Delve Report - 1999 04 - April

Magazine Overview

This issue of DELNE REPORT, dated April 1999, features a collection of articles exploring diverse topics including geological phenomena, space exploration, and the sociology of UFO sightings. The cover story presents a new theory on the formation of giant forest rings, while other articles discuss the feasibility of Mars colonization and the cultural influences on UFO reports.

Giant Rings in Northern Forests

The lead article, "A geochemist from Sudbury today unveils the latest theory to explain the formation of giant rings in the forests of northern Ontario and Quebec" by Elizabeth Shilts, introduces the work of Stewart Hamilton, a geochemist with the Ontario Geological Survey. Hamilton proposes that these large, circular formations, some up to two kilometers wide, are actually giant, natural batteries. Jean Veillette, a geomorphologist with the Geological Survey of Canada, has been studying these rings for over a decade, noting their concentration in a band stretching from northern Ontario to Quebec. Initially, biological explanations, such as a fungus spreading radially, were considered, with experts like Jack Mollard and Myron Smith supporting this view. However, a detailed botanical study led by Dr. Veillette and Dr. Yves Bergeron found no evidence of fungal infection and, crucially, discovered that the soil underlying the rings is depressed by one to two meters. This depression, filled with poorly drained peat, suggests a moisture condition rather than a killing front. Hamilton's theory posits that mineral deposits act as natural batteries, with iron at the center creating a negative charge. This interacts with carbonate-rich soils at the edge, causing oxidation and rust, which produces acidic conditions that dissolve the soil and create the depressed ring. He notes that other factors like methane gas or groundwater upwellings could also create the negative charge.

Aliens and SUVs

In a piece titled "Aliens drive among us in jumbo sport-utes" by Marilyn Schwartz, a more whimsical and cautionary perspective is offered. The author suggests that aliens are not using spaceships but are infiltrating Earth by taking over with large sport-utility vehicles (SUVs). The article highlights the gargantuan Ford Excursion as an example of these "urban attack weapons" that are making it difficult for non-aliens to navigate and park. The author warns that these vehicles could revert to their alien forms, leaving humans defenseless, and suggests that the proliferation of large SUVs is a deliberate alien strategy.

Preparing for Mars

"We're ready to go to Mars; book now for sometime in 2014" by an unnamed author from the National Post, discusses the burgeoning interest in Mars colonization. Ed Spooner, a geologist from the University of Toronto, believes that geologists will one day be gathering rocks on Mars, and that humanity is largely prepared for such a mission, with the main challenges being launch and landing. The Toronto Mars Society, a newly formed group, envisions colonists and a Martian government. Margarita Marinova, the society's 17-year-old president, expresses her family's emigration experience and her hope to live on Mars. The article mentions NASA's Pathfinder mission as a catalyst for increased interest and highlights the Mars Society's budget plan for a Mars mission. A research station on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic is planned to simulate Martian conditions. The article notes that a launch date around 2014 is being discussed.

UFOs as Cultural Phenomena

"Invaders from inner space" by Andy Lamey, explores a social theory that explains UFO sightings as cultural phenomena reflecting human hopes and fears. Robert Bartholomew, a sociologist, argues that what people see in the sky is a projection of their expectations and desires, influenced by prevailing technology and beliefs. Examples include sightings of phantom hot air balloons in the late 1890s, inspired by Salomon Andree's Arctic expedition, and phantom aeroplane scares during World War I, fueled by fears of German espionage. Bartholomew compares these to the panic caused by Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast. He suggests that as scientific knowledge advances, the perceived origin of these phenomena shifts from fairies to UFOs, and potentially to time travelers in the future. Chris Rutkowski of Ufology Research Manitoba acknowledges that while most UFO reports have explanations, a core of unexplained cases remains, which the social theory may not fully address.

Mystery Object Near Airliner

Another National Post article, "MYSTERY OBJECT NEARLY HIT AIRLINER" by Stephen Thorne, reports on a Swissair pilot's encounter with an unidentified flying object. On August 9, 1997, the pilot of Swissair Flight 127 reported a near-miss with a fast-moving, white, cylindrical object at 23,000 feet, near the area where TWA Flight 800 crashed. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board report noted the object passed over the cockpit, close enough to cause the pilot to duck. No noise or wake turbulence was detected. The incident occurred in clear weather, and investigators found no evidence of other targets in the area.

Failed Prophecies and UFO Cults

A brief report details the situation of Chen Hon-ming, a cult leader from Taiwan whose prophecies, including God appearing on cable TV and a nuclear holocaust, failed to materialize. His followers have dwindled, and he has relocated to upstate New York. The sect, described as a UFO cult, mixes Christianity and Buddhism and believes in divine UFOs evacuating worthy followers. The sect's remnants have settled in Lockport, N.Y.

Defence Department on Alien Alert

"Defence Department on alien alert" by Robert Fife, discusses two scientists from the Defence Research Establishment in Valcartier, Que., Yvan Dutil and Stephane Dumas. They have urged Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to regulate messages sent into space by UFO fanatics, concerned that such unregulated communication could inadvertently invite an alien invasion. They believe it is time for the federal government to get involved in regulating communications with extraterrestrials. Art Hanger, the Reform party defence critic, expressed skepticism, calling the proposal "insane" and questioning the scientists' involvement with "these kinds of fantasies."

Space Travel and Astronomy

Several shorter pieces touch upon space travel and astronomy. "NASA foresees long-distance space travel" by James Heer, highlights NASA's advancements in life support and propulsion systems that could make big things in space, including travel to other planets, more feasible. The article references a CBC documentary, "Escape from Earth." Another piece, "Venus and Jupiter may have created Star of Bethlehem," discusses how the convergence of Venus and Jupiter 2,000 years ago might have inspired the biblical story of the Star of Bethlehem. A brief note on "RINGS" mentions prospectors like Bob Komarechka and his company Diamtreme Explorations Inc. investigating the rings for potential diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes. Finally, "Youth dies to meet aliens" reports on a 16-year-old who died after jumping from a cliff, reportedly to join an alien culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unknown and the speculative, encompassing geological mysteries (forest rings), extraterrestrial possibilities (UFOs, Mars colonization, alien contact), and the intersection of human psychology and belief systems. The articles present various theories and perspectives, from scientific hypotheses to sociological interpretations and even cautionary tales about the implications of unregulated communication with potential extraterrestrial intelligence. The National Post, as the publisher, appears to be covering a broad spectrum of current events and scientific discussions, including those that venture into the realm of the extraordinary.