1958 02 00 Fantastic Universe - Continents in space - Sanderson

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: FEB.
Price: 35c
Publisher: ICD
Cover Headline: 3 EXCITING NOVELETS by STANLEY MULLEN, HARRY HARRISON, THOMAS N. SCORTIA. Startling UFO Articles by IVAN SANDERSON and MORRIS JESSUP.

Article: Continents in Space by Ivan T. Sanderson

This issue features a significant article by Ivan T. Sanderson, a distinguished scientist, exploring the nature of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Sanderson delves into four primary possibilities for what UFOs might be:

1. Life-forms indigenous to the upper atmosphere or space: He references the idea of 'gaseous vertebrates' as proposed by Jaques Loeb of Chicago University.
2. Machines constructed by intelligent beings from other planets: This is presented as a possibility, though one that raises questions.
3. Advanced, secret aeroforms constructed by earth governments: Sanderson notes this is more of an intelligence or counter-espionage matter than a Ufology topic.
4. 'Assorted Junk' or immaterial phenomena of a natural order: This category suggests that UFOs might not be animate or piloted but rather natural occurrences or debris.

Sanderson emphasizes that UFOs likely have a complex taxonomy and that no single explanation can account for all sightings. He also suggests that there are many other possibilities not covered by these four main categories.

He questions why, if UFOs are extraterrestrial craft, they do not land openly or why their landings are not universally known. He also ponders whether humanity is simply too far behind in understanding to detect or comprehend the activities of advanced space visitors.

Critique of Scientific Explanations and Dogmatism

The article strongly criticizes the prevailing scientific attitude towards unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. Sanderson argues that many scientists and experts exhibit excessive dogmatism, offering definitive explanations for discoveries without acknowledging the vastness of what remains unknown. He points out that while scientific caution is sometimes exercised, there are also vehement denials of possibilities and sweeping statements that dismiss anything outside accepted belief.

He highlights the irresponsibility of some 'experts' who, from a distance, offer facile explanations for phenomena they may not fully understand or investigate. This attitude, he contends, is particularly prevalent in the field of Ufology and is a form of intellectual cowardice.

The Case of the Falling Ice

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to dissecting a specific incident: the fall of fifty-pound chunks of ice in Bernsville, Pennsylvania, reported on August 9, 1957. The explanation provided by Dr. Malcolm Reider of Reider Associates suggested the ice was blown eastward by a jet stream and fused due to air friction. Sanderson meticulously deconstructs this explanation, questioning its scientific validity:

• Why would the ice be alkaline if formed in the western section of the nation?
• How could fifty-pound chunks defy gravity over three thousand miles?
• Why would fused ice have angular edges?
• Why wouldn't air friction, capable of melting planes at sonic speeds, melt the ice?
• Why would ice fuse only when reaching fifty pounds, not at smaller sizes?

Sanderson labels this explanation as 'pseudo-scientific gobbledegook' and uses it as a prime example of how science can be misused to dismiss the inexplicable.

The 'Going-Up' Phenomenon and Charles Fort

Beyond objects falling from the sky, Sanderson also discusses the 'going-up' phenomenon, where objects disappear into the atmosphere, often in events like tornadoes. He notes that sometimes more goes up than comes down, citing a case of a chicken brooder that went up in a tornado, with only a fraction of its contents (roofing, chicken bodies) being recovered.

He references the work of Charles Fort and the Fortean Society, which documented numerous instances of unusual materials falling from the sky, including blood, frogs, fish, and various other substances. Sanderson argues that despite the undeniable evidence of such 'junk' falling from the sky, scientists often remain silent or offer explanations that defy logic.

Mirages and Other Sky Phenomena

Sanderson also touches upon other common sky phenomena, such as mirages, which he argues are not adequately explained in standard textbooks. He questions the origin of the objects seen in mirages, suggesting that their alleged reflections do not correspond to actual geographical features.

He lists other phenomena like ball lightning and the Aurora Australis at the equator as examples of accepted, yet poorly understood, occurrences.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The article concludes by emphasizing the need for open-minded investigation into unexplained phenomena. Sanderson criticizes the press for its often flippant and derisive coverage of UFO sightings, which he believes contributes to public confusion and skepticism. He advocates for a more serious and scientific approach to understanding the mysteries of the sky and the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction appears to champion a spirit of inquiry and a critical examination of established scientific dogma, particularly concerning UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as evidenced by Sanderson's article, is one that encourages questioning, investigation, and a willingness to consider unconventional explanations. It critiques the tendency towards intellectual laziness and dogmatism within the scientific community and the media's role in shaping public perception. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for exploring the frontiers of knowledge and challenging conventional wisdom, particularly in the realm of science fiction and the paranormal.

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE
Issue Date: February, 1957 (Issue 60)

This issue of FANTASTIC UNIVERSE explores speculative theories regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, primarily focusing on the concept of 'cosmic junk' and introducing the Wassilko-Serecki Theory.

The Mystery of Falling Objects

The magazine opens by questioning the origin of objects like live fish and frogs found on Earth, suggesting they might originate from 'somewhere' above. It poses questions about whether they fall from floating ice continents or are caught in atmospheric slip-streams. The text also touches upon the idea of Earth's gravity having a 'blind-spot' or belt, and whether objects could survive transport in such conditions.

Artificial Satellites and Cosmic Junk

A significant portion of the article discusses the proposed artificial satellite, noting that models vary in size from a grapefruit to a barrel. It highlights the claim that the satellite will be visible to the naked eye at dawn and dusk, which the author finds questionable, comparing it to spotting an apple on a tree at a mile or a candle flame on the horizon. The author expresses skepticism about such claims, suggesting they might be a way to avoid discussing what is observable in between these distant points.

The concept of 'cosmic junk' is then introduced as a plausible explanation for some UFOs. This theory posits that a planet within our solar system may have exploded approximately 300,000,000 years ago, creating a vast amount of debris, including asteroids, meteorites, and gas. This material is described as 'assorted, non-animate, spacial junk' that could behave erratically, burn up upon entering the atmosphere, or appear to move with astonishing speed and agility due to unknown forces of attraction or repulsion.

Examples of this 'junk' are described as falling in the form of 'angel's hair,' mauvish refrigerated jelly, hunks of glass, or glowing globes that flatten grass. The article also mentions 'cigar-shaped' bits traveling at high speeds or smaller ones moving slowly at lower altitudes, potentially becoming visible between Earth and the Moon.

The Wassilko-Serecki Theory

The issue prominently features the Wassilko-Serecki Theory, presented by the author as a significant contribution to understanding UFOs. The author clarifies that this theory was initially ascribed to a lady named Zoe Wassilko-Serecki, but due to insufficient credit and misleading statements in a previous article, he wishes to correct the record. The theory was originally published in German in 1955 and later reprinted.

The author explains that he was initially surprised to find an astrologer interested in Ufology, as astrology is typically considered a taboo subject in this field. However, he found the theory to be surprisingly well-integrated with current scientific understanding. The Countess Zoe Wassilko-Serecki, identified as a prominent figure in Fortean research in Europe since the 1920s and the discoverer of the Romanian Poltergeist girl, is the proponent of this theory.

The Wassilko-Serecki Theory suggests that some UFOs might be animate or subanimate lifeforms indigenous to the upper atmosphere or space. The author notes that this theory has gained traction and is considered one of the most logical explanations for many UFO sightings and related phenomena, such as 'stinks from the sky' and falls of 'angel hair.'

Scientific Responsibility and Future Exploration

The article emphasizes that the existence of UFOs should not be dismissed, and those who report sightings should not be called liars. It places a direct responsibility on 'science' and scientific research workers to investigate these phenomena, examine all suggestions, and dedicate time to understanding them. The author suggests that such work would be more valuable than current research efforts in some cases.

Next Month's Features

The issue concludes with a preview of upcoming content, including works by Avram Davidson ('THE BOUNTY HUNTER'), Theodore Pratt ('SEED'), Robert Moore Williams ('SON OF JALNOR'), Donald Keith ('COMMAND PERFORMANCE'), and a new novel by John Brunner titled 'RENDEZVOUS WITH DESTINY,' which will be featured in FANTASTIC UNIVERSE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unconventional theories and phenomena, particularly those related to space, unexplained aerial objects, and Fortean events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation into these mysteries while critically evaluating claims and presenting various theoretical explanations, including those that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between speculative ideas and scientific observation, even when the connections are unusual, such as the link between Ufology and astrology.