UFO Quebec - No 21-22 - juin-aout 1980

Magazine Overview

This is the June & August 1980 double issue of UFO-QUEBEC, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to information and research on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The issue is priced at $2.00 and is published in Canada.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Claude Mac Duff, explains the delay in the publication of this double issue, attributing it to unforeseen events and the need for the UFO-QUEBEC team to attend to more pressing matters. To compensate for the delay, a double issue was published, containing a larger number of investigations, a photo dossier, continuation of articles on 'orthoteny', and information about a new UFO detection network in Quebec. Mac Duff emphasizes the dedication and goodwill required to run an independent group like UFO-QUEBEC and encourages readers to contribute to the growing network of researchers in the province.

Investigations in Quebec

Montreal, January 20, 1980

This report details an observation by two witnesses, Mme Richard and Jacques Richard, who encountered a strange object while driving near Montreal. The object, initially perceived as an airplane, suddenly stopped and descended vertically. It was described as elongated, wingless, with red lights, and made no sound. The witnesses experienced feelings of unease and curiosity. Subsequent observations by the witnesses and others in the area involved various red and white lights exhibiting unusual flight patterns, including hovering, vertical descent, and rapid changes in direction. A close encounter involved an object with intense yellow and red lights, two red flashes on its underside, and metallic, wingless, elongated features. The object was described as gigantic and silent.

Montreal, March 1, 1980

This case involves Roselyne Bouchard and her granddaughter Barbara, who witnessed a white light approaching their car in Montreal. The object was described as a sphere surrounded by a ring, with two red lights and white lights that shifted position. It moved in saccadic jumps and rotated before descending into a quarry. The object's underside was described as egg-shaped, and the red lights pulsed. The witnesses reported no sound. A police officer and the quarry's security chief investigated the site but found nothing. The evaluation of this case places it in the 'Close Encounters of the First Kind' category, with an 'Estrangement Index' of 4, citing the object's movements, shape, low altitude, and silence. The 'Probability Index' was also rated at 4, with favorable judgments from investigators and consistency in the witness's accounts.

Sorel, November 12, 1978

This event is mentioned as the closest local incident to the March 1st Montreal sighting. The conclusion suggests that further research into the nature of minerals exploited in the Sorel quarry could provide additional indices for this case.

Photo Dossier: Lac Loyer

This section is mentioned as a photo dossier that will be further completed in a subsequent issue.

Application of Orthoteny to Observations Made in Quebec

This article, a continuation by Jean Vézina and Marc Leduc, explores the application of 'orthoteny' to UFO observations within Quebec.

UFO Detection Network

This section introduces the establishment of a UFO detection network in Quebec by Richard Bastien. The article provides details on how interested individuals can join the network and install their own detection equipment. It highlights the growing number of researchers and the regular submission of investigation reports, indicating a positive development for the organization.

Information Section

This section includes a communiqué from Dr. Richard Haines regarding a new research questionnaire for airplane pilots. It mentions his specialization in this area and promises interesting results. Readers with knowledge of UFO sightings by pilots, or pilots themselves, are encouraged to contact UFO-QUEBEC to obtain a copy of the questionnaire. Contact information for the magazine and corporation is provided, including subscription rates and addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and investigations within Quebec. The magazine appears to adopt a serious and analytical approach, evident in the detailed witness testimonies, investigator evaluations, and the use of indices like 'Estrangement' and 'Probability'. The editorial stance is one of dedication to the pursuit of UFO research, acknowledging the challenges faced by independent groups while fostering a sense of community among researchers and encouraging public participation. The magazine also shows an interest in exploring new methodologies, such as 'orthoteny', and in collaborating with international researchers.

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC's 'REVUE DE PRESSE', issue number 11, dated November 1978, features a prominent cover story titled "UNE SORTE DE RAIE" (A Kind of Ray) by Philippe BLAQUIERE and Marc LEDUC. The magazine focuses on UFO/UAP phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and analytical reports.

The Saint-Louis Sighting (November 12, 1978)

The primary article details an observation made on November 12, 1978, between 7:30 PM and 8:40 PM, in Rang Saint-Louis, near Sainte-Victoire, Quebec. The witnesses, a couple of middle age and their son, were returning from Drummondville when they saw a white, triangular, transparent, and luminous object near a tree. Initially, they lost sight of it, but later reacquired it as an apparently immobile light source above the Yamaska River. It then vanished. Later, closer to Sainte-Victoire, the boy spotted the triangle again, lower and closer than before. The car stopped, and the object was observed about 70 to 100 meters to their left. It emitted a white, neon-like flash downwards, which did not reach the ground, described as a curtain of light lasting about ten seconds, accompanied by an electrical crackling sound. The object then moved closer, within 30 meters, and the light curtain faded. The boy exclaimed, "Mom, there are two!" The object then seemed to instantaneously change position, appearing elsewhere within a two-kilometer range, a phenomenon that occurred within a fraction of a second.

As the family drove away, they continued to observe the object. For about eight minutes, the triangle appeared as three lights, moving slowly and zigzagging towards the car, which had stopped again about 20 meters away. The object then changed shape, becoming an inclined metallic mass resembling a hat with rounded corners. The witnesses exited the car. The object had a rectangular box underneath, about one meter long and 30 centimeters wide, with perforated red and phosphorescent openings. The woman stated that at about ten meters above her, it could not have been an airplane or helicopter. The witnesses heard a sound similar to high-altitude jet planes. The man initially suggested it was a jet, but the boy countered it was a boomerang, while the woman thought it was a flying saucer. The object remained stationary for an unspecified time before moving away as slowly as it had approached, though still audible.

After discussing the event for several minutes, during which the man tried to convince his family it was an airplane, the woman, upon re-entering the car, felt the object's presence again, directly above them. It moved slowly, and she noticed a small light on the left side, appearing to be a cabin with vertical bars, though no one was visible inside. The object's metal surface resembled gray aluminum. It descended to about three to four meters above the ground before ascending again and moving towards the horizon, blinking red. The object's wingspan was estimated to be larger than the car, approximately seven to eight meters.

Analysis of the Sighting

The article includes a section titled "RECHERCHE DE LA FORME DE LA 'RAIE' PAR UNE SYNTHESE DES ELEMENTS DESCRIPTIFS" (Research on the Shape of the 'Ray' by Synthesizing Descriptive Elements), which compiles visual descriptions. It notes a rectangular perforated box (1m x 3m), a triangle with rounded corners, a boomerang-like shape, and a hat-like form from certain angles. From the front, two small headlights and a luminous cabin in the center were visible. The cabin appeared striated during movement. The object was not described as aerodynamic but resembled a helicopter.

The "COMMENTAIRES" section notes that the woman had read about UFOs and that she and her son experienced nightmares related to the event. A medical issue was also mentioned. The possibility of an airport nearby was dismissed by the witnesses. The object reportedly emitted steam from two "nozzles," creating a cloud. Later, the witnesses saw a luminous red ball near a trailer. The "EVALUATION" section describes the object's aspect as perplexing, with intelligent movements, stops, and displacements. The sound, light effects, and steam emission added to its strangeness. The close proximity and estimated size lent credibility to the witnesses' account, though the relative silence was considered inexplicable. The "Etrangeté" (Strangeness) was rated 6. The witnesses were questioned, and their accounts showed consistency, with high conviction. The Strangeness rating was elevated to 7.

The Lac Loyer Sighting (July 5, 1975)

Another section, "DOSSIER PHOTO," details an observation from August 1979, concerning an event on July 5, 1975, at Lac Loyer, near Saint-Alphonse-de-Rodriguez. Roger Trudeau, his family, and over 20 neighbors witnessed a stationary red luminous sphere at 11 PM. The object, about one-third the diameter of the full moon, resembled a traffic light. It remained stationary for about fifteen minutes before moving to its right, blinking, and descending behind a mountain. After 20 minutes, it reappeared and remained stationary for five minutes, during which Mr. Trudeau filmed it and took photos. The light then suddenly extinguished. Witnesses from Saint-Jean-de-Matha also saw the phenomenon, observing it disappear eastward at high speed. Reports from Sainte-Emilie also mentioned similar observations.

Mr. Trudeau provided details of the event, noting that he had taken notes shortly after. He had purchased color film and a Super 8 camera, ready for any event. On July 26, he again saw a red light crossing the sky in the same sector and managed to film it moving east. He later retraced his notes and agreed to a future meeting. Mr. Trudeau is an avid photographer with over 1,500 slides and requested anonymity.

Analysis of Photographic and Film Evidence

Pages 17-20 present analyses of the photographic and film evidence submitted by Mr. T... (likely referring to Roger Trudeau). The analysis, conducted by Don C. Donderi and Robert Lamarche, examined seven Kodachrome slides and approximately 300 frames of Super 8 film from July 5 and 26, 1975. The initial report stated the slides were taken during one evening and the film two weeks later, around July 26, 1975, at Lac Loyer. The object appeared as a red light on a black background with no details.

An inaccuracy was found regarding the film type; Kodachrome ASA 64 was not available in 1975, suggesting the film was likely ASA 25. The analysis of the slides revealed considerable movement within each frame, showing a red line with an overexposed yellow streak and yellow spots. This suggested the source was more intense at the center. The movement was too significant to be attributed to camera shake alone, even with a 1/60 second shutter speed. It was suggested that a similar effect could be achieved by moving a small red-filtered flashlight. The images were off-center, contradicting the idea of a handheld camera unless it was fixed on a tripod. The non-sequential numbering of the slides also raised questions.

The Super 8 film analysis showed a unique red point with an overexposed yellow center in each frame. The movement was more pronounced between frames than within them. The shutter speed was also around 1/60 second. If the object's behavior was consistent with the slides, more movement within frames would be expected. This suggested slower movements in the film than in the slides. However, the film also showed a displacement consistent with two sources of movement: optical error and camera shake. A third source of movement, possibly vertical relative to the camera, was also suggested, but its amplitude could not be quantified due to a lack of reference points. The analysis concluded that neither the slides nor the film provided sufficient evidence to confirm the rapid movement of a distant luminous source.

Conclusion on Evidence

Don C. Donderi concluded that "there is no internal evidence in either case that allows us to draw this conclusion, and, in the case of the slides, external evidence must be considered alongside internal evidence. This justifies that the aforementioned conclusion is inconsistent." He further stated that the slides and film could not be accepted as evidence of a unidentified flying object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC's publication strongly emphasizes detailed witness accounts of unusual aerial phenomena. It presents multiple sightings from different dates and locations within Quebec. A significant portion is dedicated to the technical analysis of photographic and film evidence, highlighting the challenges and limitations in definitively proving the nature of such sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and critical analysis, acknowledging the strangeness of reported events while demanding rigorous evidence. The publication aims to document these phenomena and explore potential explanations, even if the evidence remains inconclusive.

Title: RECHERCHES
Issue: 21
Volume: 3
Issue Date: 1979 (inferred from context and page numbers)
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Language: French

This issue of RECHERCHES delves into the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, focusing on the application of the orthoteny theory to observations in Quebec. It also introduces a new UFO detection network initiative and reports on legal actions concerning government UFO document disclosure.

Application of Orthoteny to Quebec UFO Observations

The article "Application de l'Orthoténie aux observations du Québec" by Jean Vezina and Marc Leduc presents the findings of their research into geographic alignments of UFO sightings. Following a theoretical overview in a previous article, this section focuses on verifying the applicability of Aimé Michel's orthoteny thesis to Quebec.

Data Analysis and Permanent Lines

The researchers utilized a sample of 200 "best" UFO cases from their database to maximize the chances of identifying real phenomena. They identified permanent lines by comparing the cumulative annual topographic distribution of cases and then subjected these lines to statistical testing. Due to a high concentration of cases in the Montreal and Beloeil regions, a correction was applied to exclude the hottest points within these areas during statistical evaluation. The complex calculations for great circles and point errors necessitated the use of a computer.

Seven Remarkable Orthotenic Lines

Through this process, seven remarkable orthotenic lines were determined. These are the only structures within the sample that meet the definition of a valid orthotenic line, as further computer-aided tests failed to reveal any other significant alignments. Table I lists these lines, identified by abbreviated names derived from their extreme points (e.g., BASAR for La Sarre/Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-Rouville, CESNAT for St-Césaire/St-Donat, JANUQUE for St-Blaise/La Tuque, VALENE for Valleyfield/Ste-Hélène, SABER for Sabrevois/Berthierville, RITHA for Rivière-des-Hurons/St-Tharcisius, and ROMAN for Rougemont/Manouane).

Statistical Verification

Table II presents the statistical analysis of these lines. The probabilities calculated for these lines, both with and without considering restricted surface areas, are highly significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), strongly excluding the hypothesis of random chance. For instance, the BASAR line has a probability of 2.8x10⁻²⁹ without hot spots and 2.4x10⁻¹¹ with restricted surface. The CESNAT line shows probabilities of 2.4x10⁻²⁷ and 1.2x10⁻⁷ respectively. The JANUQUE line has probabilities of 8.5x10⁻²⁰ and 1.2x10⁻⁵. The VALENE line's probabilities are 6.3x10⁻⁴ and 1.3x10⁻⁴. The SABER line's probabilities are 4.0x10⁻²⁵ and 8.2x10⁻⁴. The RITHA line's probabilities are 1.1x10⁻¹² and 1.3x10⁻⁴. The ROMAN line's probabilities are 7.4x10⁻¹² and 8.7x10⁻⁴.

Convergence Points and Case Distribution

These alignments converge on points of maximum UFO activity, notably Beloeil and Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-Rouville. Beloeil is a convergence point for five of the seven lines (13 cases out of 200), while Saint-Jean-Baptiste is an intersection for three lines (7 cases out of 200). The study also addresses potential biases in case reporting, comparing data from "good" cases with "bad" cases (those with insufficient information or natural explanations). The statistical difference between the proportion of aligned cases in "good" (36.2%) versus "bad" (21.3%) samples is highly significant (probability of random occurrence is 1 in 4100), reinforcing the non-random nature of the orthotenic network.

Geographic Accuracy and Case Examples

Computer-generated intersection calculations for Beloeil and Saint-Jean-Baptiste showed errors of only a few hundred meters. The study notes inaccuracies in a UFO-Quebec map regarding line positions but confirms that CESNAT and JANUQUE lines do pass through their respective localities. Several "classic" Quebec UFO cases, such as the "case of Saint-Mathias" (Rivière des Hurons, October 6, 1973) and the Saint-Cyrille case (June 25, 1974), are found to be located on this network.

UFO Detection Network in Quebec

Project Initiation and Detector Description

Richard Bastien announces the imminent launch of a UFO detection network in Quebec. He has taken responsibility for the project and is seeking suitable locations for installing simple compass-based detectors. The goal is to detect UFO passages and gather physical information, enabling users to be observant at opportune moments.

Detector Specifications and Operation

The SILIC A2 detector, model 2, is described as a magnetic detector that uses a compass needle. In normal conditions, the needle blocks a light beam from reaching a photocell. When a transverse magnetic field deviates the needle, the photocell is exposed to light, reducing its resistance. This variation triggers an alarm via a silicon-controlled rectifier. An indicator light remains on after the alarm stops, serving as a memory function. The detector can be powered by 110 volts AC or a 9-volt rechargeable battery. Its dimensions are approximately 13 cm x 6 cm x 5 cm, with a consumption of less than 15 mA. A 9-volt battery lasts about 36 hours. The sensitivity band is 0-2 Hz, and it detects 0.05 gauss at 0 Hz. The price of the detector is $20.00, including a 110-volt adapter.

Call for Collaborators

To ensure effective performance and statistically valid results, a control mode for the detection network is essential. UFO-QUEBEC members interested in collaborating are invited to contact Richard Bastien in writing. They will be provided with detectors and specific installation instructions to avoid false alarms. A form must be completed and mailed after any inexplicable detector activation.

Book Review: "Les Ovnis: Ceux Qui Les Ont Vus"

Author and Book Overview

A communiqué announces the publication of "Les Ovnis: Ceux Qui Les Ont Vus" by Reginald Marquis, published by Editions Castlriand Inc. Marquis has studied UFOs for nearly 15 years and is an active researcher, a member of several international ufological research groups, and an official investigator for the French group "Lumieres dans la Nuit". His previous book, "L'Homme Face à l'Enigme des Ovni", documented UFO history from 1947 to 1977.

Content and Availability

Marquis's second book concisely answers common questions about UFOs, such as who sees them and the phenomenon's characteristics. It comprises 24 defined chapters, plus three on related groups, books, and ufological activities, offering a synthesis of these topics. Copies can be ordered directly from the author for $7.00 (including postage). A special offer of $12.00 is available for both of Marquis's books ordered simultaneously. Orders should be sent to Reginald Marquis, 47 Hôtel-de-Ville, C.P. 254, Rivière-du-Loup, Québec, Canada G5R 1L4.

CAUS vs. CIA Lawsuit

New Lawsuit for UFO Document Disclosure

Larry Briant of CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy) reports on a new lawsuit filed against various US government agencies, including the NSA, DIA, and FAA. The lawsuit, initiated on June 24, 1980, aims to obtain existing UFO-related files under the Freedom of Information Act. The NSA claims that 18 UFO documents transmitted by the CIA cannot be released due to national security concerns, despite the US government's official stance that UFOs do not pose a national security threat.

CIA Involvement and Document Retention

The lawsuit against the CIA, ongoing for two years, has already resulted in the publication of nearly 1000 pages of UFO-related documents, suggesting CIA involvement in UFO research for at least 30 years. However, the CIA has been authorized to retain 57 UFO documents. An additional 200 supplementary UFO documents are reportedly held by the CIA. In response, CAUS filed an appeal on June 24, 1980. The article expresses hope that similar freedom of information legislation in Canada and Quebec will be enacted soon to shed light on UFO-related matters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena through statistical analysis and geographic pattern recognition (orthoteny). It promotes citizen involvement in data collection via the proposed detection network and advocates for government transparency regarding UFO information, as evidenced by the report on the CAUS lawsuit. The overall stance is one of rigorous inquiry and a belief in the reality of unexplained phenomena, urging readers to engage with the subject matter.