UFO Quebec - No 24 - dec 1980 - No special

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: 24 (Special Issue)
Date: December 1980
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC
Country: Canada
Language: French
Price: $1.00

This special issue of UFO-QUEBEC, a bi-monthly magazine dedicated to information and research on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), presents a range of articles and reports. The cover features a stylized illustration of a UFO in a field, with the main headline "INFORMATIONS RECHERCHES" (Information Research).

Editorial

The editorial, written by Wido Hoville, reflects on the past year, acknowledging that the mystery of flying saucers remains unsolved despite significant efforts. It highlights ongoing challenges in ufology, including a lack of organization and unity among research groups, and a general lack of time. However, the editorial expresses optimism, citing recent developments such as renewed interest in UFO research from Russia and China, and the establishment of a "RESEARCH FUND" for UFOs administered by scientists. The mention of a debate on UFOs at the "SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE" in September 1980, attended by 300 people, is also noted. The editorial also references the ongoing "C.A.U.S. affair" and L.H. Stringfield's announcement of new information regarding "UFO-CRASHES." Finally, it touches upon research into the electromagnetic effects of UFOs on humans by the "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers," promising further coverage in the March 1981 issue. The editorial concludes with holiday wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

OVNI's EN URSS (UFOs in the USSR)

This section, an excerpt from "THE UFO INVESTIGATOR" (Vol. II, No. 6, June 1980), translated by Louis-Michel Delorme, delves into the limited knowledge available about UFOs in the Soviet Union. It presents a report that sheds light on the phenomenon, noting widespread interest among scholars and the public. The report details over 190 observations made within the USSR and mentions that attempts to form study groups were twice thwarted by the government. The government also considered explanations for the phenomenon. The report itself is a 156-page English translation, authored by Professor Felix Y. Zigel of the Ordzhonikidze Aviation Institute in Moscow. While not classified, NICAP was advised to be discreet in acquiring it, and no US government organizations assisted in obtaining the document. The observations described are categorized similarly to Western reports, but notably, no mention is made of physical traces left by UFOs. The article contrasts the open reporting of UFOs in the West with the Soviet Union's "censored" approach to raw observations, suggesting the author may have omitted questionable reports.

UFOs in the Shape of a Crescent

This part of the report details 88 observations of crescent-shaped UFOs. The objects' dimensions are often comparable to the Moon, with pointed ends that can be symmetrical or asymmetrical and sometimes point in the direction of flight. The outer demarcation is usually clear, while the inner line is often blurred. Some crescents emit bright discharges from their tips, and others fly in formation with star-shaped objects. Several specific sightings are recounted:

• Early August 1967, 21:30, Rostov Oblat: An object described as a bright half-moon moved from west to east. It had a clear outline, with a luminous, aerodynamic, and fuselaged body of black color. A white light, magnitude one, preceded it. The "moon" and "star" objects moved in coordination, appearing linked, and were observed for about a minute and a half, covering about a third of the sky's arc without sound.
• August 8, 1967, 21:45, Samakovo, north of the Caucasus: Four members of the Geographical Society of the Academy of Sciences observed a crescent moving 50 degrees above the horizon. The thickness of the crescent was about one-fifth of a circle, with its points 15 minutes of arc apart.
• August 8, 1967, 20:38, Halchik: A flaming sphere, the size of a large melon, moved east near the horizon. The observer, familiar with satellite launches, found this phenomenon unprecedented.
• October and November 1967, 20:00-22:00, Rostov, on the Don: A retired army colonel observed a flaming crescent with a blurred outline, preceded by a star-like object. Residents of the apartment complex witnessed the phenomenon five times between August and November.
• November 7, 1967, 17:15, Kazan: An astronomer was called to witness a UFO. A "half-moon" object, about a quarter the size of the Moon, appeared with brilliant extremities and a small tail. It disappeared and reappeared, observed for about four seconds.

Discs, Spheres, and Cigars

• September 2, 1967, 23:35, Pskovskaya Oblast: Three campers and a physicist observed a luminous fog that transformed into a disc, moving at high speed. It then reverted to fog, with a cone-shaped glow beneath it. The disc reappeared, orange in color, before transforming into fog again and ascending gradually for about twelve minutes.
• Night of November 6, 1967, Kazan: A couple waiting at an airport saw a reddish, Saturn-like object with a flat ring, which circled and revolved before moving away. Subsequently, two spherical lights appeared and moved away at high speed.
• March 1966, 8:00, Tymenskaya Oblast: A geologist observed two bright objects, one yellowish-white and the other moon-like, which emitted beams similar to car headlights. They moved northeast, sometimes approaching and sometimes distancing, before disappearing behind mountains.

Other Unexplained Observations

This section mentions reports of flaming trails separating from objects, rectangular objects "suspended" in the sky, and stars visible through objects. A couple heard a pronounced "swish" sound in a field, but no object was found.

Explanations to Consider

The report explores various explanations for the observed phenomena. It dismisses "hallucinations" and "psychosis" affecting competent individuals. It considers "visible atmospheric disturbances" as per Menzel's work and "terrestrial spacecraft," but notes that some observations predated the launch of the first Sputnik. The possibility of "an unknown natural phenomenon" is also raised, drawing parallels to the past unknown nature of radioactivity and magnetic fields. However, the lack of spectrographic data on UFOs is highlighted.

#### Attempts at Organization

In 1956, Yu. A. Fomin and other Soviet engineers began forming an informal group to study foreign UFO literature. This group collected information on USSR observations. Despite progress, their efforts were hindered by the Moscow Planetarium, which considered the problem "non-existent." Individuals reporting sightings often received a printed reply suggesting they had observed an experiment involving sodium cloud discharges from rockets. The government's stance became officially clear in a January 8, 1961, editorial in "LA PRAVDA," which stated there was no evidence of UFO overflights and dismissed reports as unreliable tales from irresponsible sources, largely from the American press. Consequently, Yu. A. Fomin was dismissed from his position, and UFO study in the USSR was halted for several years.

#### Subsequent Attempts

Despite the setback, efforts to establish an organization continued. In October 1967, a press conference announced the creation of DOSAFF, a UFO department within a national military support organization. This initiative received significant publicity, with department heads requesting public reports. However, three weeks later, the department was dissolved without explanation. The report concludes with a letter sent to Aleksey Kosygin, President of the Council of Ministers, signed by thirteen engineers, requesting support for establishing a group of extraterrestrial observers and an organization to collect and analyze observations, as well as study unconventional flight methods. The report ends with the note that no response was received.

Phénomènes Naturels (Natural Phenomena)

This section, dated 7 January 1663, recounts an event described by Père Lalemant and published in "366 ANNIVERSAIRES CANADIENS" by Elie de Salvail. It details the appearance of "three suns" over Quebec on January 7, 1663, around 8:00 AM. A slight, almost imperceptible vapor rose from the river, and when struck by sunlight, it became transparent enough to support two images of the sun. The text also mentions earlier phenomena, such as "fiery serpents" entwining like a Caduceus and flying through the air on fiery wings, and a large globe of flames seen over Quebec and Montreal, which illuminated the night.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, research, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular interest in cases from the Soviet Union and historical events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and challenges within ufology while maintaining an optimistic outlook for future discoveries. There is a clear effort to present documented cases and explore potential explanations, differentiating between serious research and hoaxes. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and information sharing within the UFO research community.

This issue of "Les «nouveaux» ufologues," published by UFO-QUEBEC in August 1980, delves into the complex world of ufology, questioning the nature of UFO phenomena and the methods used to study them. The cover poses the provocative question: "ARE THEY MESSENGERS OF DECEPTION?" and features an illustration that blends religious and extraterrestrial imagery.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. It highlights the distinction between genuine scientific inquiry and what it terms "pseudo-science" or charlatanism, often propagated by sensationalist media and naive believers. The central theme revolves around discerning between natural phenomena and genuinely anomalous events, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology even when dealing with anecdotal evidence.

Key Articles and Content

Historical Observations

The issue begins by examining historical accounts that, at first glance, might be mistaken for UFO sightings. One such account, dating back to the 17th century, describes an observation of "three suns" in the sky, surrounded by an arc of colors. While initially appearing unusual, the magazine, referencing the work of Donald H. Menzel, suggests that such phenomena are likely natural, such as sunlight reflecting off humid air layers. The text quotes Père Lalemant's description of a "slight vapor" from the river causing these visual effects. The issue also briefly mentions the case of Captain Thomas Mantell, whose "explanations" regarding his encounter are deemed questionable by the magazine.

The Rougemont Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed report of a UFO sighting that occurred on September 20, 1972, near Rougemont, Québec. The witness, identified as "Monsieur X," initially did not believe in UFOs but was compelled to reconsider after his experience. He describes a luminous, "metallic" object, described as "brilliant aluminum white," that resembled the planet Saturn with a luminous ring and oval-shaped windows. The object was observed to move slowly, mimicking a pendulum's motion, and then suddenly accelerated at an "unimaginable speed." The witness recounts a powerful air displacement and a "suction noise" as the object passed overhead. The report includes an investigation by Philippe Blaquière and Wido Hoville, who found no physical evidence at the site.

Ufology as a Science

Marc Leduc's article, "UFOLOGIE, SCIENCE ET ANECDOTES," critically analyzes the scientific standing of ufology. He argues that ufology often lacks systematic observation, direct measurement, and reproducibility, which are hallmarks of conventional science. The article contrasts the rigorous methods of natural and social sciences with the often informal and subjective nature of ufological research, which relies heavily on anecdotal reports. Leduc suggests that while these anecdotes may lack precision, they can still be valuable for understanding the phenomenon if collected and analyzed systematically.

Interpretation of Anecdotal Reports

The magazine discusses the challenges of interpreting anecdotal UFO reports, emphasizing the potential for bias, memory errors, and subjective interpretations. It stresses the importance of selecting reliable reports and using objective criteria for evaluation. The concept of "pseudo-reports" is introduced, describing information that is disorganized, incomplete, and influenced by subjective judgment.

Precautions and Research Methods

Researchers are advised to take precautions when using anecdotal reports, suggesting methods like limiting the scope of investigation, precisely defining characteristics of interest, and quantifying observations through sampling. The article outlines how organized anecdotal reports can facilitate research into patterns, waves, typologies, and correlations related to UFO phenomena.

Conclusion on Ufological Research

The issue concludes that while ufological research faces significant weaknesses, a methodical collection of anecdotal information can be valuable. It emphasizes the need for discernment and caution in using this information and suggests that a systematic approach can lead to the confirmation or refutation of hypotheses and potentially aid in instrumental research.

UFO-Québec Information

An announcement informs subscribers about the restructuring of UFO-Québec Corporation and the upcoming relaunch of the "UFO-Québec" review in a new, quarterly format starting March 1981. Subscribers are encouraged to re-subscribe and support the organization's research efforts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of ufology as a field of study, the distinction between natural phenomena and potential extraterrestrial craft, and the challenges of applying scientific methodology to anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, advocating for rigorous research methods while acknowledging the potential value of eyewitness accounts. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the complexities and controversies surrounding UFOs, encouraging a discerning approach rather than blind belief or outright dismissal.

This issue of 'OVNI' (UFO) magazine, dated October 1973, features a prominent report on a landing incident in Saint-Mathias-de-Chambly, Canada. The magazine is published by LES ÉDITIONS DE L'HOMME and is in French.

UN ATTERRISSAGE A SAINT-MATHIAS DE CHAMBLY

The central article details a significant UFO landing event that occurred on the night of October 5th to 6th, 1973, in Saint-Mathias-de-Chambly, Quebec. The primary witnesses were an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. N. R., and a close neighbor.

Prelude and First Observation

The report begins by contextualizing the incident within a wave of UFO sightings in late 1973, mentioning notable cases in the United States like Pascagoula and Falkville. The Saint-Mathias incident is presented as one of several strange occurrences in Canada.

On the night of October 5th, around 11:45 PM, Mrs. R. noticed a powerful spotlight scanning their land from the north, near a geological fault line. Her husband initially dismissed it as police searching for cattle rustlers. The light disappeared after a few minutes, and the incident was largely forgotten.

Second Observation and the Landing

The following morning, while workers were installing a wrought iron balustrade, Mrs. R. observed thick smoke rising from a field. This smoke, not associated with any fire on their property, may have served to draw her attention to the area.

Around 11:35 AM, the couple witnessed a large, yellow, dome-shaped object, approximately 75 feet in diameter, hovering about 1,550 feet away in their field. They initially thought it was a tent. A smaller object, about a quarter of the size of the main craft and similarly colored, emerged from the larger one. This smaller UFO positioned itself about 200 feet from the larger object, near a spring.

Humanoids and Traces

Between the two UFOs, the witnesses observed at least five figures that appeared to be children, leading them to believe they were 'scouts' camping. These figures were about four feet tall, but their legs were obscured by the tall grass. There was constant movement between the two objects, with the occupants appearing busy and hurried, their arms moving as if carrying something. Mrs. R. noted that the beings wore helmets, and their yellow, bright suits were similar in color to the objects. The objects themselves had indistinct outlines, with no visible windows or doors.

The total duration of the observation was estimated to be between twenty and twenty-five minutes. The witnesses eventually noted that the objects and their occupants had disappeared by 11:55 AM without any apparent sound or passage of vehicles.

Physical Evidence and Aftermath

Later that day, the witnesses' daughter visited the site and found a large, flattened circle of burned grass, approximately 55 feet in diameter. Leading from this circle to the spring where the smaller UFO had landed were visible traces, about 6 inches wide, forming a smaller circle of 12 feet in diameter. The daughter subsequently fell ill with severe headaches and vomiting, symptoms attributed to radiation exposure.

Investigation and Analysis

An investigation of the site was conducted around November 4th, 1973. The physical traces were still visible, and color photographs were taken. Three impressions were discovered within the larger circle, arranged in a triangle formation with 34-foot spacing. At the time of the investigation, a Geiger counter was not available to measure radiation levels.

The report notes that the landing site is near several animal watering sources. It also mentions the presence of high-tension power lines to the east and a pipeline to the west. Crucially, the site is located on a synclinal axis, a geological feature that the authors suggest is often associated with UFO observations.

Connection to Previous Events and Geological Factors

The article references a previous sighting on August 20th, where a UFO passed slowly over the same area in the opposite direction. It also includes a description of a UFO photographed in Brazil on January 16th, 1958, near Ile Trindade, which a witness identified as the same model seen in Saint-Mathias. The authors emphasize the recurring link between UFO sightings and geological anomalies, citing numerous cases in the Chambly and Rougemont regions over the past twenty years.

Book Reviews and Announcements

The magazine also features several book reviews and announcements:

• "OVNI" by Yurko Bondarchuk: This book is presented as a synthesis of UFO descriptions from Canada and the United States, covering witness testimonies, government secrecy, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. It is translated by Cécile Kandalaft and reviewed by Geneviève Manseau.
• "LES OVNIS: CEUX QUI LES ONT VUS" by Réginald Marquis: This book is described as a follow-up to Marquis's previous work, focusing on who sees UFOs and the characteristics of the phenomenon, drawing on global reports.
• "LE PROCES DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Claude Mac Duff: Published by Editions Québec-Amérique, this book is presented as a compelling case for the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrials, using testimonies, evidence, and illustrations.
• "LES HUMANOÏDES" by Jean Ferguson: This book is highlighted as a comprehensive work on beings from space, exploring their origins and purpose, and is presented as a sensational document.

Fund for UFO Research Inc.

An announcement details the 'Fund for UFO Research Inc.', a non-profit organization established on August 1st, 1979, by scientists, engineers, and writers. The fund aims to channel tax-deductible contributions towards UFO research projects. Its achievements include accumulating $8,000 in assets, forming an Executive Committee and a National Steering Committee, and financing a project on a visual/photographic/radar case from New Zealand by Dr. Bruce Maccabee.

RESEAU UFO QUEBEC

The magazine concludes with contact information for 'RESEAU UFO QUEBEC', providing a list of useful telephone numbers for various regions in Quebec, including contacts for Philippe Blaquière, Wido Hoville, Jean Ferguson, and others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO landings, physical evidence of UFO activity (traces, landing sites), descriptions of UFO craft and their occupants (humanoids), and the potential connection between UFO phenomena and geological anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO reports, encouraging public awareness and research into the subject. The magazine also promotes books that delve into these topics, suggesting a commitment to disseminating information within the UFO community.