1957 08 00 Fantastic Universe - The saucer myth

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: AUG.
Date: August 1950
Publisher: ICD
Price: 35c

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction presents a critical examination of the burgeoning 'flying saucer' phenomenon, alongside traditional science fiction stories. The cover art depicts a classic flying saucer with alien occupants, a satellite, and Earth, setting a tone of cosmic exploration and mystery.

"UFO-Friend or Foe?" by Ivan T. Sanderson

While the full content of Ivan T. Sanderson's article is not detailed in the provided text, its title suggests an exploration into the nature and potential intentions of unidentified flying objects, likely delving into the prevailing theories and concerns of the era regarding their origin and purpose.

"The Saucer Myth" by Lester del Rey

Lester del Rey, a respected science fiction writer and editor, offers a strongly skeptical perspective on the flying saucer phenomenon in his article, "The Saucer Myth." He begins by expressing a feeling of detachment from the science fiction community, which he perceives as increasingly dominated by uncritical acceptance of fringe ideas, contrasting this with his belief in science fiction's potential for sanity and healthy inspiration.

Del Rey critiques the 'lunatic fringe' that has historically plagued science fiction, citing examples like the 'deros' phenomenon associated with Shaver and the pseudoscientific claims of dianetics. He notes a recent trend where flying saucer discussions have become a central focus for fan clubs, often overshadowing genuine science fiction exploration. He argues that UFO, an acronym for Unidentified Flying Object, should stand for 'Unfounded Fatuous Optimism' rather than 'Unquestionable Fact.'

He asserts that science is built on verifiable facts and logical inquiry, not on open-mindedness that allows any idea to blow through. True science requires theories to be testable, consistent with known knowledge, and supported by evidence. Del Rey finds the current proponents of the saucer myth demanding acceptance without providing the necessary proof.

Del Rey compares the evidence for flying saucers to that for ghosts, witches, and werewolves, finding the latter to have more substantial, albeit still folkloric, accounts and even physical evidence (like in the case of vampires). He criticizes the argument that 'with so much evidence from so many observers, there must be something to it,' stating that such reasoning would also validate belief in vampires or ghosts.

He highlights several weaknesses in UFO evidence:

• Observer Testimony: Reports are not always truthful, and humans can lie for various reasons, including local fame or to cover up other activities.
• Human Perception: People can fantasize, misinterpret vague shapes, or have their minds fill in details. Judging size, distance, and shape accurately is difficult, especially for objects in the sky.
• Photographic Evidence: Despite millions of feet of film processed, there are surprisingly few clear photographs of saucers. When they exist, like Adamski's, they are often identifiable as mundane objects (e.g., a lamp holder). Photographs are often vague, and even sharp ones lack sufficient detail. Del Rey dismisses the idea that cameras are less capable than eyes, stating cameras can capture detail faster and at greater distances.
• Negatives vs. Prints: He considers prints worthless for analysis, as they can be easily faked. Negatives offer more potential for analysis, but he has yet to see a UFO negative that shows anything of value beyond vague shapes or artifacts.

Del Rey argues that if science is to accept saucer reports as evidence, it must also investigate other phenomena like witches and ghosts with the same seriousness. He questions the purpose of advanced alien races flying here for ten years without making clear contact or revealing themselves, especially given the immense energy required for interstellar travel.

He dismisses explanations involving foreign planes as 'asinine' and questions why, if advanced domestic aircraft exist, the nation is concerned about an arms race. He also finds the idea of extraterrestrial intelligence lacking purpose or communication methods problematic.

Del Rey points to Donald Menzel's work as a more scientifically grounded approach, offering plausible explanations for many sightings within the framework of known physics, such as atmospheric phenomena and optical illusions. He notes that even radar evidence, often cited as proof, can be fooled by atmospheric conditions and doesn't necessarily indicate a solid object.

He concludes that the 'saucer myth' is too ridiculous to be treated as science and lacks the interesting detail and significance to be a compelling myth or fantasy. He suggests that if people want to pursue this hobby, they should do so without dragging it into science fiction, which could be better used for exploring other themes.

Other Stories

The issue also features stories by Nelson Bond, Evelyn E. Smith, and Lee Chaytor, representing the core of the science fiction content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme in this issue, as presented by Lester del Rey, is a strong advocacy for scientific skepticism and critical thinking, particularly in the face of sensational claims like the flying saucer phenomenon. The magazine's stance, through del Rey's prominent article, is to uphold the principles of scientific inquiry, demanding verifiable evidence and logical consistency, and to distinguish between genuine science fiction exploration and pseudoscientific speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one that values rigorous investigation and rational analysis over unproven assertions, even within the speculative realm of science fiction.