Delve Report - 2005 07 - July

Magazine Overview

This issue of DELVE REPORT, dated July 2005, focuses on a diverse range of topics spanning scientific discovery, unexplained phenomena, and archaeological findings. The cover story highlights the Haughton impact site on Nunavut's Devon Island, suggesting it may harbor traces of ancient organic matter, offering a potential 'litmus test' for extraterrestrial life and aiding the search for signs of life on Mars.

Articles

Crater May Harbour Life From Outer Space

The main article details how the Haughton impact site on Nunavut's Devon Island, a Mars-like environment, has yielded evidence of ancient organic matter. Scientists believe these 'biomarkers' could be crucial in the search for life on Mars. The study, published in the journal Geology, suggests that moderate-sized craters on Earth, like Haughton, may preserve biomolecules and fossilized remains, similar to what might be found in Martian craters. The Haughton crater, formed 23 million years ago, is well-preserved due to its remote, polar desert environment, making it an ideal analogue for a simulated Martian landscape. The findings are significant as impact craters are viewed as potential sites for the establishment and evolution of primitive life.

Neither Moose, Nor Bear, But 'Something Big' Lurks in Yukon

This article reports on sightings of a large, hairy, muscular creature in Teslin, Yukon, described as 'something big' and resembling a 'sasquatch.' Witnesses described it as about eight feet tall and black. Following the sightings, evidence such as crushed flowers, snapped trees, and a large footprint were found. A tuft of dark chocolate-coloured hair was collected and analyzed by a Yukon government wildlife technician, who ruled out moose and caribou. Further testing by David Coltman at the University of Alberta concluded the hair was a 100% match with North American bison DNA, suggesting the creature was likely a bison. Despite the scientific findings, some locals remain skeptical, with one witness suggesting the hair might have been stepped on by a sasquatch.

Tom Cruise Says He Believes in Aliens

This brief news item reports that actor Tom Cruise, while promoting his film 'War of the Worlds,' stated his belief in the existence of aliens, questioning the arrogance of believing humans are alone in the universe given the vastness of space.

Countdown Begins for Space Tourism

Burt Rutan, developer of SpaceShipOne, predicts that companies will begin offering space tourism flights within four to six years. Virgin Galactic plans to launch suborbital flights as early as 2008, with prices around US$200,000 per person.

Five-Storey Balloon: 'We Expect a Few People to Report It as a UFO'

This article describes the planned launch of the Balloon-borne Large Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope (BLAST) from northern Sweden. The 33-storey balloon, carrying sensitive astronomical instruments, is expected to float over Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for nine days, gathering data on distant stars and galaxies to understand the birth of the universe. Its large size and silver mylar covering are expected to lead some to report it as a UFO.

NASA Gets Sued

A Russian astrologer has filed a $300-million US lawsuit against NASA, claiming the Deep Impact probe's mission to smash into a comet 'ruins the natural balance of forces in the universe.'

Bigfoot on TV

'A Current Affair' has reportedly purchased a supposed Bigfoot video from Norway House, Manitoba, for broadcast.

Aussie Scientists Create Unbreakable Diamond Code

Researchers in Australia have developed an unbreakable information code using a tiny diamond fused onto an optical fibre, which they claim cannot be hacked.

Chinless Merman

Fishermen in Iran claim to have spotted an amphibious creature resembling a human in the Caspian Sea.

Saturn's Moon, Titan

Observations suggest Titan may have a large ice volcano, potentially offering insights into how life began on early Earth.

Giant Figures in Peru Desert Pre-date Nazca Lines

This report details the discovery of geoglyphs in Peru's desert hills that appear to predate the famous Nazca lines. Created by the Paracas communities between 500 and 400 BC, these figures of humans, birds, monkeys, and cats are distinct in style, arrangement, and location from the Nazca figures.

Close Encounters of the Kooky Kind (Film Review)

A review of the film 'Save the Green Planet,' described as a mix of horror, comedy, and police procedural, involving a chemical company CEO kidnapped by someone claiming to be an alien.

New Push in Search for Life

Scientists are developing new technology to find smaller, Earth-like worlds outside our solar system, moving beyond the detection of gas giants.

Man on Moon Again in 2015?

The new chief of the U.S. space program suggests the next mission to land a man on the moon could occur in 2015, potentially followed by a multinational space station.

Canadian Finds Two Different Meteorites in Manitoba

This article highlights the discovery of two separate meteorites in Manitoba by rock collector Derek Erstelle, leading scientists to believe the area might be a meteorite dumping ground from the last Ice Age.

Andromeda Bigger Than Astronomers First Thought

New measurements suggest the Andromeda galaxy is three times broader than previously estimated, with its outer fringes now considered part of its main disk.

TV Aliens

This piece discusses the trend of alien invasion themes in contemporary television, with new shows on ABC, NBC, and CBS exploring different facets of alien encounters.

For True Believers, UFOs Aren't About Flying Saucers and Rectal Probes. They're About Improving Ourselves

This article explores the beliefs of a group who claim to be in contact with extraterrestrials. The focus is on self-improvement and establishing an intelligent relationship with alien civilizations, rather than sensationalized abduction scenarios. The group believes contact with extraterrestrials is part of a spiritual evolution, aiming to improve humanity's understanding of the universe and themselves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unknown, the unexplained, and scientific inquiry. There's a clear interest in extraterrestrial life, cryptozoology (like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster), and astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting scientific findings alongside anecdotal accounts and public interest, while maintaining a degree of skepticism where scientific evidence is presented. The publication also touches on the intersection of science, technology, and societal impact, as seen in articles on space tourism and new scientific endeavors.