APRG Reporter - Vol 1 No 08 - 08 1957

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.G. Reporter, Vol. 1 No. 8, published by the North Jersey U.F.O. Group in August 1957, is a 30¢ monthly publication dedicated to the investigation of aerial phenomena. This issue features a cover story titled "SURE FLYING DISCS REAL," highlighting opinions on the potential for space travel and the nature of UFOs.

SURE FLYING DISCS REAL

Ottawa, Canada, July 6, 1957: Wilbur B. Smith from the department of transport suggests that a crash program similar to the atomic bomb development could lead to space travel within 10 years. However, he believes governments are not sufficiently interested in investing the billions needed to study flying disc technology, which could otherwise take 100 to 150 years. Smith attributes this lack of interest to the public perception of UFOs being made ridiculous by excessive, often inaccurate, publicity. Despite his official work being unrelated to flying discs, Smith has hobbyistically investigated UFO sightings and concluded with a 91 percent probability that sightings are genuine and a 60 percent probability that the objects are 'alien vehicles.' He believes UFOs have been present throughout civilization but do not interact directly, possibly viewing humans as a 'low form of life.' Smith posits that UFOs might be 'inter-dimensional' and that studying their operation could reveal secrets of space travel. He contrasts the U.S. plan for an earth-girdling satellite, which he deems inefficient, with the potential for discovering space travel secrets through dedicated human effort.

LIFE ON MARS PROOFS TOLD

Flagstaff, Arizona: A major astronomical meeting heard 'very strong evidence' suggesting that a form of life might exist on Mars, based on observations made during Mars's exceptional proximity to Earth.

FROM OUTER SPACE

Boulder, Colorado: Astrophysicist Roger Gallet has been studying radio signals from Jupiter for nearly two years. Five fixed sources emit on radio frequencies, but there is no indication that these signals originate from intelligent beings.

FLYING DISC A REALITY, SAYS LEAR

Santa Monica, California: Industrialist William P. Lear expresses his belief in flying discs and anticipates that the next great scientific achievement will be a breakthrough in understanding the gravity formula. He suggests that once gravity is explained, it can be manipulated for lift, potentially bypassing aerodynamics. Lear also theorizes that flying discs might not carry extraterrestrial beings but are intelligence-gathering devices. He emphasizes the likelihood of other earths and creatures existing, possibly predating humanity and having survived self-annihilation events, making them technologically advanced enough to explore space.

THE SECOND COMING OF NOAH'S FLOOD, and A NEW THEORY AS TO WHAT UFO's ARE

By Adam D. Barber: Part One of this section discusses Barber's book, 'The Coming Disaster,' which posits that the Earth's axis shifts approximately every 9,000 years, causing great floods like Noah's. Barber believes UFOs are connected to this phenomenon. He expresses gratitude to UFO enthusiasts for their support and offers information on flood precautions, warning against relying on UFOs for rescue. Barber's theory is that UFOs are 'luminous electromagnetic fields.' He explains that in factories, electric coils with alternating currents generate magnetic fields that can heat and melt metal. He suggests that UFOs might operate similarly, with a natural creation of magnetic fields that become luminous, possibly due to a gas like neon. He notes that these fields could travel at high speeds and their natural tendency to equalize might make the objects appear round. He also suggests that a mirage-like effect could make them appear invisible.

Barber dismisses the idea that UFOs are connected to earthquakes or axis flips, stating that his theory is presented to help the public and UFO fans take precautions for the impending flood.

RECENT REPORTS OF AERIAL PHENOMENA

This section compiles numerous witness reports of unidentified aerial phenomena from July and August 1957:

• Seattle, Washington (July 1): An unexplained blast shook the area.
• Half Moon Bay, Australia (July 2): A freighter reported 'unexplainable yellow glowing lights' in the sky.
• Teaneck, New Jersey (July 2): Three witnesses saw a fast-moving, round UFO described as a 'kettle drum.'
• Alamo, Texas (July 2): A UFO, like a 'flaming golf ball,' was seen traveling at tremendous speed.
• Warsaw, Indiana (July 8): A disc-like, whitish-silver object was observed hovering at a high altitude.
• Galveston, Texas (July 9): A red and green object was seen moving slowly across the sky.
• Norfolk, Virginia (July 11): Two 'whitish' circular discs were reported flying at high speed with no noise.
• Lockport, New York (July 12): Several twirling lights with mist behind them were observed.
• Southington, Connecticut (July 13): A family reported a bright object that bobbed, descended, and then shot upwards at high speed.
• Charleston, Illinois (July 16): A 'giant skyquake' was felt.
• Monterey, California (July 16): Two sharp skyquakes were felt.
• Terre Haute, Indiana (July 17): A sharp skyquake shook the city.
• Emmaus, Pennsylvania (July 17): A witness described a round object with square portholes and bright lights that swooped low to the ground.
• Amarillo, Texas (July 17): Strange traveling lights were seen, some with a whirling motion and faint halo, moving in various directions.
• Auburn, New York (July 18): A 'cigar-shaped' object was seen, appearing to change colors from red to green.
• San Francisco, California (July 22): A giant skyquake occurred.
• Lake Tahoe, California (July 22): Two girls reported a 'ball of fire' that zoomed down and knocked them unconscious.
• Creston, Iowa (July 23): Four boys saw a UFO described as a 'ball of whitish-orange light.'
• Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky (July 23): Sharp skyquakes shook several towns.
• Los Angeles, California (July 25): A loud skyquake shook the area.
• Amarillo, Texas (July 28): A witness described two objects fighting, one bluish-green and white, the other blinking, with flashes of light between them, followed by a large flash and disappearance.
• Tacoma, Washington (July 30): A skyquake occurred.
• Charlestown, South Carolina (July 30): Residents reported seeing a UFO that hung in the sky for almost an hour.
• Galt, Ontario, Canada (July 30): Jack Stevens reported seeing a craft with a singing hum that landed, leaving a burned circle and three-toed footprints.
• Bernville, Pennsylvania (July 30): Farmer Edward Groff reported two pieces of ice, one 50 pounds, plummeting from the sky.
• Bedford, Pennsylvania (August 1): An unidentified object, described as baseball-sized and weighing about two pounds, struck the earth near Bedford.
• Fresno, California (August 13): A witness described a clear-round object with a 3/4 dome, dull aluminum in color, with no lights or noise, traveling at about 150 mph.
• Salem, Oregon (August 15): A 'reddish light' was seen traveling west at high speed with no engine noise.
• San Francisco, California (August 21): A loud skyquake occurred, and a fiery object was seen passing overhead.
• Los Angeles, California (August 21): A report mentioned a UFO crashing in New Mexico, with the recovery of two little men's bodies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The A.P.R.G. Reporter consistently presents UFOs as a serious subject worthy of investigation. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, documenting witness accounts and expert opinions without sensationalism. Recurring themes include the potential for advanced technology in UFOs, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the unexplained phenomena like skyquakes. The publication emphasizes the importance of factual reporting, citing sources for all its information and identifying its correspondents and members. The overall tone suggests a belief that UFOs are real and warrant further scientific study, while also cautioning against unfounded speculation and promoting a rational approach to the subject.