Delve Report - 1996 11 - October

Magazine Overview

DELNE is a newsletter of unusual reports on various subjects, published on an irregular schedule as an exchange publication with others of a like nature. This issue, dated November 1996, features a cover story on researcher Alvin Lawson's theory that alien abduction experiences may be memories of the birth process. The magazine also includes articles on astronomical discoveries, environmental concerns, technological advancements, and reports on unexplained phenomena.

Tales of Trips on Space Ships May Be Memories of Voyages Through the Birth Canal, Researcher Says

This article by John Woolard introduces UFO investigator Alvin Lawson's controversial theory that alleged alien abductions are actually subconscious reliving of birth trauma. Lawson, director of the California-based UFO Reports Centre and a retired English professor, conducted research in the 1970s and '80s where hypnotized individuals, unaware of the study's focus, described abduction experiences that mirrored memories of fetal development and birth. He notes similarities in imagery such as loss of control, paralysis, pressure on the head, and encounters with humanoid figures. Lawson believes that while extraterrestrial life may exist, there is no proof they have visited Earth, and that abduction stories are psychological events rather than actual encounters. He acknowledges that his ideas are met with resistance from "true believers" who need aliens to give meaning to their lives.

Aliens: What Canadians Believe

This section presents the results of an Angus Reid poll conducted in August 1996 regarding Canadian beliefs about extraterrestrial life. The poll found that 70% of Canadians believe intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe, with 28% disagreeing and 2% unsure. Regarding visitation, 55% believe it is "very likely" or "somewhat likely" that Earth has been visited by intelligent life, and 43% believe extraterrestrials will visit in their lifetime.

Somewhere, the Truth Is Out There

By Dennis McLellan, this article discusses the enduring public fascination with UFOs, noting that despite the release of movies like "Independence Day," there is no evidence that media coverage spurs UFO sightings. The Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) receives about 300 unexplained UFO reports annually. The article highlights the history of UFO investigations, including the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book and the Condon Report, which concluded further study was not justified. It also mentions the ongoing work of private organizations like MUFON and the Center for UFO Studies. The article touches on the cultural impact of UFOs through television shows and the notoriety of Area 51. It quotes Lawson again, stating that the "hunger" for contact is a religious impulse and that the UFO phenomenon is intrinsically linked to abduction. David M. Jacobs, a professor who teaches a class on UFOs, is also quoted, emphasizing the fundamental human question of whether we are alone.

The Universe

This section, by Terence Dickinson, covers several topics:

Loopy New Planet Found

Astronomers have discovered at least eight, possibly up to 12, new Jupiter-sized planets orbiting sunlike stars. The latest discovery involves a planet orbiting the star 16 Cygni B in a binary star system, confirming that planets can form in such systems. The planet has a highly elliptical orbit, unlike the circular paths of planets in our solar system. Its existence is inferred from the slight wobbling motion of its star.

Tiny Battlefield Robots May See Action by 2001

This article reports on the development of "ro-bugs," tiny battlefield robots designed to be the size of a shoe box or smaller. These robots are intended for use in clearing mine fields, detecting chemical weapons, and acting as forward spotters. They are expected to be commonplace by 2001 and could be used in countries like Cambodia and Bosnia.

High Level Ozone Nearly Depleted

A report from Geneva states that the ozone layer has become nearly depleted at an altitude of about 19 km above Earth, with the layer at 17-22 km almost completely annihilated. This depletion, largely due to industrial chemicals, is believed to increase the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts.

Magazines

Bruce Blackadar's column touches on the idea that Earth might be a unique "oasis in a cosmic desert" due to factors like Jupiter protecting us from comets and our large moon stabilizing our axis. He references Terence Dickinson's writing in Equinox.

The Case for ET Rests on 5 Billion Trillion Stars

Terence Dickinson explores the widespread belief in extraterrestrial life, noting that 70% of Canadians polled believe in it. He attributes this belief largely to the vast number of stars in the universe, estimated at 5 billion trillion. While acknowledging the plausibility of alien life existing elsewhere, Dickinson expresses skepticism about current claims of alien visitation, suggesting that if aliens were to visit, they would likely keep their distance, designating Earth as a "wildlife preserve." He notes that while UFO sightings and abduction stories are prevalent, there is no credible evidence of actual visitation.

'Zoom Me Up, Scotty' Now Credible

This article discusses the potential for a space elevator, an idea popularized by Arthur C. Clarke. Researchers at North Carolina State University and Rice University have found that carbon nanotubes possess extraordinary strength and lightness, making them suitable for such a structure. While a space elevator is a long-term possibility, nanotubes are expected to have more immediate applications in various industries within five years.

NASA Receives Radio Signals From Center of Earth

This article reports that NASA has detected radio transmissions from hundreds of miles below the Earth's surface. Scientists believe these signals are from a highly advanced subterranean civilization with superior technology. The transmissions are in a complex mathematical code, and while they are not considered hostile, their contents could be a source of concern. NASA is frustrated by its inability to determine the exact location of this civilization or to respond to their messages. The discovery is hailed as potentially the most important of the century, revealing uncharted territory within our own planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DELNE revolve around the unexplained, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the intersection of science, psychology, and popular culture. The magazine presents a skeptical yet open-minded approach, featuring theories that challenge conventional thinking (like Lawson's birth canal theory) alongside scientific reports and polls. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical examination of evidence and a balanced perspective on phenomena that capture the public imagination, while also acknowledging the enduring mysteries of the universe and potentially, our own planet.