Swamp Gas Journal - 1979 Volume 1 Number 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 1, Number 4
Date: June, 1979
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
Country: Canada
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal, dated June 1979, focuses on anomalous phenomena and UFO-related incidents primarily occurring in Manitoba, Canada. The publication notes a significant decrease in reported UFO sightings for the current year, contrasting with a previous 'flap' that lasted several years. The issue includes investigations into ground anomalies, aerial sightings, and a review of scientific attitudes towards UFO research.

Holes in the Ground, et al

This section details several intriguing incidents:

Teulon, Manitoba Incident (December 1978)

A man driving near Teulon reported seeing a flash of colored light shift from red to green, followed by a green glow in a field. Days later, he discovered a large (15-20 ft. diameter) hole in the area. The National Research Council's (NRC) 'meteorite investigator' visited the site and concluded the hole was not from a meteorite but possibly from 'heavy digging equipment,' without interviewing the farmer. Subsequent investigations by the Manitoba Centre for UFO Studies revealed the hole was dug by the owner with a caterpillar tractor. However, the initial flash of light and the glow remain unexplained, though the flash might be attributed to a bright fireball.

Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba Incident (November 1978)

A man near Lac du Bonnet heard a loud crash and a mild 'earth tremor.' The next day, he found an 18-20 inch diameter hole in the center of a frozen-over dugout, with ice cracked in zig-zag rays. The NRC did not believe a meteorite caused it, suggesting an air or gas bubble breaking through the ice, but asked the man to report any findings when the pond drained.

More Bugs

This article revisits the phenomenon of 'bug-falls,' referencing a 19th-century event in Winnipeg noted by Charles Fort and reported in *Scientific American*. A similar event occurred on August 27, 1978, where the air was filled with flying insects identified as winged male and female ants, including fifteen queens and over four hundred males, cleaned from a pool. An unnamed professor from the University of Winnipeg explained it as a natural occurrence of multiple colonies releasing new queens and males simultaneously, though he could not fully identify the specimens. The similarities between the old and recent incidents are highlighted as striking.

Interlake Region Sightings

Investigations are ongoing in Manitoba's Interlake regions due to a continuous stream of UFO sightings. One case from January 12, 1968, involved a lone witness in an Interlake town who observed a slow-moving object, roughly the size of the full moon, with a green 'ball' body and a solid orange 'tail.' The object moved towards the witness on a northeasterly course and was in view for at least 20 seconds. The witness speculated it was traveling between microwave towers. A sketch of the object was reproduced, drawn over ten years after the incident. The investigation of this sighting is noted as interesting, with the local RCMP officer observing the investigators from a distance.

In Clear Daylight

On February 21, 1979, a daytime fireball was observed from several northern Manitoba communities, notably Thompson. The brilliant bolide was seen shortly after 8:00 AM and left a visible smoke cloud. Triangulation suggested the meteorite may have landed east of the Nelson River, between Cauchon and Cotton Lakes.

Where Have All the UFO's Gone?

This section addresses the dramatic decrease in UFO sightings in Manitoba during the current year (1979), noting that the 'flap' from 1975 had seemingly ended. The author expresses surprise, especially considering the Great Flood of 1979 affected much of the Red River Valley, leading to increased air traffic (helicopters and light planes), yet no UFO reports were called in.

Citation Classics

This segment introduces a new feature reviewing significant scientific articles relevant to ufology. The first review is of Ron Westrum's article, "Social Intelligence About Anomalies: The Case of UFO's" (*Social Studies of Science*, Vol. 7, 1977). Westrum discusses how scientists gather information on UFOs and how their methods influence acceptance or rejection of UFOs, stating that "scientific beliefs are...determined by current scientific and engineering doctrine." The article also covers UFO experiences, the contagious nature of reports, and the scientific community's focus on detecting radio signals from extraterrestrials while often dismissing the possibility of their physical spacecraft.

Just in Time

As the issue went to press, two independent UFO reports were received. On June 18, 1979, two witnesses observed a "brilliant" red flashing light in the southern sky. The object was initially stationary, then performed irregular maneuvers at low speed before speeding off eastward. The witnesses described it as "different than a plane" and reported no engine sounds.

Book Review: Messengers of Deception

The author reviews Jacques Vallee's book, *Messengers of Deception* (1979), describing it as a potentially disturbing work that represents a "furthest swing to the left" in ufology. Vallee's theory of "conditioning" suggests that contactee reports deserve more attention, proposing that UFOs might represent manipulation by super-secret government agents. The book also touches upon cattle mutilations and is recommended for serious researchers, though not for casual readers.

Coverup

The author discusses reports of government cover-ups of UFO incidents, noting that such stories often come from individuals with connections to those "high up." These witnesses are hesitant to speak openly for fear of reprisal. The author attributes apparent government cover-ups partly to "ineptitude" and "tangled, bureaucratic, applied logic," but personally believes a cover-up exists, citing uncovered government documents by organizations like CAUS and Canadian researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, ground anomalies, and the broader context of UFO research. There is a consistent focus on investigating and reporting specific cases, often with a critical eye towards official explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging both unexplained events and the skepticism or potential obfuscation from scientific and governmental bodies. The review of Westrum's article and the discussion on government cover-ups highlight a critical perspective on how UFO information is handled and perceived within scientific and official circles. The publication encourages serious research and presents a balanced, though often skeptical, approach to the subject matter.