1958 02 00 Fantastic Universe - Saucers-fact not fiction - Jessup

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.

SAUCERS - FACT NOT FICTION by Morris K. Jessup

This extensive article by Morris K. Jessup addresses the skepticism and debunking efforts surrounding the phenomenon of Flying Saucers (UFOs). Jessup begins by characterizing a debunker, using Lester del Rey's August 1957 article in FANTASTIC UNIVERSE as an example of someone who seems to spread himself too thin. He criticizes the professional determination of some debunkers to reject all evidence, contrasting it with the more sincere, though misguided, approach of those who are open to belief.

Jessup argues that the antipathy from the Science Fiction community towards Flying Saucers is "ludicrous and laughable," suggesting that UFOs have disrupted a comfortable narrative. He contends that debunkers like del Rey and L. Sprague de Camp, despite their intelligence and erudition, fail to stem the tide of evidence. He criticizes del Rey for conflating genuine UFO observations with "metaphysical skullduggery" and "telegadding," and for failing to distinguish between serious investigators and hoaxers.

He points out that del Rey's arguments are often negative or based on default logic, comparing it to saying "I might have been born a Hottentot, but since I was not born a Hottentot I wasn't born at all." Jessup highlights that "experts" often deny phenomena they were nowhere near, giving more weight to negative opinions than to positive observations from credible witnesses.

Jessup addresses the argument that UFOs must expend tremendous energy to reach Earth, calling it "spacious and gratuitous." He suggests that UFOs might be indigenous to the Earth-Moon system and their power as ubiquitous as the wind. He criticizes the tendency to confuse sightings with theories, stating that when someone reports seeing something, they are reporting, not hypothesizing.

Historical Astronomical Observations

Jessup draws a parallel to historical astronomical observations. He notes that in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, numerous observations of spherical objects moving across the Sun's disc were documented by professionals and amateurs. These were taken seriously enough to be considered planets, and orbits were calculated for them, supposedly within Mercury's orbit. However, since no such planets were found, astronomers like C.H.F. Peters dismissed the observations as invalid, a mistake Jessup argues is perpetuated by modern debunkers.

He applies this logic to meteorites in the 19th century, suggesting that the facts remain: many honest astronomers saw UFOs passing the Sun, and while the calculation of orbits was a mistaken hypothesis, the sightings themselves constitute concrete evidence. He concludes that only dirigible UFOs operating in space can explain their existence.

Ufology's Current Status

Jessup advocates for tolerance towards the hypotheses of ufologists, viewing theorizing as a harmless indoor sport. He asserts that honest observations are a different tint of UFO evidence, and that astronomy itself is based on observation. He notes that observations of the hypothetical planet Vulcan, though controversial, still stand, as do observations of repetitive or periodic celestial phenomena. Astronomy's intolerance of non-repetitive phenomena, he suggests, led to the rejection of some valid observations.

The article identifies the greatest damage to Ufology coming from its own proponents who attempt "explanations." Jessup admits he might be guilty of this himself, but emphasizes that Ufology is still in its observational stages. Explanations for the nature, direction, or propulsion of UFOs should await careful tabulation and categorization of data.

He agrees with del Rey that Ufology needs to "weed out the trash" but stresses that this requires assembling and classifying all data first. Outright rejection is deemed illegitimate and dogmatic.

Jessup observes an exodus of "deep-enders" from Ufology in recent years, but also a revival of interest. He notes that serious interest in space phenomena is growing among educated people, including ministers, lawyers, doctors, and commercial individuals, who are taking an objective view. He mentions organizations like CSI and NICAP working to eliminate "fringe" elements and push Ufology towards a new concept of our cosmic environment. Scientists and professors are joining the ranks, affirming basic observations and the importance of Ufology.

Biblical Accounts and UFOs

The article then delves into the connection between UFOs and biblical accounts. Jessup argues that the Holy Bible, particularly the Pentateuch and the New Testament, contains extensive chronicles that can be interpreted as extraterrestrial guidance or intervention. He suggests that phenomena described in the Bible, such as "cloud" vehicles and communications from beings, are analogous to modern UFO reports.

He cites examples like the "cloud" that led the Israelites out of Egypt, which he posits was a UFO, and the "glory" of the Lord as an effulgence. He also refers to Melchizedek as a potential "space man" and mentions Ezekiel's wheel and a model of a UFO in Solomon's temple. He argues that denying these biblical accounts means denying the authenticity of the Bible itself, a stance he finds difficult given the Western world's belief in its divine truth.

Jessup contrasts the biblical scribes' approach of accepting space visitations at face value with the modern tendency to "explain" them away. He notes that biblical accounts describe communication with space entities, riding in UFOs, and experiencing teleportation, all with a casualness that suggests it was a common part of life.

Recent Sightings and Evidence

The article concludes by detailing recent UFO sightings. A government scientist in Washington D.C. reported two sightings: a spherical object engaging in high-speed maneuvers with a jet plane, and a formation of seven glowing objects. Similar sightings were reported independently in Alexandria, Virginia, and Maryland. Jessup questions whether these mass sightings can still be dismissed as hallucination.

He also mentions an incident involving two jets and a UFO in Illinois, observed by spectators at a ball game. Furthermore, he notes a considerable "flap" of sightings on the West Coast occurring on the same evening as the Washington-area sightings, suggesting a coordinated or widespread phenomenon.

Finally, Jessup recounts receiving a report of two large chunks of ice falling in the same spot minutes apart, an event he finds uncharacteristic of anything dropped from a plane, suggesting it might be related to UFO activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the defense of UFO phenomena against skeptical and debunking viewpoints. The magazine appears to champion the idea that UFOs are real and warrant serious investigation, drawing parallels between modern sightings and historical accounts, including those found in religious texts. The editorial stance is clearly pro-Ufology, aiming to present evidence and arguments that support the existence and significance of UFOs, while critiquing those who dismiss them outright. There is an emphasis on distinguishing between genuine reports and sensationalism or hoaxes.

Title: SAUCERS - FACT NOT FICTION
Issue: 107
Publisher: KING-SIZE PUBLICATIONS, Inc.
Country: USA
Date: Undetermined from scan, but content suggests 1950s.

This issue of SAUCERS - FACT NOT FICTION delves into the interpretation of UFO sightings and the nature of ufology. It presents a pragmatic approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena, offering three distinct possibilities for what might be observed.

Analysis of UFO Observations

The lead article discusses how UFO observations can be approached, suggesting that in certain cases, observers are presented with perhaps three alternatives. These are: (1) meteoritic ice originating from space, (2) ice derived from a fixed source overhead, drawing a parallel to the ideas of Charles Fort, or (3) ice that has been dropped from a hovering UFO. The text humorously suggests the reader can "take your pick - the choice is gratis."

The piece then pivots to a more philosophical point about judgment and observation. It states that while judging a ufologist's hypotheses is one thing, judging the validity of their actual observations is quite another. The author speculates that perhaps UFOs are not currently a primary focus for writer Lester del Rey, but expresses a sentiment that "sooner or later a light may break over him" and he would be welcomed into the field of ufology, despite any perceived "taint of S-F" (Science Fiction) that might currently influence his work.

Advertisement for FANTASTIC UNIVERSE

Following the editorial content, there is a prominent advertisement for KING-SIZE PUBLICATIONS, Inc., encouraging readers to complete their collection of FANTASTIC UNIVERSE magazine. The advertisement highlights that all 48 issues published to date are available and that the magazine "is always star-studded by the best writers in the field." It lists "BARGAIN PRICES" for back issues: single copies at 35 cents, three copies for $1, six copies for $1.75, and twelve copies for $3.25. A coupon is provided for readers to fill out their name, address, and city, zone, and state, along with a space to indicate which issues they wish to purchase. A list of available issues is provided, spanning from June '53 to January '58.

Publisher Information

The advertisement clearly states the publisher's details: KING-SIZE PUBLICATIONS, Inc., located at 320 5th Avenue, New York 1, N. Y., with a reference number FU 82.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, the methodology of ufology, and the distinction between speculation and empirical observation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, distinguishing between the speculative nature of hypotheses and the importance of validating observations. There is also a clear effort to promote and sell back issues of related publications, indicating a business aspect to the magazine's operations. The inclusion of Lester del Rey suggests a connection or awareness of prominent figures in speculative fiction and their potential overlap with UFO interest.