UFO Quebec - No 10 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: 10
Date: 1977
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Language: French
ISSN: 0317-9311
Price: $1.00

Editorial Stance and Content Summary

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, number 10 from 1977, delves into the growing phenomenon of UFO sightings and research, particularly within Quebec. The editorial, penned by Norbert Spehner, opens with a question about whether 1977 will be an exceptional year for ufology, referencing Dr. David Saunders' theory of observation waves and noting a significant increase in cases, especially around Montreal. The magazine highlights the importance of public collaboration and vigilance in reporting sightings.

Key Articles and Reports:

• Enquêtes au Québec (Investigations in Quebec): This section features various reports from different regions of Quebec.
• Rapports de Philippe Blaquière: Details observations, including those of Marc Leduc, Philippe Blaquière, and Monique Benoit, covering regions like Montreal, Saint-Bruno, Rougemont, St-Hilaire, St-Hyacinthe, Joliette, and Berthierville.
• Les Observations de Sainte-Dorothée: A detailed account of a close encounter involving a landed disc, luminous phenomena, and multiple witnesses, classified as a 'Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind'. The case was initially reported in the newspaper Montréal-Matin.
• Outremont: A report by Wido Hoville describes two luminous discs observed over Parc Saint-Viateur in Montreal, with descriptions of their appearance and movement.
• Enquêtes (Investigations): Further reports from various investigators.
• La Science et les UFOs: An article exploring the scientific perspective on UFOs.
• Informations Internationales: This section covers UFO-related news from abroad.
• Suède: Dossier Photo: A photo report from Sweden.
• Roumanie: UFO information from Romania.
• À Travers le Canada (Across Canada): Reports from other Canadian provinces.
• UFO en Saskatchewan: A report from Saskatchewan.
• Courrier (Mail): A section for reader correspondence.
• Informations: General news and updates.

Specific Case Details and Observations:

The magazine presents numerous detailed witness reports, often categorized by date and location:

• Premier Rapport (First Report): On March 13, 1977, two diurnal objects were observed near La Tuque, described as playing chase above an aviation field.
• Deuxième Rapport (Second Report): On April 15, 1977, a triangular formation of UFOs was seen near Beloeil, moving at high speed.
• Troisième Rapport (Third Report): On April 16, 1977, four discs in a line formation were observed near Saint-Hyacinthe, with a similar sighting reported near Rougemont.
• Quatrième Rapport (Fourth Report): Details observations in Douville.
• Cinquième Rapport (Fifth Report): On April 17, 1977, a V-formation of five croissants was observed near Saint-Hyacinthe, moving at high speed.
• Sixième Rapport (Sixth Report): Also on April 17, 1977, two croissants side-by-side were seen near Saint-Hyacinthe.
• Septième Rapport (Seventh Report): A V-formation of three discs was observed moving at high speed.
• Huitième Rapport (Eighth Report): A single croissant-shaped object was reported near Saint-Hyacinthe.
• Neuvième Rapport (Ninth Report): Two discs following each other were seen near Beloeil.
• Dixième Rapport (Tenth Report): Another observation by the same witness as the ninth report, near Beloeil.
• Onzième Rapport (Eleventh Report): On April 17, 1977, seven people from the same family reported seeing luminous objects of various formations (single lights, pairs, formations of 3, 4, and 6) near Saint-Jérôme.
• Douzième Rapport (Twelfth Report): On April 18, 1977, an observation in Saint-Joseph de Saint-Hyacinthe.
• Treizième Rapport (Thirteenth Report): Two croissants were observed near Saint-Joseph de Saint-Hyacinthe.
• Quatorzième Rapport (Fourteenth Report): Two croissants were seen near Beloeil.
• Quinzième Rapport (Fifteenth Report): A croissant-shaped object was observed near Saint-Hyacinthe.
• Seizième Rapport (Sixteenth Report): On May 1, 1977, two young professors reported seeing a round, luminous object near La Tuque, described as having a reddish glow and moving slowly.
• Dix-septième Rapport (Seventeenth Report): On May 6, 1977, a teenager reported seeing a group of luminous, oval-shaped objects moving at high speed near Saint-Jean d'Iberville.

Challenges and Editorial Concerns:

The editorial highlights several challenges faced by UFO-QUEBEC. Communication with external collaborators is difficult due to busy schedules, and the organization is committed to responding to those who have offered their help. A significant concern is the relationship with the media, which is often one-sided, with UFO-QUEBEC providing information without receiving adequate credit or reciprocity. The magazine states its intention to adopt a clearer policy for mutual exchange of information.

Hoax Debunked:

The issue addresses the case of a photo by Mr. Langevin (reported in issue no. 9), which was analyzed by GROUND SAUCER WATCH. The computer analysis concluded it was a crude hoax, identifying the object as a prop from the TV series 'ALERTE DANS L'ESPACE'. The editorial expresses frustration with individuals who submit fake evidence, wasting the organization's time and resources.

Scientific Advisors and Personnel:

The magazine lists its scientific advisors, including Don Donderi (Psychology), Jeff Holt (Biology), Marcel Constantin (Physics), and Guy Tardif (Photography). It also lists active members and investigators such as Marc Leduc, Philippe Blaquière, Jean-Louis Blaquière, Norbert Spehner, Georges Ethier, Robert Sapienza, Pierre Smith, and Claude Mac Duff.

Subscription Information:

Details are provided for subscriptions, including regular and supporting options, with addresses for correspondence in Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Beloeil, Quebec.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of citizen observation and reporting of UFO phenomena. It highlights the increasing number of sightings and the need for organized investigation. The magazine aims to provide factual information and research, distinguishing itself from sensationalism or unfounded claims. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into UFOs, advocating for open communication and collaboration, while also being critical of media practices and deliberate misinformation. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the public's desire for answers, as reflected in the concluding FAQ section's questions about the nature, origin, and official acknowledgment of these phenomena.

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, dated 1977, features a cover story by Jean Ferguson and includes articles and reports on UFO sightings from various international locations, including Canada, Sweden, Romania, Iran, and Portugal. The magazine delves into witness testimonies, physical evidence, and the scientific community's perspective on ufology.

Article: Jean Ferguson's Reports

Jean Ferguson's section details several encounters. One report from the Abitibi region in autumn 1974 describes luminous objects with astonishing performances, though many are deemed to be more statistical data than sensational accounts. A more detailed account involves a professor and his wife near Rouyn, Quebec, who observed an unusual "invisible" object or "huge wheel" on September 3rd. Later that evening, near Lac Granet, they witnessed a luminous, ovular object, approximately 12-18 meters in diameter, resembling a helicopter without visible propellers. The object emitted a bright, brownish light with a very bright red light in the center and a white light on top. It moved with extreme speed, disappearing suddenly. The witnesses, described as sensible and sympathetic, were particularly struck by the object's brightness and sudden disappearance.

Another report, "DES LUMIERES ET DES FEMMES," recounts the experience of two women in their forties in October 1974, near Val D'Or, Quebec. They observed immobile lights in the sky that later moved, dimmed, and reappeared as two extraordinarily bright round headlights. The object was described as emitting lights in a semi-crown shape with a strong red light below. It moved about half a kilometer and stopped again, with the lights dimming and then extinguishing completely. The women were unable to identify the object and felt powerless to explain their experience.

Article: Jeff Holt on Science and UFOs

Jeff Holt discusses the conservative and rigid attitude of scientists towards UFO research, arguing that while science is inherently conservative, it progresses by demanding indisputable evidence. He notes that phenomena initially deemed "indefinable" can become "real" with scientific advancement. Holt points out the lack of tangible evidence, such as recovered UFOs or occupant examinations, which makes it difficult for scientists to accept UFOs as a subject of serious research. He also critiques popular UFO magazines for focusing on sensationalism rather than rigorous investigation, which he believes hinders the credibility of ufological groups. Holt suggests that for UFOlogists to gain the attention of the scientific community, they must provide tangible elements. He acknowledges the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations exploring space and having an interest in humanity, but stresses the need for concrete proof.

Article: UFO in Saskatchewan (John B. Musgrave)

This section by John B. Musgrave recounts a case from Nipawin, Saskatchewan, in the summer of 1933. Witnesses observed lights in the sky, and upon investigation, found six large square marks, likely from landing gear, and a circular burnt area in the grass. The marks were approximately 60-75 cm square, spaced about 2-3 meters apart, and 5-7 cm deep, resembling impressions from "kettle" plates. The burnt area was about 4 meters in diameter. The witnesses were unable to find footprints but noted crushed grass around the landing site. They took photos, but these were later lost. The article also mentions a similar observation about a quarter-mile away, where a large oval object with a dome was seen supported by "feet," with occupants dressed in silver uniforms descending an "elevator."

Article: "A TRAVERS LE CANADA..." by Michael J. Sinclair

Investigator Michael J. Sinclair reports on a UFO encounter on January 5, 1977, near Prince-George, British Columbia. A 17-year-old witness, "Bill," observed an elongated, red-domed light that rapidly changed position and flew directly towards his vehicle. A red beam from the object caused Bill's engine, headlights, and radio to shut off, leading to a loss of consciousness. He regained consciousness after about 20 minutes, finding his vehicle in a different position. The other witness reported a similar experience. Bill described the object as 30-40 feet long, dark green, with a bright red dome and a dozen light points. The object had a rough, crocodile-like surface and a wide base. He experienced nightmares and headaches afterward, and his watch stopped frequently. His truck's battery was also found to be weak.

The article also includes related observations from Fort St. James, British Columbia, involving the Larsson family. These include sightings of bright lights, a white/yellow object resembling a triangle, and a large oval object with a dome that emitted light jets. One report mentions the mysterious death of a dog around the same time.

Article: "SUEDE" Report

This section details an observation on March 16, 1977, in Västeras, Sweden, by three engineers: Chris Beaver, Craig Martin, and Warren Cowely. They observed a strange, luminous blue-white light in the sky that appeared to be about 10-15 km away. The object was initially stationary, then descended vertically, and later reappeared and disappeared at ultra-high speed. Chris Beaver managed to take a color photograph, which, upon development, revealed not one object but 14 spaced lights in a "V" formation. The enlarged photo showed the main object as brighter and blue-white, while the other 13 lights were yellow with orange contours, appearing elliptical and suggesting flying discs inclined at an angle.

Article: "EN BREF..." by J. Georges Ethier

This brief report describes an incident on September 18, 1976, over Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran. An unidentified object, described as changing shape and having multiple sections of color, was observed by numerous witnesses, including military personnel. Iranian Air Force Phantom jets were dispatched to intercept it. The object reportedly outmaneuvered the jets, and one pilot claimed the object fired a luminous jet at his aircraft, causing his radio to fail. The object then disappeared at high altitude. Remarkably, a TAP Boeing 707, flying from Lisbon, Portugal, 45 minutes later and approximately 3,200 miles away, reportedly encountered a similar object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of unidentified flying objects and luminous phenomena across diverse geographical locations and time periods. The magazine emphasizes witness testimony, often highlighting the credibility of the observers. There's a clear focus on documenting these events, including attempts to gather physical evidence like photographs and ground traces. The editorial stance, as implied by the inclusion of articles like Jeff Holt's, acknowledges the scientific skepticism surrounding UFOs due to a lack of concrete proof, while simultaneously presenting detailed accounts that suggest the phenomena are real and warrant further investigation. The publication aims to bridge the gap between popular interest in UFOs and the scientific community's demand for rigorous evidence, often presenting cases that challenge conventional explanations.

This issue of 'courrier' (issue 21) is primarily a collection of reader feedback, editorial responses, and news related to ufology in Quebec. It features critical letters from readers, discussions on the presentation and accuracy of UFO reports, and highlights a significant documentary on the subject.

Reader Critiques and Editorial Responses

The issue opens with a letter from Alain Lortie, who expresses mixed feelings about the UFO-QUEBEC magazine. While acknowledging the excellent work and interesting content, he points out several critical flaws. His first critique concerns incomplete reports, citing an example from page eight of issue 9 where oval traces on a rooftop were not explained in the text. His second critique addresses an error on page 21, where the colors of a UFO in a drawing were misrepresented compared to the accompanying photo, suggesting a lack of careful revision. Lortie's third and perhaps most significant critique is about the quality of the drawings and sketches, which he finds to be often poorly executed, resembling children's work, and compromising the magazine's seriousness. He expresses embarrassment in showing the magazine to others due to these drawings and believes a higher quality presentation would attract more interest.

Marc Leduc, in response, addresses Lortie's points. Regarding the oval traces, he states that there is no further information available, but they are related to the main object and could be from the UFO itself or an auxiliary device. On the illustration quality, Leduc defends the magazine's policy of reproducing witness drawings as faithfully as possible, without altering them to be more aesthetically pleasing or 'modern.' He argues that this fidelity is crucial and that attempts to 'improve' drawings can distort the original testimony. He contrasts this with commercial magazines that might have artistic staff to create more polished illustrations. Leduc also notes that witness reactions, such as going to bed after seeing a UFO, are often inexplicable but become more understandable when one encounters many unusual cases.

The editor, M. Hoville, adds a comment supporting Lortie's point about the color misrepresentation in the drawing, admitting to having mixed up the labels for the UFO's colors and apologizing for the error.

UFO-QUEBEC Documentary and Media Coverage

The issue highlights a special 1 hour and 30-minute documentary on flying saucers broadcast by Radio-Québec. The production team, led by Pierre Bélisle, spent months researching, reading numerous volumes, and interviewing prominent ufologists from France and the United States. They even attended an international congress in Acapulco. The documentary featured interviews with key figures such as Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek (Director of the CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES), Stanton Friedman (physicist), Jim Lorenzen (Director of AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION), and William Spaulding (Director of GROUND SAUCER WATCH). The French ufologist Jimmy Guieu was also interviewed.

The documentary is described as the first true documentary and informational program on ufology produced in Quebec in at least 10 years. It focused on contemporary ufology, presenting authentic and verifiable aspects of the subject, avoiding sensationalism, 'contactee' claims, or occult elements. The production was well-received by the interviewed experts, particularly for its serious approach and technical quality. The report notes that the documentary's length was extended due to the abundance of documentation and that it generated a significant number of viewer letters, prompting Radio-Québec to consider re-broadcasting it. Readers are encouraged to write to Radio-Québec if they wish to see it again.

Book Review: 'Le Procès des Soucoupes Volantes'

Claude Mac Duff's book, 'Le Procès des Soucoupes Volantes' (The Trial of the Flying Saucers), published by EDITIONS QUEBEC-AMERIQUE, is presented. The book is described as a compelling work that uses a 'trial' format to argue for the existence and presence of UFOs and extraterrestrials globally, supported by eloquent testimonies, evidence, and convictions. It includes photos, drawings, diagrams, and illustrations, aiming to provide a strong case for the official recognition of ufology. The book is 256 pages, paperback, and can be ordered directly from the author for $5.00.

UFO Sighting: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

A UFO observation from Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, in August 1969 is detailed. Mme Berthe Ladouceur observed an object described as large, beige, and resembling a fringed hat, moving very slowly and gliding. It was significantly larger than an airplane and passed directly overhead at an estimated altitude of 100 to 200 feet. The sighting lasted for about 5 to 6 minutes, with no accompanying sound. No other details were apparent. Her husband, M. Alfred Ladouceur, also witnessed the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of ufological reporting and presentation, the importance of maintaining fidelity to witness accounts, and the promotion of serious, documentary-style information dissemination on the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous research, accurate reporting, and public engagement with ufology, while also acknowledging and addressing reader concerns about the quality and presentation of published material. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing ufology from science fiction and occultism.