Doubt - No 56

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: The Fortean Society Magazine
Volume: II
Issue: Whole Number 56
Date: 1931 AD (referred to as '1931 AD the year 1FS')
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Price: 35c. / 2/- in Great Britain

This issue of DOUBT, the Fortean Society Magazine, is dedicated to a highly critical examination of the Sputnik I and II announcements, framing them as a deliberate 'fraud and hoax' orchestrated by a collaboration of politicians and scientists. The magazine, edited by Tiffany Thayer, argues that the public is being subjected to 'preposterous lies' and that the evidence presented for the Sputniks is as dubious as 'dark-parlor tricks'.

The Sputnik Hoax: A Fortean Critique

The central thesis of the issue is that the Sputnik announcements were not genuine scientific achievements but rather a carefully constructed deception. The author contends that figures like Whipple and Hagen in the USA, and Khrushchev in the Soviet Union, despite their nationalistic posturing, collaborated in this deception for mutual benefit. The magazine posits that the 'laymen of the world are the victims of a fraud'.

Political and Economic Motivations

The article suggests that the Sputnik 'hoax' served several purposes. For the USA, it provided an economic stimulus, justifying increased military spending and a higher national debt ceiling at a time when the economy was struggling and military personnel were being laid off. The timing of the announcement was also seen as propitious for the stock market. For the Soviet Union, claiming a technological first was a way to gain international prestige, especially given their dire economic situation.

The author argues that the world's 'need for our dissent has never before been so great', urging Forteans to challenge the 'nudity' of these claims and prevent posterity from being 'born into bondage'.

The Role of Science Fiction and Media

DOUBT highlights the role of science fiction in preparing the public for such announcements. Anthony Boucher's article in the NY Times Magazine, 'Science Fiction Still Leads Science Fact', is cited as evidence that the genre has been instrumental in creating a 'climate of acceptance of new wonders'. The magazine suggests that the 'slicks' (popular magazines) and book publishers have actively worked to popularize space fantasy, broadening its appeal beyond adolescent mentalities to the general voting public.

Furthermore, the media, particularly the 'whore of the intellect known as the Press', is accused of actively promoting the Sputnik narrative without critical scrutiny. The rapid development of detailed news stories, even in early editions, suggests prior knowledge and complicity, rather than genuine reporting of breaking news.

Questioning the Evidence

The magazine meticulously dissects the claims made about Sputnik, focusing on technical details and reported observations:

• Speed and Altitude: The 'theory of 18,000 mph' is presented as a mathematical construct, impossible to verify directly. The stated altitude of 560 miles is also questioned as a mere estimate.
• Visibility: Claims about Sputnik's visibility are met with skepticism. The idea that a polished surface would make it visible is contrasted with astronomers' doubts about seeing it with the naked eye, suggesting it would be 'practically impossible'.
• Signals and Transmitters: The description of Sputnik containing 'two radio transmitters sending beeps' is analyzed. The author questions how such equipment, powered by batteries, could transmit signals strong enough to be picked up over vast distances, suggesting it might be a cover for ground-based transmissions.
• Timing of Announcements: The early morning broadcast time in Moscow is highlighted as suspicious, suggesting it was timed for maximum impact on foreign audiences before domestic news cycles began.
• Inconsistencies in Reports: The article points out conflicting statements from various sources regarding Sputnik's orbit, visibility, and even its existence, attributing these to a lack of verifiable data and a coordinated effort to maintain the narrative.

Skepticism and Dissent

While many scientists and media outlets accepted the Sputnik claims, DOUBT champions skepticism. It notes instances of dissent, such as Charles E. Bartley's suggestion that Sputnik might have been launched from a balloon, and Dr. Richard van der Reit Woolley's past dismissal of space travel as 'utter bilge'. The magazine also mentions the firing of Harry Stine from The Martin Co. for criticizing the government's space program, illustrating the pressure to conform.

The 'Beep' Phenomenon

The 'beeps' from Sputnik are a particular focus of suspicion. The article questions how these signals were detected, their strength, and the claims of precise tracking. It suggests that the 'beeps' could be effects developed by radar and guided missile technicians, rather than genuine satellite transmissions. The author offers to duplicate phenomena reported by 'observers' at no great height and from radio stations on terra firma, challenging governments to fund such demonstrations.

International Geophysical Year (IGY)

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) is presented as a framework that facilitated the Sputnik narrative. The article implies that the IGY provided a convenient cover for the alleged deception, with scientists involved in the project being complicit in bolstering public faith in 'what has been passing for evidence'.

The 'Far Side' Project and Future Deceptions

The issue briefly touches upon 'Operation Far Side', led by Dr. S. Fred Singer, which aims to explore the far side of the moon. This is presented as another example of ambitious, potentially unverifiable projects that rely on public credulity and government funding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DOUBT strongly reflects the Fortean Society's core principles of questioning official narratives, scrutinizing extraordinary claims, and exposing potential manipulation by authorities. The editorial stance is one of profound skepticism towards scientific and governmental pronouncements, particularly those related to technological advancements presented as unprecedented achievements. The magazine champions 'rational skepticism' and 'dissent' as vital tools for resisting what it perceives as mass deception and control. The overarching theme is that the public is often misled by a combination of scientific hubris, political expediency, and media complicity, especially when dealing with phenomena that are difficult or impossible to independently verify.

This issue of UFOlogy Magazine, dated November 1957, delves deeply into the burgeoning era of space exploration, with a primary focus on the Soviet Union's Sputnik satellites. The publication chronicles daily events, scientific observations, public reactions, and a wide array of alleged UFO sightings from late October through November 1957. The magazine appears to be a compilation of news reports, press releases, and anecdotal accounts, often with a critical or skeptical undertone towards official explanations, while simultaneously highlighting the public's fascination with the unknown.

Sputnik Coverage

The magazine meticulously documents the timeline of Sputnik I and II, starting with early reports of its orbital path, speed, and altitude. It notes the confusion among astronomers and scientists regarding Sputnik's predicted versus actual behavior, citing figures like Dr. Armand N. Spitz and reports from observatories in Cambridge, Mass., and elsewhere. The launch of Sputnik II, carrying the dog Laika, is a significant event, with detailed accounts of its trajectory, the dog's condition, and the international reaction, including condemnation from animal rights groups.

The issue tracks the signals from Sputnik, the efforts to detect them (e.g., Minitrac, amateur radio operators), and the eventual silence of the satellites, with speculation about battery depletion or orbital decay. The US response is also covered, including discussions of defense budgets, the development of tracking technology, and the establishment of scientific leadership roles, such as the appointment of James R. Killian as a scientific 'czar'. The Vanguard rocket's launch failure is also reported, contrasting with the Soviet successes.

UFO Sightings and Unexplained Phenomena

Interspersed with Sputnik news are numerous reports of unidentified flying objects and unusual aerial phenomena. These include:

• October 16: A mysterious object exploded over Prague, reported not to be Sputnik.
• October 18: A brilliant object trailing sparks was seen in Singapore.
• October 24: In Hays, Kansas, fifteen people witnessed a light that stopped, hovered, and then ascended rapidly.
• October 25: Strands of 'cobweb' up to 50 feet long were observed in Portales, N.M., attributed to static electricity.
• October 25: Reddish-blue rain was reported near Washington, Penna.
• November 2: In Levelland, Texas, a truck driver reported a green, egg-shaped object that caused his vehicle's motor and lights to fail.
• November 3-5: Similar phenomena were reported at White Sands, N.M., and over the Gulf of Mexico.
• November 4: A mysterious explosion near Huntsville, Ala., demolished a house.
• November 5: A strange light was seen over Baltimore, changing color and disappearing.
• November 5-6: Reports of 'flying balls of fire' and 'egg' and 'cigar' shapes were noted across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and other regions.
• November 6: A 'light blob' was seen over Santa Fe, N.M.
• November 11-17: Sightings included 'flying cigars' over East Borneo, mysterious lighted 'air baskets', and unidentified objects exploding over Luebeck, Germany.
• November 15: A 'real bright light shaped like full moon' was seen in Tamaroa, Ill., causing local power failure.
• November 17: A 'ball of fire' was reported over Wales and West England.
• November 20: A freak gale in Detroit caused significant damage, with no clear explanation.
• November 24-25: Reports of 'flying cigars', objects exploding, and green balls with white flashes continued.

Scientific and Public Reaction

The magazine highlights the scientific community's involvement, particularly the work of Dr. Whipple, who often provided explanations or dismissed sightings. The role of amateur radio operators ('hams') in tracking Sputnik signals is also noted. Public reaction ranged from fear and fascination to skepticism and even attempts to claim lunar territory. The issue also touches upon the media's role in reporting these events, sometimes with sensational headlines.

Notable Figures and Organizations

Key individuals mentioned include Dr. Whipple, Dr. Armand N. Spitz, Dr. Ralph H. Loveburg, Louis C. Burkhardt, Shapley, Harold M. Schmeck, Jr., Charles W. Bailey, President Eisenhower, Professor Alexei Pokrovsky, Dr. Karl S. Henice, Norman Mailer, Sam Dawson, Edwin L. Dale, Jr., John D. Morris, Richard M. Nixon, Laura Kittrell, George Sherlock, Jack Nims, and John J. Raffone. Organizations and institutions such as the AP, UP, Chicago Tribune, N.Y. Times, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, City College of New York, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, Pentagon, RCA, and various military branches are frequently cited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the dawn of the space age, the geopolitical implications of the space race, and the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting events and observations, often with a critical eye towards official explanations and a willingness to explore unconventional possibilities. There's a sense of public bewilderment and excitement surrounding both Sputnik and UFOs, suggesting a society grappling with rapid technological advancements and the potential for discoveries beyond Earth. The magazine seems to question the narrative presented by official sources, encouraging readers to consider alternative interpretations of events.

Title: DOUBT
Issue: Vol. 14, No. 1
Date: January 1958
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of DOUBT, published by The Fortean Society, presents a collection of news items, observations, and commentary on a variety of subjects, with a particular focus on unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and technological advancements of the late 1950s.

Sputnik and Space Exploration

The magazine extensively covers the Sputnik program. It notes Westinghouse's development of a new unit for the Navy to measure the accuracy of anti-aircraft fire on planes, which mechanically aims guns and uses dials to score hits without actual firing, calling it an 'electronic brain'.

Reports detail sightings and predictions regarding Sputnik I and II. Whipple is quoted predicting Sputnik I's plunge to its death in January, and later, Kraus of Ohio State announced that Sputnik I had broken into eight pieces between January 7th and 10th, with its descent aided by the National Bureau of Standards and radio station WWV. Sputnik II was also expected to be visible in the northern US.

Further space-related news includes a mention of a new timetable for viewing Sputnik II across various US states and Canada. Theodore Harz of Canada's Defense Research Board suggests that the skylight of November 30 was a meteor, not the Sputnik I carrier. The issue also touches upon the growing importance of 'electronic brains', listing major manufacturers like Burroughs, IBM, Remington Rand, and Radio Corporation of America, and notes that the University of Michigan is acquiring a large radarscope.

Unexplained Aerial Phenomena and Sightings

Several reports detail unusual sightings:

• Turkey, December 14-15, 1957: A bright object reportedly came over Turkey from the Soviet direction and exploded in a forest near Musa.
• Langdon, North Dakota, December 13, 1957: A greenish light was seen falling, leading to an investigation that found a burned area around a haystack with 'gray clinkers' identified as 'mostly magnesium oxide'. The event is speculated to be a rocket or a hoax.
• Riverside, California, December 18, 1957: A pilot observed about twelve blobs of foam-like substance floating in the air, the largest being 'a cubic yard or more'. Upon flying through one, it broke up like a mass of bubbles.
• Pedley, California, December 18, 1957: About half an hour earlier, a similar substance, described as 'like soap foam', fell and did not disintegrate unless touched, disappearing quickly and leaving an odor described as 'like Martha Washington geraniums when you crush them between your fingers'. The writer, Harry Lawton, mentions Charles Fort.

Geophysical Year and Scientific Organization

The magazine discusses the origins of the Geophysical Year, tracing it back to a cocktail party in Silver Springs, Maryland, on April 5, 1950, hosted by James A. Van Allen. Key figures involved include Lloyd V. Berkner, Sydney Chapman, and Joseph Kaplan. The Defense Department, Bureau of Standards, and Weather Bureau are also mentioned as being involved.

Technological Advancements and Electronic Brains

The issue highlights the burgeoning field of 'electronic brains' and their applications. It lists major manufacturers such as Burroughs, IBM, Remington Rand, and Radio Corporation of America, noting that they teach customers how to input data for pinpoint accuracy. The University of Michigan is also mentioned as acquiring a large radarscope.

Language Engineering and Research Tools

Rev. Robert Busa, a professor of Philosophy at Aloibianum College in Gallarato, Italy, is featured for his work in 'language engineering'. He is transcribing badly mutilated words from the Dead Sea scrolls onto cards, which will then be fed into a special IBM 705 data-processing machine to analyze the words and make sense of them. This technology is expected to significantly speed up literary analysis.

Radio Astronomy and Telescope Development

The magazine discusses the development of radio telescopes, noting that construction is underway for a steerable radio telescope with an eighty-five-foot reflector in Green Bank, West Virginia. The University of Michigan plans to build a similar eighty-five-foot telescope, and Associated Universities is seeking a contractor for a 140-foot instrument. The largest operating US telescope is mentioned as being sixty-foot at Harvard, in contrast to British and Soviet instruments.

Miscellaneous Reports and Observations

• Irish Sea Incident: A report suggests that a trawler in the Irish Sea did not lose its paint, but rather the paint changed color and then turned white again after 30 hours.
• Sputnik Beeps: On January 11th, listeners in several countries, including Britain, Sweden, and the US, reported hearing beep-beep signals, described as 'like the voice of Sputniks'. The Swedish government explained this as the 'electronic groan of an idling Russian teleprinter'.
• Book Reviews and Society Notices: The issue includes advertisements for books such as "Order Glacial Period and Drayson's Hypothesis", "America NEEDS Indians", and "The Books of Charles Fort". It also promotes "Chakotin's RAPE OF THE MASSES".

Volunteers Wanted

The Fortean Society appeals for volunteers to specialize in various fields of data collection and analysis. These fields include phenomena like ship and plane vanishments, 'Down the Drain' incidents, ballistics, displaced animals, UFOs, and many others. The goal is to gather and sort data for potential publication in DOUBT, with specialists expected to submit resumes on their subjects quarterly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT include the ongoing fascination with and reporting of space exploration (particularly Sputnik), unexplained aerial phenomena, and the rapid advancements in technology, especially 'electronic brains' and radar. The magazine maintains a critical and questioning stance, often highlighting perceived inconsistencies or 'double talk' in official reports, as seen in the coverage of Sputnik and the Geophysical Year. There is an underlying skepticism towards established scientific and governmental narratives, encouraging readers to question and investigate further. The call for volunteers underscores the Society's commitment to grassroots research and the collection of data on a wide array of unusual subjects.