UFO Quebec - No 14 - 2e trim 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: 14
Volume: 2
Date: June 1978 (2nd Quarter)
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Language: French
ISSN: 0317-9311
Price: $1.25

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, a quarterly magazine focused on information and research into unidentified flying objects, presents a variety of articles, investigations, and organizational updates. The cover prominently features the magazine's title, a stylized UFO graphic, and an illustration of a cockpit interior, hinting at the content within.

Editorial

Norbert Spehner, the editor-in-chief, addresses the question of how readers can participate in UFO-QUEBEC's work, emphasizing the role of collaborators. He outlines the process for becoming a regional collaborator, which involves submitting a questionnaire and undergoing a review, with a minimum age requirement of eighteen. Spehner also provides an update on the promised standard investigation questionnaire, asking for patience from collaborators due to the professional commitments of the editorial team. He highlights a photo dossier in this issue, featuring exclusive photographs of a UFO, and explains how readers can submit letters for the "Courrier des Lecteurs" section, noting that published letters earn two free issues.

Investigations and Reports

UFO à Saint-Esprit (UFO in Saint-Esprit)

This detailed report by Philippe Blaquière documents a significant UFO sighting that occurred on January 16, 1978, near Saint-Esprit, Quebec. The observation involved four unidentified objects witnessed by two independent groups, including the Turner couple. The objects were described as bright lights, with one appearing cigar-shaped and emitting a soft, faint sound. The report includes a technical data sheet with the date, time, duration (33 minutes), probability (5), strangeness (5), type (NL), number of UFOs (4), number of witnesses (2), and location. The narrative recounts the experience of Sylvie-Anne Turner, detailing the appearance of the objects, their movements, and the witness's attempt to photograph them. The objects were observed moving horizontally above treetops and later disappearing. A supplementary note mentions a later sighting by Mr. Turner of an orange luminous object near the ground.

Dossier Photo Exclusif: Observation et Photographie d'un UFO en forme de cigare (Exclusive Photo Dossier: Observation and Photography of a Cigar-Shaped UFO)

Authored by Wido Hoville, this article details a remarkable UFO observation and photographic case from October 1973. The incident involved a cigar-shaped object seen in the sky over Montreal. Hoville recounts how he learned about the case from an acquaintance, Professor W.J.S., an astronomer, who had been present at one of Hoville's lectures. The observation was made by multiple witnesses, and 13 black and white photos were taken. The object was described as vertical, with a bright red center and orange ends, pulsating and appearing flou at times. The report includes meteorological data for the night of the observation and a table sequencing the 13 photos with their respective times and remarks, noting the visibility of the object through haze. The article suggests the object might have been a mothership, correlating with the UFO wave of October 1973 in the USA, and mentions that the photos were sent to NASA.

Analyse d'un cas (Analysis of a Case)

This section, by Philippe Tournier, likely provides an analysis of a specific UFO case, though the details are not fully elaborated in the provided text.

Ce III sur la route 17 (CE III on Route 17)

This report by Wido Hoville and Don Donderi details a Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE III) incident. The specifics of this case are not detailed in the provided text.

Book Reviews

Lectures (Readings)

Norbert Spehner reviews several books:

• Jean Ferguson, *LES HUMANOIDES* (Montreal: Leméac, 1977): Spehner praises Ferguson's work as a catalog of entities (humanoids) piloting UFOs. He notes that the book focuses on marginal and complex cases, aiming for a general audience. While acknowledging the author's laudable intention, Spehner suggests that more emphasis could have been placed on 'standard' humanoids. He commends Ferguson's narrative talent and his non-dogmatic approach, which encourages open discussion. Minor errors are noted, such as the conflation of Sasquatch and Yeti.
• Charles Berlitz, *LE TRIANGLE DES BERMUDES* (Paris: Flammarion, 1975) and *SANS TRACE* (Paris: Flammarion, 1978): Spehner expresses initial reluctance to cover the Bermuda Triangle due to sensationalism but was persuaded by a meeting with Berlitz. He finds both books fascinating and well-written, avoiding definitive conclusions. Berlitz presents various theories and their commentary, highlighting the numerous UFO sightings in the mysterious zone and suggesting that UFOs play a role in the phenomena of the Bermuda Triangle. Spehner recommends these books as a primary source for information on the topic.
• Bertrand Méheust, *SCIENCE-FICTION ET SOUPES VOLANTES* (Paris: Mercure de France, 1978): This book is described as highly stimulating, refuting the 'visitor' hypothesis and paranormal explanations for UFOs. Méheust proposes that UFO intelligences operate on a different plane and use human mental structures for their manifestations, suggesting UFOs are a materialization of myth and a psycho-physical phenomenon. Spehner notes the striking coincidences between science fiction and UFO observations that led Méheust to his conclusions. He finds the book thought-provoking and revolutionary but also indicates he has identified some potential weaknesses.

Organization and Activities

La Corporation U.F.O.-QUEBEC

The magazine provides details about the UFO-QUEBEC corporation, describing it as a non-profit association run by founding members with the help of collaborators. Its mission is to study the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects and publish research findings in the quarterly review. The issue lists the key personnel in the General Directorate and Administration, including Marc Leduc (Director), Wido Hoville (President), Philippe Blaquière (Vice-President), and Norbert Spehner (Secretary). It also details the various activity sectors, such as editing, subscriptions, correspondence, archives, general information, translation, accounting, and investigations.

Activities UFO-Quebec

This section announces that UFO-QUEBEC will have an information booth at the Festival Aeronautique d'Alma from August 5-12, 1978. They invite local residents, correspondents, and collaborators to meet their representatives, with Marc Leduc available to answer questions about UFOs and the association.

En Bref... (In Brief...)

• Wido Hoville and Dr. Don Donderi participated in a Radio-Canada television program in Ottawa on March 12, 1978, discussing UFOs with a panel of 'pro-saucer' and skeptical guests. The debate was reportedly lively, with UFO-QUEBEC members considered more convincing.
• Norbert Spehner met with Charles Berlitz in Montreal in April to discuss Berlitz's book on the Bermuda Triangle and its connection to UFOs.
• A book by Jean Bastide, *LA MEMOIRE DES OVNI*, is announced as being available.
• The issue mentions that the "Pavillon Le Monde Insolite" at the Terre des Hommes exhibition in Montreal will focus on UFOs for the 1978 season, including texts, illustrations, and exhibits, with Allen J. Hynek expected to attend.

Reader Contributions

Courrier des Lecteurs (Readers' Mail)

This section is highlighted as important, with a reminder that published letters earn two free issues. Readers are encouraged to share comments, critiques, observation reports, and diverse reflections. They are also reminded to include postal codes in all correspondence, especially when subscribing.

Other Sections

• Catalogue UFO-Quebec: Likely a listing of available publications or resources.
• Comment rédiger un rapport d'enquête (How to write an investigation report): An article by Marc Leduc providing guidance on report writing.
• Statistiques partielles pour l'année 1976 (Partial statistics for the year 1976): A statistical report by Marc Leduc.
• Dessin de la page couverture (Cover page drawing): By Jacques Dupont.
• Photos: By Guy Tardif.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO investigations, photographic evidence, and the scientific and public perception of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norbert Spehner, is one of open inquiry and encouraging reader participation. The magazine aims to provide a platform for research and discussion, while maintaining a degree of critical analysis, as seen in the book reviews. There is a clear effort to document sightings, analyze cases, and engage with the scientific community, even when facing skepticism. The organization emphasizes its non-profit status and its commitment to studying UFOs seriously.

This issue of the "CATALOGUE UFO-QUEBEC" is a compilation of UFO reports, primarily from Quebec, Canada, dating from 1978. It serves as a systematic record of observations, investigations, and analyses conducted by the Corporation UFO-QUEBEC and its collaborators. The publication employs a classification system based on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's typologies, including Nocturnal Light (NL), Daylight Disc (DD), Radar Visual (RV), and Close Encounters of the First, Second, and Third Kind (CE-I, CE-II, CE-III). Each entry provides details such as date, time, duration, strangeness and probability indices, object type, number of witnesses, and location.

Origins of Reports and Definitions

The reports originate from various sources, including provincial, national, and international collaborators, ufological organizations, government agencies, and the general public. A UFO is defined as an anomalous aerial phenomenon that cannot be attributed to a known conventional object after investigation, based on its appearance, behavior, and effects. The classification code follows Dr. J. Allen Hynek's system, with NL referring to distant lights, DD to daytime discs, RV to radar-visual sightings, CE-I to close encounters within 180 meters, CE-II to close encounters with physical traces or physiological effects, and CE-III to close encounters involving occupants or contact with humanoids.

Indices of Strangeness and Probability

The "Indice d'Étrangeté" (Strangeness Index) quantifies the unusual nature of an observation, considering factors like movement, luminosity, trajectory, intelligent behavior, colors, altitude, and photographic evidence. A score from 0 (normal explanation) to 10 (extraordinary) is assigned. The "Indice de Probabilité" (Probability Index) assesses the credibility of the report, based on the number of witnesses, internal and external consistency, and the investigator's judgment. A score from 0 (unreliable) to 10 (absolutely reliable) is given. Generally, cases with an index of 3 or higher are considered for further study.

Catalog of Sightings (1978)

The catalogue lists numerous UFO sightings from various locations in Quebec, Canada, throughout 1978. Examples include:

• February 23, 1978 (St. Damase): A couple observed an oval, luminous white object with multiple colored lights, hovering and emitting flashes.
• February 25, 1978 (Chute St. Philippe): A witness saw a red object that grew to the size of the moon, then turned white and disappeared, leaving a smoke trail.
• March 17, 1978 (Ste. Madeleine): A farmer observed a bright, spinning top-shaped machine emitting orange light, which slowly rose and disappeared.
• March 25, 1978 (Ste. Adèle): A witness saw a football-shaped object with red and green lights, which moved rapidly and emitted a distinct humming sound.
• March 8, 1978 (Dollard-des-Ormeaux): A witness saw a bright, flattened half-moon shaped disc object at an altitude of 1000 meters.
• January 11, 1978 (Charlesbourg): A witness saw an elongated circle of millions of incandescent lights moving east to west, leaving a trail of illuminated smoke.
• January 16, 1978 (St. Esprit): Witnesses observed a large, stationary, twinkling star-like object that moved in a semicircle, emitting red and green lights and a soft, faint noise.
• January 29, 1978 (Boucherville): Two police officers observed a pink fireball rising from the ground and moving horizontally before extinguishing.
• January 29, 1978 (Boucherville): A witness saw a reddish-pink fireball pass close to their house, illuminating it before disappearing with a crackling sound.
• February 15, 1978 (Arundel): An object shaped like a brilliant cloud, 60 cm long and 13 cm high, was seen moving southwest against the wind.

Other entries detail sightings of formations, discs, and luminous phenomena in locations such as Rougemont, Beloeil, Arundel, and Sorel.

How to Write an Investigation Report

This section provides guidance on structuring UFO investigation reports, emphasizing the importance of an Introduction, Recit (Narrative), Evaluation, and Conclusion. The Introduction should set the context and introduce the subject and witnesses. The Recit should present the event as reported by the witnesses without commentary. The Evaluation section involves analyzing the strange characteristics and probability factors, referencing the catalogue's strangeness and probability indices. The Conclusion, if necessary, should offer supplementary details without attempting to convince or prove.

Example Report: CE III near Ottawa, 1973

This article details a CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) case that occurred on July 29, 1973, near Ottawa. The report, initially filed with the CNR (National Research Centre), described a large, metallic sphere with oval windows emitting brilliant light. The CNR's preliminary evaluation suggested it was a DC-9 aircraft approaching the airport. However, the witnesses, a couple, provided a more detailed account, describing human-like silhouettes within the luminous windows and the object's unusual movements. The report highlights the witnesses' dissatisfaction with the CNR's explanation and their subsequent consultation with Don Donderi, who was interested in UFO phenomena.

Analysis of Dimensions and Speeds of UFOs

This extensive analysis, authored by Philippe Tournier and based on observations by Jean-Louis Blaquière on September 11, 1977, near Beloeil, Quebec, estimates the dimensions and speeds of UFOs observed in escadrilles. The analysis uses photographic evidence and geometric calculations, estimating object dimensions to be around 15 to 31.5 meters and speeds to be exceptionally high, with one estimation reaching 7.2 km/sec (approximately 26,000 km/hour). The article discusses the implications of these speeds and altitudes, comparing them to those of satellites and spacecraft, and exploring potential explanations involving energy fields and atmospheric cavitation.

Conclusions

The analysis concludes that the observed speeds and altitudes are inconsistent with conventional aircraft or known phenomena. The authors propose that these objects might be previously satellized entities entering the atmosphere or engaged in exploration at high speeds. The possibility of an energy envelope surrounding the objects, allowing them to maneuver freely in the atmosphere, is also discussed, referencing theories of 'energy cavitation'. The issue concludes with acknowledgments and congratulations to Jean-Louis Blaquière for his contributions to UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic cataloging of UFO sightings, the detailed analysis of observed phenomena, and the exploration of potential explanations beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards UFO reports, encouraging detailed documentation and analysis while acknowledging the challenges in definitively explaining such events. The publication aims to provide a platform for credible UFO data and research, promoting a scientific approach to the subject.

This issue of COURRIER UFO-QUEBEC, identified by the number 21, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and ufology within Quebec. The cover headline, "ACTIVITES UFO AU QUEBEC," sets the stage for content that includes reports on conferences, media appearances, data analysis, and personal accounts of sightings. The magazine is published by UFO-QUEBEC and appears to be in French.

Key Articles and Reports

Jimmy Guieu's Conference Tour: The issue highlights the extensive conference tour undertaken by Jimmy Guieu, an internationally recognized ufologist and science fiction author. His tour across the Province attracted thousands of interested individuals, and he took the opportunity to meet with members of the corporation.

Don Dondéri's Media Appearances: Don Dondéri participated in several television broadcasts on Canal 6 during May. These emissions discussed UFO phenomena in general and ufology in Quebec specifically. The host of the show 'PUBLIC EVE' reportedly allowed for a comprehensive and accurate expression of the ufological situation, with Don Dondéri's erudition and style impressing the English-speaking audience.

UFO Québec's Public Engagement: In April 1978, UFO Québec organized a booth at the Place Vertu shopping center to showcase UFO-related themes. Attendees could view a slideshow presented by Claude Mac Duff, who also answered questions during the three-day exhibition. The UFO-QUEBEC magazine and Claude Mac Duff's book, "LE PROCES DES SOUSOU-PES VOLANTES," were available for purchase.

International Meetings: In May, Wido Hoville took advantage of a trip to Europe to meet with ufologists from Sweden, France, and Belgium.

Television Appearances: On April 28, Germain Tardif, Jimmy Guieu, and Marc Leduc appeared on the television show "LES COQUELUCHES" (Channel 2). The article congratulates the research and production team for the quality of their work.

• Conferences by Marc Leduc and Claude Mac Duff:
• Marc Leduc delivered a brief conference in Val David on May 24, organized by Franco Cavezzali, who regularly hosts astronomy conferences.
• Claude Mac Duff presented his audio-visual montage on March 17 at the Varennes Secondary School gymnasium to an audience of nearly 450 students and twenty professors. On March 19, a similar presentation took place at the Cultural Center of St. Hyacinthe, organized by the local Astronomy Circle, with Pierre Smith presenting UFO-QUEBEC and Philippe Blaquière selling magazines.
• Claude Mac Duff also participated in an information and open line radio show on CKVL-Verdun on June 14.

Analysis of UFO Reports: Marc Leduc provides statistical data on UFO reports in 1976, presented in two graphs: one showing reports by hour of the day and another by month. The hour-based graph indicates a peak in reports between 8 PM and 10 PM, while the monthly graph shows a significant increase in reports during the summer months, particularly in July and August. Leduc notes that these distributions do not represent the entire year's reports, as some were omitted due to lack of validity or insufficient verification.

Reader Feedback and Ambiguity: Philippe Legault from Pointe-Claire, Quebec, writes to express his appreciation for the improved structure of the magazine. He points out an ambiguity in a graph by Marc Leduc in issue #13, where the sum of reports by hour totals 60, not 83 as stated, leading to a different average. He also requests clarification on the mathematical calculation and meaning of the '5.23' standard deviation. Marc Leduc responds, explaining that the 22nd hour was omitted during the layout, which accounted for the missing 23 cases, bringing the total to 83 and the average to 3.45. He further explains that the standard deviation of 5.23 is a measure of variability, calculated by taking the square root of the average of squared deviations from the mean.

Analysis of 'Second Type' Encounters: Jean-Marie Danis, L. Ps., from Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, offers a psychological analysis of 'second type' UFO encounters, as depicted in the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He discusses how the film portrays extraterrestrials as the sole emitters of a communication code, requiring humans to adapt. Danis likens the resulting compulsive behaviors observed in individuals after such encounters to obsessive-compulsive neurosis or post-hypnotic suggestion. He posits that extraterrestrials might access the individual unconscious to implant suggestions, leading to these behaviors, even without direct physical contact, possibly through telepathic intervention.

Personal Sighting Account: H. M. Bernier, a mechanical designer with avionics experience from Laval, Quebec, recounts a sighting from ten years prior. He describes observing a cigar-shaped object, estimated at 20 feet in diameter and 125 feet long, moving slowly near Henri-Bourassa. The object emitted flames of various colors from its rear, and its fuselage appeared to melt. He notes the object's lack of wings or rudders and its unusual movement. He also provides a detailed description of a similar sighting near the Rivière des Prairies in Montréal, describing a cigar-shaped craft with no wings or rudder, moving slowly and emitting flames.

Planetarium Dow Schedule: The issue includes a schedule for the Planetarium Dow, featuring exhibits titled "TYCHO" (May 10 to July 2) and "OMÉGA" (July 5 to August 27).

Reader Mail Section: A section titled "COURRIER UFO-QUEBEC" invites readers to submit letters, comments on articles, well-documented sighting accounts, UFO-related news, and suggestions for the magazine. The mailing address is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the active presence and investigation of UFO phenomena in Quebec. There is a strong emphasis on reporting sightings, analyzing data, and understanding the nature of potential extraterrestrial communication. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, analytical stance, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for both scientific and personal accounts. The inclusion of psychological interpretations of UFO encounters suggests an interest in the human response to these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of continuous engagement with the subject matter and its audience, as evidenced by the reader mail section and the focus on improving the magazine's structure and content.