael Hervey, F.I.A.L.B.E.M., reports on a surge of UFO activity in Australia and New Zealand, contrasting it with the perceived suppression of such reports by the American government. He notes that over a dozen sightings were reported in Australia during 1958 alone.
- Sydney Harbor Incident (April 14, 1958): A large object descended into Sydney harbor, causing a massive explosion. Despite searches, no wreckage was found.
- Kurnell, New South Wales (Month after Sydney incident): John Smith witnessed two strange lighted objects, trailing white flames, race across the sky. Authorities could offer no explanation.
- New South Wales (General): Hundreds of people reported a mysterious light with a tail that approached from the north, made a U-turn, and returned north, observed around the time Sputnik II passed overhead.
- Kensington, Australia: Jack Greentree, a civil aviation officer, and his wife saw a pink-orange light that made a wide left-hand turn and disappeared.
- Blue Mountains, N.S.W.: Holiday markers witnessed an aerial display by a cigar-shaped object.
- Radar Sightings: Dr. Michael Gadsden admitted that since June 20, 1958, mysterious objects had been observed on radar, rushing about and doubling back.
- Sydney Sighting (July 19, 1958): Several people reported an orange-lit object, described as shuttlecock-shaped to roughly round, with speeds ranging from "sedate" to "very fast."
- Purnong, South Australia: Strange "multi-coloured objects" streaked across the sky.
- Claypans, Australia (March 13): Percy Briggs and Carl Towill reported a huge dome-shaped craft taking off from a field, described as bigger than an airliner and "intelligently controlled."
- Murray Bridge, Australia (March 20): A farmer and his wife described a "blazing golden coin" that arched upwards at tremendous speed.
- March 25 Incident: Mr. Percy Briggs witnessed two shimmering discs performing intricate maneuvers, changing color from red to blue.
Hervey notes that technical experts from the Woomera rocket range were interested in the Briggs sightings. He also mentions a sampling of recent headlines indicating increased UFO activity in Australia.
- RAAF Report: The Royal Australian Air Force released details of about 70 UFO sightings, offering "possible causes" for most, but leaving some, including Richmond and Mildura incidents, unexplained.
- Gorae West, Victoria: Mrs. M.M. Smith and her sons reported a prolonged, close-up sighting of a saucer-shaped object with a "knob-like" dome, flashing lights, and a "silvery flash."
- New Zealand Sightings: The "Truth" newspaper is probing unexplained explosions and sightings. An incident at Hudson's Beach involved a woman seeing three figures on the sand and a bright red light hovering over the water.
- Mangere, Auckland: Mr. R. Gray reported seeing a longish, bright object reflecting the sun.
- Waihoke: A ring of bare earth, eight feet in diameter, appeared annually for four years on a sheep holding pen, indicating a possible ground trace phenomenon.
I Met a "Flying Saucer"
This article, reprinted from the SCANDANAVIAN NEWSLETTER, details an encounter by Reidar Salvesen at Helleland, Norway.
- The Encounter: On October 29, Salvesen was driving home when he saw a dazzling light. He stopped his car and observed a smooth, bright, circular object hovering about 10 meters above his car. He managed to make a sketch of the object, which he identified as a flying saucer.
- Object's Departure: The object ascended vertically at high speed, after which Salvesen felt knocked off his feet, and his car's front-pane was smashed.
- Witness Corroboration?: Mrs. Sigrunn Skipstad, driving west towards Helleland around the same time, reported seeing a red car with a smashed front-pane, though she stated it was not Salvesen's car.
- Salvesen's Reaction: Salvesen insists he did not see a mirage and that the object was real. He notes that the brief glimpses lasted only seconds, potentially explaining why others nearby did not see it.
Scientific Speculation on Extraterrestrial Life
The issue includes a discussion on the likelihood of intelligent life beyond our Solar System.
- Habitable Zones: The concept of a "habitable zone" around stars, where temperatures are suitable for life, is explained. Factors like stellar stability, planetary orbit eccentricity, axial tilt, and planetary mass are crucial for life's development.
- Solar System Limitations: The planets in our Solar System are deemed unlikely abodes for intelligent life due to extreme temperatures (Mercury, Venus) or insufficient conditions (Mars, outer planets).
- Extra-Solar Possibilities: With over 150 billion stars in the Milky Way, the existence of countless planetary systems is implied. It is estimated that about six billion stars are suitable for the development of higher life forms.
- Project Ozma: In 1960, scientists initiated Project Ozma to listen for radio signals from extraterrestrial societies, monitoring stars like Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani, but without success.
- The Drake Equation: A private conference in 1961 discussed the Drake Equation (N = N(s)f(s)f(p)f(1)f(1)f(c)) to estimate the number of communicating extra-solar societies. Values were assigned to factors like the fraction of stars with planets and the fraction of intelligent societies that develop communication abilities.
- Interstellar Travel: The immense distances involved in interstellar travel are highlighted, with a one-way trip to Proxima Centauri taking 120,000 years at current speeds. Potential solutions include traveling near the speed of light (leveraging time dilation) or extending human lifespan through suspended animation.
- A New Universe Concept: The issue concludes this section by presenting a universe not as a void, but as a place teeming with life, suggesting that contact with other civilizations could be imminent and profoundly impact humanity.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the perceived governmental obfuscation and lack of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, particularly in Canada, and the persistent global reporting of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for greater transparency, public awareness, and international cooperation (via the UN) to address the UFO mystery. There is a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts alongside scientific speculation about extraterrestrial life and the challenges of detection and communication, suggesting a belief in the significance of the phenomenon.
Title: Canadian UFO Report
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 3
Date: October, 1969
Publisher: International UFO Bureau
This issue of Canadian UFO Report delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, focusing on UFO sightings, alleged encounters with cryptids, and practical advice for UFO photography. It features a mix of detailed case studies, reader contributions, and international reports, reflecting the growing interest in the UFO mystery during the late 1960s.
Featured Articles and Reports
The Salvesen Case: A Norwegian Encounter
The issue leads with a detailed account of Reidar Salvesen's experience in Norway. Salvesen reported that his car's front pane was smashed by a flying saucer. The incident occurred on October 31st, and while the exact cause of the damage was debated, experts noted that the pane broke into pieces, which would not necessarily happen if a stone had hit it. Salvesen described the object as a "flying saucer" and insisted on what he saw, despite potential ridicule. The case was investigated by local authorities and specialists, who found no evidence of radioactivity or magnetism. The incident also reportedly affected Salvesen's travel alarm clock, causing it to keep time badly.
International Dateline: Bigfoot and Beyond
This section, contributed by Hayden C. Hewes, U.S. Contributing Editor, covers sightings beyond Canada. It highlights reports of a "Hairy, 7-Ft. Tall, Man-Like Creature" (Sasquatch/Bigfoot) across the United States, with specific mention of a case in Florida involving a creature described as a "very big man with stubbled whiskers" and covered in hair. The creature was estimated to be seven feet tall and weigh about 700 pounds. The article also notes that footprints of varying sizes have been found, suggesting the possibility of a community of these beings. Further international reports include an Argentine expedition's encounter with an "abominable snowman" or "yeti" in Tibet, and an account of Donald Whillans observing what he believed to be a baby Yeti in Nepal.
Photo Filters: A UFO Enthusiast's Tool
Richard Horsfield provides a practical guide on "Photo Filters" for UFO photography. He emphasizes that filters are a neglected but essential tool for amateurs wishing to photograph objects in the sky with clarity. The article explains the variety of filters available, from light yellow to dark blues and reds, and highlights the Kodak Pola-Screen for its ability to darken skies and absorb ultraviolet rays, thereby enhancing UFO visibility in black and white photography. Specific Kodak Wratten filters (K1, K2, and G) are discussed for their effects on sky photography and penetrating haze. The importance of proper use and potential exposure adjustments is also mentioned.
Straightening the Record
This section addresses corrections and clarifications from previous issues. It includes a correction regarding a photograph on page 35, an adjustment to a book review on page 28 concerning "UFOs and Diamagnetism," and a clarification of a UFO radio program schedule. It also corrects the credit line for an article on "Evidence of Space Visitations in Ancient Times" and clarifies the role of Alan Laing's brother in a sighting report. The section also revisits the article "Science and the Occult," addressing reader responses to a controversial reprint concerning Professor Fred Hoyle's alleged statements about alien forces controlling humanity. The magazine notes that Professor Hoyle's secretary denied the press conference and that the report was a "fabrication."
Letters to the Editor
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reader letters, offering a diverse range of perspectives and reports:
- Arthur N. Zettinger from Sicamous, B.C., reports a sighting of a large, cylindrical or spherical object hovering directly above him, which moved away silently.
- W. Ritchie Benedict from Calgary, Alta., categorizes UFO theories into logical, plausible, and "kook" possibilities, suggesting that extraterrestrial theories or unknown secret weapons are most likely.
- H. Toni Basil from Vancouver, B.C., praises the magazine's quality and expresses a desire for more frequent publication.
- Sir (anonymous) from an unspecified location, suggests that multiple theories about UFOs could be correct, accounting for variations in reports.
- Mrs. W.H. Cross from Sidney, B.C., describes her grandson's sighting of a bright light or object moving west, which appeared to be many times larger than an airplane.
- Mrs. R.C. Watters from Cranbrook, B.C., shares an experience of seeing a golden streak in the sky that turned out to be a jet trail, and also recounts seeing a bright white light near shore on several occasions, which was motionless and appeared larger and brighter than a helicopter.
- Russell M. Woodard from Neepawa, Man., reports seeing a fiery red ball flash across the sky, which he initially suspected was a meteor but later reconsidered due to its trajectory.
- M.V. from Vancouver, B.C., describes seeing a "ball of fog" moving at high speed, which he could track with binoculars.
- Gordon McKay from Thornhill, Ont., commends the publication's intelligent writing but warns against over-enthusiastic proponents who might undermine the argument with minor flaws.
- R.G. Speck from Hamilton, Ont., reports observing two reddish-brown disc-shaped objects crossing the zenith with another observer, V. Evanochoko. They described the objects as glowing and not being planets, satellites, or meteors.
- Florin Gheorghita from Cluj, Romania, provides details of UFO sightings in Romania, including a triangular object observed near Oravita and a strange flying object seen in Cluj. He also mentions reports investigated by I. Hobana, including a cone-shaped object observed near Ploesti.
- Sir (anonymous) from an unspecified location, requests information for the Canadian UFO Report regarding physical traces found at alleged UFO landing sites.
Special Reports and Announcements
- Ted Phillips from Sedalia, Missouri, requests information on cases involving physical traces found at alleged UFO landing sites, including burned circles, footprints, and craters.
- "THANK YOU, AFFA" section acknowledges the assistance of the French-language publication "AFFA" in Quebec for helping to gather responses for a United Nations questionnaire on UFOs.
- Special Ad Rate information is provided for classified advertising, offering a "one-inch special" with various type sizes.
- "PLEASE NOTE" section informs readers that the magazine is now appearing on U.S. news-stands under the title "NEW WORLD UFO REPORT," with identical content.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across different countries, the persistent interest in cryptid phenomena like Bigfoot, and the practical application of photography in documenting these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and correction of errors. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and requests for information, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the unexplained.