1958 07 00 Fantastic Universe - Shapes in the sky

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: JULY
Price: 35c
Publisher: ICD
Content Focus: Science fiction, UFO phenomena, and space travel.

The Truth About Flying Saucers by Morris K. Jessup

This section, presented as the lead article on the cover, delves into the phenomenon of UFOs and their alleged effects on humans. The article, written by Morris K. Jessup and attributed to 'Civilian Saucer Intelligence', discusses reports of UFOs causing physical harm, particularly 'radiation burns'.

James Stokes Incident (Orogrande, New Mexico)

The article begins by referencing previous discussions about Air Force responses to UFO sightings and then focuses on cases where individuals claimed to have been burned while watching UFOs. The Orogrande, New Mexico incident of November 4 is mentioned, where James Stokes reportedly received a 'sunburn' after observing a 'flying egg' UFO. This claim was reportedly verified by ufologist Coral Lorenzen, who saw Stokes's burn. While the Air Force suggested it might be from prolonged sun exposure, the burn reportedly appeared and disappeared within two days, adding a layer of mystery.

Rene Gilham Incident (Merom, Indiana)

Another significant case detailed is that of Rene Gilham, a 33-year-old ironworker from Merom, Indiana, on November 6. Gilham observed a brightly luminous object, estimated at 40 feet in diameter and hovering 1000 feet up. The object beamed an 'eerie, penetrating light' that bathed his farm. During this event, Gilham's face began to itch and redden, leading to a diagnosis of a burn similar to those from arc welding. Physician Dr. Joseph Dukes confirmed it was not a rash but a genuine burn. Gilham's condition worsened, requiring hospitalization, and he was reportedly held incommunicado. The incident was noted by the Terre Haute Tribune, with 'military authorities' informed. The article notes that the burn lessened and Gilham was expected to be released.

Olden Moore Incident (near Montville, Ohio)

Several hundred miles northeast, on the same night, Olden Moore, a plasterer from Painesville, Ohio, reported seeing a bright object moving eastward. The object stopped, split into two, with one part moving upward and the other descending. Moore described it as changing color from white to a green haze and then blue-green as it settled about 200 feet above a field, emitting a 'whirring sound'. The object, described as circular and about 50 feet in diameter, landed. Upon investigation, 'footprints' and two holes in the ground were found. A Geiger counter registered radioactivity at the site, initially 150 microroentgens per hour, which decayed to 20-25 microroentgens per hour over two hours, suggesting a half-life of about 42 minutes for a 'hot' isotope. The article speculates that the original radiation level could have been very high, potentially dangerous.

Mildred Wenzel's Car Contamination

Oddly, Mrs. Mildred Wenzel's car, parked nearby, was found to have measured 35-40 roentgens (likely microroentgens) after being exposed to the area where the object landed. She also reported that her TV reception was blurred that night, suggesting possible electromagnetic interference.

Leita Kuhn Incident (Madison, Ohio)

On November 10, four days after Moore's sighting, Mrs. Leita Kuhn in Madison, Ohio, reported seeing a large, acorn-shaped object about 100 feet up. She watched it for half an hour and later developed a body rash and vision problems, which a doctor attributed to radiation burns and a significant shock. However, tests did not show typical radiation sickness symptoms, and the eye injury was considered possibly due to the object's brightness.

August 1955 Incident (Northern Cincinnati, Ohio)

Referring to an earlier case from August 1955, an anonymous witness in northern Cincinnati reported being awakened by his dog to find a brilliant white oval object resting on the ground. The object pulsed intensely, irritating his eyes, before rising abruptly. The witness suffered impaired eyesight requiring medical attention.

Jack Robertson Incident (Lufkin, Texas)

Another earlier case, from April 20, 1950, involved Jack Robertson, a pharmacist from Lufkin, Texas. He encountered a round object, about eight feet in diameter, which gave off a red glow and appeared to be made of aluminum. After hovering for five minutes, it departed with a 'whooshing roar', emitting sparks. Robertson felt a burning sensation on his face, and reporters noted a reddish cast resembling a sunburn.

Problems of Space Travel

This section shifts focus to the challenges of human space travel. It highlights that despite the success of the Vanguard satellite, much remains unknown about returning from outer space. Major General Dan C. Ogle, surgeon general of the Air Force, is cited regarding physical and psychological problems. The 'break-off phenomenon'—a feeling of confusion and helplessness at the edge of Earth's gravity—is mentioned as a concern for future astronauts. The psychological strain of confinement in a 'lonesome void' and monotony is also discussed, along with potential hypnotic reactions from intense concentration. The article describes the 'twilight of space' at roughly 75 miles, where light scattering ceases, stars are visible, and sound transmission stops, emphasizing the need for highly trained and resilient space travelers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and their alleged physical consequences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and investigative details without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the possibility of misinterpretation or hoaxes. The inclusion of scientific perspectives, such as the analysis of radioactivity and the discussion of space travel challenges, suggests an attempt to ground the more speculative content in a broader scientific context. The recurring theme is the potential for unknown phenomena to impact human health and the environment, alongside the exploration of humanity's future in space.