1948 06 00 Amazing Stories - Fortean aspects of Flying Saucers

Magazine Overview

Title: AMAZING STORIES
Issue: Volume 22, Number 6
Date: June 1948
Publisher: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
Country: USA
Price: 25¢

This issue of Amazing Stories presents a blend of science fiction and speculative articles, with a striking cover depicting a scene from the lead story, 'Ice City of the Gorgon.' The magazine aims to explore the extraordinary and challenge conventional understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it.

'Ice City of the Gorgon' by Richard S. Shaver and Chester S. Geier

The cover story, 'Ice City of the Gorgon,' by Richard S. Shaver and Chester S. Geier, is visually represented on the cover. The artwork depicts a dramatic, icy landscape with futuristic or alien structures, featuring a scantily clad woman and a fur-clad explorer. While the full text of the story is not provided in the scanned pages, its prominent placement and evocative imagery suggest a tale of adventure and mystery in an unusual, possibly hostile, environment.

'Fortean Aspects of the Flying Disks' by Marx Kaye

This article delves into the phenomenon of flying discs, drawing heavily on the work of Charles Fort and his extensive catalog of unusual aerial observations. Marx Kaye poses the question of whether these discs are a new earthly weapon or evidence of an extra-terrestrial civilization.

The Case for Extra-Terrestrial Origin

Kaye argues that if flying discs are not a new invention, then their repeated sightings throughout history, predating modern technology like Zeppelins, strongly suggest an origin beyond Earth. He posits that humanity might be observed by superior beings from another civilization. The author criticizes the human tendency to reduce the unknown to familiar levels of understanding, a psychological weakness that prevents true comprehension of mysteries.

Challenging Scientific Orthodoxy

The article uses historical examples, such as the persecution of Galileo for his heliocentric theory and the initial resistance to Pasteur's germ theory, to illustrate how established scientific systems can be resistant to new ideas. Kaye contends that scientists, like politicians, should be challenged, and their pronouncements should not be accepted blindly. He criticizes the notion that flying discs are merely hallucinations, especially when they are photographed.

Fortean Observations and Theories

Kaye references Charles Fort's research, particularly his concept of 'Super Sargassos' – vast, neutral zones in space where cosmic dust, meteors, and debris might accumulate. He suggests that these formations could be 'sky islands' from which extra-terrestrial visitors observe Earth. Fort's work is cited for numerous instances of strange aerial phenomena, including lights and disc-like structures observed long before the advent of aircraft.

Modern Sightings and Implications

The article mentions personal observations of unusual atmospheric phenomena in the mid-eastern United States in June 1947, coinciding with reports of flying discs. It also recounts an observation of three symmetrical, circular objects flying in perfect formation across the face of the moon, seen through a telescope eighteen years prior. The author speculates that the recent increase in flying disc sightings might be a reaction to humanity's development of atomic power, signaling that Earth has 'come of age' and become a potential threat in interplanetary navigation.

A Call for Unity

Kaye concludes by suggesting that proof of extra-terrestrial beings, whether friendly or hostile, could unite humanity. By recognizing themselves as 'Terrestrials' rather than by national distinctions, humans might band together against potential dangers from the 'great Unknown.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the unknown, the questioning of established scientific and societal norms, and the possibility of extra-terrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, encourages critical thinking, open-mindedness, and a willingness to consider phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific explanations. The magazine champions the Fortean approach of meticulously cataloging unexplained events and seeking patterns, even if they challenge current paradigms.