UFO Quebec - No 01 - 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: Volume 1, Number 1
Date: First quarter 1975
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC Association
Country: Canada
Language: French (original), English (translation)

This inaugural issue of UFO-QUEBEC marks the launch of both a new magazine and a non-profit association dedicated to the serious investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in Quebec. The magazine aims to be the indispensable information and communication organ for this endeavor, publishing field investigation results, discussions on hypotheses, and relevant documents with objectivity and rigor. The editorial emphasizes the complexity and potential danger of the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing it from sensationalized mythology and stating a conviction that beings from elsewhere are visiting Earth, a conclusion reached by anyone who has studied the UFO dossier.

Editorial Stance and Association Mission

The editorial, penned by Editor-in-Chief Norbert Spehner, introduces UFO-QUEBEC as a quarterly magazine focused on information and research concerning UFOs. It highlights the traditional isolation of UFO researchers in Quebec and stresses the need for a structured, team-based approach. The UFO-QUEBEC association was founded by thirteen initial members, including experienced investigators like Wido Hoville (MUFON, APRO, NICAP collaborator), Claude Mac Duff, Philippe, Paul, and Jean-Louis Blaquière, and Marc Leduc. They are supported by scientific advisors Don Donderi (Psychology), Jeff Holt (Biology), and Marcel Constantin (Physics). The association seeks to expand its membership with qualified individuals, particularly those with expertise in sample analysis, photographic analysis, radiation measurement, atmospheric phenomena, and celestial body identification. A primary goal is to establish a vast network of observers and investigators to cover more territory and increase the chances of documenting significant cases. UFO-QUEBEC intends to collaborate with major international organizations in the field.

Key Articles and Investigations

The Rougemont Case (Le cas de Rougemont)

Investigated by Philippe Blaquière, this report details an observation on September 20, 1972, near Montagne de Rougemont, Quebec, by a witness named 'Monsieur X' and two other individuals. The witness, initially a skeptic, describes a brilliant, luminous sphere appearing around midnight. As he approached, the object became more defined, appearing as a metallic sphere with rings, resembling Saturn, approximately 8 inches in diameter from 2,500 feet away. The object moved slowly, imitating a pendulum's motion, and emitted no sound. The witness also noted a color change from aluminum white to rose pale and then rose dark, pulsating rhythmically. The experience was deeply unsettling, causing the witness to feel terror and an incredible anguish. The object eventually ascended vertically and disappeared at high speed, creating a powerful downdraft.

The Saint-Mathias-de-Chambly Case (Le cas de Saint-Mathias-de-Chambly)

Investigated by Wido Hoville and Philippe Blaquière, this case involves an observation on the night of October 5-6, 1973, near Saint-Mathias-de-Chambly, Quebec. The witnesses, an elderly couple (Mr. and Mrs. R...) and a neighbor, initially mistook a powerful spotlight for police activity. Later, around 11:35 AM, they observed a round, yellow object, about 75 feet in diameter, hovering at 1,550 feet. A smaller object, about a quarter of the size, emerged from the larger one. Five humanoid figures, described as about four feet tall, were seen moving between the two objects. The witnesses noted that the occupants wore helmets and their suits were the same yellow color as the objects, which had blurred contours. The incident lasted between twenty and twenty-five minutes. The investigation found a burned circle of flattened grass, approximately 55 feet in diameter, with smaller traces leading to a smaller circle. The daughter of the witnesses reportedly fell ill with a headache and vomiting, suggesting possible radiation effects.

The Drummondville Case (L'atterrissage et des Humanoïdes à Drummondville)

Reported by Marc Leduc, this incident occurred on June 25, 1974, near Drummondville, Quebec. The case came to light through a radio interview with Jean Roy, who presented an extraordinary local UFO case involving a landing and humanoid observation. After initial hesitation from the witnesses due to privacy concerns, an investigation was conducted. The observation began around 1:15 AM. The witness heard three loud thuds outside their mobile home and saw a red, rotating flash in a field. A glowing creature, described as having two arms, two legs, and a red body formed of superimposed red rings, appeared outside the window. The witness could not recall the head due to the intense luminosity. The creature appeared to be staring, and the encounter lasted for a brief period. The witness later experienced a severe headache and vomiting, similar to the Saint-Mathias case.

Other Sections

• Cover: The cover features a stylized drawing of a humanoid figure, a flying saucer, and a celestial body, with the title "UFO-QUEBEC" and "informations recherches". The issue number and price are also displayed.
• Table of Contents (Sommaire): Lists the articles, including editorials, investigations into specific cases in Quebec and Canada, and articles on skepticism, UFO processes, and press reviews.
• Announcements: Includes a "Petit Lexique" of common UFO-related abbreviations (N.I.C.A.P., A.P.R.O., M.U.F.O.N., G.E.P.A., L.D.L.N., U.F.O.) and a note about protecting witness anonymity.
• Requiem Science-Fiction Fantastique: An advertisement for a science fiction fanzine published in Quebec, detailing subscription information.
• Photo Dossier: A section dedicated to photographs.
• The Trinidade Object: A brief mention of a UFO object seen over Trinidade, Brazil, on January 16, 1958, with a comparison made to the Rougemont case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of UFO sightings and landings, the appearance of humanoids, and the physical traces left behind. The magazine emphasizes a serious, objective, and scientific approach to ufology, distancing itself from sensationalism and myth. The editorial stance is clear: the UFO phenomenon is real, complex, and warrants thorough investigation, with a strong underlying belief that Earth is being visited by extraterrestrial beings. The publication aims to foster collaboration among researchers and the public to advance understanding of this "enigma of the century."

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, Volume I, Number 1, dated December 1974, with a cover headline about a skeptic becoming an adherent, delves into the world of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) with a strong focus on Canadian sightings and research. The magazine presents itself as a platform for information and investigation into ufology, aiming to bring the subject into mainstream acceptance.

Key Articles and Content

The Quebec Landing Case

The issue details a significant event that occurred in Quebec, involving a UFO landing, occupants, and subsequent traces. The witnesses, a couple, described a red flashing object with a rotating red light that landed in a field. They observed strange creatures and later, several "robots" aligned in formation. The event lasted for about three hours, with a strong wind accompanying the observation. The description of the flying object includes an oval shape with a prominent dome, illuminated by yellow lights, and supported by three large, red, shiny legs. The landing site left three circular traces with an appendage, where the grass was spiraled and the center suggested pressure.

Personal Account: From Skeptic to Believer

A compelling narrative recounts the experience of Geof Gray-Cobb, a former NASA technician who worked at the South African Deep Space Instrumentation Facility. Initially a skeptic, Gray-Cobb's encounter with an anomalous radio signal emanating from the sky, which he and his colleagues initially attributed to the Mariner 4 space probe, led him to believe in the existence of UFOs. The incident involved an unprecedented increase in signal intensity, baffling the engineers and leading to the disappearance of data from the event. This experience, coupled with the perceived secrecy surrounding such events within NASA, transformed his perspective.

UFO Sightings Across Canada

The magazine provides a comprehensive list of UFO sightings reported across various Canadian provinces in 1974:

• Ontario: Sightings reported in Glen Robertson (July 15), Muskoka Centre (July 22), Cedar Valley (July 28), Dongola (August 5), Dixie Road (August 14), and Glamour Lake (August 20). These reports describe objects of various shapes and colors, moving silently or at high speeds, and sometimes accompanied by unusual phenomena.
• Alberta: A sighting near Daisy Creek on August 17 involved an object that changed shape and color.
• Saskatchewan: On September 1, a farmer reported five disc-shaped objects hovering above his field, leaving distinct circular traces.
• British Columbia: On October 15, an 11-year-old boy photographed a silver circular UFO performing unusual maneuvers.
• Ontario (again): A sighting on October 22 near Markham Road described a large green object with blinking lights.

UFO Research and Information

• "Le Procès des Soucoupes Volantes": Claude Mac Duff discusses his book, which aims to inform the public about ufology in Quebec and present UFOs as a significant phenomenon. The book highlights regular UFO activity in Quebec, sightings of humanoid beings, a major power outage attributed to UFOs, and the challenges faced by researchers.
• "En Bref..." (In Brief...): This section covers several points:
• A $6,000 grant from Ottawa for UFO research by John Musgrave, indicating a growing seriousness from the government.
• A statistical analysis by David Saunders suggesting UFO activity follows a 61-month cycle.
• A series of articles on UFOs published by the newspaper "Le Droit" in Ottawa.
• "La Revue de Presse" (Press Review): This section reviews recent articles and books related to UFOs, including:
• An article in "Science Digest" about the "Jupiter Effect" and its potential consequences.
• An article in "Québec Science" about extraterrestrials, criticized for its inaccuracy regarding the Villas Boas case.
• Mentions of Charles Berlitz's book "The Bermuda Triangle" and an article linking Sasquatch to UFOs.
• A review of "Saga's UFO Report" collection, highlighting articles on various UFO phenomena.
• A critical look at an article in "Etudes" that downplays the importance of UFO research compared to other scientific issues.
• A reference to a "Rapport Condom" (likely a misremembered reference to the Condon Report) with negative conclusions.

Guidelines for UFO Observation and Reporting

The magazine provides detailed instructions for observers:

• During an Observation: Stay calm, be objective, take notes, photograph the object with reference points, draw a sketch, and if possible, collect physical evidence like soil or grass samples.
• Encountering Occupants: Do not approach, try to photograph them, observe without being seen, and remain calm and non-aggressive if approached. Note physical details, costumes, and behavior.
• Preliminary Report: Include name, address, phone number, date, location, time, duration, atmospheric conditions, object description (shape, color, size, visible details), maneuvers (speed, direction, changes), distance, sound, other witnesses, and any supporting evidence like photos or news clippings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across Canada, the tangible evidence left behind (landing traces, witness testimonies), the potential for extraterrestrial visitation, and the ongoing struggle for scientific and public acceptance of ufology. The editorial stance is clearly pro-ufology, advocating for serious research and dismissing skepticism as outdated. The magazine positions itself as a vital source of information for those interested in the phenomenon, encouraging active participation and reporting from its readers. There is a strong emphasis on the need to take UFOs seriously as a major issue of our time, with the potential to open new perspectives for humanity's future.

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: VOL. I NO. 1
Date: January 1975
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Language: French (with English translations for key sections and summaries)

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, dated January 1975, focuses on international UFO information, exploring the reasons behind the public's perceived lack of interest in the phenomenon, statistical trends in sightings, and intriguing photographic and theoretical developments.

The Public's Lack of Interest in UFOs

Don Donderi, from the Department of Psychology at McGill University, addresses why UFOs, despite widespread belief in their reality (53% in a 1974 Canadian poll), play a minor role in public conversation and scientific inquiry. He identifies three main reasons: unpredictability, lack of respectability, and inconsequentiality. Donderi argues that nature is not always predictable (citing weather as an example) and that UFOs are, in fact, more predictable than commonly thought, citing statistical predictions like Aimé Michel's 'Orthoteny' and the approximately five-year cycle of sighting reports. He suggests that using prediction to actively 'catch' UFO events could revolutionize the field from a passive statistical study to an active search.

Respectability, he notes, is a rapidly disappearing problem. While UFOs are recognized across society and receive respectful media attention, they are often dismissed as not newsworthy unless special circumstances arise. However, intelligence agencies may have had a long-standing interest, and the Canadian government's funding of a UFO studies research fellowship signifies a move towards active respectability. Donderi criticizes scientists like Professor Carl Sagan for deeming electronic communication with extraterrestrials 'respectable' while dismissing UFO evidence as not convincing enough, calling this attitude "unrespectable."

Finally, inconsequentiality is discussed. Despite reports of abductions and near-collisions, serious consequences following UFO sightings have been intermittent, making them seem like a fleeting idea rather than an experience for most people. This lack of perceived consequence leads to them being ignored in favor of more immediate concerns. Donderi also touches upon the limited tenable hypotheses for UFOs, as summarized by J. Allen Hynek, including mental phenomena, unknown natural laws, or extraterrestrial artifacts. He suggests that the personal, religious, political, and social consequences of acknowledging a powerful alien intelligence might be so emotionally upsetting that people prefer to ignore or deny the evidence, a form of 'repression'.

International UFO Information

A Wave of Observations in 1973

An article by Wido Hoville presents preliminary statistics on a significant increase in UFO observations during the latter half of 1973. This wave was particularly noted in the United States, France, and Canada (especially Quebec), but indications suggest it was a global phenomenon. The data was compiled with the collaboration of international groups like MUFON and APRO in the US, and LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT in France.

Two key observations emerge from the accompanying graph: Firstly, the wave in Western Europe began in October and peaked in December 1973, with LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT reporting 60 observations in Europe, including numerous landing cases, close encounters, and aerial sightings, often with multiple witnesses, including police officers. Secondly, the sudden increase in UFO activity is directly correlated with the proximity of the planet Mars, with the Earth-Mars distance (represented by a dotted line in astronomical units) shown alongside the sighting frequency.

Photo Dossier: UFOs Over Montreal

A photographic case is presented featuring a photo taken by Michel Imbeault on August 5, 1973, at 5:30 AM, overlooking the south shore of Montreal. Imbeault, a student, was photographing the sunrise when he observed a squadron of at least ten bright lights moving from the southwest to the northeast. He managed to take a photo just as the objects disappeared over the horizon. No sound was heard during the observation, which occurred near the Longue-Pointe military camp. In November 1973, Imbeault showed the series of photos to Marc Leduc, an investigator for UFO-QUEBEC, who recognized the exceptional importance of this photographic evidence.

The technical details of the photograph are provided: Date: August 5, 1973, 5:30 AM; Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Film: Kodak type 160, color slide; Camera: Argus Cosina STL 1000; Lens: Cosina auto No. 728021; Shutter Speed: 1/1000, aperture 4-5.6; Filter: VIVITAR 49 mm skylight IA.

Revolutionary Engine?

An article discusses Professor Eric Laithwaite of Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, who is reportedly exploring the secret of antigravity. Laithwaite experimented with a motor using two gyroscopes. When spun at high speed, a 20-pound system weighed only 15 pounds. He attributes this weight loss to the effect of gyroscopic rotation. Theoretically, such a machine could negate gravity, potentially powering interstellar spacecraft. The article notes the familiar elements of this research to UFO observers: gyroscopic motion, gravity suppression, antigravity, and electric motors, posing the question of whether Laithwaite has inadvertently uncovered the secret propulsion of UFO visitors.

More on UFOs...

This section briefly mentions an article from MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEWS titled "DO UFO'S REALLY EXIST?" by David Marlowe. A pertinent quote compares the futility of a jet plane trying to intercept a UFO to a child attempting to destroy a tank with a slingshot.

UFOs in Argentina

South America is described as a frequently visited region. On January 5th, several witnesses in Rosario, Argentina, observed a squadron of 8 flying saucers. The objects were seen flying at prodigious speed without emitting any sound. Witnesses included a police officer and a civil servant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific and public perception of UFOs. The magazine actively promotes the idea that UFOs are a legitimate subject of study, challenging the notion that they are inherently unpredictable or unscientific. It highlights statistical evidence and photographic documentation as crucial for advancing the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for greater scientific rigor and public acceptance of UFO phenomena, while also exploring theoretical possibilities like antigravity. The inclusion of international reports and the focus on photographic evidence underscore a commitment to presenting credible, albeit often unexplained, data. The concluding quote from Charles Fort, "The greatest of mysteries: why don't they show themselves openly to us?", encapsulates the enduring enigma of UFOs and the persistent human desire for answers.