LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 1 No 05 - 29 June 1960

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 5 of the L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin, published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation on June 29th, 1960. The editorial address is provided as 9, Elizabeth Kenny House, Grange Grove, Islington, N.I. The bulletin's main cover headline declares 'FLYING SAUCERS ARE BECOMING RESPECTABLE', with an article attributed to Chapman Pincher.

Main Article: 'FLYING SAUCERS ARE BECOMING RESPECTABLE' by Chapman Pincher

The article begins by contrasting the skepticism of the Astronomer Royal, Dr. Richard van der Reit Woolley, who dismisses space travel as 'utter bilge' and considers the moon and planets inhospitable, with a growing scientific acceptance of the possibility of extraterrestrial life and observation. Pincher suggests Dr. Woolley might soon be alone in his belief.

The author points to the advancements made by Russian and U.S. moon-shooters and the serious consideration given by reputable scientists to the possibility that other worlds may be observing Earth. Professor R.N. Bracewell of Stanford University is cited as believing it highly likely that robot reconnaissance vehicles, akin to U-2 airplanes, have already been sent to study Earth or are expected soon, urging a sustained effort to search the skies.

An American experimenter is reportedly building a radio set to scan star systems for signals from intelligent beings.

The article notes the surprising fact that these speculations are being published in leading technical journals like 'Nature', questioning what has caused reputable scientists to admit that the concept of a 'flying saucer' might not be 'utter bilge'.

Pincher traces this development to three key events:

1. Probability of Extraterrestrial Life: The universe is composed of the same types of earth atoms, and laboratory experiments suggest that combinations of these atoms can automatically become alive under conditions similar to early Earth. With billions of planets likely to have experienced similar conditions, life may have arisen elsewhere.
2. Evolution of Life: Research on proteins indicates that life, wherever it arises, tends to evolve along lines broadly similar to Earth's because the atomic arrangements capable of producing life are restricted. This implies that any intelligent creatures capable of communication would likely resemble humans rather than 'bug-eyed monsters'.
3. Space-Flight Advancements: Tremendous advances in space-flight have proven the feasibility of robot and manned travel to and from other worlds. The Jodrell Bank radio telescope has demonstrated that communication across millions of miles is possible.

'SHATTERING' Section

Despite these developments, the article states that reputable scientists still do not give credence to claims of people who insist they have seen flying saucers or spoken to their pilots. No authentic physical evidence to support the existence of spaceships from other worlds has been established. It is also asserted that it is untrue that any government department has clamped down on information about saucer sightings for security reasons. Scientists suggest that 'flying saucers' are possible and that means now exist for detecting them. The bulletin concludes this section by stating that an authentic message from another world, whether by radio or spaceship, would be the most shattering event in human history, potentially even shattering Dr. Woolley's disbelief.

*(The article thanks the Daily Express for permission to quote the feature story from their June 16th, 1960 issue.)*

'HOVERING OBJECT OVER LAKE'

This section reports a sighting by Mrs. Vera Bowden, 35, of Barnet Lane, Wanersh. While picnicking with her son Nigel and his friend Paul Foster on Chinthurst Hill, they saw an elliptical grey shape hovering over Broadwater, a lake near Godalming. The object was visible for about 18 minutes before receding west. Mrs. Bowden reported no noise and described the object as being just above the treetops, very clear, and unlike anything she had seen before. The source is cited as 'The New Daily', Friday, May 27th, 1960.

Letter to the Editor (Hampshire Chronicle)

In the issue dated May 21st of the 'Hampshire Chronicle', a letter from Mrs. B.D. Martin of Meadowview, Gordon Road, Curdbridge, dated May 17th, 1960, describes an unusual sound in the air at 3 a.m. She saw what she believed to be the Russian spaceship travelling in an easterly direction, appearing as a ball of fire about the size of the moon. She and her husband watched it until it went out of sight.

Response to Mrs. Martin's Letter ('Observer')

A response, signed 'Observer' and received from P.E. Evans of Winchester, addresses Mrs. Martin's sighting. The correspondent argues that if Mrs. Martin saw a strange object and heard a sound on the night of May 6th, it could not have been the Russian Sputnik. Planes flying at ten miles high are barely audible and leave trails, while the Sputnik, orbiting at about 100 miles high, makes no sound and would not be heard on Earth. The correspondent questions how a Sputnik could make a sound audible from 100 miles. Furthermore, if the object looked as big as the moon at 100 miles high, it would have to be fantastically large. These facts, the 'Observer' concludes, prove it could not have been the Sputnik. The letter suggests that this large, shining object with a fearsome noise could only have been a ship from outer space, possibly taking off after a spy trip around Southampton Docks and the vicinity, or perhaps it was 'the result of too much supper'.

UFO SIGHTED BY AIRLINE CREWS

An Eastern Airlines pilot, Earl W. Miles, reported that he and his crew saw a mysterious object over Virginia around March 15th. The sighting was confirmed by two other Eastern crews. Miles described the object as clearly visible, with an outline like the fuselage of a plane, but many times larger. A tremendous white flame streamed from the back, appearing a quarter of a mile long from their distance. The object had no wings and no protrusions for balance or direction. They estimated its speed to be in excess of 6,000 miles per hour, crossing the sky in about 50 seconds. Captain Miles stated that such sightings are frequent among experienced pilots, but information is 'evidently suppressed from the newspapers'. The source is 'Saucer News', Vol. 7, No.2.

*(The bulletin includes an apology for a badly duplicated last issue due to unsuitable stencils.)*

AUSTRIAN UFO SIGHTING

This section is a condensed version of a story from the Canadian magazine 'Saucers, Space and Science', originally published in 'Wiener Montag' on March 7th, 1960. It details a sighting by Edgar Schedelbauer in Strass, near Liebnitz, on the morning of March 2nd. While travelling home on his motor-bicycle, he noticed a light that ruled out a falling star or the moon due to its size and speed. The object crossed an open field parallel to the street, then became stationary at a height of 15 metres beside the street. Schedelbauer, a reporter and technician, photographed the object. It appeared as a 'milky white' object in the form of a 'fiery spider', emitting heat. After being stationary for 6-7 seconds, it darkened, and muffled engine sounds developed into a roar similar to jet airplanes before it returned in the direction it came. Schedelbauer experienced reddish spots on his face and hands for three days, which caused no irritation.

FINCHLEY U.F.O. SIGHTING

Reported by Paul A.R. Teugels, this sighting occurred on June 12th at 9:30 p.m. at North Finchley. Witnesses Geoffrey Berrisford (who has R.A.F. aircrew experience) and his wife saw a cigar-shaped object of a reddish-orange colour. It was visible for about 7-8 minutes, appeared to reflect the setting sun, was clearly defined with parallel sides, and was about the size of half an inch at arm's length. It was positioned about the same distance above the horizon, tilted at about 18 degrees, and moving very slowly. Mr. Berrisford, whose hobby is aircraft recognition, stated it was not an aircraft, its shape being too regular for a cloud or vapour trail. The Air Ministry's wind estimate indicated the object was moving against the wind.

MORE INVESTIGATORS REQUIRED

An appeal is made for individuals willing to investigate local sightings and interview witnesses. They are asked to write to Mr. Stephenson, whose address is 12, Darset Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey. The bulletin also seeks subscribers who might know of others interested in helping by interviewing witnesses.

OBSERVERS REQUIRED FOR THE BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY

The British Interplanetary Society (BIS) urgently requires observers for the visual tracking of artificial satellites. Interested individuals should write to Mr. Stephenson, mentioning if they possess binoculars or a telescope.

SKY WATCH

A constant watch on the sky from different parts of England and elsewhere is proposed for a week in August, provided there is sufficient cooperation. Volunteers are asked to inform Mr. Stephenson of their availability (times of day/night and hours per week). Housewives and people on holiday are encouraged to take daytime hours, while others are asked to book unpopular night hours and weekends.

It is emphasized that UFO observations should be reported to Mr. Stephenson immediately by post or telephone, as timely reports can sometimes secure the help of national newspapers. Daily and local newspapers are generally not interested in sightings that are weeks old.

TRANSLATORS NEEDED

Assistance is requested for correspondence in foreign languages, particularly Italian, Spanish, and Russian.

FURTHER 1960 SIGHTING REPORTS

This section indicates that the UFO sightings listed in the bulletin are additions to a previous list, showing the total number of 1960 reports received up to July 1st. Further sightings will be published as received. Abbreviations and an index are mentioned as being at the end of the UFO reports.

Organisation Details

The bulletin is printed and published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation. Key personnel listed are G.N.P. Stephenson (Director of Research), Roy Stemman (Editor), and Miss S.R. Stebbing (Secretary & Treasurer).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing scientific credibility of UFO phenomena, the possibility of extraterrestrial life and intelligence, and the advancements in space technology that make such possibilities more plausible. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO sightings, encouraging investigation and reporting, while also acknowledging the lack of definitive physical evidence and the skepticism from some scientific authorities. There is a clear effort to present a balanced view, contrasting established scientific views with emerging theories and witness accounts. The bulletin actively seeks participation from the public for observation and investigation, highlighting a community-driven approach to UFO research.