1952 07 01 Look - Moskin - Hunt for the Flying Saucer

Magazine Overview

Title: Look
Issue Date: July 1, 1952
Publisher: Cowles Magazines, Inc.
Country: USA
Price: 15¢
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Look Magazine, dated July 1, 1952, features a prominent cover story on "The Ike-Mac Feud" and a significant investigative report titled "Whatever it is, the Air Force must HUNT FOR THE FLYING SAUCER." The magazine also includes features on actress Janet Leigh, a co-ed's summer, "The New Marrying Kind," and boxer Sugar Ray.

Hunt for the Flying Saucer

The lead article, "Whatever it is, the Air Force must HUNT FOR THE FLYING SAUCER" by J. Robert Moskin, details the U.S. Air Force's renewed and secret scientific search for the truth behind the mysterious aerial phenomena known as 'flying saucers.' This intensified effort comes after years of official disinterest and is spurred by over 800 collected sightings, many from vital defense installations. General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Chief of Staff, stated the Air Force's interest in anything in the air and the need to remain vigilant, especially given the current world unrest.

The Air Force is experimenting with a new theory proposed by Dr. Donald H. Menzel of Harvard University, suggesting that flying saucers might be optical illusions caused by 'temperature inversion.' To investigate this and other possibilities, the Air Force is employing advanced scientific methods:

1. Special Cameras: A physicist at the University of California at Los Angeles is developing a camera equipped with a defraction grid. This grid can photograph flying saucers and break down their light into fine lines, potentially revealing their composition and the source of their illumination.
2. Cine-theodolites: These instruments, normally used for tracking guided missiles, are being adapted to fix the exact location and movement patterns of flying saucers, allowing for photographic capture.
3. Radar: The Air Force plans to utilize radar on a large scale, combining it with telescopes and cameras to photograph any solid objects spotted.
4. Sonar Equipment: Modified Navy sonar sound-detection equipment will also be used, as the lack of sound is a noted characteristic of many flying saucer reports.

Lt. Edward J. Ruppelt, officer in charge of the newly revised Project Blue Book (formerly Project Grudge), leads the investigation. The project has gathered nearly 800 reports from diverse sources, including scientists, pilots, and civilians, from across the globe. Analysis of these reports has revealed patterns in the shapes and types of informants, but a significant portion remains unexplained.

The article explores several hypotheses for the sightings:

• Misinterpretations: Conventional objects like balloons or jet planes, or even astronomical bodies, are often mistaken for saucers.
• Natural Phenomena: Possibilities include electrical discharges in the upper atmosphere, unusual meteorites, or unknown atmospheric or optical effects, such as Dr. Menzel's mirage theory.
• Man-Made Objects: Concerns exist that these could be advanced foreign (possibly Russian) technology or, less likely, a secret U.S. development.
• Interplanetary Spaceships: A number of scientists consider the possibility of extraterrestrial origin.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Air Force intelligence officers admit they "don't know." They emphasize that while "flying saucers" have not posed an immediate threat in their five years of observation, they cannot afford to dismiss them as potential dangers. The Air Force is urging the public to report any unknown aerial objects to the nearest Air Force base.

The Ike-Mac Feud

This cover story, written by Robert E. Sherwood, likely delves into the political rivalry between Dwight D. Eisenhower ('Ike') and Douglas MacArthur ('Mac'), prominent figures in American politics and military history at the time, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election.

Other Features

• Janet Leigh: Summer at the Movies: A pictorial or feature on the actress.
• A Co-Ed's Summer at Work and Play: A look into the summer activities of a college student.
• The New Marrying Kind: A story or feature likely related to relationships and marriage trends.
• "It Hurts to Grow Old" By Sugar Ray: A piece likely featuring the boxer Sugar Ray, possibly discussing aging in sports or his personal experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and public information dissemination, particularly concerning the flying saucer phenomenon. The detailed investigation by the Air Force, the inclusion of scientific theories, and the acknowledgment of the mystery suggest a commitment to exploring significant contemporary issues. The cover headline, "The Ike-Mac Feud," indicates a focus on major political events of the era. The overall tone is informative and investigative, aiming to present complex topics to a broad audience.