1958 05 00 Fantastic Universe - We never catch them - Sanderson

Magazine Overview

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction, dated May and priced at 35c, features a striking cover illustration by Virgil Finlay depicting a space-suited alien confronting a bird-like creature near a rocket on a flying saucer, set against a rocky, alien landscape. The cover prominently highlights its lead features: "Bait for the Tiger" by Lee Chaytor, "We'll Never Catch Them" by Ivan T. Sanderson, and "Needed-Space Intelligence" by Lester Del Rey.

Featured Articles and Stories

"Bait for the Tiger" by Lee Chaytor

This issue includes a new novel titled "Bait for the Tiger" by Lee Chaytor. While the full text of the novel is not provided in the scanned pages, its prominent placement on the cover suggests it is a significant offering in this issue.

"We'll Never Catch Them" by Ivan T. Sanderson

Ivan T. Sanderson's article, "We'll Never Catch Them," delves into the complex nature and behavior of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Sanderson revisits four previously discussed possibilities for their origin: human-made machines, extraterrestrial craft, animate or inanimate natural phenomena, or something else entirely. He argues that while earth-made machines are becoming less likely as an explanation for past sightings, the possibility of continued government secrecy exists, though it cannot explain all sightings given the historical limitations of aviation technology. Sanderson introduces the concept of a "Life Field," a third force, distinct from gravitational and electromagnetic fields, to which living entities are subject. He suggests that UFOs might be manifestations of this "Life Field," potentially enabling phenomena like teleportation. He posits that if UFOs are alive or controlled by life, they are activated by forces not yet understood, capable of moving them out of any situation. Sanderson also touches upon the idea of parallel evolution across the universe, leading to intelligent beings with advanced interstellar travel capabilities. He considers the possibility that some UFOs might be natural, inanimate objects from space, whose nature is not yet understood. The article emphasizes that no single explanation likely covers all UFO sightings, comparing the diversity of UFOs to the vast array of life in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Needed-Space Intelligence" by Lester Del Rey

Lester Del Rey's "Needed-Space Intelligence" is presented as a key feature. The content of this article is not fully visible in the provided scans, but its inclusion alongside Sanderson's work suggests a focus on the broader implications of space exploration and potential extraterrestrial contact.

"Field Report" by Roger Dee

This section presents a "field report" from an alien perspective, written by Roger Dee. The report details the observations of extraterrestrial investigators studying human culture. The aliens, part of the "Kharth Development Corps," find human beings "confusing" and have spent "nine orads of time" studying a "G-3 primary" planet with a nine-planet system. They note that eight planets are sterile, with life only on the third. The report includes coordinate charts and field films, indicating a systematic scientific study of Earth and its inhabitants.

"Virgie" Narrative

The magazine also includes a narrative, seemingly a personal account, about a character named Virgie. The narrator, referred to as "Uncle Reb," recounts how Virgie, who has unusual physical characteristics (glass eyes, different skin color, four toes), is adapting to human life. She describes her own people's experience of emotions as a "quiet thing" compared to the "rolling wave" of human feelings. Uncle Reb expresses concern about Virgie's future and her potential to fully integrate, or perhaps be lost, among humans. The narrative culminates with Virgie being seen kissing "Kiah Piersall" in the autumn, indicating a step towards human relationships.

Teleportation and Related Phenomena

Several articles and sections explore the concept of teleportation and related phenomena. The discussion, particularly in Sanderson's "We'll Never Catch Them" and the subsequent pages, delves into the scientific and theoretical possibilities of teleportation. It is linked to the "Life Field" and suggested as a potential explanation for the inexplicable behavior of UFOs, including their ability to start and stop instantaneously, change direction abruptly, and "dim out" or vanish. The possibility of natural teleportation is also explored, referencing phenomena like "rains of blood, seeds, frogs, etc." and "great stones that mysteriously move." The text questions whether some items, like steel nails found in limestone strata, could be evidence of teleportation. The implications of teleportation as a defensive or offensive weapon are also considered, with a note that governments might be disinclined to discuss UFOs due to the potential dangers of such technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction appears to focus on the mysteries of the universe, particularly concerning UFOs and the potential for extraterrestrial life and advanced phenomena like teleportation. The editorial stance seems to encourage scientific inquiry into these subjects, even when they verge on the metaphysical or seem "unscientific." There is a clear interest in exploring theories that challenge conventional understanding, as evidenced by the inclusion of Sanderson's work on the "Life Field" and the speculative nature of the "field report" from an alien perspective. The magazine also engages with fictional narratives that explore themes of otherness and adaptation, such as the story of Virgie.

Themes

UFOs, Teleportation, Extraterrestrial life, Paranormal phenomena, Alien perspectives, Human adaptation

Tags

UFO, Science Fiction, Alien, Space Intelligence, Teleportation, Paranormal, Life Field, Extraterrestrial, Ivan T. Sanderson, Lester Del Rey, Lee Chaytor, Cover Story, Magazine, Vintage Sci-Fi, Alien Report

Key Persons Mentioned

Lee Chaytor (author), Ivan T. Sanderson (author), Lester Del Rey (author), Virgil Finlay (artist), Uncle Reb (character), Virgie (character), Kiah Piersall (character), Dr. J. B. Rhine (researcher), Dr. Karl Anderson (researcher), Charles Fort (writer), Einstein (physicist), Dr. H. A. Bayliss (Curator of Worms), Winifred Duncan (author), Sir David Brewster (President of Royal Society), Roger Dee (author), Kharth (character).

Organizations Mentioned

CSI, U.S. Airforce, Foundation for Integrated Education, Royal Society of London, Galactic Cntr, Kharth Development Corps.

Locations Mentioned

Antarctica, Greenland, Arctic Canada, West Africa, London, New Jersey, Scotland.

Object Characteristics

Shape: lenticular-shaped. Behavior: instantaneous starts and stops, dimming out, vanishing, right-angle turns. Speed Estimate: excessive speed. Altitude Estimate: upper atmosphere.

Key Incidents

October 13, 1956, Northern New Jersey: An alleged balloon sighting described as a 'green light' of astronomical proportions and erratic behavior.

Notable Quote

"If UFOs, as opposed to lumps of ice, bolides, tectites and other IFOs, are alive or controlled by life, they are probably activated by forces we do not yet understand, but which can get them out of anything, anywhere, any time;" says Ivan Sanderson in the latest of his articles written specially for FU.

FAQ

Q: What are the main articles in this issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction?
A: This issue features "Bait for the Tiger" by Lee Chaytor, "We'll Never Catch Them" by Ivan T. Sanderson, and "Needed-Space Intelligence" by Lester Del Rey.

Q: What is Ivan T. Sanderson's theory on UFOs?
A: Sanderson discusses four possibilities for UFOs: human-made machines, extraterrestrial origin, animate or inanimate shapes, and introduces the "Life Field" as a guiding force beyond gravitational and electromagnetic fields.

Q: What is the narrative about Virgie?
A: The story follows Virgie, who is revealed to be of non-human origin and is adapting to human life, with concerns about her future and her integration into human society.

Q: What is the "field report" about?
A: The "field report" by Roger Dee is from an alien perspective, describing their study of humans and their culture on a "G-3 primary" planet, finding them "confusing."

Summary

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction (May, 35c) presents a compelling mix of science fiction narratives and speculative non-fiction. The cover story, "Bait for the Tiger" by Lee Chaytor, is complemented by Ivan T. Sanderson's in-depth exploration of UFO phenomena in "We'll Never Catch Them." Sanderson posits the existence of a "Life Field" as a potential explanation for UFO behavior, including teleportation, and discusses various theories on their origin. Lester Del Rey contributes "Needed-Space Intelligence," further engaging with themes of space exploration. A unique "field report" by Roger Dee offers an alien perspective on humanity, detailing extraterrestrial investigators' observations and findings about Earth and its inhabitants. The issue also includes a narrative about a character named Virgie, who is adapting to human society despite her non-human origins, highlighting themes of otherness and integration. The magazine delves into the scientific and theoretical possibilities of phenomena like teleportation, linking them to UFO behavior and potential future technologies, while also considering the implications for governments and society. The overall tone encourages exploration of the unknown and challenges conventional scientific understanding.