Non-meteoric sighting reports gathered by the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics [multiple media]
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Non-meteoric sighting reports gathered by the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics [multiple media]
Hierarchical level:SeriesContext of this record:Series includes:126 lower level description(s)View lower level description(s) -
Finding aid (Paper) Finding aid 77-2 is a typed volume and microfilm conversion list for the sighting reports dating from 1965-1981. 77-2 (90: Open) -
Record information Non-meteoric sighting reports gathered by the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics [multiple media]
Date:1965-1995.Reference:R1207-31-X-E, RG77-EType of material:Textual material, Photographs, Objects (including medals and pins), Maps and cartographic materialFound in:Archives / Collections and FondsItem ID number:134925Date(s):1965-1995.Bilingual equivalent:Place of creation:CanadaExtent:2.6 m of textual records.
1 object.
12 photographs.
1 map.Language of material:EnglishScope and content:Series consists of reports of Non-Meteoric Sightings gathered by the Planetary Science Section of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics in conjunction with its program to identify flying objects (meteors) in the earth's atmosphere. Series also consists of the index cards on which the National Research Council (NRC) entered information from each sighting. These non-meteoric sightings are better known as Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings.
The NRC started collecting reports of UFO sightings in 1968. It took over this responsibility from the Department of National Defence, which transferred extant sighting reports (dating from 1965) to the NRC.
The sighting reports are typically in the form of a telex or letter indicating who made the observation, when, where, what was seen, and for how long. Reports may include photographs of various sizes in both colour and black and white, as well as sketches and maps. In one case, a report of includes an object (model) created using a paper plate and popsicle sticks. Each sighting was assigned a sighting number according to the order in which it was received by the Institute, and was placed in a file according to the year of the sighting. The sightings are arranged in chronological order, although there are several anomalies.
The lower-level descriptions (files) linked to this series list the file titles and card indexes of this series. The sighting reports were organized into two numerical file blocks as created by the Department of National Defence and the NRC, and the reports are ordered numerically within the files. For files created by the NRC, the file numbers feature the year of the sightings in the file, as well as the first and last sighting report number included in the file.Additional name(s):Biography/Administrative history:Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics : Named after Dr. Gerard Herzberg in recognition of his scientific contributions; his interest in and contributions to astrophysics; and his distinguished role as a scientist and scientific leader at the NRC, the `Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (HIA) was formally announced in September 1974. The creation of one institute involved in astrophysics was believed to be the best manner in which to consolidate existing resources and activities in the area of astrophysics and to achieve a better manner in which to use emerging technologies. Initially, the HIA was created from the merger of NRC research in the Radio and Electrical Engineering Division and the Physics Division research in optical astronomy, radioastronomy, cosmic-ray research and laboratory research. Included also were the Algonquin Radio Observatory, the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory at Penticton, British Columbia and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at Victoria, BC. The Spectroscopy Section (formerly from the Physics Division) was to form the basis for laboratory astrophysics research.
Over the years, the HIA has been responsible for providing access to astronomical information for Canadians, with the creation of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in 1979, the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre - which integrates data from national and international telescopes through the Canadian Space Agency - in 1988, the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope for short-wavelength radio emissions (also in 1988), and the Gemini twin 8-m optical telescopes in Hawaii (2000) and Chile (2001).
By 2001, the HIA has assumed operational responsibility for all government of Canada astronomical observatories and works to ensure access to the Canadian scientific community to these. The HIA develops advanced scientific instrumentation for observatories and operates other elements of the national astronomy infrastructure, including a data archiving and distribution service for clients in Canada and around the world. Furthermore, the HIA works to transfer technologies developed to other applications; train students in astronomy and engineering; and performs public astronomy outreach programs.Additional information:Source of title:Title is based on the contents of the series.Availability of other formats note:Some reports from the years 1965 to 1981 have been digitized and are available via a searchable database on Library and Archives Canada's website; the database can be accessed via the online portal "Canada's UFOs: The search for the unknown."
The reports for the years 1965 to 1981 are also available on microfilm reels T-1741 to T-1744.Copy/version note:Volumes 612, 615-624 have been reviewed by ATIP; public use copies (with classified or protected information removed) are found within the volumes. Note that the severed version of the index cards in volume 615 is located in volume 612.Accruals:No further accruals are expected. The NRC ceased collecting sighting reports in August 1995.Related material:See Library and Archives Canada's online Thematic Guide "Unidentified Flying Objects" for a listing of related records in other government fonds.
For contextual information on the NRC's collecting of UFO sightings see the correspondence included on microfilm reel T-1744, as well as the Proceedings of the Associate Committee on Meteorites (RG 77, accession 1997-98/094, box 34, 11th meeting, 1967 and 12th meeting, 1968.)
For the records of Gerhard Herzberg, see the Gerhard Herzberg fonds (see MIKAN 103898, R4841-0-3-E).Link to related resource:Key dates in the Government of Canada's activities related to UFOs up to 1981 is available in the online "Timeline for UFOs: The search for the unknown." https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/ufo/Source:GovernmentFormer archival reference no.:RG77-E -
Ordering and viewing options Conditions of access:Textual records[Consultation Restrictions vary]Volume [RG77] 306--311[Consultation Open]Volume [R1207] 612--624[Consultation Restricted by law]Graphic (photo)[Consultation Restricted by law]Volume [R1207] 619[Consultation Restricted by law]Object[Consultation Restricted by law]Volume [R1207] 617[Consultation Restricted by law]Cartographic material[Consultation Restricted by law]Volume [R1207] 612[Consultation Restricted by law]Terms of use:Copyright belongs to the Crown, except for the object, which has no copyright restrictions. Credit Library and Archives Canada.You can order materials in advance to be ready for you when you visit. You will need a user card to do this.
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