Beyond Reality No 31

Magazine Overview

This issue of Beyond Reality magazine, identified as No. 31 and dated March/APRIL 1978, is published bi-monthly by Beyond Reality Magazine, Inc., with a cover price of $1.50. The magazine's title is prominently displayed, with a large, bold headline on the cover proclaiming "UFO UPDATE! A SPECIAL REPORT ON CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND." The cover also lists several exclusive reports and insights, including "THE FRIGHTENING REALITY OF STAR WARS," "INSIGHTS: SEDUCED BY A FEMALE ALIEN!", "ASTRONOMERS DISCOVER AN ORBITING ‘THING’", and "NASAS ATTEMPT TO COMMUNICATE WITH EXTRATERRESTRIALS." A smaller section highlights "PLUS: REPORTS AND SIGHTINGS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!"

Editorial

The editorial, penned by editor/publisher Harry Belil, addresses Columbia Pictures' new release, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Belil expresses skepticism about the film being the "shocker" its publicity agents claim, attributing the "secret-hush-hush treatment" to a Hollywood scheme to build public excitement and create an atmosphere of mystery. He notes that while the film is marketed as "science fiction," it is also claimed to be based on an actual UFO encounter. Belil mentions that George Early has researched the film for the magazine. He also touches upon the broader UFO mystery, stating that Beyond Reality has investigated many areas but offers no definitive answers, only theories. He criticizes the amount of "trash" written on the subject, which he believes is misleading. Belil encourages readers to share any information they have on the UFO enigma, noting that many experiences go unreported for fear of ridicule. He also extends an invitation for readers to share any psychic experiences they may have had.

Articles

The magazine features a diverse range of articles, including:

• The Search for Extraterrestrials by Robert Sheaffer
• Did We Really Go to the Moon? by Leon Berry
• The Final Migration by Robert H. Goddard
• The Robots are Coming! by Ramona Cortez
• The UFO Stock Breeders by S.B. Milcartz
• The UFO CB-Skywatchers by Steve Lieberman
• "We're seeing UFOs!" by Marion L. Hunter
• Hollywood's Encounter of the Third Kind by George Early
• The Reality of Star Wars by Michael Cohen
• Twistians: The UFO Cults by Robert A. Goerman

Features

Several feature articles delve into specific topics:

• UFOs Over Central America by Gary Parsons
• UFO Peace Keepers? by Stanley Myerson
• The Orbiting "Thing" by Elizabeth Smith
• It Had Legs All Over! by Larry McNeil

Departments

The magazine includes regular departments:

• Editorial by Harry Belil
• Letters to the Editor (from Readers)
• Books For Review by Mary Goldstein and Lydia Belil
• UFO Reports by Samuel Belil
• Report from NASA by Samuel Belil

UFO Update!

This section provides reports on recent UFO sightings from various locations:

• McDonald County, Missouri: Residents have experienced numerous UFO encounters. Doyle Shields of the Noel Police Department reported a glowing light observed for over an hour, flashing colored lights. Several law officers and citizens witnessed the phenomenon. A previous report mentioned a UFO landing described as 50 feet across and 15 feet high.
• Los Angeles, California: Two diamond-shaped UFOs emitting bright orange and blue lights were observed traveling at high speeds. The sightings were reported by airmen, helicopter crewmen, and highway patrolmen, covering a vast area of Southern California.
• Memphis, Tennessee: FAA officials and local authorities were baffled by a ball of fire that moved at high speed. An air traffic controller described it as a mass of bright lights that sprayed sparks of fire before appearing to burn out.
• Framingham, Massachusetts: Peter Vangel reported seeing an egg-shaped object, described as "the most beautiful red color," descending slowly over treetops. Residents in the Nobscot area also reported an object hovering with flashing white lights.
• Moscow: A report from the Soviet Union stated that Russian officials were baffled by a huge mass of light that flared up in the skies over Petrozavodsk.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters from readers are featured:

• Robert Murphy of St. Louis announces the formation of a committee to investigate animal mutilations and associated phenomena, seeking reader cooperation.
• A reader inquires about rumors of President Carter releasing government UFO information, to which the editor responds that only the release of Air Force Project Blue Book is known.
• Stanton T. Friedman praises Marjorie Fish's star model research and offers reprints of "The Zeta Reticuli Incident" for sale.
• A reader discusses the article "Code Name 1151," suggesting that the Christian church's emphasis on sin may contribute to phenomena attributed to possession.
• Ms. Kitty Earle requests features on the reappearances of Abraham Lincoln.
• John W. Clance expresses interest in reported psychic activity at Ford's Theatre related to Lincoln's assassination.
• George E. Calvert asks for more information on the "Jupiter Effect" theory mentioned in a previous article.
• The magazine notes that Dr. John Gribbin and Dr. Stephen Plagemann investigated the "Jupiter Effect," and that their book "The Jupiter Effect" was published by Walker & Co. A previous article on the topic appeared in the May 1976 issue.
• A reader shares an experience related to Eckankar and "Soul Travel," suggesting that individuals can access their own Akashic Records.

Books For Review

This section reviews several books:

• MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF SAMOA by C. Stuebel.
• PSYCHIC DREAM BOOK by Paul E. Napora.
• MANTRAS: SACRED WORDS OF POWER by John Blofeld.
• THE VALUES by Charles Thomas Taylor.
• PSYCHIC CHILDREN by Samuel H. Young.
• FRONTIERS OF HEALING edited by Nicholas M. Regush.
• THE PSYCHIC POWER OF ANIMALS by Bill Schul.
• WHAT YOUR AURA TELLS ME by Ray Stanford.
• HIGH FRONTIER: COLONIES IN SPACE by Gerard K. O'Neill.
• A TRIP INTO THE MYSTIC MIND.
• STRANGE STORIES OF UFOs by Len Ortzen.
• HANDBOOK OF PARAPSYCHOLOGY.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Beyond Reality are UFOs, extraterrestrial encounters, psychic phenomena, and parapsychology. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded but critical stance, encouraging investigation and reporting of unexplained phenomena while cautioning against misleading information and unsubstantiated beliefs. The editorial stance is one of seeking knowledge and encouraging readers to keep their minds open to various possibilities within the realm of the strange and unknown.

Title: Beyond Reality
Issue: 11
Date: January 1978 (inferred from page numbers and article context)

This issue of Beyond Reality presents a diverse collection of articles focusing on unexplained phenomena, scientific endeavors, and controversial historical events. It features reports on UFO sightings from various locations, an in-depth look at the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and a critical examination of the Apollo moon landings.

UFO Sightings

The magazine details several reported UFO incidents:

• Soviet Karelia: The official Soviet News Agency reported a UFO over a small city, described as jellyfish-shaped, radiating light beams, and surrounded by grey clouds with a bright red light in the center. It hovered for about 15 minutes.
• Phillipston, Massachusetts: Dozens of people, including firemen, a state trooper, and a pilot, witnessed a flaming object described as a 'fireball' and 'glowing like the sun.' It landed in a wooded area, but extensive searches by officials and a helicopter failed to find any sign of it.
• Riverside, California: Deputy Jim Evans and his partner Bob Boytor reported seeing a 'cigar-shaped' flying object with lights on each end. Guards at March Air Force Base also reported UFO sightings around the same time. Sightings were also reported from Los Angeles to Sacramento, with one witness describing bright objects crossing the sky.
• South Africa: Two girls in Pretoria reported seeing an unidentified flying object described as 'a large double star disappearing and reappearing.' They observed two bright discs joined together, flickering on and off, moving slowly, separating, and then coming together again before flying off at high speed.
• Derwent, Tasmania: Local residents reported a low-flying UFO with a row of bright orange lights and a powerful beam underneath. Investigators ruled out aircraft, and officials concluded that 'something out of this world is active in their area.'

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

"THE SEARCH FOR INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE" by Robert Sheaffer

This article discusses the ongoing efforts by astronomers to detect signals from extraterrestrial civilizations using radio telescopes, a field known as SETI.

• Motivation: With over two hundred billion stars in our galaxy, it is statistically probable that life exists on many planets.
• Methodology: Unlike normal astronomical observations, SETI specifically looks for artificial signals. Radio telescopes collect data that is plotted on graphs or analyzed by computers. Faint signals are 'built up' over long periods to identify them.
• Challenges: Unusual short-term fluctuations that could indicate artificial signals might be overlooked. Radio telescopes are often pointed at hydrogen clouds or distant galaxies, not necessarily the most likely places for intelligent signals. Nearby stars, which are better prospects, emit few radio signals. Furthermore, scientists speculate that certain radio wavelengths are more likely for communication, but telescopes spend little time examining these.
• Project Ozma: The first SETI search was conducted in the summer of 1960 by Dr. Frank Drake using the 85-foot radio telescope at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, examining two stars: Epsilon Eridani and Tau Ceti.
• Project Ozma II: Beginning around 1970, other small-scale SETI projects emerged. Project Ozma II, the largest and most powerful search, utilized a massive 300-foot antenna and nearly seven hundred receivers. It examined hundreds of stars and gathered data much more rapidly than the original Ozma. The researchers, Dr. Benjamin M. Zucherman and Dr. Patrick Palmer, are reputable scientists.
• 21-Centimeter Wavelength: This wavelength was chosen because hydrogen atoms, abundant in interstellar space, radiate at this frequency, making it a likely 'natural' wavelength for interstellar communication that any alien race might use.
• Results of Ozma II: The observations for Project Ozma II were completed, and unofficial reports suggest the results were negative, though some unexplained 'glitches' (likely terrestrial interference) were noted. Other researchers are initiating smaller programs to re-examine stars that showed these glitches.

Ohio State University SETI Project by Dr. Robert S. Dixon

Dr. Dixon leads another large-scale SETI program using a unique radio telescope at Ohio State University. His approach is characterized by 'anti-cryptography,' assuming that alien communicators would make their signals easy to find.

• Methodology: Dixon's telescope searches all accessible sky 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He focuses on the 21-centimeter hydrogen wavelength, adjusting his receiver to match the energy given off by hydrogen atoms at rest with respect to the galactic center, assuming alien civilizations would do the same.
• Contribution: This project provides valuable information to other SETI researchers by identifying stars and wavelengths that do not need examination.
• Status: The search continues, with Dr. Dixon planning to continue as long as funding and equipment allow. He is also developing computer programs to automate the search.

Other SETI Efforts:

• Canada's Algonquin Park Radio Observatory examines stars at the wavelength of the water molecule (1.35 Centimeters).
• The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is also involved, with Dr. Frank Drake and Dr. Carl Sagan participating.

The Apollo Moon Landing Debate

"DID WE REALLY GO TO THE MOON?" by Leon Berry

This section critically examines the Apollo moon landings, presenting skepticism and NASA's counterarguments.

• Public Skepticism: Public opinion polls indicate that at least 30 percent of the American population believe the Apollo moon photos were staged in a Hollywood studio. This skepticism is partly attributed to events like Watergate and Vietnam.
• William Kaysing's Claims: William Kaysing, a former rocket engineer, authored the book "We Never Went to the Moon; America's Thirty Billion Dollar Swindle!" He claims the Apollo photographs were made in a film studio, citing several technical aspects:
• Lack of Craters: No craters are visible under the Lunar Module's (LM) rocket engines, despite their powerful thrust.
• Footprints: The astronauts' footprints are clearly visible in the lunar soil, but the soil is described as too cohesive to show blast damage from the engine yet clearly show footprints.
• Absence of Stars: No stars are visible in the photographs.
• Sun Angle: The angle of the sun hitting the astronauts' visors is incorrect.
• NASA's Response: NASA was forced to issue a news bulletin in June 1977 attacking Kaysing's book. NASA asserts that millions saw the landings on television and heard them on radio. They present the lunar material collected as irrefutable proof, stating it was formed in an atmosphere lacking oxygen and water and shows major chemical differences from Earth rocks, making it impossible to have been collected or manufactured on Earth.
• Countering Kaysing's Arguments:
• Regarding craters: NASA explains that the LM's descent engine operation is mostly thousands of feet above the moon, and the near-perfect vacuum of the lunar atmosphere means no air currents would scour the surface as they would on Earth. They also state that at touchdown, only a small amount of dust is disturbed.
• Regarding footprints: NASA implies that the cohesive lunar soil, while parting and reforming like water, would still retain footprints.
• Allegations of a Secret Organization: Kaysing alleges that the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) set up a secret organization in the Nevada desert for simulated landings.
• NASA's Program Transparency: NASA counters that its programs have always been 'open,' with extensive media coverage, including over 3,500 representatives at the Apollo 11 liftoff. The Apollo series cost approximately 25 billion dollars.

The Final Migration

"THE FINAL MIGRATION" by Robert H. Goddard

This article, reprinted from The Goddard Biblio Log, explores the possibility of interstellar travel and human survival in the distant future.

• Premise: The article poses the question of whether it will be possible to travel to new planets orbiting fixed stars when Earth becomes uninhabitable due to the sun cooling.
• Key Questions: To answer this, two other questions must be addressed: 1. Will it be possible to unlock and control intra-atomic energy? 2. If not, can human protoplasm be reduced to a granular state to withstand the intense cold of inter-stellar space, possibly requiring dessication and slow awakening over generations?
• Transportation: If intra-atomic energy can be controlled or stored in artificial atoms, transportation would be relatively simple, allowing for the requisite speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unknown, the unexplained, and the potentially hidden truths behind established narratives. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, scientific exploration of the cosmos, and a willingness to question official accounts, particularly regarding the moon landings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific perspectives, while also giving voice to skepticism and alternative theories. The inclusion of articles on SETI and interstellar travel suggests a forward-looking perspective on humanity's place in the universe, while the moon landing debate reflects a critical engagement with historical events and official narratives.

This issue of Beyond Reality magazine, identified as issue number 31, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, exploring both eyewitness accounts and the potential societal impact of media representations. The cover story, "THE UFO CB-SKYWATCHERS," highlights a new fad where UFO enthusiasts are utilizing Citizen Band (CB) radios for spotting, reporting, and attempting communication with extraterrestrial occupants. The magazine also features a special report on Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," examining concerns from UFO authorities about its potential to influence and contaminate genuine UFO sighting reports.

The UFO CB-Skywatchers

The article "THE UFO CB-SKYWATCHERS" details how CB radios have become a tool for UFO groups. It recounts the experience of Eric Nachmann from upstate New York, who, while on his CB radio, spotted three UFOs described as flashing stars of various colors that moved at incredible speeds. His companion on the CB radio corroborated the sighting, noting that the UFOs caused static interference. The article highlights a particularly active CB group in Pineville, Missouri, where residents, using handles like "Firebug" and "Grass Grinder," have formed a posse to search for and potentially communicate with UFOs following a recent "UFO blitz" in the area. Despite the technical challenges of CB radio, such as signal interference, these groups are dedicated to their pursuit. Dr. Hynek is quoted suggesting that UFO activity might be more prevalent in rural areas, possibly indicating a non-terrestrial origin, perhaps from another dimension. The report notes that the CBers have experienced strange sounds, possibly signals or radiation interference, during their observations.

UFOs Over Central America

This section reports on multiple sightings of cigar-shaped UFOs by Captain Gustavo Ferreira, a veteran pilot with 22 years of experience, and his crew and passengers during flights in South America in early 1977. The first sighting occurred on January 21, 1977, between Bogota and Pereira, where a large, glowing object approached the plane at high speed and responded to the pilot's landing lights. A subsequent sighting on March 3, 1977, between Pereira and Bogota, involved a similar cigar-shaped object, described as yellow, which increased its speed to over ten times that of the plane. These sightings were confirmed by radar and witnesses, including passengers and an air traffic controller. The article notes that cigar-shaped UFOs are sometimes described as "mother" ships. Another incident on March 10, 1977, involved a strange "bright object" flying alongside the plane, which then disappeared rapidly. Witnesses, including co-pilot German Rincon, described the object as made of bright metal with a weird glow, convincing former skeptics of its otherworldly nature.

"We're Seeing UFOs"

This article recounts the experience of Warren Martin and four friends in Canton, Massachusetts, who encountered a UFO on a cold, wet night. While trying to free their car stuck in mud near railroad tracks, they noticed strange lights. Martin described the object as hat-shaped with three diamond-shaped lights at the bottom, exhibiting colors like purple, orange, red, and blue, and performing impossible aerial maneuvers. The group was both amazed and frightened. The article also touches upon President Carter's reported UFO sighting in 1972 and Hayden C. Hews's role in releasing a report about it. It mentions that the Air Force stopped chasing UFOs after Project Blue Book and that the FAA was contacted.

Special Report: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This extensive report analyzes the potential impact of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" on public perception and UFO investigations. It notes that the film, a multi-million dollar production, has garnered significant attention from ufologists. Dr. Richard Haines, a UFO authority and advisor to NICAP, expresses concern that the movie, which he calls a "distortion of the truth," could contaminate future UFO sighting data. He urges investigators to be prepared for this influence and suggests methods for compensating for it, such as gathering attendance figures from theaters. Haines advises investigators to familiarize themselves with the film's details to better assess witness accounts. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, founder of the Center for UFO Studies, shares similar concerns, and a sociological study is planned by Northwestern University to examine viewer reactions. The report also references Dr. David M. Jacobs's book "The UFO Controversy in America," which discusses how early flying saucer films influenced public perception. The article touches upon the film's plot, which reportedly critiques the Air Force's handling of UFO information, and its cast, including Richard Dreyfuss and Francois Traffaut. Spielberg describes the film as entertainment with a positive, hopeful ending, aiming to encourage viewers to look at the sky with curiosity and an open mind.

Speculation and Government Influence

Further speculation suggests that the government might be using "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" to subtly prepare the American public for the reality of alien visitors. The report highlights the historical precedent of movies influencing perceptions of UFO events, citing examples from the early 1950s. It mentions the concern that the film's release could lead to a surge in UFO reports, some of which might be influenced by the movie's narrative. Investigators are cautioned to avoid mentioning the film during interviews until later to gauge whether a witness's account is genuine or a result of seeing the movie. The article also notes the existence of a similar film, "Alien Encounters," which caused legal issues for Columbia Pictures due to title similarity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pervasive nature of UFO sightings, the use of technology like CB radios for investigation and communication, and the significant influence of media, particularly films, on public perception and the scientific study of UFOs. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions while also critically examining potential biases and external influences. There is a clear concern about maintaining the integrity of UFO data in the face of popular culture's impact, suggesting a commitment to rigorous investigation and a balanced perspective on the subject.

This issue of 'Beyond Reality' (dated November 1977, issue 41) explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, touching upon government secrecy, advanced technology, and the intersection of UFOs with religion and warfare. The magazine presents a collection of articles that question the official narrative, suggest hidden truths, and speculate on the future of humanity's place in the cosmos.

UFOs and Government Policy

The issue begins by discussing the long-held belief among ufologists, particularly Donald E. Keyhoe, that the U.S. Air Force was divided into two factions: one focused on secrecy and ridicule ('Secrecy' group), and another that believed the public was ready to accept the reality of alien visitations ('Truth' group). The election of Jimmy Carter, who had promised to release UFO information and had personal experience with a UFO sighting, was seen as a victory for the 'Truth' group. A 'Washington Whispers' column in U.S. News and World Report from April 18, 1977, hinted at impending 'unsettling disclosures' about UFOs from the government, based on CIA information. This was further fueled by a rumor that film cannisters marked 'CE III' (Columbia Pictures), potentially related to Steven Spielberg's movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' were seen entering the White House.

Advanced Space Technology: Project Orion and Beyond

An article titled 'THE REALITY OF STAR WARS' by Michael Cohen explores the concept of nuclear-powered spacecraft. It references 'Project Orion,' a canceled 1960s project by American scientists to build a giant starship powered by small atomic explosions. The article also discusses 'Project Super Orion' (PSO), a more ambitious plan for a mile-in-diameter starship powered by a million H-bombs. The technology for such ships, existing since the 1950s, raises the possibility that the U.S. and Soviet Union might have secretly built such craft, with some large UFOs potentially being their own technology. The article highlights ongoing research at Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratories and Brookhaven National Laboratory into fusion and anti-matter engines, which are thousands of times more powerful than fission engines. The potential for anti-matter propulsion is immense, with one pound of anti-matter equivalent to 100,000,000 tons of TNT. The research also touches upon the development of weapon systems, including anti-matter nuclear bombs, and the possibility of using these energies for space colonization, such as igniting dead suns or moving planets.

UFOs and the Israel-Arab Conflict

An article by Stanley Myerson, 'DID UFOS STOP THE FIGHTING?', recounts a strange story from Israeli soldiers during the 1973 war. Stranded and outnumbered, they reported seeing two bright silvery, roundish objects with colored lights that appeared to help them by causing Egyptian troops to panic and flee. The soldiers interpreted this event as a sign that God was keeping His promise. Egyptian prisoners later corroborated the story, claiming they fled because they saw thousands of Israeli soldiers and tanks appearing out of nowhere. An Israeli officer attributed such reports to desert mirages, but the article questions whether it was a case of higher intelligence intervening.

The 'Twistians' and the Shift in UFO Discourse

An article titled 'THE TWISTIANS' by Robert A. Goerman discusses a perceived shift in the UFO field, particularly in the New York publishing scene. Following the closure of Air Force Project Blue Book and the Condon Report, public interest in UFOs declined. However, the article suggests a deliberate effort to 'confuse' the public. It notes a surge in books on the occult, ESP, and witchcraft in the late 1960s, coinciding with a questioning of the Condon Committee's credibility. The author criticizes the trend of 'Twistianity,' where facts are twisted to fit pre-conceived notions, often incorporating religious or psychic angles, making them dangerous due to their partial truth. Examples include John Keel's theories about UFOs being intelligent energy entities, Erich von Daniken's 'ancient astronaut' theories, and the idea that UFOs are manifestations of the Almighty God, as proposed by Robert D. Barry, director of the 20th Century UFO Bureau. The article also critiques a publisher who allegedly prioritized 'religious angles' and fabricated stories over scientific data.

The 'New UFology' and Religious Interpretations

'THE UFO TWISTIANS/continued' further explores the evolution of UFO research. It highlights the emergence of 'The New UFology,' which moves away from the 'nuts and bolts' spacecraft theory towards parapsychical explanations. The article criticizes the tendency to link UFOs with occult practices, mysticism, and psychic phenomena, suggesting it discredits the field. It discusses John Keel's 'Mothman Prophecies' and 'Eight Tower,' which posit a single intelligent force behind religious and UFO phenomena. It also mentions Dr. Clifford Wilson's assertion that UFOs are products of Lucifer's fallen angels and that UFO researchers are agents of Satan. Clark and Coleman's 'The Unidentified' suggests UFOs are images from the collective unconscious. The article notes the increasing popularity of religious interpretations, such as the idea that UFOs are divine beings or that 'God Drives a Flying Saucer.'

CIA Involvement and Public Perception

Robert D. Barry's claim of contact with the CIA and the agency's investigation into UFOs is detailed. Barry suggested that the CIA discovered that UFOs were manifestations of God, and that preparations were underway to prepare the public for this revelation, possibly timed with the release of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The article also mentions Ted Zachary, a former U.S. intelligence operative, who claimed the CIA's 'Covert Action Staff' disseminated disinformation to disguise its involvement in UFO research. The magazine expresses skepticism about the CIA's conclusion, deeming it 'absurd' that intelligence agencies would arrive at such a conclusion and prepare to release it to the public. The article also touches upon a phone call with a UFO magazine publisher who was actively seeking 'religious angles' and was not interested in scientific data, preferring stories that mirrored the 'belief' aspect of 'Star Wars.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the potential for government cover-ups and eventual disclosure of UFO information, the development of advanced propulsion technologies for space exploration, and the increasing tendency to interpret UFO phenomena through religious or mystical lenses rather than scientific ones. The magazine appears to be critical of the 'Twistianity' trend, which it sees as distorting the UFO enigma with unsubstantiated claims and religious dogma, while simultaneously acknowledging the possibility of genuine, albeit complex, truths within the UFO mystery. The editorial stance seems to be one of cautious investigation, urging readers to be discerning and not to accept claims at face value, especially when they are presented as matters of 'belief' rather than verifiable fact.

This issue of Beyond Reality, dated January 1978, focuses on a variety of topics related to the unexplained, space, and the future of humanity. The cover story, "THE ORBITING 'THING'," discusses the discovery of a small, unidentified object orbiting the solar system. Other articles explore the potential for advanced robots and bionic suits in space colonization, a personal UFO encounter, and reader feedback on previous articles and the magazine's content.

The Orbiting "Thing"

The lead article reports on the discovery of a small object, possibly a planet, orbiting the solar system between Saturn and Uranus. Charles Kowal, who discovered two of Jupiter's moons, made this finding while scanning photographs. Dennis Meredith, a spokesman for the California Institute of Technology, stated that the object is not an asteroid, a moon, or a comet, and that it possesses characteristics of a planet despite its small size. Ufologists are excited by the discovery, speculating it could be a mother ship and suggesting government investigation. The object's nature remains undetermined, awaiting further analysis by scientists.

Robots, such as those in the science fiction film "Star Wars", will be serving mankind in the very near future.

This section discusses the development of advanced robots and bionic suits, drawing parallels to science fiction. It mentions Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory's work on an Exoskeleton suit in the past, designed to significantly enhance human strength. The article suggests that such technology, potentially perfected and used secretly, could play a role in space colonization, particularly on planets with heavy gravity. It posits that the military, NASA, and intelligence agencies are collaborating on developing these systems, which could be used to combat hostile aliens in the future.

Hollywood's UFO Encounter

This piece speculates on the potential impact of films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in conditioning the public to accept the reality of alien visitation. It suggests that President Carter might use such films to gradually prepare Americans for disclosure. The author questions who would be unsettled by such a disclosure, concluding it would likely be the 'power brokers' such as international bankers and munitions makers, rather than the general public who might welcome knowledge about cures for diseases and solutions to global problems.

UFO CB-Skywatchers!

This article recounts a UFO sighting by Lonnie and Deborah Stites, a truck driver and his wife. They described seeing a bright light that appeared to be a moving brush fire, which then illuminated the area like a football field. They reported seeing a man in green coveralls and a cap, and another person carrying a ball of fire. The object was described as a water tank-like structure with red lights. The couple was frightened and initially hesitant to share their experience due to fear of ridicule. The article notes that similar cases have been reported, suggesting some UFOs may be interested in communication, and that groups like the CB posse are eager to make contact.

Letters to the Editor/continued

This section features several letters from readers:

• Walt Wrzesniewski writes about "Soul Travel," describing it as a method for expanding awareness without artificial means, accessible to everyone.
• Frank Tribbe corrects an address for the Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship provided in a previous issue.
• Jody Nieman corrects an article about "Occult Secrets of the Pharaohs," stating that the heart was left in the body, unlike the brain and entrails.
• Thomas E. Baker questions the accuracy of an interview with Curtis Watkins, suggesting it may not have been a genuine interview and that the magazine's documentation should be more thorough.
• The editor responds to Baker, clarifying that the article was compiled from various sources, not presented as a direct interview, and defends the magazine's commitment to reporting the truth.
• Richard R. Douglas discusses Erich Von Daniken's theories, referencing a report by Gavin Sauter that critiques Von Daniken's books and his reliance on sources like "The Book of Dzan."

Report from NASA

This section includes two images and captions from NASA:

• An artist's concept of the Ion Drive spacecraft proposed for studying Halley's Comet in 1986, utilizing mercury ion engines and solar scoop panels.
• A photo demonstrating steps towards developing a fabrication and assembly facility in space, using the Shuttle as a base, with a demonstration program planned for 1980-1984.

By Samuel Belil

This section features images and captions related to space exploration:

• A picture of the Martian moon Deimos, taken by Viking Orbiter 2, showing its cratered surface.
• Photos of NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise during captive test flights, including astronauts Fred Haise and Gordon Fullerton.

The Final Migration/continued from page 23

This excerpt, attributed to Robert H. Goddard, discusses the possibility of human migration to other star systems. It suggests that expeditions could carry knowledge, art, and tools to establish new civilizations. Alternatively, it proposes sending 'granular protoplasm' that could evolve into human beings. A postscript, also attributed to R. H. Goddard, outlines a theoretical method for leaving the solar system using Neptune's satellite as a staging point and utilizing solar energy.

Lose Weight! And Keep Off!

This is an advertisement for a self-hypnosis tape or record designed to help individuals lose weight by changing their subconscious mind's instructions regarding appetite and self-image. It offers a full refund if not satisfied after 30 days.

Transcende Time

This is an advertisement for a cassette recording titled "Experiments with Time," which offers information from an extraterrestrial teacher on transcending time.

Why Miss a Copy of Beyond Reality Magazine

This is a subscription advertisement encouraging readers to ensure they receive every issue by subscribing, as the magazine reportedly sells out quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Beyond Reality consistently explores controversial and fringe topics, including UFOs, lost civilizations, psychic phenomena, and alternative philosophies. The magazine appears to champion the pursuit of truth beyond conventional scientific understanding and encourages open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of investigation and reporting on subjects that challenge mainstream narratives, often giving voice to believers and researchers in these fields. There's a clear interest in the potential for extraterrestrial contact and the future of human advancement through technology and consciousness expansion. The inclusion of reader letters indicates an engagement with their audience and a willingness to address feedback and corrections, albeit sometimes defensively.

This issue of STARLOG, dated June 1977, is identified as issue number 61 and is titled "The STARLOG Photo Guidebook to Movie and Television SPACESHIPS." It is a special edition focusing on spacecraft from science fiction, featuring "over 100 Rare, Never-Seen-Before Spaceship Photos!" printed on high-gloss paper in full color. The guidebook includes factual data on every show and craft design, featuring ships from "Star Trek," "Space: 1999," "2001," George Pal classics, Japanese SF, old TV shows, and "unknown" films. It is presented as a collector's item and a wonderful gift, available only through the magazine and select bookstores, not on newsstands.

Articles and Features

DID WE REALLY GO TO THE MOON?

This article, continued from page 19, delves into the physical characteristics of the lunar surface. It posits that the lunar soil is not a fluffy dust but a moderately dense and cohesive material, similar to wet sand or ploughed farm soil. This cohesiveness, it argues, explains why the Lunar Module (LM) engine did not excavate a crater directly underneath it, but rather deflected the blast sideways. The article quotes from the Apollo 15 Preliminary Science Report, highlighting that the soil at the bottom of a trench dug to about 14 inches was significantly harder than the soil above, requiring chipping to excavate material in platy fragments. It also notes that holes dug for heat-flow experiments did not collapse when the digging tools were removed, and that the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicles left only shallow tiretracks.

"WE'RE SEEING UFOS!"

This section, continued from page 36, discusses alleged UFO sightings and the difficulties in obtaining official information. It mentions Warren Martin, a television technician who, along with four others, claims to have seen a UFO. Martin provided a sketch of the object, which is noted to be similar to one seen by Muhammed Ali. The article criticizes the lack of interest from organizations like the Air Force and FAA in UFO research, suggesting that information is being lost. It encourages readers with UFO experiences or photos to contact the publication for investigation by a reliable UFO research organization.

CAN MY CANDLE REALLY BURN AWAY YOUR BAD LUCK?

This personal account details the author's struggle with persistent bad luck and his eventual success after using a custom-made candle and prayer. He describes how, after trying various methods, he found inspiration in the saying, "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." He then created a special candle and wrote a prayer, which he believes led to a miraculous change in his life, marked by financial gains and the disappearance of bad luck. He founded "CANDLECULT" to help others with similar problems, offering a candle and prayer for $3.

SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIALS

This article, continued from page 15, discusses the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). It mentions that organizations like NASA are becoming increasingly interested in SETI. Teams at the Ames Research Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory are studying the search for intelligent signals from other galaxies. The article highlights the immense distances involved, noting that a message could take five million years for a round-trip travel time. It also touches upon the possibility of astronauts assembling a giant space SETI antenna in orbit in the future. The article concludes by stating that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence has begun, though it may take decades or centuries to detect a signal.

It Had Legs All Over!

This feature recounts the experience of two brothers, Greg and Scott DeRodes, who reported seeing a strange object in the sky in Findlay, Ohio. The object, described as having "legs all over it" and emitting a "bright gold light," was observed by the boys and their father, Donald. The boys were separated and asked to draw what they saw, producing nearly identical sketches of a circle covered with points and balls. The article notes that the boys are intelligent and familiar with aircraft, and do not believe they saw an airplane. The object was described as flying low and making a "real funny noise."

Advertisements and Other Content

Several advertisements and promotional sections are present:

• STARLOG Photo Guidebook to Movie and Television SPACESHIPS: A full-page advertisement promoting the guidebook, detailing its features and providing an order form.
• E.S.P. LABORATORY: An advertisement for ESP courses and materials, offering free introductory information.
• WHOLEMIND: An advertisement for the WHOLEMIND Intuitive Research Program, described as an "AWESOME ADVENTURE INTO A HIGHER ASPECT OF BEING."
• CANDLECULT: An advertisement offering a special candle and prayer to overcome bad luck, with an option to receive a "DOUBLE-LUCK DISCOVERY."
• STARTIMERS: An advertisement selling Super 8 mm. sound and silent film footage of Elvis Presley, including newsreel home movies and memorial services.
• ELVIS PETITION: A petition to declare August 16th "National Elvis Presley Day," to be forwarded to President Jimmy Carter.
• BRAINERD L. MELLINGER: An advertisement offering a free Mail Order Course that teaches how to pick mail order winners and operate a home business.
• The ROSICRUCIANS (AMORC): An advertisement offering a free copy of "The Mastery of Life," a book exploring philosophical mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, the paranormal, and speculative science. There's a strong interest in UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The issue also touches upon alternative explanations for historical events (like the moon landing) and promotes personal development through unconventional means, such as ESP and overcoming bad luck. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and explore the "Beyond Reality." The inclusion of mail-order advertisements suggests a business model that complements the magazine's content by offering related products and opportunities.