Galax - 1964 01 Vol 4 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of Galax magazine, dated January 1964, is Volume 4, Number 1. The magazine is published by M. I. S. and is based in Malmö, Sweden. The cover features a striking image of a spiral galaxy, with the title 'Galax' prominently displayed.

Editorial and Content Introduction

The editorial section, under the heading 'Vetenskapen knäcker en mängd ägg...', uses a metaphor of omelets to discuss the nature of scientific inquiry and understanding. It suggests that while some scientific findings might seem strange or unpalatable ('omelets'), they are necessary steps towards a broader understanding of universal laws. The editors express gratitude for both positive and negative feedback, emphasizing that criticism helps guide the magazine's development. They announce a commitment to maintaining a page count of 28-32 pages and a diverse content range, encouraging reader contributions.

Key Articles and Features

The Mystery of the Disappearing Airplanes

This extensive article details several baffling cases of aircraft vanishing without a trace. It begins by referencing Donald Keyhoe's book 'The Flying Saucer Conspiracy' and recounts the disappearance of five US Navy Avenger bombers off the coast of Florida on December 5, 1945. The article notes that this incident was considered one of the most incredible in aviation history and was detailed in a 1962 article in 'The American Legion Magazine'.

The five bombers, with experienced crews, departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a routine triangular flight. At 15:45, the control tower expected their landing instructions, but instead received a panicked message indicating they were lost and unsure of their position. Despite attempts to guide them, the pilots were disoriented, reporting that 'everything is wrong' and the sea looked unusual. The last transmission at 16:15 stated they were approximately 225 miles northeast of the base before being cut off.

A search and rescue operation involving a Martin flying boat, the aircraft carrier USS Solomon, and over 300 aircraft was launched, but no wreckage or trace of the six planes (the five bombers and the search plane) was ever found. The Navy's report concluded, 'We cannot even guess what happened.'

The article then presents two similar incidents involving British South American Airways (BSAA) planes:

• December 22, 1948: A BSAA passenger plane en route to Kingston, Jamaica, disappeared after a routine report to the Bermuda control tower. The plane and its 40 occupants vanished completely.
• January 17, 1949: Another BSAAC plane, also flying to Jamaica, disappeared shortly after takeoff from Bermuda. This incident involved a four-engine passenger plane with 20 people on board.

The British Ministry of Aviation investigated these cases, concluding that the planes were lost at sea, though no evidence supported this.

The article explores speculation about unusual atmospheric phenomena, with some pilots suggesting the existence of a 'hole in the sky' or a 'temporal anomaly' that could displace aircraft into other times or dimensions. It also recounts a story from a private pilot in Ohio who reported a near-collision with an old-fashioned, sailcloth and wood aircraft. Investigations revealed that no such aircraft was licensed or known to be in the area, leading to theories that the encounter might have involved an aircraft from a different time period.

From the Research Fields (Från forskningens fält)

This section, reviewed by Y. Freij, covers several scientific news items:

• Volcano News: The new volcanic island off Iceland, named Surtsey, has grown to a height of approximately 200 meters. While Icelanders fear the island may be eroded by the sea, the Icelandic airline Loftleidir is using it in its advertisements. The article recounts an incident where three journalists from the French magazine 'Paris Match' landed on the active volcano, narrowly escaping a new eruption by returning to their boat just in time. Eight young Icelanders from a naval school have also successfully landed on the island. The island is now officially named Surtsey.
• Tristan da Cunha: The population of the remote South Atlantic island has returned to their homes after being evacuated due to volcanic activity.
• New Theories: Recent findings suggest that the Earth's crust may not be floating on molten magma, as previously thought, but is solid for at least halfway to the core. This raises questions about the source of the intense heat (requiring at least 1,000 degrees Celsius) that melts material in certain locations, potentially explaining volcanic activity.
• New Diamond Knife: Professor H. Fernandez-Moran at the University of Chicago has constructed a knife made of natural diamond capable of cutting through solid substances down to 50 angstroms, a new record in precision.

Other Mentions

• Joseph Mayer Quote: A quote attributed to Joseph Mayer states, "One is truly happy when one does not know why." The accompanying text elaborates on true happiness as a state of inner harmony and a positive outlook, achieved by overcoming negativity and selfishness.
• Washington News:
• American researchers plan to launch 20 large balloons around the North Pole between 1964-1965 to study cosmic radiation.
• New York's Idlewild Airport has been renamed John F. Kennedy Airport, effective December 24, 1963.
• Cape Canaveral in Florida has been renamed Cape Kennedy in honor of President Kennedy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and mysterious disappearances, often linking them to scientific anomalies or speculative theories about time and dimensions. There's a clear interest in pushing the boundaries of conventional understanding, encouraging readers to consider bold theories to explain extraordinary events. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, valuing both scientific reporting and speculative inquiry into phenomena that challenge current knowledge. The magazine also highlights scientific progress and geographical news, providing a broad scope of interest for its readership.

This issue of Galax, dated December 1963, is a Swedish science and general interest magazine. It features a diverse range of articles, from technical advancements and space exploration to statistical analysis and the persistent mystery of UFOs. The magazine's tone is informative, with a critical eye towards sensationalism and a focus on scientific and governmental perspectives.

Articles

Diamond Technology

The issue begins with a brief explanation of diamond technology, detailing how diamonds are cut for microscopic applications. The process involves cleaving natural diamonds along a specific plane to create an absolutely straight edge, even under extreme magnification (20,000 times).

New Polaris Submarine

A new Polaris submarine, named Ulysses S Grant, has been launched. It is a 7,000-ton vessel, named after one of America's great presidents.

Satellite Repairs in Space

This section explores the question of whether satellites can be repaired in space. Lockheed is conducting laboratory experiments simulating weightlessness for astronaut training, while Grumman Aircraft believes that space repairs could be economically viable compared to launching new observatories.

Low Risk of Meteoroid Strikes in Space

Research from the Explorer 16 satellite indicates that meteoroid material in space is far less dangerous than previously thought. Dr. Fred Whipple, director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard University Observatory, points out that the frequency of meteoroid impacts recorded by Explorer 16 was 10,000 times lower than anticipated. The article clarifies the terms 'meteoroids' (small space particles burning up in the atmosphere), 'meteors' (the visible streak of light), and 'meteorites' (larger particles reaching the Earth's surface).

USA Invests in Moon Research

Authored by Rune S Persson, this article details the significant US investment in lunar research, particularly following President John F. Kennedy's call for continued space exploration. Texas, along with other western states like California, New Mexico, and Arizona, has become a hub for the US moon project. The economic impact is substantial, with industries related to space research expanding rapidly. "Moon City," officially Clear Lake City near Houston, is highlighted as a major NASA lunar center, with an estimated cost of $150 million (over 750 million Swedish kronor) and projected to employ 3,000 people, supporting a population of 200,000. Over 100 companies are involved in this project. California is also a major center, with Douglas Aircraft in Huntington Beach building a large rocket factory expected to be completed around 1970, employing 10,000 people and costing around $75 million. The article mentions the Saturn rockets, which will be built by Douglas and Boeing. Space Technology Laboratories in Redondo Beach, California, is another significant facility, costing $30 million and employing 6,000 people. Huntsville, Alabama, has also seen significant growth due to its role in rocket development, particularly the Redstone rocket and the Marshall Space Flight Center, which is constructing large rockets for long-distance space travel.

Engineer Svantesson's Statistics

This section, also by Rune S Persson, revisits a question posed in the October issue regarding engineer Sven Svantesson's statistical claims that nuclear weapon tests significantly affect weather patterns and seismic activity, causing abnormal disturbances. The article acknowledges that some of Svantesson's prognoses have been accurate. However, it cautions against fully accepting his theories without reservation. Two main points are raised: Firstly, improved global communication means we receive news of natural disasters much more rapidly and frequently, creating an illusion of increased occurrences, even if scientific data doesn't support it. Secondly, while Svantesson's statistics may show a correlation between natural disasters and nuclear tests, the article emphasizes that correlation does not imply causation. It is statistically impossible to prove that nuclear tests cause natural disasters solely based on observed correlations, even if it might be true.

Caution with Statistics

This article continues the discussion on statistics, using an analogy of white cats and their dislike for herring to illustrate how spurious correlations can lead to faulty conclusions. It stresses the importance of extreme caution when interpreting statistical data, as statistics can be misleading, either intentionally or unintentionally. While Svantesson's theories might seem plausible, the statistical data supporting them requires rigorous scrutiny.

Lund Anti-Nuclear Weapons Committee

An announcement regarding the Lund Anti-Nuclear Weapons Committee, a politically independent student organization aiming to foster public opinion against nuclear armament. The committee engages in activities such as lectures, debates, and protests.

Association News (Föreningsnytt MM)

This section provides contact information for various study groups and societies in Sweden as of January 1964, including the Gotlands Kosmologiska Studiegrupp, Halmstads Ifologiska Sällskap, Ifologiska Sällskapet (Stockholm), Linköpings Ifologiska Organisation, Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap, and Ufologiska Sällskapet (Uppsala). It also notes the release of the magazine "Tid och Rum" (Time and Space) issue number 9, December 1963.

Are Flying Saucers State Secrets?

Authored by Alarik Degerman, this article critically examines the phenomenon of flying saucers. It begins by referencing George Adamski's work, "Flying Saucers Have Landed," and the skepticism surrounding his claims of contact with extraterrestrials. The author notes the growing scientific consensus that Earth is not the only planet with intelligent life, making Adamski's accounts seem less fantastic. However, it is suggested that politicians, military personnel, and psychologists are resistant to accepting this view. The article questions whether flying saucers are interplanetary craft or mere hallucinations, citing Professor C.G. Jung's view that they represent 'archetypes' rather than objective realities. The research into UFOs is conducted in strict secrecy by numerous governmental and military institutions, with a notable lack of international cooperation. The article points to a statement by Colonel Albert M. Chop in 1952, who stated that the US Air Force had never denied that UFOs came from other planets, suggesting an interplanetary explanation was the only logical one if reports were accurate. However, the US Air Force now disputes the existence of flying saucers. Engineer Wilbur Smith suggests they originate from Mars. The article concludes this section by noting the widespread acceptance of the idea of other inhabited planets among scientists, particularly in America and Russia.

Double Play Over the World

This section highlights a perceived contradiction: the US government now denies the existence of flying saucers, despite years of costly research and data collection on the subject. Similar efforts to 'discredit' UFO facts are observed across Europe. In German-speaking countries, the issue is often framed within spiritualism, with books and magazines discussing contact with beings from other planets, often predicting doomsday scenarios. The article suggests this might be a coordinated effort to obscure the truth. In contrast, France has a prominent research organization led by Aimé Michel, which uses a measurement method to scientifically validate UFO sightings, distinguishing them from hallucinations. England openly discusses UFOs in its media, with "Flying Saucer Review" being a leading publication. Italy's situation is described as confused, with newspapers actively seeking UFO reports, leading to increased public interest and sensationalism, but the focus has shifted towards occult interpretations, including visions, voices, and materializations.

Occult Undertones

The article notes a shift in UFO reporting towards occult themes, moving away from discussions of landings and alien contact towards visions, voices, and phenomena like materialization (the dissolution and reappearance of matter elsewhere).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a balanced perspective, acknowledging scientific advancements and governmental initiatives while also critically examining controversial topics like statistical correlations and the UFO phenomenon. There's a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and a cautious approach to unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the articles discussing Svantesson's statistics and the nature of UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical evidence and reasoned analysis over sensationalism, though it doesn't shy away from exploring intriguing and unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme of space exploration and the Cold War context (nuclear weapons, space race) is evident throughout the issue.

This issue of UFOKlubben i Danmark, dated January to May 1964, focuses on UFO phenomena, astronomical observations, and advancements in space technology. The magazine serves as a bulletin for the Danish UFO club, detailing its upcoming lecture schedule and providing reports on various related topics.

UFO Reports and Discussions

The issue begins by reflecting on the fading public interest in flying saucers, noting how newspapers that once enthusiastically covered the topic suddenly found 'space constraints.' It mentions a report on flying saucers published in Pravda in January 1961, followed by a 'scientific' explanation. Despite a lack of literature on UFOs behind the Iron Curtain, the article suggests that oral accounts of sightings and landings are collected by state institutions, implying a level of official interest.

The UFOKlubben in Copenhagen (Aggersborggade 3) is highlighted, with an invitation to interested Swedes. The program for January to May 1964 is detailed, featuring a variety of speakers and topics. These include:

• January 1964: Open meetings, talks on UFOs by Leif Petersen, UFO news from around the world by Hans Lauritzen, and discussions on 'Man or Automaton' by Egon Möller.
• February 1964: Lectures on 'Is God in the Atom?' by Henry Yting, astrophotography by Ensio Slej, more UFO news by Hans Lauritzen, and a topic yet to be determined by psychoanalyst Valdemar Johansen.
• March 1964: Discussions on new ideas about magnetism by Hammerbak, and 'What if we knew our own powers?' by Karl Larsen.
• April 1964: Talks on parapsychological events by Ing. Peter Möller, social principles by Åge Netterberg, and more UFO news by Hans Lauritzen.
• May 1964: Includes a holiday closure and an invitation for ideas, hoping for Swedish participation. Hans Lauritzen continues his 'UFO news from around the world' segment.

All lectures are scheduled for 8 PM, with a shared coffee and discussion session afterward. Contact information for Ole Hansen in Copenhagen is provided.

Astronomical and Space News

Mystiska Månfläckar (Mysterious Moon Spots): A report from the Russian astronomer's recent observations of mysterious eruptions on the moon's surface is mentioned, as reported by Sky and Telescope magazine. A ruby-colored spot was detected in the Aristarkus Crater on November 27th, measuring 18 km in length and 2 km in width, visible for 75 minutes. This observation was also confirmed by the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, and the Ohio Observatory.

Radio Contact 30 Years Back: A new method developed by Russian scientists allows for potential communication with inhabitants of other planets by sending radio signals up to 30 light-years. The article notes Russia's record in radio communications, including contact with Sputnik Mars I in 1962 at a distance of 104 million kilometers.

Artificial Christmas Star: The launch of the balloon satellite Explorer 19 on December 19, 1963, from Port Arguello, California, is reported. This satellite, measuring 4 meters in diameter, is in orbit around the Earth and is expected to be visible as a 'Christmas star' in the twilight on Christmas Eve. Its purpose is to help scientists predict solar eruptions. It was tracked from Australia.

The 24th Russian Kosmos Satellite: Sputnik Kosmos 24 was launched into space on December 19, 1963. It is unmanned and has an orbital period of 90.5 minutes. Kosmos 23 was launched on December 23rd, equipped with scientific instruments and radio transmitters.

New Syncom Satellite 1964: NASA's next Syncom communications satellite will be placed in a geostationary, equatorial, and circular orbit. A new Echo satellite with a diameter of 41 meters is also planned.

New Weather Satellite: An American weather satellite of the Tirostyp was placed in orbit on December 21st to test a new image transmission system. Photographs of Earth's cloud cover are being sent to 42 receiving stations in the USA, France, and Southeast Asia. The satellite, named Tiros VIII, orbits Earth in 99 minutes and has a maximum distance of 750 km and a minimum distance of 700 km from Earth. Its inclination to the equator is 58.5 degrees. The initial photographs received are described as 'outstanding.'

Parapsychology and Unusual Phenomena

Peter Hurkos and Flying Saucers: The famous UFO observation over Trinidad in 1958, also photographed by a Brazilian naval ship, is revisited in the context of parapsychology. Peter Hurkos, known for his psychometric abilities, gave a demonstration in Los Angeles on May 22, 1963. He was asked to handle personal items and describe impressions of their owners. When he handled a newspaper clipping and a photo related to the Trinidad UFO sighting, he described seeing 'small people' traveling at 'terrible speed, far, far out into space,' expressing confusion.

Artificial Cat: An artificial cat that mimics the behavior of a live animal is showcased at an exhibition of amateur constructors' work in Moscow. The cat reacts to obstacles, sounds, seeks food, purrs when fed, hisses when approached, and exhibits conditioned reflexes.

"Teabag" Scares Sharks: A method to protect shipwreck survivors from sharks involves a 'teabag' containing a chemical substance that repels sharks. This is reportedly used by American astronauts.

Henry Thorne's Account: Henry Thorne, one of the trapped miners from the August 1963 incident, recounts seeing 'strange lights and real human figures' during his ordeal. He described these figures as always in front of them, moving away as they approached, and one figure was described as a man with a light on his helmet.

"The Storsjöodjur" in Northern Norway: Several people have reported seeing a large, snake-like creature in Einletvattnet on Andöya. One witness saw the creature surface three times, emitting a piercing whistle, with about 3 meters visible above the water. Another witness described seeing a creature about 15 meters long moving at high speed across the lake.

Horse with Horns: A horse at a stud farm northwest of Tokyo has developed two horns, approximately four centimeters long, above its eyes. The owner states the horse did not have horns at birth, and they began to grow seven months prior.

Life on Other Planets

The discussion on life on other planets is intensifying. Initially, only imaginative individuals like authors and mathematicians speculated on the possibility. However, as science advances and instruments reach further into the universe, the understanding grows that what was once fantasy is becoming reality. The article mentions the construction of machinery to capture and transmit space sounds and images, and the ability to create satellites for missions to the Moon, Venus, and Mars.

A world congress for physiologists in Leiden in September 1962 discussed life on other planets. Italian researcher Rodolpho Margaria presented findings based on Earth's conditions. He outlined two necessary conditions for life to arise elsewhere: 1. The same chemical and physiological processes occurring to the same extent as on Earth, and 2. The same mutations occurring in the same order and extent as on Earth.

Margaria estimates the probability of a human-like being arising on another planet within our galaxy to be extremely low (1:10^40), suggesting that any life forms elsewhere would likely be very different from those on Earth, making communication difficult. Tau Ceti is mentioned as the nearest star with potentially habitable planets, 11 light-years away, requiring communication methods faster than light.

'Ifologists' (or Ufologists) believe flying saucers might be the means of such communication, noting their speed and ability to enter Earth's atmosphere. The article poses the question of whether they hold the secret to interstellar communication.

It distinguishes between a scientific approach (seeking proof) and an esoteric one (seeking to perceive and believe), highlighting the ongoing conflict between faith and knowledge.

The Universe and Human Perception

No contemporary scientist denies the possibility of countless inhabited worlds within the vast universe. The challenge lies in understanding the limitations of human perception. The article questions whether humans can perceive the subtle 'overtones' present in nature, such as the sounds of birds, animals, and insects that are beyond human hearing. It asks if human limitations create an impenetrable barrier to understanding even earthly matters, and if humanity is meant to transcend its current existence to satisfy an innate curiosity.

The author believes that for a select few 'strong, gifted' individuals, there is an answer, a contact, a truth. This quest has led to the concept of a 'fifth dimension's eternal space,' which merges faith and knowledge. Science may be on the verge of explaining the riddle of life, which could also explain the existence of flying saucers, possibly made of 'mirror matter' (inverted matter) from which the universe was built.

These advanced beings or phenomena will only reveal themselves when humanity is 'mature' enough to receive such answers without being overwhelmed by the 'Universe's Secret.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the exploration of space and astronomical discoveries, and the philosophical implications of extraterrestrial life and consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both scientific reports and more speculative or parapsychological accounts without outright dismissal. There is a clear interest in the scientific pursuit of knowledge while acknowledging the existence of phenomena that may lie beyond current scientific understanding, suggesting a bridge between the empirical and the esoteric.

Title: MIS
Issue: 3
Volume: 1
Date: December 1963
Publisher: Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of MIS features a prominent speech by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Linus Pauling, delivered in Lund on December 21, 1963. The magazine also includes several philosophical and spiritual reflections from various thinkers.

Linus Pauling Speaks in Lund

The main article details Linus Pauling's lecture in Lund, organized by the Lund Anti-Nuclear Weapons Committee. The speech, delivered at Akademiska Föreningen, was well-received by students. Pauling, a vocal advocate against nuclear proliferation, addressed the significance of the limited test ban treaty, stating, "No one believes that the limited test ban treaty could have been established if some responsible scientist had not, year after year, emphasized to the authorities and the general public that nuclear weapons tests constituted a danger to humanity." He expressed regret that the treaty had not come into effect two years earlier, noting that 3/4 of all nuclear tests had occurred since 1961.

Pauling presented numerous statistics from his research on the harmful effects of radiation from nuclear tests. He highlighted that genetic damage and diseases, particularly cancer, were increasing significantly. He projected that tens of millions of children would be born with physical and mental defects, and two million people worldwide would die prematurely as a result of these tests. Pauling asserted that while other researchers' figures might be similar, they were often stated with less certainty, and some attempted to mislead the public by downplaying the risks. He urged young people with technical and scientific knowledge to be aware of these dangers, emphasizing the value of every individual life and the tragedy of any child born with defects. He concluded by calling for not only a halt to nuclear weapons but also for disarmament and the abolition of war.

The article is attributed to Y Freij and references page 14 for further information.

Philosophical Reflections

The issue also contains several shorter pieces offering philosophical and spiritual insights:

Strävandet (Striving)

Attributed to Chuang Tse, this piece questions how to lead people when the world is lost and confused, even if one knows the right path. It suggests that forcing success would only lead to more confusion. The author poses the rhetorical question: "But if I do not strive, who will?"

Kunskapen (Knowledge)

Quoted from Sri Aurobindo, this section posits that the son of Earth always draws strength from the Earth. It suggests that true, otherworldly knowledge can only be mastered when one's feet are firmly planted on the earthly realm. The Upanishads are cited, stating, "The Earth is His footstool" as they seek to visualize the Self manifesting in the Universe.

Insikten (Insight)

This brief piece, attributed to Acharya, states that there is a knowledge higher than intellect and a wisdom higher than science. This insight does not come from book learning, deep thought, or extensive experience, but directly from the source where everything exists.

Ofullkomligheten (Imperfection)

An "Indian manuscript" discusses how the wise person recognizes their imperfections and feels humbled, striving in vain for self-approval. In contrast, the fool looks into the depths of their own soul and is content with the small pebbles they find there.

Självkännedomen (Self-Knowledge)

Attributed to Fénelon, this text reflects on how as light grows, we realize we are worse than we thought. We are surprised by our past blindness when we see a swarm of shameful feelings emerge from the heart. However, the author argues that we are not worse, but better, as our flaws diminish and the light reveals them more clearly, filling us with awe. Until there is a sign of healing, we remain unaware of our sickness, living in a state of blind self-deception. When we go with the current, we are unaware of its speed, but as soon as we strive against it, even slightly, we immediately feel its force.

Enheten (Unity)

Quoted from Shankara, this piece argues that no matter how much philosophy one discusses, how many gods one worships, or how many ceremonies one observes, liberation will never come, not even after the end of a hundred aeons, unless the unity of the Self is grasped and realized.

Vägen (The Path)

Attributed to Swami Vivekananda, this section states that every soul is divine in its essence. The goal is to reveal this inner divinity by mastering the outer and inner nature, through work, devotion, physical control, or thought. This is presented as the entirety of religion, with doctrines, dogmas, rituals, books, temples, or images being secondary details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the urgent need for peace and disarmament in the face of nuclear threats, as highlighted by Linus Pauling's address. Intertwined with this are profound philosophical explorations of self-knowledge, the nature of reality, the pursuit of wisdom, and the path to spiritual liberation. The editorial stance appears to be one that champions scientific responsibility, advocates for peace, and encourages introspection and spiritual growth.