1980 Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL UFO
Issue: VOL. 2 NO. 2
Date: September 1980
Publisher: U.P Investigations Research Inc.
Country: Canada
Price: $2.75

This issue of JOURNAL UFO, now incorporated with Canadian UFO Report, presents a cover story questioning a "Major Breakthrough?" in UFO research. The magazine features a mix of investigative articles, interviews, and reports on UFO phenomena.

Editorial Comment

David A. Haisell's editorial comment is dedicated to his late mother. He discusses a case involving a Hamilton, Ontario man who reported seeing strange lights. Haisell uses this case to illustrate how easily the public can misinterpret events, leading to beliefs of UFOs. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between realistic perceptions and those influenced by imagination, possibly due to psychological disorders or drug use. While questioning the authenticity of the specific case, he acknowledges that genuine UFO sightings might have initiated the process, and that some aspects of the case, like ground traces and multiple witnesses, remain unexplained.

Key Articles and Features

Are Planetary Moons Harboring Alien Life Forms?

Dr. Franklin R. Ruehl, a theoretical nuclear physicist, explores the potential for extraterrestrial life on moons within our solar system and beyond. He posits that with billions of stars and galaxies, the number of potential habitats for life is immense. Ruehl details the characteristics of several Jovian satellites – Ganymede, Callisto, Europa, and Io – noting their thin atmospheres, water-ice composition, and geological features that could support life. He also discusses Neptune's moon Triton and Uranus's moons Titania and Oberon, as well as Earth's Moon, suggesting possibilities for life in subsurface oceans or trapped gases. Even smaller moons and Pluto's satellite Charon are considered. Ruehl concludes that UFOs might originate from such moons rather than planets.

Interview with Henry McKay

Henry McKay, a Canadian UFO researcher and director for MUFON, discusses the state of ufology in Canada. He identifies government suppression of information as the primary obstacle. McKay emphasizes the importance of individual efforts and the need for full disclosure from the government. He supports individuals getting involved in research, provided they have the talent and interest. McKay shares his experience with ground trace cases, noting difficulties in obtaining official analysis results from Canadian authorities. He also touches upon his involvement with the UFO Research Centre: Ontario and his teaching of UFO courses.

UFOs and Natural Phenomena

McKay discusses natural phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs, such as ball lightning and corona effects. He describes ball lightning as a concentrated electrical energy phenomenon that can appear as a slow-moving sphere. He also notes reports of UFOs near power plants and high-tension lines, suggesting possible correlations with power outages or fluctuations.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue includes several reports and discussions on UFO sightings:

• Animal 'Mutes': A reader requests information on animal mutilation phenomena in British Columbia.
• UFO Over Ottawa: A brief mention of reports concerning power plants and high-tension lines.
• JUFOBITS: This section presents various short reports, including:
• A 5-second exposure of a UFO photographed by PSI near Austin, Texas, in 1975, showing an object with a strange burst-like effect and a 90° turn before disappearing.
• A close encounter in Scotland involving Mr. Robert Taylor, who reported seeing a dark grey UFO with two accompanying 'mines' that attempted to drag him. Ground markings were consistent with his story.
• A discussion of alleged abduction of Frank Fontaine in France, questioning its authenticity.
• Reports on light spectra, magnetometer, gravimeter, sound, and motion picture recordings of UFOs available for analysis, including films showing illuminated, tube-shaped UFOs and spherical UFOs with rapidly changing appearances.
• A case involving aerial sightings and ground traces near a depression and burn ring.
• A report on the tobacco farmer case where a substance was turned over to the Ontario Government forensic lab.
• A case involving a substance found at a reported UFO landing site that was identified as almost pure uric acid.
• A discussion of Ted Phillips' work on ground trace cases.
• A mention of a farmer in Langenburg, Saskatchewan, who reported flattened grass as a ground trace.
• A brief on the possible relationship between UFO activity and disturbances in power distribution systems.

A REPORT ON THE 1980 MUFON SYMPOSIUM

John Magor provides a report on the 1980 MUFON Symposium.

BOOK REVIEW: Observing UFOs

David Haisell reviews the book "Observing UFOs."

CUFOR NOTEBOOK

John Magor contributes to the CUFOR Notebook.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by government secrecy, and the scientific exploration of potential extraterrestrial life. The magazine adopts an investigative and analytical stance, encouraging readers to critically examine evidence while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on Canadian cases and researchers, alongside international reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious study and encouraging further research into the UFO subject, while also cautioning against misinterpretation of natural phenomena or unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of JOURNAL UFO, Volume 2, Number 2, published by U.P. INVESTIGATIONS RESEARCH INC. in Canada, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including alleged sightings, investigations, potential hoaxes, and legal actions concerning UFO documentation. The cover prominently features an article on the 1980 MUFON Symposium.

JUFOBITS

The Cergy-Pontoise Case

The "JUFOBITS" section begins with a detailed account of the Cergy-Pontoise case, where M. Fontaine allegedly disappeared and reappeared after an encounter with a UFO. The report, filed by M. Jean Bastide, expresses strong skepticism, suggesting the incident is a hoax orchestrated for financial gain, possibly involving media manipulation. Bastide criticizes the credulity of ufologists and points to potential inspirations from science fiction and other UFO cases. He highlights that only Fontaine was "abducted" and that witnesses declined regressive hypnosis. The analysis of Fontaine's blood revealed no abnormalities, and the case is linked to a TV show and a planned book and film.

Niagara Falls UFO

A witness near Niagara Falls, Canada, along with two co-workers, reported seeing a strange grey cylinder-shaped object hovering silently over the Niagara River. The object had antennae and what appeared to be helicopter-type blades, but witnesses were sure it was not a helicopter. It disappeared quickly after a few minutes.

CE2 in Nova Scotia?

Mrs. Marlene LeJune of Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada, witnessed a round, bright blue-white, moon-shaped object with flashing white lights hovering over trees. She estimated it to be about 500 feet away and the size of a house. The next morning, a ring of discoloured grass was found in the area, and neighbors reported their animals acting strangely.

New Books

The Encyclopedia of UFOs, edited by Ronald D. Story and J. Richard Greenwell, is reviewed. The book is described as a comprehensive reference covering cases, people, and features related to the UFO controversy, arranged alphabetically.

Proceedings of the First International UFO Congress

This section reviews a book compiling papers from the 1977 UFO Congress held in Chicago, Illinois, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's sighting. The book, edited by Curtis G. Fuller, includes presentations by prominent ufologists and researchers.

CAUS Sues Again

Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) has filed lawsuits against the NSA, DIA, and FAA in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking government documentation on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). CAUS alleges that these agencies have failed to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. The suit against the NSA is expected to yield disclosures about the effect of UFOs on national security.

Fund For UFO Research

The National Board of the Fund for UFO Research, Inc. (FUFOR) has been appointed to approve grant proposals for UFO research. FUFOR aims to channel funds into projects that increase scientific knowledge and public understanding of UFOs. The funding of FUFOR's first project, a study of radar-visual-photographic UFO sightings in New Zealand, is mentioned.

MUFON Symposium

A Report on the 1980 MUFON Symposium

John Magor reports on the 11th annual MUFON UFO Symposium held in Clear Lake City, Texas. He highlights a 90-minute documentary film, "A Strange Harvest," by Linda Moulton Howe, focusing on cattle mutilations, and a presentation by Ray Stanford detailing an extraordinary sighting made with his wife aboard a commercial aircraft near Memphis, Tennessee, in 1977. Stanford's presentation included observations of a "domed sphere" and a large, glowing, iridescent, tubular object.

Book Review

Observing UFOs by Richard F. Haines

David A. Haisell reviews Richard F. Haines' book, "Observing UFOs." The review praises the book for its insights into field investigation techniques and data interpretation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the witness's psychological and physiological aspects. Haines' approach is described as open-minded, encouraging researchers to consider the limitations of current scientific understanding and to embrace creative thinking.

Canadian UFO Report

UFO NOTEBOOK

John Magor contributes a "Notebook" section for Canadian UFO Report. He discusses the unique attitude of UFOs towards water, suggesting it might indicate an extraterrestrial origin from a world with different water conditions. He recounts a case from 1952 involving a UFO observed on a lake in British Columbia, Canada, and mentions the "littlest UFO" phenomenon, characterized by small spheres of light. The section also touches upon the experiences of Bernice Niblett and Dorothy Wilkinson, who seem to attract UFO activity.

UFO OVER OTTAWA

This article, reprinted from the Res Bureaux Bulletin, details a UFO sighting in Ottawa, Canada, on March 12th, 1980. A frustrated resident reported an unidentified flying object, which was also seen by newscaster Max Keeping and a photographer. The report discusses the difficulties in getting official responses and the dismissal of the sighting as the planet Venus by the National Research Council, despite witness claims it was visible after Venus had set.

A UFO Revelation!

This section advertises the book "The Missing Seven Hours" by David Haisell, which investigates the experiences of Gerry Armstrong and his wife, who were allegedly subjected to strange lights and apparitions over twenty-five years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO reports, the potential for hoaxes and misidentifications, the importance of thorough investigation and witness testimony, and the perceived lack of transparency and responsiveness from government agencies regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, advocating for rigorous scientific inquiry, and highlighting the challenges faced by independent researchers and organizations in obtaining information and public understanding of UFOs.