Flying Saucer Digest - No 100 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER
Issue: 100
Volume/Date: WINTER 87 (1987)
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY (UAPA)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editor's Notes and Commentary

The editorial section celebrates the 100th issue of FLYING SAUCER DIGEST, marking 20 years since its first publication in Spring 1967. The editor reflects on the longevity of the publication compared to others like FATE, SPACE WORLD, ASTRONOMY, and PLAYBOY, noting that 100 issues is a significant achievement in the often ephemeral world of UFO publications. The editor reminisces about the early days, crediting Allan J. Manak and Ronald J. Pelger for co-founding the magazine and Elmer F. Schutt for his contribution. The editor expresses pride in being part of this special 100th issue and hopes readers enjoy it.

A Mine Field

This section reprints an article by James Melesciuc, Massachusetts State Director for MUFON, originally published in the Massachusetts MUFON NEWSLETTER. The article, titled "A Mine Field," discusses the current state of UFOlogy, particularly the surge in abduction reports and the media's attention to them. Melesciuc notes that while the influx of cases has increased the workload for investigators, it has also brought in many individuals who are more driven by belief and faith than by evidence. This, he argues, can be detrimental to the field, akin to debunkers who dismiss evidence without proper investigation. He warns that the field is like a "mine field," requiring careful study and slow, deliberate steps to navigate safely. The article touches upon the impact of figures like Whitley Streiber and the potential for self-styled experts to damage the credibility of UFO research through a hunger for publicity or financial gain. The MJ-12 controversy and the rise of channeling are also mentioned as factors contributing to an aura of illegitimacy around Ufology, prompting some researchers to regroup.

The Billy Meier Case: Light Years

This section reviews Gary Kinder's book "LIGHT YEARS: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL EXPERIENCES OF EDUARD MEIER." The article notes that the book, published eight years after the initial book "UFO - CONTACT FROM THE PLEIADES," delves into the claims of Eduard "Billy" Meier's contact with Pleiadian cosmonauts. Meier reportedly offered photographic evidence, physical artifacts, and sound recordings. However, the review highlights that the book raises more questions than it answers, even for the main investigators. The article quotes Edward J. Ruppelt's classic book "THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS" on the nature of proof. The author's "gut feeling" is that the alleged evidence in the Billy Meier case is "just too good to be true."

The "Nessie" Controversy

The article briefly discusses the recent search for the Loch Ness Monster, which, despite a comprehensive search, failed to find the creature. However, anomalous radar blips were detected. The section includes a quote from a "Cleveland Plain Dealer" editorial that argues the Loch Ness Monster legend is an essential part of modern history and a myth made true by the failure to disprove it, serving a human need for enigma.

A Winter's Reading List

This section provides recommendations for books:

• THE SPACE-AGE SOLAR SYSTEM by Joseph F. Baugher: An up-to-date look at the Solar System.
• THE VIOLENT EARTH by Frank W. Lane: A study of natural planetary violence.
• THE GOLDEN BOUGH by James G. Frazier: A study of customs, superstitions, and beliefs of primitive peoples.

About This Cover

Ronald J. Pelger, a co-founder of FLYING SAUCER DIGEST and a renowned UFO illustrator, created the cover art for this special 100th issue. The cover story describes a businessman whose car breaks down on a lonely road in Northern Maine, encountering a UFO.

Veteran Ufologist Returns

Rick R. Hilberg is returning to write his column "Around And About The Saucer World" for the publication.

News Update

• Mars Observer: The spacecraft will use a thermal neutron detector to search for water beneath the Martian surface.
• "The Primal Fear: Are We Alone?": An article from ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE discusses the fear of cosmic loneliness.
• James Sexton: A man survived being shot six times in the head.
• Atmospheric Analysis: Analysis of air bubbles in 80-million-year-old amber suggests Cretaceous period air had about 30 percent oxygen, compared to today's 21 percent.
• Earth-Moon System Model: A model suggests that 3.8 billion years ago, days lasted 14 hours and years were over 600 days long.
• OMNI Magazine: Recommended articles include one on alien abductions and an interview with NASA administrator Dr. James Fletcher.

Manak's Notebook: Unidentified Submergable Objects

This section compiles several historical sightings of Unidentified Submergable Objects (USOs):

• 1845: A ship observed three huge disc-shaped objects rising from the sea, connected by glowing streamers.
• 1953: A ship in the Mediterranean reported a huge disc-shaped object rising from the water and disappearing into the sky.
• March 23, 1957: A glowing object plunged into Lake Maracaibo, prompting a police search.
• December 1959: A Swedish ship reported a brilliant cone-shaped craft descending from the sky, emitting flares, and entering the water with a loud explosion, causing turbulence.
• August 4, 1967: A saucer-shaped object, composed of two parts joined by a ring with triangles, rose from the water near Recife, Brazil, hovered, and then sped away.
• August 27, 1967: Three grey disc-shaped objects emerged from the ocean near Catia Lar Mar Beach and flew off.
• October 4, 1967: Witnesses in Shag Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada, sighted a yellowish object with lights descending into the ocean, leaving a single light offshore. Navy confirmed no aircraft or ships were in the area.

Easley's Notebook: The MJ-12 Controversy

This section details the controversy surrounding the release of documents that allegedly prove a government cover-up of UFOs, known as the MJ-12 documents. The documents, purportedly from a "TOP SECRET Research and Development/Intelligence operation," were prepared for President Eisenhower in 1952 and involved a group called Majestic-12, established by President Truman. The documents mention the crash of a UFO near Roswell, New Mexico, in July 1947, and the discovery of four dead, small human-like beings. The official cover story was that the object was a misguided weather research balloon. The section notes the controversy between believers and skeptics, with Philip J. Klass proclaiming the documents a "hoax." The article also discusses a memorandum from Robert Cutler to General Twining regarding a briefing on the "NSC/MJ-12 Special Studies Project." The author expresses a "wish" for the documents to be authentic but a "gut feeling" that they might be a hoax or fraud.

UFO Retrospective

This section looks back at the first 99 issues of FLYING SAUCER DIGEST, highlighting key articles and topics covered over the past 20 years:

• Issue #1 (Spring 1967): "Captured Saucer Near Germany?" by Ronald J. Pelger.
• Issue #2 (Summer 1967): "Editorial" by Allan J. Manak, discussing early UFO sightings.
• Issue #3 (Fall 1967): "So Big, So Small" by Allan J. Manak, on the vastness of space.
• Issue #4 (Winter 1967): "Night Creature" by Robert S. Easley, about the Moth Man.
• Issue #5 (Spring 1968): "Challenging The Hollow Earth Theory" by Lawrence Blazey.
• Issue #6 (Summer 1968): "Same Old Song" by Allan J. Manak, about unexplained phenomena at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.
• Issue #7 (Fall 1968): "Alternate Realities: The Gate" by Allen H. Greenfield, on the fascination of UFOlogy.
• Issue #8 (Winter 1968): "Editorial" by Allan J. Manak, noting the decline of UFO publications.
• Issue #9 (Spring 1969): "The Migration From Space" by Ronald J. Pelger, on the possibility of extraterrestrial origins.
• Issue #10 (Summer 1969): "Editorial" by Allan J. Manak, questioning witness credibility.
• Issue #11 (Fall 1969): "Where Are They From?" by Robert S. Easley, discussing intelligent UFOs.
• Issue #12 (Winter 1969): "Mysterious Creatures" by Timothy Green Beckley.
• Issue #13 (Spring 1970): "The Hopkinsville Incident" by Robert S. Easley.
• Issue #14 (Summer 1970): "The News Blackout" by John J. Robinson, on UFO reporting.
• Issue #15 (Fall 1970): "Saucer Fragments From The Past" by Rick R. Hilberg.
• Issue #16 (Winter 1970): "Defining UFOlogy" by Robert S. Easley.
• Issue #17 (Spring 1971): Book Review of John Keel's "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse."
• Issue #18 (1947 - 1971 Spells UFOlogy): By W. A. Schumann.
• Issue #19 (Editorial): By Allan J. Manak.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of FLYING SAUCER DIGEST include the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges of UFOlogy (skepticism, hoaxes, and the need for evidence), government secrecy and cover-ups (highlighted by the MJ-12 controversy), and the reporting of specific UFO sightings and related mysteries like USOs and the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging both the fascination and the difficulties in studying UFOs, while also expressing a desire for genuine proof. There's an emphasis on critical thinking and the importance of evidence, even while exploring controversial topics. The magazine champions the pursuit of knowledge in the UFO field and celebrates its own longevity in doing so.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER is the 100th issue, dated Winter 1987, published by the UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY DIGEST. It serves as a retrospective, compiling articles and editorial notes from its extensive archive, spanning from its early days as VOL.I NO.1 in Spring 1967 to the present.

Retrospective of Articles and Themes

The magazine revisits numerous articles and themes that have been central to UFOlogy over the years. Early issues, such as #22 (April 1973), featured reflections on the enduring mystery of UFOs and the historical presence of 'monsters.' Issue #23 (August 1973) by Robert S. Easley lamented the stagnation of the UFO movement, characterized by personality clashes and accusations of government censorship.

Several articles touch upon military encounters and the nature of UFOs. Issue #24 (date unspecified) by Allan J. Manak mentioned Air Force personnel firing on strange, possibly transparent, little discs. Issue #29 (December 1980) by James Kemple explored the 'Aerodynamics Of The Disc,' citing evidence of force-fields affecting compass needles, car engines, and radio interference.

UFOlogy and Societal Commentary

Robert S. Easley, a frequent contributor and editor, often interjected commentary on broader societal and political issues. In Issue #25 (August 1973), he speculated that aliens might have planted humanity as a 'crop' and would intervene to prevent a 'Great War' that could destroy Earth, thus preserving their 'Evolution Experiment.' In Issue #24 (July 1980), Easley criticized the U.S. government's budget cuts to NASA, reducing funding for important programs. Later, in Issue #25 (August 1980), he expressed concern over the Supreme Court's potential error in allowing life forms to be patented and the implications of Congress handling such matters.

Historical Cases and Investigations

The magazine references various historical UFO cases and investigative efforts. Issue #13 (July 1979) mentioned Leonard H. Stringfield's claim of having 'final and total substantiated proof' that the government possessed crashed UFOs. Issue #16 (November 1979) discussed 'chemiluminescence' as a potential cause for UFO sightings in Defiance County, Ohio. Issue #44 (April 1982) referred to the 'Allende' Dossier, which was purported to contain evidence of a 'myth-tery' through documents and letters from Carl M. Allen.

Notable Figures and Events in UFOlogy

The issue notes the passing of key figures in UFOlogy. Kenneth Arnold, famous for his 1947 sighting, passed away on January 16, 1984. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFOlogist, died on April 27, 1986. The magazine also touches upon the 'Condon Report,' with the editor noting after 15 years that its conclusions might have been closer to the truth than initially believed.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

Alfred Tulchensky's article, "Do UFOs Exist? Now It Can Be Told!" recounts a personal sighting in Siberia on August 22, 1967. While a passenger in a helicopter, he observed a fast-moving object that abruptly stopped, changed course 90 degrees, and vanished. The pilot, Volodya Novikov, indicated that pilots were under strict orders not to discuss such sightings.

Another section, "AROUND AND ABOUT THE SAUCER WORLD," details various recent sightings. This includes a report from the "Great American Race" where a 1912 fire truck crew reported seeing two unidentified flying objects near Yuma, Arizona. A Japanese TV crew reportedly captured a videotape of the lights. The section also covers a low-level UFO sighting in Citra, Florida, witnessed by Stephanie James and a Deputy Sheriff, described as automobile-sized with headlights and colored lights. Further reports include sightings in Madison, Wisconsin, involving red and blue lights, and a moon-shaped object observed by police officers. A sighting over Lake Blaine, Montana, described three vertical white lights and a blinking light. Recent reports also detail strange red and green lights near Marquette, Iowa, and a UFO with flashing lights seen by fifty people in Derbyshire, England.

Editorial Stance and Future Outlook

Robert S. Easley, in his "From The Editor" pieces, consistently advocates for transparency regarding UFO information, stating, "We should have a right to know just what the hell is going on in the skies." He also expresses a belief that by the year 2187, humanity might still be grappling with the UFO mystery, unless they have destroyed themselves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs, the history of sightings and investigations, the role of government and potential cover-ups, and the personal experiences of witnesses. The editorial stance, particularly from Robert S. Easley, is one of advocating for open access to information and a continued, critical examination of UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misidentifications. The magazine aims to document the UFO phenomenon comprehensively, drawing from its extensive past issues to provide context and perspective.