Swamp Gas Journal - 1978 Volume 1 Number 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: #2
Date: December 1978

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, a fanzine prepared by Chris Rutkowski, focuses on UFO-related topics and broader themes of science fiction and space exploration in popular culture. The publication appears to be a "one-shot" that may continue, indicating a potential series.

Store Wars!

The lead article, "Store Wars!", discusses the increasing commercialization of space themes in advertising. It highlights examples like a jeweler's ad and a chocolate bar, but focuses on Eaton's "Space Odyssey" exhibition in Winnipeg. This two-week event showcased space paraphernalia, including moon rocks, Russian and U.S. space hardware, and astronaut displays, alongside science fiction, UFOs, astrology, and the character Darth Vader. The author, who also represented the Manitoba Planetarium at the exhibition, expresses dissatisfaction with not receiving payment for their hours, with the donated glossies of UFO photographs being the only compensation.

Fort Garry Incident

The journal details a significant event on October 22nd, around 8 P.M., where a bright red light was observed hovering over Fort Garry, Manitoba, by hundreds of residents. The object eventually exploded with a loud noise that shook houses. Police were baffled, and while Dr. MacNamara of the NRC suggested it was a meteor, witnesses reported seeing it for over three minutes. The following morning, police announced the incident was a hoax, involving two balloons filled with helium and acetylene. One balloon passed dangerously close to a jet airliner. The author interviewed witnesses and officials, noting that some clearly saw metallic-appearing discs around the red light. The case was ultimately filed as an IFO (Identified Flying Object).

UN-Con II Planning

The author announces their involvement in organizing the next Winnipeg Science Fiction Society convention, tentatively named "UN-Con II," planned for the end of May, possibly the 26th. It is envisioned as a one-day event with an added costume social in the evening, aiming for success similar to UN-CON I. There are plans to invite a popular science fiction writer as a guest speaker and to host a UFO table manned by the author to answer questions.

"Hard Science" and Hecla Island Eclipse

Shifting to "hard science," the author mentions an upcoming trip to Hecla Island in February 1979 with their wife, Lois, for vacation and to view the last total solar eclipse of their lifetimes in the area. They are booked into the Gull Harbour Resort and will be part of a group of international scientists. Dr. J. A. Hynek and other astronomers and solar specialists are expected to attend, creating a "mini scientific convention."

Wilbur Smith and Project Magnet

The journal features a segment on the late Wilbur Smith of the National Research Council (NRC) and his involvement with Canada's UFO investigation projects, Project Magnet and Project Second Storey. Smith is described as a brilliant man who designed devices for electromagnetic research. His intense interest in UFOs led the government to establish an array of detection devices at a research station. These devices reportedly detected a large, invisible object. Smith's public statement about detecting an unidentified flying object led to him being stripped of responsibilities. The article highlights Smith's claims of contact with a "space brother" named AFFA, who was concerned about nuclear weapons testing. Smith also claimed to have seen alien-piloted saucers and that aliens sent "monitors" (basketball-sized robot scouts) to his home. The Canadian government reportedly kept Smith on staff, suggesting they believed his claims. Other stories surrounding Smith include alleged CIA ties and a "secret strongbox" of documents.

Cattle Mutilation in Manitoba

A brief mention is made of a "cattle mutilation" story from Teulon, Manitoba. A farmer reported missing cattle that were later found in a charred state, with the RCMP unable to explain their deaths. The author notes that none of the initial theories involved UFOs, but suggests it could be an interesting case to follow up.

James Oberg and UFO Reporting

James Oberg, a writer for OMNI magazine's "UFO Update" column, is praised for his objective approach to UFO reporting. The article notes Oberg's review of misidentifications, including Jimmy Carter's sighting and the "Father Gill" case in New Guinea, where a missionary and natives observed a disc-shaped object. Oberg's interview in Beyond Reality Magazine's UFO Update is also highlighted, where he successfully defended himself against an interviewer's attacks.

Project UFO and "Bugged!"

The author comments on an episode of "Project UFO," describing it as a "comedy show." The episode depicted a South Dakota incident involving a fluorescent tube-shaped object depositing small objects in a cave, one of which tested as pure magnesium. The author recalls that "Project UFO" often led viewers to believe Blue Book could explain everything, but notes that "flying saucers" were scarce on the show, with "Star Wars" craft being more prevalent.

Scientific Correlations: UFOs and Budworms

A paper by P. Callahan and R. W. Mankin published in Applied Optics is discussed. It suggests a definite correlation between UFO sightings and infestations of spruce budworm moths. The paper posits that light produced by swarms of these insects in an electric field, under certain conditions, could be mistaken for UFOs. The authors even suggested that checking UFO reports could provide information on tracking insect migration.

The Lubbock Lights

The "Lubbock lights" incident in Texas from the 1950s is recounted. College professors studying micrometeorites observed a "y"-shaped formation of green lights. Hundreds of witnesses reported similar phenomena. Project Blue Book (or Project Grudge) investigated and concluded the lights were migrating, low-flying plover (ducks) whose bellies reflected streetlights. This explanation was met with ridicule, and attempts to duplicate the photographs failed. Alternative explanations include L. Jerome Stanton's theory in his book "Flying Saucers: Hoax or Reality," which proposed the lights were caused by streetlights reflecting off the wings of low-flying moths.

Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

The author concludes that publishing "The Swamp Gas Journal" is interesting but time-consuming and energy-intensive, acknowledging potential typos and grammatical errors. A plug is given for the Manitoba Planetarium, where the author's research contributed to a seven-foot-high plexiglass map of UFO sightings. Special thanks are extended to Mrs. T. Oliver for typewriter use and Mike Hall for printing assistance. The issue was prepared in December 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena, often with a critical or skeptical eye, while also acknowledging the public's fascination. There's a clear interest in debunking hoaxes (like the Fort Garry incident) and exploring scientific explanations (like the budworm moths and Lubbock lights), but also in presenting intriguing cases (like Wilbur Smith's research) that suggest deeper mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence, while maintaining a grounded approach, as exemplified by the author's role at the Planetarium and their engagement with "hard science" topics like eclipses. The publication also reflects an interest in science fiction culture, as evidenced by the convention planning and references to popular sci-fi elements like Darth Vader and "Star Wars."