Australian Saucer Record - Vol 05 No 04 - 1959

Magazine Overview

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: NUMBER FOUR
Volume: VOLUME FIVE
Date: 3rd. QUARTER 1959.
Publisher: THE OPEN MINDED SAUCER MAGAZINE OF AUSTRALIA
Country: Australia
Price: 2/-

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record, the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, delves into a series of concerning events within the UFO investigation community and explores broader themes of potential global catastrophe and extraterrestrial communication.

Editorial: The Changing Scene. Coincidence Or ?

The editorial, penned by FRED.P. STONE, reflects on the year 1959 and expresses dismay at the thinning out of key personnel from the UFO investigation field. It highlights the sudden departures of prominent figures such as Jessup, Mapes, and Thayat in April/May, followed by Fulton, Rush, and Trench, all described as 'key men' whose work will be 'sadly missed the whole world round.' The editor notes Jessup's 'sad demise,' Thayat's sudden death from heart failure, and Mapes' startling resignation, stating he had 'no further interest in the subject of U.F.O. at all.' The editor questions the circumstances, particularly Mapes' abrupt change of heart after sending material to Trench, and Trench's own editorial, which alluded to Mapes' action and suggested that Mapes might have been 'silenced.' Fulton's situation in New Zealand is also mentioned, with his insistence that there was 'no Three Men in Black' involvement. Rush of the Toeside Society Eng. is reported to have been forced to close down due to organizational difficulties. The editorial suggests that while some events might appear as natural causes or circumstances, the pattern of these departures raises questions about whether a sinister force is at play, influencing events and individuals.

The editor also touches upon his own recent serious illness, a collapse and sub-cerebral hemorrhage, which he attributes to the 'Great Father's Healing power.' He notes the coincidence of his illness occurring around the same time as the other investigators' departures and confesses to wondering if there was 'more than sheer coincidence.' He felt 'strongly led to feel that somehow I was being PREPARED for something,' and that others around him were also conscious of similar experiences. The editorial concludes by questioning the nature of the force influencing these events and suggests that these changing scenes might be part of a 'greater plan.'

Further Strange Writings!

This section explores instances of 'automatic writing' and unusual communication. It begins by referencing previously published cases and introduces a new one involving two brothers. The younger brother has received further instances of a particular hand and form of writing, accompanied by drawings described as Egyptian in style. The elder brother has ceased his efforts. A specific instance is detailed where a young lad, after reading his Bible, fell asleep and produced writing, with his hand trailing off the paper. The magazine appealed for interpretations, with some readers suggesting it was ancient Sanskrit. A reader's letter is presented, relating knowledge of individuals in England with similar 'extraordinary powers,' particularly in the artistic field. This reader mentions the late Edward Shanks, a literary critic, who had a 'doodling pad' with writing similar to the lad's, which he half-wondered if it was Atlantean.

The issue then presents the 'writing doo while asleep on his Bible,' featuring several lines of script. The text questions whether this is mere doodling or something more, noting the presence of certain symbols that exactly match those from a previous occasion. While acknowledging that some lines might be subconscious, the exact replication of former signs is highlighted. The magazine does not offer an explanation but asks readers for their thoughts.

Following this, a story from a Brazilian journal, edited by Dr. Walter Buhler, is presented. It details an encounter by L.H. da S., a 17-year-old boy from Sao Paulo, who reported three meetings with a 'strange man' descending from a 'luminous disk' hovering over his house. The nocturnal visitor was approximately 2 meters tall, wore transparent or translucent clothing and a helmet, and had gloves that seemed to be of glass. The being's movement was spiral, and he floated above the ground. During the third visit, L.H. da S. was asked to bring paper, which was returned with about 150 strange signs in a light brownish color, described as being in a 'light brown ish color.'

The text then discusses the strange script, noting its potential Eastern origin and suggesting it might be printed on its side, to be read up and down. The 'man's' writing is described as having more of a brush-work effect than a pencil or crayon, further indicating an Oriental influence if it is not a hoax. The reporter is convinced of the lad's sincerity. A distinction is made between this case and the previous 'automatic writing,' as this message was directly from the 'man' and not mentally directed to the lad, implying it is a more direct message. The final directions to the lad suggest that whoever could read the message would 'know what to do,' implying it contains direction or instruction.

THE END OF THE WORLD

This section, attributed to 'BY MAI SEHPAC,' explores the theme of the end of the world, referencing prophecies, seers, and mystics throughout history. It suggests that many past forecasts have been misinterpreted or wrongly translated. A 'classic example' is the word 'Kosmos,' used by Jesus, which the author argues should be translated as 'the end of this AGE' or 'the end of a period or dispensation of time,' rather than 'the end of the world.'

The author connects this theme to Flying Saucers, suggesting that 'messages' received from 'brothers in space' indicate an imminent event that interests them due to its effect on their own way of life. The article then presents evidence from scientists and other sources that support the possibility of such an event. It quotes a 'Week End Mail' article from December 14, 1957, which warns that London, New York, or Sydney could be submerged by the sea, stating that such a warning is 'EXTREMELY LIKELY.'

The article further cites geologists of international repute, including Dr. Ronald Fraser of London and Dr. Jack Ives of Grimsby, who believe that a significant event, such as a water immersion due to melting polar ice caps, could happen by the turn of the century. Australian scientists also believe there is a danger of the South Polar ice cap melting. The speed of such a catastrophe is debated, with some suggesting it could be instantaneous, while others propose a hundred or a thousand years, confirming the biblical notion of it coming 'as a thief in the night.'

Another article from 'Week End' dated January 25, 1958, is referenced, which discusses the possibility of H-bombs triggering events, but also mentions 'most secretive goings on down under.' The writer does not subscribe to a complete inundation of the whole world but believes low-lying coastal areas would be drastically affected, along with upheavals of the Earth's crust. The work of Velikovsky is mentioned as extensively covering the cause and effect of such events.

All these theories suggest a 'misplacement of the earth's axis,' which the article claims is confirmed by 'messages' from 'space friends.' The combined effect of the swinging of the Earth's axis and a drift to a new orbit is predicted to bring 'great devastation.'

The article acknowledges that scientists' predictions often consider such events to be far off, but notes that scientists have been wrong before and are limited by their current knowledge. It suggests that the rapid progress in all fields, especially astronomy, is forcing a re-evaluation of previous theories. The author posits that the cause of a potential calamity is more likely to be a 'much larger force from outer space' pulling the Earth in its wake, echoing Velikovsky's ideas.

Referring to 'Sacred writings,' the article states they are firm that the event would be 'sudden and unexpected,' citing Christian and Eastern scriptures that speak of the end of this Age and the birth pangs of a New Age. The author concludes that given the accumulative evidence from prophets, scientists, and 'Space brethren,' it would be unwise to disregard messages that offer more light on this important incident. The article emphasizes that while no one can predict the exact timing or details, a 'rough sketchy picture' can be gathered, and humanity should 'HEED their warnings.' It also notes that in times of great crisis, there have always been those sent to provide warnings and guidance on 'the WAY OUT,' whether through prophecy, astrology, or messengers from 'heaven.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysterious disappearances and resignations of key figures in the UFO research community, the potential for extraterrestrial communication and messages, and the looming threat of a global catastrophe, possibly linked to celestial events or extraterrestrial intervention. The editorial stance appears to be one of concern and urgency, urging readers to pay attention to these phenomena and warnings, and to consider the possibility of forces beyond conventional understanding at play. The magazine promotes a proactive approach, encouraging readers to seek knowledge and be prepared for future events.

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record, dated November 1959, delves into a variety of topics related to the unexplained, scientific inquiry, and potential extraterrestrial phenomena. The content spans from philosophical reflections on discovery to detailed accounts of alleged UFO sightings and a speculative scientific hypothesis.

Parable of Preparedness

The issue opens with a parable likening humanity to fruit growers facing severe frosts. An old neighbor, experienced in weather prediction, warns of impending heavy frosts. While many dismiss the warning, a few heed it, preparing by gathering bundles for smoke blankets. When the frosts arrive, those who prepared are not completely ruined, unlike those who ignored the advice. The moral drawn is that panic is unhelpful, clear reasoning is a guide, preparedness is essential, and faith is needed, along with a willingness to heed those who may seem less enlightened, as ultimate deliverance comes from a power that can control the elements.

The Hypothesis of a Soviet Scientist: Made by Martians?

An article, attributed to G. Nikolsky, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Science, and sourced from the magazine "Soviet Union" No. 116, 1959, presents a hypothesis about Mars' two satellites, Phobos and Deimos. These satellites orbit Mars at specific distances and have known orbital periods. Due to their small size, their diameters cannot be measured directly, but based on their brilliance and assumed reflective capacity, Phobos is estimated to be 9.6 miles in diameter and Deimos 4.8 miles. A key feature is the accelerated motion of Phobos, discovered in 1945, which traces a spiral and moves closer to Mars with each revolution. This acceleration is compared to that of Earth's artificial satellites.

The eminent Soviet astrophysicist I.S. Shklovsky proposed a hypothesis to explain this acceleration: if the satellites' density were less than 0.001 gram per cubic centimeter, the acceleration could be explained by resistance from Mars' rarefied atmosphere. However, a solid body cannot have such low density, leading to the alternative assumption that the satellite is hollow. This implies that Phobos is an artificial body, as natural processes are unlikely to create a void inside a celestial body. The conclusion drawn is that Phobos and possibly Deimos are artificial satellites of Mars, launched by intelligent beings with a high culture. It is suggested that these structures might have served as launching stations for spaceships, and that Phobos and Deimos may have outlasted the era of intelligent beings on Mars, who might have left the planet in search of a better home.

The article notes that this hypothesis has opponents, including Soviet Academician V.G. Fesenkov and American astronomer Gerald Kuiper. Supporters include Academician L.I. Sedov and Profs. V.I. Krasovsky and K.P. Stanyukovich. The article also mentions that American scientist Clemence declared the data about Phobos' acceleration to be unfounded. In an interview, Shklovsky stated that if the acceleration data proves wrong, the arguments for an artificial origin would be swept away. He also noted that astronomer Wilkins was less adamant about his conclusions and wanted to know more about his upcoming paper.

Russian Scientist Views of the Moon

This section briefly mentions a report from Moscow radio about Prof. Kozirev's findings regarding the Crater Alphonsus on the Moon. His report detailed explosive activity within the crater, and subsequent reports indicated the combustion was still ongoing.

UFO Reports from Europe

Two reports from Europe are included:

• Friburg, Germany (March 5th): A yellowish object with a greenish halo flew low over the Black Forest, disappearing quickly. Simultaneously, a white phosphorescent disc with a yellowish edge crossed over Friburg.
• Turin, Italy (March 15th): A spherical object with a yellow-red pulsating light appeared over the airport, hovered at 300 feet for 20 minutes, then rose slowly, increasing speed until it disappeared.

UFO Reports from New Zealand

Two reports from New Zealand are detailed:

• Invercargill (November 3rd): Two businessmen saw an object that appeared to be a rectangle with a huge balloon-shaped section below. It was very bright, moved to the right of the road, and accelerated at great speed, changing shape to something like a sausage.
• Christchurch (November 6th): A couple on Mt. Pleasant reported seeing a light over the Kaikouras, which moved towards Brighton and hovered. They noted that there was absolutely no sound.

UFO Sightings (Australia)

Several sightings from Australia are documented:

• Adelaide (October 24th): TV viewers in the south-eastern suburbs experienced "ghosting" on their screens, attributed to an "unknown source." A phone call reported a jet fighter circling overhead, possibly searching for or observing an object.
• Victoria via Spain (February 11th): In Box Hill North, a yellowish object changing to blue was viewed from the ground and air.
• Oakleigh (February 15th): A strange red light, similar to a torch, gradually disappeared after 15 seconds.
• Gordon (February 22nd): An object much brighter than a star crossed the field of vision of a 12" telescope in 3 seconds.
• Melbourne (October 18th): Police and newspaper switchboards were jammed by hundreds of callers reporting a cigar-shaped object in the southern sky with portholes and a reddy glow. The Weather Bureau attributed it to an unusual thunder cloud.
• Tantanooola (October 8th): A bright white light was seen travelling east across the southern sky for about half a minute.
• Darwin (October 14th): A mysterious object, described as a "long black shallow object between 80 and 100 ft. long," was sighted hovering above Darwin Harbor at speeds of 80 to 100 m.p.h.
• Adelaide (October 17th): A woman reported seeing a "red ball" fall from the north-western sky. She described it as slightly north of Jupiter, visible even without binoculars, and about 6 inches in diameter, leaving a trail of small lights.
• Adelaide (October 22nd): Two girls reported seeing a "white light, bigger than a star, with a red flashing light on top," which appeared just above rooftops and travelled from the west.
• Adelaide (October 23rd): An RAAF Sabre jet fighter flying over Adelaide reportedly caused a flood of calls reporting a mysterious flying object moving at terrific speed, covered in red and green flashing lights, and changing course rapidly. The air traffic control officer suggested the jet fighter was operating from Edinburgh Airfield, but the Sabre was not in the air when two girls reported seeing a strange object later that night.
• Parndana, Kangaroo Is. (October 26th): A "brilliant white" light, about "the size of the moon," was seen moving slowly eastwards, powerful enough to show through cloud.
• Adelaide (November 9th/59): People reported seeing a brilliant yellow-greenish object falling towards the horizon in the north-east. Another witness described it as "the most brilliant meteor I have ever seen," about as big as a full moon and brilliant blue. Another described it as having a blue-green head and a fiery red tail. An ex-RAAF pilot near Renmark saw something explode in the north-east sky, lighting up the countryside. The leader of Moon Watch suggested it was possibly a meteor.

A Great Writer's Challenge

This section features an excerpt from Immanual Velikovsky's book, "Earth In Upheaval." It encourages readers to embrace science as an uncharted ocean and not to be latecomers to discovery. It emphasizes the importance of inquisitive and challenging minds, persistence, and the ability to ask questions like a child. The text quotes Alfred North Whitehead: "If you have had your attention directed to the novelties of thought in your own lifetime, you will have observed that almost all really new ideas have a certain aspect of foolishness when they are first produced." The author urges readers to "dare" and to persist in their ideas if facts gather on their side, citing the example of Simon Newcomb's mathematical proof that a flying machine with a pilot was impossible, which was contradicted by the Wright brothers' factual achievement.

In contrast to religion, where authorities belong to the past, science is presented as having great revelations in the future, with coming generations and pupils being greater than the master.

Flying Saucer over Jamestown

On November 9th, 1959, at 11 a.m., two men working at a slaughteryard outside Jamestown saw a flying saucer. Peter Hunter was drawn by a noise like a jet plane, but the skies were clear. The object was described as a bright white disc, approximately 1½ inches in diameter at arm's length, appearing flat on the underside and domed on top. It remained stationary overhead, wobbling in a circle, and seemed self-luminous. It then moved westward, still wobbling, cast a shadow on its underside, turned north, and proceeded slightly west of north-west, gaining height and appearing smaller. Two local police officers also saw the object, which by then appeared as big as the head of a pin. Miss E. Warnes also witnessed the latter part of the sighting, losing sight of the disc at about 1:10 p.m.

Special Notice

A special notice advertises "The Report of the Outstanding Experience of the Rev. W.B. Gill of New Guinea," obtainable for two shillings. Profits from the sale are to be donated to Rev. Gill for his work in the mission field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of the unknown, particularly UFO phenomena, and the nature of scientific discovery and human knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on challenging conventional wisdom, the importance of preparedness, and the value of questioning established ideas. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting speculative hypotheses and numerous anecdotal reports of sightings alongside reflections on the scientific method and the potential for future breakthroughs. The magazine explicitly distances itself from making predictions, focusing instead on presenting interesting information and fostering a spirit of investigation.

This document, identified as "Flying Saucer over Jamestown (cont'd)" and marked as Page 20, is an excerpt from a publication by the "Australian Flying Saucer Record," the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, published at 22 Northcote Street, Kilburn, South Australia. The content is in English.

UFO Sighting in Jamestown

The article details a sighting of a flying saucer over Jamestown. A similar object was observed several months prior, described as larger and lower with a clear dome structure on its upper surface. This earlier object also made a noise like a jet and disappeared rapidly. The current report focuses on a more recent sighting where the object appeared much larger and lower, with a definite dome structure. It made a noise like a jet and disappeared very quickly. Several other reports of sightings in Jamestown over the last four years are also mentioned.

Investigators' Remarks

The investigators interviewed young folk who were described as reliable, quiet, sensible, and definite in their descriptions. These individuals were interested in "saucers" but had not read extensively on the subject, relying on newspaper reports. Both the witnesses and the police officers were confident that the object was not a conventional aircraft. Towards the end of the sighting, light cirrus clouds appeared from the west. The object was observed to pass above these clouds, traveling towards the west-north-west. It was considered too luminous to be a balloon. Throughout the entire sighting, no noise was heard until immediately before the object became visible, at which point a rumbling sound was detected. The investigators concluded that this was a case of a genuine U.F.O. sighting.

Diagrams are included to illustrate the sighting. One diagram shows the sun at 11 a.m., with an observer marked 'X' to the west, and the object's position relative to the sun. Another diagram depicts the track of the UFO at 1:10 p.m., indicating its direction of travel.

"LIFE ON MARS."

This section reports on a statement made by Professor C.F. Powell, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Bristol and a Nobel Prize winner. Professor Powell expressed a "reasonable belief" in the existence of life on other planets. He suggested that within our galaxy, there are likely planets with conditions similar to Earth, inhabited by beings who have achieved a far higher form of technical development. He expressed a hope that humanity would attempt to make contact with such beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this excerpt is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, specifically in Jamestown. The article presents eyewitness accounts and investigator assessments, leaning towards the conclusion that the observed phenomena are genuine and not conventional aircraft. A secondary theme is the speculative discussion on extraterrestrial life and the potential for future contact, highlighted by Professor Powell's remarks. The publication, "Australian Saucer Record," clearly aligns with an interest in and promotion of UFO phenomena and related scientific speculation.