LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 1 No 01A - 13th February 1960

Magazine Overview

Title: L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: 13th February 1960
Publisher: London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation
Content: This bulletin covers several topics related to unidentified flying objects, space exploration, and unusual phenomena, including reports from international sources.

Unidentified Space Object

The bulletin begins by detailing an "unidentified space object" that was tracked by stations approximately a fortnight prior to the publication date. Initially reported by newspapers on February 11th as an "unidentified satellite" and believed to be of Russian origin, the object's nature was later questioned. Mr. Sharp, Secretary of the Air Force, suggested it was likely a casing from an early "Discoverer" series satellite, based on comparisons of its size and the fact that it emitted no radio signals. The Pentagon reportedly showed interest because they claimed this was the first man-made object found in space that was unidentified.

Russian Theory: Space Visitors Have Studied Earth

Newspapers on February 10th reported a theory put forward by Russian physico-mathematician Mr. Agrest, published in the Soviet "Literary Gazette." Agrest posited that a spaceship approached Earth at a speed close to light, entered orbit, and its occupants studied the planet. He speculated that they may have landed in the region of the Anti-Lebanon mountains, near a platform known as the Baalbek Terrace, which he suggested could have been either a launching platform or a memorial.

The article then draws a parallel between Agrest's theory and ancient texts. It mentions that glass-like substances, known as tektites, found in the Libyan Desert and containing radioactive isotopes, might be remnants of a missile. Furthermore, the description of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, is brought into discussion. A quote from the Daily Telegraph highlights the legend's narrative: people were advised to flee an impending explosion, not to look back, as those who did lost their eyesight and perished, and that this event turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt. The implication is that Agrest believes these "space beings" may still be observing Earth.

Russia Claims to Have Found Tenth Planet

On or about February 11th, Moscow reported that scientists at the Kazakhstan Astrophysical Institute had discovered a tenth planet in our Solar System. This planet is said to be located beyond Pluto. The bulletin notes that previous Russian claims of finding planets had often turned out to be minor planets orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. However, the Russians have not provided details on the planet's location or name, and the claim is presented as a possibility pending confirmation by other astronomers.

The Moons of Mars

This section presents a précis translation of an article by G. Nikol'skiy from "Sovetskiy Soyuz," N.10/1959, titled "Made by Martians?" The article discusses Phobos and Deimos, the two satellites of Mars. It references an observation by American astronomer Sharples in 1945, who noted a strange acceleration in Phobos's spiral movement. More recently, prominent Soviet scientist I.S. Shklovskiy proposed a theory that Phobos might be an artificial satellite of Mars, placed there by intelligent beings with a high level of civilization. He suggested that Deimos might also be artificial. Shklovskiy theorizes that Martians, lacking natural moons to serve as space stations and facing an increasingly unfavorable climate, might have built these satellites as jumping-off points to seek a new home on another planet.

The theory has both supporters and opponents. Skeptics include Soviet Academicians V.G. Fesenkov and American astronomer Gerald Kuiper. Supporters include Academicians L.I. Sedov (Chairman of the USSR Academy of Science Committee on Interplanetry Flight), B.L. Ginsburg (Member of the USSR Academy of Science), and Professors V.I. Krasovskiy and K.P. Stranyukovitch. An editor's note clarifies that L.I. Sedov and V.I. Krasovskiy were among the three Soviet scientists who attended the International Astronautical Conference in London and are both supporters of this theory.

Warsaw "Vision"

For three out of six nights at the beginning of October 1959, a "vision of the Virgin Mary" was reported to have appeared on a church steeple in Warsaw. On one evening, an estimated 10,000 people gathered to witness the phenomenon, leading to the erection of police barricades. Among those who saw it were Michigan Governor G. Mennan Williams and his wife, who described the spectral phenomena in an aureole of light around the steeple of Saint Augustine's church on the night of Saturday, October 10th, 1959, as "fantastic!" The Daily Herald in England reported this event, but it appears no Polish newspapers published it. LUFORO has not yet received evidence regarding the accuracy of this report or the identity of the phenomenon but hopes to obtain a statement from Governor Williams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, particularly concerning extraterrestrial intelligence and unexplained aerial objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting theories and reports from various international sources (Soviet, American, and anecdotal) while maintaining a degree of skepticism, as indicated by the note on the Warsaw vision lacking evidence and the presentation of opposing views on the Martian moons theory. The organization, LUFORO, actively collects and disseminates information on these topics, seeking confirmation and evidence where possible.