1958 10 00 Fantastic Universe - Shapes in the sky

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE
Issue: Vol. 10, No. 4
Date: October 1958
Publisher: KING-SIZE PUBLICATIONS, INC.
Country: USA
Price: 35¢

This issue of Fantastic Universe features a prominent article titled "Shapes in the Sky" which explores the characteristics of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) as observed in the mid-20th century. The magazine contrasts these modern observations with the earlier research of Charles Fort, noting that while much has been learned, fundamental questions about UFO origins and intentions persist.

Operation Disaster

*By Lee Chaytor*
A short piece, likely fiction or a brief commentary.

Let the Dream Die

*By Stanley Mullen*

Survival in Space

*By Lester del Rey*

Symposium of the Gorgon

*By Clark Ashton Smith*

Shadow of the Sword

*By Wynne N. Whiteford*

Search for Life

*By Clyde Hostetter*

Lap of the Primitive

*By William F. Nolan*

Shapes in the Sky

*By Civilian Saucer Intelligence*

This article, spanning multiple pages, is the central piece of the issue. It begins by referencing Charles Fort and his work, noting that he is now considered a "patron saint of Ufology." The authors state that much more is known about UFOs today than in Fort's time, even though they remain baffling. They present a catalogue of well-substantiated UFO characteristics recognized since Fort's era.

Discoidal UFOs

The article highlights that disk-shaped objects, which Fort seldom mentioned, are now the most common type of UFO sighting, outnumbering the cigar-shaped craft he was familiar with. Examples of discoidal UFOs include:

• The convex lens shape, like two basins joined edge to edge, exemplified by a famous photograph taken on January 16, 1958, near Trinidad, certified by Brazilian Navy officers.
• UFOs from the Tremonton, Utah, movie of July 2, 1952, described by their photographer as "two pie pans, one inverted on top of the other."
• A UFO that nearly collided with an RAF Flight Lt. Salandin's Meteor jet on October 14, 1954, which had a dome-shaped top and a similar round projection beneath.
• The prevalence of objects with an upper dome only, often associated with George Adamski's claims, is noted, with three of the twelve "selected cases" from Project Blue Book's Report #14 depicting such objects.

High-Velocity UFOs

It is emphasized that UFOs are capable of speeds of thousands of miles an hour, a concept that would have surprised Charles Fort. While Fort speculated about "swifts of the sky that can board planets," the speeds required seemed implausibly great to him. Modern reports, however, confirm that UFOs possess the velocities needed to travel between planets.

• The highest UFO velocity measured was about 18,000 miles per hour, observed on April 24, 1949, in Arrey, New Mexico, by a Navy crew. The object shot upwards in a vertical climb, estimated to be at a height of 56 miles and traveling at 5 miles per second (mps).
• Commander R. B. McLaughlin's account in True (March 1950) gives the computed speed as 7 mps.
• Radar observations provide more unequivocal data on UFO velocities. The highest velocity recorded by radar was 2.5 mps in a Gulf of Mexico case.

Radar Observations

Fort had no radar sightings, as microwave radar developed in 1944. Two types of radar sightings are mentioned: "radar angels" (blips without visual confirmation) and combined radar-visual sightings, considered strong cases. Radar has also recorded other characteristics of modern UFOs.

Inertialess Maneuvers

UFOs are noted for their sharp high-speed turns and angular maneuvers, which appear to defy inertia. The first definite observation of this behavior was on June 28, 1947, by four Air Force officers in Montgomery, Alabama, who saw a light approach in a zigzag path with bursts of high speed, then make a sharp 90-degree turn.

• The sensational Nash-Fortenberry sighting over Chesapeake Bay on July 14, 1952, involved six huge red objects performing an "completely amazing" change of direction, described as "a ball ricocheting off a wall."
• A movie captured on August 23, 1953, in Port Moresby, New Guinea, shows an object rising abruptly, losing its tail, and resuming horizontal course.

Orthotenic Lines of Travel

In contrast to sharp turns, UFOs exhibit a propensity to travel along straight lines, as if following invisible tracks. This phenomenon, termed "orthoteny," was observed in France in the fall of 1954. The change in direction involved a full stop, then a descent compared to a falling leaf.

Oscillating Flight

This "dead-leaf descent" in the vertical plane is compared to the oscillation, flutter, or "wobble" observed in horizontal flight paths. The term "flying saucer" itself originated from Kenneth Arnold's description of the motion of objects he saw on June 24, 1947, as having a "flipping motion like saucers skipped over the water."

• Earlier reports of wobbling motion exist but are unverified.
• The spherical "foo-fighters" of 1944-45 and the cylindrical "ghost rockets" of 1946 did not perform in this singular fashion.

Sudden Disappearance

While rare, UFOs have been reported to disappear in broad daylight. One such validated case was described in a previous FU article.

Playfulness

Modern UFO behavior demonstrates curiosity and playfulness. The foo-fighters over Germany and Japan accompanied airplanes, and many radar cases show UFOs tagging along with planes, changing course to observe them, or leading them in chases.

• On November 6, 1957, ground observers in Shawbridge, Quebec, and Plattsburg, New York, witnessed this behavior.
• On July 4, 1957, a red-luminous disk with a cupola accompanied a Brazilian airliner for almost an hour, flying rings around it.
• UFOs have been seen circling inquisitively around balloons and rising rockets.
• Air traffic controller Harry Barnes described UFOs watched on radar as acting "like a bunch of small kids out playing."
• Navy Commander Walter Karig compared UFO maneuvers to "half-grown puppies," with groups appearing on radar, loafing, darting, and then streaking away at high speed.
• Zoologist Ivan Sanderson likened UFO behavior to animals: they "dance; they play tag; they even appear to breed... they are highly inquisitive, but they try to keep out of harm's way."
• A "Folk dance" of three couples of sombrero-like UFOs was observed over Whittier, California, on August 22, 1957.

Angel Hair

Charles Fort was unaware of "angel hair" or "gossamer," which he first noted the inadequacy of the conventional "spiderweb" explanation for. Since 1949, "gossamer" has been reported dropped by UFOs, with variations in its volatility.

Noiselessness

While Fort's UFOs were sometimes noisy, many modern UFOs move so fast that they should be silent. The apparent impossibility of high velocities without acoustic effects has been used by skeptics, but the observed phenomenon suggests that theory may need adjustment, possibly due to propulsion by a synthetic gravity field. Some "motor"-like sounds, described as a high-pitched hum or whine, have been heard.

Electromagnetic Effects

UFOs sometimes produce electromagnetic effects not anticipated by Fort. These "hallucinated-machine" cases occurred repeatedly in Europe in 1954 and were duplicated in the Levelland, Texas, area on November 2-3, 1957.

• In Forli, Italy, a red-luminous object flew over tractors, killing the engine of one.
• On January 30, 1958, in Peru, a lawyer witnessed an "incandescent" object descend, causing vehicles' headlights to go out and engines to die.
• On April 14, 1957, in Vins, France, an object shaped like an ice cream cone vibrated near road signs, causing them to become magnetized.

Physiological Effects

Modern reports include claims of unpleasant bodily sensations in the presence of UFOs, such as noxious odors, "burns," visceral pains, headaches, itching, electric shock sensations, and total paralysis. The "shock" and paralysis were characteristic of the 1954 European wave. The article notes that such claims might be viewed with suspicion, as they could be egocentric features of invented tales.

Six Minutes in Space?

This section briefly mentions an Army plan to rocket a man into space for six minutes and return him safely, suggesting that missile reentry problems had been largely overcome. The plan involved using a Redstone missile and a multiple parachute system for drag.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the "Shapes in the Sky" article is the evolution of UFO knowledge since Charles Fort's time. The magazine highlights the increasing volume and variety of evidence, particularly concerning UFO shapes, speeds, and behaviors that were not documented by Fort. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, presenting observed characteristics and behaviors while acknowledging the persistent mysteries surrounding their origin and purpose. There's an underlying implication that UFOlogy is moving towards scientific acceptance, as predicted by Fort, as the phenomena transition from the "outrageous to the commonplace."

This issue of FANTASTIC UNIVERSE, dated August 1958, is a collection of reviews and articles focused on science fiction literature, UFO phenomena, and emerging technologies. The issue is presented as a compilation of commentary on books of interest to science fiction and fantasy readers, reflecting on the thinking of writers in the field.

Book Reviews and Commentary

The issue opens with a review by Hans Stefan Santesson of Judith Merril's latest anthology, "SF-THE YEAR'S GREATEST." Santesson notes that while the stories are skillfully told, there's a perceived lack of "dedication" among writers, a contrast to earlier times. He discusses the evolving focus in science fiction from physics and chemistry to biology, psychology, and sociology, reflecting a shift towards human behavior. He also touches upon the idea of science fiction being a 'way of life,' a concept he disputes, contrasting it with the more escapist motivations of some readers.

Santesson also reviews other books, including Frederick Pohl and Jack Williamson's "UNDERSEA CITY," which explores the potential for undersea exploitation and colonization, aimed at younger readers but accessible to all. He also discusses Robert A. Heinlein's "METHUSELAH'S CHILDREN," a work set in 2125 featuring a group of long-lived individuals due to scientific breeding.

UFOs and Psychology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the subject of UFOs, or "Flying Saucers." The publication notes its continued interest in the topic due to popular demand and a belief in the curiosity surrounding the world beyond Earth. The issue highlights C. G. Jung's new book, "EIN MODERNER MYTHUS. VON DINGEN, DIE AM HIMMEL GESEHEN WERDEN" (1958). Jung's work is presented as focusing on the psychological and cultural impact of UFO sightings, linking them to modern man's anxieties and historical patterns of seeing celestial signs. While Jung concedes the possibility of psychological explanations, he also considers the potential for manned vehicles or even animate extraterrestrial entities. The article encourages readers to seek out Jung's book, despite potential translation challenges.

Ivan T. Sanderson's "MAN-MADE UFO" is also mentioned, having been discussed on a radio program featuring Sanderson, Lester del Rey, and others. The article notes that the subject of UFOs has attracted various individuals, some of whom may be less grounded in empirical reality.

Technological Advancements

An article by Stephen Bond, "FLYING SAUCER OF THE SEAS," details the development of air cushion ships. This technology, being pursued by engineers in England and Switzerland, aims to create vessels that float on air, propelled by air-screws. The concept is presented as a potential solution for high-speed, economical sea transport, capable of crossing the Atlantic in about a day and a half with significantly reduced costs. The article emphasizes the feasibility of the technology, comparing it to the advancements in space exploration.

Community and Events

The magazine also provides information on upcoming events and initiatives within the science fiction community. It announces the 16th World Science Fiction Convention, SOLACON, to be held in Los Angeles from August 29 to September 1, 1958. Details are provided for membership and attendance. Additionally, a campaign by the "Chicago Committee, Science Thru Science Fiction" is highlighted, which aims to establish Science Fiction Clubs in schools to encourage reading and interest in the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the evolution of science fiction as a genre, moving from hard science to social and psychological explorations. There's a consistent interest in UFO phenomena, viewed through both psychological and speculative lenses. The magazine also showcases technological innovation, particularly in transportation. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed curiosity, encouraging engagement with speculative ideas while maintaining a degree of critical analysis, especially concerning the motivations and output of science fiction writers and the interpretation of unexplained phenomena.