Galax - 1963 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Galax
Issue Date: January 1963
Type: Magazine

This issue marks a significant transition for the publication, formerly known as 'Tellus'. The editorial board announces the name change to 'Galax' due to the existence of another Swedish magazine with the same name. The change is also accompanied by a renewed focus on content reflecting member interests, aiming for a blend of current scientific discoveries, particularly in the realm of space exploration and UFO phenomena, alongside broader topics like cosmology and philosophy.

Editorial and Name Change

The lead article explains the rationale behind the name change from 'Tellus' to 'Galax'. It highlights that 'Tellus' was already in use by the Swedish Geological Society, and a member's inquiry prompted the re-evaluation. The new name, 'Galax', is chosen for its Latin origin. The content will now be curated based on preferences expressed by members during a previous meeting, promising a diverse range of topics including interplanetary craft, new satellites, manned spacecraft, lost civilizations, cosmology, and philosophy. The publication schedule remains monthly, consistent with its previous format.

Personal Account: Military Service and UFOs

Rune S. Persson shares his experiences during military service in Ystad, Sweden. He notes that his UFO and M.I.S. (presumably a related organization) activities have been significantly curtailed due to the demands of his service. He recounts a discussion among fellow soldiers about flying saucers and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Persson advocates for the likelihood of life on other planets and the reality of UFOs, framing them as a logical consequence of intelligent beings traveling within the universe. While his colleagues were open to the idea of life on Venus or Mars, they remained skeptical about actual landings or contact with extraterrestrials. The discussion also touched upon the Domsten case, which piqued interest among those unfamiliar with it. Persson expresses satisfaction with the lively discussion and the positive reception to his views, noting that the M.I.S. also garnered significant interest.

Space Exploration: Venus and Mariner II

An article reports on the data transmitted by the Venus probe Mariner II after its December 1962 flyby. Professor Paul J. Coleman of the University of California suggests that the findings support the possibility of some form of life on Venus and that the planet might be more accessible to human exploration than previously thought. The probe's instruments did not detect significant magnetic fields on Venus, leading to the hypothesis that the planet is directly bombarded by cosmic rays. This bombardment could create a dense ionosphere, potentially explaining the high temperatures previously measured, rather than extreme surface heat. The article also touches upon the Earth's magnetic field capturing cosmic radiation in the Van Allen belts and notes that Venus rotates much more slowly than Earth, with estimates for its day ranging from 225-227 Earth days, or even as short as 10 Earth days according to Russian researchers.

Ancient Technology: Stainless Iron

This section explores claims that Mexicans and Indians produced stainless iron as early as 2000 BC. While the secret of its production was lost, the ancient 'Kutub' pillar in Delhi, dating back 4000 years, is presented as evidence. This 18-meter-tall iron pillar, weighing approximately 1700 kg, has resisted corrosion and weathering despite being exposed to the elements for millennia. The article notes that this metallurgical feat was considered a technological marvel until relatively recently, with its full significance likely to be understood as more archaeological evidence emerges.

Cosmic and Terrestrial Periodicity

Gert Carlsson discusses the concept of cosmic and terrestrial periodicity, suggesting that recurring cycles in the solar system, such as the approximately 11-year sunspot cycle, significantly influence terrestrial events and human behavior. He references ancient tree ring data, which has tracked these cycles for over three and a half millennia, indicating their impact on plants, human thoughts, emotions, and actions. Carlsson posits that these cosmic influences may also be linked to societal upheavals and revolutions, suggesting a profound connection between celestial rhythms and earthly phenomena.

Unexplained Aerial Phenomena

This section compiles various news clippings and observations related to unexplained aerial phenomena. It highlights reports of "abnormalities in nature" such as ice blocks falling from the sky, mysterious explosions, colored rain, and strange humming sounds. The article critiques the often unsatisfactory explanations provided by authorities, such as attributing falling objects to aircraft or explosions to jet planes breaking the sound barrier. It references Charles Fort's work, noting that phenomena like falling ice, stones, and fish have occurred during extreme weather events for centuries, long before the advent of modern aircraft. The article also mentions a specific incident involving a 35 cm metal cylinder that fell through a hospital roof in South Devon in 1959, which was dismissed as a coupling sleeve. Another case describes a peculiar, semi-transparent object found on the ground that did not melt, which was confiscated by authorities who then denied it fell from any RAF plane. The author expresses a belief that many of these events are not natural and may be artificially caused, urging for further study of these related phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Galax strongly emphasizes the intersection of scientific inquiry, particularly in space exploration, with the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena and ancient mysteries. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages critical examination of official explanations for unusual events, suggesting that conventional science may not yet encompass all aspects of reality. There is a clear interest in UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and the potential for advanced ancient civilizations. The editorial tone is one of open-minded exploration, inviting readers to consider possibilities beyond established scientific paradigms, while grounding discussions in reported data and historical accounts. The inclusion of personal accounts and a focus on member-driven content suggests a community-oriented approach to exploring these complex subjects.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated September-November 1962, focuses on unexplained phenomena, including mysterious explosions and scientific debates about Earth's potential 'tail'. The cover headline highlights 'Strange explosions sometimes occur inside buildings,' and a smaller mention refers to a 6-ton monster found in Tasmania.

Mysterious Explosions and Materialization

The issue begins with an account of a peculiar explosion in a house in East Grinstead in December 1953. The event, which occurred immediately above a dining table, was powerful and resulted in approximately 200 grams of glass shards being found on carpets and in butter dishes. Curiously, none of the glass items in the room, such as windows, bottles, or glasses, were broken. The windows were closed, and the curtains drawn, with no holes found in the panes. The shards, described as 'glesbiterne' (glass fragments), seemed to have materialized from nothing. The article questions the cause of this phenomenon, suggesting it might be linked to other mysterious aerial explosions and 'ice blocks' falling from the sky.

The 'Monster' from Tasmania

The magazine then shifts to a report on a strange 6-ton 'monster' discovered in Tasmania. The latest explanation from experts is that it is merely a piece of whale blubber. However, the article quotes the Australian scientist Mr. B.C. Mollison, who, after a second examination, stated: "I believe we have discovered something truly strange – possibly something never before seen by humans. Heat has no effect on it. There are no signs of spinal structure, and the flesh strongly resembles perch."

Charles Fort and Unexplained Phenomena

The article references Charles Fort and his foundation for a new science – the study of phenomena that defy current understanding of matter and the universe. It poses the question of whether such phenomena should be ignored and argues that progress in understanding nature requires attention to overlooked details.

Earth's 5000-Mile Long Tail?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a scientific debate in the USA concerning the theory that Earth possesses a 5000-mile long comet-like tail. The theory is attributed to Dr. John C. Brandt, an astronomy teacher at the University of California. He proposed in a scientific article that this tail consists of an immense amount of hydrogen atoms, spread out like a giant cloud and illuminated by reflected sunlight.

However, Dr. S.F. Singer, Chief of the American Weather Bureau's Wheeter Satellite Research Program, disputes this theory. His reasoning is that such a large quantity of hydrogen atoms would not remain within Earth's atmosphere. Dr. Brandt, in an interview with the New York Herald Tribune, acknowledged the presence of hydrogen atoms but suggested Dr. Singer's critique was based on an incomplete model of the atmosphere that did not account for radiation effects or Earth's rotation.

The article notes that several American scientists seem to share Dr. Brandt's view, and the discussion is ongoing, with one suggestion being that a researcher might need to travel to space to investigate further.

Meditations on the 'Tail'

This section reflects on the 'tail' theory, noting that it's not the first time such a concept has been discussed. The idea of our planet resembling a comet is presented as peculiar to the average person. A comet is described as having a spherical 'head' and a long tail, always pointing away from the sun. The Earth, however, is considered stable, with only occasional earthquakes. Its interior is described as molten, composed of iron and nickel ('NIFE' core).

The author explains that a comet's tail is pushed away by the sun's radiation pressure. The Earth's 'tail,' if it exists and is made of hydrogen, would be illuminated by reflected sunlight. The article speculates on the composition of this tail, suggesting it might be difficult to determine without further spectroscopic studies.

Regarding Dr. Singer's assertion that hydrogen atoms do not leave Earth's atmosphere, the author questions this, considering hydrogen as the simplest building block of matter. The possibility is raised that the tail's hydrogen could originate from the vastness of space that Earth traverses annually, with hydrogen being drawn in by Earth's gravity. The universe, at its most basic material level, is seen as being built from hydrogen, which undergoes a 'metamorphosis' into heavier elements.

The author expresses disbelief in a vacuum universe, suggesting it's more likely a system of stars with planetary systems. This is reinforced by the observation of 'flying saucers' or 'eldflugor' (fireflies) by astronauts, which the author believes are small aggregations of interstellar hydrogen made visible by the sun's electromagnetic influence. These 'fireflies' were observed near the spaceships and appeared as luminous points, possibly due to the ships' ability to contain atomic clusters within their gravitational fields.

Further Speculation on Hydrogen Tails

The author entertains the idea that these small 'ships' might themselves leave a hydrogen tail. The hydrogen atoms could originate from Earth's upper atmosphere, which is largely composed of hydrogen. The astronauts were not in deep space but in the atmospheric fringe. Earth's gravitational pull could indeed support such a tail, as observed. The author posits that if this hydrogen gas has been ionized by Earth's and the sun's influence, it could behave magnetically.

The article emphasizes that current science is relatively young (around 200 years old in terms of technological equipment) and that definitive statements are premature. The author believes humanity is on the cusp of a new era of intensive research.

The Ethereal Side of Matter

This section discusses the need to consider the 'ethereal' or spiritual aspects of matter in scientific research, distinguishing this from religious beliefs. It refers to a 'pattern' underlying all matter's structure. Achieving consensus on this specialized area of research is expected to reveal further layers of understanding. Clarity on the magnetic properties of gases is anticipated, despite current skepticism. The author reflects on historical scientific 'laws' that have been overturned, citing the example of early beliefs about human speed limitations.

The piece concludes with a philosophical reflection on human evolution and the pursuit of knowledge, suggesting that the 'tails' might be a universal phenomenon across all planets. It encourages deep meditation to understand one's true nature and gain insight into the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, scientific mysteries, and the limits of current scientific understanding. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, encouraging investigation into phenomena that defy conventional explanations, while also presenting scientific debates and theories. There's a clear interest in UFOs, strange occurrences, and the potential for new scientific discoveries that challenge existing paradigms. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and a belief in the ongoing evolution of scientific knowledge, urging readers to consider possibilities beyond the immediately obvious.