Cielo Insolito - No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: CIELO INSOLITO
Issue Date: Marzo 2018 (Issue 6)
Type: Rivista di Storiografia Ufologica (Magazine of Ufological Historiography)

This issue of Cielo Insolito is noted for its length, attributed to two substantial articles covering intriguing topics: the numerous 'discs' reported during the massive 1947 UFO wave, and the appearance of extraterrestrials in the Spanish press during the 1940s and 1950s. Three shorter articles explore lesser-known episodes from Italy and France between the 1920s and 1950s. Abstracts in both Italian and English are provided at the end of the issue.

Articles and Content

1923: la "meteora nebulosa" di Udine

This article details an episode from 1923 involving a "nebulous meteor" observed in Udine, Italy. The witnesses were described as cultured individuals, some of whom were involved in the events of World War I. The primary witness and author of the report was Arturo Malignani (1865-1939), an innovator in electric energy, industrialist, photographer, and enthusiast of astronomy and meteorology. He had established a meteorological observatory in Udine. The observation occurred on the evening of May 10, 1923, under clear skies. Malignani and six other witnesses observed a nebulous mass advancing rapidly from the southwest towards the northeast. They described it as being composed of numerous stars, some of which were yellow-reddish in color, suggesting a temperature around 1400-1500 degrees if they emanated their own light.

The article discusses the characteristics of the phenomenon, including its angular size and movement. Malignani sought opinions from other observers, receiving a response suggesting "hallucination" from an Italian observatory. However, correspondence from Professor Alfred Wolf of the Federal Observatory in Zurich suggested a possible exploded bolide. More significantly, a letter from Emile Touchet of the Société Astronomique de France identified the phenomenon with "nebulous meteors" and referred to articles by Fernand Baldet, an astronomer who popularized observations of "anomalous" meteors. Malignani concluded his report by referencing Baldet's writings, particularly an observation from August 1, 1908, which resembled the arc shape of the 1923 phenomenon.

The observation lasted between 15 and 30 seconds, with the object moving at a regular pace and increasing in angular size as it approached the zenith. The witnesses estimated its speed at approximately 2.5 degrees per second. The visibility ceased due to the castle of Udine obstructing the view. The article notes that Malignani considered himself fortunate to have witnessed the phenomenon, especially as they were using a large Zeiss binocular to observe Jupiter and Saturn at the time.

Here they are! Early crashes of flying saucers: a short visual history

This article focuses on the events immediately following Independence Day in 1947, when "flying saucers" became a major topic of discussion in the US. The media, including newspapers and radio, provided extensive information, fueling public curiosity despite skepticism. The common belief was that these flying objects would eventually crash.

The article recounts several instances of alleged "crashes" and findings of strange objects. In Colorado, hunters reported seeing scores of shining objects and later found "flat plates of burned out matter" at the suspected crash site. In New Mexico, Troy Pendergrass reported chasing a "flying disc" and later found a crinkled piece of tinfoil, described as a "shining disc." In Portland, a "disc" made of cheap, yellowed paper, measuring 3x2 feet, was found after fluttering down from an estimated altitude of 4,000 feet. Another report from Circleville, Ohio, described a six-pointed, tinfoil-covered star-like object, approximately 50 inches high and 48 inches large, with a balloon attached.

The article notes that the "saucer craze" was exploited by some for amusement, with crude homemade gadgets being presented as "crashed saucers." These were often accompanied by rewards offered by industrialists and associations, some of which were substantial (ranging from $1,000 to $8,000). The article suggests that some of these findings were likely hoaxes or publicity stunts, such as a case where a "reasonable facsimile" of a disc was presented, and the reward money was used for a gymnasium construction.

The "yellow journalism" of the era, similar to an airship wave in 1896-1897, contributed to the spread of hoaxes. The article uses photographs from obscure local newspapers to illustrate these early flying saucer reports and the public's fascination with them.

Other Articles

The issue also includes three shorter articles covering obscure but interesting episodes from Italy and France between the 1920s and 1950s. These are not detailed in the provided text but are mentioned in the summary.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team includes Giuseppe Stilo, coordinator of "Operazione Origini del Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici," and Maurizio Verga, a UFO historian. Contact information for contributions is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine focuses on the historical study of ufology, presenting detailed investigations into past sightings and phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into historical UFO events, distinguishing between genuine reports, potential misidentifications (like meteorological phenomena), and deliberate hoaxes. The inclusion of both Italian and English abstracts suggests an international readership and a commitment to accessibility. The emphasis on detailed historical accounts and witness testimonies highlights a rigorous approach to the subject matter.

This issue of CIELO INSOLITO, titled "CRASH-LANDED SAUCERS," focuses on the widespread reports of alleged crashed flying saucers and related phenomena that occurred primarily during the summer of 1947 in the United States. The magazine details numerous incidents, often highlighting the media frenzy, public fascination, and subsequent investigations, many of which concluded the objects were hoaxes or misidentifications.

The Grafton Incident (July 6, 1947)

The issue begins with the account of Joseph Brasky, a Catholic priest from Grafton, Wisconsin, who reported hearing a whizzing noise followed by a "bang!" He discovered a sheet metal disc on his church lawn, described as being about 18 inches in diameter, resembling a circular saw blade with teeth. The object was warm, greasy, and about one-eighth of an inch thick, weighing four to five pounds. It had a one and three-eighths inch hole in the center containing "gadgets and some wires." Reports mentioned it struck a church lighting rod, knocking off a glass ball. While Brasky notified the FBI, friends suggested it might have been taken from his own buzz-saw. Newspaper reports from the time, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rocky Mountains News, and The McHenry Plaindealer, are cited, with one noting the object had a label indicating it was a mail order house item and marked "... Steel, high carbon 100 percent steel."

Shreveport Incident (July 7, 1947)

Another "saucer" was found in Shreveport, Louisiana, on July 7. A local newspaper reported that a man named F.G. "Happy" Harston claimed to have heard and seen the disc whirling through the air before retrieving it. He described it as flaming as it spun but cold when he picked it up. The object was a 16-inch aluminum disc with mounted radio condensers, a fluorescent light starter, and copper wire. It was speculated that someone may have coated it with an inflammable substance and ignited it before launching. An FBI agent examined it, and local police turned it over to a military base. Citations include The Shreveport Times and The Chicago Tribune.

Kentucky Railroad Yard Incident (July 7, 1947)

In Kentucky, employees at a Southern's Railroad yard found a piece of metal wing from a dismantled plane in a carload of scrap. They chalked "Half a flying saucer" on it. The local police and newspapermen quickly exposed this as a practical joke, as reported by The Cincinnati Post, The Cincinnati Times-Star, and The Kentucky Post.

Arizona "Radiosonde Modulator" (July 8, 1947)

On July 8, the same day the Roswell story emerged, an Arizona newspaper published a photograph of reporters examining remnants of a "flying saucer" found near the Nogales highway. This object was identified as a "radiosonde modulator" sent aloft by weather balloons. Sources cited include the Tucson Daily Citizen.

Amarillo "Radio Recording Disc" (July 8, 1947)

In Amarillo, Texas, a young electrical contractor named W.J. Wisdom and his wife saw a reflected flash of light near a highway and radio tower. Wisdom found a shiny aluminum disc with three holes. A local newspaper photographer confirmed with a radio station that the object was a radio recording disc. The newspaper humorously noted that this made Wisdom the first man to confirm his "disc" was indeed a disc. The Amarillo Daily News is cited.

Rochester "Boy Pranks" (July 9, 1947)

Enticed by reports of a $3,000 reward, boys in Rochester, New York, brought discs to the police, which were immediately considered crude pranks. One such object was a 14-inch cardboard disc found on a treetop, resembling part of a hatbox. A 15-year-old girl found it, claiming to have heard it whizzing through the sky. The Beaver Valley Times is cited.

Greentown "Jokester's Gadget" (July 9, 1947)

A jokester attached two small balloons to an ordinary coffee cup and let it fly. It crashed in a gutter near Greentown, Ohio, after one balloon broke. The Akron Beacon Journal is cited.

North Hollywood "Flaming Disc" (July 9, 1947)

Another "retrieval" occurred in North Hollywood, California. Firemen recovered a metal 30-inch disc-shaped object from a garden that had been flaming and smoking. An unknown woman had reported the disc dropping in her garden. A truck extinguished the flames, and the object was taken to the fire station. Newspapers reported Russell Long, a construction engineer, as the one who claimed the flashing, smoking disc landed in his flower garden. The contraption was made of two convex steel discs fused together, with a galvanized iron fin and a radio tube. It was deemed a hoax, with papers highlighting it happened in Hollywood. Sources include the Arizona Daily Star and Saturday Evening Post.

Arlington Heights "Transcription Record" (July 9, 1947)

Ralph S. Waterbury found a circular object in his yard at Arlington Heights, Illinois. It was about 17 inches in diameter and contained two insulators, two ceramic condensers, and a radio frequency choke. The disk was identified as an old broadcast transcription record. A picture of Mrs. Ruth Waterbury showing the disc was published by newspapers. The Chicago Tribune and The Courier Gazette are cited.

Iowa City "Cake Pan Contraption" (July 9, 1947)

Pranksters left a metallic disc in the hedge of Mr. William Kindl's yard in Iowa City. It was composed of two aluminum cake pans sealed together, containing electrical apparatus, a gold-painted radio tube, a cork, wires, and other gadgets. The caption ironically commented on its "possible" Martian origin. The Iowa City Press Citizen and The Waterloo Courier are cited.

Minnesota "Tin Plate Disk" (July 11, 1947)

In Minneapolis, Eugene Peterson found an object in his garden that hurtled over a fence. It was made of two tin plates, with a shaky propeller, a Roman candle, a gasoline-soaked rag, and the top of a pepper can inside. E.H. Moehlenbrock, a nursery operator, found the remains of a disk in his tomato plants, made from two sheet metal cones joined together, empty, with three "legs." He thought it might be a smokestack ventilator. The Minneapolis Star is cited.

Pennsylvania "Aluminum Disc" (July 11, 1947)

Joseph Kemper found a large disc in a cornfield north of York, Pennsylvania. It was made of aluminum, the size of a large radio record, with tubes, condensers, resistors, and rubber tubing. It had alleged Oriental characters painted in red. This was seen as an attempt by pranksters to give a high-tech look. The Minneapolis Star is cited.

Twin Falls, Idaho "Stove Bolt Object" (July 11, 1947)

This incident gained national notoriety. A 30.5-inch object with a hard metal dome and a frosted plexiglass dome was found anchored by stove bolts in Twin Falls, Idaho. It was gold painted on one side and silver on the other, stamped with "Inspected by TM." Mrs. Fred Easterbrook found it after hearing a crash. An FBI agent described it as similar to a drummer's cymbals, with three radio tubes inside the plastic dome. The case was reported to the FBI and military intelligence. The object was taken to a military base, and pictures were confiscated. The Gazette and Daily, The Miami News, and Twin Falls Times News are cited.

Black River Falls, Wisconsin "Skidded Object" (July 10, 1947)

Sigurd Hanson, a city electrician, found a saucer-shaped object in a field. A mark of about five to six feet was visible where the object skidded. It resembled two soup bowls placed together, silver in color, with a motor, a two-inch propeller, and a radio tube. Lt. Frederick Frederickson and Col. Harry W. Schaefer of the Civil Air Patrol investigated, suspecting a hoax. The local Chamber of Commerce locked the disc in a bank vault and put it on display for 20 cents, with proceeds going to Hanson, who also hoped to claim a $1,000 reward for a flying saucer explanation. Sources include the Green Bay Press Gazette and La Crosse Tribune.

Canadian Incidents (July 11, 1947)

Incidents were also reported in Canada. Mrs. F. Brown of Toronto showed a round object with an aperture and a copper tube. In London, Ontario, a cylinder the size of a stovepipe was found, reportedly seen "land in a trail of light." Sources include La Patrie.

Military and FBI Involvement

The article notes the involvement of the military and the FBI in investigating these numerous reports. It suggests they were overwhelmed by the volume of information and the public's fascination, leading them to investigate even obvious hoaxes. This involvement was later used by UFO believers to argue for the reality of the phenomena. Capt. G.W. McCoy of the army air forces was involved in guarding an object and minimizing publicity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread media coverage of alleged UFO crashes in 1947, the numerous instances of these reports being exposed as hoaxes or pranks, and the involvement of official bodies like the FBI and military. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting the incidents and their explanations, often highlighting the gullibility of the public and the ingenuity of pranksters, while acknowledging the initial intensity of the phenomenon and the media's role in its dissemination. The article emphasizes the contrast between the sensational reports and the mundane reality of most discovered objects.

This issue of "Cielo Insolito" (#26) focuses on the phenomenon of "flying saucer" sightings, hoaxes, and publicity stunts that occurred primarily in 1947, with a brief look at fictional alien depictions in Spanish media up to 1951.

Hoaxes and Pranks

The magazine details several instances where objects were presented as flying discs but were later revealed to be hoaxes. In Greely, Colorado, four boys created an object from phonograph parts, radio tubes, and discarded electrical components, planting it in a yard to be discovered. Another prank involved a boy in Greely claiming to have found a smoking disc made from a phonograph record, wire, a metal cover, a fuse, and a balsa wood propeller.

Publicity Stunts and Advertising

A significant portion of the issue highlights how the "flying saucer" craze was leveraged for advertising and promotional purposes. In Zanesville, Ohio, an 18-inch aluminum hubcap from a transport airplane was presented as a crashed saucer. In Yankton, South Dakota, a metallic disc made of radio parts and other items was left on a lawn. In Denton, Texas, a man found an object with spark plugs in his yard, likely a prank. Miss Jo Harris found a flat metal disc in a garden in Andalusia, Illinois, possibly an inspection opening from a transport airplane. A flying instructor in Chattanooga, Tennessee, claimed to have found a disc-shaped object, potentially to promote an air show.

In Chehalis, Washington, the Junior Chamber of Commerce created an aluminum disc with advertising to promote their Air Festival. In Burlington, Iowa, a lady found a silver-colored contraption made from a radio tube and condenser in a cake tin. An unidentified lady in Saybrook, Illinois, reported finding a disc that turned out to be a wooden platter with various parts attached, investigated by the FBI.

Across the United States, paper plates shaped like saucers were widely used. In Seattle, Washington, over 100 oval paper plates were distributed for a Summer Festival and Army recruiting. In Winona, Minnesota, paper plates with messages like "Join the Civil Air Patrol" were found. Waterloo, Iowa, was bombarded with 5,000 paper plates to promote a sports event. Tampa, Florida, used paper plates dropped from planes to encourage voters to "Register and Vote Yes." In Honolulu, Hawaii, paper plates were dropped to advertise local records, causing some disruption. Falls Church, Virginia, saw 200 paper plates scattered to announce a town fiesta.

Casper, Wyoming, had 3,000 cardboard discs released as part of an advertising stunt for a car dealer, offering rides in a new car. Estherville, Iowa, had 300 discs released by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Marshfield, Wisconsin, used paper "flying saucers" to promote a local festival, with found discs redeemable for merchandise. Allentown, Pennsylvania, had paper plates dropped to remind citizens about "Red Feather week." In Minneapolis, Minnesota, paper plates were launched from a Sear Roebuck tower.

Early Depictions of Aliens and UFOs in Spanish Media

The magazine also explores the history of fictional aliens in Spanish media. The first alien depicted in a Spanish paper appeared in "Un viaje al planeta Júpiter" in the weekly "Gente Menuda" in 1907, predating Mr. Skygack from Mars. Spanish readers became familiar with foreign SF comics, including "Buck Rogers'" "Tiger Men from Mars" (1930) and Connie Kurridge's adventures (as María Cortés y la Doctora Arden) in 1942, which contained UFO elements.

In 1946, Editorial Marco published "¡GUERRA A LA TIERRA!", an invasion story created in France. The issue also notes the publication of "La Pistola Atomica" and "Capitán Marvel" in Spain, mentioning that US superheroes were often frowned upon by Catholic authorities.

Early UFO Reports in Spain

The issue presents the first two newsclippings about saucers over Spain published in 1947. One reported RAF Captain Norman Waugh seeing a "flying disc" over the Bay of Biscay, which is speculated to have been a bolide. Another report from Cartagena described a priest observing a red light and a "fiery disk" that eventually disappeared, with the explanation provided in the clipping itself: a grounded high voltage cable and subsequent explosion.

The article mentions that the first Spanish press article on flying saucers appeared on July 8th, 1947, citing an American source suggesting they could be spaceships from Mars. A trick used in comics to create interplanetary adventures involved finding an alien vessel, as seen in the "El Coyote" comic series.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the public fascination with unidentified flying objects in 1947 and how this fascination was exploited for various purposes, from pranks to sophisticated advertising campaigns. The magazine presents a critical yet informative overview, distinguishing between genuine sightings (though few are detailed here) and deliberate fabrications or promotional activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and analyzing these phenomena, highlighting the blend of genuine curiosity, gullibility, and commercial opportunism that characterized the early UFO era. The inclusion of early Spanish science fiction and alien depictions suggests a broader interest in the extraterrestrial, both real and imagined, within the publication's scope.

This issue of CIELO INSOLITO, identified as #26, delves into the early history and cultural impact of flying saucer phenomena, particularly in Spain during the 1950s, and explores connections to Theosophy and early speculative fiction.

Early Spanish Flying Saucer Literature and Comics

The issue highlights several early Spanish fictional works that incorporated flying saucers. "El Jinete del Espacio" (The Knight of Space), created by José Mallorquí and illustrated by Darnis, featured a friend abducted into outer space by a real alien machine. Another collection, "La Mano que Aprieta" (The Hand That Squeezes) by Grafidea, authored by Federico Amorós and Juan Martínez Osete, explored themes of "Yellow Peril" with advanced weapons and paralyzing rays.

Two fictional books are detailed: "En el país de los platillos volantes" (In the Country of the Flying Saucers) by J. Curto Guzmán, published in 1950, which tells the story of a Spanish inventor and his ellipsoid spaceship traveling to an inhabited planet. The other is "Los platillos voladores" (The Flying Saucers) by J.M. Díez Gómez, published by Editorial Molino, which had a religious and poetic content and described selenites and other aliens. The latter was likely published to capitalize on the first UFO wave in Spain.

Comic books also played a role. "Pulgarcito" featured an Extra issue devoted to flying saucers. The comic character DON BERRINCHE, created by José Peñarroya, encountered flying saucers that were competing in Martian Olympics. Another comic, "El Origen de los Discos Voladores" (The Origin of the Flying Saucers), mixed jokes with serious notes on saucer cases.

The 1950 UFO Wave in Spain

The issue chronicles the "ufo wave" in Spain starting in late 1949 and early 1950. It notes initial speculations about Martians in January 1950, followed by reports of strange phenomena, articles about Martian saucers, and sightings worldwide. The first photo of a UFO in Spain appeared on April 3rd, 1950, in Majorca. The wave reportedly ended around April 25th, 1950.

Several specific incidents are mentioned:

• January 1950: Reports of strange phenomena and articles about flying saucers from Mars.
• Early March 1950: Flying saucer sightings reported globally.
• March 21st onwards: Sightings across Spain by ordinary people and professionals.
• April 3rd, 1950: First UFO photo published in Spain (Majorca).
• March 25th, 1950: A reported humanoid case in Malaga, detailed in a letter to the editor of "La Tarde," which is suggested to be a joke.
• April 17th, 1950: An elliptic flying saucer observed over Salamanca, with witnesses seeing silhouettes like people around it.
• December 28th, 1950: A humorous report in a Córdoba newspaper about a crash, later revealed as an April Fools' joke.

Theosophy and UFOs

A significant portion of the issue explores the potential influence of Theosophy on ufology, particularly in Italy. The article "Trieste, 1953: una contattista di area teosofica?" (Trieste, 1953: a Theosophical contactee?) examines a letter from Lou Rossini of Trieste, received telepathically around February 1953. The message, purportedly from advanced "planetary community beings," warns of a potential catastrophe due to nuclear experiments and offers help.

The author suggests that Rossini's background, possibly influenced by the Theosophical environment in Trieste and her German language familiarity, shaped the message. The language used, referring to "my Kingdom is beyond good and evil," is seen as a blend of spiritual and esoteric concepts, possibly influenced by Nietzsche. The article links this to the broader Theosophical movement, mentioning figures like Charles Leadbeater and the activities of the "Alaya" association in Venice, which translated writings from the Herbert Victor Speer group and their entity Ashtar Sheran.

Early Martian Communication Theories

The issue also touches upon earlier beliefs about extraterrestrial communication, specifically from Mars. In France, 1928, a scholar named Henri Pensa suggested that phenomena observed in Rodez, described as large rockets, might be "attempts by Martians to communicate with Earth." This is presented as an early precursor to the ufological era.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the early cultural reception of UFO phenomena, the intersection of science fiction, comics, and real-world reports, and the influence of esoteric philosophies like Theosophy on early UFO beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical inquiry, presenting various accounts and analyses without necessarily endorsing them as factual, but rather exploring their context and significance within the development of ufology and popular culture. The issue highlights the blend of sensationalism, speculation, and genuine curiosity that characterized early UFO investigations.

Title: CIELO INSOLITO
Issue: #26
Date: Not specified
Country of Publication: Italy
Original Language: Italian

Article 1: The 'Hazy Meteor' of Udine (G. Stilo, pp. 2-7)

This abstract discusses a report published in the Italian scientific magazine "Urania" in 1925 concerning a bizarre sky phenomenon observed in Udine, Italy, on May 10, 1923. The event, described as a "hazy meteor" or a "beam" composed of numerous small red-yellow stars, moved across the sky from an altitude of about 15 degrees to 55 degrees. Its angular size increased from 1.5-2 degrees to 3-4 degrees, suggesting a speed of approximately 2.5 degrees per second. The witnesses included the manager of the local observatory, Mr. Arturo Malignani, and other individuals, who were puzzled by the nature of the phenomenon.

Article 2: Here They Are! Early Crashes of Flying Saucers: A Short Visual History (M. Verga, pp. 8-27)

This section details the phenomenon of 'crashed flying saucers' that emerged during the widespread 'flying saucer' wave of 1947. Driven by the public's fascination and the offer of cash prizes for genuine saucers, many hoaxes occurred across the United States. These were typically disc-shaped contraptions, often adorned with tubes and other accessories to mimic technology. They were deliberately placed in yards and gardens for people to 'discover' and report. While most were primitive and even ridiculous, some attracted the attention of the FBI and the army. The article notes that many recovered objects were weather balloons or advertising plates dropped from planes, capitalizing on the public's intense interest in flying saucers.

Article 3: Fictional and "Real" Aliens in Spain up to 1951 (L.R. Gonzalez, 28-36)

The author explores how the concept of extraterrestrial visits to Earth was present in Spanish proto-comic strips as early as 1907. Following the emergence of the flying saucer phenomenon, these themes began appearing in children's and youth periodicals from the autumn of 1947. Often depicted as secret weapons or the inventions of mad scientists, or as actual alien spacecraft, these narratives anticipated the wave of 'real' encounters that began in Spain in the spring of 1950. From late March onwards, at least three humorous accounts of encounters with Martians were published, paving the way for reports of 'true' third-type encounters on the Iberian Peninsula.

Article 4: Trieste, 1953: A Contactee from the Theosophical Sphere? (G. Stilo, pp. 37-39)

This abstract refers to a letter published in the Swiss UFO magazine "Weltraumbote" in 1956 by Mrs. Lou Rossini, an Italian woman residing in Trieste. She described her psychic contacts in February 1953 with an extraterrestrial being who warned her about the dangers of atomic energy. The extraterrestrial also reportedly spoke of Lama masters in Tibet, a Moon base, and a plan related to the future landing of their starship. These extraterrestrials were typically invisible and communicated only with individuals possessing a 'good aura,' like Mrs. Rossini. The analysis suggests that an Italian theosophical group at the time may have been interested in flying saucers and contactism.

Article 5: France, 1928: Mars Attacks? (G. Stilo, pp. 40-43)

This article focuses on Henri Pensa, a well-known French student of international affairs, who claimed to have witnessed unusual sky phenomena in late 1928. Pensa suggested these phenomena were signals sent by Mars to establish contact with Earth. It is likely that Pensa was influenced by widespread newspaper reports about Hugh Mansfield Robinson, an Englishman who claimed to have radio and psychic contact with Martians. Pensa reported sightings that year, but details about the phenomena and other witnesses are scarce. The article also touches upon Pensa's background as a jurist and diplomat, born in Nice in 1865, and notes that in his later years (he died in 1946), he published works on 'unusual' topics like sorcery and religion, and folklore, indicating a potential interest beyond his professional field. The text questions Pensa's conviction about Martian visits and his connection to astronomy or unusual celestial phenomena.

Related Information and Context

Pensa's Observations and Theories

Henri Pensa, a jurist and student of diplomatic issues, reported observing a bright light during dark winter nights in 1928, visible up to a hundred meters away. He speculated that Martians might be sending signals using scientific illumination systems to attract attention, but their irregular arrival due to distance made them seem like random occurrences. This initial report gained some resonance after being transmitted by George Axelsson of the International News Service and "Chicago Tribune" on January 11, 1929. In some versions, Pensa was mistakenly identified as an astronomer. The phenomena he observed were described as "meteor-like streaks" seen for three consecutive nights at the same time and direction. His colleagues had also witnessed similar phenomena described as "silvery glows."

Giacobini's Involvement

The article mentions Michel Giacobini (1873-1938), a respected French astronomer known for discovering comets, including the Giacobini-Zinner comet. Giacobini's expertise made him a credible commentator on Pensa's "Martian bombardment" theory. The text humorously notes that if Pensa's signals were indeed from Mars, a response would require a light source as large as Paris to be visible from that planet.

Hugh Mansfield Robinson and Martian Communication Attempts

In October-November 1928, a figure named Hugh Mansfield Robinson from London gained attention for claiming to receive and send messages to Martians using various conventional and psychic systems. Mars was at its perigee during this period. Robinson described Martians and encouraged many people worldwide to try and capture signals from the Red Planet via radio. The article suggests that Pensa's reference to "recent attempts by Earth to communicate with Mars" likely referred to Robinson's activities. Pensa connected this with his own observations and reports of "large rockets" seen in Rodez, France, which seemed to emanate from the direction of Mars.

The Dawn of the Flying Saucer Era

Pensa's suspicions grew that Martian signals were reaching Earth more "violently." He believed Mars was approaching and determined to communicate, signaling the imminent arrival of flying saucers. The article posits that Pensa was prescient, as the flying saucer era would officially begin eighteen and a half years later. Since radio, telegraph, and light signals were not effective, Pensa concluded that Martians would resort to direct physical visits.

Unanswered Questions about Pensa

The article raises significant questions about Henri Pensa's conviction regarding Martian visits and his involvement with astronomy or unusual celestial phenomena. His biography as an illustrious man does not seem to contain clear indications of such interests, leading to speculation about the context of his personal experiences and who he interacted with.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue explores historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and early theories about extraterrestrial contact, particularly concerning Mars. It highlights the intersection of scientific observation, public fascination, hoaxes, and speculative theories in the early 20th century. The editorial stance appears to be one of historical inquiry, presenting various cases and perspectives without necessarily endorsing them as fact, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery surrounding these events. The magazine seems to focus on the historical roots of UFOlogy and the public's imagination regarding alien visitation and communication.