UFO Canada - vol 3 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO CANADA, dated March 1979 (Volume 3, No. 3), is a journal of Canadian UFO/IFO studies published by UFO CANADA. The cover headline focuses on 'EXPERIMENTAL BALLOONS & THEIR EFFECTS ON UFO REPORTS,' suggesting a deep dive into how common aerial objects might be mistaken for UFOs. The issue includes diagrams of common balloons and a summary of UFO/IFO reports from March 1978.

Experimental Balloons and UFO Reports

The lead article explains that unfamiliarity with various types of balloons is a major cause for UFO reports. It references classified U.S. Navy experiments in the late 1940s with 'SKYHOOK' balloons, which were initially unexplained by the Air Force, leading to confusion until 1950. The article emphasizes the need to understand different balloon types, their construction, and performance.

Neoprene Balloons

Neoprene or rubber balloons, commonly used for carrying radiosondes (instrument boxes transmitting meteorological data), are described. These balloons start at six feet in diameter and expand to about 60 feet at their float altitude, capable of reaching over 80,000 feet. They have a rapid climb rate of 1,000 feet per minute and are highly reflective. These are common in Canada for weather observation and scientific studies, launched by meteorological stations, military posts, airports, and universities. They are visible up to 20,000 feet and require optical aid at higher altitudes. Their launch is usually preceded by a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).

Other Balloon Types

Smaller 'super-pressure' ghost balloons, often spherical, carry minimal payloads and can expand significantly with altitude, reaching up to 10 feet in diameter at 60,000 feet. They can remain aloft for months and are subject to leaks. Polyethylene balloons, filled with a gas bubble ranging from 20-70 feet in diameter, can reach 10,000 feet with a 20-foot bubble and expand as outside air pressure decreases. These have been used for studying cosmic rays, meteorological conditions, and even human reactions to high altitudes in the 1950s. Their maximum diameter can range from 60-250 ft., with some reaching 300-400 ft. for larger payloads. Visibility varies, with common radiosonde balloons visible up to 2-4 miles in daylight. Polyethylene balloons absorb sunlight and scatter it, making them visible. They are generally not seen at night unless equipped with lights, but can be visible before sunrise or after sunset if high enough to reflect sunlight. Flights are terminated by command, causing the balloon to burst and the payload to parachute down. Malfunctions can lead to continued flight.

Balloons Inspiring UFO Reports

The article details two specific cases where balloons likely caused UFO reports:

1. April 1, 1960: Residents along the U.S. East Coast reported a bright yellow streak of fire and a red sphere. This was later explained as the rocket launch of the Echo satellite prototype, a 100 ft. silver inflatable balloon, with the fire being the rocket and the red sphere the balloon reflecting the setting sun.
2. April 30, 1969: Over Puerto Rico, numerous people and airline pilots observed a slow-moving, steady white light, described as triangular, oval, or cigar-shaped. Interceptors were dispatched, but the object appeared much higher than their altitude. It was eventually identified as an ordinary Neoprene balloon carrying a radiosonde.

The article concludes that balloons are not only used for scientific experiments but are also responsible for many UFO reports, sometimes being used as convenient scapegoats by authorities, though some reports remain unexplained.

Special Report: Psychological Explanations for Close Encounters

This section, Part 3 of 5 by Keith Basterfield, presents a possible psychological explanation for certain close encounters. It includes five selected reports from a larger list:

1. July 1967, Palma, Spain: A daughter reported seeing two small figures with large heads and eyes at her window, leaving footprints.
2. July 18, 1967, Boardman, Ohio, USA: Rev A DePolo reported a loud noise and a 5ft. tall figure in a luminous 'space suit' in his driveway, which then vanished.
3. June 22, 1972, Logrono, Spain: A student witnessed a luminous object enter his room, emit a beam towards a radio and tape recorder, and then vanish.
4. October 15, 1973, Omro, Wisconsin, USA: A witness reported three humanoid figures materializing, examining him with an oval object, and later finding lights on and sheets folded.
5. October 17, 1973, Pikesville, MD, USA: A woman saw a red, transparent object with a bubble and a human figure after hearing an explosion.

Recent Reports From 1979

This section compiles UFO/IFO sightings from January 1979 across Canada:

• Maritime Canada (Nova Scotia): January 12, a stationary white object moved into clouds, leaving a vapor trail.
• Newfoundland: January 17, an oval object, grey with flashing lights and antennae, was observed for two hours.
• Quebec: January 20, three oval objects (red, green, blue) moved in a straight line.
• Ontario: January 15, a bright grey light bounced and disappeared; January 6, a round grey object with yellow flashing light hovered briefly.
• Saskatchewan: January 4, a cylinder-shaped object, dull green with a yellow glow, hovered over a creek.
• Alberta: January 15, a cameraman videotaped a glowing cigar-shaped object, later suggested to be a prank or a jet aircraft vapor trail.

Canada UFO/IFO Summary For March 1978

A map and table present the distribution and types of UFO and IFO reports for March 1978. The data shows a total of 34 UFO reports and 38 IFO reports, with 5 reports unclassified. The breakdown by province includes Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.

Summary of Reports of Interest for March 1978

Specific reports from March 1978 are highlighted:

• Quebec (March 23): Three people in a car observed a grey round object with a dome, hovering and emitting a whistling sound.
• Ontario (March 9): One man observed three crescent-shaped objects with flashing lights for about 55 minutes.
• Ontario (March 6): Tommy and Alden Dodge observed a round grey object with yellow flashing light that disappeared quickly.

Notice to Readers and Bibliography

The issue includes a notice that a list of recommended UFO books will be mailed to readers with the April 1979 issue. Copies of a report by Keith Basterfield on the disappearance of an Australian pilot are available upon request. A bibliography of UFO-related material is provided, listing works by Philip Klass, Donald Menzel, and Lyle G. Boyd.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance is to report facts objectively. It encourages both skeptics and believers to examine all available data, suggesting that a rational approach could lead to a more objective understanding of the subject. The recurring themes include the misidentification of aerial phenomena, the analysis of UFO reports, and the presentation of recent sightings and historical cases. The publication also maintains access to daily NOTAM summaries across Canada, which include military activity and balloon launchings.