Flying Saucer Digest - No 002 - 1967

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: VOL.1 NO.2
Date: SUMMER 1967
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Allan J. Manak, Editor, discusses the long-standing question of the reality of objects traversing Earth from another world. It notes that despite skepticism, a significant number of people in the United States alone have reported seeing unidentified flying objects. The editor posits that to understand the future of ufology, one must look to the past, citing a sighting in Egypt in 1504 B.C. and other ancient records suggesting aerial objects dating back to 3500 B.C. The editorial highlights that throughout history, people of all nations have recorded sightings of strange aerial crafts. Authors like Fort, Wilkins, Jessup, Edwards, and Evans are credited with bringing attention to this phenomenon. The piece concludes by stating that the future of ufology is dependent on sightings and that the current pace of reporting indicates that ufology is not only here to stay but is at its highest point.

Derenberger's Contact

This article details an encounter experienced by Woodrow Derenberger, a local salesman from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who previously did not believe in flying saucers. On a Wednesday night, around 7:25 P.M., while driving home, Derenberger reported seeing a "dark, long object" traveling at the same speed as his vehicle. The object, described as charcoal grey and metallic, shaped like an old kerosene lamp globe with a flat bottom and a dome-like top, hovered about eight to 10 inches above the pavement. It emitted a "fluttering, soft noise." A door opened, and a human-like occupant emerged, communicating with Derenberger via "thought waves or mental telepathy." The occupant, described as six feet tall, 35-40 years old, 185 pounds, with dark hair and complexion, wore a "blue and quite shiny" short topcoat and trousers. The occupant stated, "Have no fear, we come from a country that is not nearly as powerful as yours. We mean you no harm." The "saucer" hovered 50 to 75 feet over the highway while the conversation took place. The occupant identified himself as a "searcher" named "Cold." Before leaving, the occupant promised to contact Derenberger again and suggested he notify local authorities. The UFO then departed at "tremendous speed." Derenberger was visibly shaken and reported the incident to the Parkersburg police and the Air Force. Authorities stated he did not appear to be a fanatic and noted he attends church regularly and believes in God. Derenberger expressed willingness to take a lie detector test and stated he would have a "million questions to ask" if contacted again.

The Thing

Written by Arthus Shuttlewood, Editor of the Warminster Journal, this article recounts the "Incredible, Sensational, Stupendous and fantastic THING" that occurred in Warminster. The phenomenon began with "weird crackling noises" and a peculiar droning sound, which frightened a mother. The Warminster head postmaster, Roger Rump, described the noise as if the rooftop was being "roughly battered." Among the evidence collected were reports of dead mice found in gardens of affected houses, with their bodies burnt and riddled with holes. Sightings of unusual sky objects followed, including a "glowing cigar shaped thing having a black circular patch or aperture at the bottom" reported by a village vicar and his family, and "Twin red hot pokers hanging down wards, a black space between" seen by a retired factory security man and his wife. Many visual reports stressed "huge eyes in the sky" or "car headlights glaring down." Shuttlewood states he dealt with 190 pieces of evidence in less than nine months. The town's population of 11,000 swelled to over 18,000 due to visitors seeking information about "The Thing." The article notes that Warminster is near Salisbury Plain, with Army training centers and an aero-research station at Boscombe Down. Despite the widespread reports, military authorities deny any responsibility for the phenomena. A spot-check of 100 people revealed that 15 percent thought it feasible that Earth was under aerial survey from another planet, while most others dismissed it as "absolute rot." Shuttlewood concludes that after months of investigation, he believes the phenomenon is "OUT OF THIS WORLD!"

Strange Object

This section reports on a strange object observed on November 17, 1882, by E. W. Maunder, a famous astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, along with several of his expert colleagues. This sighting occurred long before the concept of "flying saucers" or electronic detection devices existed. The object's fantastic shape was spotted suddenly, appearing as if out of nowhere. It moved steadily across the sky, and Maunder and his associates observed it through a large telescope, comparing notes and impressions. While descriptions varied, they were all alike, with the shape being described as a "cigar," "torpedo," "spindle," or "shuttle." The witnesses agreed that the object was "too fast for a cloud and too slow for a meteor" and appeared to be a "definite body with a dark nucleus." The article speculates that perhaps one day the mystery of these UFOs, spotted by eye or radar, will be known.

Qualified UFO Observer

This article discusses the qualifications necessary to observe and report unidentified flying objects (UFO's). It addresses the common criticism that many sightings are made by people who are "unqualified," often described as adolescent youngsters, poor, and uneducated. The article argues that such criticisms often stem from a desire to dismiss reports that do not conform to established scientific laws, rules, and theorems. It questions whether a caste system is being established, where only individuals with higher education or degrees are considered capable of reporting or making decisions about UFO phenomena. The author asserts that many individuals responsible for significant advancements in various fields, who could be classified among the "uneducated, poor," were not from an undesirable caste. The author, who investigates UFO sightings, has found that individuals reporting UFOs are responsible citizens, not from an undesirable caste, and that they may possess one or two items from the list of condemnations but are still credible. The author states that they belong to a UFO organization composed of people who are responsible citizens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, encounters, and the historical context of these phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the long history of reported aerial objects, dating back to ancient times, and highlights recent sightings as evidence of an ongoing and potentially increasing phenomenon. There is a clear stance in favor of investigating and understanding UFOs, as evidenced by the U.A.P.A.'s mission statement and the editorial's optimistic outlook on the future of ufology. The articles also touch upon the skepticism faced by witnesses and the challenges in getting official recognition or scientific validation for UFO reports. The issue promotes the idea that credible witnesses can come from any background and that the study of UFOs is a legitimate field of inquiry.

This document is the first issue of 'Flying Saucer Digest', published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, dated April 1967. The magazine aims to provide a well-rounded view of the UFO picture, featuring interesting and informative articles rather than solely focusing on profit. The issue covers a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, scientific speculation, and future technology.

Articles and Features

Teleportation by 2067

An article from MACHINE DESIGN (2/16/67) reports on Professor John Lyman's prediction that by the year 2067, humans will travel by teleportation. This process involves feeding an individual's entire genetic code into a computer and transmitting it to another computer, where the individual can be reconstructed from stored materials. Lyman states that while it sounds wild, the basic concepts do not violate known physical laws.

Life Familiar to Man May Fill the Universe

Another article from MACHINE DESIGN (3/16/67) features Dr. Fred M. Johnson, Chief Physicist Scientist at Electro-Optical Systems, Inc. After thirteen years of research, Johnson has identified space chlorophyll, a key compound for life on Earth, in interstellar dust grains. He suggests this discovery implies that life in forms familiar to man may exist throughout the Universe.

What is Happening on the Moon?

An article from SCIENCE AND MECHANICS (April 1967) by John Brewer challenges the notion that there have been no records of unidentified objects on, above, or near the Moon. Brewer's article lists strange and mysterious happenings reported by astronomers over the past 150 years, suggesting the Moon may not be a dead world but could be inhabited.

Saturn's Tenth Moon

SCIENCE DIGEST (March 1967) reports on the discovery of Saturn's tenth moon by a French astronomer. This moon orbits Saturn every 18 hours and has a diameter of 100 to 200 miles, being obscured by the planet's rings.

Quasar Quandary

SCIENCE DIGEST (March 1967) discusses quasars, originally thought to be exploding galaxies. Two scientists from the University of Michigan, Hugh D. Aller and Fred T. Haddock, detected rapid changes in polarized radio signals from a quasar, indicating a region of origin less than one-tenth the distance from the Sun to the nearest star. The power radiated by the quasar is significantly greater than that of the entire Milky Way Galaxy, a phenomenon that remains unexplained.

Another Salem?

The author reflects on the challenges of investigating UFO phenomena as an engineer bound by established laws and theorems. They question whether the reluctance of scientific and engineering professions to admit phenomena that defy known laws creates a 'great wall of China' around themselves. The author suggests that a greater use of free-thinking and interchange of ideas among inventive and creative persons might lead to solutions.

Living Saucer

This section revisits Kenneth D. Arnold, who is credited with ushering America into the age of the flying saucer 20 years prior. Arnold expresses confidence that these objects are real and may even be alive, dismissing explanations like 'swamp gases' as idiotic. He recounts his 1947 sighting of nine 'saucer-like' objects near Mt. Rainier, Washington, which swerved like geese in a diagonal chain. Arnold estimated the line of objects to be at least five miles long. He also described a 1952 encounter where he felt the objects were 'alive' and could change density. The article notes that the Air Force attributes most sightings to balloons, aircraft, mirages, or celestial bodies.

Saucer Nests

In Tully, northern Queensland, Australia, the discovery of three 'flying saucer nests' has caused a stir. These nests, described as areas of flattened reeds about 30 ft. in diameter, have led to numerous flying saucer sightings and the formation of a UFO club. The RAAF is investigating, collecting grass clippings from the nest sites. George Pedley reported seeing a saucer take off from a swamp where one nest was found. He described a blue-gray craft, about 25 ft. across and nine feet high, that rose swiftly and moved at a 'terrific speed'. RAAF experts in Canberra are also examining the possibility that helicopters caused the 'nests'.

UFO Retrospective

On August 20th, 1949, Professor Tombaugh observed six or eight rectangular greenish lights moving uniformly overhead in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He described them as flat objects, possibly windows of an object silhouetted against the sky, which diminished in size as they receded. The set of rectangles formed a rigid pattern. Tombaugh expressed astonishment, wishing he had binoculars.

Mystery Satellites

According to a New York Times Service report from Washington, three unidentified satellites have been discovered in orbit around the Earth. Discovered in May and June by tracking radars, their launching or country of origin is unknown. This is the first time the official catalog has listed 'unknowns' among tracked space objects. The objects could be natural meteoroids or manmade debris. Their orbits suggest they might be of American or French origin. Military officials initially resisted listing them as 'unknowns' fearing it would fuel 'flying saucer' enthusiast claims, but they were eventually listed. The report also mentions a Soviet Union launch on September 17th that resulted in an object separating into at least 51 pieces, apparently due to an explosion.

Readers Say

This section includes positive feedback from readers. Timothy Green Beckley, Editor of Searchlight Magazine, praises the publication for being on top of the UFOlogical heap. Pat and Gladys Smith congratulate the magazine on its first issue and express a desire for more well-rounded UFO coverage. Rick R. Hilberg of UFO Magazine commends 'Flying Saucer Digest' for publishing interesting and informative articles, distinguishing it from publications solely focused on profit.

Adds

This section briefly discusses the potential answers to 'Flying Saucers What Are They?', suggesting the answer lies in documented contact and 'little men' cases, with pilots described as coming in various shapes and sizes. It also promotes the monthly publication 'Searchlight' and 'UFO Magazine's' 1967 Annual Issue, 'Saucer Album'.

Magazines

Advertisements for 'Flying Saucers in the Bible' and 'Saucer News' issues are listed with prices. Orders can be placed with the UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY.

Lectures by the Board Members of the United Aerial Phenomena Agency

A schedule of lectures given by board members is provided for March, April, and May 1967, listing the organization, location, and attendance for each event. Contact information for booking lectures is also provided.

Cartoon and Quote

A cartoon depicts a flying saucer with a 'FOR SALE' sign, with a figure saying, "It comes with a 100,000 light year guarantee." Another item mentions an Air Force spokesman at McGuire Air Force Base stating that unidentified flying object reports have been received from New Jersey, with a response from 'Newark Evening News' implying skepticism about the Air Force's stance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the intersection of scientific inquiry with phenomena that challenge current understanding. The editorial stance, as indicated by reader feedback and the magazine's stated aims, is to present serious, informative content on UFOs, encouraging open-minded investigation and a departure from conventional scientific dogma when necessary. There is a clear emphasis on exploring the unexplained and challenging established explanations for observed phenomena.

This document is a single page, likely from a magazine issue, serving as an order blank for "Flying Saucer Digest." The page features a prominent subscription advertisement and an order form. The magazine is promoted as "THE TOP UFO MAGAZINE" and is described as a "BIG" 8½" x 11" publication loaded with "FULLY ILLUSTRATED" articles covering strange sightings, mysterious landings, scientific astronomy, and creatures or aliens.

Subscription Information

The order blank is from the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, P. O. Box 9811, Cleveland, Ohio 44142. It provides the following subscription rates:

• 4 issues for $2.00
• 8 issues for $3.75
• 12 issues for $5.50

An order form includes fields for NAME, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE, and DEPT.-2.

Cover Elements

Visually, the page includes a black and white illustration of a classic flying saucer. Above the main advertisement, there is a cartoon with a quote attributed to a character named PELGER: "Quit worrying...no life form on this planet exceeds four inches." The cartoon depicts a stylized alien head with large eyes looking out from a planetary landscape with small celestial bodies. The page is numbered "-21-" at the bottom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is clearly UFOs and related phenomena, including alleged alien encounters and sightings. The editorial stance, as indicated by the promotional material, is to provide detailed, illustrated content on these subjects, positioning "Flying Saucer Digest" as a leading publication in the field. The inclusion of a humorous alien cartoon suggests a lighthearted or engaging tone alongside the serious subject matter.