UFO Quebec - No 15 - 3e trim 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: 15
Date: September 1978
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Price: $1.25

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, number 15, published in September 1978, is a quarterly magazine focused on information and research concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The cover features a drawing of a pilot in a cockpit, with a stylized UFO above the magazine's title and issue number.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The table of contents lists several articles and features:

• ENQUETES AU QUEBEC (Investigations in Quebec)
• U.F.O A VICTORIA by Philippe Blaquière (Page 4)
• UN U.F.O GEANT by Philippe Blaquière (Page 6)
• NOUVELLE ZELANDE : LA VAGUE DE 1909 by Jean Sider (Page 7)
• CATALOGUE U.F.O.-QUEBEC (Page 11)
• DOSSIER PHOTO EXCLUSIF by Wido Hoville (Page 16)
• CES O.V.N.I QUI N'EXISTENT PAS by Marc Leduc (Page 22)
• STATISTIQUES PARTIELLES POUR L'ANNEE 1975 by Marc Leduc (Page 24)
• DESSIN DE LA COUVERTURE : JACQUES DUPONT (Cover Drawing)

Editorial

The editorial, written by Norbert Spehner, discusses the content of this issue, noting that the articles are of unusual length, leading to the temporary suppression of regular columns like 'Group Activities' and 'Readers' Mail'. It mentions the ongoing activities of the UFO-QUEBEC corporation, including participation in media events and travel by its members. Spehner also addresses the reader's mail, acknowledging interesting letters that cannot be published due to space constraints, and discusses the confusion arising from the multitude of UFO theories. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and personal experience in understanding the UFO phenomenon, leaning towards the belief in its existence. The editorial also announces the upcoming distribution of an investigation questionnaire to collaborators and explains his personal inability to respond to all reader correspondence due to his workload.

Articles and Features

U.F.O A VICTORIA (Page 4)

This article, investigated by Philippe Blaquière and sourced from Claude Mac Duff, details a close encounter of the first kind (Type R.R. No. 1) experienced by a family from Montreal during a trip to Victoria, British Columbia. The witnesses, a couple in their thirties, described a large, luminous object that initially appeared to be a large, illuminated airplane. However, they realized it had only wings and no fuselage. The object was described as enormous, silent, and moved horizontally before disappearing. The witness, Normand, initially skeptical, was convinced by the experience that UFOs exist.

UN U.F.O GEANT (Page 6)

Investigated by Philippe Blaquière, this case report comes from collaborator Luc Lafrenière and details an observation made by a 45-year-old professor of Plastic Arts in Montreal. The witness, an experienced traveler, reported seeing a large, disk-shaped object with a slight dome on top, flying parallel to his Boeing 747 over the Atlantic Ocean on the night of December 21-22, 1977. The object, described as metallic with a pale blue top and whitish underside, had no lights or windows but featured visible bolts. It maintained a constant speed and altitude with the aircraft for about fifteen seconds before abruptly changing course and accelerating away at high speed. The witness estimated the object's size to be three times that of the Boeing 747. Despite being the sole witness, the case is considered valuable due to the witness's credibility.

NOUVELLE ZELANDE : LA VAGUE DE 1909 (Page 7-10)

Authored by Jean Sider, this extensive article investigates the 'quasi-world' UFO wave of 1909, focusing on New Zealand. Sider argues against the common explanations of misinterpretation and hoaxes, particularly highlighting the New Zealand wave because no airships were in service there at the time, thus ruling out misidentification with dirigibles. The article meticulously details numerous sightings reported in New Zealand newspapers between July and August 1909. Examples include:

• July 13: Luminous lights seen near Stirling, described as belonging to an aerial vessel.
• July 27: An enormous, illuminated object observed near Kaka beach, appearing to be on the verge of landing.
• July 28: A large, black, cigar-shaped object with a projector was seen hovering over Dunedin.
• July 30: A boat-shaped aerial vessel with two human silhouettes was observed over a dredge near Gore.
• July 31: An aerial vessel was sighted over Auckland, described as having powerful, projector-like lights.
• August 6: A torpedo-shaped object with three occupants was reported near Waipawa.

Sider also includes a letter from a correspondent named Robert Grigor, who suggested in 1909 that these were visits from beings from another world with superior knowledge, advocating for government investigation. The article emphasizes that in 1909, UFOs were often admitted as a reality, with the focus being on identifying their origin rather than denying their existence.

CATALOGUE U.F.O.-QUEBEC (Page 11)

This section likely lists or categorizes UFO reports or related information compiled by UFO-QUEBEC.

DOSSIER PHOTO EXCLUSIF (Page 16)

This feature, by Wido Hoville, re-examines a photograph of a UFO, possibly in light of new developments.

CES O.V.N.I QUI N'EXISTENT PAS (Page 22)

This article by Marc Leduc likely discusses UFO reports that have been debunked or explained as conventional phenomena.

STATISTIQUES PARTIELLES POUR L'ANNEE 1975 (Page 24)

Marc Leduc provides partial statistics on UFO sightings from 1975.

Organization Information

The magazine also provides details about the corporation UFO-QUEBEC:

• Address: UFO QUEBEC, BP 53, DOLLARD DES ORMEAUX, PQ, H9G 2H5, CANADA.
• Mission: A non-profit association directed by founding members, dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects and publishing research in the quarterly review UFO-QUEBEC.
• Management: Includes Director Marc Leduc, President Wido Hoville, Vice-President Philippe Blaquière, and Secretary Norbert Spehner.
• Departments: Lists activities for Subscriptions (Paul Blaquière), Mail (Wido Hoville), Archives (Jean-Louis Blaquière), General Information (Claude McDuff), Translation (Georges Ethier), Accounting (Pierre Smith), Network (Philippe Blaquière), Investigations (Wido Hoville, Marc Leduc, Jeff Holt, Don Donderi, Philippe Blaquière), and Scientific Advisors (Marcel Constantin, Don Donderi). Photographers include Guy Tardif and Norbert Spehner.

Subscription and Advertising Information

Details are provided for subscriptions, including rates for regular and supporting subscriptions, with additional costs for international shipping (Europe via boat or air). Payment instructions specify checks and money orders payable to UFO-QUEBEC. A separate address is given for subscription management: UFO-QUEBEC ABONNEMENTS, 361 LE CORBUSIER, BELOEIL, P.Q. J3G 3N8. The magazine is also available free in exchange for other publications. A contact number for advertising is listed as 653 77 67.

Legal Deposit

Legal deposit information is provided for the National Library of Quebec in Montreal and the National Library of Canada in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

Contributors are responsible for their writings, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff or the corporation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO investigations, historical UFO waves (particularly the 1909 New Zealand event), and witness testimonies. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norbert Spehner, is one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its reality and encouraging critical analysis of information, while personally leaning towards the belief in the existence of UFOs. The magazine appears to be a serious platform for ufological research, aiming to document and analyze sightings and related data.

This issue of UFO-Quebec, identified as issue number 8 and dated 1978, is a French-language publication from Canada focused on unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Origins of Reports and Classification System

The magazine explains that UFO reports originate from various sources, including provincial, national, and international collaborators, ufological groups, government organizations, the general public, and media outlets. To facilitate international accessibility and readability, the catalogue classifies observations by date and employs the acronyms U.F.O. (Unidentified Flying Object) and I.F.O. (Identified Flying Object). A typology similar to that used by Dr. J. Allen Hynek is adopted.

Definitions are provided for UFO observations: any abnormal aerial phenomenon that cannot be attributed to a known conventional object after investigation, based on its appearance, behavior, and effects.

• The classification code, based on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's categories, includes:
• NL: Nocturnal Light (luminous phenomena resistant to conventional explanation).
• DD: Daylight Disc (objects observed during the day, not necessarily disc-shaped).
• RV: Radar Visual (UFOs detected by radar and observed by witnesses simultaneously).
• CE-I: Close Encounter of the First Kind (UFOs observed within 180 meters).
• CE-II: Close Encounter of the Second Kind (CE-I with physical traces or physiological effects on the witness).
• CE-III: Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE-I with observation of occupants or contact with humanoids).

Strangeness and Probability Indices

The "Indice d'Étrangeté" (Strangeness Index) measures the degree of unusualness of a report, based on characteristics like movement, effects, luminosity, trajectory, traces, colors, altitude, intelligent behavior, shape, and distance. A score of 0 indicates a normal explanation, while 10 signifies an extraordinary event. Scores of 3 or 4 are considered the threshold for rejection or acceptance for further study.

The "Indice de Probabilité" (Probability Index) assesses the credibility of a report based on factors such as the number of witnesses, internal and external consistency, and the investigator's judgment. A score of 0 means rejection, while 10 indicates absolute reliability. Cases scoring 3 or higher are generally retained.

Most cases in the UFO-Quebec Catalogue concern observations made in the Province of Quebec and the rest of Canada.

Catalogue of Observations (1978)

The magazine presents a detailed list of UFO sightings from 1978, including date, time, duration, strangeness index (ETRAN), probability index (PROB), type of UFO, number of witnesses (TEMOINS), and location (LIEU).

June 6, 1978: At 22:20 in Ayers Cliff, Quebec, a UFO the size of Venus was observed making several rotations and disappearing.
June 11, 1978: At 19:30 in Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec, three witnesses saw an orange luminous ball near Île aux Lièvres that suddenly extinguished.
June 13, 1978: At 23:15 in Rougemont, Quebec, a witness saw a series of bright lights that bifurcated and hovered silently.
June 22, 1978: At 22:15 in Cabonga, Quebec, two witnesses observed a red disc-shaped object that moved at high speed and became paler.
June 29, 1978: At 22:35 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, a formation of 12 white, matte luminous discs was seen moving at high altitude, splitting into smaller groups.
February 24, 1978: At 20:15 in Laval, Quebec, witnesses saw an intense orange light making a sound during a snowstorm.
March 5, 1978: At 19:30 in St. Jovite, Quebec, two witnesses observed a square-shaped object that changed color.
April 1, 1978: At 17:15 in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, witnesses saw a brilliant round, silvery object moving west.
May 17, 1978: At 23:46 in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, a red object with a bluish halo was observed at low altitude.
May 22, 1978: At 21:30 in Montreal, Quebec, a triangular UFO with a red center and orange contours was seen for two consecutive evenings.
May 24, 1978: At 02:00 in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, a disc-shaped object with a dome and yellow lights was observed at a distance of 250 feet and an altitude of 200 feet.
July 6, 1978: At 1:30 in Cabonga, Quebec, witnesses saw a white light moving at high speed above a forest.
July 10, 1978: At 22:30 in St. Sauveur, Quebec, an amateur astronomer observed a red object, the size of a 25-cent coin, hovering and then moving south at high speed.
July 12, 1978: At 00:10 in Lac Baskatong, a red object the size of the moon was observed by two witnesses, who managed to take four photographs.
July 25, 1978: At 21:35 in Chambord, Quebec, a luminous ball, the size of a bright star, moved southeast, changing speed and direction.
July 24, 1978: At 8:20 in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, a solid, brilliant object emitting a sound similar to an airplane was seen.
July 29, 1978: At 01:30 in Beloeil, Quebec, a white luminous baton was observed moving at high altitude eastward.

Special Photo Dossier: Montreal Squadron of UFOs (August 5, 1973)

This section details an investigation into a photograph taken on August 5, 1973, above Montreal, showing an "escadrille" (squadron) of at least ten UFOs. The witness, Michel Imbeault, a student, captured the image while testing a new camera. The objects appeared as a series of very bright lights moving from southwest to northeast.

The case was initially analyzed by William H. Spaulding and Fred Adrian of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), using computer analysis. Their conclusion was that the anomalous images were likely a misinterpretation of a conventional object, possibly a military aircraft's strobe light. They cited issues with exposure time, suggesting that to achieve the photographic results, a much longer exposure (30-90 seconds) would have been necessary, and that the halo was a reflection of the sun.

However, Colman Vonkevickzky of Intercontinental UFO Research and Analytic Network (ICUFON) provided a counter-analysis. He disputed GSW's findings, arguing that their analysis showed a lack of knowledge in photographic evaluation. Vonkevickzky pointed out that aircraft strobe lights have specific placements and that the observed formation did not match this pattern. He also argued that the halo was not a solar reflection but a result of the camera lens's optical system (Newton's ring).

ICUFON's photomicroscopic analysis concluded that the "chain of lights" photographed in Montreal represented a real formation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The analysis rejected theories of lens reflection or manipulation, comparing the Montreal photo to another UFO formation photograph taken in France.

Historical UFO Wave: New Zealand, 1909

The magazine includes an article by Jean Sider discussing the 1909 UFO wave in New Zealand. Sider emphasizes the consistency and unusual nature of the reports, which described cigar-shaped objects with wings and sometimes a cockpit. He notes that the media at the time referred to a single mysterious "aerial vessel," leading to the belief that it was a local invention. Sider argues that this wave is one of the least contestable UFO phenomena due to the lack of conventional explanations like dirigibles or airplanes, and the widespread reporting by rural populations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic cataloging and analysis of UFO sightings, the classification of UFO phenomena using established ufological frameworks, and the examination of photographic evidence. The magazine presents a detailed approach to investigating and reporting on UFO cases, including witness testimonies, technical analysis, and historical context. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, aiming to provide a comprehensive and analytical resource for researchers and enthusiasts. The detailed analysis of the Montreal photograph and the discussion of the 1909 New Zealand wave underscore a commitment to exploring both contemporary and historical aspects of UFOlogy.

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue Date: March 1978
Main Headline: Ces OVNI. qui n'existent pas ! (These UFOs that don't exist!)

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC critically examines UFO reports, with a strong emphasis on debunking cases through scientific analysis and identifying common misidentifications. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, aiming to promote rigor in ufological research.

Analysis of UFO Cases and Methodologies

The issue begins with a critique of the analysis presented in "The Travis Walton Experience" and the work of William Spaulding. The author expresses dissatisfaction with Spaulding's photographic analysis, deeming it unscientific and incompetent. Colman Vonkevickzky's analysis of the same case is praised for its photographic rigor but criticized for including gratuitous comments about a 'Galactic Task Force.' The article suggests Vonkevickzky would gain more credibility by sticking to factual analysis.

Two photographs are presented, showing round vehicles emitting light above two continents, which the authors suggest are evidence of intelligently piloted craft of unknown origin, rejecting the 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) explanation.

Wido Hoville's Commentary

Wido Hoville shares his personal experience and skepticism regarding UFO analysis. He recounts meeting William Spaulding in 1976, initially hopeful about his computer-aided photographic analysis. However, this hope quickly faded upon learning that Spaulding had also 'demolished' other well-known UFO photo cases, such as the Santa Ana photo and the Falkville humanoid photo. Hoville was particularly surprised when Spaulding provided a 'ridiculous' analysis of the Michel Imbeault photo, claiming to see stars 10-15 minutes after sunset. An astronomer from the Dow Planetarium of Montreal reportedly laughed when told of this claim. Hoville also consulted a world-renowned astronomer who confirmed that Spaulding's technique lacked significant value for UFO research.

Hoville also addresses the Imbeault case, noting that explanations involving aircraft from Dorval or Saint-Hubert airports are unlikely due to flight path and noise restrictions. He concludes that Spaulding's analysis, despite its cost, was ultimately unsatisfactory.

"These UFOs That Don't Exist!" - An Investigative Approach

This section, authored by Marc Leduc, aims to guide amateur investigators towards prudence and to validate the critiques of certain UFO reports. It highlights instances where misidentifications could have been avoided.

Researchers' Shock

The article discusses Michel Monnerie's book, characterizing it as an expression of frustration within the research community. While acknowledging Monnerie's intent, the author distinguishes him from figures like Condon and Klass. Monnerie's critique of case quality is seen as valid, but his apparent doubt about the entirety of published cases is attributed to a 'maladroit' approach or a misdirected focus.

Unlike Hynek, who focused on the best cases to build a science, Monnerie seems to doubt too broadly. The text notes that a sincere witness report does not automatically constitute a UFO case, a point also emphasized by Hynek. The issue of rigor in investigations and the reliance on both good and bad cases by theorists are highlighted as points of contention.

Systematic Witnesses

An increase in phone calls and mail is noted, coinciding with the release of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The magazine acknowledges the public's interest and the media coverage of UFO phenomena. The article then presents three distinct cases of sightings that occurred on the same night (April 26, 1978) in the Longueuil area, involving different witnesses.

#### Investigation: First Case

Guy Tardif, a photographer for UFO-QUEBEC, investigated a case reported in "Le Journal de Montréal." Two witnesses reported seeing an object while driving. Police officers who retraced their route suggested the object was the Moon. The witnesses, however, described the Moon as strange and the object as having an orange hue, moving parallel to their car and appearing to be at a low altitude. Tardif's own investigation, retracing the route at the same time of night, found that the Moon could indeed create an illusion of an object following the car, especially when viewed through trees. The homeowner where the object supposedly hovered reported nothing unusual.

#### Investigation: Second Case

Another couple reported seeing a phenomenon they initially thought was an airplane with an orange glow, described as a stable 'planet.' This 'star' moved from east to west and disappeared. They also noted the Moon was present and seemed to follow their car's movements, creating an illusion of being watched.

#### Investigation: Third Case

A third couple reported seeing six lights in a horizontal formation at low altitude. These lights changed position to a vertical formation, and two eventually extinguished, leaving four in a square. The lights' movement seemed to be influenced by the car's movement, immobilizing when the car stopped. The article suggests this formation could be explained by lights from two large towers near the Laprairie golf course, viewed from a specific angle and path.

Warning

The article emphasizes that while witnesses are convinced of the strangeness of what they saw, their testimonies, though sincere, are often emotional and prone to misinterpretation. The authors argue that accepting these cases without rigorous verification provides ammunition for skeptics and leads to flawed hypotheses. The example of the Moon being mistaken for a UFO is used to illustrate the concept of 'mimicry' in UFO phenomena, referencing Bertrand Méheust's work.

The authors believe that the current impasse in UFO research and the weakness of hypotheses stem from the publication and use of too many unverified cases. They stress the importance of verifying the origin and reputation of sources when analyzing reports.

Statistical Data on UFO Reports (1975)

The issue includes two graphs illustrating UFO report data from 1975:

• Reports by Hour of the Day: This graph shows a peak in reports between 9 PM (21:00) and 10 PM (22:00), with a total of 80 reports analyzed for this hourly distribution. It notes that these distributions do not represent the entirety of reports for 1975.
• Reports by Month: This graph shows a significant increase in reports during the summer months, peaking in August (13 reports) and September (31 reports), with a total of 89 reports analyzed for this monthly distribution. The data also includes average (M) and estimated (E) values for hourly and monthly distributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO evidence, with a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the potential for misidentification. The editorial stance is one of caution and skepticism towards unverified reports, advocating for rigorous investigation and analysis to distinguish genuine phenomena from mundane explanations. The magazine aims to educate its readers on how to approach UFO sightings with a critical and scientific mindset, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between sincere witness accounts and scientifically verifiable data. The issue also touches upon the broader context of ufological research, including the impact of popular culture and the challenges faced by researchers in establishing credibility.