Challenge

Magazine Overview

Title: Challenge
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: May, 1955
Publisher: Challenge
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Challenge" magazine, dated May 1955, presents a provocative cover story challenging President Eisenhower's assertion that flying saucers are not from outer space. The main headline boldly states: "Challenge to President Eisenhower: 'I KNOW WHERE FLYING SAUCERS COME FROM'" by William Brenton.

Main Article: 'I Know Where Flying Saucers Come From'

The core of the issue is William Brenton's detailed account and theory regarding flying saucers. Brenton, an airline pilot, recounts a personal encounter two years prior where he witnessed six luminous, coin-shaped objects, approximately one hundred feet in diameter, moving at an astonishing estimated speed of 12,000 miles per hour over Chesapeake Bay. This experience transformed him from a skeptic into a believer.

Brenton argues that the capabilities of these craft, particularly their ability to make sharp, high-speed turns without apparent injury to occupants, suggest they are not from Earth or other planets in our solar system. He posits that their origin must be from another solar system, necessitating advanced technology to traverse vast interstellar distances. He references reports of high-speed sightings by military personnel, including Commander Robert B. McLaughlin and Lieutenant Sid Coleman, who clocked objects at 18,000 and 9,000 miles per hour, respectively.

Brenton also brings up the work of scientists like Dr. Clyde Tombaugh and Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, who were reportedly tracking two artificial satellites circling Earth, suggesting a potential base of operations for extraterrestrial visitors. He notes that Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force's UFO investigation, found no evidence of crashed saucers, implying their development and operations are not within our planetary system.

He further speculates on the nature of these visitors, suggesting they might be humanoid and that their advanced science might be withheld from Earth due to our perceived "uncivilized" nature, evidenced by our propensity for self-destruction. Brenton draws parallels to Einstein's theories on gravity and electromagnetism, suggesting these principles could be harnessed for propulsion and control of flying saucers.

Other Articles and Features

Beyond the main UFO-focused article, the cover also highlights other content:

• "WOMEN ON THE PROWL: a bachelor's confession": This suggests a personal narrative or exposé related to male perspectives on relationships or social behavior.
• "RETURN FROM THE SEA P. 36": This indicates a story or feature related to maritime experiences or perhaps a rescue.
• "The Fabulous $25,000,000 Swindle": This points to an investigative piece or exposé on a significant financial fraud.

Supporting Content and Visuals

The magazine includes several photographs and illustrations related to the UFO theme. Page 2 features a photo of President Eisenhower alongside an image of unidentified phenomena in the sky, with the headline "Challenge to President Eisenhower: 'I KNOW WHERE FLYING SAUCERS COME FROM'". Page 4 displays a U.S. Coast Guard shot of "unidentified phenomena" and a "Saucer picture taken in Culver City, Calif. by Alan Dumas." Page 3 includes a photograph credited to a Louisville Times photographer, showing citizens reporting strange luminous discs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme is the exploration and defense of the reality and extraterrestrial origin of flying saucers. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, presenting witness testimony, scientific speculation, and challenging official explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency and a more open investigation into UFO phenomena, directly confronting governmental assurances. The inclusion of articles on social behavior and financial crime suggests a broader aim to cover topics of interest to a male readership, potentially with a focus on sensational or controversial subjects.