Flying Saucer Review vol 1 no 8

Magazine Overview

Title: THE FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 8
Date: August 1955
Publisher: Space Observers League
Country: USA
Price: 30c

This issue of "The Flying Saucer Review" is the official monthly publication of the Space Observers League, a non-profit organization dedicated to gathering information on "Flying Saucer" sightings, landings, and attempts-of-communication. The magazine serves as an outlet for reports that might otherwise be "psychologically-censored" or ridiculed. The officers of the club firmly believe that these saucers are aircraft from other planets. The publication does not necessarily underwrite every article, but aims to present a representative selection of received material, retaining editorial rights to clarify and abbreviate.

Membership in the Space Observers League, which includes 12 issues of the magazine, costs $3.00 per year. The League welcomes reports of sightings, current or past, and assures confidentiality unless otherwise instructed.

Articles and Reports

A Look Into The Past by W.C. Peavler

This article explores the historical context of "Flying Saucers," suggesting that modern scientific understanding may eventually validate what is currently considered un-feasible. It draws parallels between the "Saucer narrative" and ancient legends of supernatural or exalted abilities, possibly remnants of a bygone culture. The author posits that Sanskrit, as an ancient language, contains knowledge from past civilizations, including concepts like the atomic structure of matter and the relativity of time and space, which align with modern interpretations of celestial flying ships. The piece suggests that humanity is at a pivotal moment between the past and future, where progress may lead to fantastic discoveries, and that contact with extraterrestrial life might be an ultimate purpose for those observing Earth's growth. The author believes that the lack of confirmed contact implies an effort to prevent panic among those unable to comprehend such a concept, but that eventually, humanity will realize they are not alone in the universe.

Disembodiment Of Man For Space Travel Seen

This section features a prediction by William P. Lear, chairman of the board of Lear Inc., who believes that in the future, humans will travel by being "broken up into vibrations and relayed electronically." Lear's theory is based on the scientific understanding that matter is composed of vibrations, which can be transmitted like sound images. He suggests that the human body, being matter, could be disassembled into vibrations, transmitted electronically, and then reassembled at the destination, making space travel almost instantaneous.

Sighting Reports

This section details several UFO sightings from various locations:

• Apple Valley, California (December 16, 1954): The observer reported a cigar-shaped object made of bright silvery material, stationary at approximately 25,000 feet for over 18 hours. At night, it appeared as a reddish-orange glow, and in the morning, it was silvery. The object had two ports at one end and a single row of bolts or small holes along its length. Approximately fifty people, including deputy sheriffs and medical personnel, witnessed the event. Authorities from George Air Base initially stated they had planes in the area but later denied the incident.
• Omaha, Nebraska (March 16, 1955): The observer experienced unusual interference on KMTV, with a superimposed conversation in a foreign tongue. The TV screen crackled, and pinpoints of light appeared, obscuring the regular program. The dog of the observer also became highly agitated during the event.
• Grafenwohr, Germany (May 1, 1955): A "Flying Saucer" was observed for about ten minutes, appearing as a bright light about 500 feet up. The object was spherical, made no noise, and had no visible tail or exhaust. It performed four horizontal passes at approximately 100 M.P.H., hovered, and then accelerated northeastward. Two other witnesses, initially skeptical, also saw the object. The location is near the Russian sector, making airplane or helicopter activity unlikely.
• Los Angeles, California (January 5, 1955): While driving, the observer saw an object that looked like a large box kite falling. It was made of a material that did not reflect light, appearing as dull metal with light grey lines. The object moved parallel to Eagle Rock Road with a soundless, effortless motion, covering a distance of about 25-50 feet from overhead to out of sight in one to two seconds. Its size was estimated to be that of an automobile.
• Plattsburg, New York (April 9, 1955): A detailed sighting was made in conjunction with a member of the Office of Civil Defense, Ground Observation Corps. The sighting was reported to the Albany Filter Center and the Air Defense Command. Attempts to photograph the object resulted in blank negatives, with the entire roll of film appearing milky-white.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the belief in their extraterrestrial origin. The Space Observers League positions itself as a credible source for such reports, aiming to legitimize accounts that are often met with skepticism or ridicule. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the submission of sightings and emphasizing the potential for advanced civilizations and interplanetary travel. The publication also touches upon the historical and scientific implications of these phenomena, suggesting a broader context for understanding UFOs beyond mere speculation.

This issue of The Flying Saucer Review, dated July 1955, presents a collection of 'Sighting Reports' and speculative articles on UFO phenomena and their potential implications for Earth's history and future. The magazine is published by Flying Saucers International and features content from various sources, including reprints from 'Fate' and 'Saucers' magazines.

Sighting Reports

Vermont Sightings (April 9, 1955)

The issue details three distinct sightings that occurred on the morning of April 9, 1955, in Vermont. The first sighting, at 1:30 AM, involved a rust-colored, round object surrounded by a misty cloud, observed moving low over Lake Champlain at an estimated altitude of 1,500 to 2,000 feet. It moved towards Grand Island, Vermont, banked left, and disappeared behind mountains. Investigations with local authorities yielded no reports of the object.

The second sighting, at 3:34 AM, described an odd vapor trail that led to an object hanging in the sky, shaped like a pencil or cigar. It emitted green light around its edges and glowed bright gold or yellow in the middle, remaining visible until sunrise.

The third and most spectacular sighting occurred at 4:10 AM. Observers noted an unusually bright, motionless object in the eastern sky over the Grand Island, Vermont area. This object was later described, through binoculars, as shaped like an inverted desert dish, glowing deep red on top with flanged rims on the bottom. It emitted green vapor trails and a brilliant yellow light from underneath. Three apertures were noted near the top. No noise was heard during this sighting.

Essex, England Incident (October 14, 1954)

A British pilot on a routine flight over Essex reported a near collision with a 'Saucer'. While flying south in clear weather, two objects appeared at an altitude of 16,000 feet, traveling northerly. Described as resembling a bun with a collar or a saucer, the objects were silver and gold. One continued on its path, while the other made a quick pass at the jet, estimated to be about 150 feet in diameter.

Cobalt, Ontario Sighting (December 27, 1954)

Reprinted from 'Fate' magazine, this report details a sighting by Willis St. Jean, a watchman at the Agaunica Cobalt Mine near Cobalt, Ontario. At night, St. Jean observed a huge, round, bright object, about 100 feet in diameter and silver-blue in color, hovering about 150 feet above him. A shaft of light emanated from its center. The object then moved out over the lake in a 'gyrating fashion,' making a series of 'e's,' before climbing at a 30-degree angle to about 1,000 feet over an island, where it became motionless. Later, it moved east to west at high speed, changing shape and reappearing multiple times. St. Jean also counted ten red lights on the frozen lake.

Food For Thought by Bill Campbell

This section offers a philosophical and speculative perspective on UFOs and their potential connection to Earth's history and future.

Censorship and Truth

Campbell questions why UFO phenomena stimulate governments to stifle reason and suggests that censorship prevents individuals from seeking truth. He expresses admiration for Kennith Arnold's conviction about his sighting and warns against adhering strictly to conventional scientific or religious precepts, which could lead to stagnation.

Space Intelligence and Earth's History

The author posits that astronomers observe phenomena inconsistent with known physics, suggesting the possibility of 'space intelligence' controlling unidentified objects. He references M. K. Jessup's 'The Case for the UFO' as encouragement for theoretical advancement. Campbell then delves into a theory about Earth's early history, suggesting it was once disc-shaped with rapid rotation, leading to ice caps at the poles. He proposes that UFOs, or an extraterrestrial intelligence, may have influenced events, such as the splitting of ice caps, which caused pressure shifts, hurling the moon into orbit and denting the Earth. This intelligence, he suggests, might be active now, possibly related to military efforts to launch satellites.

Geological and Environmental Influences

Campbell discusses how the Earth's rotation and shape have changed over time, leading to glacial ages and shaping the planet into a spheroid. He speculates that uneven ice pack breaks could be planned by space intelligence to create changing seasons. He also connects unusual phenomena and disasters to UFO intelligence attempting to alter the course of natural elements like stones, ice, and water, possibly to mitigate threats from atomic bombs or other environmental pressures.

Malicious vs. Beneficial Factions

A significant part of the 'Food For Thought' section explores the possibility of a struggle between malicious and beneficial extraterrestrial factions. One faction may be trying to incite humanity towards self-destruction through corruption and war, while the other attempts to prevent it. The outcome of this struggle could determine humanity's future.

The Nature of UFOs

Campbell concludes that UFOs could be symbols of evil or evidence of perfection. He suggests that true perfection is achieved when humanity acquires the wisdom to respect others and live in harmony.

Letter To The Editor

Mrs. Beth Hurt from Vancouver, B.C., expresses her interest in UFO literature and requests the names of publishers for a list of 'Flying Saucer' books mentioned in a previous issue, commending the magazine's diligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real phenomena, often associated with advanced intelligence, and that conventional explanations may be insufficient. There's a strong undercurrent of questioning governmental secrecy and encouraging open-minded investigation into the nature of these sightings. The 'Food For Thought' section, in particular, presents a detailed, albeit speculative, narrative about extraterrestrial influence on Earth's past, present, and future, suggesting a grander cosmic context for human existence and potential threats. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a deeper understanding of UFOs and their potential significance, challenging established scientific and societal norms.

This issue of what appears to be a UFO-focused publication, likely titled 'Flying Saucer Review' given the content and page numbering, delves into the phenomenon of 'Green Fireballs' and the emerging field of space travel. The cover prominently features a call to action for reporting sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects to the 'SPACE OBSERVERS LEAGUE,' detailing specific observational points such as time, sound, color, shape, construction, motions, and maneuvers. The issue is dated July-August 1957, with the specific issue number being '20' and volume '4'.

Fireballs Over Washington, Oregon, Canada

The first article, attributed to 'Ed.', introduces the concept of 'Green Fireballs' as a significant event, contrasting it with 'one-world' teachings and predicting a future of space travel. It then details a specific incident on July 20th where a bright object, described as green with a blue glow and shooting flames, zipped through the skies over Washington and British Columbia. A control-tower operator at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was among the witnesses. The following night, residents across the Northwest, from Ashland, Oregon to Tacoma, Washington, observed a similar fireball flashing across the sky from east to west. Reports varied on the color, ranging from blue-white to fiery red, but all agreed it left a luminous trail. An observer in Medford, Oregon, reported it appeared to explode before vanishing. The author dismisses the possibility of these being mere meteors.

What's With The Green Fire Balls?

This section elaborates on the 'Green Fireballs' phenomenon, noting their appearance since December 1945, shortly after the first atomic explosions. It states that these objects, unlike meteorological phenomena, move with supersonic speeds in horizontal flight and explode in a brilliant display of light without sound. The U.S. Air Force established an investigating board called 'Project Twinkle' in 1949 due to the frequency of these sightings, but their findings remain unpublished. The article contrasts 'Normal Fireballs' with 'Green Fireballs,' highlighting key differences: Green Fireballs are bright green, make no sound, leave no traces after exploding, travel horizontally, and have been observed for up to forty seconds before exploding. The author strongly refutes the idea that these are large meteors, suggesting their characteristics are inconsistent with known meteorological events. The possibility of them being American test missiles is also dismissed due to their flight over populated cities. A speculative theory suggests a connection to 'Flying Saucers,' possibly as devices to counteract atmospheric radioactivity from atomic energy. The author concludes that these objects are not meteorological and not made on planet Earth.

Off Into Space Says Willy Ley, Who's Expert

This section shifts focus to the burgeoning age of space travel, citing Willy Ley as an expert. It discusses the decision to launch the first artificial unmanned satellite. Rocket experts have known about the possibility of artificial satellites since 1925, but the development of large liquid-fuel rockets was a prerequisite. The article explains that a satellite would not be outside Earth's gravity but would balance its speed with the planet's gravitational pull, forming concentric circles. It details the concept of a three-stage rocket needed to place a missile into orbit. As each stage exhausts its fuel, it detaches, allowing the next stage to take over. The payload, carried by the third stage, would include instruments and an automatic radio transmitter to report on skin temperature changes due to solar radiation and Earth's shadow. Scientists are interested in how quickly the satellite slows down, as this indicates the amount of air resistance at high altitudes, such as 200 miles.

Fun Shop Sought In Space

A brief, lighthearted anecdote describes David Steward, a fun-shop owner from Huntington Park, California, who, upon learning about the first artificial satellite, telegraphed President Eisenhower requesting exclusive rights to open a fun shop on the satellite, unaware of its likely basketball-like size.

Flying Saucer Books

The final section is a bibliography of 'Flying Saucer Books,' listing titles, authors, publishers, and prices. Notable authors featured include Orfeo Angelucci, Donald Keyhoe, Frank Scully, Harold Wilkins, George Adamski, and Cedric Allingham, among others. The list provides a resource for readers interested in further exploring the topic of flying saucers and related phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically 'Green Fireballs,' and the technological advancements leading to space travel. The editorial stance, particularly in the articles attributed to 'Ed.', is one of conviction that these phenomena are significant, not easily explained by conventional science, and represent a departure from established norms ('one-world' thinking). There is a clear skepticism towards mundane explanations like meteors or test missiles, and an openness to more extraordinary possibilities, including extraterrestrial or advanced technological origins. The inclusion of Willy Ley's technical discussion on space travel suggests an interest in the broader context of humanity's expanding reach into the cosmos, perhaps linking the fascination with UFOs to the potential for future space exploration and contact.