Flying Saucers

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Flying Saucers" magazine, dated October 1947, primarily focuses on presenting a detailed list of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings and incidents recorded by the FBI up to that month. The magazine contrasts public explanations of UFOs as hoaxes or optical illusions with the more serious consideration given to credible reports by scientific and military bodies.

FBI Files: October 1947 Sightings

The core of the issue is a chronological table of alleged UFO incidents. Each entry includes a date, location, and a brief summary of the reported event. The locations span across various countries and US states, including Germany, North Sea, Virginia, Washington State, Colorado, Oklahoma City, Delaware, California, Massachusetts, and Nevada. The descriptions of the sightings vary, ranging from oscillating objects and discs approaching the ground to objects that disintegrated, moved at high speeds, or appeared in groups.

Notable entries include:

• Germany (Date unknown): A member of the occupying forces observed a flying object making oscillating movements near the ground.
• North Sea, England (January 16, 1947): An RAF Mosquito attempted to intercept a UFO traveling at 22,000 feet.
• Washington State (May 5, 1947): Three witnesses reported seeing a silver disc dive and disintegrate, leaving a smoke trail.
• Colorado (May 19, 1947): Three trainmen observed a silver disc moving at high speed, appearing blurry.
• Oklahoma City (May 17, 1947): A white disc was seen for 15-20 seconds.
• Rehobolt, Delaware (June 2, 1947): A jar-shaped UFO was reported moving very rapidly.
• Bakersfield, California (June 14, 1947): Numerous discs were seen moving in groups.
• Greenfield, Massachusetts (June 22, 1947): A round, silver UFO was observed moving rapidly.
• Mt. Rainier, Washington (June 24, 1947): The famous Kenneth Arnold sighting of 9 discs moving in formation was reported.
• Nevada (June 28, 1947): Lt. Armstrong observed a UFO moving directly towards him.

The magazine also includes a letter from an individual named M. X, who claims to have spoken with a director at a company in Glembrook, Connecticut. This director allegedly admitted that their laboratories were developing a telescope specifically designed to search for atomic bombs in orbit. M. X's letter also mentions observations made in Italy prior to Arnold's sighting.

The Shift in Investigation and 'Green Fireballs'

The issue delves into the evolving attitudes of investigators. It notes that by late 1948, the dominant sentiment within the Air Force Intelligence team investigating UFOs began to lean towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis. This shift was reportedly prompted by a "situation estimate" that clashed with General Vandenburg's views. The article suggests that a deliberate replacement of initial investigators with those more inclined towards "debunking" occurred.

Furthermore, the magazine highlights the emergence of "green fireballs" in late 1948, which began to be observed in strategically important areas in the southwestern United States. These reports, coming from highly credible witnesses, led to the phenomenon being classified as top-secret. The article mentions that the investigation into these green fireballs was handled by Project Grudge, which also spawned a sub-commission called Project TWINKLE.

A document dated January 31, 1949, concerning the "Protection of Vital Installations," is presented. This document, originating from a meeting of various intelligence services including G.2., ONI, OSI, and the FBI, indicates that the "aerial phenomena not identified" (also known as flying discs, flying saucers, and green fireballs) were considered top-secret by both the Army and Air Force intelligence branches.

The magazine discusses the nature of these green fireballs, noting that they were often described as brilliant green lights, similar to traffic lights or neon lights, and sometimes appeared as flashes that turned on and off. Some reports mentioned colors like red, white, blue-white, and yellow-green. Analysis of one light's spectrum suggested it could be a type of copper, possibly related to experimental rockets, which would disintegrate upon explosion without leaving debris.

The article also touches upon the speed and altitude of these phenomena, with estimates ranging from 3 to 12 miles per second and altitudes between 6 and 10 miles. The observed trajectories often suggested an East-West movement, potentially towards Los Alamos.

FBI's Role and Secrecy

The FBI's involvement is noted, particularly in relation to the protection of strategic installations. The magazine implies that the FBI was drawn into the UFO arena due to these concerns. The article suggests that the FBI's efforts to distance itself from UFO investigations were largely successful by early 1949, with only two incidents recorded in 1948.

However, the FBI continued to receive information from the Air Force in 1949, some of which offered unusual insights into the Air Force's investigative capabilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation of UFO sightings, the official investigations (particularly by the FBI and Air Force), the classification of certain phenomena as top-secret, and the evolving understanding and explanation of these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting factual data from official sources while acknowledging the mystery and significance of the reported phenomena. The magazine aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the UFO landscape as understood through official records at the time.