The Swamp Gas Journal

Magazine Overview

Title: The Swamp Gas Journal
Issue: Volume 1, Number 9
Date: August 1980
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
ISSN: 0707-7106

I Feel the Earth Move

This section discusses Michael A. Persinger's article published in *Perceptual and Motor Skills* (V. 50, 1980, pp. 791-7), which explored the predicted relationship between earthquakes and the number of UFO reports in a given area. The author applauds Persinger's effort but questions the meaningfulness of associating UFOs and earthquakes, suggesting that if they were manifestations of the same force, psychic events and other fortean phenomena should also be included. The article raises the possibility that earthquake lights might be responsible for many UFO reports. However, it points out the difficulty in distinguishing earthquake lights from UFOs due to their similar characteristics and the fact that earthquake lights are rarer. The author notes that Persinger did not find strong correlations, questioning whether all UFO reports or only unknowns were used in his study.

The Green Moon

This article reports on a UFO sighting described by Philip A. Stahl in the *Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada* (V. 74, no. 3, pp. 168-72). Two individuals witnessed a green ball of light, the size of the Moon, flying among clouds over Barbados. Stahl's article attempts to eliminate hypotheses, including the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), and concludes with an explanation of ball lightning. The author of *The Swamp Gas Journal* finds Stahl's quick dismissal of the ETH disturbing, noting it is a common attitude in such discussions. Stahl's dismissal is based on three points: only two people saw the light (visible for only two seconds), one witness stated it did not seem metallic, and the author "is inclined to agree with....Sagan against" UFOs as extraterrestrial spacecraft.

My own calculations, based on Stahl's data, suggest the ball lightning might have been as close as 20 meters. Even if Stahl's 50-meter estimate was correct, the apparent movement between clouds was due to their line of sight. Stahl admits significant uncertainty, yet concludes it was a rare occurrence of ball lightning. The author expresses uncertainty about the object's true nature, acknowledging that ball lightning is poorly understood. The article also criticizes Stahl for proposing the acronym "TOPA" (Transient Optical Phenomena of the Atmosphere) to replace UFO, suggesting it was an attempt to make the subject more respectable for the scientific community.

Bearden and the Mutes

This brief note mentions that Thomas Bearden was featured and quoted in *Macleans Magazine* (July 21, 1980) in an article about cattle mutilation, with the author lamenting the media's tendency to make such affairs seem ludicrous.

The Madonna and the UFO

This section discusses a painting from the 15th century, titled "The Madonna and St. Giovannino," which reportedly features a disc-shaped object hovering in the background. The painting is attributed to Filippo Lippi or his school. The author notes that while halos are depicted around individuals and the Holy Spirit is shown as a dove, the object does not resemble a dove or a cloud. The style is compared to Filippino Lippi, and the author wonders if this painting could be a "key" to the UFO mystery.

Two 1980 'Unknowns' from the UFOROM Files

Teulon, Manitoba (CEL Case 800399.1, Late March 1980, 0030 hrs): A single witness in a hospital bed saw a "football-shaped" object, estimated at 30 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height, with multicolored "Christmas lights" along its upper edge. It was seen gliding silently towards the southeast. The object briefly turned on four white "windows" revealing four "people" with short hair and normal features. The object was about 150 feet away and traveled out of view in 2-3 minutes. It reappeared fifteen minutes later, traveled westward, and then returned eastward fifteen minutes after that. The witness called a nurse to observe a fourth return, but it did not occur.

Tilston, Manitoba (NL Case 800718.1, July 18, 1980, 0100 hrs): The primary witness was awakened by a loud noise and saw four round, white lights, described as "two cars side by side," in a sunflower field about a mile away. The lights moved as a group from left to right, occasionally passing behind trees, for 15-20 minutes before abruptly going out. After 5-10 minutes, the lights reappeared and began rising slowly. A second witness confirmed seeing the lights in the field after they had descended. The lights were approximately 45 degrees in elevation. After about 10 minutes, they went out. The next morning, a third individual reported hearing a "whirring" sound. Examination of the field revealed no marks or tracks.

Attack of the Flying Saucers

This section is a personal collection of science fiction novels dealing with flying saucers and associated phenomena. It lists numerous authors and titles, including works by Paul Adler, Eando Binder, Martin Caidin, Robert Heinlein, George H. Leonard, Steven Spielberg, and others. The author states they are looking for more such books and notes that while some are presented as fact, others are hoaxes. The section also touches on the role of science fiction in ufology, mentioning Ray Palmer and *Amazing Stories*, and how science fiction influences public perception of UFOs as extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Closing Remarks

The editor expresses thanks to Guy Westcott for printing assistance and notes that the issue is copyrighted by Chris Rutkowski in 1980. The mailing address for The Swamp Gas Journal in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is provided, along with a partial address for "Arkivet för UFO-Forskning" in Sweden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of correlating UFO sightings with other events like earthquakes, the analysis of specific sightings (ball lightning, hospital sighting, field lights), and the influence of science fiction on public perception of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be critical of hasty dismissals of the ETH, encourages thorough investigation, and acknowledges the role of speculative fiction in shaping public understanding of the subject. There is a clear interest in cataloging and analyzing UFO reports and related phenomena.