Flying Saucer Review - No 01 - 1951 09 01

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER REVIEW
Issue: #1
Date: September 1, 1951
Publisher: Elliott Rockmore
Country: USA
Price: 30¢ per copy

This inaugural issue of The Flying Saucer Review, dated September 1, 1951, is presented as a clipping exchange service dedicated to collecting, studying, and understanding reports of aerial phenomena. The publication's primary goal is to gather as many reports as possible to track saucer activity and analyze the potential motives of extraterrestrial visitors.

Editorial Stance and Structure

The editor, Elliott Rockmore, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the phenomena and contributing to its study. The review is obtainable through a clipping exchange system, with no cash payments directly requested for subscriptions, though clippings or a small fee for postage are accepted. The publication is structured into three main sections:

1. Photostat Section: Contains photocopies of received reports from previous periods to serve as proof of occurrence.
2. Rewrite Section: Extracts the basic facts from reports, separating them from sensationalized newspaper accounts to facilitate analysis.
3. Analysis Section: Examines all reports to identify any underlying motives or patterns.

A potential fourth section or supplement on saucer history since 1947 is planned if the review proves successful.

Contents and Key Reports

The issue focuses on analyzing 14 reported aerial phenomena from January 1 to July 30, 1951. The "REWRITE OF SAUCER REPORTS #1 to 14" section details each sighting with date, time, location (including latitude and longitude), a description of the object and its behavior, and the sources of the report.

Notable reports include:

• #1 (January 20, 1951, Sioux City, Iowa): An airline pilot, Larry W. Vinther, described an aircraft "about one and a half times the size of a B-29, with a long, slender fuselage, long straight wings set farther forward than a B-29s." He reported its impossible maneuverability, including an instantaneous stop and turn, and its speed exceeding his DC-3. The report notes the absence of visible engines or exhaust glow and mentions that Capt. Richard Baugh of the 174th fighter squadron had a similar experience a month prior.
• #2 (January 25, 1951, North Scania, Sweden): A brightly shining object at great height was chased by a Swedish Airforce plane.
• #3 (January 28, 1951, Detroit, Michigan): Reports of strange blue-green flashes of light or a blinding streak that interrupted radio and TV reception.
• #4 (February 1, 1951, Eureka to Stocton-Vallejo area, California): A white aerial object with a red tail, followed by a brilliant green object and a fiery streak of light, with indications of something striking the ground.
• #5 (February 3, 1951, Galena, Illinois): An object described as a "fiery-red baseball bat" with lightning-like flashes moved at varying heights and speeds, making no noise.
• #5 (February 3, 1951, Rockford, Illinois): A perfectly round, brilliantly white disc left a trail of fireworks.
• #5 (February 3, 1951, Freeport, Illinois): A blazing streak of light crossed the sky.
• #5 (February 3, 1951, Monroe, Wisconsin): A blue aerial object with sparks, resembling a fireball meteor, faded into the distance.
• #6 (February 13, 1951, Belgian Congo): Two glowing circular aerial objects with whirling rims were chased by a Spitfire plane but could not be caught.
• #7 (February 13, 1951, Alamagordo, New Mexico): A milk-white, flat object resembling a dime hovered near a weather balloon, flashed a light, and disappeared.
• #8 (February 19, 1951, Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya Border): An object was seen hovering at high altitude by airliner passengers, described as tube-shaped with a giant hind fin, and sped off at approximately 1200 mph.
• #9 (February 24, 1951, Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California): A bright light circled repeatedly at high speed without noise.
• #10 (March 1, 1951, Ukiah, Mendocino County, California): A circular glowing light moved westward across the sky at a speed slow for ordinary aircraft but fast for a meteor.
• #11 (March 18, 1951, Ukiah, Mendocino County, California): An unknown object followed by a bluish-white flash and smoke trail, traveled in a straight line at high speed.
• #12 (May 17, 1951, Central Tennessee & Bowling Green, Kentucky): Reports of a "meteor" streaking across the sky and exploding nearby.
• #13 (May 21, 1951, Kansas): A bright aerial object maneuvered in the sky, following an airplane at speeds ranging from 500-1000 mph, and even underneath and over the airliner.
• #14 (May 22, 1951, International Falls, Minnesota & Fort Francis, Ontario): "Crystal balls" or "silvery jet planes" were seen hovering motionless over a lake, joined by others, and seen simultaneously across the border.

Analysis of Patterns and Reports

The "ANALYSIS OF SAUCER REPORTS #1 TO 14 JAN - JULY 1951" section by Elliott Rockmore identifies three minor patterns:

• Pattern #1: Reports from Sioux City, Detroit, and Galena occurred on the same latitude parallel (42°) within a 13-day span, suggesting a possible organized study.
• Pattern #2: Mendocino County, California, was the location for four reports, potentially linked to a "gravity vortex" discovered there five years prior.
• Pattern #3: A surge in reports occurred around May 22, coinciding with Mars's extreme opposition, reminiscent of a similar increase in March 1950 during Mars's close opposition with Earth.

The analysis of individual reports delves into the credibility of witness accounts, particularly pilot testimonies, and questions conventional explanations like meteors or known aircraft. The extraordinary speeds, maneuverability, and lack of noise reported in many cases are highlighted as key indicators of an unknown phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena, emphasizing the need for factual reporting and objective study. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into what is termed "saucer activity," aiming to move beyond sensationalism to understand the underlying reality. The publication actively solicits clippings and reports from the public, positioning itself as a central hub for this information. The emphasis on pilot testimonies and the detailed breakdown of sightings suggest a belief in the significance of these events and a commitment to uncovering their true nature, potentially linked to extraterrestrial intelligence.

This document is a collection of newspaper clippings and articles from early 1951, primarily focusing on sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), often referred to as 'flying saucers' or 'meteors'. The articles span various locations across the United States and even Sweden, detailing witness accounts, expert opinions, and official statements (or lack thereof).

Key Articles and Reports

Detroit Times (January 29, 1951):

• "Brilliant Sky Rover Believed a Meteor": This is the lead story, detailing a sighting by Mrs. Ethel Hartley of Hopland, California, who described a "very brilliant green" object. She, along with three passengers, watched it while driving. The object was described as large, green, and fast-moving. Other witnesses reported seeing it around the same time.
• "Flashes Alarm Detroit": Reports from Detroit describe a 15-minute display of "weird, unexplained flashes of light" over the suburban east side. Radios and house lights were affected. The flashes were described as blue-green and occurred over a three-mile area.
• "Power Test Causes Flash, Startling N.E. Blacks Out Radio": A power-line failure at the Detroit Edison Co.'s Eight Mile road substation caused a series of blue flashes of light into the sky, startling residents in the northeast section. A "power surge" in the area resulted in a temporary blackout and interrupted radio reception.

Other Regional Reports:

• Stockholm, Sweden (January 26): The Swedish Air Force reported a jet plane chased a "shining object" across the sky.
• Galena, Illinois (February 3): Mayor Ray Logan reported numerous calls about an object resembling a "fiery-red baseball bat" with lightning-like flashes, moving noiselessly at varying heights.
• Rockford, Illinois (February 3): Four residents reported seeing a "brilliant white disk," larger than an airplane, moving slightly faster than an airplane and leaving a trail of fireworks.
• Freeport, Illinois (February 3): A "blazing streak of light" was reported.
• Monroe, Wisconsin (February 3): A "blue aerial object" with blue sparks, resembling a fireball meteor, crossed the sky in a flat trajectory and faded away.
• Williams Bay, Wisconsin (February 4): Dr. Bengt Stromgren, director of Yerkes Observatory, suggested that flashes of light seen in central Wisconsin were likely caused by a "fire ball" meteor.
• Rockford Register-Republic (February 5): Reports from Rockford and Freeport described a "brilliant white disk" and a "blazing streak of light."
• The Journal-Standard, Freeport, Illinois (February 5): Dr. Bengt Stromgren stated that sightings of a "red telephone pole" and "blue baseball bat" were likely "fire ball" meteors. Mayor Ray Logan of Galena also reported calls about a "blazing red telephone pole."
• Washburn Observatory (February 5): Officials requested more information on a meteor that flashed across the state, asking for direction and angle of observation.
• Detroit News (January 29): Mentioned in the Detroit Times article, this newspaper also reported on the Detroit flashes.
• Redwood Journal-Press-Dispatch (February 2): Reported on sightings near Eureka, Hopland, Petaluma, Vallejo, and Stockton, California, including a "fiery streak of light" and something believed to have struck the ground.
• Redwood Journal-Press (February 15, 16, March 2, March 21): Several articles detail sightings in the Ukiah, California area. Mrs. Chester Hill reported seeing a "street light" in the sky. L. S. Wing described a "bright object" circling Redwood Valley for half an hour. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Brown and Ralph Manning reported seeing a "flying object" over Ukiah valley, described as a "bluish white star" moving at high speed.
• The Dodge City (Kansas) Daily Globe (May 22, 23): An American Airlines pilot, Captain W. R. Hunt, reported seeing a "bluish white star" moving back and forth at high speed southwest of Dodge City. He described it as propelled, traveling at 500-1000 mph, and playing "tag" with his plane. The object descended and drifted southwest. R. L. Braddock, a radio operator, listened to the account.
• Minneapolis Star (May 28): Reports from International Falls, Minnesota, described "crystal balls" flying like big birds, seen by about 50 residents. These objects were described as moving at speeds over 700 mph, stopping suddenly, and shooting upwards. Similar reports came from Duluth and Kansas. An American Airlines pilot also reported a "bluish white star" darting around his plane.

Specific Incidents and Details:

• Detroit Flashes: Occurred on January 29, 1951, over a three-mile area, causing radio and TV interruptions.
• California Sightings: On February 1, 1951, objects were seen from Eureka to Stockton-Vallejo, with descriptions including a red-tailed object, a green object, and a fiery streak.
• Midwest Sightings: Multiple reports on February 3, 1951, from Illinois and Wisconsin described disks, streaks of light, and fireball-like objects.
• Kansas Sighting: May 22, 1951, Captain W. R. Hunt of American Airlines reported a high-speed object playing tag with his airliner.
• Minnesota Sightings: May 23, 1951, residents near International Falls reported "crystal balls" moving at high speeds.

Expert Opinions and Explanations:

• Dr. Bengt Stromgren and other astronomers suggested that many of the sightings, particularly streaks of light, were likely meteors or "fire balls."
• The Navy's "Project Skyhook" was mentioned as an explanation for some sightings, involving large balloons used for weather observations.
• Weather officials speculated that some reports might be related to cosmic ray tests using balloons.
• The government repeatedly denied having a secret flying saucer program.

Object Characteristics:

• Shape: Described as disks, tubes, balls, objects, and even resembling a "telephone pole" or "baseball bat."
• Color: Commonly reported as green, white, blue, and red.
• Size: Varied from estimates of "large" to specific measurements like "36 feet across" or "200 feet in length."
• Behavior: Objects were seen glowing, moving very fast, stopping instantly, turning, zigzagging, hovering, shooting upwards, darting, and playing "tag" with aircraft.
• Speed: Estimates ranged widely, from "faster than an airplane" to 700, 1200, and even 500-1000 miles per hour.
• Altitude: Reported from tree-top level to as high as 60,000 feet.
• Effects: Some reports mentioned interrupted radio and TV reception. Physical traces included streaks of light, trails of fireworks, and blue sparks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the widespread occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena in early 1951. The reports highlight a public fascination and concern, with numerous witness accounts from ordinary citizens and even pilots. While some experts lean towards natural explanations like meteors, the sheer volume and variety of sightings, coupled with the unusual behaviors described (e.g., impossible maneuvers, sudden stops), leave room for speculation about artificial origins. The editorial stance, as inferred from the collection of reports, appears to be one of documenting these events, presenting witness testimony, and including expert opinions, without definitively concluding on the nature of the objects. There's a clear effort to cover the phenomenon from multiple angles and locations, indicating its significance as a news topic at the time.

Title: ANALYSIS OF SAUCER REPORTS
Issue: #1
Volume: 1951
Date: January - July 1951

This document presents an analysis of 14 unidentified aerial object (UAP) reports from the period of January to July 1951. The analysis aims to identify patterns, characteristics, and potential explanations for these sightings, often leaning towards the 'saucer theory'.

Overall Patterns

The analysis identifies three significant patterns observed across the reports:

1. Latitudinal Clustering: Reports #1 (Sioux City), Detroit, and Galena appear to be on the same latitude parallel of 42°, despite being separated by 13 days. This suggests a potential organized study or a common factor influencing sightings in that region.
2. Geographic Concentration: Mendocino County, California, was the scene of 4 out of the 14 reports. The analysis speculates on a possible connection to a 'gravity vortex' discovered there five years prior, though it acknowledges this as a remote possibility.
3. Astronomical Correlation: A period of little or no activity was followed by two reports on May 22nd, the day of Mars' extreme opposition. This timing is noted as reminiscent of a similar increase in reports during March 1950, which coincided with Mars' close opposition with Earth.

General Analysis of Single Reports

The document then provides a detailed analysis of each of the 14 individual reports:

• #1 Sioux City: The analyst places high trust in the pilot's trained judgment. The object's ability to make an instantaneous stop, turn, and fly alongside an airliner at extraordinary speed is highlighted as a key characteristic, exceeding the capabilities of even the fastest known aircraft. The pilot's observation of no visible engines is also noted.
• #2 Sweden: Announced by the Swedish defense staff, this report involves an object outflying a modern jet airforce plane, ruling out a balloon. The analyst doubts it was a meteor due to its sustained following and questions the possibility of Russian testing over Sweden.
• #2 Detroit: Described as a blinding streak with blue-green flashes and rumblings, the analyst doubts the official explanation of a power breakdown. Similarities are drawn to other reports involving flashes and sparks, suggesting a possible communication attempt or saucer engine activity.
• #4 Eureka: The object's speed, easily watched by eye but too fast for an airplane and in the wrong direction, places it in the 'Saucer category'. Its varied descriptions are attributed to different lights and sighting conditions.
• #5 Galene: This object had a definite rocket-like shape with a flaming exhaust, unusual for a saucer. However, its maneuverability and slow, deliberate travel suggest it was not a meteor or conventional aircraft like a V2 or Viking rocket. The timing of the sighting during A-bomb tests is also noted.
• #5A Rockford, Illinois and Wisconsin: This report describes a blue or brilliant white object seen at cruising and full speeds. Its disappearance like an airplane, not over the horizon like a meteor, and its speed superior to an airplane, support the 'saucer theory'.
• #6 Elizabethville: The first object with a definite saucer shape. Being chased by a plane, its great speed, and its location in central Africa are used to rule out conventional explanations like meteors or balloons. The analyst suggests the object outsped a Spitfire plane.
• #7 Alamagordo: Described as an authentic report from airline pilots, it involved an object examining a balloon. The date of the report is noted as curious, coming shortly after a 'liddels baloon explanation', possibly indicating a continued official policy of denial.
• #8 Kilimanjaro: A rare 'rocketship-like saucer story' that seems authentic, with passengers and pilots watching and taking photos. The analyst notes that Central Africa was unusually active with sightings that month and that no known aircraft matched the object's size and shape.
• #9 Mendocino: Lacks detail but notes noise and speed greater than an airplane, inferring a saucer origin.
• #10 Mendocino: Also lacking detail, but the speed was slower than an airplane, and the light carried was brilliant enough to cause a glow behind a mountain, ruling out known aircraft. The object's light was described as a glow, unlike the flashing points of airplane lights.
• #11 Mendocino: The speed was too fast for a meteor and too great for a conventional airplane, suggesting a saucer. The fastest American aircraft at the time, the Si Bell rocket plane and the DG558-2 Douglas, are mentioned as capable of over 1,000 mph for short durations but with limited range and requiring smooth landing surfaces.
• #12 Tennessee-Kentucky: This report describes the third giant fireball meteor seen in the area in seven months, with a frequency that passes known possibilities. The analyst suggests these were likely saucers, particularly one seen on Sept. 22nd that traveled in a curve path. A possible reason for saucers heading to this area is the potential presence of a space station.
• #13 Dodge City: A star-like object with no apparent body, similar to 'Foo fighters' and a 1948 Gorman chase, is described. Its unknown origin and ability to outmaneuver aircraft are noted, and suggestions are welcomed.
• #14 International Falls: Reports are confusing, but the object's ability to hover cannot be duplicated by a jet. The transparency of the 'crystal ball' effect is compared to the mistiness of earlier reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this analysis are the extraordinary speed and maneuverability of the observed objects, their non-conventional shapes, and the consistent dismissal of conventional explanations in favor of a 'saucer theory'. The analyst frequently points to the limitations of known aircraft and natural phenomena to explain the reported sightings. There is an underlying implication that official explanations are often inadequate or deliberately misleading, a stance possibly influenced by the 'theres-no-such-thing-but-dont-believe-us-completely policy' mentioned in relation to the armed services.

The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the nature of these phenomena by analyzing eyewitness accounts and comparing them against known scientific and technological capabilities. The analyst is open to the possibility of advanced, unknown craft, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, given the consistent pattern of performance that defies current understanding.