Swamp Gas Journal - 1979 Volume 1 Number 5

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: V.1 #5
Date: September 1979
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
Country: Canada
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal features several articles on UFO phenomena, lake monsters, and other fortean topics, primarily focusing on events and research relevant to Canada.

In the Mountains

The editor recounts a personal experience during a vacation in Alberta, Canada. While visiting Priddis, Alberta, a known "UFO lookout" area, the editor and other observers witnessed a phenomenon on a July evening between ten and eleven o'clock. Looking westward towards the mountains, they saw four or five white lights on the interface between the sky and clouds. These lights were stationary but winked on and off intermittently. While the phi phenomenon presented some illusion of motion, the lights themselves did not move. They were at the limit of naked-eye visibility, and low-power binoculars did little to resolve them into discernible objects. The editor suggests that these lights were likely reflections of distant ground lights, though the precise angles are not obvious. He notes that these lights conform to descriptions given by an RCMP officer who observed similar phenomena through a telescope during a major UFO incident in Priddis on October 13, 1974. In that incident, a woman reported a domed disc hovering 100 feet above her home, which then flew off with a loud roar. The RCMP observed three starlike objects, one of which was potentially the retreating object. The article also mentions that the original witness from the 1974 incident was scheduled for a television appearance but vanished, and the editor did not pursue this aspect further as he was on vacation.

And now, Velikovsky!

While in Lethbridge, Alberta, the editor met Dr. E.R. Milton, described as an extremely well-informed Velikovskiian. Dr. Milton, a professional astronomer, has written papers for Kronos and Pensee and incorporates Velikovsky's theories into his university courses. He and the editor discussed their shared amusement, Carl Sagan, who has publicly ridiculed UFOs and Velikovsky's theories. The conversation also touched upon recent research concerning the Foucault pendulum, which Dr. Milton noted varies from predicted behavior over long periods, leading to discussions on gravity and inertia. This encounter left the editor impressed with the Velikovsky controversy. The article also briefly mentions a recent issue of Nature (August 16, 1979) describing an apparent fossil record of a second Earth moon, named Selena.

Socioexobiology

This section introduces the concept of socioexobiology, defined as the study of the sociological and psychological aspects of exobiology. Exobiology itself is the study of extraterrestrial life. A new research guide by Martin Sable, "Exobiology: a Research Guide," includes nine sections related to UFOs. The editor justifies the inclusion of UFOs in such a study, arguing that even if UFOs are not extraterrestrial spacecraft, they represent a visible display of human reaction to the idea of contact. Socioexobiology examines the reactions of individuals who claim UFO experiences or direct humanoid contact. The editor notes that many astronomers believe sentient life exists elsewhere in the universe, making contact plausible. He finds this field of study fascinating and may pursue research in it.

Manipogo Revisited

This article discusses lake monsters, specifically in Manitoba, Canada, noting that while technically Unidentified Underwater Objects (UUOs), they are generally considered separate from UFO publications but related to "Forteana." The editor expresses interest in Manitoba Forteana and examines a recent report in the scientific publication Science by Dr. W.H. Lehn of the University of Manitoba. Dr. Lehn suggests that many lake monster sightings may be attributed to atmospheric visual distortion of floating logs and small animals. His theory is based on data from R.P. Mackal's book "The Monsters of Loch Ness" and studies on atmospheric refraction near water surfaces. Lehn found that many lake monster photographs resemble distant objects distorted by atmospheric conditions. However, he clarified that his research was in its infancy and did not involve in-person investigations. His theory is most applicable to objects viewed at approximately one kilometer but would falter in close encounters, drawing a parallel to UFO explanations using atmospheric distortion. The article notes that attempts to obtain an original photograph of Manipogo were unsuccessful. A cursory examination of a copy suggested that atmospheric distortion might not be a suitable explanation, as the presence of a boat's prow in the photo implies a close viewing distance. The possibility of fabrication or the monster itself being fabricated is raised. Dr. Lehn remains open-minded about Manipogo but believes its existence is unlikely due to insufficient evidence to rule it out entirely.

A VISIT BY SASQUATCH

This section reports on Bigfoot (Sasquatch) activity near Steinbach, Manitoba. A local farm family experienced visits beginning in June 1979, hearing rustling noises and smelling "terrible" odors near their home. On July 12, 1979, a younger family member reportedly saw an 11-foot tall, hairy creature. Large footprints were found and photographed by the RCMP, who initially believed the creature was a bear. A bear was indeed shot and killed in the area in August, and an RCMP spokesman suggested the odor might have been from a dead cow found nearby. This is the first reported Sasquatch incident from the Steinbach area, with most reports coming from further north or east. A local Sasquatch investigator estimates at least thirty-five credible Bigfoot sightings in Manitoba, with only seven in UFOROM files. The article suggests these incidents might be due to several bears or other animals in hiding, noting a recent increase in skunks and rats in urban areas.

The issue concludes with the editor thanking Mrs. Barbara Westcott for her assistance in typing the journal and providing the journal's mailing address: The Swamp Gas Journal, Box 1918, Winnipeg General P.O., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 3R2. The copyright is attributed to Chris Rutkowski 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of anomalous events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and reports without definitive conclusions, particularly in the cases of lake monsters and Sasquatch. The editor demonstrates an interest in scientific explanations (like Dr. Lehn's theory) but also acknowledges the limitations of current understanding and the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in the psychological and sociological impact of these phenomena, as evidenced by the discussion of socioexobiology. The journal also engages with fringe theories, such as Velikovsky's, by interviewing proponents and discussing their ideas, while also acknowledging mainstream skepticism (e.g., Carl Sagan).