1966 02 22 Look John G Fuller Outer Space Ghost Story Lagrange scan

Magazine Overview

This issue of LOOK magazine, dated February 22, 1966, presents a diverse range of topics, with a significant focus on the mysterious events in Exeter, New Hampshire, dubbed the 'Outer-Space Ghost Story.' The cover also highlights articles on 'Search for God: A bishop's space-age dilemma,' 'Why Red China Wants to Fight Us: An American defector's inside story,' and the burgeoning trend of 'Dating by Computer' in colleges.

Outer-Space Ghost Story

The lead article, by John G. Fuller, delves deeply into the UFO sightings that occurred near Exeter, New Hampshire, on September 3, 1965. It begins with Norman Muscarello's harrowing experience of hitchhiking and encountering a large, silent, luminous object that appeared to pursue him. He sought help at the Exeter police station, where Patrolman Reginald Toland, initially skeptical, was convinced by Muscarello's sincerity. Toland then called Patrolman Eugene Bertrand, who had himself encountered a similar object earlier that night while on patrol.

Bertrand and Muscarello returned to the sighting location and, with Patrolman David Hunt arriving shortly after, witnessed a brilliant, roundish object hovering silently about 100 feet above them. They described its pulsating red lights and erratic, darting movements, noting its uncanny silence and ability to change direction instantly. The object eventually moved eastward toward Hampton and disappeared.

The article details how the police report spurred further accounts from the community. It includes testimonies from witnesses like Sharon Pearce, who saw a disklike object near her car, and Mrs. Virginia Hale, a local correspondent who observed a UFO over her backyard. The investigation expanded to include numerous other residents, many of whom were reluctant to report their experiences for fear of ridicule. These accounts consistently described luminous, often disk-shaped objects, some orange or changing color, with pulsating lights and a notable lack of sound, though a high-frequency hum was sometimes reported.

Further investigation by the author uncovered more sightings, including those of Ron Smith, who saw a glowing object that stopped and reversed direction, and Lora Davis, who reported a large red light moving toward her. The article also features the story of James Lucci, a 17-year-old astronomer from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, who captured a UFO photograph during a time exposure of the moon. His negatives were reportedly not the result of faking or accident.

Confidential comments from coastguardsmen and military personnel in the area are mentioned as supporting the civilian testimonies and radar sightings, suggesting that collusion, hoax, or mistaken identity by so many people seemed improbable. The article concludes by noting the continued official silence surrounding the subject of UFOs, which the author finds as mysterious as the Exeter story itself.

Why Red China Wants to Fight Us

This section presents an 'American defector's inside story' on the motivations behind Red China's desire to engage in conflict. The details of the defector's identity and the specific reasons for China's stance are not elaborated upon in the provided text, but the headline suggests a geopolitical analysis based on insider information.

Search for God: A Bishop's Space-Age Dilemma

This article explores the challenges faced by a bishop in reconciling faith with the modern, 'space-age' world. It touches upon the spiritual and existential questions arising from scientific advancements and the changing societal landscape, posing a dilemma for religious leadership.

The Big College Craze: Dating by Computer

The magazine highlights the growing phenomenon of computer dating among college students. The cover image features a young couple, presumably representing this trend, with a background suggesting computer technology. The article likely discusses the mechanics, social implications, and popularity of using computers for matchmaking in the mid-1960s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects the mid-1960s cultural milieu, grappling with emerging technologies (computers in dating), geopolitical tensions (Red China), and profound questions of faith and the unknown (the bishop's dilemma and the Exeter UFO incident). The editorial stance, particularly concerning the UFO phenomenon, appears to be one of open inquiry and a critical examination of official silence, aiming to present witness testimony and encourage further investigation rather than dismiss the reports outright. The magazine seems to champion investigative journalism, bringing forward detailed accounts and diverse perspectives on significant contemporary issues.