Swamp Gas Journal - 1987 Volume 4 Number 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SWAMP GAS JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 4, Number 1
Date: March, 1987
Publisher: UFOLOGY RESEARCH OF MANITOBA (UFOROM)
Country: Canada
ISSN: 0707-7106

This issue of The Swamp Gas Journal marks its return after a significant delay, with the previous issue dated July 1986 but released in the fall of that year. The current issue, dated March 1987, serves as a catch-up, addressing numerous events significant to ufology and Forteana.

Editorial and News

The editorial highlights the passing of Jim Lorenzen, whose book series was foundational to early UFO research. It also mentions William Streiber's upcoming book "Communion" and Budd Hopkins' work on abductees, noting Stanton Friedman's positive assessment of Hopkins' television appearance.

Stanton Friedman's lecture tour in Canada is detailed, including his stops in Winnipeg as part of "Celebration '87: The Leading Edge." Friedman gave two talks: one on nuclear energy awareness and another on Flying Saucers, with the latter drawing a larger audience. The author also participated in the event, speaking on Arms Control and Verification in Outer Space. The article notes the importance of tracking systems in resolving satellite shapes and their implications for UFO studies.

Research and Theories

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to critiquing Michael Persinger's tectonic strain theory of UFOs. The author notes that Persinger continues to publish articles on his theory despite increasing criticism regarding its lack of substance. Steuart Campbell's article, detailing the debate between Persinger and his critics, is mentioned. The author expresses satisfaction that their own papers on the TST have received attention and that Claude Mauge's assessment, stating the theory "simply does not hold up under scrutiny," aligns with their views.

On a lighter note, the author mentions teaching a short course on Astronomy and Space Exploration at the University of Manitoba, reflecting on interesting facts, such as the Apollo 13 launch and accident dates.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Lorette, Manitoba Sightings

Three separate UFO incidents are detailed, all involving a witness referred to as "M" for anonymity.

• January 15, 1987 (Case 870115.1): While driving south on Provincial Hwy. 207 near Lorette, M observed a bright light that resolved into a large object, estimated to be 120-130 feet in length, with a wide fuselage, wings, and turbines. It displayed bright white lights and a large, red, hypnotic light on its underside. The object appeared to be gray or green and made of "sheet metal." It traveled alongside M's car, then stopped and hovered, later moving rapidly to a new position. M, frightened, drove to his house, and the object hovered over his car before accelerating northwest towards Winnipeg. M's family confirmed he was agitated upon waking them.
• January 29, 1987 (Case 870129.1): Approximately 2:30 AM, a witness driving from Winnipeg to Lorette saw an object similar to the one in Case 870115.1. The witness stopped and flashed headlights, and the object appeared to respond by reversing direction and moving towards him, appearing to be within two miles.
• February 2, 1987 (Case 870202.1): Around 2:30-3:00 AM, a witness observed an "upside-down, crescent-moon-shaped object" that was glowing white with a yellow halo. The object appeared to have flames shooting from its underside, which the witness believed provided propulsion. The witness was hesitant to describe it due to its unusual appearance.

UFOROM Investigation

An article in the Winnipeg Free Press newspaper prompted UFOROM (Ufology Research of Manitoba) representatives to contact the Manitoba Planetarium regarding recent UFO cases. The Planetarium spokesman, identified as the Director of the Manitoba Centre for UFO Studies, stated they did not know the witnesses' names and had only learned of the incidents via telephone calls. After three weeks without contact from the Planetarium, UFOROM investigators took it upon themselves to travel to a sighting location near Winnipeg. They identified the witness and discovered the Planetarium had not conducted any investigation beyond receiving the initial call.

Roy Bauer's Comments

Investigator Roy Bauer provides further comments on the "M" case (870115.1). He rules out a hoax and considers the possibility of an experimental military craft, but notes its movement and description defy comparison to known craft. Bauer leans towards the explanation that the object was a mental projection or an observation of intelligent life capable of manipulating perception. He suggests a correlation between proximity to the object and its non-threatening appearance, inferring that nearer encounters result in less strange phenomena.

Other Content

The issue includes a listing for "DWARF RAPES NUN FLEES IN UFO," a novel of journalism by Arnold Sawislak, described as an outrageous and funny novel about a newspaper takeover, blackmail, murder, and mayhem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Swamp Gas Journal appears to focus on detailed reporting of UFO sightings, particularly within Manitoba. It actively engages in critical analysis of ufological theories, such as Persinger's TST, and highlights the efforts of independent researchers and organizations like UFOROM. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and skepticism towards unproven theories, while also acknowledging the significance of UFO phenomena and the need for further study. There is an emphasis on investigative journalism and providing a platform for researchers and witnesses.