CSI Quarterly - 1952 Fall

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of the Civilian Saucer Investigation Quarterly Review, published in September 1952. The magazine, identified as Volume 1, Number 1, is a quarterly review from the Civilian Saucer Investigation (CSI), based in Los Angeles, California. The cover headline announces 'SAUCERS CAPTURE NATION'S INTEREST' and highlights a summary of findings from CSI's first 220 sighting reports.

Summary of findings in CSI's First 220 Sighting Reports by Richard W. Williams

Richard W. Williams reports that CSI is receiving sightings from every state in the union, Canada, Great Britain, Africa, South America, and other locales, making it clear that flying saucers and related aerial phenomena are real and are not mirages or weather balloons. Contrary to popular belief, CSI's logs indicate that saucer sightings are not concentrated around atomic installations. The reports also confirm that 'green fireballs,' which have received much publicity, are not new phenomena, with CSI records showing sightings dating back to the early 1930s. While a formal evaluation by CSI's scientific and aeronautical experts, headed by Dr. Walther Riedel (Germany's World War II V-2 program authority), is pending, an initial breakdown of the first 220 sightings provides interesting information.

Saucers Capture Nation's Interest (Continued from Page 1)

This section details the surge in public interest in flying saucers, noting that government officials in Washington D.C. offered conflicting statements, ranging from dismissing the objects as imagination to ordering them to be shot down. Sightings were reported globally, from Korea to Sweden and across the United States, with a notable cluster of sightings over the nation's Capitol. The press, wire services, radio, and television stations experienced a harvest of reports, reminiscent of the initial wave of sightings reported by Arnold in 1947. The current rash began on July 5th with four Florida pilots reporting an unidentified object hovering over the Hanford atomic plant in Washington. This object was described as a perfectly round, white, almost transparent disc with vapor trails resembling tentacles. This incident was followed by hundreds of other reports nationwide.

Civilian Saucer Investigation Organization

The Civilian Saucer Investigation was organized in December 1951 by a group of professional engineers and writers who observed a lack of coordinated civilian effort to gather facts about the phenomena. They aimed to establish the origin, identity, and purpose of these objects, believing that presenting facts would alleviate public suspicion. CSI obtained a post office box in Los Angeles in January 1952 and invited witnesses to report. The organization gained publicity through TIME and LIFE magazines, as well as syndicated articles and broadcast media, resulting in a deluge of reports. CSI emphasizes that its publicity has been entirely voluntary. All reports are evaluated by qualified engineers, logged, and correlated. Significant reports are copied and sent to the Air Intelligence Center at Dayton, Ohio. CSI operates as an independent, non-profit, fact-finding organization, committed to analyzing facts without preconceived theories.

Flying Discs Around the World in 1952 by Werner Eichler

Werner Eichler notes that the flying saucer mystery is not confined to the United States, with sightings occurring worldwide. Reports have been received from all European countries, Africa, South America, Australia, and Korea. While the U.S. has the most recorded sightings, the article highlights specific instances from other countries. In England, sightings include two discs observed by a botanist and ornithologist, and oblong airships over London witnessed by many. An R.A.F. officer reported a saucer-shaped object over Kent, and a British official discussed these phenomena with scientists at White Sands, indicating the seriousness with which they are being treated. Canada also has numerous reports, including an aviator and telecommunications superintendent seeing a bright amber disc over North Bay, and reserve air force officers pursuing a flying disc at 400 mph over Ontario.

New Ring Phenomena Sighted by Gerald Heard

Gerald Heard discusses the variety of shapes reported for flying saucers, including discs, tubes, and the peculiar 'Rings.' One notable sighting occurred in Britain in the Fall of 1950, where a ring-shaped object was seen settling above the Forth Bridge. Another case involved Charles T. Earley in Massachusetts seeing two rings descend. A similar object was observed over Niagara Falls, described as 'somewhat smaller than a city block,' which changed color and moved erratically. Heard hypothesizes these could be 'scanning devices' or 'radiation-eyes' deployed from a 'mother-ship' or artificial satellite. He urges readers to report any such sightings.

Seattle Fire-Ball by Richard W. Williams

Richard W. Williams recounts the unexplained event over Seattle, Washington, on May 11th at 1:25 a.m., where a blinding white flash and a series of explosions illuminated the skies and shook buildings. While generally assumed to be a meteor, meteorologists noted its behavior deviated from usual patterns. The event was quickly hushed up, with no subsequent reports or fragment findings released. CSI, lacking associate members in the Seattle-Vancouver area, could not conduct a personal investigation and appeals for qualified local residents to contact them.

Strange Sky Objects Traced Back for Centuries by Gerald Heard

Gerald Heard traces the history of 'strange sky objects,' arguing that they are not a new phenomenon. He mentions that after the discovery of telescopes, meteorites were initially denied by science. Ball-lightning was later debated. By the late 19th century, observers in Britain reported cruising objects, and similar reports came from the British Fleet and Bermuda. Helmholtz reported Sirius leaving its 'sky-station.' In 1897, America reported searchlight activity over Kansas and lights showing red and green over Chicago. Texas reported 'cigar-shaped' craft with 'flukes.' A 'tube' was seen over the Midwest for a month, with red and green side lights and a searchlight. These objects were reportedly observed through telescopes. After 1947, sightings became more frequent, with a lull until the 1947 burst. Heard suggests that perhaps the world's efforts at peace led some to believe the phenomena had ceased, but that they may continue until humanity learns its lessons.

CSI Seeks Associate Members

The Civilian Saucer Investigation is organizing a network of Associate Members globally to gather and confirm facts locally. The selection will be based on geographical area and technical background. Interested individuals are invited to write to Box 1971, attention of John C. Barnes, membership chairman, providing their education and occupation. Identification cards and bulletins will be provided, with no fees. Local study groups are also encouraged to correspond with Mr. Barnes for information exchange.

O'CRUZEIRO PHOTOGRAPHS

This section discusses exciting flying saucer photos published by the Brazilian magazine O CRUZEIRO on May 7th, which appear to be the best close-up saucer photos ever taken near Rio de Janeiro. The photos show a saucer with a conning tower and concentric ridges. The editors vouched for their authenticity, but the Air Force, through its successor to Project Saucer, Operation Bluebook, expressed reasonable doubts due to inconsistencies in shadows, suggesting they might be a hoax. The photos were later republished with images of Rio de Janeiro residents who claimed to have seen the disc.

To The Man With The Pickle Jar by Ed Sullivan

Ed Sullivan addresses claims of crashed flying saucers, unknown metals, and 'little men from outer space preserved in a pickle jar.' He states that CSI has received no concrete facts to support these sensational claims, and that such stories are 'damned' due to lack of evidence. He points out that even the Air Force's investigation remains in a statistical-analysis phase due to a lack of physical evidence. Sullivan warns against individuals claiming to have information about 'the man with the pickle jar,' suggesting they are likely fabricating stories. CSI offers to document and analyze any reliable information submitted, respecting the informant's identity. He urges those with credible information to come forward, and those without to stop preying on public credulity.

Weather Balloons Observed

CSI board members observed a weather balloon release from Long Beach Air Force Base. The vinyl-plastic balloon, about 8 ft. in diameter, carried a red parachute assembly with a radiosonde. It ascended at 1000-1300 feet per minute, its direction dependent on upper air currents. Weather data was transmitted by a battery-powered radiosonde. The balloons were observed to explode at high altitudes (38,000 ft and up to 140,000 ft). The article emphasizes that weather balloons do not hover and maintain a constant upward movement, making them distinguishable from flying saucers. It also provides a schedule for balloon releases (four per day) and notes that they are typically visible for only 30-40 minutes after release.

Summary of 220 Sightings - Continued (from Page 1)

This section continues the breakdown of the 220 sightings. The flying disc shape was most common (63), followed by cigar-shaped objects (18), spheres (16), strings of lights (11), green fireballs (33), colored lights (74), and unusual shapes (13). The double-ring phenomena is highlighted as unique. Sightings were nearly equally divided between day and night. Nine explosions were reported, and seven had sound. Most flying saucers were silent, but some reports mentioned humming like bees or static electricity. California led in the number of sightings, followed by Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas. Sightings were reported from every year back to 1947, with early reports from the 1930s and even 1896, 1898, 1904, and 1907 from older individuals. CSI's evaluation board is studying these reports to determine origin, nature, and purpose. Sighters are reminded to provide complete details. Most flying discs seem to wobble and have a luminous glow.

Saucers capture nation's interest - Continued

Public interest peaked on July 28th with sightings over the Washington D.C. defense perimeter, leading to fighter intercepts. A shiny, metallic object over Los Alamos, New Mexico, on July 29th, also led to a chase. The willingness of witnesses to come forward suggests future sightings will be better recorded. Officialdom seems intent on downplaying the phenomenon, but Air Force investigators at the working level acknowledge that people are 'seeing something.'

South American Pictures - Continued

This section refers back to the O'CRUZEIRO photos, noting that Operation Bluebook had doubts about their authenticity due to shadow inconsistencies. The photos were republished with local sightings from Rio de Janeiro.

New Behavior Pattern Observed

A new behavior pattern has emerged: large, bright objects observed in the Los Angeles area between July 23rd and 26th were seen to hover and then split into several pieces. Reports from Reseda and Bellflower described objects splitting into three pieces. A former Air Force Major observed an object split into six pieces over Hawthorne. San Pedro police also reported this phenomenon. One detailed account from a witness describes a 'mother ship' launching smaller objects that would fly, return, and then seemingly land back on the larger object. This activity continued for about 25 minutes at high altitude before the mother ship ascended and disappeared.

This Is The First Issue of the CSI Quarterly Review - Fall Number, 1952

The CSI Quarterly Bulletin presents its first issue to inform interested parties about the progress of investigations. It serves two purposes: to pass findings back to those who submitted information and to potentially fund CSI's expansion through sales of the bulletin. The organization is funded by its board members and hopes sales will provide for additional stenographic help to manage the large volume of correspondence.

True Reviews Scully

CSI recommends the September issue of TRUE magazine, featuring an article by J. P. Cahn investigating Frank Scully's 'Behind the Flying Saucers.' CSI believes this investigation will encourage Scully to substantiate his claims or admit he was misled.

Small Group Takes On A Big Job

This section apologizes for any delayed responses to correspondents, explaining that CSI is a small group operating as a hobby. The response to their invitation for reports far exceeded expectations. As funds become available from bulletin sales, additional stenographic help will be obtained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the global nature of flying saucer sightings, the diversity of object shapes and behaviors, and the ongoing efforts of the Civilian Saucer Investigation to collect and analyze factual data. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, emphasizing a fact-based approach and encouraging public participation in reporting sightings. There is a clear effort to debunk sensationalized claims while acknowledging the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena. The organization positions itself as an independent entity dedicated to objective investigation, distinct from official government stances that may be perceived as dismissive.