1957 05 00 Fantastic Universe - Shapes in the sky

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: MAY
Price: 35c
Publisher: KING SIZE PUBLICATION
Cover Headline: SHIELD AGAINST DEATH

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction, dated May, features a striking cover art and highlights two major literary works: "Shield Against Death" by J. T. McIntosh and "Pawns of Tomorrow" by Nelson Bond. The magazine also includes a significant article titled "Shapes in the Sky," which is the second in a series of authoritative columns on UFO sightings and reports, written specifically for this publication by the Research Section of Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York.

Shapes in the Sky

The article "Shapes in the Sky" critically examines the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), often referred to as 'flying saucers.' It begins by noting that over the past nine years, numerous claims have been made to explain away the mystery of these objects, often labeling them as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). The author references early 'inside stories,' such as Silas Newton's account from 1949, which suggested the Air Force possessed flying saucers manned by Venusians and powered by secret magnetic engines. Radio commentator Henry J. Taylor also contributed, describing flying saucers as 'harmless' remote-controlled discs. The article points out that Donald Menzel, a professor of Astrophysics at Harvard University, attempted to debunk the flying saucer myth in 1952, attributing sightings to unusual atmospheric conditions.

However, the article argues that these explanations are insufficient, as UFO phenomena are of widely divergent character and cannot all be attributed to a single origin or nature, even after eliminating misidentifications and hoaxes. It highlights cases that defy easy explanations.

The article then details several specific UFO incidents:

The Booth Object Incident

On January 29, 1953, Lloyd C. Booth, a service station proprietor in Conway, South Carolina, observed a peculiarly shaped object emitting a low, humming noise above the pinetrees. The object was approximately 24 feet long and 12 feet across, light greyish, and lit from within, with what appeared to be cockpits. Booth followed the object and, after twenty minutes, fired a pistol at a projection underneath. He heard the bullet strike, and the object then made a louder noise, like an electric motor, and accelerated away at a 65° angle. Booth, a veteran of anti-aircraft service, concluded it was not a normal aircraft or a meteorological phenomenon. Despite the Air Force reportedly dismissing it as a misidentification of a Navy blimp, the witness's testimony suggests intelligent control.

Kelly-Green Phantoms

This section briefly mentions the 'green fireballs' seen in the southwestern United States since December 1948. These objects are noted for their brilliant color, complete silence, and tendency to appear repeatedly over New Mexico, sometimes rushing horizontally, exploding, or striking the ground without leaving fragments.

Saucer Armada

On March 17, 1950, in Farmington, New Mexico, hundreds of residents witnessed a large group of silvery, saucer-shaped objects, estimated between 100 and 500. These objects moved at high speed, darted about, and hovered momentarily. Many witnesses described them as resembling saucers or dinner plates with a ring underneath. One larger object was noted to be red.

"Gelatinous Hat-Crowns"

On May 16, 1808, in Skeninge, Sweden, a large number of round, dark-brown bodies, described as 'hat-crowns' and seemingly the size of a hat-crown, appeared in the sky. They passed overhead for two hours, sometimes linking together in groups of up to eight, and appeared to have tails when near the sun. When one fell to the ground, it left behind a 'soapy jelly' that dried to a film and vanished.

The Evaporating Purple Sphere

On September 26, 1950, in Philadelphia, Patrolmen John Collins and Joseph Keenan observed an object drifting down from the sky, appearing like a parachute. It settled in a field and was described as spherical, about six feet in diameter, and emitting a purplish glow. When Sergeant Joseph Cook and Patrolman James Casper arrived, Collins attempted to pick up the object, but the part he touched dissolved, leaving a sticky residue. Within half an hour, the entire substance had evaporated.

The article concludes by emphasizing that the diverse nature of these five cases—the Booth object, green fireballs, Farmington armada, Swedish hat-crowns, and Philadelphia sphere—suggests that no single theory can account for all of them. This variety compels consideration of multiple origins and explanations for UFOs, with the Philadelphia purple sphere being particularly suggestive of upper-atmosphere life forms, as proposed by Ivan Sanderson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the "Shapes in the Sky" article is the complexity and diversity of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, challenging simplistic explanations and advocating for a more open-minded approach that considers multiple possibilities, including extraterrestrial or unknown life forms. The magazine aims to present detailed accounts of sightings and encourage readers to consider the evidence presented, rather than accepting dismissive explanations.

Notable Quotes

"If we are to believe these claimants, UFO (Unidentified Flying Objects) are now IFO (Identified Flying Objects)."

"This is an observation at very close range of a structured object that is not identifiable with any of those prescribed by the 'explainers.' Not only was it seen, it was also heard and fired upon."

"The point about the five cases we have described is simply this: that there seems to be no one theory that will account for all of them."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main argument presented in the "Shapes in the Sky" article?
A: The article argues that UFO phenomena are too diverse to be explained by a single theory, suggesting multiple origins and explanations are necessary.

Q: Can you describe the Booth object incident?
A: On January 29, 1953, Lloyd C. Booth in South Carolina witnessed and fired upon a humming, light-grey object that then rapidly departed.

Q: What happened during the 'Evaporating Purple Sphere' incident in Philadelphia?
A: On September 26, 1950, Philadelphia patrolmen encountered a spherical object that glowed purplish and dissolved into a sticky residue upon contact.

Q: What are some of the proposed explanations for UFOs mentioned in the article?
A: Proposed explanations include misidentifications (e.g., balloons, blimps), atmospheric phenomena, and the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown life forms.

Q: What is the significance of the 'Saucer Armada' sighting?
A: The 'Saucer Armada' sighting in Farmington, New Mexico, involved hundreds of witnesses observing a large group of high-speed, maneuvering objects, highlighting the scale and unusual nature of some UFO events.