Flying Saucer Review vol 1 no 10

Magazine Overview

Title: THE FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 10
Date: October 1955
Publisher: SPACE OBSERVERS LEAGUE
Price: 30c

This issue of The Flying Saucer Review, the official publication of the Space Observers League, presents a collection of UFO sighting and landing reports from the mid-1950s. The magazine aims to document and disseminate information about unidentified flying objects, often with an underlying tone of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief in the reality of these phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by the Editor (Robert J. Gribble), discusses the current state of UFO reporting, describing a "calm" that is "man made" and attributing it to increased censorship. The editor suggests this calm is temporary and precedes a significant "storm" of activity. He posits that the "dam of ridicule" is cracking and the "fog" obscuring the truth is lifting. For skeptics, this calm fuels doubt, while believers are encouraged to be patient, as the time for vindication is approaching. The editorial also notes the Air Force's establishment of new ground observer stations and mentions that merchant ships and fishing vessels on the Pacific Ocean have been asked by the Navy to report unidentified flying objects. The editor speculates that these preparations are linked to the close approach of Mars in 1956 and suggests that if life exists on Mars or Venus, or if these planets are used as bases, then the current surveillance has a purpose. He concludes by stating that the national wire services and newspapers are becoming more cautious about publishing UFO stories, implying a coordinated effort to prepare for something significant.

Landing Reports

Landings Reported in Indiana & California

This section details two significant landing incidents. The first occurred on the evening of August 26th in Bedford, Indiana, five days after the Hopkinsville, Kentucky landing. Two women reported a "huge white Saucer" hovering near a house, which left "half circle" impressions in the ground. The object was described as larger than a room, with a black streak down the center, and its pulsating glow caused house lights to dim, possibly due to an electro-magnetic field. The women, initially frightened, waited for their husbands, and upon investigation the next morning, found impressions about a quarter of an inch deep. The second incident took place on August 29th near Riverside, California, where a "squadron of red, blue, orange and silver Flying Saucers" landed. This event was witnessed by a dozen children, some of whom were reportedly "paralyzed" by flashing lights. One boy described being "floated" from a tree to a rooftop and then to the ground, unharmed. The saucers were described as spherical and of different colors. One witness claimed to see a man about 30 feet tall emerge from a saucer, while another described a man in a funny costume with weapons that paralyzed two boys. The saucers reportedly took off with a whirling motion.

Object Sighted At Ottertail Lake Minnesota Believed To Be Flying Saucer

A summer resident of Ottertail Lake, Minnesota, and his guest reported a sighting on July 14, 1955, at approximately 7:52 p.m. While returning from a fishing trip, they noticed a brilliant object suspended in the sky. They watched it for about 15-20 minutes. The object was described as "somewhat like an elongated balloon, squashed together, and seemed to be standing perpendicular." Initially sighted about 75-80 degrees to the east, it moved into the south quadrant. The witnesses noted it was unaffected by wind currents and did not drift. Using binoculars, they observed what appeared to be a row of windows or portholes along its side, resembling a train coach, and a "V" shape on its underside. The color was described as "whiteish," possibly like aluminum in the bright evening sun. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of about 25,000 feet and appeared to be "half the size of the moon." It departed by moving in a sweeping arc, climbing perpendicularly into the south through cloud layers. One witness expressed a long-held hope to see a flying saucer to verify its existence and felt the object's prolonged presence suggested an observation mission.

Sumpter, South Carolina Incident

Following up on a report from the September issue about a landing near Sumpter, South Carolina, the magazine received more information about activity the morning after the reported landing. On August 18th, two women and an eight-year-old girl traveling from Orangeburg to Columbia, South Carolina, observed an object in the eastern sky. Initially thought to be an airplane, it moved slowly and silently, crossing the highway. It disappeared suddenly, and shortly after, six or eight jets appeared from the west at high speed. The object was described as silver in color. The witness stated that she and her daughter saw something and that people are often afraid to report such sightings for fear of ridicule, but she believes the Sumpter landing report was likely genuine. The witness also speculated that the object might have been picked up on radar at Shaw Air Force Base.

Flying Saucer Swishes Into Life of Skeptical Family

An Oklahoma family, previously skeptical, became believers after witnessing a flying saucer on August 22nd. While driving along U.S. 270, west of Laverne, Harper county, the wife spotted the object first. She described it as "a bunch of white colored birds flying counter-clockwise," which then started "glinting in the light like a bunch of aluminum sheets." It moved extremely fast, disappearing in three or four seconds. The husband added that the object, or objects, "bobbed up and down as it circled around from ahead of their car to the side and behind," appearing to be at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The experience led them to remark on how strange it is when such events happen to oneself. The article concludes by stating that the list of skeptics is growing smaller.

Flying Saucer Books

This section, appearing on page 24, is a listing of books related to flying saucers. Specific titles and authors are not detailed in the provided pages, but it indicates a section dedicated to further reading on the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of UFO landings and sightings, witness testimonies (often from ordinary citizens, including children), and speculation about government secrecy or cover-ups related to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly pro-investigation and pro-disclosure, advocating for the reality of flying saucers and criticizing what is perceived as censorship and ridicule from mainstream sources. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information that is otherwise suppressed, encouraging readers to remain vigilant and informed about ongoing UFO activity. There is a notable emphasis on the potential significance of astronomical events, such as the close approach of Mars, as triggers for increased UFO activity.

This document is a collection of reports detailing sightings of strange objects and flying saucers across various locations in the United States during August and September 1955. The reports are presented as short, anecdotal accounts from witnesses, often with minimal official explanation.

Strange Objects Over Nebraska

On August 23rd, 1955, several witnesses in Geneva, Nebraska, observed a strange object high in the sky to the southwest. The following day, August 24th, an object similar to the one seen over Geneva was sighted in the Beatrice, Nebraska area.

Flying Saucer Over Winchester, Va.

On August 26th, 1955, at 6 p.m., a flying saucer was seen passing over Winchester, Virginia, from west to east while it was still daylight. One witness initially thought it was an airplane reflecting the sun but concluded it was moving too slowly to be one, regardless of its altitude. The object took approximately 45 minutes to disappear from view. It was described as resembling a large star, only about three times as bright, with no discernible color or vapor trail.

That same evening, strange objects were observed in the sky over Henryetta, Oklahoma. A witness reported seeing three white objects hanging in the sky directly in front of her house around 1 a.m. She watched them for about half a minute before they disappeared one by one. The objects were described as being low, situated between two hills. The witness stated, "They formed a rough triangle," with the middle object receding and disappearing, while the other two moved to the left and faded out.

Peculiar Object Over Edenton, N. C.

On August 27th, 1955, a silver, round object was viewed by witnesses in Edenton, North Carolina. Several witnesses spotted the object in the air to the east of town and observed it for a long time, with one witness seeing it until late in the morning. It appeared stationary most of the time, located about 5,000 feet in the air. The object looked like it might have been over the Marine base or further out, appearing to head southeast and then return. It was silvery in color and appeared to be large. At one point, the object seemed to turn a light blue and moved rather slowly. Calls were made to personnel at the Marine base, but they reported nothing unusual. The witnesses were convinced it was not a weather balloon, blimp, or barrage balloon.

Flying Saucer Over Arcadia, Calif.

A flying saucer was spotted drifting in the northern skies over Arcadia, California, on September 2nd, 1955. One witness described the object as longitudinal, with a red light at one end and a green light at the other, both appearing to blink while the object itself was stationary. The witness and her husband observed the object with binoculars, first seeing it over the rim of nearby mountains before it rose slowly into the sky. Arcadia police also saw the object and checked with the international airport and the Civil Aeronautics Administration, but the object remained unidentified.

Motorist Plays Tag With Flying Saucer

A motorist reported a flying saucer escort for approximately 15 miles on the evening of September 3rd, 1955, on the highway between Baker and Halfway, Oregon. The motorist and his wife noticed a flat, well-illuminated object moving above them. They observed that when their car went downhill, the object would zoom downward, and when it went uphill, the object would zoom upward. On a level stretch of road, the saucer cruised at the same pace as the car. When they stopped the car, the object also stopped and remained motionless above them until the car started again. There were no clouds in the sky, which was illuminated by a near-full moon.

Round Mystery Object Hovers Over Vallejo, Calif.

A large, round object floated high in the air above Vallejo, California, on September 6th, 1955, for several hours, causing excitement among citizens. The object hovered over the city most of the afternoon and drifted out of sight after nightfall. Some witnesses speculated it was a runaway weather balloon, but the U.S. Weather Bureau stated that it would be practically impossible for a weather balloon to remain in one spot for that period. The Bureau noted that most weather balloons rise at a rate of 800 to 1000 feet per minute, and heavier balloons rise slower but are out of sight within two hours.

On the evening of the Vallejo sighting, a ball of fire, appearing to be about the size of an airplane, was seen traveling east over the vicinity of Georgia, Vermont, around 8:30 p.m.

Flaming Object Over Sand Point, Idaho

Two witnesses reported a strange object in the sky over Sand Point, Idaho, on September 9th, 1955. One witness observed a strange object slowly but steadily descending in the western sky. He left his dinner table to get his binoculars for a better view. Upon observing the object through binoculars, he saw it had a brilliant streamer of red trailing after it, passing through a shallow cloud bank and then disappearing. He initially thought it might be a jet plane falling but realized it was descending much too slowly. Another witness described the object in the northwest sky as a "giant torch or shaft of flame with a long grey tail," slowly and steadily descending southward for a full ten minutes until it disappeared behind the hills.

UFO Over Stillwater, Okla.

An unidentified flying object was seen hovering in the sky over Stillwater, Oklahoma, around 7 p.m. on September 12th, 1955. Descriptions of the object ranged from a "dark object the size of an airplane" to a "brilliant orange object about three times the size of a star." First reports indicated the object was traveling southeast but later observations placed its direction of travel generally eastward. At least one group of persons observed the object for over 30 minutes. One witness described it as a sphere in two parts: the upper part was brilliant orange, and the lower part, suspended, was blue-green. The object appeared to be traveling at a very high rate of speed and ascending rapidly.

That same evening, a bright, shiny object floated across the skies south of Riverside, California, the location of a reported landing on August 29th. Officials at March Air Force Base said it was a weather balloon, but some witnesses disagreed. One witness, using an eight-power telescope, reported it was triangular in shape, looking like three round objects grouped together. Another witness, who had been investigating spacecraft for over two years, used a 40-power scope and reported it looked like a parachute with a long string hanging down. He stated that on September 7th, he saw another object in the same area that was definitely a spaceship. Another witness reported the object appeared to be moving back and forth and had rings around it, like Saturn. After dark, when the object was no longer visible, witnesses reported colored lights flashing across the sky.

The following day, a pair of mysteries occurred in Riverside: an unexplained blast and a "thing" in the sky. The blast rocked homes and rattled windows throughout the city and neighboring communities. The Air Force attributed this to a weather balloon and a jet breaking the sound barrier.

Blast Reported Off N.J. Coast

Coast Guard craft investigated reports of a mysterious explosion off Sandy Hook, New Jersey, on September 5th, 1955, but found no traces of any mishap. A helicopter and patrol boats were recalled after one vessel reported hearing a blast followed by a puff of smoke. Sports fishing boats and pleasure craft also reported the explosion. The Coast Guard was satisfied no boat was involved and expressed doubt that a derelict mine or depth charge had been detonated.

Two huge traffic jams and near panic occurred in the Sunset District of San Francisco on September 29th, 1955, following a mysterious blast that shook a large section of the city at 7:24 p.m. Neither civil nor military agencies could find its source or explain it. Three jet planes from Moffett Field Naval Air Base were aloft at the time, but authorities doubted their capability of breaking the sound barrier or being in the area. Another blast hit the same area on October 8th, preceded by a "rumbling noise." Military airfields reported jets in the air but disclaimed responsibility.

Hundreds See Saucer

On September 29th, 1955, the author received a phone call from a local citizen whose skepticism about flying saucers had suddenly changed. He reported that he and two other witnesses had sighted a "terrifying" object over Corpus Christi, Texas, on the night of September 28th at about 8:57 p.m. The witness described the object as "tremendous" in size, with an orange center and a brilliant green outer rim, and heat or flames leaping from the outer edges. He stated it could not have been a meteorite. One witness called the nearby naval base to report the sighting, and about half an hour later, the skeptic also called. The officer on duty informed him that dozens of people were calling to report the strange object and that planes had been sent into the area. The witness reported the officer was in a state of "hysterical fright." Soon after the call to the naval base, many planes were sighted in the area.

The following day, the author contacted the local newspaper, which stated that about 250 people had called to report the object, but no article appeared in the paper. When the author called the naval base, the officer in charge denied receiving any calls and stated there were no strange objects in the sky. He claimed he would have been notified if such a report had been received and that the Navy would take no further action.

A woman witness reported that her four children and a friend had sighted the object, shouting "Flying Saucer, Flying Saucer" for nearly two minutes. She initially dismissed it as the children playing "space man." When informed of the naval officer's denial, she insisted they were not telling the truth, as she saw a fleet of planes search the area and searchlights come on at the base where the object had disappeared.

Formation Of Glowing Lights

On September 24th, 1955, at about 9:11 p.m., the author was traveling east on highway U.S. 10, about 2 miles west of Cle Elum, Washington. With two other passengers, he saw a cluster of "white lights" flying in a V formation, coming straight down the highway heading west, not more than 1,000 feet in the air. The formation reached their car and suddenly made a 90-degree left turn directly in front of them before disappearing. The formation seemed to be following a group of cars heading west. The objects gave off an ivory-white color and no sound. They were visible for about five seconds. The author described it as the most incredible thing he had ever seen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the widespread reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, commonly referred to as "flying saucers" or "strange objects," across the United States during the summer of 1955. The reports are presented without definitive explanations, often highlighting witness accounts and the lack of official confirmation or investigation. There is an underlying implication of potential government secrecy or reluctance to acknowledge these events, particularly noted in the Corpus Christi sighting where official denials contrasted with witness experiences and subsequent military activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these sightings and raising questions about their nature and the official responses, as suggested by the concluding note: "It seems as if they are afraid of something. What?..." and the editors' note about a "dead free press."

This issue of "Flying Saucers" (Volume 3, Issue 12, dated May 1953) focuses on "Two Spectacular Sightings Come To Light," detailing compelling reports of unidentified flying objects from different parts of the world. The magazine includes witness accounts, analysis, and a list of related books.

Brazilian Sighting: Ilha dos Amores, Brazil (May 7, 1952)

The lead article describes an encounter by two Brazilian reporters working for a magazine at Ilha dos Amores, Brazil. Around 4 p.m. on May 7, 1952, they observed a peculiar aircraft approaching from the sea. Initially thought to be a distant airplane, its sideways travel and considerable speed puzzled them. After a few seconds, they realized it was a circular disc moving soundlessly without a vapor trail. The object was blue-grey in color, metallic in appearance, and not glowing. It completed a semi-circle over the Tijuca woods, then ceased its movement, losing altitude in a "pendulum fashion" before accelerating at "terrific speed" and disappearing out to sea. The reporters managed to take five photographs. These were shown to Sir Miles Thomas, chairman of BOAC, who suggested it might be the wheel-cover of a DC-3 or DC-4. However, a comparison revealed no similarity, and the reporters were certain the object was large, "twice the size of an airplane." The article concludes that the object was real, had a symmetrical shape, and was not merely a "fiery lump in the sky," suggesting it was more than just "natural" sky phenomena.

English Sighting: Topcliffe, Yorks, England (September 1952)

The second report details an observation by a group of RAF airmen during the "Mainbrace" exercise in September 1952. While at RAF station Topcliffe, Yorks, they witnessed a disc following a Meteor aircraft. One pilot, with 3,700 hours of flying experience, described it as unlike anything he had ever seen. The Meteor was descending from 5,000 feet in clear, unlimited visibility. The white, silver, circular object was observed about ten thousand feet up and five miles astern of the Meteor, traveling at a lower speed but on the same course. The pilot exclaimed, "What the hell's that?" Crew members initially speculated it might be an engine cowling or a parachute. However, the disc maintained a slow forward speed before descending, then stopped and hung in the air, rotating on its axis. It then accelerated at "incredible speed" to the west, turned southeast, and disappeared. The incident lasted fifteen to twenty seconds. During its rotation, the object flashed in the sunshine. It was estimated to be the size of a Vampire jet aircraft at a similar height. The airmen were convinced it was a solid object, not a smoke ring, vapor trail, or weather balloon, and something they had never seen before.

Similarity and Analysis

The article draws a parallel between the two individual cases, noting their occurrence on opposite sides of the Atlantic and observation by experienced, reasonable people. It questions whether these objects were "three dimensional structures and entirely free of atmospheric reflection." The recurring "pendulum motion" is highlighted. The author ponders if these cases, given the certainty of the witnesses and the dismissal of atmospheric phenomena, could be hoaxes. The piece concludes with a plea for responsible judgment, urging readers not to dismiss the word of "responsible personnel" and to "seek the truth in as fair a manner as possible."

Seattle Sighting: Seattle, Washington, USA (circa 1951-1952)

A reader's report from Seattle describes a phenomenon witnessed about a year prior to the article's publication, during winter. While walking to work near the Boeing airport, the witness observed a large airplane landing with its lights on in the dark. Suddenly, the entire area lit up "as bright as day." The witness looked towards the airfield just in time to see the plane pass over a large, round, white "spot." Four such spots were arranged horizontally in a perfect row, appearing "semi-transparent" and hanging still as if unaffected by gravity. The "tremendous light" was caused by the airplane passing over the first spot, with the area becoming dark again as the plane moved on. This occurred twice more before the plane landed. The witness discussed the incident with co-workers, many of whom also witnessed the light from 10 to 15 miles away. Some described the light as having various colors, including blue, red, and yellow, prompting the question, "Flying Saucers?"

Flying Saucer Books and League Information

The issue includes a section listing books available for purchase from "Flying Saucers International" in Los Angeles, California, and "Boderland Sciences Research Associates" (BSRA) in San Diego, California. Titles range from "The Case For The UFO" by M.K. Jessup to "Saucers--quarterly magazine." A back cover advertisement from the "SPACE OBSERVERS LEAGUE" in Seattle, Washington, urges the public to "Report All Sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects" and provides a list of details to pay special attention to: Time, Sound, Color, Shape, Outstanding Construction, Motions, and Maneuvers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO sightings, witness credibility, and the analysis of aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the reporting of sightings while urging careful, unbiased consideration of the evidence. The magazine promotes the idea that these sightings are significant and warrant serious study, moving beyond simple explanations of natural phenomena or hoaxes.