AIR FORCE and SPACE DIGEST

Magazine Overview

Title: AIR FORCE and SPACE DIGEST
Issue: November 1959
Volume: XXXII
Publisher: Air Force Association
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: NASA SHOWS ITS SPACE AGE WARES

This issue of Air Force and Space Digest delves into the intriguing possibility that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) might be explained by a new theory involving comets. The cover prominently features a photograph of rocket models, highlighting NASA's advancements in space technology, under the headline "NASA SHOWS ITS SPACE AGE WARES." The accompanying article on page 66 is likely to detail these developments.

A Theory About Flying Saucers

The main feature article, "A THEORY ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS" by Donald H. Robey, a physicist associated with Convair-Astronautics Division, proposes a novel explanation for UFO sightings. Robey suggests that the strange phenomena observed in 1947 and other times might be related to an increased visitation of comets in Earth's vicinity. He posits that comets, rather than being solid bodies or gravel banks, are composed of gases frozen into icebergs adrift in space. This concept aligns with the theories of astronomers like Dr. Fred Whipple of Harvard Observatory and Professor J. H. Oort of Leyden Observatory, who envision a vast cloud of such icy bodies surrounding the solar system.

Robey introduces the term "cometoid" to describe fragments of these cometary icebergs that are too small to be observed as comets but large enough to survive atmospheric entry. He explains that these cometoids, upon entering Earth's atmosphere, would undergo a process of ablation and shaping. The internal composition of these icy bodies, containing volatile gases, would lead to unique behaviors and potential luminescence upon warming, possibly explaining the visual characteristics of reported UFOs.

Several historical events are presented as potential evidence supporting the cometoid theory. The catastrophic event in Central Siberia on June 30, 1908, known for its immense devastation and lack of meteorite fragments, is highlighted as a possible impact from a large cometoid. Additionally, observations from the great Leonid meteor shower of November 12, 1833, including reports of large, slow-moving fireballs and stationary luminous masses, are discussed as possibly being observations of cometoids.

Robey's calculations suggest that even large fragments of ice could survive atmospheric entry, slowing down to speeds that would not necessarily lead to complete incineration. The article details how the entry of a cometoid would differ from that of a solid sphere, involving ablation, erosion, and potential shaping due to internal pressures and chemical reactions. The possibility of these objects exhibiting lift mechanisms through gas jets or internal melting is also explored.

The theory further suggests that the luminescence of these objects could be attributed to the properties of frozen nitrogen, an element abundant in comets, which can emit light when sufficiently warmed. The brightness of such an object could be comparable to the sun or moon at significant distances, depending on its size.

While the cometoid theory aims to explain many UFO phenomena, Robey acknowledges that some aspects, such as evasive maneuvers, radiation reports, and effects on vehicles, remain unexplained and require further mathematical modeling.

NASA's Space Age Wares

The cover also prominently features "NASA SHOWS ITS SPACE AGE WARES," indicating a section dedicated to the latest developments and technologies from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This likely includes details about rockets, spacecraft, or related equipment that were cutting-edge in 1959.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on aerospace power and technological advancements, as indicated by its title and the inclusion of NASA's latest developments. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry and exploration, as evidenced by the publication of a speculative yet detailed scientific theory about UFOs. The magazine aims to inform its readers about both the established and the emerging frontiers of aerospace and related phenomena, encouraging a broad perspective on space exploration and potential extraterrestrial interactions.