Flying Saucer Digest - No 003 - 1967

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: VOL.1 NO.3
Date: FALL 1967
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Flying Saucer Digest" presents a collection of articles exploring various facets of ufology, with a particular focus on extraterrestrial possibilities related to Mars and Venus, and critiques of government handling of UFO information.

Editorial

The editorial section begins by referencing the magazine's commitment to offering special deals on other publications, noting a positive response from readers. It then introduces "UFOMATION," a new, larger magazine being produced by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, which will cover UFO terminology, report centers, how to report sightings, facts about flying saucers, different UFO shapes, humanoid types, scientific opinions, researcher classifications, and the top UFO cases annually since 1947, along with a reading list and illustrations. An advance printing special is offered at $.75. The editorial also announces that starting with this issue, "Flying Saucer Digest" magazines will be mailed in envelopes rather than being bent and stapled. Suggestions and mail are welcomed and promptly answered.

MARS... Distress Planet?

This article delves into the long-standing question of life on Mars and its two moons, Deimos and Phobos. It recounts the history of their discovery by astronomer Asaph Hall in 1877, noting the puzzling fact that they were not observed earlier despite Mars being closer and observed with more powerful telescopes. The author questions the possibility of Deimos and Phobos being "artificial satellites" constructed by intelligent beings from Mars, drawing a parallel to planned human space stations. The article speculates that these moons, with diameters of 5 and 10 miles respectively, could be hollow and contain living quarters or laboratories, suggesting Martians might have constructed them for space exploration. It also mentions historical observations of strange happenings on and around Mars, including a peculiar beam of light observed by Professor Percival Lowell in 1900, an intense flare spot seen by Sizuo Mayeda in 1937, and a luminous cloud observed by Tsuneo Saheki in 1949. The article concludes by pondering if these phenomena are signals of distress from a civilization on Mars, possibly due to failing irrigation canals.

VENUS... Life In Clouds?

This section explores the potential for life on Venus, considering it a target for Soviet space probes. It draws parallels to Earth's aquatic life, suggesting that life on Venus might exist within its dense clouds. While the National Geographic Society notes that surface temperatures could reach 800 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially melting lead, some scientists believe this data might be misinterpreted and that life could exist in milder atmospheric conditions. Venus is described as tantalizingly mysterious, orbiting the sun at a distance similar to Earth, and possessing comparable size and density, which are crucial for maintaining life. The article presents various astronomical theories about what lies beneath Venus' clouds, ranging from dense jungles to dust bowls or even a vast ocean, though experts disagree on whether this ocean is water or petroleum. The contradictory opinions are attributed to the difficulty of gathering data and the ambiguity of findings.

Strange Object

This article recounts a peculiar incident from June 10, 1909, involving the Danish steamship Bintang in the Straits of Malacca. The ship's log recorded the sighting of a long beam of light under the water, followed by others, resembling revolving spokes of a wheel or searchlight beams. A brighter spot or hub emerged, from which these beams seemed to stem. The captain described "long arms issued from a center around which the whole system appeared to rotate." Half of this "great revolving wheel" was visible above the horizon. The crew realized the lights were not reflections and no other ship was present. The object appeared to sink lower into the water and vanish. The incident, published by the Danish Meteorological Institute, remains unexplained.

Physicist Blames CIA

This article reports on statements made by Dr. James E. McDonald, a senior physicist at the University of Arizona. McDonald stated that unidentified flying objects seen over the U.S. for the past 18 years might be visitors from outer space on reconnaissance missions. He claimed to have reluctantly accepted this extraterrestrial theory after intensive research. McDonald also alleged that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had ordered the Air Force to officially "debunk" all UFO reports. He recounted an experience at Project Blue Book headquarters at Wright-Patterson AFB, where he was inadvertently shown a classified CIA order attached to the Robertson Report, a government-sponsored UFO investigation from 1957. The CIA agent, P. G. Strong, reportedly stated that UFOs were being debunked because widespread reports were "clogging up intelligence channels." McDonald also noted that the CIA's stated reason for debunking was to reduce public interest and the number of sightings. Furthermore, the CIA suggested that civilian UFO organizations should be kept under surveillance as potentially subversive. McDonald asserted that there is strong evidence UFOs are extraterrestrial, describing them as not fitting any known terrestrial form. He theorized that their patterns suggest peaceful reconnaissance missions, explaining "buzzing incidents" and flybys. McDonald criticized the Air Force for failing to properly investigate UFO reports, stating that while Blue Book claims 95% are explainable, the actual percentage is closer to 50%. He accused Air Force investigators of trying to explain away reports as balloons, birds, or atmospheric phenomena, and criticized a regulation making it a crime for airmen to report sightings to civilian organizations, leading to a "vast official silence."

So Big, So Small

This article reflects on the diversity of theories regarding the universe and its origins, including those of astronomers and UFO researchers. The author expresses personal interest in the universe, particularly the relationship between gravity, disturbances on stars and planets, and the production of electricity on Earth. The piece suggests that the universe is a vast subject for contemplation, and the author intends to share their own theory, inviting the reader on a "little space jaunt."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the possibility of extraterrestrial life on nearby planets (Mars and Venus), the mystery surrounding unexplained aerial and maritime phenomena, and a critical stance towards government agencies like the CIA and the Air Force regarding their handling of UFO information. The magazine appears to advocate for the extraterrestrial hypothesis and questions official explanations, highlighting the work of researchers like James E. McDonald and historical unexplained sightings. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into UFOs, promoting understanding and clarification of the subject, and challenging conventional scientific and governmental narratives.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER DIGEST delves into speculative journeys through the cosmos, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and reports on unusual phenomena. The magazine, published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, features articles that explore the vastness of space, the possibility of life beyond Earth, and specific UFO sightings and unexplained events.

A Journey Through the Universe

The issue opens with a vivid, imaginative narrative titled "your mind." This piece takes the reader on a hypothetical journey, starting from Earth and rapidly traversing the solar system, passing planets like Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn at incredible speeds. The narrative describes the sensation of passing stars and galaxies, emphasizing the immense distances and the feeling of insignificance in the face of cosmic scale. It culminates in a realization that all the stars and galaxies, when viewed from a certain perspective, can appear as a single point of light, fitting into a small, relatable object like an apple. This section is highly metaphorical, aiming to evoke a sense of wonder and perspective about humanity's place in the universe.

"Intelligence in the Universe" Book Review

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reviewing the book "Intelligence in the Universe" by Roger A. MacGowan and Frederick I. Ordway III. Published by Prentice-Hall Inc., the book is described as a "provocative study of the major factors determining the probability that intelligent life exists beyond the limits of the Solar System." The review highlights that the book examines established data, probes current studies, and offers new material on the subject. It covers topics such as the Universe, planetary systems, the development of intelligent artificial automata, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The review specifically mentions a chapter titled "Empirical Evidence of Extrasolar Intelligence" as likely to intrigue UFO enthusiasts. The reviewer, Elmer F. Schutt, expresses a strong positive opinion of the book, deeming it "very interesting and well compiled."

Curious Orbital Phenomena

An article from the July issue of Science Digest is mentioned, detailing five curious areas of orbit with neutral gravity between the Earth and the Moon. These phenomena were first referenced in 1772, and the author is identified as Thomas M. Morse, an electronic and space guidance engineer at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

UFO Retrospective: Killian Sighting

The magazine presents a detailed account of a UFO sighting that occurred on February 24, 1959. Captain Peter W. Killian and first officer John Dee, flying a DC-6 aircraft from Newark, N.J. to Detroit, Michigan, reported seeing three UFOs in formation while flying over Bradford, Penn., at an altitude of 8500 feet. The objects appeared as three lights, yellowish-white in color, traveling in a "precise line" to the south, slightly higher than their aircraft. Initially thought to be the Belt of Orion, one object eventually broke formation and approached the DC-6. The pilot, Killian, prepared for evasive maneuvers, but the object slowed down as if observing the plane before returning to its formation. Killian reported the sighting to other airlines, and six other airline crews confirmed seeing the display. The incident also caused some passenger anxiety.

Icarus Asteroid Near-Miss

A report addresses concerns about the asteroid Icarus potentially colliding with Earth. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory issued a denial of a "scary report" suggesting a collision, stating that Icarus would pass four million miles away, with a potential deviation of only 100 to 150 miles. The report also mentioned that the United States, Britain, and Russia were reportedly studying the possibility of using a nuclear rocket to prevent a collision, though the Smithsonian denied knowledge of such studies. The article includes a definition of an asteroid and quotes Dr. Paul Herget and Dr. Gerold Clemence, authorities on asteroids, who agreed there was virtually no chance of Icarus striking Earth.

Night Monster in East Pakistan

A brief report details a mysterious "monster" terrorizing the town of Jessore, East Pakistan. Police were searching for the creature, which reportedly emerged at night, attacked people, killed a baby girl, mauled a rickshaw driver and a woman, and destroyed cattle. The report notes that the creature "vanishes" after attacking. An editor's note poses a question about its similarity to the "moth man" phenomenon, promising further facts in the next issue.

Readers' Contributions and UFO Magazines

The "Readers Say" section includes testimonials from Joseph E. Badger and Ronald C. Calais. Badger praises FLYING SAUCER DIGEST for its potential to become a significant publication in the UFO field, emphasizing the importance of reporting facts. Calais also commends the publication for its interesting and well-illustrated content, urging a focus on facts for scientific acceptance. The issue concludes with a listing of available "UFO Magazines" from the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, including "Saucer News," "Saucer Album," "UFO Reporter," and "UFO Magazine," along with their prices and subscription options. An order blank for the United Aerial Phenomena Agency is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the vastness and mystery of the universe, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages exploration of these topics, presenting both speculative narratives and factual reports of sightings and scientific discussions. There is a clear emphasis on presenting information related to UFOs and related subjects, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in these areas. The inclusion of reader contributions and reviews of books and other publications suggests an effort to foster a community around these interests.