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Flying Saucers 1961 Febr
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Title: FLYING SAUCERS Issue: FS-18 Date: February, 1961 Publisher: Palmer Publications, Inc. Country: USA Language: English Cover Price: 35¢
Magazine Overview
Title: FLYING SAUCERS
Issue: FS-18
Date: February, 1961
Publisher: Palmer Publications, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Price: 35¢
This issue of "FLYING SAUCERS: The Magazine of Space Conquest" presents a provocative collection of articles and letters centered around controversial theories and alleged evidence of UFO phenomena. The cover boldly proclaims "SAUCERS NOW PROVED!" with references to positive proof from the Brazil Navy and Congress, and includes quotes suggesting Admiral Byrd's North Pole flight and the hostile nature of flying saucers.
Editorial Stance and Content
The magazine's editorial policy, as outlined in "WHAT FLYING SAUCERS MEANS TO YOU," is to present both sides of any question concerning UFOs and allied subjects, aiming to avoid discrimination. The editor, Ray Palmer, describes himself as "one of the gang" and willing to engage in "battle of words." Manuscripts are not paid for, and the magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions.
Key Articles and Features
"BYRD DID MAKE NORTH POLE FLIGHT IN FEB., 1947!" —Giannini
This section is presented as a series of letters between Richard Ogden, a reader, and Giannini, author of "World's Beyond The Poles." The core of the discussion revolves around whether Admiral Byrd actually flew over the North Pole in February 1947 and penetrated "1700 miles beyond it" into an unknown land area. Ogden queries Giannini about his claims and the Navy's refusal to comment. Giannini asserts that Byrd's flight was real and that the Navy is covering up a military secret. The article includes excerpts from New York Times accounts from February 1947, detailing Antarctic and Arctic expeditions, and references to "guardedly admitted" purposes of Arctic flights. Giannini claims his prior knowledge of this land discovery led to an investigation by U.S. Naval Intelligence. He also mentions a meeting with William Cardinal O'Connell, who reportedly stated, "If it is so, the world will know of it."
The Flying Saucers Are Hostile!
By George D. Fawcett, this article likely explores the aggressive or threatening nature of UFOs, though the content is not detailed in the provided text.
Chasing The Flying Saucers
By Gray Barker, this piece suggests an investigative approach to tracking or understanding flying saucer phenomena.
Magnetic UFO Detector
By Arthur C. Aho, this article details the construction or theory behind a device designed to detect UFOs using magnetic principles.
The Brazilian Navy UFO Sighting At The Island Of Trindade
By Olavo T. Fontes, M. D., this feature elaborates on the cover story, presenting evidence from the Brazil Navy and Congress regarding UFO sightings and photographic proof obtained at the Island of Trindade.
Letters
This section features correspondence "By The Readers," indicating a direct engagement with the readership and their contributions or questions.
Byrd Expedition and Polar Exploration
The debate surrounding Admiral Byrd's flights is a central theme. Giannini insists that Byrd made a secret flight to the Arctic after leaving Antarctica on February 22, 1947, and flew 1700 miles over land beyond the North Pole. He criticizes the Navy for refusing to answer inquiries about this. Ogden, while initially skeptical, seems to be swayed by the lack of official denial and the possibility of a cover-up. The article also touches upon the "Bunger Oasis" and the U.S. Air Force's public stance that "flying saucers do not exist."
Giannini also claims that the "peasant" Soviet government possesses knowledge of these facts, which he believes has led to indignities against the United States. He asserts that his book, "Worlds Beyond The Poles," has influenced the Byrd family's perspective on his claims.
Earth's Shape and Horizon Theory
The editor, Ray Palmer, clarifies his position on the Earth's shape, stating that while he personally believes it is a sphere, its surface may not be perfectly spherical. He argues that the "horizon" is an optical illusion and that the phenomenon of "hull-down" is not proof of sphericity. He suggests that the Polar Areas are peculiar and not fully understood.
Intelligence and Cover-ups
Both Giannini and Palmer express frustration with governmental and military intelligence agencies. Giannini claims to have been investigated by U.S. Naval Intelligence due to his disclosures about Byrd's flight. Palmer states that his experience with military intelligence has been negative, describing it as "wasted effort" and leading to "run-around" or "push-around" tactics. He mentions being arrested without warrant, confined, and denied legal counsel in the past.
Advertising and Subscription Information
The magazine includes a detailed section on "ADVERTISING RATES," listing prices for various ad placements from back covers to classifieds. It also provides subscription rates: $2.00 for one year (6 issues) and $4.00 for two years (12 issues). The publication details are listed, including its bi-monthly schedule and re-entry as second-class matter at the Post Office in Amherst, Wisconsin.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue of "Flying Saucers" is heavily focused on challenging official narratives and exploring unconventional theories. The central themes include:
- UFO Existence and Proof: The magazine actively promotes the idea that UFOs are real, citing photographic evidence from Brazil and the alleged implications of Admiral Byrd's flights.
- Governmental Secrecy and Cover-ups: A significant undercurrent is the belief that military and governmental agencies are withholding information about UFOs and potentially about polar exploration secrets.
- Challenging Scientific Orthodoxy: The magazine questions established scientific views, particularly regarding the shape of the Earth and the nature of optical phenomena like the horizon.
- Investigative Journalism (of a sort): The editor encourages readers to submit information and engages in debates, positioning the magazine as a platform for exploring controversial topics outside the mainstream.
The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official pronouncements and a willingness to entertain even speculative theories, provided they are presented with some form of evidence or argument, however unconventional. The magazine aims to provoke thought and discussion, even if it means challenging established scientific and governmental authorities.
This document is a scanned issue of a publication titled "THE FLYING SAUCERS ARE HOSTILE!". The content appears to be a compilation of UFO sightings and incidents, presented as a research paper or article, with a publication date suggested by the content to be around 1961.
The Flying Saucers Are Hostile!
The article begins by referencing a TIG Brief from December 24, 1959, where Major General Richard E. O'Keefe warned that UFO sightings would increase and were considered "UFOS SERIOUS BUSINESS." This is contrasted with the public stance that UFOs had not existed for over 13 years. It also mentions a "PROJECT GRUDGE" report from December 30, 1949, which suggested that Earth might be observed by space visitors concerned about potential aggression due to nuclear and space-rocket tests.
The author, George D. Fawcett, a self-proclaimed UFO and Flying Saucer Investigator for fourteen years, states that he has dedicated significant personal resources to investigating these phenomena. His research articles have been published, and he has lectured widely and had a column titled "CHASING THE FLYING SAUCERS." His "SAUCERIANA COLLECTION," comprising clippings, books, photographs, and scrapbooks, was accepted by the National Air Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in 1961. Fawcett is also affiliated with several UFO research organizations.
The article asserts that the Air Force concluded flying saucers were real spaceships in 1947-1948 and demonstrated 'controlled maneuvers' by 1950. However, a secret Pentagon panel in 1953 urged the Air Force to quadruple its UFO project and release information to the public. Despite this, the author claims official censorship, ridicule, and misinformation have led the public to believe UFOs do not exist, even with radar and visual sightings, movies, and recovered 'fallen fragments.'
The situation changed in December 1959, when the UFOs were officially termed 'SERIOUS BUSINESS.' This shift prompted calls for 'open hearings' on Capitol Hill. The article notes that Armed Forces Censorship Regulations (JANAP 146-B, CIRVIS REPORTS, and AFR 200-2) carried heavy penalties for servicemen reporting UFOs, contributing to military silence until discharge.
The CIA is mentioned as having carried on censorship of UFOs for the Air Force. Various agencies, including the FBI, Armed Services, Civilian Defense Directors, Moonwatch Teams, and Ground Observers Corp, were tasked with relaying UFO sightings to the Air Force. A March 1954 JANAP 146-B directive listed Unidentified Flying Objects alongside aircraft, missiles, and submarines, requiring reporting of suspicious activity.
Fawcett believes these 'whatniks' predated the 'Sputniks and Explorers' and that circular craft using 'air cushion' principles were developed long after flying saucers demonstrated superior speeds and maneuvers. He concluded in 1952 that flying saucers were real, ageless, worldwide, appearing in cycles, with hundreds of landings and an outer-space origin. His belief remained unchanged even after the advent of the 'Space Age' in 1957.
The article strongly posits that flying saucers are HOSTILE, attributing the international censorship and conspiracy to the fear of panic. It argues that these objects are a threat to national defense and have contributed to technical and scientific knowledge for the Space Race. Fawcett believes the public has a right to know about these dangers, suggesting that space travel was accomplished by 'someone, somewhere' long ago.
Chronological Incidents and Sightings
The article then presents a detailed, chronological list of UFO incidents from 1944 to 1960, emphasizing alleged hostility and strange phenomena:
- 1944: Army Pilot Charles F. Lane's plane motors stopped over the Himalaya Mountains.
- August 28, 1945: Passenger Leonard J. Stringfield's C-46 developed engine trouble near Iwo Jima.
- December 5, 1945: Five TBM Avenger Bombers and one PBM Martin Mariner disappeared without a trace near Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- June 21, 1947: Lt. Frank M. Brown and Captain William Davidson died when their plane crashed near Tacoma, Washington, while retrieving UFO fragments.
- July 23, 1947: Pilot John H. Janseen's plane motors stopped, and the plane hovered during a UFO encounter near Morristown, New Jersey.
- September 1947: ATIC concluded flying saucers were real.
- January 7, 1948: Captain Thomas F. Mantell, Jr. was killed while chasing a 'flying disk' over Kentucky.
- July 1948: Captain C. S. Chiles and Co-Captain John B. Whitted reported a cigar-shaped UFO nearly collided with their DC-3.
- 1948: A secret ATIC conclusion stated UFOs were spaceships.
- October 12, 1949: "Captured Saucers" reported in New Mexico.
- December 1949: Air Force Jets fired on a UFO over New Jersey.
- December 30, 1949: Major Jeremiah Boggs stated some pilots fired at UFOs for examination.
- March 9, 1950: A "Flying Disk" reportedly landed at Mexico City.
- April 10, 1950: David Lightfood, 12, touched a landed 'flying saucer' in Amarillo, Texas, which released a gas causing red welts.
- April 20, 1950: A globe-like UFO hovered over Jack Robertson's car in Lufkin, Texas, emitting a red glow and sparks.
- 1950: Pilot Chet Swital reported UFOs paralyzed plane motors and instruments over Muroc Air Force Base and a New Mexico Air Force Base.
- 1950: Air Force Intelligence analysis showed "Controlled UFO Maneuvers," confirming UFOs were real spaceships.
- July 1952: Pilot Fred Reagan's Piper Cub collided with a "Bright, Dazzling Lozenge Shaped UFO" near Atlanta, Georgia, leading to his death from brain tissue degeneration.
- July 24-25, 1952: An Italian named Carlos was fired at by a hovering UFO using a green ray near the Sercho River in Italy.
- July 26, 1952: The U.S. Air Force issued a "Shoot 'Em Down" order to pilots.
- 1952: An Air Force F-86 Jet Pilot opened fire at a hovering UFO in Ohio.
- 1952: A 10-inch "red hot" disk landed in Dublin, Ireland, burning a child.
- August 19, 1952: Scoutmaster J. D. "Sonny" Desvergers encountered a hovering UFO in West Palm Beach, Florida, which shot a "Ball of Fire" at him, causing unconsciousness.
- September 13, 1952: Witnesses in Sutton, West Virginia, were repelled by a noxious odor from a landed globe-like UFO.
- September 13, 1952: Mr. and Mrs. George Snitowsky in Freetown, West Virginia, experienced electric shock and gassing near a landed UFO.
- September 14, 1952: Gloyd Brown in Belle Glade, Florida, experienced eye and nostril irritation from a circling UFO, with cows becoming frightened and milk production dropping 33%.
- October 1953: A National Airlines DC-6 pilot dived to avoid a shiny disc-shaped UFO near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hospitalizing passengers.
- October 1953: Captain J. L. Kidd of American Airlines DC-6 dived to avoid a lighted UFO near Washington, D.C., causing passengers to be thrown into aisles.
- November 23, 1953: A B-47 Stratojet crashed and exploded near Tampa Bay, Florida, with UFOs reported in the vicinity.
- December 4, 1952: Lt. in the Air Force reported a near collision with a blue-lighted UFO near Laredo AFB, Texas.
- January 29, 1953: Merchant Lloyd C. Booth shot at a hovering egg-shaped UFO in South Carolina, which bounced back the bullet and caused livestock deaths.
- January 1953: A secret Pentagon panel urged the Air Force to quadruple its UFO project and release information.
- January-March 1954: Four RAF Planes and Pilots disappeared over the Tyrrhenian Sea and Mediterranean Sea area.
- January 4, 1954: Fragments were left by a cigar-shaped UFO that landed at Marigname Airport in France.
- 1954: Scientists investigated a UFO that crashed on Heligoland Island, Germany.
- April 20, 1954: A part of a hovering UFO that fell on a farmhouse was investigated.
- May 1954: A F-94 Jet Fighter pursuing a UFO over Utica, New York, bailed out due to intense heat, and the jet crashed, killing 4 persons.
- August 1954: Australian Sheep Grower W. C. Hall reported six petrol-tank shaped UFOs landed on his ranch, affecting animal behavior.
- August 27, 1954: Fragments from a hovering UFO landed on the highway in Woodside, California.
- October 5, 1954: Witnesses near Paris, France, felt a strange sensation and noticed a peculiar smell from a luminous UFO.
- October 21, 1954: A silvery UFO hovered near Pozzuoli, Italy; a dog watching it barked and fell dead.
- October 28, 1954: A large group witnessed a silvery disc-shaped UFO land on a sports field near Monza, Italy, causing red eyes in witnesses.
- April 8, 1955: Air Force Jets fired at a UFO circling a balloon over Rockfield, Illinois, destroying the balloon but missing the UFO.
- August 6, 1955: A witness in Cincinnati, Ohio, suffered severe eye irritation from an oval-shaped UFO.
- 1955: Government Investigators announced an increase in background radiation after UFO sightings.
- August 2, 1956: Pilot J. G. Kirby photographed a UFO with an exhaust trail near Amarillo, Texas; Air Force officers instructed him to remain silent.
- 1956: A Navy R7V-2 Transport had to dive to avoid a collision with a giant disc-shaped UFO (350-400 feet in diameter) over the Atlantic Ocean.
- September 1956: Air Force jets investigating a hovering UFO over Missoula, Montana, experienced instrument malfunctions, with one jet diving 15,000 feet.
- October 2, 1956: Nightwatchman Harry J. Sturdevant in Trenton, New Jersey, reported a red-lighted cigar-shaped UFO causing nausea and impaired senses.
- March 10, 1957: Captain Matthew A. Van Winkle of Pan American Airlines was forced off course by a "green circular object UFO" near Puerto Rico.
- July 17, 1957: An American Airlines DC-6 swerved to avoid a UFO at Salt Flats, Texas, hospitalizing passengers.
- July 24, 1957: A TWA Constellation Airliner dived to avoid a moving UFO near Amarillo, Texas, treating injured passengers.
- July 28, 1957: An American Airlines plane was struck by a "Ball of Fire UFO" near Knoxville, Tennessee, puncturing the tail.
- August 14, 1957: Commander Jorge Campos Araujo of VARIG Airlines reported engine trouble and dimming cabin lights after a near approach by a luminous UFO with a dome.
- August 21, 1957: Fragments from a UFO landed on the ground near Parana City, Argentina.
- September 7, 1957: Exploding UFO showers fragments on a beach near Ubatuba, Brazil.
- November 4, 1957: Car motors and headlights stopped near Orogrande, New Mexico, due to a "Luminous Egg-shaped UFO."
- November 4, 1957: Two sentinels at Brazilian Fortress Itaipu were overcome by heat and burning from a luminous orange UFO, causing widespread electrical system failures.
- November 4, 1957: Captain De Beyssac of VARIG Airlines reported his ADF, generator, and transmitter burned out while approaching a large red UFO in Brazil.
- November 6, 1957: Ironworker Rene Gilham suffered burns on his face and eyes from a hovering UFO near Merom, Indiana.
- November 6, 1957: Plasterer Olden Moore saw a hovering circular UFO near Montville, Ohio, with a Geiger Counter later showing deadly radioactivity.
- November 8, 1957: The Panamerican Stratocruiser "Romance of the Skies" crashed in the Pacific Ocean, with UFOs reported in the vicinity.
- November 9, 1957: Fragments from a UFO landed near Hillsborough, California.
- November 10, 1957: Housewife Mrs. Leita Kuhn saw an acorn-shaped UFO above her garage in Madison, Ohio, suffering rash, vision failure, and burns.
- November 13, 1957: A strange metallic UFO exploded over Crownsville, Maryland, leaving fragments.
- December 7, 1957: A man in Dallas, Texas, was reported dying from "Radioactive Burns" after a close UFO approach.
- December 15, 1957: UFO fragments found on the ground in Langdon, North Dakota.
- February 17, 1958: Mrs. Leroy Evans and Mrs. Fred McIntosh suffered burns watching a hovering UFO near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- May 5, 1958: Pilot Alejo Rodriguez reported a bright silvery UFO over Uruguay, creating intense heat.
- October 26, 1958: Mr. Philip Small and Mr. Alvin Cohen witnessed a luminous egg-shaped UFO near Baltimore, Maryland, experiencing heat, an explosion, and electrical interference.
- December 10, 1958: Persons in Rio Negro, Uruguay, watched a luminous egg-shaped UFO and found fragments.
- December 16, 1958: A B-47 Stratojet crashed and exploded near Tampa Bay, Florida, with UFOs reported.
- December 21, 1958: UFO fragments landed in Juyjuy, Argentina.
- 1958: An Air Force pilot indicated his plane was "shot at" in a UFO encounter in the Pacific Ocean.
- February 22, 1959: PFC Bernard G. Irwin reported a "Ball of Light" Circular UFO in Utah, rendering him unconscious for 24 hours.
- April 1, 1959: An Air Force C-118 Transport crashed at McChord Air Force Base, California, killing 3 persons, with UFOs seen nearby.
- April 1959: Air Force acknowledged a "Frantic Radio Report" before a mysterious C-118 crash in Seattle, Washington, with eyewitnesses reporting 3 or 4 parachute-like glowing UFOs following the plane.
- September 7, 1959: Fragments fell to the ground from a hovering UFO in Wallingford, Kentucky.
- September 24, 1959: A UFO with tentacle-like projections moved through Redmond, Oregon, observed on radar for over an hour, followed by a search by jet fighters and bombers.
- September 29, 1959: A Braniff Airways Turbo-Prop Airliner crashed in Texas, killing 34, with UFOs reported in the vicinity.
- October 19, 1959: Mark Muza and Harold Moore shot at a hovering UFO near Poquoson, Virginia; the bullet struck a metallic surface and rebounded.
- 1959: A Brazilian Air Force Commander requested permission to take off without lights due to pursuit by a strange UFO.
- December 24, 1959: Major General Richard E. O'Keefe warned of increasing UFO sightings, labeling them "UFOS-SERIOUS BUSINESS."
- March 2, 1960: Edgar Schedelbauer suffered "great red spots" on his face and hands after a close encounter with a milky-white spider-shaped hovering UFO near Austria.
- March 12, 1960: The AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION announced it had fragments of an "Extraterrestrial Flying Saucer" from Brazil and photos from Trinidade Island.
- May 1960: The NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE ON AERIAL PHENOMENA announced UFOs are unknown, intelligently controlled machines from outer space.
- June 1960: The U.S. Air Force was investigating films and movies of UFOs taken worldwide.
- September 6, 1960: Fragments fell from a bluish-green speeding UFO near Hartford, Connecticut.
Information Sources and Acknowledgements
Fawcett thanks FATE, TRUE, and LIFE magazines, the Air Force, IFSB, FSI, CSI, NICAP, and APRO for information. He also thanks APRG, the Woonsocket, R. I. YMCA "Project Saucer" Committee, and the Massachusetts and Rhode Island TWO-STATE UFO STUDY GROUP.
Postscript
In a postscript, Fawcett hopes the incidents will provide food for thought and help in preparing a defense against such objects. He notes that the UFOs provide information that could aid mankind's efforts in space travel. He also thanks individuals who contributed to the pamphlet. A case from November 6, 1957, near San Antonio, Texas, is added, where civilian cook Lon Yarborough reported electrical interference and a blast of hot air from a hovering egg-shaped UFO.
Statements
The article includes statements from notable individuals:
- Claire Booth Luce: U.S. Lady Ambassador.
- Dan Kimball: Navy Secretary.
- Clyde W. Tombaugh: Astronomer who discovered Pluto.
- H. P. Wilkins: British Lunar Expert.
- Lord Dowding (England): "The saucers exist and they are not manufactured on the Earth."
- Dr. Herman Oberth (Germany): "The saucers are 'Vikings from another Planetary System.'"
- Lt. Colonel John O'Mara (United States): Admitted, "The saucers are interplanetary, and we also have saucer-shaped crafts ourselves."
- Wilbur B. Smith (Canada): Head of "Project Magnet-Flying Saucer Detector Station," stated, "I'm convinced they're real, that they're machines of some kind. From the weight of evidence, I believe the..."
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme throughout the article is the hostile nature of UFOs and the perceived conspiracy by governments to conceal this threat from the public. The editorial stance is one of alarm and urgency, urging readers to recognize UFOs as a dangerous, extraterrestrial phenomenon that requires serious attention and preparation for defense. The article emphasizes the advanced capabilities of UFOs compared to human technology and suggests an interplanetary conflict may be inevitable.
This issue of "Chasing the Flying Saucers" delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring accounts of potential hostility, official sightings with photographic evidence, and practical DIY information for enthusiasts.
Chasing the Flying Saucers (Article)
The issue opens with an article titled "Chasing the Flying Saucers" by Gray Barker, recounting a dramatic encounter at a lonely military garrison in Brazil. The narrative describes two guards on duty at 2 AM on a moonless tropical night who witness a strange object, initially mistaken for a star, that moves deliberately towards their fortress. The object, described as a disk-shaped craft as big as a Douglas bomber, halts directly above them at an altitude of about 150 feet. It emits a white glow that turns to a harsh orange. The guards are mesmerized, their guns hanging limply. The object then causes an intense heat wave, described as an "invisible fire," engulfing the area and causing one guard to collapse and the other to scream and run. The experience is characterized by overwhelming heat and blind terror.
Hostile Saucers (Article)
Following the initial encounter, the article "Hostile Saucers" explores the implications of such events. It references a lengthy report by George D. Fawcett, who has spent over ten years gathering UFO evidence. Fawcett's report suggests that "THE FLYING SAUCERS ARE HOSTILE!" The article presents the Brazilian fortress incident as one of 90 reports involving hostility from saucers. While the author of "Chasing the Flying Saucers" expresses some reservation about concluding outright hostility based solely on Fawcett's evidence, they acknowledge the significance of the report. The incident at the Brazilian Army Fortress Itaipu on November 4, 1957, involved two soldiers suffering from heat stroke and second-degree burns. The report details a subsequent "hush-up" and the tracking of the information by medical doctor Olavo T. Fontes, who provided it to the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization.
The article questions whether near-misses and injuries are the result of deliberate attacks or accidental consequences of superior technology. It notes that saucers could have inflicted more destruction if aggression was their intent, suggesting that perhaps the business was simple observation with unintended side effects. The author also ponders if mysterious plane crashes, sometimes hushed up, might be linked to UFO activity occurring in cycles.
Despite the evidence of injuries and deaths resulting from UFO encounters, the article refrains from building a concrete case for overt hostility. It compares near-collisions with airliners to the daily occurrences of near-misses and crashes involving conventional aircraft. Close ground encounters are noted to often cause skin redness, burns, and irritations, similar to radiation burns. The article concludes that while some devices carried by UFOs are powerful, it is uncertain whether they are intentional weapons. It suggests that if saucers wished to attack on a large scale, humanity would have little recourse.
Magnetic U.F.O. Detector (Article)
Arthur C. Aho contributes an article detailing how to build a "Magnetic U.F.O. Detector." Aho shares his experiences with experimental flying saucer detectors and highlights a specific device made by Jim Hendrix of St. Joseph, Missouri. Hendrix reported several sightings when his detector sounded off, including one where his wife, several miles away, was alerted by the device simultaneously with his sighting of a UFO. Aho states that his lectures on this detector generate significant interest, with enthusiasts requesting plans. The article provides simple instructions for constructing the detector, which consists of a 6-volt doorbell or buzzer, a 6-volt lantern battery, and a permanent magnet suspended by a thin copper wire with a swing of at least 30 inches. The wire passes through a 3/16 inch loop that acts as a switch. A longer swing increases sensitivity but also makes it more susceptible to drafts. The detector can be hung as a fixture or mounted as a portable unit. The article also suggests sources for magnets, including R. J. R. Toy Co. and cast-off radio speakers.
The Brazilian Navy UFO Sighting at the Island of Trindade (Article)
This section, reprinted from The A.P.R.O. Bulletin and authored by Olavo T. Fontes, M.D., presents a detailed account of UFO sightings by the Brazilian Navy at the Island of Trindade. The article emphasizes the unusual nature of the event, with Navy officers, technicians, and experts reporting the same Unidentified Aerial Objects (UAOs) on at least eight occasions. The sightings were further corroborated by other witnesses, photographic evidence, radar detection, and close visual encounters. Fontes argues that this constitutes concrete, scientific evidence proving the reality of these aerial vehicles.
The author discusses the possibility that these UAOs are not spacecraft but supersecret U.S. or Soviet aircraft, dismissing this as technologically improbable for any nation. The report focuses on incidents at the Island of Trindade, a Brazilian possession in the South Atlantic. Fontes notes that while many incidents are known to the Brazilian public, important details have not been disclosed. He aims to provide a comprehensive account, including facts not revealed through the press.
The investigation began when a Navy Commander, a former skeptic, reported seeing amazing pictures of a flying saucer taken by a Navy officer from the deck of the NE 'Almirante Saldanha.' These photos were taken in the presence of other officers and sailors who had also sighted the UAO. The ship's Commanding Officer ensured the film was developed aboard, and the negatives underwent rigorous analysis by photographic experts, confirming their authenticity. A photogrammetric analysis by a civilian organization, "Cruzeiro do Sul Aerophotogrammetric Service," further excluded the possibility of falsification.
Fontes recounts his personal investigation, which led him to discover that the photographer was a civilian named Almiro Barauna. The UAO was sighted on January 16, 1958, and Barauna took four pictures. A fifth picture of a similar saucer was taken by a Navy sergeant on a different date. At least six other sightings occurred at the island before the NE 'Almirante Saldanha' arrived.
The article details the efforts to maintain secrecy, including the Navy Ministry's initial confirmation and subsequent attempts to control the narrative. When the newspaper "O GLOBO" reported rumors of a sighting, the Navy stated a formal release would be made. However, the newspaper "CORREIO DE MANHA" announced plans to print "exclusive pictures." The Navy, caught off guard, attempted to prevent publication but failed. Barauna was released from his compromise, and the photos were eventually published in "O JORNAL" on February 21, along with Barauna's account.
The incident caused a significant public stir, leading to a Congressional inquiry. Representative Sergio Magalhaes requested an explanation from the Navy Minister regarding the sightings and the authenticity of the photographs, marking a climax in the public controversy surrounding the events at the Island of Trindade.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential threat posed by unidentified flying objects, the challenges of official secrecy and cover-ups, and the pursuit of evidence through eyewitness accounts, photographic documentation, and technological aids like UFO detectors. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties surrounding UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of credible evidence, such as the detailed analysis of the Brazilian Navy photographs, and a willingness to explore even controversial claims, like the hostility of UFOs, while maintaining a degree of critical evaluation.
This document, titled "BRAZILIAN NAVY SIGHTING," details a series of Unidentified Aerial Object (UAO) sightings that occurred primarily around the Island of Trindade, Brazil, between December 1957 and January 1958. The article draws heavily from official Navy reports, witness testimonies, and newspaper publications from the period, including reports from O JORNAL, CORREIO DA MANHA, JORNAL DO BRAZIL, and the magazine O CRUZEIRO.
Island of Trindade Sightings
The Island of Trindade, a remote location, became the focal point for numerous UAO observations. The article begins by outlining a series of questions posed to the Navy Minister regarding an investigation into a sighting, including whether photos were taken and why information was kept secret. The Navy's response, through Commander Raul Lopes Cardoso, confirmed a memorandum was sent to the House of Representatives regarding a sighting on January 16, 1958, but stressed the report was classified.
Early Incidents and Investigation
The investigation into the matter began in January 1958, shortly after the arrival of the NE 'Almirante Saldanha' at Rio de Janeiro. The Navy report acknowledged several incidents involving "unidentified objects" described as flying saucer-shaped or tear-shaped. These objects were noted for their high speed, controlled maneuvers, and abrupt changes in course and speed. The report concluded that personal reports and photographic evidence indicated the existence of unidentified aerial objects.
Commander Bacellar's Observations
Commander Carlos Alberto Bacellar, described as a highly qualified officer and expert in meteorological and atmospheric phenomena, played a crucial role in observing and documenting several incidents. One notable event occurred in late November when a meteorological balloon's radio signals abruptly changed frequency. Observers then spotted another object in the sky near the balloon, described as a bright, silvery speck moving at high speed with tight turns. This object was later observed through a 20-power scope, appearing as a distinct oval shape, silvery-white with a metallic shine, and exhibiting changes in shape.
Another significant sighting, the sixth in the series, occurred on January 6. A weather balloon's radio-sonde signals suddenly diminished and then went silent. Observers then saw a silvery object emerge from a cumulus cloud, moving first SW-E and then changing course to East-West. Bacellar tracked this object for about half an hour, noting its high angular velocity.
The Barauna Photographs
The article highlights the sighting on January 16, 1958, involving the ship 'Almirante Saldanha' and photographer Almiro Barauna. Barauna, invited as part of a submarine hunting group, was taking pictures of the ship's maneuvers when he spotted a UAO. He managed to capture four photographs of the object, which was described as having a dark grey color, surrounded by a greenish, phosphorescent vapor, and appearing metallic. The object exhibited an undulatory movement and abrupt speed changes. The negatives were examined by Navy officers and a civilian organization, which concluded they were genuine and not a trick.
Witness Testimonies and Official Response
Almiro Barauna provided detailed testimony about the January 16 sighting, describing the object's appearance, movements, and the confusion among the witnesses. He stated that almost all the people on deck sighted the object. The ship's commander and officers reviewed the photographs, and the negatives were later requested by Commander Bacellar and taken to the Navy Ministry for examination. Barauna was interviewed by high-ranking officers, and the Navy confirmed the authenticity of the photographs.
Other Sightings and Details
Several other sightings are mentioned, including one on December 5, 1957, by a worker, and another on December 31, 1957, witnessed by multiple individuals including Lieutenant Inacio Carlos Moreira. A seventh sighting, reportedly occurring just before the arrival of the 'Almirante Saldanha,' involved a UAO described as a flattened spheroid with a large, spinning ring, surrounded by a greenish glow.
The Navy's Classification and Public Information
The article notes that while some information was released to the press, much of the Navy's findings remained classified. Representative Sergio Magalhaes played a role in requesting information, and the Navy issued statements clarifying the status of their reports. The document emphasizes the importance of public disclosure of such phenomena, contrasting it with the prevailing thinking in military circles.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this document are the consistent sightings of unidentified aerial objects by credible witnesses, primarily military personnel, at the Island of Trindade. There is a strong emphasis on the photographic evidence obtained and the subsequent official investigation by the Brazilian Navy. The editorial stance appears to favor transparency and the dissemination of information regarding these phenomena, suggesting that the public has a right to know, even when official bodies prefer to maintain secrecy. The article highlights the tension between the desire for public information and the classification of sensitive reports by military authorities.
This document, titled "BRAZILIAN NAVY SIGHTING," details a significant unidentified aerial object (UAO) incident that occurred off the Island of Trindade, Brazil, on January 16, 1958. The report focuses heavily on the photographic evidence obtained by Almiro Barauna and the subsequent investigation and statements by the Brazilian Navy.
The Sighting and Barauna's Photographs
The core of the report revolves around the account of Almiro Barauna, a civilian aboard the Navy ship 'Almirante Saldanha.' Barauna managed to capture six photographs of a UAO in approximately 14 seconds. He described the object as having a flattened sphere shape encircled by a large ring or platform, shining with a phosphorescent glow, and appearing brighter than the moon even in daylight. Its estimated size was about 120 feet in diameter and 24 feet high, and it was observed to be moving at speeds between 900 and 1000 Km./hour.
Barauna was initially concerned about his film being confiscated due to military regulations but was later permitted to publish his photos after authorization from the Navy. He stated that at least four other individuals aboard the ship also had cameras but apparently did not capture the object.
Navy Investigation and Official Statements
Following the sighting, the Brazilian Navy initiated an investigation. Barauna's negatives were examined extensively by Navy officers. The intelligence chief questioned Barauna about how a fake photo could be produced, to which Barauna responded that microscopic examination of granulation and emulsion would reveal any trickery.
The Navy also conducted tests to estimate the object's speed, which corroborated Barauna's estimates. The negatives were compared with a U.S. photograph of a flying saucer, showing similarities in shape. The Navy's initial stance was one of secrecy and denial of responsibility, but public and press pressure led to official statements.
On February 22, 1958, the Navy Ministry issued a release admitting that a UAO had been photographed over Trindade Island in the presence of ship crew members. However, they stated that the photos did not constitute enough evidence to make a definitive statement about the object's nature.
Later, a Navy spokesman confirmed the authenticity of the photos beyond doubt and stated that the entire UFO problem was under investigation. Admiral Gerson de Macedo Soares, Navy General Secretary, expressed his belief in the reality of flying saucers. Admiral Alves Camera, the Navy Minister, initially skeptical, became convinced after seeing Barauna's photographic evidence, though he also alluded to a "big secret" the Navy could not release.
Witness Accounts and Corroboration
Several other individuals corroborated the sighting. Captain J. T. Viejas, retired AF, confirmed Barauna's report, describing the object as a disk with a phosphorescent glow. Amilar Vieira Filho, president of the Icarai Club, described seeing a grey, oval object emitting fluorescent light, which moved away toward the horizon. He noted that while he couldn't fix details due to the object's speed, the shape seen on the negatives matched his observation.
Mauro Andrade, an employee of the London Bank of South America, did not witness the sighting himself but confirmed that responsible people saw it and saw Barauna take and develop the pictures. He expressed surprise that the incident became public, as the group had agreed to keep it secret.
Com. Paulo Moreira da Silva, from the Navy's Hydrography and Navigation Service, stated that the object was not a weather balloon or a guided missile, and that the data was under analysis. He rejected the possibility of a hoax, emphasizing the authenticity of the photos and the film development process aboard the ship.
Com. Carlos Alberto Bacellar, former C.O. of the Navy Oceanographic Post at Trindade, provided a detailed personal report. He confirmed that an unidentified aerial object was seen by some people on deck, though he was not a witness himself. He described the film development process and the examination of the negatives by witnesses, noting that the object's image was clearly visible.
Additional Reports and Analysis
Copies of Barauna's photos were sent to the U.S. for comparison with other photos possessed by American authorities. Major-General Thomas Darcy, USAF representative, stated that the USAF concluded 85% of UFOs could be explained as natural phenomena, leaving the remaining 15% as a mystery.
Reports from the crew of the NE 'Almirante Saldanha' upon their arrival in Santos confirmed the passage of a UAO over the island, with many crew members witnessing it. They reported multiple sightings in the days preceding the ship's arrival.
Independent analysis by the "Cruzeiro do Sul Aerophotogrammetric Service," one of South America's best photo-laboratories, confirmed that the negatives were normal and involved no photographic tricks. This finding, along with the Navy's internal tests, led to the conclusion that the photos were authentic, establishing the sighting of an unidentified aerial object.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this report include the Brazilian Navy's initial secrecy and subsequent reluctant acknowledgment of a significant UFO event, the importance of photographic evidence, corroboration from multiple witnesses, and the ongoing debate and investigation into the nature of unidentified aerial objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting factual accounts and official statements, highlighting the credibility of the evidence while acknowledging the lack of definitive identification of the object as a 'flying saucer.' The report emphasizes the thoroughness of the investigation and the authenticity of the photographic proof, suggesting that the case provides substantial evidence for the reality of UAOs.
This issue of "BRAZILIAN NAVY SIGHTING" focuses on a series of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAO) observed by the Brazilian Navy and other witnesses, primarily in 1958. The content delves into specific incidents, official reactions, and expert opinions, suggesting a serious and ongoing investigation into these occurrences.
Key Incidents and Investigations
The article highlights several significant sightings:
Trindade Island Sightings (January 16, 1958)
This was considered a major event due to photographic evidence. The author's personal investigation revealed that reports existed but were initially rejected due to observers' perceived lack of qualification and the brief duration of the phenomena. However, radar technicians confirmed that the ship's radar had picked up a target flying at supersonic speed the day before the sighting. The operator attempted automatic tracking but failed, and the object was not identified. Technicians later confirmed their equipment was functioning normally.
A reporter, Paulo M. Campos, writing in DIARIO CARIOCA, reported that Navy instruments, including radio transmitters and magnetic apparatus, ceased operating while a flying object was in the island's proximity. This was considered a top-secret fact by the Navy, with sources refusing to confirm or deny the information.
UAO Sighted from the Tow Ship "Tridente"
Admiral Gerson Macedo Soares, Navy General Secretary, confirmed that a Navy officer had sighted a flying saucer near the coast of Espirito Santo. The public relations officer, Com. Pedro Moreira, also confirmed this. It is believed the sighting was made from the Navy tow ship "Tridente," with the ship's C.O. and other officers and sailors as witnesses. This incident was reported in Rio de Janeiro CORREIO DA MANHA on February 25, 1958.
The author notes a discrepancy with his own source, which initially identified the ship as "Triunfo" and the incident occurring near Bahia on January 2, 1958. However, the repeated mention of "Tridente" in official documents, including a Congressional inquiry, impressed the author.
Dr. Ezio Azevedo Fundao Sighting (January 16, 1958)
On the same night as the Barauna case, a physician, Dr. Ezio Azevedo Fundao, and his family witnessed a bright object hovering over the Rocky Islands near their summer house in Espirito Santo. The object, described as spherical with a silvery light and a ring like aluminum, was estimated to be the size of a "Convair" plane. A steady beam of light was emitted from its bottom. The object remained motionless for about 40 minutes before disappearing. The observers noted it was too bright to be a balloon and could not be an airplane due to its hovering capability. Coincidentally, the Barra lighthouse beacon collapsed at the same time, and the "Tridente" was nearby.
Trindade Island Sightings (Post-January 16, 1958)
Following the January 16 incident, the Brazilian Navy installed special photographic equipment at Trindade, with technicians on duty around the clock.
- March 7, 1958: A UAO reappeared during the daytime. A Navy doctor attempted to photograph it, but the negatives showed nothing.
- October 5, 1958: A luminous, round-shaped object encircled by a bright red glow was sighted moving at high speed. It hovered for about 4 minutes before moving northeast at tremendous speed. The sentry who saw it was too scared to alert the garrison.
These later sightings were not published in the Brazilian press.
Fernando Noronha Sightings
Fernando Noronha, a strategic island along the route of U.S. guided missiles from Cape Canaveral, was selected for a U.S. guided missile and satellite tracking station. The author reports that UAOs began appearing over the island on the same day the station began operations.
An ICBM launch from Florida was being tracked when a second target was picked up on radar, moving along the same trajectory. Despite assurances that only one missile was fired, the second target appeared real. This phenomenon, termed "ghost rockets," continued to be picked up almost every time a guided missile was tracked. These objects were sighted by everyone on the island, sometimes singly, in pairs, or in formations of three or four.
Conclusions and Interpretations
The author concludes that the UAOs observed over Trindade were likely spy-ships investigating the new base. However, once the meteorological nature of the studies was established, the UAOs shifted their focus to more important targets like Fernando Noronha. The article posits that these conclusions are based on a remarkable sequence of military UAO reports.
Expert Opinions and Official Statements
Colonel Joao Adil de Oliveira, former head of the Brazilian Air Force investigation of these objects, stated in an interview on February 28, 1958, that it is "impossible to deny any more the existence of flying saucers." He expressed no reason for disbelief regarding the Trindade photographs and praised reporter Joao Martins for his responsible handling of the evidence. He also noted that the Navy High Command released an official note confirming the photos' authenticity.
He described the flying saucer not as a ghost but as a fact confirmed by material evidence, citing thousands of documents, photos, and sighting reports. He challenged those who accuse UAO researchers of creating mystery.
Air Force Press Officer Albert M. Chop stated, "One Thing Is Certain. We're Being Watched by Beings From Outer Space."
General L. M. Chassin, General Air Defense Coordinator for NATO, emphasized the vital importance of believing in UFOs for national security, warning that refusing to recognize them could lead to mistaking enemy missiles for them.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme is the serious nature of UAO sightings, particularly those involving military organizations like the Brazilian Navy. The magazine presents evidence suggesting these are not imaginary phenomena but real objects with advanced capabilities, potentially posing a threat or at least requiring close observation. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the acceptance of UAO reality based on presented evidence, challenging skepticism, and highlighting the need for continued investigation and awareness, especially in the context of national security. The article also touches upon the possibility of these objects being advanced surveillance craft.
This issue of FLYING SAUCERS magazine, dated August 1960, features a collection of letters from readers and advertisements for various books and products. The content touches upon topics such as the nature of evidence, religious belief, unexplained phenomena, and historical explorations.
Letters Section
The letters section presents a lively exchange of ideas. One reader, signing off as 'Rap,' engages in a point-by-point rebuttal of arguments related to the existence of God and the 'Shaver Mystery.' Rap challenges the magazine's reasoning, particularly regarding the lack of physical evidence for God and the reliance on visual sightings or 'visions.' Rap also critiques the magazine's discussion of 'shock waves' and 'time lapse,' suggesting that more astute minds are still grappling with these concepts and that the magazine is being overly bold in claiming positive scientific evidence.
Another letter from Alice U. Johnson, a student at the University of California, addresses Mr. Palmer regarding an article and pictures of the huts of explorers Scott and Shackleton in the Antarctic. Johnson points out discrepancies between the article's description and other sources, particularly concerning the huts' construction materials and their location relative to the South Pole. She notes that the huts appear to be made of wood and are partially buried in sand and gravel, contrasting with accounts of other Antarctic bases being buried deep in ice.
A letter from Dr. Lark Tomei of the University of California's Socio-Psychic Dept. expresses interest in the magazine but also requests names of other subscribers, implying a research interest. This is followed by a response from Mrs. Marilyn Jaeger, Administrative Assistant at the University of California's Office of the Chancellor, who states that Dr. Lark Tomei is not a faculty member and that there is no Socio-Psychic Department at Berkeley.
Advertisements and Offers
The magazine includes several advertisements. One prominent offer is for a "RAMPA SOUVENIR BOOK" free with the purchase of "DOCTOR From LHASA" by T. Lobsang Rampa. This souvenir book is said to contain censored chapters from "THE THIRD EYE" related to a flying saucer base in the Tibetan Uplands.
Another advertisement promotes "A DOCTOR IS BORN" by Dr. W. D. Chesney, M.D., which claims to expose "medical trade unions, malpractice, Kick backs, fee splitting, unnecessary surgery, ghost surgery, food poisons, poison sprays, drug monopoly, medical rackets and a host of other crimes against the traditions of the Hippocratic Oath." The book is described as the "lifetime notes of a General Practitioner" aiming to reveal "evils that medical monopoly bottled up for a half-century."
There is also an advertisement for "THE HYPNOTISM HAND-BOOK" by Charles Edward Cooke, which offers "WORD FOR WORD" therapy techniques for hypnosis. The advertisement highlights Cooke's experience and his ability to mass hypnotize large groups.
Offers for binoculars are featured, including a $75.00 binocular and a $12.00 FILTROL for $25.95, as well as "POWERHOUSE MIDGETS" binoculars. These are presented as high-quality optical equipment for various uses.
A significant offer is for the "1882 Edition of the Wonder Book of this Age, OAHSPE," described as a "sacred history of the dominions of the higher and lower heavens on the Earth." This edition is presented as a photocopied reproduction of the original, containing extensive cosmological and historical information.
Further advertisements include offers for "AMAZING STORIES" containing original Richard S. Shaver material, and a subscription offer for "FLYING SAUCERS" magazine itself.
Finally, an advertisement for "The Rosicrucians (AMORC)" offers a free book titled "The Mastery of Life," which explains how to use one's faculties and powers of mind.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in unexplained phenomena, alternative theories, and controversial topics. The letters section demonstrates a willingness to engage with critical feedback while also defending its content. The advertisements reveal a focus on fringe topics, conspiracy theories (UFOs, medical rackets), and esoteric knowledge (hypnosis, Rosicrucianism, ancient texts like OAHSPE). The overall stance seems to be one of presenting information that challenges conventional views, encouraging readers to question established narratives and explore alternative explanations for various phenomena.