UFO Canada - vol 1 no 6

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO CANADA
Issue: VOLUME ONE NUMBER SIX
Date: DECEMBER 1977
Publisher: UFO CANADA
Country: CANADA
Language: English

This issue of UFO CANADA delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring an editorial on the cultural impact of UFOs, scientific approaches to research, and reports on sightings and governmental attitudes.

Editorial: Close Encounters and Public Perception

Assistant Editor Robert Sapienza opens the editorial by noting an active period for UFO research both locally in eastern Canada and worldwide. He dispels the myth that UFOs are not seen over populated areas, though acknowledges the limited details in many cases make firm conclusions difficult. Sapienza highlights an escalation in Close Encounters of the first and second kind, leading into a discussion about the upcoming Columbia Pictures film, 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Sapienza expresses a need to examine both positive and negative aspects of the movie, even before viewing it. He anticipates that the film might lead to a public overreaction, similar to Orson Wells' 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, where everyday objects might be mistaken for UFOs. He fears that the positive impact on UFOlogy could be offset by a wave of misidentifications and public panic. He also expresses concern that the credibility gained by UFOlogy in recent years might be lost. Furthermore, Sapienza predicts that the advertising world will 'cash in' on the movie with novelty items and that numerous films on the subject are in production. He also touches upon the potential psychological fears the movie might trigger in some individuals.

Despite these concerns, Sapienza concludes that in the long run, the movie will likely have positive results that outweigh the negatives, and reiterates the magazine's commitment to providing original ideas and stories.

UFOs and Their Effects on Animals

This article by Howard Gontovnick explores the reactions of animals, particularly dogs, to UFO sightings. It posits that dogs may act as UFO detectors due to their sensitivity. Several anecdotal accounts describe dogs howling, frothing at the mouth, or retreating in terror when UFOs are present. The article extends this observation to other animals like birds, ducks, chickens, turkeys, sheep, cattle, horses, and cats.

A specific case from Montreal, Quebec, on January 6, 1977, describes a Mrs. Florida Malbeouf observing an oyster-shaped craft hovering and landing on a roof, while her dog began howling and running in circles. The author questions whether dogs can detect sounds emitted by UFOs, such as high-intensity signals or microwaves, which might cause a paralyzing effect. Another account tells of a Frenchman whose dog retreated as if partially paralyzed after seeing a UFO on the ground.

The article references a sighting in Tranas, Argentina, on October 21, 1963, where six UFOs were observed, and a local farmer reported that three of his dogs and two dozen fowl were frightened and paralyzed by a revolving beam of light. The author suggests that UFOs might have the ability to paralyze through microwaves, citing tests on small animals and the Barney & Betty Hill case involving high-pitch noises. The article also notes that in some cases, animals do not return to normal after a UFO incident, avoiding areas where a UFO had been. Theories for this avoidance include bad odors or oily residues, though rain seems to normalize the situation. The conclusion is that animals exhibit extreme fear of UFOs, but the cause remains a mystery, possibly related to radiation.

References are provided for further reading, including works by Jacques Vallee, Dr. Allen Hynek, and James M. McCampbell.

NASA Rejects UFO Study

This news feature reports that the U.S. space agency, NASA, has rejected a request from the White House to reopen government investigation into the UFO phenomenon. NASA administrator Robert Frosch stated in a December letter to presidential science advisor Dr. Frank Press that such a study would be "wasteful and probably unproductive." NASA indicated it would analyze "bona fide physical evidence from credible sources," but stated such evidence has "NEVER been found."

Dr. Press had asked NASA in July 1977 to become a focal point for renewed interest in UFOs and to set up a panel to examine the enigma. However, Frosch concluded that a research activity without a disciplinary framework and exploratory technique would be wasteful and unproductive due to the absence of tangible or physical evidence for laboratory analysis. UFO CANADA states it will continue to monitor the situation.

Mediagrams: International UFO News

This section provides a round-up of recent UFO news from around the world:

• France Takes UFOs Seriously: The French National Center for Space Studies (CNES) has created a research group to study the UFO phenomenon. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Director of the Center for UFO Studies, has been asked by the French government for cooperation, noting that the French effort will be properly funded, unlike some other initiatives.
• Landing Site Discovered? Betty Hill reported observing five landed UFOs within the past year near Kingston, New Hampshire, USA. She has refused to disclose the exact location to prevent excessive traffic. Several people have visited the area and reported seeing strange objects, with one reporter photographing a UFO.
• Gairy's Bid for UFO Study Failed in UN: The ambassador from Grenada expressed disappointment that the United Nations was unwilling to allocate $16,000 to study UFOs. Ambassador Franklin Dolland argued that understanding UFOs was vital to solving global social and economic problems, but received only a promise that the proposal would still be studied.
• Soviet Astronomer Explains UFO Over Russia: Professor Vladimir Krat of the Pulkova Astronomical Observatory explained a mysterious light over Russia (previously reported as baffling Soviet scientists) as likely a rocket stage burning up or a cosmical sputnik. The town of Petrozavodsk, where the light was seen, is near the Plesetsk launch complex, and the Soviets had launched Cosmos 955, a military intelligence monitoring spacecraft, on the same day.
• More On: The Committee of Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal: This group, based in New York, aims to clean up paranormal cults. A spokesman, Robert Sheaffer, discussed the committee's views on UFOs, suggesting the phenomenon is a kind of religion. Other members mentioned include Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov. The committee's publication is 'The Zetetic'.
• Mediagram Notes: A four-hour UFO documentary titled 'We are not alone' aired on CJFM radio in Montreal, featuring guests like Dr. Hynek and Steven Spielberg. A course on UFOs will be offered in the Toronto area by Henry McKay. NBC (USA Television) is set to air a new series called 'PROJECT UFO' in February 1978, a dramatization of Project Blue Book investigations.

Seven Maxims of UFOs: A Scientific Approach (Part 6)

Peter Millman's article discusses the nature of UFO data and unexplained sightings. He argues that the existence of a "hard core" of unexplained cases does not necessarily prove a mysterious presence, as clues can be lost over time. Millman states that the majority of unexplained UFO cases lack sufficient factual data for a rigorous scientific study.

He then presents three cases where initial sightings were later explained: strange lights over Lubbock, Texas, identified as plover reflecting mercury-vapour lights; ghostly lights in Norfolk, England, identified as owls covered in phosphorescent fungus; and iridescent globes in the sky, identified as migrating spiders using balloon-like webs. The article concludes that while some cases remain unexplained, many apparent UFOs have mundane explanations.

Sightings From Canada

This section compiles recent UFO sightings reported in Canada:

• July 2, 1977, Cambridge, Ontario: Two boys photographed a UFO that remained stationary for approximately five minutes, emitting flashing red lights. The object had a dark domed image with two vertical apertures.
• August 14, 1977, 13 miles N.E. of Goodspirit Lake, Yorktor, Saskatchewan: Four witnesses observed a brilliant light (UFO) that changed colors (red, green, yellow, mauve) and moved erratically. Two beams of light suddenly shone down, illuminating a large area.
• August 19, 1977, Gairloch, Pictou County, Nova Scotia: Several people witnessed a strange, stationary light in the night sky that descended and appeared as a large white glow, making no sound. Local RCMP could not offer an explanation.

Notice

This section contains administrative information. A supplement mailed with the November issue should be disregarded. The subscription cost remains unchanged: $6 in Canada & USA, and $3 in other countries (air mail included). Beginning with the January issue (Volume #2), new changes and improvements will be implemented. The correct mailing address for all correspondence is provided: UFO CANADA, P.O. Box 145, Chomedey, Laval, Quebec, Canada H7W 4K2.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the impact of UFOs on public perception and media, the analysis of UFO sightings with a focus on Canadian reports, and the challenges of UFO research methodology. The editorial stance, as expressed by Robert Sapienza, is one of cautious optimism regarding the long-term benefits of UFO awareness, while acknowledging potential negative public reactions and the need for objective analysis. The magazine aims to present original research and diverse viewpoints on UFOlogy.