Swamp Gas Journal - 1981 Volume 2 Number 2

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 2, Number 2
Date: April, 1981
ISSN: 0707-7106
Publisher: The Swamp Gas Journal
Country: Canada

Article: UFO Research by Wally Nilssen

Nilssen opens the issue with personal reflections on UFOs, emphasizing that the journal is an account of personal experiences in ufology. He poses fundamental questions about UFOs: their nature, origin, purpose, and potential identities (interstellar immigrants, time travelers, life forms from other dimensions, or endtime indicators). He notes that sightings of lights in the sky date back to prehistory, with evidence found in cave paintings, folklore, and religion across various continents. Nilssen highlights a marked increase in the frequency and variety of UFO sightings and encounters over the past 30 years. He asserts that UFO research is gaining recognition and credibility, with knowledgeable research teams worldwide working to understand this phenomenon. He also mentions the establishment of communication networks among researchers to facilitate information flow, which he sees as a positive step towards solving this mystery. Nilssen believes that through the efforts of 'free-thinkers' who are moving beyond conventional thought, research in this field will become more analytical and theoretical, aided by new methods and scientific equipment.

Article: A Nocturnal Light UFO by Vladimir Simosko

Simosko recounts a personal experience from a warm summer night in 1957. While stargazing with a friend, they witnessed a bright blue-white flashing light that moved erratically across the sky. The object changed direction abruptly and repeatedly, without warning or alteration in speed, color, or intensity. The entire observation lasted only a few seconds. Simosko and his friend sketched the object's path, unable to identify it. He initially dismissed such tales as science fiction but later, after the Condon report generated interest in UFOlogy, he identified his experience as a 'nocturnal light' phenomenon. He states that this incident made him unable to deny having seen a UFO or dismiss others' claims, despite the skepticism of those who haven't witnessed unusual events.

An accompanying diagram illustrates the UFO's path, showing flashing beginning 'out of nowhere', a series of abrupt turns, and flashing ceasing with no further phenomena, with stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair indicated.

Article: Birth Pain

This section discusses Hal Lindsey's book, "The 1980's: Countdown to Armageddon," which warns of a coming crisis and references the Book of Revelations. Lindsey suggests that UFOs are among the 'strange conditions' predicted by Jesus, describing them as real and potentially guided by intelligent alien beings. The article posits that during the 'last days,' demons might use deception, possibly staging a spacecraft landing and claiming to be extraterrestrials to convince scientists of their benevolent nature, thus leading the world into error regarding God. The author also references Gene Barry and the 20th Century UFO Bureau, noting Barry's past suggestions that UFOs observed in Israel were angels. The author expresses mixed feelings, acknowledging the concept of the devil in Catholic teachings and the basic aspects of Revelations. While acknowledging that many predictions seem to be coming true (wars, violence, famines, economic collapse), the author questions whether conditions are truly worsening or if this is a cyclical pattern. The author also questions the connection of UFOs to these predictions, suggesting that UFOs have enough trouble gaining acceptance from science.

Article: DO I BELIEVE IN WHAT?

Guy Westcott, of NOAP. UFOROM, shares his perspective on UFOs, stating he is not a firm believer that every unexplained object is a spacecraft, but believes the number of sightings warrants scientific investigation. He recounts three separate occasions where he witnessed objects for which he has no sensible explanation. He defines an 'unidentified flying object' (UFO) as such to the observer until it is identified as an 'identified flying object' (IFO). Westcott has approximately 300 sighting reports in his files, with CE1 (Close Encounter of the First Kind) being the most common. He details a specific CE2 case from August 27, 1979, in Marshall County, Minnesota. Deputy Sherriff Val Johnson reported a solid white light with defined edges swooping down on his patrol car, causing him to lose consciousness for 39 minutes, resulting in welders burns to his eyes and an uneasy feeling. Westcott, an investigator on the scene, interviewed Johnson twice and found his story consistent. Initially, Westcott considered ball lightning as a possible explanation, but later concluded it was a controlled craft with intelligent intent. He quotes Carl Sagan on the vastness of the universe and the possibility of other advanced civilizations.

The article includes a detailed police vehicle damage report for a Ford L.T.D., listing damage to the headlight, bumper, hood, windshield, roof sidelight, dome light, and antennas. A transcript of the report, including photographs, can be obtained by sending $2.00 to a specific P.O. Box in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Article: Recent Items of Interest

This section reviews Margaret Sachs' "The UFO Encyclopedia" (1980), comparing it to Ronald Story's "Encyclopedia of UFO's." Westcott finds Sachs' encyclopedia to be of lower quality, poorly organized, and frustrating to use, with cases listed by location rather than in an easily identifiable manner (e.g., the Betty and Barney Hill case listed under New Hampshire). He criticizes the inclusion of reviews of UFO-related science fiction movies, deeming them terrible and suggesting the reviewer did not actually watch the films. The review also notes the common problem of outdated addresses and telephone numbers, including his own name with an incorrect address.

Westcott concludes by hoping someone will produce a "third Encyclopedia."

The issue also includes correspondence addressed to "Archives for UFO Research" in Norrköping, Sweden, from The Swamp Gas Journal in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal experiences and research into UFO phenomena. There's a consistent effort to legitimize UFO studies as a serious area of inquiry, moving away from purely science fiction interpretations. The journal presents a mix of personal accounts, case studies, and reviews of related literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the unexplained aspects of UFO sightings while also critically evaluating resources like encyclopedias. There's a subtle tension between scientific investigation and the potential for religious or even demonic interpretations of the phenomenon, as seen in the discussion of Hal Lindsey's work. The journal encourages readers to consider the evidence and the possibility of advanced intelligences beyond Earth.