Flying Saucer Review - No 04 - 1952 01 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the January-February 1952 issue, number 4, of the "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW," published by E. Rockmore. The cover price is 30¢ per copy, with 4 copies available per dollar. The publication solicits clippings of reports from the reader's area, offering a photo for every three sent. All correspondence and cash should be sent to Elliott Rockmore at POB 148, Wall Str Station, New York 3, New York.

The magazine's content is divided into four main sections:

• #1 Photostat Section: Presents all reports received for the issue, serving as proof of occurrence.
• #2 Rewrite Section: Details all received reports, focusing on basic facts and separating factual descriptions from sensationalized newspaper accounts for analysis.
• #3 Analysis Section: Offers an individual analysis of each report to establish authenticity, and then analyzes reports collectively to identify overall patterns, meanings, and potential future activity.
• #4 Credit Section: Acknowledges individuals who have assisted the Review by lending clippings or paying for their own.

The publisher also notes a potential future fifth section dedicated to early 19th and 20th-century reports, contingent on the Review's success and the availability of these historical documents.

Rewrite Section: January - March 1952 Reports

The "Rewrite Section" of this issue meticulously documents 37 reported aerial phenomena, numbered and chronologically ordered, with allied reports lettered for clarity. These reports span from December 1951 to February 1952 and originate from various locations, including Mars, the United States, Canada, and England.

**Key Incidents and Observations:

• Mars Observations (December 1951): Two reports detail phenomena observed on Mars: a "very small and extremely bright" spot on Tithonius Lacus resembling a twinkling star, and a brilliant cloud extending beyond the terminator.
• **United States Sightings (January 1952):
• Ohio: Three tiny lighted spheres rose from the horizon, ejecting lighted rectangular objects.
• Ontario, Canada: A reddish-orange disk-like object, appearing at high altitude, moved at supersonic speed.
• Florida: A crescent-shaped object, described as resembling a halfmoon, crossed the sky at high speed.
• Kansas: A bright light flashed, followed by a fiery, round, blue-white light that moved noiselessly.
• California: Reports include a fiery cigar-shaped object emitting sparks, a fiery blue-green spherical object with an orange tail, and a fiery spherical object. Several sightings occurred in the Gonzales, Fresno, and Madero areas.
• Long Island, NY: Two objects with bright lights emitted a fluorescent glow and crossed the sky at high speed.
• **United States Sightings (January 1952 - continued):
• England: A bright object followed by a streak of light was observed in London.
• Washington: Three metal chunks fell near an Air Force base.
• England: A brilliant golden, oblong object with a flame-like light crossed the sky at high speed.
• California: Two red, spherical objects hovered at low altitude.
• England: A woman reported a strange bright light from a pear-shaped, red glowing object hovering motionless.
• New York: A fiery blue, spherical object left a trail of sparks.
• Pennsylvania: A fiery object was observed, with an astronomer suggesting it was the largest meteor seen in years.
• Vermont: Multiple shocks were felt, accompanied by booming sounds and flickering lights, attributed to tremors or a power line issue.
• Korea: A pulsating spherical object with a blue halo moved with a revolving motion near a B29 bomber.
• Long Island, NY: An object resembling a parachute and a man appeared to fall into a bay; searches found no wreckage.
• California: A heavy aerial explosion was heard and felt, but no wreckage was found.
• Louisiana: A spherical object with a reddish head and green tail crossed the sky.
• Oklahoma: A fiery, brilliant green object emitted spurts of flame and a smoke-like trail.
• Oklahoma: A fiery object resembling a burning plane appeared to fall.
• Kansas: A fiery, spherical object crossed the southern skies.
• Texas: A fiery, bluish-green, spherical object exploded into flaming fragments.
• South Africa: A barrage of meteors was seen, along with three heavy aerial explosions.
• **United States Sightings (February 1952):
• Pennsylvania: A large object of unknown origin, star-shaped and made of a paperlike material, was found in a field.
• New York: An explosive noise was heard, and a hole was found in a building with an egg-shaped lead weight at the bottom.
• Connecticut: A loud aerial explosion was heard and felt.
• Texas: Small strips of metal foil were seen falling near an Air Force base.
• Virginia: A shining, wingless object crossed the sky and passed into a reddish cloud.
• Ohio: A large circular object crossed the sky.
• Missouri: A large circular object crossed the sky, possibly a balloon.
• Virginia: A brilliant spherical object traveled in a flat path northward.
• Virginia: A brilliant blue object, followed by an orange light and meteoric particles, crossed the sky at low altitude.
• New Mexico: An unknown object revolved in place for two hours, and a round, shining object hovered.
• New Mexico: A round object with a ramp hovered over a city.
• California: A fiery red-orange, spherical object appeared to fall from the sky, then zigzagged and went up again.
• California: Greenish streaks of light resembling meteor trails crossed the sky, appearing as fiery balls that moved toward San Francisco.
• Massachusetts: Three bright, shiny, silver, circular objects flew in a V formation, then changed course and headed eastward at high speed.
• Oklahoma: A green streak of light, resembling an airplane disaster flare, was followed by a brilliant flash.
• Arkansas: Two metallic, hoop-like objects, larger than airliners, maneuvered in the sky.
• Texas: A flash of light was followed by a heavy explosion that destroyed a small bridge.
• Texas: A flash of light was followed by a very heavy explosion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation and analysis of unidentified aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the structure and content of the "Rewrite" and "Analysis" sections, is one of serious investigation and a desire to separate factual observation from speculation. The publication actively seeks reports from the public, indicating a belief that widespread observation is key to understanding these events. The emphasis on providing precise details like latitude, longitude, time, and witness descriptions suggests a commitment to empirical data collection. The inclusion of potential explanations, such as meteors or experimental aircraft, alongside the acknowledgment of phenomena that defy easy categorization, highlights a balanced approach to the subject matter. The potential for a future section on historical reports further underscores a long-term interest in the phenomenon's history and evolution.

Title: Saucer Review
Issue: Review #4
Volume: 1
Date: January 1 to February 29, 1952

This issue of the "Saucer Review" delves into flying saucer reports, primarily focusing on the period from January 1 to February 29, 1952. The publication adopts a working theory that these phenomena are caused by extraterrestrial life forms, based on a study of various books and journals on the subject, including the works of Charles Fort. While acknowledging that the subject is open to other theories due to insufficient definitive proof, the extraterrestrial hypothesis is used for analysis. Reports are numbered for classification and chronological order.

Analysis of Mars Events and Potential Spacecraft Launching

The review highlights the importance of two December 1951 reports concerning Mars, which are included despite the planned start date of January 1952. Observer Tsunco Saheki listed four theories for a phenomenon observed on Mars: reflection from water surface, meteor impact flash, Martian volcanic eruption, and a Martian signal. The first three are deemed unacceptable due to lack of historical precedent, atmospheric conditions, or unusual characteristics. The 'Martian Signal' theory is considered interesting, especially due to its occurrence on an astronomical date and a similar event in 1950.

Specifically, on January 15, 1950, a huge grayish cloud (60 miles high, 900 miles in diameter) was observed on Mars, which later changed color. This event, along with a Mars opposition on March 23, 1950, and a bright spot observed on December 8, 1951, are presented as potentially significant. The review posits that these events, occurring around Mars' aphelion (closest point to the Sun), could be signals or secondary effects of extraterrestrial spaceship launching. The fact that UFO reports increased sharply two and four-and-a-half months after these Mars 'explosions' is presented as strong evidence for this theory. The review includes crude drawings illustrating the concept of Earth catching up to Mars in orbit, suggesting that the period before opposition would be ideal for a spaceship launch.

Specific Sightings and Analysis (January-February 1952)

The issue meticulously details numerous sightings from various locations:

• February 24, 1952, Richmond, California (#36): Three bright orange spheres were observed racing in from the bay, circling a local landmark, changing color to green, and then disappearing north. The sighting was corroborated by three policemen in patrol cars.
• February 27, 1952, T'tigg Island, British Columbia: A heavy explosion with a shock wave that broke windows and shook houses occurred. Examination revealed a 15-foot wide, 10-foot deep crater, with no known cause like dynamiting. An astronomer theorized a resemblance to meteoric craters.
• February 28, 1952, Cambridgeshire, England: A perfectly round, bright object with a uniformly bright surface, except for a particularly bright spot at the bottom, crossed the sky in 15 seconds and vanished northeast. The object's speed and brief duration are noted.

Further reports analyzed include:

• #1 Shaker Heights, Ohio: Three objects rose simultaneously, exhibiting a speed that ruled out meteors and a formation that suggested a reconnaissance flight.
• #2 North Bay, Ontario: A spherical object with apparent supersonic speed and self-luminosity at night, ruling out meteors and balloons.
• #3 Daytona Beach, Florida: A crescent-shaped object, similar to a 'flying wing' or 'delta wing' airplane, was observed. Its speed and thin shape ruled out meteors and balloons.
• #3 Navarre, Kansas: An object's slowness made the meteor theory weak, though it might have been one burning out. Its brightness and sudden disappearance ruled out balloons.
• #5 Monterey-Watsonville Fresno, California: The object's brilliance, shape, maneuverability, and self-luminosity ruled out meteors and balloons. A peculiar characteristic was the emission of small 'balls of fire' from both ends.
• #6 Lake Helen, Florida: A circular object with a long duration of visibility and darkness ruled out meteors. Its trail suggested it was not a balloon.
• C, D, E, F, & G Los Angeles & San Diego, California: Explosive sounds were noted, possibly from a jet plane or meteors, but with no supporting evidence.
• #7 Amityville, L.I., New York: A noiseless, fluorescent object with regular intervals and rapid speed ruled out aircraft, meteors, and balloons.
• #8 London, England: Objects with self-luminosity and great speed were observed, ruling out aircraft, meteors, and balloons.
• H Tacoma, Washington: No known explosion occurred, and a meteorite would have a rough shape. The possibility of objects being dropped by a B36 was considered.
• #9 Kent, England: The object's shape, speed, and coloration ruled out meteors and balloons. A flame-like light was observed.
• #10 San Jose, California: An object hovered for 12 minutes, exhibiting capabilities unknown in aircraft, and its self-luminosity ruled out balloons.
• #11 Hampshire, England: A pear-shaped, self-luminous object with a 15-minute duration ruled out meteors and balloons.
• #13 Elmira-Philadelphia, Pa: A self-luminous, spherical object with apparent slowness was observed, possibly a fireball meteor or signal rocket.
• I Burlington, Vermont: An explosive sound was reported, possibly from a jet plane or aerial signaling, or saucers passing the supersonic sound barrier.
• #13 & 14 Korea: Spherical, self-luminous objects with revolving motion were observed, ruling out jet plane exhaust and meteors. Their speed and self-luminosity ruled out balloons.
• #15 Hampton Bay, L.I., N.Y.: A hemi-spherical object with apparent slowness was observed, possibly a deflated balloon or material ejected from a saucer.
• J & K Los Angeles, California: Explosive sounds were noted, possibly from a jet plane or aerial signals from saucers.
• #16 Shreveport, Louisiana: A spherical object with brilliant green light and slow speed was observed, possibly a green signal saucer.
• #17 Orange Free State, South Africa: Insufficient information was available, but the occurrence during a period of increased 'meteors' and explosions was noted as suspicious.
• Concord Township, Pennsylvania: An object did not resemble any known weather device, possibly an unusual kite.
• M Buffalo, New York: A falling object was observed, with airline companies suggesting it was an airplane part, though no planes were reported missing.
• N Danbury, Connecticut: Possible aerial signal or a jet or saucer passing the sound barrier.
• O Fort Worth, Texas: A falling object was observed, possibly a new type of radar strip or of saucer origin.
• #18 Dayton, Virginia: A wingless, noiseless, tubular object with apparent slow speed and bursts of tremendous speed was observed, possibly a 'ghost'-rocket or saucer seen on edge.
• #19 Dayton - St. Louis: An object was observed, possibly a balloon or a saucer.
• #20 Near Lynchburg: A spherical, self-luminous object ruled out plane theory and was considered suspicious due to its occurrence on a day of exceptional saucer activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the exploration of their potential origins. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of investigating the extraterrestrial hypothesis, using detailed case studies and historical correlations, particularly with events on Mars, to support this viewpoint. While acknowledging the limitations of current data and the possibility of other explanations (meteors, balloons, aircraft, atmospheric phenomena), the review consistently leans towards interpretations that involve advanced, non-terrestrial technology. The publication also highlights the growing official acknowledgment of UFO activity, as evidenced by the release of reports from Korea.

The publication emphasizes the importance of careful observation, detailed reporting, and critical analysis of each sighting, often concluding with a primary identification of a saucer or related phenomenon, while also offering secondary possibilities. The copyright notice by E. Rockmore appears on multiple pages, indicating his role as the author or publisher of this analysis.

This document is a section of a publication titled "Analysis Section. Review #4," copyrighted in 1952 by E. Rockmore. It meticulously details and analyzes numerous reports of unidentified aerial phenomena, primarily focusing on "flying saucers" and related sightings.

Analysis of Reports (Pages 20-23)

The review breaks down individual reports, assigning a number to each and providing a location, a description of the object and its behavior, and a conclusion regarding its likely identity. The analysis attempts to rule out conventional explanations such as aircraft, meteors, balloons, or known atmospheric phenomena.

Key Incidents and Analyses:

• #21 LYNCHBURG, Va: An object with unusual shape and duration, ruling out jetplane and balloon theories. Concluded as possibly a saucer, signal rocket, or meteor.
• #22 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M: A bright, self-luminous, long, thin object that hovered for 12 minutes. Ruled out aircraft and meteor theories due to its prolonged hovering and sudden movement. The size (136 feet) did not fit typical saucer types. Concluded as possibly a large saucer or 'ghost' rocketship.
• MENDOZA PROVINCE, Argentina: Reports of cloud shapes resembling atomic explosions. The analysis suggests this could be a faked atomic explosion by the Argentine dictator or a signal saucer explosion, questioning the feasibility of such a discovery in a short period.
• #23 S. CAROLINA-VIRGINIA: A spherical, brilliant, huge object resembling a meteor but with unusual characteristics, including its daytime appearance and occurrence precisely four years after a significant Kansas daytime explosion. The lack of found meteor pieces and its occurrence on an anniversary suggest a "signal theory" of fireballs.
• #24 GALAX, Va: An object resembling no known plane, with a description that differed from another report. Concluded as possibly a meteor or a signal rocket.
• #25 OTTOBINE, Va: A tapering, self-luminous object with slow speed, ruling out meteor and balloon theories. Concluded as possibly a saucer or ghost rocket.
• #26 LONGVIEW GARDENS, NC: The occurrence of another large meteor on the same day over the southeast is considered odd, suggesting a saucer.
• #27 SAVANNAH RIVER, Georgia: Insufficient information, but possibly the same sighting as #23, suggesting a new saucer phenomenon.
• #28 ST STEPHEN, S.C: A possible meteorite fall or report #23, suggesting another saucer.
• #29 SOCORRO, N.M: A round shape and a 2-hour hovering period, unknown in aircraft, ruling out meteors. Concluded as possibly a saucer or weather balloon.
• #30 CORONA, California: Bright self-luminosity, spherical shape, zigzag maneuver, and rising back into the sky ruled out airplanes and meteors. Concluded as possibly a 'foo fighter' object or a saucer.
• #31 RICHMOND, California: Great speeds, spherical shape, and bright self-luminosity were unlike known planes or meteors. The maneuverability ruled out balloons. Concluded as possibly 'foo-fighters' or flying saucers.
• #32 GREENFIELD, Mass: Spherical shape and right-angle turn ruled out planes and meteors. The sudden great speed and formation were unknown in balloon flight. Concluded as probably saucers in formation.
• #33 STILLWATER, Oklahoma: Resemblance to an airplane disaster flare, but no missing planes were reported. The green coloration is noted as rare in meteor history. Concluded as probably a signal saucer rocket or an airplane flare.
• TERMINAL ISLAND, California: Sound possibly caused by a jet plane, but none known in the area. No known dynamiting. This was the third explosion over Los Angeles. Concluded as possibly military training or a saucer signal.
• #34 KEYSVILLE, Virginia: Cigar shape and noiselessness are unknown in aircraft. Meteors do not appear silvery or cigar-shaped. Balloons do not travel fast enough to temporarily disappear. Concluded as probably a ghost rocket or a saucer seen edgewise.
• R&S DALLAS, Texas: Explosions near the ground with flashes of light, too low for jet planes. Possibly caused by dynamiters. Concluded as probably a dynamiter or a saucer aerial sound signal.
• #35 GASSVILLE, Arkansas: Spherical, ring-like shape, 15-minute duration, complex maneuvers, and lack of brilliance ruled out meteors. Flat edge, speeds, and maneuverability ruled out balloons. Concluded as probably saucers.
• #36 RICHMOND, California: Bright self-luminosity, spherical shape, and maneuverability in circling the area were impossible for a meteor. Formation, great speed, and self-luminosity were unknown in balloons. Concluded as probably foo-fighters or flying saucers.
• I. TUIGG ISLAND, British Columbia: No known aircraft, dynamiting, or fires. Possibly a meteorite crater, but irregularly shaped and no pieces found. Concluded as possibly a meteorite, a practical joker, or connected with saucers.
• #36 CAMBRIDGESHIRE, England: Spherical shape and self-luminosity unknown in aircraft. Meteors appear brilliant and rarely slow enough to watch. Self-luminosity at 10:40 p.m. ruled out balloons. Concluded as probably a saucer or a slow meteor.

Overall Patterns and Conclusions (Page 23)

• Amount of Activity Pattern: The total number of reports (excluding aerial explosions and falling objects) averaged approximately 20 reports per month.
• Quality of Activity Pattern: Reports were broken down into 8 groups: Saucers & Spheres (10 reports), 'Ghost Rockets' (6 reports), 'Foo Fighters' (6 reports), Green Fireballs (3 reports), Fireball Meteors (7 reports), Unidentified (4 reports), Explosions (13 reports), and Falling Objects (6 reports).
• Periods of Activity Pattern: Two periods of sharp increase in saucer reports were identified: January 28-31, 1952 (9 reports in 3 days) and February 18-19, 1952 (13 reports in 2 days). These periods are linked to astronomical events: the Venus Inferior Conjunction (2 years prior) and the Mars Opposition (4 years prior).
• Area of Activity Pattern: The activity has shifted from the southwest and is now evenly spread across the southeast, southwest, and northwest regions.

Clipping Credit Section (Pages 6-7)

This section acknowledges individuals who have contributed to the review by paying for clippings or loaning them for photostating. It highlights "very active clipping collectors" and those who have lent "entire collections of the older clippings dating back to 1950 and 1947." The publisher expresses gratitude and notes the difficulty in keeping up with the volume of work.

Special Credit Due (Page 7)

Further details are provided on individuals who have been particularly helpful in maintaining the review's coverage. The publisher mentions sending them photostat issues and other materials as a token of appreciation. The section also appeals for early clippings collected since 1946 or later.

Organizations and Group Activity (Page 8)

Several organizations are mentioned as being active in the subject of UFOs:

• ETRO (Extra-Terrestrial Research Organization): Based in Cleveland, Ohio, with about 100 readers of science fiction, publishing an amateur mimeographed magazine focused on saucers and communication attempts.
• BSRA (Borderland Science Research Associates): A group of over 1,000 readers of psychic phenomena and occultism, publishing "Round Robin," which includes saucer data and reports.
• Other Groups: Several other organizations have appeared in San Diego, Amarillo, Pittsburgh, Bridgeport, and Los Angeles. The subject is described as a "serious and widespread group movement."

The review encourages readers to start local groups and offers addresses of other interested individuals. It also notes that active clipping collectors are good candidates for leadership in these groups.

Language Translators Needed (Page 8)

The publication's coverage is expanding globally, and there is a critical need for people who can translate foreign language letters and clippings. The cost of professional translation is too high for the review's finances. Translators are needed for German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Swedish. Payment is offered in the form of photostats of reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic analysis and categorization of UFO sightings, the attempt to differentiate between genuine phenomena and misidentifications (meteors, aircraft, balloons), and the exploration of potential explanations such as "signal rockets" or deliberate "fake blasts." The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, seeking patterns and correlations, particularly with astronomical events, and encouraging active participation and information sharing among readers. The publication is dedicated to gathering and disseminating information on UFOs, even to the point of seeking international collaboration through language translators. The emphasis on "signal theory" suggests a belief that some of these phenomena might be deliberate communications or signals. The copyright notice and the detailed breakdown of contributors indicate a structured and organized effort to document and understand these events.