Marcen Journal - Vol 2 No 2 - 1979 02-03

Magazine Overview

MARCEN JOURNAL, Volume II, Number II, published February-March 1979, is the official journal of the Maryland Center for Investigation of Unconventional Phenomena, Inc. It is a nonprofit educational and scientific corporation.

Key Articles and Content

New Zealand UFO Film Declared Authentic

This issue prominently features the New Zealand UFO film, declared authentic by respected scientists. The cover includes images from this film, with one image described as a domed disc. The article details the controversy and skepticism surrounding the sightings over the Cook Strait. Various explanations are presented and refuted, including those from an ornithologist (mutton birds), British astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell (meteorites), Australian and New Zealand astronomers (planets), a farmwife (cabbage patch reflections), a Norwegian aerospace expert (lightning), and a U.S. Government laboratory (swarms of insects). The official explanation from the Royal New Zealand Air Force blamed Japanese squid boats, which the article dismisses due to speed and altitude discrepancies. The investigation by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a UFO investigator, is highlighted as a sensible approach.

Cover Photos of New Zealand Film

This section provides details about the cover photos, which are individual frames from the New Zealand movie film. It explains that the movement captured may be due to camera motion as well as the UFO's path. A computer enhancement of one frame reveals a darker object inside, appearing as a domed disc with temperature bands. Another frame shows the UFO as a disc with a dome, with no other structural details visible.

The New Zealand Radar-Visual Photographic Sightings

Authored by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee, this article recounts the UFO sightings that occurred during southward and northward flights of an Argosy freighter aircraft on December 31, 1978. The sightings involved unusual lights appearing and disappearing, and radar targets detected by Wellington Air Traffic Control. The information is based on interviews with witnesses, radar data, photographic aspects, and media releases. The case is divided into a "trip south" and a "trip north." During the trip south, unusual lights were reported between the Clarence River and Kaikoura Peninsula. During the trip north, a very bright, steady light was observed northeast of Christchurch, along with bright lights west of Cap Campbell and over Blenheim. Wellington radar occasionally detected targets in the plane's vicinity, and visual sightings sometimes corresponded. Analyses ruled out anomalous propagation and radar equipment issues. The article systematically debunks various proposed explanations, including astronomical bodies, birds, meteors, balloons, stars, aircraft, ground lights, military maneuvers, fishing boats, internal reflections, insects, and hoax.

Background

This section provides context for the radar-visual-photographic case, beginning with early morning hours of December 21, 1978, when two Argosy freighter crews spotted bright lights and radar targets. The events made front-page headlines in New Zealand and Australia, renewing interest in the UFO phenomenon. A Melbourne TV station, Channel 0, commissioned two news programs on the sightings, leading reporter Quentin Fogarty to interview Air Traffic Controllers and pilots. Fogarty arranged a flight on a similar aircraft path to film the events.

The Flight South

This part details the flight of an Argosy aircraft on December 30, 1978, carrying Fogarty and a film crew. The flight path was chosen to follow the route of the previous UFO sighting. Unusual lights were observed near the Kaikoura peninsula, and Wellington radar confirmed targets. The film crew attempted to capture the lights, but they often disappeared quickly. Radar targets were consistently reported by WATC, with one target appearing to fly alongside the plane. Fogarty described a flashing light as "a very faint star but then it emits a very bright white and green light." The flight crew was informed by Christchurch Air Traffic Control of a radar target pacing them.

The Trip North

This section describes the return flight on December 31, 1978. The plane left Christchurch and WATC informed the passengers of ongoing targets off the Clarence River area. The flight continued with the expectation of seeing something unusual.

Other Content

The issue also includes a table of contents listing articles such as "MARCEN EDITORIAL," "INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION GROWS," "MARCEN SUPPORTS OPERATION LURE," "ADVERTISEMENTS," "MEMBER OPINION POLL," "1979 UFO ACTIVITY BY MONTH," "INTERNATIONAL UFO ENCOUNTERS," "A STATISTICAL PROFILE OF UFO REPORTS 1947-1978," "APRO IS OLDEST UFO ORGANIZATION," "SWAMP GAS RIDES AGAIN," "FIRST RACE REMNANTS STILL WALK THE EARTH?", "CURRENT BIGFOOT SIGHTINGS MAPS," "BIGFOOT ENCOUNTERS," "RUSSIAN BIGFOOT REPORTED," "RUSSIAN WILDMAN NOT BIGFOOT?", "PAPERS NEEDED," "BOOK REVIEWS," "ANIMAL MUTILATION ROUNDUP," and "THE MYSTERIES OF UKRANIAN STELES."

MARCEN extends thanks to Lucius Farish, The Aerial Phenomenon Clipping and Information Center, Mr. Ed Kaye, and Dennis Pilichis for their assistance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation and reporting of unconventional phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and evidence, particularly the New Zealand film. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting evidence, analyzing data, and refuting skeptical explanations. The publication aims to provide a platform for scientific investigation and discussion of UFOs and related topics, as evidenced by the detailed analysis and the debunking of conventional explanations. The inclusion of articles on Bigfoot and animal mutilations suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena.

This issue of UFO JOURNAL, Volume II, Number I, published by MARCEN in 1979, focuses on a significant UFO sighting near Christchurch, New Zealand, on December 31, 1978, and introduces MARCEN's ambitious 'Operation Lure' initiative. The magazine details the events of the sighting, the subsequent investigation, and explores broader themes of UFO disclosure and international cooperation.

Christchurch Sighting Investigation

The issue provides a detailed account of a UFO sighting that occurred when a plane was flying near Christchurch, New Zealand. The bright object was first detected by radar about 2 3/4 minutes out of Christchurch and was observed by the captain, copilot, and passengers. The object was tracked by radar for several minutes, showing a decreasing distance, and then veered off radar at an angle. Witnesses described the object as very bright and of noticeable angular size, with descriptions ranging from a "squashed orange" to a ping-pong ball illuminated by a spotlight. The object's estimated size was 50-100 feet with a luminous intensity of several hundred thousand candlepower. Its altitude was estimated to be at least several thousand feet, appearing higher than the cloud cover.

During the sighting, the plane's radar picked up targets that appeared to agree with the WATC radar. Visual sightings included flashing lights, one of which was extremely bright, fading, and then exhibiting an elliptical motion. Crockett filmed the object for about 5 1/2 minutes, capturing images that showed non-circular bright shapes, ranging from oval to triangular to nearly circular. These images were smeared due to camera motion. The object's brightness was such that no structure was visible to the naked eye, though Crockett could discern details through the camera's viewfinder. Some images showed a "bell shaped" source with a bright bottom and a less bright top, described as a "brightly lit bottom and a sort of transparent sphere on top."

The investigation involved interviews with witnesses, evaluation of radar data from WATC, and analysis of the film footage. Several scientists reviewed the case, but none could definitively explain the events. Explanations offered by experts included Venus, other planets, stars, meteors, balloons, other aircraft, ground lights, secret military maneuvers, fishing boat lights, hoaxes, and window reflections. Radar detections were attributed to "Radar Angels" (atmospheric phenomena) or malfunction. The conclusion of the initial investigation was that the objects seen were unidentified, necessitating further investigation.

Operation Lure and UFOCOL

MARCEN is actively promoting 'Operation Lure,' an initiative spearheaded by Professor Robert Spencer Carr. This operation aims to establish a demilitarized safe landing zone on government land to attract UFOs using arrays of lights and signals. The ultimate goal is to exchange technology and knowledge with the occupants. MARCEN endorses this concept, viewing it as a qualified person to conduct the operation and a means to generate awareness among public officials.

As part of this initiative, a petition titled "A Peaceful Petition to the President of the United States" is presented. The petition urges the President to take several steps: 1. Order the U.S. Armed Forces to cease attacks on UFOs unless attacked. 2. Suggest to Governors that state police and citizens also stop unprovoked assaults on UFOs. 3. Create a UFO Communications Laboratory (UFOCOL) near Los Alamos, New Mexico, to attract, invite, and facilitate two-way communication and meetings between UFO occupants and U.S. civilian scientists. The petition highlights that UFOCOL would be responsible directly to the President and presents Major Donald E. Keyhoe's plans for UFOCOL from his book "Aliens From Space." It argues that achieving two-way communication would be a historic inevitability, showcasing American intelligence and potentially leading to a decisive turning point in human history. The petition also references Gallup Poll data indicating a majority of Americans believe UFOs are real and that millions have testified to seeing them, criticizing current Pentagon policies on UFOs as divisive, obscurantist, and scientifically unsafe.

MARCEN Editorial and International Cooperation

The editorial section addresses publication delays for the MARCEN JOURNAL, attributing them to the development of a sophisticated computer network for filing, retrieval, and analysis of UFO data, which has been time-consuming and expensive. The editorial also mentions efforts to acquire a microprocessor for headquarters and the backlog in processing memberships. It notes that the assistant director is leaving for studies in Israel and an expedition to Kenya. MARCEN welcomes affiliations with other organizations, provided they come willingly, and emphasizes that its data is available to anyone with a justifiable need.

The "International Cooperation Grows" section highlights MARCEN's success in establishing cooperation agreements with over 50 organizations worldwide. MARCEN sees its function best served as a clearinghouse and analytical body rather than competing for cases. It contrasts this with organizations that keep data tightly wrapped, making it inaccessible to most members. MARCEN's library and files are open for research, and they are developing techniques for analyzing UFO photographs, applying them only to cases with a high probability of authenticity.

Cover Photo Reenchanted

A section discusses the enhancement of a UFO image from a Georgia movie, shown on the cover of Volume II, Number I. The enhanced image, a 2800 times enlargement, appears to show a cigar or football-shaped object with a cockpit or cabin and a window or windscreen. The article notes the difficulty and time consumption involved in such analysis, with a desire to avoid discovering fakes like a string supporting a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the need for serious investigation into UFO phenomena, advocating for a scientific and analytical approach. MARCEN positions itself as a central hub for data collection and analysis, promoting international cooperation and transparency. The publication also champions proactive engagement with potential extraterrestrial visitors through initiatives like 'Operation Lure' and supports a shift in government policy towards acknowledging and communicating with UFOs, as evidenced by the petition to the President. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, critical analysis of evidence, and a belief in the significance of UFO phenomena for human knowledge and security.

The MARCEN JOURNAL, July 1979 issue, presents a comprehensive look at UFO activity and related phenomena. The cover prominently features a map detailing UFO reports in the USA for January 1979, under the headline "1979 UFO ACTIVITY BY MONTH." The issue includes a table of foreign UFO incidents reported from January to May 1979 and detailed maps illustrating UFO reports for January, February, March, April, and May 1979 across the United States.

Editorial and Opinion

Page 1 features a letter addressed to "MR. PRESIDENT" urging an open administration regarding UFOs. It highlights the increasing number of landings and occupant encounters and proposes that "UFOCOL," under Major Keyhoe's leadership, should be a public education campaign to prepare people for interaction with extraterrestrials. The letter suggests potential benefits from their superior technology, such as new energy sources and anti-gravity propulsion. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing friendly relations, noting that UFO occupants have not retaliated despite past armed pursuits. The letter argues that an administration capable of detente with China and the Kremlin is qualified to attempt detente with alien minds, describing them as small, non-violent, curious humanoids capable of conversation. The initiative is presented as a way to offer hope and distract from mundane issues, with a warning that failure to act could cede a military advantage to another power. The letter concludes with a call for an imaginative initiative to prepare for a face-to-face meeting with extraterrestrial leaders.

Pages 2 and 3 contain advertisements for related publications and services. "MetaScience Quarterly" offers articles on parapsychology, including secret Russian laboratories and holographic brain theory. "UFOSPACE NEWSCLIPPING JOURNAL" claims to be the world's largest and most informed source of UFO news, scanning thousands of newspapers globally. "THE UFO EXAMINER" is promoted as a magazine covering close encounters, landings, abductions, and UFO news worldwide, with a special focus on Iowa sightings. "A.P.C.I.C. UFO Clipping Service" offers complete U.S. & Canadian coverage of UFO and monster sightings. "THE NEW ATLANTEAN JOURNAL" is described as a unique quarterly magazine exploring the unknown, with a list of diverse article titles covering ancient civilizations, mysterious phenomena, and UFOs.

Pages 4 and 5 include internal MARCEN communications. A "MONTHLY MEMBER OPINION POLL" asks members to list the five most important areas MARCEN should study and how its computer capabilities should be used. It also addresses the need to change MARCEN's name due to its regional connotation and the growing national and international membership. Members are asked to indicate their attendance at the upcoming annual meeting and provide suggestions for the agenda. A discussion on membership servicing, the cost of producing the journal, and potential format changes (newprint, tabloid) is also presented.

International UFO Encounters

Pages 8 through 10 detail numerous "INTERNATIONAL UFO ENCOUNTER S" from August 1978. These reports include:

• Maiden, NC, USA (August 19, 1978): A brilliant flaming red and orange object, about 15 feet in diameter, crashed and disintegrated. NORAD and NASA agreed it was unlikely to be space debris, suggesting ionized plasma or ball lightning.
• Barkingside, England (August 19, 1978): Witnesses heard a noise and felt a vibration, then saw white flashing lights moving rapidly away. Evaluated as probable buzzing by a low-flying aircraft.
• Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France (August 20, 1978): A bright light was seen, followed by a white ball dropping and appearing as a plastic mass. Evaluated as a ruptured high-altitude balloon.
• London, England (August 20, 1978): A huge reddish ball hovered near Heathrow Airport for four days, not detected by radar. Evaluated as possibly a reflection of ground lights on smog.
• Washington, Wisconsin, USA (August 20, 1978): Residents reported UFOs with green and red lights, described as car-sized with blue and white lights. Evaluated as stars.
• Cleveland, England (August 20, 1978): A silver flying saucer shaped object with red and yellow lights was reported. Evaluated as a probable hoax.
• Stockton, Illinois, USA (August 20, 1978): A policeman observed a solid object with pulsating red light and multiple colored lights. Evaluated as stars.
• Lindsay, Ontario, Canada (August 21, 1978): Reports of a large, bright metal object hovering and then speeding away rapidly. Insufficient data for determination.
• Evansville, Indiana, USA (August 21, 1978): Security guards reported twinkling bright objects. Evaluated as Polaris.
• Crewe, England (August 21, 1978): A bright metallic object was seen flying, stopping dead, and disappearing. Insufficient data for determination.
• Cleveland, Ohio, USA (August 22, 1978): A 219-foot shiny object descended, hovered, discharged a silver spray that killed trees, and ascended. The object was circular with a bottle-shaped front. Evaluated as either a hoax or a significant unknown.
• Millville, New Jersey, USA (August 22, 1978): Two large bright objects joined, and later a large light was seen motionless, followed by a second object resembling a car with headlights. Evaluated as possibly Venus and an aircraft.
• Santiago and Mendoza, Chile (August 22, 1978): A man was hospitalized after an encounter with tall occupants wearing miners helmets. A religious procession reported a glowing object that shot away, leaving a cold breeze. Evaluated as insufficient data but not inconsistent with other unknowns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and analysis of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on international scope and data collection. The MARCEN JOURNAL positions itself as a serious investigator of the unknown, encouraging member participation and feedback. There is a clear editorial stance advocating for transparency and proactive engagement with the UFO phenomenon, as evidenced by the letter to the President. The journal also actively promotes related publications and services, suggesting a network of organizations dedicated to exploring Fortean and UFO topics. The issue highlights the ongoing effort to compile and evaluate UFO reports, aiming for scientific evaluation and informed discussion.

This issue of the magazine presents a detailed statistical profile of UFO reports from 1947 to 1978, compiled by MARCEN using their MUFOD databank and computer network. The study aims to analyze patterns in reporting to determine the nature of the phenomenon. The magazine also includes articles on other UFO-related topics and organizations.

Statistical Profile of UFO Reports 1947-1978 by Dr. Williard F. McIntyre

MARCEN's computer statistical analysis utilized MUFOD, the MARCEN UFO Databank, part of the MUPCFADN network. The analysis encompassed 26,960 UFO reports, including those from Air Force Projects Bluebook and Grudge files, UFOCAT, and Spanish compilations. The study focused on reports from 1947 to 1978, excluding readily ascertainable unknowns, except from Air Force files.

Report Volume by Year

A breakdown of total reports by year from 1947 to 1978 is provided, showing significant fluctuations, with peaks in years like 1954 (1693 reports), 1957 (1113 reports), 1965 (1246 reports), 1966 (1335 reports), 1967 (2895 reports), 1968 (1558 reports), 1973 (1423 reports), and 1978 (1068 reports).

Seasonal and Daily Patterns

The study investigated whether UFOs are reported more frequently in summer. Dividing reports into northern and southern hemispheres, it found 22,152 northern hemisphere sightings and 3,470 southern hemisphere sightings. July was the peak month for sightings in both hemispheres (16% in the north, 15% in the south). February showed the lowest number of reports in both hemispheres. The time of day analysis revealed that most total reports occurred between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. For high strangeness cases, the peak period was between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with another active period between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

Geographic Distribution

Worldwide, North America led with 59.5% of reports (16,060), followed by Europe (21.23%), South America (7.6%), and Australia (4%). This distribution is attributed to greater access to reports from North America rather than necessarily higher UFO activity. Within the United States, nine states accounted for over 500 reports each, including California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

High Strangeness and Close Encounters

Approximately 19.28% of the reports (5,199) were considered high strangeness. Close encounters of the third kind (CEIIIs) or reports of UFOs with occupants accounted for 4.07% (1,099 reports). The Bluebook files showed 778 high strangeness cases (6%) and 13 CEIIIs (0.1%). The study also examined the trend of high strangeness cases and CEIIIs over the years, comparing them to total report numbers.

Witness Demographics

The analysis of witnesses revealed that 17,524 reports involved two or more witnesses, with only 25% (9,437) coming from solitary witnesses. Among the witnesses studied from MARCEN files, 78% (24,997) were male and 22% (7,051) were female. A breakdown by age and sex shows a significant number of male witnesses across all age groups, particularly in the 10-20 age range.

UFO Characteristics and Physical Evidence

Seventy percent of the studied reports indicated a definite structured shape, with 74% being disc-like, 14% cigar-shaped, and 11% spherical or globular. High strangeness cases were often observed from less than 50 meters. A significant number of reports (14,558) indicated interaction between the UFO and the witness or surroundings. Physical traces were found in 25% of interaction reports, including imprints and depressions. Electromagnetic disturbances were indicated in 22% of reports. Other phenomena reported included heat/cold sensations, radiation, levitational effects, and witness physiological/psychological effects like paralysis and amnesia. UFOs were most commonly described as metallic, red, or orange.

Duration of Sightings and Physical Traces

Only 30% of all reports listed a duration of less than 1 minute. For physical trace reports, 14% were observed for less than one minute, and none lasted more than one hour. Landing sites often showed circular or oval shapes, with some areas burned or vegetation depressed. Magnetization and minor background radiation increases were noted. Imprints were common, often in geometric patterns. Colors reported for UFOs at night included red, blue, and green lights.

Typical UFO Encounter Profile

Based on the computer study, a typical high strangeness UFO encounter is likely to occur on a July night, between 8:00 PM and midnight, reported by three or more young males (15-20 years old). The UFO is expected to be disc-shaped, metallic, less than 200 meters away, with flashing red, white, and blue lights. Witnesses might experience heat sensations, temporary paralysis, or amnesia, and vehicle functions might cease. The encounter might last about 12 minutes, and additional witnesses might come forward later.

Other Articles and Features

APRO IS OLDEST UFO ORGANIZATION

This section details the history of APRO (Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization), founded in 1952 by James and Coral Lorenzen. It highlights APRO's evolution from subscribing to Air Force conspiracy theories to acknowledging UFO occupants and becoming an international organization. The article contrasts APRO with NICAP, noting NICAP's decline and APRO's continued existence with a diminished membership.

SWAMP GAS RIDES AGAIN

This piece discusses explanations for UFO sightings, mentioning Dr. Robert Green's nomination for the 'Dr. J. Allen Hynek Swamp Gas award' for suggesting thermal cells as an explanation. It also references an entomologist's explanation of UFOs as swarms of bugs flying through electrical fields. The article humorously questions these explanations by posing scenarios involving insect swarms causing physical depressions.

FIRST RACE REMNANTS STILL WALK THE EARTH by Dr. Ronald P. Anjard

This article explores the phenomenon of Bigfoot and similar creatures like Yetis, Sasquach, and Yowies. It suggests these creatures might be related to early human ancestors, such as 'Ramapithecus,' and speculates that they may not have become absolutely extinct.

Advertisement for "Flying Saucers: An Analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14"

This section is an advertisement for a book by Dr. Leon Davidson, which is a reprint of the full text of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14. It highlights the book's contents, including analysis, summaries, and annotated bibliographies, and offers a money-back guarantee.

UFO Clipping Service Advertisements

Two advertisements promote UFO clipping services: one from UFO Information Network in Rome, Ohio, offering a package of UFO-related materials, and another from UFO Newsclipping Service in Plumerville, Arkansas, providing monthly newsclippings of UFO reports from around the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the systematic analysis of UFO phenomena through data collection and statistical interpretation. MARCEN's stance, as presented in the main article, is that accumulating and computerizing data is crucial for understanding the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing that the current study is just the beginning. The magazine also appears to entertain various theories and reports, from scientific analysis to more speculative topics like Bigfoot and historical human ancestors, while maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach, as seen in the 'Swamp Gas Rides Again' section.

This issue of the MARCEN JOURNAL, dated January 1979, presents a comprehensive update on Bigfoot sighting reports, including the institution of monthly maps to chart these encounters across the United States and parts of Canada. The journal aims to identify potential migratory or habitory patterns of the elusive hominoid. A notable observation is that despite Bigfoot's assumed permanent residency in the Pacific Northwest, the majority of 1979 sightings were reported in the Eastern United States.

Bigfoot Sightings and Analysis

The issue highlights a report of a Bigfoot near George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, Virginia, which MARCEN exposed as a hoax. Details of this hoax are promised for the next issue. The journal also addresses reports indicating possible violence by Bigfoot, but emphasizes that there are more reports of violence by humans towards Bigfoot. MARCEN advocates for a cessation of such violence, suggesting that shooting should only occur in self-defense, as it is likely ineffective and may provoke the creature. The publication promotes finding better ways to study the phenomenon than resorting to killing.

Monthly Sightings Maps

Detailed maps are presented for Bigfoot sightings in January, February, March, April, and May of 1979. These maps visually represent the geographical distribution of reported encounters across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. The maps use '+' symbols to denote individual sightings and, in some cases, 'O' symbols to indicate concentrations of reports.

Case Reports (January 1979)

The journal provides a roundup of specific Bigfoot encounters from late 1978 and early 1979:

• Southern York County, PA (11/10/78): A deerhunter reported a seven-foot-tall human-like creature moving with incredible speed.
• Sears, Michigan (11/12/78): Robert Cook saw a large, hairy, gray animal standing on its hind legs, estimated at over 500 pounds.
• Hillsboro, Oregon (11/12/78): Deputies responded to reports of an eight-foot hairy beast peering into car windows.
• Ottosen, Iowa (11/15/78): A creature described as gigantic and smelly reportedly attacked a cat and left large tracks.
• Sears, Michigan (11/19/78): Norman Nowland saw a seven-foot-tall, 500-pound creature running from woods into a swamp.
• Kaslo, British Columbia (12/1/78): Mayor Ray Green made casts of 17-inch footprints.
• Lansing, Michigan (12/2/78): Morse Easterling reported seeing a large, hairy, ape-like beast.
• Wheeling, West Virginia (12/2/78): Beverly Fletcher found 16-inch footprints in the snow.
• Millington, Michigan (12/13/78): Mrs. Diane Meharg observed a large dark object that stood on two legs.
• Toluca, North Carolina (12/21/78): Residents dubbed a large ape-like creature 'Knobby', described as over six feet tall with black fur and a flat face.
• Kirkland, Washington (12/31/78): Diana Johnson found Bigfoot prints in an icy stream, with eight more prints found nearby.
• Bellwood and Casar, North Carolina (1/2/79): Residents continued reporting sightings of a creature previously seen near Carpenter's Knob.
• Toluca, North Carolina (1/3/79): 'Knobby' was sighted again, reportedly about six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds.
• Toluca, North Carolina (1/15/79): More sightings of 'Knobby' were reported in the Toluca area.
• Toluca, North Carolina (1/8/79): A hunter reported finding ape-like tracks at the mouth of a cave.
• Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (1/9/79): John Nutter claimed to have photographed an apparent Bigfoot, dubbed the 'Minerva Monster', but the developed film showed only out-of-focus images.
• Bloomingdale, Ohio (1/11/79): Beverly Fletcher discovered human-like footprints in the snow, 15 to 18 inches long.
• Cleveland County, North Carolina (1/12/79): 'Knobby' was reported near a cave believed to be its den.
• Polacca, Arizona (1/13/79): A 'large hairy humanoid creature with incredibly big feet' was sighted on a Hopi Indian Reservation, leaving large footprints.
• Casar, North Carolina (1/14/79): A goat was found dead with large tracks and black hair nearby; residents reported piercing screams.
• Casar, North Carolina (1/15/79): Mrs. Kay Price and her sisters saw 'Knobby' standing near the road, described as over 6'2" tall, weighing over 200 pounds, with broad shoulders and dense black and brown hair.
• Polacca, Arizona (1/28/79): Hopi police chased a creature nicknamed 'Hairy Harry'.
• Monroe, North Carolina (2/1/79): New 'eyeball' sightings of 'Knobby' and oversized footprints inspired a TV special.
• Jacksonville, Florida (2/25/79): Troopers heard about an encounter with an eight-foot-tall hairy white humanoid.
• Hopkinsville, KY (3/1/79): Kentucky State Police received calls about an eight-foot-tall creature.
• Hopkinsville, KY (3/2/79): Reports continued of a seven to eight-foot-tall creature with long brown hair.
• Ilsley, Kentucky (3/7/79): Deputies found large footprints, strange hair on a tree, and a dead dog near a cave.
• Monte Cristo, Washington (3/9/79): Six photos were taken of a blond Bigfoot standing in a swamp.
• Tunica, Mississippi (3/10/79): The Goff family reported a foul odor and a creature running around their yard.
• Tunica, Mississippi (3/11/79): The Goffs saw a seven to eight-foot creature in their yard.
• Tunica, Mississippi (3/12/79): The Goffs fired at a huge creature that pushed in their front door.
• Barriere, British Columbia (5/5/79): Tim Meissner and friends encountered a seven to eight-foot-tall creature on a lake bank, and later a nine-foot-tall hairy black creature with wide shoulders.
• Mount Vernon, Virginia (5/11/79): Residents reported inhuman screams and disappearances of items, with police and a helicopter search yielding no results.

Russian Bigfoot Reported

Dr. Ronald P. Anjard reports on the 'Chuchunaa' from Russia, a creature described as over six feet tall, emitting a piercing whistle, and being a meat-eater that steals food. It is described as having long arms, being barefoot, dressed in skins, with a large face, protruding brow, and long matted hair. Semen Nikolaeu of the Yakut Branch of the Academy of Sciences suggests the Chuchunaa may represent the last surviving remnant of 'Palaeoasiatic aborigines' of Siberia. The article posits that the Chuchunaa, Yeti, and Bigfoot might represent an evolutionary stage of man.

Soviet Scientist's View

Soviet scientist I.S. Grovich has researched the origin of the 'Arctic Wildman' (Chuchuna) and believes it to be an outcast of the Chukchis tribe of Siberia. Grovich theorizes that these individuals were banished due to tribal law and pagan cruelty, forced to adopt animal-like instincts to survive in the wilderness. These outcasts, unable to communicate with outsiders, became known as 'Wild Men' or 'Chuchuna'. Grovich spent 50 years researching this theory, explaining why only men are sighted and why they communicate in shrill screams. The practice of creating outcasts has reportedly stopped with increased education and the decline of paganism.

Papers Needed for Journal

The MARCEN JOURNAL solicits papers for publication, requiring participating members to submit at least one paper per year. Submissions should be well-documented with sources and bibliographies. The journal is particularly interested in theoretical works on unconventional subjects and will not make content changes to accepted papers, reserving only the right to make grammatical edits or reject submissions.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books:

• SASQUATCH The Apes Among Us by John Green: Hailed as a definitive work on Bigfoot in America.
• UFOs Interplanetary Visitors by Raymond Fowler: Considered a primer for aspiring UFO investigators.
• THE SECRET OF ATLANTIS by Otto Muck: A detailed hypothesis on the legend of Atlantis, with specific dating for its cataclysm.
• MURMURS OF EARTH by Carl Sagan et al.: Describes the materials chosen for the Voyager spacecraft's Golden Record.
• FLYING SAUCERS An Analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report #14 by Dr. Leon Davidson: A resource for UFO phenomenon studies, including historical data and theories.
• UFOS Messengers of Deception by Dr. Jacques Vallee: A radical theory suggesting UFOs are a hoax to create belief in an impending alien invasion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the widespread and persistent phenomenon of Bigfoot sightings, with a particular focus on mapping and analyzing these occurrences geographically and temporally. The editorial stance, as expressed by MARCEN, is one of caution against violence towards the creature, advocating for scientific study and understanding over confrontation. The inclusion of the Russian Bigfoot (Chuchunaa) broadens the scope to consider similar hominoid phenomena globally and their potential evolutionary significance. The journal also actively seeks contributions from its readership, indicating a commitment to community involvement in the study of unconventional phenomena.

This issue of the MARCEN JOURNAL, covering content from January to May 1979, focuses on two primary themes: a roundup of animal mutilation cases across the United States and an exploration into the mystery of ancient Ukrainian steles. The publication is from the Maryland Center for Investigation of Unconventional Phenomena, Inc.

Animal Mutilation Roundup

The issue begins with an "ANIMAL MUTILATION ROUNDUP" detailing a high rate of mutilations in Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico during the first few months of 1979. A veteran FBI Agent, Kenneth M. Rommel, has been appointed to conduct a year-long investigation, funded by $50,000 and overseen by Santa Fe District Attorney Eloy Martinez. Rommel plans to utilize the FBI Laboratories in Washington, D.C. for assistance and expects cooperation from local law enforcement.

Since 1970, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 mutilation cases have been reported in the U.S. At a conference in Albuquerque, some ranchers suggested the mutilations might be the work of large ranchers employing modern rustlers with helicopters to scare off smaller ranchers. Mounting evidence also points to a fleet of black-painted helicopters, designed to resemble UFOs, being partially responsible. The journal suggests this could be a case of disinformation for an unknown purpose.

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• Newavary, Cornwall, England (January 18, 1979): Bizarre deaths of animals at a zoo, including decapitated birds, showed unusually high radiation readings.
• Malaga, New Mexico (January 18, 1979): Four prize mares, valued at $15,000, were found dead with significant flesh missing from their hindquarters and necks, and one ear cut off. An autopsy suggested toxic hepatitis, possibly from plants, but could not explain the mutilations.
• Duran, New Mexico (January 29, 1979): A 200-pound angus steer was found dead with ears, scrotum, and penis removed. A circular patch of hair was missing from its ribcage, and lacerations were found inside these circles. Snow around the carcass had melted, indicating it hadn't been dead long. No blood was found, and a trapper confirmed no predators had disturbed the animal.
• Espavola, New Mexico (February 6, 1979): A 900-pound steer was found with its penis, scrotum, and ears removed. There was no apparent blood, and two small puncture wounds were found in its jugular vein.
• Harper, Kansas (February 9, 1979): An 850-pound Hereford heifer was found with one eye missing and its genitals cut out. A large amount of blood was found near a creek, and tracks of a four-wheel drive vehicle were present.
• Dulce, New Mexico (February 15, 1979): An 1100-pound bull was found with its genitals, tongue, and ears missing. A laboratory study of its body fluids revealed citric acid and chloropromazine, suggesting an anti-coagulant and a tranquilizer.
• Camp Creek, Kansas (February 14, 1979): A cow and two hogs were found killed with sex organs and body parts surgically removed, with little to no blood found.
• Atchison, Kansas (March 14, 1979): A 200-pound bull calf had its reproductive organs, tongue, and an ear surgically removed, with no evidence of natural predators.
• Pine Ridge, South Dakota (April 14, 1979): Three cows were found dead with their sexual organs removed, and no blood was present on or around the carcasses.
• Anton Chico, New Mexico (May 1, 1979): A six-year-old cow due to give birth was found dead with its udder and sexual organs sliced away.

The issue also includes maps illustrating reported animal mutilations for January, February, March, April, and May 1979, showing a concentration in the western and midwestern United States.

The Mystery of the Ukrainian Steles

This section, authored by Dr. Ronald P. Anjard, explores the mystery of ancient steles found in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Ukraine. These steles are described as rectangular stone slabs with carved anthropomorphic images and ogham script, with some speculated to have been used for astrological sightings. Over sixty such steles have been reported, with discoveries in the Ukraine, Northern Caucasus, Moldavia, Romania, and even as far west as France.

Archeologists date these steles to the Copperstone and Bronze ages (3000-2000 B.C.). The mystery deepens due to their wide distribution, which does not align with known ancient peoples. The Kernosovka stele, discovered in 1973, has led to a re-establishment of their origin to 5000 B.C., identifying a previously unknown Eastern European civilization. Lyudmila Krilova, head of the Archeological Department at the Dnepropetrovsk Historical Museum, noted the Kernosovka stele's unique detail.

Further research at the Shiroky site uncovered eleven graves dated between 3000-2000 B.C., associated with the Ingulet culture. The steles are believed to belong to this culture. Similar graves found later in the Ukraine, Moldavia, and the Northern Caucasus helped define the Ingulet territory.

Interpretations of the Kernosovka stele's symbols suggest it represents a priest, possibly with a tail, a bearded face, and pierced ears. A figure of a man with a woman's breast and a child in a womb is also depicted, potentially symbolizing a transition from a matriarchal to a patriarchal culture. Tools of early metallurgists, a crucible, primitive furnace, bow and arrow, spear, knife, stone axes, and a hoe are also carved. The back of the stele features a backbone and ribs, theorized to represent the tree of life.

Similarities have been noted between the stele's symbols and concepts in the ancient Indian Rig-Veda, attributed to Aryan tribes around 2000 B.C. The dating of the Kernosovka stele to the latter half of the third millennium B.C., found in the middle Dnieper basin, suggests a need to reconsider scholarly views on the movements of Aryan tribes.

Dr. Anjard has contacted various agencies and Russian authorities for updates but has not yet received a response.

Erratum

The journal includes an erratum explaining that due to printing at different times, some copies may have animal mutilation reports out of sequence and interspersed with UFO reports. Readers are advised to distinguish between the reports themselves and not to contact the journal about this error.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained phenomena, specifically animal mutilations and ancient archaeological mysteries. The journal presents factual reports of incidents, investigations, and scholarly research, while also acknowledging speculative theories and the ongoing nature of these mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and open-minded inquiry into subjects that challenge conventional understanding, as evidenced by the detailed reporting and the inclusion of articles on both contemporary unexplained events and ancient enigmas. The publication also promotes "Second Look" magazine, which features articles on astronomy, ancient history, and psychology, suggesting an alignment with a readership interested in unconventional discoveries.