Flying Saucer Digest - No 031

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: No. 31
Publisher: UAPA Publications
Date: October 1976 (inferred from issue number and content)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published by UAPA, delves into the history of the organization and its various publications, alongside reporting on significant UFO sightings and film analyses.

The History of UAPA

The magazine begins by recounting the founding of the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA) in November 1966, initiated by two individuals discussing UFOs over drinks. The name "Flying Saucer Classics" was initially considered for a magazine, but the name "Flying Saucer Digest" was later chosen. UAPA's first publication, Issue No. 1 of 'Flying Saucer Digest', was distributed for free, resulting in 86 subscriptions for Issue No. 2, which sold out in one month. Subsequent issues saw increasing subscriber numbers, with Issue No. 3 having 187 subscribers.

UAPA also published 'Ufomation', which covered the fundamentals of Ufology, and 'Flying Saucer Classics', featuring the top 20 Ufology cases through 1967 with illustrations, selling 400 copies in its first two months. Issue No. 4 sold out 500 copies in one month, and 'UFO Terminology' was published, becoming a large seller due to its comprehensive definitions in the field. Issue No. 6, published in conjunction with the Congress of Scientific Ufologists (now The National UFO Conference), sold 300 copies in less than five hours during a public session. Issues 7 through 10 received praise, and during this period, UAPA published ten UFO maps, which became their largest seller, reaching a sixth printing four years later and remaining in use in Ufology.

UAPA also published a newsletter, later merged into 'Flying Saucer Digest', titled 'UAPA Newsletter', which lasted six issues. They also published a book, 'The Best of Flying Saucer Digest'.

From Issues 11 through 17, UAPA experienced what they described as their greatest years, introducing 'Phenomenology' and ten UFO Illustrations. They also published 'UFO Existance: The Proof' and a special magazine, 'Flying Saucer Ventures'. With the changing landscape of Ufology, UAPA changed its name to Mystique. After four issues, due to reader demand, they reverted to the name 'Flying Saucer Digest'. The quarterly magazine became an annual, with Issue No. 24 in 1974 and No. 25 in 1975. UAPA aimed to cater to both individual researchers and the general public interested in flying saucers. They now publish the bi-monthly newsletter 'Flying Saucer Chronicle' as a supplement to 'Flying Saucer Digest'.

Due to the rising costs of paper, printing, and mailing, publishing a 28-32 page magazine four times a year became difficult. The alternative was a newsletter, which subscribers receive every eight weeks. After ten years and 31 issues, the name reverted to "Flying Saucer Digest" due to its familiar ring and recognition in the field. This decision was influenced by requests from people worldwide. The editor notes that with fewer UFO publications available, returning to a recognized name was deemed beneficial.

More on the Tremonton Films

Arthur Lundahl, a former director of the government's National Photographic Interpretation Center, who previously identified Russian missiles in Cuba, states he has seen a genuine UFO film that he believes could not have been faked. He analyzed approximately 1,600 frames of 16mm Kodachrome motion picture film from a UFO movie shot in Tremonton, Utah, by Navy photographer Delbert Newhouse in 1952. The film showed objects of unknown size moving at high speeds, estimated at 1,700 miles per hour, and changing colors from red to blue to green. Lundahl and his colleagues spent hundreds of man-hours examining the film for doctoring, including dust flecks or camera bellows issues, but found no explanation. The film was also shown to the Robertson panel, an expert group convened by the CIA in 1953.

Lundahl is convinced the sighting goes beyond known earthly explanations. Despite extensive analysis to rule out birds, planes, or reflections, no conventional explanation was found. The speed of the objects, moving at 1,700 mph in 1952, ruled out any known aircraft or government research at the time. Experts determined the objects were not reflections of light sources or heavenly bodies.

Delbert Newhouse, then 63, recalled that on July 2, 1952, while driving with his wife from Washington, D.C., to Oregon, they saw about 15 bright, aluminum-colored objects turning in the sunlight. He had to retrieve his camera and load the film, by which time the objects had moved away.

Lundahl retired in 1973 and was later awarded the Knight Commander of the British Empire for his work with England during World War II.

Ohio Sighting

On the evening of October 22nd, 1976, two girls, Renee Kaiser and Susan Sullivan, driving in Belmont, Ohio, saw a strange light in the southern sky. Initially thought to be an airplane, the light appeared close to their car, causing alarm. The light followed them as they drove home. Their family, initially skeptical, later observed the light hovering in the northeastern sky. It was described as a flat oblong shape, emitting short jerky rays of blue and green light, dimming and brightening. The sighting occurred on a cool, clear night around 8:10 p.m. and lasted for about 45 minutes. The light was last seen hovering over the area in January 1976, and has been a topic of discussion among local CB radio users for months, observed within a 30-mile radius of Cadiz to St. Clairville, Ohio.

End of Year Sale

UAPA announced a special sale of over-stocked UFO material, offering the next 5 issues of Flying Saucer Digest for free with any purchase of $3.00 or more. Prices for various publications are listed, including 'Flying Saucer Classics' for $1.00, 'Flying Saucer 1947-1967' for 75¢, 'UFO Terminology' for 75¢, 'Flying Saucer Digest Nos. 24 & 25' for $1.00 each, 'UFO Maps (10 per set)' for $2.50/set, and 'Flying Saucer Illustrations (10 per set)' for $2.50/set. The next 5 issues of 'Flying Saucer Digest' were offered for $2.50.

Publication Information

The Flying Saucer Digest is published bi-monthly by UAPA Publications, P.O. Box 9399, Cleveland, Ohio 44138. Subscription rates are $2.00 for 5 issues and $3.75 for 10 issues within the U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico. International rates are $4.00 for 5 issues and $5.90 for 10 issues. The publication is described as a nonprofit dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects of undetermined origin. Allan J. Manak is the Managing Editor, and Donna M. Manak handles circulation. Comments and manuscripts are welcome, with a request for a stamped, self-addressed envelope for returned submissions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the history and evolution of UFO publications, particularly those produced by UAPA. The editorial stance is one of dedication to the study of unidentified flying objects, emphasizing the importance of documenting and analyzing sightings, films, and terminology within the field. There is a clear focus on historical accounts and the establishment of Ufology as a legitimate area of research, as evidenced by the detailed history of UAPA and the discussion of significant cases and publications. The magazine also highlights the challenges and business aspects of publishing in this niche field, including the shift from magazines to newsletters due to cost pressures.