Flying Saucer Review - No 02 - 1951 12 26

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Saucer Review, identified as SR#2 Special and published by E. Rockmore from Wall Street Station, NY5, is a bimonthly newsmagazine dedicated to collecting and analyzing reports of unidentified flying objects. The stated purpose is to gather as many reports as possible to study the phenomena and the motives of potential extraterrestrials involved. The magazine is available by loaning clippings or by paying with clippings per issue, with a preference for recent clippings. It also offers photostatic prints of reports.

Contents and Structure

The magazine is organized into three sections:

1. Photostat Section: Contains photostatic prints of all reports received for the issue, serving as proof of occurrence. This section is exclusive to the Special issue.
2. Rewrite Section: Summarizes received reports into basic facts, separating factual reporting from newspaper embellishments to aid in analysis.
3. Analysis Section: Examines the reports to identify any underlying motives or patterns and to consider possible future actions.

Key Articles and Reports

This issue features numerous reports of unusual aerial objects from various locations in the United States during the summer and early fall of 1951.

Miami: Guardsmen Quit Hunt For Plane Reported Down

A Coast Guard Search and Rescue Center closed out a search for a small airplane reported fallen in the Gulf of Mexico near Indian Key. No trace of the plane was found. However, a fishing boat and a group of Ohio tourists reported seeing a falling plane in the area.

Light In Sky May Have Paid An Earlier Visit

This article details a sighting on Saturday, July 7th, where a witness observed a bright orange-red light in the sky. Using night binoculars, the witness determined the light was at a tremendous height. A Constellation passenger plane passed below it. The witness then saw a pale disc, perfectly round, move with the light, seemingly towing it. The disc and light changed direction, with the light preceding the disc, and then the light blinked out. The disc continued at a terrific speed until it disappeared.

Another report from Hamilton Boulevard on Wednesday night describes a similar mystery light in the northwest sky, high above the horizon, moving slowly. The resident was certain it was the same phenomenon seen on Saturday.

Mystery Balloon Seen in Maryland

A weather balloon, described as a "lofty" and "vagabonding sky" object, was last seen north of Hagerstown, Maryland. Weathermen predicted that the heat would cause the balloon to rise until it exploded. Conflicting stories existed regarding its size, with some maintaining it was strictly a regular weather balloon, while others claimed it measured at least 150 feet. No positive description was received.

Homewood Gets 'Sky Mystery'

Several Homewood residents witnessed an "odd oval shaped object" that flashed across the sky early one night. It was described as "a possible meteor with a luminous train." The object made no noise and passed from horizon to horizon in about a minute.

Malone Man Says He Saw Flying Ball

A Malone, New York area farmer and his hired man reported seeing a "silver ball" traveling at a terrific rate of speed high in the sky near the Canadian border about six weeks prior. They had not mentioned it for fear of ridicule. The object was described as shiny and traveling in the same direction as a Colonial Airlines plane but farther away. The farmer estimated its speed to be much faster than 100 miles an hour. This sighting is compared to a "flying ball" seen on the St. Regis Indian reservation.

Missile Over Arctic

Four fishermen in northern Norway reported seeing what appeared to be a guided missile zoom over them, possibly from across the Arctic.

Mystery Plane Wasn't Jet Plane

Jet plane pilots of the 71st Fighter Wing chased a "strange aircraft" to 45,000 feet over western Pennsylvania. They identified it as a plastic-type weather balloon. The planes were sent aloft after hundreds of persons reported the balloon drifting east from the Cleveland area. They caught up with it over Butler, Pennsylvania.

Strange Object Sighted Over City

A "strange cigar-shaped object" was seen hurtling across a clear sky near Homewood. Residents described it as "a possible meteor with a luminous train." The object made no sound and took about a minute to cross from one horizon to the other. One viewer reported that it was not the same balloon sighted north and east of Pittsburgh the previous Wednesday, as that balloon was perfectly round and traveled at a slow speed.

Downpour of Meteorites

A report from Tehran, Iran, states that a "downpour" of meteorites killed twelve persons, injured nineteen, and flattened sixty-two buildings near the city of Shiraz. About 300 cows, sheep, and donkeys were also reported killed.

Hot Weather Sends Flying Saucer Aloft

Reports of a flying saucer sent Selfridge Air Force Base interceptors aloft on Wednesday morning. Two F-51 Mustangs and two F-86 Sabres pursued the object to about 35,000 feet between Akron and Cleveland. Low fuel tanks forced the interceptors to return to Selfridge after tentatively identifying the object as a weather balloon. The 71st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Pittsburgh was alerted, and planes from that base took up the chase, identifying the balloon positively at 45,000 feet.

Planes Here Spot 'Strange Aircraft'

Air Force jet fighter planes from the Greater Pittsburgh Airport investigated reports of a strange aircraft, which turned out to be a weather balloon. The balloon, sighted over Cleveland and Youngstown, was drifting eastward at about 30,000 feet. From the ground, it resembled a huge white bubble. F-86 jets from the 71st Fighter Wing positively identified it as a weather bureau balloon at about 45,000 feet.

Jets from Pittsburgh Identify 'Object,' It's Weather Balloon

A mysterious object that drifted over Youngstown for over an hour was identified as a balloon sent up by the Weather Bureau. F-86 Sabre jets from the 71st Fighter Wing at Greater Pittsburgh Airport identified it as a "plastic-type weather balloon" estimated to be 150 to 200 feet in diameter, at an altitude of about 45,000 feet. The balloon was traced by telephone calls and was seen by many people, causing traffic to stall. Some observers suggested that scientists in Minnesota were discrediting flying saucer stories by pointing out the similarity of these balloons to reported saucers. General Mills in Minneapolis confirmed that they manufacture plastic balloons for upper atmosphere research, with one model being 72.8 feet inflated and 102 feet long.

Pittsburgh Jets Scout Huge Mystery Balloon

A "mysterious silver balloon" drifted high over the area north and east of Pittsburgh, headed toward the eastern coast. A group of F-86 jets from Greater Pittsburgh Airport identified it as a "plastic type weather balloon." The shiny sphere, estimated to be 150 to 200 feet in diameter, generated hundreds of queries. Planes from Pittsburgh were ordered up and made the identification positive. The balloon was soaring with the wind at about 50 miles an hour, and Pittsburgh pilots saw it at about 46,000 feet. It was also reported soaring eastward at an altitude estimated at more than 30,000 feet. Two jets from Selfridge Field, Michigan, caught up to the object between Cleveland and Akron at about 45,000 feet, but returned to base due to low fuel. They identified it as a "plastic weather balloon." Scientists in Minnesota were among those who debunked flying saucer stories by pointing out the resemblance of these balloons to reported saucers.

That Silvery Balloon Fades Into the Night

This article describes a shining object seen over Hagerstown, Maryland, that caused a stir. Persons reported mysterious flashes of light. Pilots of the 71st Fighter Interceptor Squadron identified the object as a weather observation balloon at 46,000 feet. However, some witnesses insisted the object did not appear to be following the wind. The object disappeared as it neared the horizon. Calls to the Herald-Mail were numerous. Binoculars and telescopes were used. Traffic on Route 11 was snarled. The object was described as having a definite oblong shape with two lights. Airports in Hagerstown and Martinsburg tried to determine its height by triangulation, estimating it at about 19,500 feet. Airmen suggested that if it was a balloon, it would rise until it burst. Some observers thought it might be a cosmic ray research balloon. Betty Hamby reported seeing northern lights.

See Something Here's That Flying Saucer Again-

Two jet pilots landed their plane at Mitchel Field, L.I., reporting they had chased a mysterious, round flying object for 30 miles over and off the South Jersey coast. They estimated its speed at 900 miles an hour, too fast for their T-33 jet training plane. The pilots, Lt. Wilbert S. Rogers and Capt. Edward Ballard, were en route from Air Force Base at Dover, Delaware, when they spotted the object. Rogers stated, "I don't know if it was a flying saucer, but it sure was something I've never seen before." They noted it was descending and no balloon goes that fast. They got as close as 8,000 feet, but the object kept a constant speed and did not appear to be running away. The object moved in an arc from Sandy Hook to Red Bank and then headed out to sea, covering the 30-mile course in two minutes.

450 MPH Jet Tails 900 MPH 'Thing' Over N.J.

This article reiterates the chase of a strange object by two Air Force pilots at 450 miles per hour, which they estimated was traveling at better than 900 miles an hour. The pilots told officers it was not a weather balloon. The object, described as a small fighter plane, moved in a wide arc from Sandy Hook, N.J., to Red Bank. Lt. Rogers stated, "This couldn't have been a balloon. It was descending and no balloon goes that fast." The pilots agreed that the object was white or silver-colored and about the size of a fighter plane.

LANDED, BOUNCED, TOOK OFF PAIR CHASED 'FLYING BALL'

Residents along the Canadian-U.S. border reported seeing a "fantastic flying ball" whizzing through the skies around Massena, N.Y., and the St. Regis Indian reservation. The object was described as "like a dark brown rubber or plastic ball about four feet in diameter" with a two-foot brass shaft, powered by a motor-driven propeller. It was seen to land in a field, bounce, and take off with a "humming noise at a speed of about 25 miles per hour." The object disappeared in the direction of Massena. Weather bureau officials discounted the possibility of it being a weather balloon. CAA officials also discounted it. Meteorologists suggested it might be small parachutes on equipment sent aloft by MIT for atmospheric study. Alex LaFrance, who saw the object, reported it bounced three times and landed, then took off after about three or four minutes. He did not shoot at it for fear of explosives. The object was seen to land behind trees in a pasture. It was reported that Washington Air Force and Army spokesmen denied knowledge of such a contraption and termed it "fantastic." Canadian Civil Aviation declared they did not know of any machine fitting the description. Prof. Malcolm Clark of MIT suggested it could be a cosmic ray research balloon. James Mason, chief communicator of the Massena airport, noted that the wind was only three miles an hour, not strong enough to whip a balloon into the air.

Flying Ball with Propeller Makes Landings on Reservation

This article continues the story of the "flying ball" seen near Massena and the St. Regis Indian reservation. Alex LaFrance, Peter Phillips, and Francis Arquette reported seeing the ball land in a field, bounce, and take off. They chased it in their car but were afraid to get too close. Mrs. Angus Cook saw the ball about 400 feet up before it landed in a field 200 feet away. She first heard a motor sound. Mrs. Lillie Sunday and Mrs. Charlotte Oakes reported seeing it land along the Schnell Channel. CAA officials in Ottawa and Burlington, Vermont, had no information.

Big Bright Ball' Spotted Zipping Over Terre Haute

A circular-shaped object seen hurtling through Terre Haute skies at twice the speed of any known aircraft revived "flying saucer" talk. Two veteran aircraft observers from the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) stationed at Hulman Field estimated its speed to be at least 2,880 mph, possibly as fast as 42,000 mph, based on its disappearance in 15 seconds and an estimated altitude. They admitted that such computations are guesswork when altitude and size are undetermined. The fastest known aircraft speed is around 1,300 mph. The observers, C. W. Sonner and R. L. Messmore, were previously skeptical but changed their minds, calling the experience "unbelievable, but true."

Local Airman Tells Of Seeing Fast Flying Object Near Paris

Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Warrem reported seeing an object similar to the one seen in Terre Haute while flying near Paris, Illinois. They estimated its speed at 18,000 miles per hour. They were unable to get closer to it, and it quickly disappeared. This sighting adds weight to the flying saucer reports.

Danes See Red Rocket

Observers in Eastern Denmark reported a giant rocket flashed over the area from the direction of the Soviet occupation zone of Germany.

Fantastic Aircraft Is Reported Here

An unusual aircraft or object was sighted over Hulman Field Municipal Airport by two CAA employes. They reported it disappeared from sight in about 15 seconds. C. W. Sonner described it as "round or oval in shape and very light." Calculations suggested it was traveling at a terrific speed, possibly 2,880 miles per hour at tree-top level, 18,000 miles per hour at 3,000-foot altitude, or 42,000 miles per hour at 15,000-foot altitude. Sonner stated, "It's unbelievable, but true."

Air Officials See Strange Object

Two CAA employes at the Terre Haute airport reported seeing an oval object fly over Terre Haute at an estimated speed of 18,000 miles an hour. The object appeared at an altitude of about 3,000 feet and disappeared quickly. They described it as a "huge metallic sphere."

Flying Saucers? This Writer Has Seen Two

B. John Ackelmire, a writer, shares his experiences and beliefs about flying saucers. He states he has seen "something" unusual and feels he is part of a growing fraternity of persons who have sighted such phenomena. He describes seeing a whitish-hued ball streak across his view at an estimated speed of no lower than 2,880 mph. He later spotted a second object while driving in Indianapolis, which he described as a whitish-hued ball that "scampered horizontally into the far horizon." He asserts that these objects were not spots before his eyes, light reflections, shooting stars, or fireballs, and could not have been balloons or conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Saucer Review are the widespread sightings of unidentified aerial objects, the attempts by authorities (primarily the Civil Aeronautics Administration and Air Force) to explain these phenomena as weather balloons or conventional aircraft, and the persistent skepticism of witnesses who find these explanations inadequate. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of investigating and documenting these sightings, presenting them as significant events that warrant serious study, and implicitly questioning the official explanations when they conflict with witness testimony. The publication positions itself as a crucial clearinghouse for such information, aiming to uncover patterns and motives behind these mysterious occurrences.

This issue of the Amarillo Daily News, dated Monday, August 27, 1951, features a prominent headline "Soaring Saucers Ride Again," indicating a focus on unidentified aerial phenomena. The newspaper utilizes leased wires from Associated Press, United Press, and NEA, along with picture services.

Soaring Saucers Ride Again

The lead story details sightings of "flying saucers" by Amarillo residents the previous night. Bill Coons described two groups of objects, one appearing about 9:15 PM and a second group of five about five minutes later. He noted they had a pale pink glow and were "flying faster than any jet I've seen," making no sound. Coons' wife also observed them for a longer period. The report mentions that three Texas Tech professors had apparently seen similar objects over Lubbock 24 hours prior.

Flying Crescents Hurtle Over Lone Star State

This article, by the United Press, elaborates on the Texas Tech professors' sighting in Lubbock. W. L. Ducker, Dr. A. G. Bert, and Dr. W. I. Robinson reported seeing two strange formations like "strings of beads in crescent shape" that traversed the sky from horizon to horizon in three seconds. They estimated the speed to be around 1,800 miles per hour if the objects were a mile high, or approximately 18,000 miles per hour if they were 50,000 feet high. The absence of shock waves led them to believe the objects were flying in the stratosphere. The Lubbock Civil Aeronautics Administration and Reese Air Force Base towers reported no jet flights or other planes in the area at the time.

Other Reports and Related News

The issue also includes several smaller articles and reports detailing other alleged sightings and related events:

• Plane Blast Report Doubted (New York Times, September 9, 1951): Reports of a plane exploding and crashing near Grayling, Michigan, were being investigated, with state police suggesting it might have been a mistake. Two workmen claimed to have seen the plane explode.
• Flying Saucers - No Fooling! (Science Service, Washington, September 8, 1951): Ernest G. Reuning, an astronomer at the U.S. Army Map Service, suggested that disk-like shapes might be advantageous for future spacecraft.
• Plane Blows Up Near Grayling (Record-Eagle, Traverse City, September 7, 1951): Workmen at Camp Grayling reported an airplane explosion and crash. State police confirmed the report but stated the plane was unidentified.
• Blames Flare For Report of Plane Crash (The Grand Rapids Press, September 7, 1951): An officer at Camp Grayling admitted to firing a parachute flare around 10 a.m., which could have been mistaken for an exploding aircraft.
• Jewel Over Phoenix (Phoenix Gazette, September 9, 1951): A brightly lighted object, described as a "flying jewel," was observed hovering over South Mountain near Phoenix.
• Mystery 'Flying Jewel' Object Twinkles In Sky Over Phoenix (The Phoenix Gazette, September 10, 1951): The "flying jewel" was again seen over Camelback Mountain, described as a brilliant bar brooch with changing colors and erratic movements.
• Weird Object Puts On New Celestial Show (The Phoenix Gazette, September 11, 1951): Further details on the Phoenix object, noting its changing colors and swooping passes.
• Four Others Here See Sky Objects (Lubbock Morning Avalanche, August 28, 1951): Four additional witnesses, including Mrs. Earl Medlock, Mrs. R. A. Rogers, Mrs. F. A. Rogers, and Prof. Carl Henninger, confirmed seeing the same "string of beads" formation over Lubbock on Saturday night.
• Flying Saucers Become 'Barrels' In New Rumors (New York World-Telegram and Sun, October 19, 1951): Clarence L. George reported seeing an object shaped like a barrel making a right-angle turn at high speed.
• Meteor Misses Boy by 20 Feet (New York World-Telegram and Sun, October 19, 1951): A family thanked their "lucky stars" after a chunk of a "star" missed their 5-year-old son by 20 feet.
• Meteorite Hits Yard Terrifies Denver Child (The Denver Post, October 18, 1951): A 35-pound fragment of a flaming meteorite crashed in a Denver yard, narrowly missing a child.
• Expert Doubts Rock Found Here Actually Came From Meteor (The Denver Post, October 19, 1951): Dr. Edward A. Fath expressed doubt that the Denver fragment was a meteorite, noting its porous nature and unusual characteristics. Dr. H. H. Nininger was expected to examine it.

Chronological List of Sightings

The issue also includes a detailed chronological list of numerous aerial object sightings from June 29, 1951, to October 1951, with locations, dates, times, descriptions, and sources. These include:

• Objects resembling planes, discs, balls, and spheres.
• Various speeds and altitudes, with some estimated in the thousands of miles per hour and tens of thousands of feet.
• Reports from diverse locations including Florida, Virginia, California, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Norway, Iran, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Denmark.
• Some objects were intercepted by jets or identified as weather balloons, while others remained unexplained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the attempts to scientifically investigate or explain them. The newspaper presents witness accounts alongside reports from authorities and scientific figures, suggesting an open-minded but also cautious approach to the phenomenon. The inclusion of a detailed chronological list of sightings indicates a commitment to documenting such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting the facts and accounts as they are presented, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting scientific skepticism in cases like the Denver meteorite.

Title: The Strolling Astronomer
Issue Date: April 1, 1952
Volume: 6, Number 4
Publisher: The Strolling Astronomer
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Strolling Astronomer delves into recent phenomena, primarily focusing on an analysis of flying saucer reports from July 1 to October 30, 1951, and astronomical observations of Mars. The magazine adopts a working theory of extraterrestrial origin for flying saucers, while acknowledging the need for more scientific proof.

Analysis of Saucer Reports #15 to 43

The analysis categorizes saucer activity into several key patterns:

Overall Patterns:

• Amount of Saucer Activity: A significant increase in reports was observed, with 14 reports in the first six months and 28 in the subsequent four months. This increase is linked to the closest approach of Venus in 19 months and Venus Inferior Conjunction on September 3rd, as well as the observation of gigantic saucers over Texas two weeks prior. Historical data suggests a general correlation between Mars and Venus approaches and increased UFO activity, with Venus often associated with rocket-like or fiery cone-shaped objects, and Mars with saucers, aerial explosions, and earthquakes.
• Area of Activity: The geographical focus of sightings has shifted from the far west to general areas of the Midwest, Central South, and Northwest. Indiana reported three sightings in one day, and Texas had six significant reports in five days. The New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area, previously weak for observations, also saw six reports in two months.
• Types of Saucers: While most reports since 1947 have involved single saucers, the Texas reports featured saucer formations. The size of these "saucerships" is noted as unusually large, comparable to the Mantell report object from January 6, 1948. Reports of rocket-like ships over Denmark and Norway are compared to the "ghost rockets" observed over Sweden in August-October 1946.

General Analysis of Single Reports:

The issue details numerous specific sightings, including:

• Florida (#15): An object falling from the sky, possibly a saucer landing underwater, ejected refuse, or a communication signal, rather than a meteor or aircraft.
• Lynchburg, VA (#16): A typical saucer report of an object resembling no known aircraft, hovering, and then zigzagging.
• Los Angeles, California (#17): Connects large objects (1,000 ft) with smaller luminous globes (1-2 ft), theorizing the former as pilot-carrying ships and the latter as reconnaissance devices or even the extraterrestrial life forms themselves.
• Hagerstown, Maryland (#18): Insufficient information, possibly an airplane with a tail light.
• Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland (#19): An object intercepted by aircraft, possibly a weather balloon, noted for moving slowly and being visible for extended periods, contrary to typical saucer reports.
• Eastern Sky Reports (#20): Flashes of light attributed to a thunderhead, but also a "spot of light" seen crossing the sky at high speed, possibly indicating interest in terrestrial balloons.
• Homewood, PA (#20): An object with unusual shape and speed, noiseless.
• Norway (#21): A rare rocketship object, with speculation about Russian origin or Swedish guided missiles.
• Shiraz, Iran: Included as potentially connected to falling iceblocks and airplanes, but more likely a badly reported hailstorm.
• Malone, N.Y. (#22): A typical saucer observation made while an airliner was airborne.
• Lubbock, Texas (#23-25): Gigantic saucers observed by a Texas Tech professor, with objects estimated between 5,000 and 50,000 feet high, traveling at speeds between 1,800 and 18,000 mph, and diameters between 1,000 and 10,000 ft. These are considered highly authentic.
• Amarillo, Texas (#27): Self-luminous objects moving faster than jet planes.
• Grayling, Michigan (#29): A "falling airplane" incident, possibly ejected material or a signal attempt.
• Phoenix, Arizona (#30-32): A colorful report of a white small globe chasing an airliner, suggesting a "signal saucer" communicating via flashing lights.
• Sandy Hook, N.J. (#30): An object of ordinary size, shape, and color, traveling at great speed, not bothering to race away from a pursuing P80 jet.
• Hogansburg, N.Y. (#34): A confusing report, possibly an unusual radio-controlled airplane model.
• Denmark (#35): Similar to Norway report #7, possibly a "ghost rocket" from Communist Germany.
• Lodi, Ohio (#36): A saucer with a hissing noise, capable of instantaneous stops and right-angle turns, far exceeding the capabilities of contemporary aircraft.
• Terre Haute, Indiana (#37): An object with speed estimated between 3,000 to 42,000 mph.
• Paris, Illinois (#38): An object resembling a balloon that disappeared quickly after moving.
• Indianapolis, Indiana (#39): Great speed and instantaneous stop, marking it as a saucer report.
• Denver, Colorado (#40): An object resembling falling iceblocks, possibly not a meteor but from a "saucer."
• Cody, Wyoming (#41): A confusing report resembling a "Delta Wing" airplane shape, with a rocketship-like body and lack of motor noise.

Discussion on Saucership Size and Origin:

The article addresses arguments against extraterrestrial origin based on saucer size, noting that smaller saucers could be carried by larger "flattop carriers." The author believes a new phase of activity, possibly including direct communication or landings, is imminent, especially with the upcoming Mars Opposition on April 30, 1952.

Some Recent Curious Phenomena on Mars

By Tsuneo Saheki, Director of the Mars Section of the Oriental Astronomical Association:

• December 8, 1951: Observations of Mars using an 8-inch reflector at 200X and 400X.
• 20:50 UT: Nothing unusual.
• 21:00 UT: A very small, brilliant white spot appeared near the east limb, twinkling like a fixed star, with a stellar magnitude of five or six.
• 21:05 UT: The spot decreased in brightness, becoming a small, dull, cloud-like spot.
• 21:10 UT: The spot appeared as a common white cloud near the limb and rapidly faded.
• 21:40 UT: No trace of the white spot was visible.

Saheki also mentions the normal seasonal development of the south polar cap.

Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers News

This section includes brief news items:

• Reports Strange Object in Sky (January 1): WO. W. J. Yeo and Sgt. D. V. Crandell reported seeing a flying saucer at great height, moving at supersonic speed, described as reddish-orange.
• Half Moon Shaped Object Is Seen (Friday afternoon): George Griffin reported seeing a strange dark object, half moon shaped, about 30 feet across, made of metal, at an altitude of 400-500 feet.
• Last Jolts Coast Town (January 5): An explosion registered on a seismograph in San Diego, with police unable to find the cause.
• Harbor Area Feels Muffled Explosion (February 23): A muffled explosion was heard and felt in the Harbor area, speculated to be from a jet plane dropping rapidly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of flying saucers, leaning towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis while presenting various reports and analyses. There's a recurring theme of correlating UFO activity with astronomical events, particularly planetary conjunctions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, emphasizing the need for scientific basis. The inclusion of astronomical observations on Mars suggests a broader interest in celestial phenomena beyond Earth-based sightings. The publication also highlights the challenges in identifying and verifying these phenomena, often contrasting them with known aircraft or natural events.

This issue of "The Saucer Review," dated December 26, 1951, is a quarterly newsmagazine edited, written, and printed by Elliott Rockmore. Its primary purpose is to collect and study reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), often referred to as 'flying saucers,' to identify patterns and understand the potential motives of extraterrestrial visitors. The magazine operates on a working theory that these objects are of extraterrestrial origin, though it remains open to other explanations.

Collection and Analysis Policies

The Saucer Review actively solicits clippings from newspapers and encourages individuals to submit their sightings. It aims to provide the most complete and accurate coverage by directly contacting the areas of reported sightings. The magazine emphasizes the importance of accurate dating and newspaper source information for each report. The analysis sections are designed to break down reports into basic facts, identify motives or patterns, and compare current sightings with historical accounts.

Key Reports and Sightings (1951)

The bulk of this issue is dedicated to cataloging a wide array of UFO sightings that occurred throughout 1951. These reports are meticulously detailed with dates, times, locations (including latitude and longitude), descriptions of the objects, their behavior, and the sources of the information.

Notable incidents include:

• June 29, 1951: A small plane-like object fell into the sea near Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, prompting a search but finding no missing aircraft.
• July 6, 1951: In Lynchburg, Virginia, a bright orange disc-like object was observed hovering, zigzagging, and moving westward without sound or exhaust.
• July 7, 1951: Over Los Angeles, California, a brilliant light and a pale circular disc were seen moving southwards, with the light blinking before the disc sped away.
• August 1, 1951: Multiple sightings occurred on this date. In Cleveland, Ohio, an object at 35,000 feet was intercepted by four airplanes and identified as a weather balloon. Similar objects were sighted in Youngstown, Ohio, and Butler, Pennsylvania, also identified as weather balloons or intercepted by jets.
• August 24, 1951: In Lubbock, Texas, a group of glowing objects in a crescent formation crossed the sky at high speed, observed by journalism professors.
• September 3, 1951: Near Grayling, Michigan, an object resembling an airplane reportedly exploded and crashed, though no planes were missing.
• September 11, 1951: A 40-foot silvery saucer was sighted traveling at 900 mph near New Jersey and was chased by two jet pilots.
• October 2, 1951: In Hogansburg, New York, a dark brown, rubber-like ball with a brass shaft landed with a humming noise, then took off and was followed by observers.
• October 6, 1951: An object resembling a barrel, making a hissing noise, crossed the sky at great height and speed in Lodi, Ohio, before making a sharp turn and speeding northward.
• October 9, 1951: In Terre Haute, Indiana, a whitish-metallic ball crossed the sky at estimated speeds between 3,000 and 42,000 mph, observed by experienced CAA observers.
• October 15, 1951: A fiery ball, weighing 35 pounds, fell from the sky in Denver, Colorado, and was classified by an astronomer as unlike any known meteoric stone.

Related Phenomena

Beyond direct UFO sightings, the issue also touches upon related phenomena:

• Mysterious Blasts: Reports from San Diego detail unexplained blasts that registered on a seismograph, with speculation pointing to explosives or even meteors.
• Meteors and Fireballs: Several articles discuss sightings of bright streaks and fireballs, with some witnesses initially mistaking them for aircraft or other phenomena before concluding they were meteors. The Daily Oklahoman reported a meteor streaking across the sky, and the Richmond Independent noted 'Green Balls of Flame' sighted by police officers.
• Metal Foil Rains: A report from Fort Worth, Texas, describes 'chaff' (metal foil strips used to confuse radar) raining down on a farm.
• Sonic Booms: A loud noise in Danbury, Connecticut, was attributed by Air Force experts to a jet plane exceeding the speed of sound.

Editorial Stance and Future Outlook

'The Saucer Review' adopts a systematic approach to UFO reports, treating them as potential evidence of extraterrestrial activity while maintaining scientific rigor. The magazine's detailed cataloging and analysis aim to contribute to a broader understanding of the phenomenon. The editor, Elliott Rockmore, emphasizes the importance of gathering comprehensive data and using it to form working theories, acknowledging that definitive proof is still elusive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sheer volume and variety of UFO sightings reported in 1951, the consistent descriptions of objects with unusual characteristics (shape, light, speed, and maneuverability), and the official, often skeptical, responses from military and aviation authorities. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, driven by a desire to understand the nature and origin of these phenomena, with a strong leaning towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a primary working theory.

Title: The Saucer Review
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: October 1951
Publisher: The Saucer Review
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Saucer Review presents a detailed analysis of flying saucer reports, specifically focusing on reports numbered 15 to 43, covering the period from July 1 to October 30, 1951. The magazine operates under a working theory that these phenomena are caused by extra-terrestrial life forms, a conclusion drawn from extensive research into existing literature on the subject, including the works of Charles Fort. While acknowledging that the subject is open to other theories due to insufficient definitive data, the publication uses this extra-terrestrial hypothesis as its primary framework for analysis.

General Analysis of Single Reports

The magazine meticulously breaks down individual reports, providing brief summaries and analyses:

• #15 Florida: Insufficient information for definite conclusions, but observers on a sailing vessel reported seeing something fall from the sky. Possibilities include a meteor, an underwater saucer landing, ejected refuse from a saucer, or a communication signal. This was noted as the second of three "falling or burning" airplanes reported in a four-month period.
• #16 Lynchburg, Va.: A typical saucer report describing an object that resembled no known aircraft, hovered, and then executed a sharp zigzag maneuver impossible for conventional planes.
• #17 Los Angeles, California: An ordinary report with a significant sidelight: a connection between large saucers (up to 1,000 feet) and small, luminous globes (1-2 feet). One theory suggests the saucers are pilot-carrying ships and the globes are non-pilot TV or radar reconnaissance devices; another theory posits the globes are the actual one-foot forms of extraterrestrial life. Flashes from the globes suggest communication.
• #18 Hagerstown, Maryland: Insufficient information, possibly an airplane with a tail light making it appear to move slowly.
• #19 Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland: An object was intercepted by aircraft and likely was a weather balloon, noted for moving slowly and being visible for extended periods, contrary to typical fast-moving saucer reports.
• #20 Homewood, Pa.: An object observed from horizon to horizon, described as noiseless and moving too fast for aircraft but too slow for a meteor.
• #21 Norway: A "rare rocketship object" report, with doubt cast on Russian origin due to their known secrecy regarding advanced aircraft and missiles.
• Shiraz, Iran: This report is included not as a saucer sighting but as something possibly connected. It describes falling iceblocks and a "falling airplane" and is considered more likely a badly reported hailstorm.
• #22 Malone, N.Y.: A typical saucer observation made while an airliner was in the air, making misidentification of a conventional aircraft unlikely.
• #23 Lubbock, Texas: The first of four groups of gigantic saucers, possibly arriving from Venus, observed by a Texas Tech professor.
• #24, 25, 26 Lubbock, Texas: These reports are considered highly authentic, observed by three scientists. The objects were estimated to be between 5,000 and 50,000 feet high, traveling between 1,900 mph and 18,000 mph, with diameters ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 feet each.
• #27 Amarillo, Texas: Objects' self-luminosity and speed, faster than any jet plane, supported their saucer origin.
• #29 Grayling, Michigan: The third "falling airplane" report, with comments similar to previous ones. Its proximity to an air force base provided a convenient, though possibly untrue, explanation.
• #30, 31, 32 Phoenix, Arizona: A colorful report of a white small globe chasing an airliner. The timing, near the Venus Conjunction, suggests a "signal saucer" communicating via lights and colors.
• #33 Sandy Hook, N.J.: An object of ordinary size, shape, and color traveled at a great speed, not bothering to evade a pursuing P80, indicating it maintained its speed.
• #34 Hogansburg, N.Y.: A confusing report, possibly an unusual radio-controlled airplane model, though the inventor was not seen.
• #35 Denmark: Similar to the Norway report, the object came from Communist Germany and was apparently heading northward.
• #36 Lodi, Ohio: A short report of a saucer with speed greater than a jet plane, making an instantaneous stop and a right-angle turn. Its hissing noise is noted as a rare saucer characteristic.
• #37 Terre Haute, Indiana: An excellent report by observers with 26 years of aircraft observation experience. Speeds were estimated to be immensely faster than terrestrial planes, ranging from 3,000 to 42,000 mph.
• #38 Paris, Illinois: An object resembled a balloon but disappeared quickly when it moved, exhibiting speeds of 150-300 mph.
• #39 Indianapolis, Indiana: Great speed and instantaneous stop/resumption of speed marked this as a saucer report, similar to report #22.
• #40 Denver, Colorado: Not a saucer report, but resembled falling iceblocks. An astronomer examined the object, finding it unlike meteor material, but a child's testimony of a "fireball" suggests it fell from the sky, possibly from a saucer.
• #41 Cody, Wyoming: A confusing report resembling a "Delta Wing" airplane shape with a rocket-like tube body. Its lack of motor noise is typical of saucer reports. The newspaper's potential involvement in faking photos is considered unlikely.

Analysis of Saucer Reports #15 to 43

The Saucer Review analyzes these reports using a temporary working theory that they are caused by extra-terrestrial life forms. This theory is supported by a careful personal study of various books on the subject, including the works of Charles Fort. The analysis emphasizes that the subject remains open to other theories due to insufficient data for absolute scientific proof.

Overall Patterns:

• Amount of Saucer Activity: There has been a definite increase in activity, with 28 reports in the last four months (July 1 to October 30, 1951) compared to 14 in the preceding six months. This increase is believed to be linked to celestial events, specifically the closest approach of Venus in 19 months and the Venus Inferior Conjunction on September 3rd. The report notes that four formations of gigantic saucers were observed over Texas two weeks prior to this date. Historical data shows a general correlation between Mars and Venus approaches and increased sightings, particularly "rocketship" sightings during Venus Inferior Conjunctions. Examples cited include sightings during Venus Inferior Conjunctions in July 1948 and November 1946, and a rocketship-like object over Morgantown, North Carolina in June 1945.
• Area of Activity: Activity has shifted from the far west to general areas of the Midwest, central South, and Northwest. Indiana reported three sightings in one day within a 100-mile radius, and Texas had six important reports in five days. The New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area, previously a weak observation zone, had six reports in two months.
• Types of Saucers: Reports of saucer formations over Texas are unusual, as most reports since 1947 have involved single saucers. The huge size of these saucerships is also noteworthy, with the Mantell report over Godman Field in January 1948 being the last known aerial object of comparable size. These large craft may indicate a serious change in activity. Two reports of rocket-like ships over Denmark and Norway are compared to the "ghost rockets" observed over Sweden in August-October 1946.

Celestial Correlations:

The analysis highlights the correlation between planetary conjunctions and increased UFO activity. Venus Inferior Conjunctions seem to be associated with fiery cone-like or ball-like objects, while Mars oppositions are linked to saucers, aerial explosions, and peculiar earthquakes. The upcoming Mars Opposition on April 30, 1952, is flagged as a date to watch for, with expectations of a new phase of saucer activity, possibly including direct communication or landings. The report references a February 18, 1948, meteoric explosion over Kansas, seen from a dozen nearby states, as an example of significant aerial events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of contemporary UFO sightings, attempting to categorize them, identify patterns, and explore potential origins. The editorial stance is one of cautious investigation, employing the extra-terrestrial hypothesis as a primary working theory while remaining open to other explanations. The magazine emphasizes the need for more data and scientific basis for definitive conclusions. There is a clear focus on distinguishing UFOs from conventional aircraft, weather balloons, and meteors, often highlighting specific characteristics like speed, maneuverability, and visual appearance that defy known technology. The publication also draws connections between seemingly disparate reports and links sightings to astronomical events, suggesting a coordinated or influenced phenomenon.