THE CANADIAN UFOLOGIST

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE CANADIAN UFOLOGIST, Volume 3.6, published by the Mutual UFO Network of Ontario, covers the January/February 1997 period. The cover prominently features the "1996 CANADIAN UFO REPORT" by Chris Rutkowski, highlighting that Canadians reported over 250 UFOs in 1996. The issue includes articles on alien abduction experiences, historical UFO cases, and animal mutilations, alongside news from MUFON Ontario.

1996 Canadian UFO Report

Chris Rutkowski, an astronomer and science writer, presents an analysis of 258 UFO sightings reported in Canada during 1996. He notes that UFO sightings continue at a fairly constant rate, with many strange things observed in the sky that lack obvious explanations. The 1996 Canadian UFO Survey indicates a slight increase in reports over the past eight years, with approximately 190 cases annually. Western Canada showed a higher representation of reports relative to population, while the Maritimes were under-represented. There was no definite monthly trend in sightings, with reports occurring year-round. Approximately 80% of sightings involved lights in the night sky, and about 13% of reports remained unexplained, dropping to 5% for higher-quality cases. Typical sightings occurred after 9:00 p.m., often with multiple witnesses, and were more common in BC, Ontario, and Quebec. Many witnesses were pilots or police. While most cases involved star-like objects, some described disc-shaped or triangular objects. The report mentions unknown incidents such as black triangular objects buzzing houses in Quebec and BC, brilliantly-lighted objects frightening motorists in Quebec, rectangular 'spaceships' in the Northwest Territories, and a saucer-shaped object hovering beside a Manitoba farmhouse.

Rutkowski recommends further study by social, medical, and physical scientists, noting that some well-investigated cases involved unusual objects that did not appear to be conventional aircraft or balloons.

The Abduction Experience: A Dialogue in Boston

This article reviews a dialogue between Dr. John Mack and Budd Hopkins held in Boston on March 7, 1997, sponsored by P.E.E.R. and The Intruders Foundation. The event, moderated by Christopher Lydon, aimed to explore the alien abduction experience. Dr. Mack suggested focusing on five areas: the event level (the intrusive and reality-shattering nature of the experience), the informational nature of reports (concerning ecological damage, mind-to-mind contact, and hybrid breeding), the spirituality aspect (introducing a sense of universal oneness), the nature of the beings (deceptive, with changing appearances), and the societal and scientific resistance to the phenomenon. He believes that understanding the phenomenon requires expanding our notion of reality and ways of knowing, as it crosses physical and spiritual domains.

Budd Hopkins described the aliens as deceptive, using 'screen memories' to mask their true intentions and appearance. He noted that experiencers often develop low self-esteem and distrust, similar to rape victims. Hopkins also highlighted the intrusive nature of the experience, which leaves physical evidence and paranormal effects. He believes the aliens' agenda is hidden and cannot be trusted, and that their influence on the human spirit is a moral issue that should be resisted.

John Velez, who attended the event, noted that while the dialogue was informative, the moderator's handling of the Q&A session was problematic. He felt that both Mack and Hopkins were articulate advocates for the subject, and their views were closer than often perceived.

Project 1947: An Inquiry into the Beginning of the UFO Era

Jan L. Aldrich reviews UFO cases from the 1940s, focusing on the 1947 UFO wave. He discusses a 1952 letter from a doctor describing "saucer-like objects" seen near Augusta, Maine, in 1947. The objects revolved, hovered, and reflected the sun, leaving trails of smoke. Another report details a luminous elliptical object seen in Birmingham, England, in 1947. The article notes that thousands of reports from the 1947 wave have been documented by researchers like Ted Bloecher and Loren Gross. Project 1947 is an ongoing research effort that has screened over 3800 newspapers and identified over 2700 UFO incidents. The article highlights the impact of Kenneth Arnold's sighting and the Roswell incident, and how press coverage often discredited the phenomenon. It also mentions sightings continuing outside the US, particularly in South America.

From Foley's Library: Mystery Stalks the Prairie

This section reviews a book by C.R. Foley about animal mutilation phenomena, focusing on the 'Snippy' case from 1967. The book details how the animal's flesh was stripped, organs removed surgically without blood, and the procedure possibly involved a burning instrument. The article connects this to the UFO phenomena and notes that law enforcement officials have investigated such cases. The book is described as a 'cut and paste' police report, lacking critical documentation but providing circumstantial evidence of the extraordinary nature of these occurrences.

Exploring the Outer Limits of UFOs

Hugh F. Cochrane discusses the evolving nature of UFO phenomena and public perception. He contrasts historical reports of landed craft and contactees with modern interpretations, including the 'face on Mars,' the alien autopsy film, and the 'Thing Behind Hale-Bopp' hoax. He notes the shift towards spiritual interpretations, citing Michael Miley's thesis that alien encounters occur within a spiritual plenum. Cochrane also touches upon Edgar Cayce's readings about Atlantis and the 'Children of the Law of One,' suggesting that ancient advanced civilizations and their technology might be linked to current UFO phenomena and energy sources. He mentions Wilbert B. Smith's work on energy extraction from the earth and the potential for this energy to cause unexplained events, including animal mutilations and highway accidents.

The Best Canadian UFO Cases of 1996

This section presents a selection of notable Canadian UFO sightings from Chris Rutkowski's report:

• March 12, Trout Lake, NWT: Two hunters encountered two metallic "spaceships" blocking their trail, described as 30 meters in diameter with bright lights and windows.
• April 14, Caplan and St-Alphonse, Quebec: Multiple witnesses reported unusual objects, including a large object hovering over a road and one as large as a semi-trailer.
• July 17, Langruth, Manitoba: A woman saw a disc-shaped object moving slowly over her farm yard, leaving three circular patches of deep green growth.
• July 30, La Prairie, Quebec: Several witnesses reported unusual objects, including a small, green "flying saucer."
• August 10, Lake Audy, Manitoba: Two women observed a large circle of lights with smaller lights orbiting and dashing.
• August 15, Leduc, Alberta: A man saw five oval objects paced by a sixth object heading east.
• August 17, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba: A couple saw a "strange blue light" that turned out to be an object moving along the ground, emitting "flames."
• October 4, Vancouver: A witness saw a square metallic object hovering overhead with colored lights.
• October 15, Trois Rivieres: A couple saw three triangular objects, one of which aimed an intense "terrible white light" at their car.
• October 22, Calgary: A man observed a bright, "pipe-shaped" object that separated and rejoined.
• November 4, Gatineau, Quebec: A woman saw a huge triangular object hovering silently over her head.
• November 17, Vancouver: A woman and her son saw a square black object glide overhead, followed by an unusual noise and another flying object.
• December 21, Thunder Bay: Several witnesses reported seeing a black, triangular object moving slowly, described as not recognizable as a plane.

Editor's Notes and Letters to the Editors

The "Editor's Notes" section addresses changes within MUFON Ontario, including the establishment of a board of directors and apologies for publication delays. It also mentions Moira Scott's new website address and a change in mailing address. The editors encourage reader feedback and announce a MUFON Ontario fund-raiser evening on May 3rd. They also comment on the correct pronunciation of 'ufologist' and the misuse of apostrophes with 'UFOs'.

Letters to the Editors include a positive review from Rob Neilly of Toronto, who praises the magazine's layout, photos, and balanced content, particularly highlighting articles on dealing with the news media and Hugh Cochrane's piece.

Other Sections

• MUFON Ontario General Meetings: Information is provided about monthly meetings held at The Unitarian Church, with a featured speaker, Peter Sams, discussing the works of Zecharia Sitchin for the April 30th meeting.
• Quotable Quotes: Includes quotes from General Douglass MacArthur's farewell address and a classified report obtained by Wilbert B. Smith regarding flying saucers.
• Oechsler Planning a Comeback?: This brief item questions the potential return of Bob Oeschler, a former NASA 'Mission Specialist,' to ufology, referencing his appearance on a British UFO TV program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alien abductions, and related phenomena within Canada and internationally. There's a strong emphasis on research, data collection, and the analysis of reported cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific and social study of the phenomenon while also acknowledging the lack of definitive explanations for many cases. The publication seems to advocate for a broader understanding of reality to accommodate these anomalous experiences. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards sensationalism and hoaxes, while still valuing genuine witness accounts and investigative efforts. The magazine also highlights the organizational activities of MUFON Ontario.