1957 12 00 Fantastic Universe - Shapes in the sky

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue Date: December
Price: 35c

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction features a lead article titled "BEAR TRAP" by Alan E. Nourse, alongside stories by Kenneth Bulmer, Theodore Pratt, and Henry Slesar. A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an "EXCITING REPORT by CIVILIAN SAUCER INTELLIGENCE" focusing on the phenomenon of "skyquakes."

Skyquakes: The Unexplained Aerial Explosions

The article "SHAPES IN THE SKY" by Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI) extensively explores the phenomenon of "skyquakes" – mysterious aerial explosions and concussions that have become more frequent, particularly in the United States, since the advent of the jet age. The report begins by detailing a dramatic incident in Los Angeles on May 22, 1957, where a massive blast, initially reported as a sonic boom from a jet plane, caused widespread panic and damage. However, subsequent reports indicated that no jet planes were airborne, leading to speculation that the cause was more mysterious.

CSI highlights that Los Angeles has been a focal point for such disturbances, with a series of events dating back to March 5, 1957. These "sonic shocks" were felt over large areas, causing residents to flee their homes and leading to official investigations that yielded no definitive explanations. The article notes that while the aircraft industry, through figures like Senator Barry Goldwater, attempts to downplay the effects of sonic booms, claiming they are localized and cause minimal damage, the reported effects of skyquakes – such as cracking plaster and sidewalks over wide areas – suggest a phenomenon far beyond the capabilities of current aircraft.

Historical Context and Potential Causes

The report traces the history of such unexplained aerial sounds, noting that they were known long before the jet age. Examples include "Moodus sounds" in Connecticut, "mistpouffers" on the North Sea, and "Barisal Guns" in Bengal. While modern skyquakes are described as more intense than these historical phenomena, the underlying mystery remains.

The article critically examines the "sonic boom" explanation, citing Corey Ford's work and the strict limitations imposed on supersonic tests. It questions why, if aircraft were responsible, these limitations were seemingly violated so frequently without severe disciplinary action. Furthermore, the Defense Department itself has admitted that in many cases, it is impossible to trace concussions to aircraft.

UFOs and Skyquakes

A significant part of the investigation focuses on the potential link between skyquakes and Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). While acknowledging that the case is not "overwhelmingly" strong, the report presents several intriguing incidents where UFOs were reportedly sighted in the sky at the time of a skyquake.

One notable case is from Dieppe, France, on January 7, 1954, where a tremendous explosion occurred shortly after a baker reported seeing a large, bright orange disc hovering in the sky. Another case involves Leonard Stringfield's report from Corona, California, on September 12, 1956, where three sharp blasts were heard, and a County Schools Consultant, Dwight Lewis, witnessed a "glittering oval-shaped aircraft" emerge from a smoke cloud.

Perhaps the most compelling piece of testimony comes from a New Jersey National Guard pilot who, on April 2, 1957, heard a conversation over his radio between an unidentified air base and a jet pilot on an intercept mission for a "bogey." After the widely-felt blast, the jet pilot reported, "I did not—repeat, not—break the sound barrier. The object did."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The article concludes that while the connection between skyquakes and UFOs is not definitively proven, there is suggestive evidence. It posits that if UFOs are responsible, they likely generate these blasts at very high altitudes, making them difficult to detect by ground observers. The report emphasizes that skyquakes are not a new phenomenon but have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. The CSI plans to continue its research, with the next article promising to explore "Smells From The Sky."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the unexplained nature of "skyquakes" and the inadequacy of conventional explanations like sonic booms. The editorial stance, presented by Civilian Saucer Intelligence, is one of open inquiry, suggesting that UFOs are a plausible, albeit not definitively proven, cause for these phenomena. The magazine champions the investigation of anomalous events and encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond established scientific understanding, aligning with the broader genre of science fiction and ufology.