UFO Quebec - No 13 - 1er trim 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: 13
Volume: 1. ER. TRIMESTRE
Date: March 1978
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: CANADA
Language: French
ISSN: 0317-9311
Price: $1.25

Contents

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, number 13, published in March 1978, is a quarterly magazine dedicated to the information and research of unidentified flying objects, with a particular focus on cases in Quebec. The cover features a drawing of a futuristic cockpit and a stylized UFO, with the headline "INFORMATIONS RECHERCHES".

Editorial

Norbert Spehner, the new editor-in-chief, begins his editorial by noting that UFO-QUEBEC is entering its fourth year of existence. He describes the previous three years as a 'shakedown' period for the young corporation. A reorganization has taken place, with each member having a precise and indispensable function. This new cohesion and pragmatic approach have yielded positive results, both internally (fewer frustrations, time savings, administrative efficiency) and externally, making UFO-QUEBEC more visible to the general public, public organizations, and the media. Spehner announces his return to the magazine's direction, assisted by a regular editorial committee. He outlines a new editorial policy for upcoming issues, which will include defining principles for collaborators, regular sections such as 'Letters to the Editor' (if publishable letters are received), information on the group's specific activities (meetings, conferences, radio/TV shows), a regular section on interesting new books, and a press review. However, the core content will remain focused on observation reports, especially Quebec cases. Spehner criticizes the magazine's past tendency to merely rehash general UFO phenomenon articles from other sources. He aims to publish original, well-documented articles with numerous references and adequate illustrations. He also specifies that all submitted texts must be typed on standard 8.5x11 inch sheets with double spacing to avoid the 'painful work of deciphering a variety of astronomical writings'. He solicits collaboration from readers in the form of texts, written comments, and articles, emphasizing that reader contributions will make the magazine interesting. The editorial concludes by recommending the film "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND" as a masterpiece.

Investigations and Reports

• "Rencontre du deuxième type à Châteauguay" (Second Kind Encounter in Châteauguay) by Wido Hoville: This article details an observation by an 18-year-old named D.S. on the night of January 11-12, 1978. While walking home around 4:30 AM, D.S. noticed a luminous object flying in a zig-zag pattern and executing spiral maneuvers. The object, initially appearing luminous, later took on the aspect of a large, flat, metallic gray disk with a dome on top and a protuberance underneath. It approached to within 150 meters, became stationary, and then took a horizontal position directly above D.S. The witness reported that the object's luminosity changed during its descent, and he felt no cold or wind despite the -20°C temperature and 16 km/h wind. A green-yellow light began to rotate around the object's circumference, and the area was illuminated in a 60-meter circle. After about ten minutes, D.S. became frightened and ran home. He contacted the local police and THE GAZETTE newspaper. Journalist Chris Bain advised him to contact UFO-QUEBEC. The witness met with the author, Marc Leduc, later that day. D.S. was visibly nervous, and his parents initially did not believe his story. The mother confirmed hearing the entrance door around 4:30 AM and being woken by her son around 5:00 AM, completely frightened. She also confirmed he was not under the influence of alcohol. D.S. stated that the UFO in his experience was completely different in aspect and shape from those depicted in the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". Marc Leduc also mentions a 1951 observation of two large disks with a strong resemblance to D.S.'s sighting, suggesting that skeptics continue to deny the phenomenon despite such evidence.

• "L'anneau sphérique" (The Spherical Ring) by Marc Leduc (based on a report by an anonymous witness and M. J. W. Pageau): This article presents a detailed report of a UFO observation that occurred in Montreal in late October or early November 1951. The witness, described as an educated, impressive, and English-speaking man, submitted a professional report with detailed drawings. The report was translated from English. The witness, an amateur astronomer, was waiting for a bus around 11:00 PM near the intersection of Boulevard Décarie and Sherbrooke Street. He first noticed a green point in the sky, which quickly evolved into a large, ring-shaped vessel with a red-orange glow underneath and a brilliant halo. The object was described as a "navire-anneau" (ring-ship). It approached silently and gracefully, appearing slow but moving very fast. Its immense size and low altitude allowed for excellent observation of its details, construction, performance, and operation. The witness timed its passage, estimating its dimensions and speed. Two reference points were taken: the edge of the object crossing the zenith and a 12,000-volt power line seen through the underside of the annular surface. The object disappeared into the night, leaving behind a trail of red-orange, yellow, green, and mauve flame. The witness collaborated with M. J. W. Pageau, who had also reported a UFO sighting and founded the "Organisme Chrétien des Affaires et Relations Interplanétaires". The author notes that the witness used impersonal language, referring to himself in the third person, as is customary in scientific reports.

• "Un UFO lumineux à Chicoutimi" (A Luminous UFO in Chicoutimi) by Mme D. (anonymous witness): This is a personal account from a witness in Chicoutimi who reported seeing a strange object on a summer night in July 1970, around 2:10 AM. While looking out her window, she observed a red blinking light on the right and a green light on the left of a flat, round object with a silver glow, emitting a strange noise like helicopter blades but without a motor. The object's size was estimated to be about that of an orange held at arm's length. The witness's brother and his friend later visited the landing site and found flattened grass over a large area. The witness became interested in UFOs after watching the TV show "The Invaders". Sadly, both witnesses mentioned in this account have since passed away: her brother died in a car accident at 18, and his friend succumbed to leukemia at 18. The witness shares her testimony because no one believed her at the time, not even her brother and his friend. She questions why an ambulance would be needed at 2 AM, 2000 feet from a residential area, and notes that no ambulance in Chicoutimi has green blinking lights.

Other Sections

• "Catalogue UFO-Québec": Lists available back issues of the magazine.
• "Plaidoyer pour une nouvelle forme d'investigation" (Plea for a New Form of Investigation) by Jean Sider.
• "Phénomène lumineux au-dessus de Valenii de Munte" (Luminous Phenomenon Above Valenii de Munte) by Augustin Moraru.
• "L'ufologie, science complémentaire ?" (Ufology, a Complementary Science?) by Yves Richer.
• "Courrier des lecteurs" (Letters to the Editor).
• "Appel aux collaborateurs" (Call for Collaborators).
• "Lectures" (Readings) by Pierre Smith.
• "La revue de presse" (Press Review) by Norbert Spehner.
• "Statistiques partielles de 1977" (Partial Statistics for 1977) by Marc Leduc.
• "Dessin de couverture" (Cover Drawing) by Jacques Dupont.
• "En bref..." (In Brief...): Includes a note about a new book by Jean Ferguson titled "Les Humanoïdes (Les cerveaux qui dirigent les soucoupes volantes)" published by Leméac. An erratum regarding a previous issue's illustration is also present.
• "Réseau UFO Québec": Provides telephone numbers for UFO observers to contact investigators in various regions of Quebec.
• "Canadian UFO Report": An advertisement for the English-language magazine, John Magor - Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, particularly those occurring in Quebec. The editorial stance, as articulated by Norbert Spehner, is a commitment to rigorous, original research and well-documented reporting. There is a clear desire to move beyond anecdotal accounts and speculative theories, emphasizing the need for factual evidence, detailed descriptions, and proper referencing. The magazine aims to be a serious platform for ufological study, encouraging reader participation and collaboration. The publication also highlights the historical aspect of UFO research by including older cases, such as the 1951 Montreal sighting, and promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to the phenomenon, implicitly challenging skepticism.

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: 16
Volume: 3
Date: December 1974
Publisher: Corporation UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Language: French

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC presents a comprehensive catalog of unidentified flying object (UFO) observations, compiled and investigated by the Corporation UFO-QUEBEC. The magazine aims to provide a systematic and abbreviated record of these phenomena, making it accessible internationally.

Origins and Definitions

The catalog's data is sourced from provincial, national, and international collaborators, ufological groups, governmental organizations, the general public, and media information. The definition of a UFO is provided as "any abnormal phenomenon, most often aerial, which cannot be attributed to a known and conventional object, due to its appearance, behavior, and effects, and this after investigation."

Classification System

• The observations are classified using a typology developed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The codes include:
• NL (Nocturnal Light): Distant lights in the night sky that resist conventional explanations (e.g., shooting stars, planes, atmospheric phenomena).
• DD (Daylight Disc): Objects observed during the day, though J. Allen Hynek includes certain daytime objects that are not discs in this category.
• RV (Radar Visual): UFOs observed or detected by radar and simultaneously observed by witnesses.
• CE-I (Close Encounter of the First Kind): UFOs observed within a radius of less than 180 meters.
• CE-II (Close Encounter of the Second Kind): CE-I observations with additional physical traces on the ground or in the environment, or physiological effects on the witness, or both.
• CE-III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind): CE-I observations that include the observation of occupants or contact with humanoids.

Indices of Strangeness and Probability

• Two indices are used to evaluate the reports:
• Indice d'Étrangeté (Strangeness Index): This index quantifies the degree of unusualness of an observation, based on characteristics such as movement, trajectory, colors, luminosity, and behavior. It ranges from 0 (normal explanation) to 10 (absolutely extraordinary).
• Indice de Probabilité (Probability Index): This index assesses the credibility of a report, considering factors like the number of witnesses, the coherence of the report, and the investigator's judgment. It ranges from 0 (no confidence) to 10 (absolutely reliable). Reports with an index of 3 or higher are generally kept for further study.

Catalog Entries

• The magazine features several catalog entries detailing specific sightings:
• October 1951, Montreal: An engineer observed a green fireball that transformed its shape and aspect, forming a large ring around a sphere, flying silently in a straight line and then making a right-angle turn.
• 1966, St. Eustache: A 13-year-old girl saw a flamboyant disc-shaped object hovering over her house, which then accelerated rapidly, leaving a luminous ionized cloud, and appeared to separate into two parts.
• December 8, 1976, Les Cèdres: Witnesses observed a natural phenomenon called "mock sun" – a large circle around the sun with a disc emitting white lights.
• May 8, 1977, Magog: Witnesses saw a red object, estimated to be 28 cm in apparent diameter, flying at an altitude of 170-250 meters and disappearing behind trees.
• October 23, 1977, St. Jean: Witnesses saw a red-orange half-moon shaped object with a condensation trail, which then accelerated and disappeared.
• October 23, 1977, St. Anne de Bellevue: A couple saw a brilliant oval object with a white vapor trail, appearing metallic and flying towards the river.
• October 23, 1977, Ville St. Laurent: A couple saw two objects: a golden semi-circle and a thin cylinder, both moving away and leaving vapor trails.
• October 26, 1977, Rivière Malbaie: A witness observed a large, round object with many lights, rotating and flying silently, described as a saucer.
• November 1, 1977, Rivière Mailloux: A round object with a rotating spotlight flew over houses and then slowly ascended.
• December 18, 1977, Rawdon: Witnesses saw a bright pink ball emitting smoke, which then became two distinct lights before disappearing.

Special Report: Romanian UFO Photograph

The issue includes a detailed report by Augustin Moraru about an observation by Calin Turcu in Valenii de Munte, Romania, on December 11, 1974. Turcu, a school teacher, photographed a luminous object. The report includes personal details about Turcu, the atmospheric conditions, and the analysis of the photographs by photogrammetry experts. The experts concluded that the images were of a real luminous source, not film defects, and that the object exhibited movement and rotation. The report also compares this case to similar ones in France, Belgium, and Japan.

Editorial and Contributions

An article by Jean Sider, "Plaidoyer Pour Une Nouvelle Forme D'Investigation" (Plea for a New Form of Investigation), suggests a shift in ufological research. Instead of focusing on the phenomenon itself (what is shown), Sider proposes investigating the sectors where UFOs manifest, meticulously documenting all environmental and local changes, anomalies, and events. This approach, though potentially long and monotonous, aims to uncover the underlying reasons for UFO interest in Earth.

The "Chroniques" section reviews two books: "Les Etrangers de l'Espace" by Donald Keyhoe, which synthesizes early UFO research and the author's theories about extraterrestrial motivations, and "Les OVNI du Passé" by Christiane Piens, which examines historical UFO reports and their potential implications. The reviewer notes that Keyhoe's work is less rigorous and more speculative, while Piens' book offers a chronological analysis of historical sightings.

An "Appel aux collaborateurs" (Call for Collaborators) invites readers to submit articles, reports, and observations to UFO-QUEBEC magazine, emphasizing the need for original, well-documented content with precise references and illustrations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the cataloging and analysis of UFO sightings, the classification of UFO phenomena, and the exploration of potential explanations, including extraterrestrial hypotheses. The magazine adopts a stance of systematic investigation, utilizing indices of strangeness and probability to evaluate reports. There is also an emphasis on historical UFO research and the need for new, more in-depth investigative methodologies, as proposed by Jean Sider. The editorial stance encourages reader participation and the submission of original research to advance the field of ufology.

Title: Les Grandes Énigmes
Issue: 21
Date: February 1978
Publisher: Explo Mundo
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Les Grandes Énigmes, titled "L'énigme des soucoupes volantes" (The Enigma of Flying Saucers), focuses heavily on the phenomenon of UFOs, particularly in the context of the recent film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It features a film commentary by ufologist Jimmy Guieu and explores various aspects of ufology, including historical cases, scientific investigations, and the public's perception of the phenomenon.

Review of Christiane Piens' "Les OVNI du Passé"

The issue begins with a review of Christiane Piens' book, "Les OVNI du Passé." The author of the review highlights Piens' exploration of historical aerial phenomena, including "phantoms" and "celestial combats," suggesting they might be explained by hallucinations or even holographic projections. Piens also delves into the differences between historical and modern UFO observations, noting longer durations and fewer physiological effects in contemporary sightings. The review praises Piens' rigorous approach and exhaustive research, comparing it favorably to her previous work.

• Key points from Piens' work discussed include:
• Historical phenomena: Aerial displacements and celestial combats, potentially linked to hallucinations or micro-wave suggestions.
• Modern variations: Immaterial beings, possibly a shift from older phenomena.
• Possible explanations: Micro-wave beams and hypnotic suggestion, holographic projections.
• Observations on historical vs. modern UFOs: Longer observation durations in the past, fewer close encounters, and fewer physiological effects in modern times.
• Reasons for fewer historical encounters: Lower population density and humanity's perceived lesser interest in earlier eras.
• The problem of non-contact: Piens suggests that a reason for extraterrestrials not making open contact might be fear, and that decisions are made on their side.

• The review also references specific notes:
• (1) N.I.C.A.P. is an UFO study group in the USA, with Keyhoe as director from 1957-1972.
• (2) Refers to J.-M. Dutuit's article "Le problème des motivations" in PHENOMENES SPATIAUX.
• (3) Refers to articles by René Fouéré in PHENOMENES SPATIAUX concerning Erich von Däniken and "Archaeology-fiction."
• (4) Page 162 of "Les OVNI du Passé."
• (5) Ibid., page 165.

New Publications

• The magazine lists several new books related to UFOs and science fiction:
• "La Science Face aux Extra-Terrestres" by Jean-Claude Bourret.
• "Les Humanoïdes" by Jean Ferguson.
• "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" by Aimé Michel.
• "Ces OVNI Qui Annoncent le Surhomme" by Pierre Vieroudy.

"Project UFO" and the Growing Interest in UFOs

The article "L'UFOLOGIE, SCIENCE COMPLEMENTAIRE?" by Yves Richer discusses the increasing public and scientific interest in UFOs, spurred by films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It mentions the American TV show "Project UFO," which draws documentation from official US Air Force reports, including those from the "Blue Book" project.

The article notes the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969 following the Condon Committee's findings. It also highlights the involvement of William Coleman, a retired colonel, as a producer for "Project UFO," who previously served for nine years in a special unit responsible for Project Blue Book. However, a note from the editorial staff casts doubt on Coleman's directorship of the Blue Book unit, citing J. Allen Hynek's book which lists different directors.

• Key points from this section include:
• The US TV show "Project UFO" focuses on UFOs and their witnesses.
• The show uses documentation from official US Air Force reports, including those from Project Blue Book.
• Project Blue Book was closed in 1969 after the Condon Committee's report.
• William Coleman, a producer of "Project UFO," is claimed to have directed a special unit for Project Blue Book.
• The editorial staff questions Coleman's role based on J. Allen Hynek's "The Hynek UFO Report."

Scientific and Official Engagement with UFOs

Richer's article further details the growing scientific and official interest in UFO phenomena. He mentions that the French space agency, CNES, created GEPAΝ (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aéro-spatiaux Non-identifiés) under the direction of Claude Poher. This initiative follows a statement by French Minister of Armed Forces and Research, Robert Galley, in 1974, acknowledging a special section within the Ministry of Armed Forces studying unidentified aerial phenomena since 1954.

Claude Poher's declaration regarding UFO observations is quoted: "We are in the presence of a real phenomenon observed by witnesses, which cannot be explained by any phenomenon observable in the sky."

The article touches upon the slow progression of ufology towards scientific acceptance, attributing it to "obscurantism." It highlights the establishment of serious investigative organizations like the Center for UFO Studies in Northfield, Illinois, led by J. Allen Hynek, a key figure from Project Blue Book.

The article posits that ufology could lead to a "Copernican renewal," challenging humanity's understanding of its place in the universe, similar to how Copernicus shifted the view from Earth-centric to Sun-centric.

It quotes Aimé Michel, who suggested that ufology might become a primary source of knowledge, potentially even in psychology, as a "Science of Thought."

The Epistemological Significance of Ufology

Richer emphasizes the epistemological importance of ufology, arguing that it forces rational thought to confront phenomena that transcend its natural limits, leading to an acceptance of relativity. He draws a parallel to Copernicus, who showed that Earth is not the center of the universe, and suggests that UFOs reveal that human thought is also not central.

He quotes Pascal: "Our intelligence holds in the order of intelligible things the same rank as our body in the extent of nature." This is referred to as the "principle of banality."

Richer concludes this section by reflecting on the potential for a psychic gradation in the universe, suggesting that the universe of thought might be infinite, similar to the physical universe.

"La Revue de Presse" - Critical Commentary on Media Coverage

Norbert Spehner's "La Revue de Presse" section critically examines media coverage of UFOs, particularly focusing on the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Spehner strongly criticizes journalist François Forestier of L'EXPRESS for his dismissive and inaccurate portrayal of the film and UFO phenomena, calling his article "an example of incompetence and stupidity."

Spehner also discusses NASA's reluctance to fully engage with UFO research, citing a refusal to create a new commission of inquiry. While NASA stated it would analyze tangible evidence, Spielberg's interview suggests NASA feared public reaction questioning space program funding if extraterrestrial visitors were confirmed.

He notes the paradox of scientists investing millions in radio telescopes to search for extraterrestrial life while simultaneously dismissing UFO evidence.

Spehner criticizes Isaac Asimov's staunch opposition to UFOs, accusing him of losing objectivity and becoming "hysterical" when discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. Asimov's arguments, often used to dismiss UFOs, are contrasted with his own past claims of clairvoyance in science fiction.

The section provides additional references for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," including articles from TIME and NEWSWEEK, a detailed piece in THE AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER on special effects, and the novelization of the film.

Spehner reminds readers that the film is fiction, albeit a plausible one. He also mentions an article by François De Guise in Requiem No. 20, "Une vision métaphysique...CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND."

Finally, the section notes J. Allen Hynek's increased visibility due to the film and the widespread publication of the Center for UFO Studies' address. It points out the irony of NASA proposing a $20 million search for extraterrestrial life via radio telescopes, while a fraction of that could fund UFO research.

Statistical Data on UFO Reports

The issue includes two graphs and accompanying tables presenting statistical data on UFO reports from UFO-Quebec for the year 1977, compiled by Marc Leduc.

• Graph 1: Number of Reports by Hour of the Day (1977): This graph shows a distribution of reports throughout the 24-hour period, with a peak in the late evening hours (around 21:00-23:00) and a smaller peak in the early morning (around 04:00-05:00). The total number of reports analyzed for this graph is 83, with an average of 3.45 reports per hour and a standard deviation of 5.23.
• Graph 2: Number of Reports by Month (1977): This graph illustrates the monthly distribution of UFO reports. The data shows a significant increase in reports during the summer months, particularly July, with a peak in July (16 reports) and a secondary peak in August (8 reports) and October (8 reports). The total number of reports analyzed for this graph is 82, with an average of 6.8 reports per month and a standard deviation of 5.87.

It is noted that these graphs do not represent the entirety of reports received by UFO-Quebec, as some are omitted due to lack of validity, and others are still under verification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the growing public and scientific interest in UFOs, the cultural impact of films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and the ongoing debate between skepticism and open-minded investigation. The magazine appears to advocate for a more serious and scientific approach to ufology, highlighting the efforts of researchers and organizations dedicated to studying the phenomenon. There's a critical stance towards dismissive media coverage and a call for greater investment in UFO research. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the reality of observed phenomena while exploring various potential explanations, including extraterrestrial hypotheses, and emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific inquiry.