UFO Quebec - No 25 - mars 1981

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, identified as number 25 and published in March 1981, is a quarterly magazine focused on information and research concerning unidentified flying objects. The cover features a dramatic illustration of a UFO hovering over water with a boat in the foreground, accompanied by the headline "INFORMATIONS RECHERCHES" (Information Research). The price is listed as $1.50.

Table of Contents

The table of contents on page 2 outlines the issue's articles and features:

• EDITORIAL (Page 3)
• ENQUETES AU QUEBEC (Investigations in Quebec) (Page 4)
• PHENOMENE UFO ET ACTIVITE SOLAIRE, PARTIE 2 (UFO Phenomenon and Solar Activity, Part 2) (Page 8)
• LETTRE DE RENE FOUE RE (Letter from René Fouéré) (Page 13)
• CATALOGUE UFO-QUEBEC (UFO-Quebec Catalogue) (Page 17)
• COMMENT REDIGER UN RAPPORT D'ENQUETE (How to Write an Investigation Report) (Page 19)
• COURRIER (Mail/Correspondence) (Page 20)
• LECTURES (Readings/Reviews) (Page 24)
• Dessin de la page de couverture Jurko (Cover illustration by Jurko)

Additionally, page 2 includes an organizational chart for UFO-QUEBEC, detailing roles such as Honorary Members, Founding Members, Adherent Members, Board of Directors, and various charged positions. It also features an "IN MEMORIAM" for Michel Bienvenu, a loyal collaborator who passed away in December 1980, and a reminder for investigators and members to renew their membership cards.

Editorial

The editorial on page 3, dated March 1981, reflects on the year ahead and the ongoing debate between ufologists and skeptics. It notes that criticism from skeptics has pushed ufologists to improve their research standards. The editorial highlights the re-examination of the correlation between UFO phenomena and solar activity, suggesting that new research avenues could shed light on the origin of UFOs. An article announced for issue No. 26 will discuss the interaction of electromagnetic fields with humans. The editorial also mentions positive feedback received regarding a previous article and a response published in UFO-QUEBEC No. 23 concerning an article in "SCIENCE ET VIE." It announces the publication of excerpts from a letter by René Fouéré, President of G.E.P.A., to the "SCIENCE ET VIE" editorial board, paying tribute to him as an ufology pioneer. The magazine will also publish lists of books available through "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" and later from SOBEPS (Belgium) and the CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES (Dr. J. Allen Hynek), clarifying that UFO-QUEBEC declines responsibility for these services. The editorial concludes by acknowledging the magazine's reorganization, the increase in members, and the urgent need for more investigators to help process the backlog of cases, emphasizing that the publication's continuity depends on this support. It also reminds investigators to submit reports according to established criteria and thanks those who spontaneously renewed their subscriptions.

Investigations in Quebec

LAC DROLET 12. MAI.80 (Page 4-5)

This section details an observation by a farmer in Lac Drolet on the evening of May 12, 1980. The farmer, who requested anonymity, reported seeing a strange yellow-orange light above a pigsty while returning home. He stopped his vehicle to observe the phenomenon. The object was described as a yellow-orange ball, approximately 8 mm in apparent size (60 cm at arm's length), which seemed to execute half-turns and oscillate. The farmer's wife and children also observed the object, describing it as an oval light of yellow, red, and white colors, rotating continuously. The object then moved rapidly west at high speed and disappeared. The observation lasted about 20 minutes, with no sound perceived. The following morning, the farmer discovered that several newborn piglets had died, exhibiting symptoms of diarrhea and rapid decay. A veterinary examination revealed that the piglets had died of heart failure and were infested with Streptococcus bacteria. A vaccine was developed and administered, controlling the epidemic. The report poses the question of a possible link between the UFO sighting and the animal deaths.

Réservoir Cabonga 22.Juin.78 (Page 6-7)

This report describes an encounter on June 22, 1978, at the Cabonga Reservoir in Parc de la Vérendrye, Quebec. Witnesses Alain Mainville and Louis Roger were fishing when the sky became overcast and it began to rain. Around 10:15 PM, as they were preparing to leave, they saw a large, intense red disc-shaped object appear suddenly above the water. One witness, Alain, panicked and stopped the boat's engine, while Louis tried to signal their presence with a flashlight, initially mistaking the object for another boat. The object, described as a flying disc seen from the side, moved rapidly southeast and disappeared after about 30 seconds, appearing to shrink and become paler. No sound was heard. Louis later distinguished faint rays emanating from the object, but Alain saw nothing further. Both witnesses expressed a desire not to relive such an experience.

UFO Phenomenon and Solar Activity, Part 2

Historique (Page 8)

This article, authored by Wido Hoville, revisits his previous research published in UFO-QUEBEC issue 17 (1979) concerning a possible link between UFO phenomena and solar activity. Hoville acknowledges criticisms of his earlier work as being "artisanal" but maintains his conviction that further study will reveal a convincing relationship. He distances himself from theories suggesting solar activity induces electromagnetic fields that create plasma-shaped UFOs, such as those proposed by Michael Persinger and Gyslaine F. Lafrenière. Instead, Hoville's theory is based on the observation that NASA launched Skylab when solar activity was decreasing to protect astronauts and the station from solar wind and X-rays. He hypothesizes that UFO occupants might seek shelter from solar maximums within Earth's magnetic field. He proposes two scenarios: (A) UFOs orbit Earth and seek shelter in the electromagnetic field during solar maximums, leading to an increase in observations, even during periods of low solar activity if spontaneous eruptions occur; or (B) UFOs from beyond the solar system might avoid Earth during solar maximums, resulting in fewer observations, thus creating an inverse relationship between UFO waves and solar maximums.

Bernard Delair and Luc Van Cangh are mentioned as agreeing that solar activity and UFO activity are linked. The author hopes for continued dialogue among researchers to uncover the truth about UFO origins and their visitors' motives.

UNE AUTRE TECHNIQUE (Another Technique) (Page 8)

This section, attributed to Luc Van Cangh, discusses a critique of an article that claimed to prove a link between sunspots and UFO observations, suggesting a periodicity in UFO sightings based on solar cycles. After reviewing the calculations, it was concluded that the probability of observing UFOs is proportional to sunspot activity. The following article by Philippe Nicolas aims to respond to Wido Hoville and use solar sunspot variations as an "internal standard" for UFO activity, without seeking a direct physical link between the two phenomena. It notes that the potential periodicity of UFO phenomena might be slightly over 11 years.

Analysis of UFO Activity and Solar Activity (Page 9-10)

This section, authored by Philippe Nicolas, delves deeper into the comparison between UFO phenomena and solar activity, building upon Wido Hoville's work. It references Hoville's study which analyzed 10 major UFO waves over 80 years, finding that most did not coincide with solar activity maxima, except for 1947 and 1957, which he explained through specific events. Hoville also noted a correlation between UFO activity and low planetary attraction during solar minima. Nicolas's analysis extends this to a 176-year period, using annual UFO observation data from 1800 to 1976 and the Wolf number (measuring sunspot activity) since 1700. The study aims to determine the trend (T) of UFO phenomena and then compare its fluctuations to solar activity.

Nicolas explains the use of a 13-year moving average to smooth out the UFO observation data and identify fluctuations (N). He then compares these fluctuations (R = N/T) to solar activity (S), normalized between 0 (minimum) and 10 (maximum). The analysis, presented in tables and figures, indicates that while most observations are below the trend (R < 1), at solar maximums (S=10), 73% of cases show observations exceeding the trend, suggesting a probable increase in UFO activity during these periods, though the magnitude is not predictable. A similar, though less pronounced, effect is observed at solar minimums (S=0). The study acknowledges that the results might depend on the chosen moving average order (a 25-year average yielded similar results) and that the analysis is somewhat "artisanal." The conclusions suggest that UFO phenomena might be independent of the sun, except for a potential punctual increase during solar maximums, or that periodic increases in UFO activity might coincide with solar maximums without a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The possibility of a slight phase lag between the two cycles is also considered.

The article includes a schematic of the interaction between solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field, illustrating concepts like the magnetopause, shock wave, and retention distance.

Other Sections

• CATALOGUE UFO-QUEBEC (Page 17): This likely lists available resources or past issues.
• COMMENT REDIGER UN RAPPORT D'ENQUETE (Page 19): This article provides guidance on how to properly document UFO investigations.
• COURRIER (Page 20): This section would contain letters from readers.
• LECTURES (Page 24): This section likely features book reviews or reading recommendations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly within Quebec, and the exploration of potential correlations with natural phenomena like solar activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and rigorous research, acknowledging both the contributions of ufologists and the criticisms from skeptics. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through letters and by soliciting investigative reports. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology, even while acknowledging the limitations of current approaches and the artisanal nature of some of the research presented. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information on UFO-related literature and resources.

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, identified as Volume 12, Issue 12, published in 1981, focuses on the controversial topic of UFOs and their existence, with the cover headline "Ces OVNI. qui n'existent pas !" (These UFOs that do not exist!). The magazine presents a debate on the nature of UFO phenomena, critiquing skeptical viewpoints and defending the scientific investigation of sightings.

Editorial and Correspondence

The issue begins with a section addressed to "A TOUS NOS ENQUETEURS ET COLLABORATEURS" (To All Our Investigators and Collaborators), outlining procedures for submitting observation reports to UFO-QUEBEC. It emphasizes the need for detailed reports, including a summary of strangeness and probability indices, to facilitate publication in the review. The organization is also seeking volunteers to permanently manage observation files in Quebec.

A special subscription offer for "SOLARIS", a science-fiction magazine, is advertised, along with a free science-fiction book for new subscribers. The offer is valid until April 15, 1981.

Main Article: "Ces OVNI. qui n'existent pas !"

This section features a critical response to an article published in "Science & Vie" by Gérard Barthel, Jacques Brucker, and Michel Monnerie, who are accused of dismissing UFO cases and witnesses. Wido Hoville introduces a letter from René Fouéré, President of the "Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aériens" (G.E.P.A.), who defends the serious study of UFOs and criticizes the authors of the "Science & Vie" article for their biased approach and selective use of evidence.

Fouéré argues that while it's necessary to denounce errors and hoaxes, the "Science & Vie" article is partial and aggressive. He draws parallels with historical scientific skepticism, such as the initial denial of meteorites, and warns against premature conclusions. He highlights that the history of UFOs is long and complex, and that rationalism should not be confused with irrationality or the dismissal of evidence.

Fouéré points out three specific "incorrections" in the "Science & Vie" article regarding Claude Poher and the G.E.P.A.N. (Groupement d'Études et d'Informations sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés). He criticizes the authors for misrepresenting G.E.P.A.N. as quasi-official and for using private study extracts without proper context.

He defends "Phénomènes Spatiaux" against accusations of being a magazine for "fanatical saucer-watchers," asserting that it maintains a cautious and scientific approach. He provides examples of official recognition, such as the Air Force sending its testimonies to G.E.P.A., and mentions that the magazine has published articles by qualified engineers and doctors.

Fouéré concludes that the accusation of fanaticism is ridiculous and that "Phénomènes Spatiaux" has strived to approach the UFO problem with scientific rigor and prudence. He suggests that the "Science & Vie" article, by relying on discourteous young authors, might damage the reputation of "Science & Vie" itself.

How to Write an Investigation Report

This section provides a guide on structuring an investigation report, divided into four parts: Introduction, Recit (Narrative), Evaluation, and Conclusion.

• Introduction: Sets the context, introduces the subject and its limits, explains how the investigator learned about the case, presents witnesses (respecting anonymity), and details the methods used (written accounts, questionnaires, photos, etc.).
• Recit: Presents the event as told by the witness(es) without commentary. It includes details about the preceding moments, the appearance and movement of the object, and how the observation ended.
• Evaluation: Analyzes the narrative to identify strange characteristics and points supporting the probability of the event. It involves counting strange elements for the "Indice d'Étrangeté" and elements supporting credibility for the "Indice de Probabilité." The report is then classified according to the 6 observation types.
• Conclusion: Adds further details if necessary, but a well-written report should speak for itself. The investigator's role is to provide information objectively, not to convince.

An example report is provided about an observation of UFOs in formation by Jean-Louis Blaquière, filmed on Super 8. The report details the sighting, assigns an "Indice d'Étrangeté" of 3 and an "Indice de Probabilité" of 4, classifying it as NL (Nocturnal Light).

UFO-QUEBEC Catalogue and Classification

This section explains the UFO-QUEBEC catalogue, a compilation of UFO reports collected and investigated by the organization. It details the classification system, which uses abbreviations like U.F.O. and I.F.O., and adopts a typology similar to Dr. J. Allen Hynek's.

The origins of the reports are listed as collaborators (provincial, national, international), ufological groups, government agencies, the public, and the media.

The definition of a UFO is given as "any abnormal aerial phenomenon that cannot be attributed to a known object due to its appearance, behavior, and effects, after investigation."

The classification codes are explained: NL (Nocturnal Light), DD (Daylight Disc), RV (Radar Visual), CE-I (Close Encounter of the First Kind - within 180 meters), CE-II (Close Encounter of the Second Kind - with physical traces or physiological effects), and CE-III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind - with occupants or humanoids).

The "Indice d'Étrangeté" (Strangeness Index) is a rating from 0 to 10 based on characteristics like movement, trajectory, and forms. An index of 0 means a normal explanation, while 10 is extraordinary. A score of 3 or 4 is the threshold for acceptance for further study.

The "Indice de Probabilité" (Probability Index) is also rated from 0 to 10, assessing the credibility of the report based on factors like the number of witnesses and the report's coherence. A score of 0 means rejection, while 10 is absolutely reliable. Cases reaching or exceeding an index of 3 are generally kept.

Most cases in the catalogue are from the Province of Quebec and the rest of Canada.

Observation Reports

The issue includes a section with dated observation reports, providing details such as date, time, duration, strangeness and probability indices, type (LN), UFO.s, witnesses, and location.

• September 29, 1980, 21:15, Lennoxville: A luminous red object, bell-shaped, approached a couple. It reacted to a flashlight and moved erratically before disappearing. A third witness observed it. No trace was found.
• September 3-4, 1980, Midnight, Fleurimont: A woman observed a stationary white round light in the eastern sky, appearing as large as the moon. It did not follow the stars' movement. Her husband also observed it briefly. Later, his wife observed it again.
• January 20, 1981, 20:15, Lennoxville: Pierre Lalonde (13 years old) observed a silent, immobile object with alternating colored lights. It suddenly took shape and moved southeast while rotating. The witness went to alert his brother, but the object had disappeared upon his return.
• January 21, 1981, 05:20, Lennoxville: Luc Lalonde (17 years old) observed a luminous elongated object for 10 seconds, immobile, about 900 meters away. The object had several luminous balls that lit up and changed color. He left to wake others and upon return, it was gone. No physical trace was found.

Courier Section

This section features a letter from Dr. McNamara of the Herzberg Institute of Astro-Physics, National Research Council, to UFO-QUEBEC. The letter describes an unidentified flying object sighting that occurred on September 21, 1980, between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, near Kamouraska, Quebec, while the witness was duck hunting. The witness initially noticed two diamond-shaped lights in the sky, which became brighter and larger as they seemed to approach the ground. The object's shape was then described as a cylindrical fuselage with two small wings at a 45° angle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the defense of ufology as a legitimate field of scientific inquiry, the critique of dismissive skepticism, and the importance of rigorous methodology in collecting and analyzing UFO reports. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of investigating UFO phenomena seriously, distinguishing between genuine observations and hoaxes, and challenging those who prematurely dismiss the subject. The magazine positions itself as a proponent of objective research, contrasting its approach with what it perceives as biased or unscientific critiques from other publications.

This issue of UFO Québec, identified by its page number '21', '22', and '23', focuses heavily on UFO sightings and investigations, particularly a prominent case in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. The magazine also includes a substantial section dedicated to book reviews and recommendations related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena.

Lac-Mégantic Sighting Investigation

The central piece of this issue details an investigation into a 'soucoupe volante' (flying saucer) observed in the sky over Lac-Mégantic on February 6, 1980. The report begins with a letter from Dominic Fragasso of Dorval, Quebec, describing a personal encounter with a silent, hovering object that displayed a strong red light and later ascended in a diamond shape. Fragasso expresses his curiosity and awaits a response.

The main article, titled "Une soucoupe volante dans le ciel de Lac-Mégantic," recounts the investigation led by Philippe Blaquière and Jean-Guy Jacques. They followed up on a report published in "La Tribune" of Sherbrooke. The primary witness, who requested anonymity, along with his wife and children, observed an object near Venus between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM. The object was described as white, moving with a red-orange luminous trail, and was visible for about 10 minutes. The witness's son, in Marsboro, also observed the phenomenon.

The investigation involved a geometric analysis to determine the object's position. By plotting the lines of sight from the witnesses in Lac-Mégantic (towards Venus) and Marsboro (towards Sirius), investigators calculated that the lines intersected at an altitude of 900 meters, approximately 5,150 meters from Lac-Mégantic and 2,130 meters from Marsboro. This calculation suggested the object's location was precisely at this intersection point, unless it was a coincidence.

Further details from the investigation indicate the object's movement was a back-and-forth motion over approximately 150 meters, with an estimated speed of 150 km/h. The object's strangeness index was rated at 4, lowered by the distance. Probability index was rated at 5 due to unfavorable observation conditions and the witnesses' visual acuity. Notably, airport verifications confirmed no conventional aircraft were in the area at the time.

A correction note clarifies that the primary witness stated the observation occurred around 7:00 PM, not 8:00 PM as reported in "La Tribune." The witness also clarified that the power outage in the northern part of Lac-Mégantic was due to a transformer failure and unrelated to the UFO sighting.

Book Reviews and Recommendations (Lectures)

The magazine features an extensive "Lectures" section, listing and describing numerous books related to UFOs, extraterrestrials, and related phenomena. Orders for these books are to be sent to Librairie VALLAT in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France. The list includes:

• LE COLLEGE INVISIBLE by Jacques Vallée (56 F)
• CHRONIQUES DES APPARITIONS EXTRA-TERRESTRES by J. Vallée (24 F)
• LE LIVRE NOIR DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Henry Durrant (54 F)
• LES DOSSIERS DES O.V.N.I.S. by Henry Durrant (55 F)
• LES DOSSIERS DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi (60 F) - described as an excellent illustrated album.
• OVNI, DIMENSION AUTRE by Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi (60 F) - a new album of comics and photos.
• CEUX VENUS D'AILLEURS by Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi (60 F) - a continuation in comic strip format.
• LA SCIENCE FACE AUX EXTRA-TERRESTRES by J.C. Bourret (54 F)
• CONNAITRE LES ETOILES EN 10 LEÇONS ET TOUT POUR OBSERVER LE CIEL by P. Kohler (54 F)
• LA MEMOIRE DES OVNI by Jean Bastide (71 F)
• OVNI, LA FIN DU SECRET by R. Roussel (69 F)
• MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES by Aimé Michel (71 F) - a re-edition of a sought-after work.
• LES OVNIS: MYTHE OU REALITE ? by J. Allen Hynek (29 F) - described as a rigorous scientific work and a monument for investigators.
• LA NOUVELLE VAGUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jean-Claude Bourret (52 F) - interviews from a France-Inter broadcast.
• LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OVNI by J.C. Bourret (50 F)
• A LA RECHERCHE DES OVNI by J. Scornaux and Ch. Piens (26 F) - a scientific and methodical study.
• FACE AUX EXTRA-TERRESTRES by Ch. Garreau and R. Lavier (23 F) - research on permanent UFO flight corridors.
• LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, AFFAIRE SERIEUSE by Franck Edwards (54 F) - a reissue of a notable work.
• DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES AUX OVNI by the Belgian Society for the Study of Space Phenomena (67 F) - a critical study.
• LES OVNI EN URSS ET DANS LES PAYS DE L'EST by Lon Hobana and J. Weverbergh (62 F)
• LES ETRANGERS DE L'ESPACE by Donal E. Keyhoe (51 F)
• PREMIERES ENQUETES SUR LES HUMANOIDES EXTRA-TERRESTRES by Henry Durrant (56 F)
• CHASSEURS D'O.V.N.I. by François Gardes (58 F) - praised for its engaging style and thought-provoking questions.
• ALERTE GENERALE OVNI by Leonard Stringfield (54 F) - an analysis previously featured in LDLN.
• LES OVNI DU PASSE by Ch. Piens (23 F) - a work by a delegate for Walloon Belgium.
• OVNI: LE PREMIER DOSSIER COMPLET DES RENCONTRES RAPPROCHEES EN FRANCE by M. Figuet and J.L. Ruchon (120 F) - a 750-page work.
• OVNI: L'ARMEE PARLE by J.C. Bourret (61 F)
• AUX LIMITES DE LA REALITE by J. Vallée and A. Hynek (67 F)
• LES OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES OU LA GRANDE PARODIE by Jean Robin (64 F)
• LES APPARITIONS D'HUMANOIDES by Eric Zurcher (64 F)
• LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES: LE GRAND REFUS ? by l'équipe G.A.B.R.I.E.L. (71 F)
• CES MYSTERIEUX OVNI by Antonio Ribera (66 F)
• LES 12 MYSTERIEUX TRIANGLES DE LA MORT. DES BERMUDES AU JAPON. (71 F)
• LE NOEUD GORDIEN OU LA FANTASTIQUE HISTOIRE DES OVNI by Th. Pinvoinc (68 F)
• GUIDE DU CHASSEUR DE PHENOMENES OVNI by Ch. De Zan (61 F)

The prices are listed in French Francs, with a note that 4.00 Francs is approximately $1.00 Canadian.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the dissemination of information through books and articles. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, investigative stance, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of the Lac-Mégantic case and the inclusion of scientific authors like J. Allen Hynek. The extensive book list suggests an editorial commitment to providing readers with a wide range of resources for further study on the subject. The publication, UFO Québec, is noted to be read internationally by 95 correspondents and groups, indicating a broad reach and interest in the topics covered.