UFO Canada - vol 2 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO CANADA
Issue: VOL.2 NO.3
Date: March 1978

This issue of UFO CANADA provides a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, with a focus on Canadian sightings and investigations. It includes a year-end review of 1977, details on government projects, and reports from various locations across Canada.

Project Second Storey - Files Released

The lead article discusses the declassification of files from 'Project Second Storey,' a Canadian government initiative from 1952-1953 aimed at investigating UFO reports. The project, chaired by Dr. O. M. Solandt, aimed to determine if the frequent occurrence of sightings discounted the theory of hallucinations. Despite initial plans for regular meetings and a more active approach to the phenomenon, the project was terminated. The committee concluded that the observational material did not lend itself to a scientific method of investigation due to the impossibility of independently checking details. The Department of National Defence recently declassified a portion of these files, containing interesting cases dating back to 1947.

Dr. Hynek Speaks in Montreal

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies, addressed an audience of 300 in Montreal on March 18, 1978. He presented slides of UFO/IFO photographs and cartoons depicting social attitudes towards the phenomenon. Dr. Hynek also discussed the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and the current status of UFO research globally. He stated, "Canada has more UFO reports per capita than the United States." Following his presentation, a panel debated the UFO question, including a professor of biology, a doctor of education, a psychic, a clergyman, and an Anglican minister. A potential joint effort between the Center for UFO Studies and UFO CANADA was discussed to improve reporting and research techniques in Canada.

UFO Over Roxboro, Quebec

This section details a sighting by Mrs. Norma R... on November 27, 1977, at approximately 8:00 p.m. She observed two yellow glowing lights and a smaller red glow moving towards a cemetery. The lights' motion did not resemble an airplane or helicopter. The object returned around 8:30 p.m., and Mrs. R... observed it through binoculars, noting it was part of a grey, football-shaped object with yellow lights at each end and a red light in the middle. The red light intensified and produced a ray towards the ground. The object then moved towards her and disappeared. Mrs. R... contacted local radio stations CFCF and CKO without satisfaction. Her husband later also witnessed the object, describing it as a solid bright glowing yellow light.

1977: Year In Review

• This segment provides a summary of significant UFO events in 1977. Key points include:
• Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, proposed a UN committee to study the UFO phenomenon, but the proposal was withdrawn due to lack of interest.
• Dr. Peter Sturrock's survey of American Astronomical Society members revealed that 53% believed the subject warrants further investigation, and 56% had personally made sightings.
• NASA was asked by the White House to investigate the UFO phenomenon but concluded there was insufficient evidence for a scientific committee.
• The first International UFO conference was held in Acapulco, Mexico, but did not go as planned.
• June 24th marked the 30th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's sighting, which coined the term 'flying saucer'.

UFO Photographed Over Quebec

This article recounts an incident on March 18, 1978, involving Jacques Lavoie and Richard Huot in Park LaVerendrye, Quebec. They observed an object falling from the sky at high speed, described as a bright blue, comet-like object leaving a fiery trail. The UFO hovered at an altitude of 500-1,000 feet for about 20 seconds, during which Lavoie photographed it. He described the object as 'wobbling.' It then rose rapidly and disappeared. The investigation by UFO CANADA faced difficulties in obtaining the photographs and further details, partly due to the witnesses being advised to seek the highest bidder. The report notes that aviation authorities found no balloon activity or inversion conditions.

Australia - Tasmania Year End Report (1977)

Published by the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre, this report details 144 investigations in 1977. Venus was a common cause of sightings in the first half of the year, along with meteorite and space debris. Unusual events included a possible electrical discharge and flocks of starlings causing confusion. The majority of unexplained cases occurred between February and July, with May and June being particularly active.

Canadian Sightings - February '78

• The magazine details several UFO sightings reported in Canada during February 1978:
• Case #1 (West Flamborough, Ontario): Three school girls saw a shiny saucer-like object with four legs moving slowly, followed by a yellow flash.
• Case #2 (Near Kingsville, Ontario): A couple and brother observed a triangular-shaped object with white and colored lights gliding over fields.
• Case #3 (Near Kingsville, Ontario): Two boys reported a large, pure white light moving towards them while snowmobiling.
• Case #4 (Ontario): A married couple and daughter watched a bright orange light skipping across the sky, which stopped and then rapidly disappeared.

A summary indicates that as of March 15, 1978, UFO CANADA had received 11 reports for February (7 UFO reports, 4 IFO reports).

Canada February Map of UFO/IFO Activity

A map illustrates the locations of reported UFO and IFO (Identified Flying Object) sightings across Canada for February 1978. The map shows 7 UFO reports and 4 IFO reports for February, totaling 11 reports. An update for January shows 17 UFO reports and 6 IFO reports, totaling 23.

Bookshelf

• This section reviews several UFO-related publications:
• The Hynek UFO Report by Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Recommended for its documentation of Project Blue Book, nocturnal lights, radar visuals, and close encounters.
• Canadian Psychic UFO Researcher: A monthly publication offering reference for those interested in the UFO/psychic connection.
• The UFO Examiner: Advertised as a magazine with complete coverage of UFOs, including close encounters, landings, abductions, and news from around the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena in Canada. The magazine actively collects and reports sightings, encourages scientific inquiry (as exemplified by Dr. Hynek's work), and highlights the challenges in obtaining official recognition or detailed information from government bodies. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and a desire to bring credible UFO reports to public attention, while also acknowledging the difficulties and potential for misidentification (IFO reports). There's a clear emphasis on Canadian UFO activity and the efforts of organizations like UFO CANADA to track and disseminate this information.