1958 01 00 Fantastic Universe - Shapes in the sky

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: January
Date: 1958
Publisher: Columbia Publications
Price: 35c

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction prominently features the novelet "Project Barrier" by Daniel F. Galouye and a non-fiction article titled "Shapes in the Sky" by Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI). The cover art depicts a dynamic scene with astronauts, a rocket, and a vortex, hinting at themes of space travel and otherworldly encounters.

"Project Barrier" by Daniel F. Galouye

While the full text of "Project Barrier" is not provided, its placement on the cover as a "Startling Novelet" indicates it is a significant fictional work within this issue, likely dealing with science fiction themes of conflict or exploration.

"Shapes in the Sky" by Civilian Saucer Intelligence

This extensive article delves into the phenomenon of odors reported in connection with unidentified aerial objects (UFOs). The author, representing the Research Section of Civilian Saucer Intelligence, contrasts the frequent occurrence of sounds from UFOs with the relative rarity of reported odors.

Historical Accounts of Odors

The article begins by referencing Charles Fort's observation of "frequent occurrence of sulphurousness with things that come from the sky." However, CSI notes that such odors are seldom reported. The article then presents several historical and contemporary cases:

• 1845 Incident: The captain of the brig Victoria reported seeing three luminous bodies issue from the sea, which spread "a stench of sulphur." Further details from the Rev. F. Hawlett describe two bodies with appendages, but no odor was mentioned by this observer.
• Frank Quintana Case (January 29, 1950): While climbing a foothill in Colorado, Quintana observed a "silvery-green" object hovering and then shooting up rapidly. After the object departed, he detected a "pungent odor which remained in the area."
• Florida Scoutmaster Case (August 19, 1952): This case, investigated by the Air Force's Project Blue Book, involved D. S. (Sonny) Des Vergers and three Boy Scouts. Des Vergers reported a large circular object, oppressive heat, a hissing sound, and a "sharp" or "pungent" odor. He experienced a loss of consciousness when enveloped by a red mist emanating from the object. The case was controversial, with the Air Force initially classifying it as suspect but not a proven hoax.
• Flatwoods Monster Case (September 12, 1952): Three boys playing football in Flatwoods, West Virginia, witnessed a red-luminous object land on a ridge. Upon investigation, they found a large, pear-shaped object pulsating with light. They reported a "choking odor unlike anything in their experience," described as "hot, greased metal" or "burning sulphur," causing irritation to the nose and throat and a feeling of suffocation. A strange, man-like figure was also observed. An editor later detected an "unrecognizable, irritating odor" and found crushed weeds and a depressed circular area.
• Fred J. Brown Case (September 14, 1952): An employee at the Everglades Experimental Station in Florida observed a circular object with lights that emitted an "acrid, yet smelling somewhat like ammonia" odor, which made his eyes smart and burned his nostrils.
• Centreville, Virginia Incident (September 22, 1952): Residents reported brilliant white, blue, and red balls of fire in the sky, accompanied by an "awful" odor that made one witness ill.
• Melbourne, Australia Sighting (August 30): Miss Gertrude James saw a "noiseless green ball" that smelled "like a rotten egg," identified as possibly hydrogen sulphide.

Scientific and Investigative Perspectives

The article discusses the chemical nature of sulphur odors, noting that pure sulphur is odorless, but sulphur dioxide gas produces a pungent smell and can cause respiratory distress. The author speculates that the noxious mist encountered in some cases might be related to the rapid dissolution of UFOs or their occupants in Earth's atmosphere.

Project Blue Book's evaluation of the Florida Scoutmaster case is detailed, noting that despite the Scoutmaster's questionable background, the case could not be definitively labeled a hoax. Ruppelt, initially skeptical, later reconsidered the case due to evidence like charred grass roots, suggesting a powerful alternating magnetic field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the article is the investigation of unusual sensory phenomena, specifically odors, associated with UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these unexplained events, presenting witness testimony and investigative findings without outright dismissal, while acknowledging the challenges in verifying such accounts and the controversies surrounding some cases. The magazine aims to explore the frontiers of science fiction and the mysteries of the unknown, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional understanding.

This issue of Fantastic Universe, identified by page numbers 67-69 and likely from October 1953, focuses on the phenomenon of 'Shapes in the Sky,' with a particular emphasis on unusual sensory experiences, primarily distinct odors, associated with UFO sightings.

Reports of Odorous UFOs

The article details several incidents where UFOs were reportedly accompanied by strong smells:

• Duex-Sevres, France: Hundreds of witnesses observed a luminous object with a capricious, yellowish, sparkling trail that traced circles in the sky. The air was reportedly impregnated with a strong odor of ether after a noiseless explosion.
• Thouars, France: A similar greenish fireball event occurred, also leaving a strong odor of ether.
• New Haven, Connecticut (August 20, 1953): A resident witnessed a 'streak of light' followed by a loud 'explosion' that shook her house. Investigation revealed a ragged, foot-square hole in a steel signboard, with metallic deposits on the edges and a strong stench of rotten eggs. The object was described as a red ball of fire with a tail, about 6 inches in diameter, which tore through a tree and disappeared at high speed.
• New Jersey (November 26, 1956): In a landmark case, a night watchman was awarded disability compensation by the New Jersey State Workmen's Compensation referee, Leonard B. Willits, after testifying that an encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO) had made him ill and affected his senses of smell, taste, and touch.
• Trenton, New Jersey (October 2, 1956): Watchman Harry J. Sturdevant reported a red light that shot down the Delaware River, then upwards, described as a cigar-shaped object, 60-100 feet long and 15 feet in diameter, with no wings. He heard a hissing sound like escaping steam and experienced a smell like sulphur or brimstone, which made him nauseated and sick, causing him to lose his sense of taste and smell. His account was reported by Trentonian reporter Emil Slaboda in Fate, June 1957.
• Beaumont, France (October 5, 1954): During a European 'landing wave,' a luminous UFO approached witnesses, losing its luminosity. They felt a strange sensation, as if nailed to the ground, and smelled a strong odor of nitrobenzene, which smells like almonds. The object then moved away, and the smell and paralysis ceased.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (March 1955): A witness reported a strong smell of 'almonds and alfalfa' after an alleged saucer landing.

Analysis of Odors and Physical Evidence

The article notes that while most UFO odors are described as repulsive and toxic, there are these few instances of distinct, often unpleasant, smells. The collected metallic deposits from the New Haven incident were analyzed and found to consist of pure copper. The puzzle of why some UFO witnesses report marked odors while others, even in close proximity, do not, is discussed. It is suggested that the sense of smell might weaken when an individual is excited or apprehensive, or that most UFOs may not diffuse strong odors into the surrounding air.

Future Content

The 'Next Month' section previews upcoming features, including novelets by Stanley Mullen, Harry Harrison, and Thomas N. Scortia, as well as articles by Ivan T. Sanderson on 'Continents in Space' and Morris K. Jessup on 'Flying Saucers and Civilian Saucer Intelligence's Shapes in the Sky.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of UFO phenomena, with a focus on unusual and often unsettling sensory details that accompany sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these unexplained events, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings, while acknowledging the puzzling aspects of the phenomenon. The inclusion of a disability compensation case highlights the potential real-world impact of these encounters.