1967 00 00 Look - Flying Saucers special edition Lagrange scan

Magazine Overview

This special issue of LOOK magazine, titled "Flying Saucers," published in 1967, offers a comprehensive overview of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) over the preceding twenty years. It aims to inform the public about the scope of flying saucer sightings worldwide, presenting a collection of authentic photographs and detailed accounts from witnesses. The publication is a special project by the editors of United Press International and Cowles Communications, Inc., with David C. Whitney serving as the editor for the LOOK Book Division.

Key Articles and Content

"Scientific fact? Or science fiction?"

This introductory section highlights that Americans have been reporting sightings of flying saucers for 20 years, with a longer history of observing strange aerial phenomena. The U.S. Air Force had investigated 11,003 sightings in the United States by November 1966, explaining all but 659. The article notes the wide range of explanations offered by the Air Force, including meteors, planets, aircraft, balloons, and even psychological causes. It also touches upon the international aspect, mentioning that Russia officially reports no saucers, while Brazil and France have many sightings. The establishment of an Air Force-financed civilian investigation under Dr. Edward Condon at the University of Colorado is noted.

"The Man Who Started It All"

This article focuses on Kenneth Arnold, the pilot whose sighting on June 24, 1947, is credited with originating the term "flying saucers." Arnold described nine peculiar objects flying near Mt. Rainier, moving in a chain-like formation and exhibiting a unique, skipping motion. His account gained credibility due to his background as an experienced pilot and representative of a fire-control equipment firm. The article details Arnold's observations, including the estimated speed of the objects at approximately 1656.71 miles per hour. Despite the Air Force listing his sighting as unexplained, their official theory suggests it was a mirage. Arnold, now a businessman and former political candidate, remains a speaker on the topic and believes UFOs are "alive rather than machines."

"First man killed in a saucer incident"

This section recounts the tragic death of Captain Thomas Mantell Jr., an accomplished Air Force pilot, on January 7, 1948, near Louisville, Kentucky. Mantell pursued a UFO described as metallic and tremendous in size, with his last radio transmission indicating he was closing in for a closer look. His P-51 Mustang fighter crashed, and he died. The Air Force's investigation concluded that Mantell likely lost consciousness due to lack of oxygen at high altitude, and the excitement from the UFO sighting prompted him to fly without adequate oxygen equipment. The report stated the UFO was not directly responsible for the accident. The article also mentions the Navy's secret "Project Skyhook," involving large balloons used for atmospheric data collection, which the Air Force suggests Mantell may have mistaken for a UFO.

Perspectives on UFOs

The issue presents various viewpoints on UFOs:

• Dr. H. Allen Hynek: A chief scientific consultant to the Air Force, Hynek expresses puzzlement over the lack of widespread sightings and radar data if UFOs were tangible objects, while also acknowledging the existence of unexplained reports and stating he does not dismiss witnesses.
• Dr. Donald H. Menzel: A scientist from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Menzel believes flying saucers are "modern superstitions" and offers natural explanations, such as mirages, for sightings.
• Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe: Head of NICAP, Keyhoe asserts that UFOs are real, intelligently controlled, and extraterrestrial, criticizing the Air Force for allegedly downplaying the subject.
• Leslie J. Lorenzen: Head of ARPO, this organization also leans towards an interplanetary source for UFOs.

The article also notes the Air Force's standard categories for explaining sightings and the lack of official UFO reports from Russia. It mentions that veteran airline pilots have been instructed by their airlines to remain silent about sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, the challenges faced by scientific investigation, the credibility of eyewitness accounts, and the varying official and private responses to the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting a comprehensive, albeit sometimes conflicting, picture of the UFO phenomenon, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. It highlights the historical significance of early sightings and the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of a UFO-focused publication, likely from the late 1960s or early 1970s given the dates of the articles, presents several significant and enduring cases in UFOlogy. The cover story, "MYSTERY OF THE," highlights the "Lubbock Lights" incident of August 1951, where three Texas Tech professors initially reported seeing numerous lights in the sky, estimating them to be at very high altitudes and speeds. However, the article notes that the professors later theorized the lights could have been flocks of birds, a theory the Air Force found insufficient to explain the accompanying photographs taken by a teenager. The issue also features a detailed account of the "The day the saucers visited Washington, D.C.," covering the July 1952 sightings that involved both radar and visual observations. This event, which lasted for 10 days, caused significant public attention and military scrambling. The Air Force, through Maj. Gen. John A. Samford, tentatively explained the phenomena as natural occurrences, primarily temperature inversions affecting radar and creating mirage effects, though some witnesses and investigators, including Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, remained unconvinced.

Lubbock Lights The article "Lubbock Lights" elaborates on the 1951 sightings. It describes how professors W. I. Robinson, W. L. Ducker, and A. G. Oberg observed groups of lights. Their initial estimates of 50,000 feet altitude and 18,000 mph were later revised when they attempted to reconstruct the event, suggesting migrating plover at about 1,000 feet and 50 mph. However, the photographs taken by Carl R. Hart, Jr. on August 31, 1951, depicted brighter objects that the Air Force could not explain as birds. The case remained in the Air Force files as an unknown, with Hart steadfastly maintaining he photographed a genuine aerial object.

The Day the Saucers Visited Washington, D.C. This section details the July 1952 Washington D.C. UFO events. It recounts how eight UFOs appeared on radar at the Civil Aeronautics Administration's Air Route Traffic Control Center. Over 10 days, numerous visual and radar sightings were reported, with speeds varying from 100 to 7,000 mph. The Air Force's explanation, presented by Maj. Gen. John A. Samford, focused on temperature inversions and atmospheric conditions that could cause radar anomalies and visual mirages. Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, who headed the Air Force UFO investigation, described the Washington sightings as the most publicized and 'monumentally fouled-up messes' in the files. Harry Barnes, a senior controller at the time, still believes "there was something out there."

Olha o disco! This article, "Olha o disco!" (Look at the disc!), describes a significant UFO sighting and photographic sequence from February 21, 1958. During the International Geophysical Year, the Brazilian Navy ship Almirante Saldanha was stationed near the island of Trinidade. A Brazilian Air Force officer spotted a UFO, and civilian photographer Almiro Barauna captured six exposures before the object disappeared. The prints were released by President Juscelino Kubitschek, creating an international sensation, but the UFO remains unexplained, and the Brazilian Navy has not released the negatives or commented further.

Lonnie Zamora's Big White Egg "Lonnie Zamora's Big White Egg" recounts the April 24, 1964, incident in New Mexico. Policeman Lonnie Zamora reported seeing a white, egg-shaped object with two figures, about four feet tall, beside it. The object emitted a loud roar and took off. Zamora found six imprints in the ground and a smoldering mesquite bush. Dr. H. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University was reportedly puzzled by the case. Despite Zamora's resignation from the police force, the case remains officially open, with Sergeant Sam Chavez suggesting it might have been a secret military experiment.

The Thing at Exeter "The Thing at Exeter" details the September 3, 1965, incident in New Hampshire. Norman Muscarello reported seeing a large, silent, brilliantly glowing object with pulsating red lights. Patrolman Eugene Bertrand and other witnesses also observed the object, which moved silently and emitted bright light. The Air Force stated that no known aircraft were in the area and listed the case as unidentified, though they suggested it might be consistent with "Big Blast" refueling operations, a claim contradicted by the timing.

A football field! This article focuses on the September 3, 1965, sighting by Texas lawmen Bob Goode and Billy McCoy near Damon, Texas. They described an object "almost as big as a football field," 200 feet wide and 100 feet high, with a pulsating purple light and a blue light. Goode felt heat from the object and noted that his injured hand no longer pained him after the encounter. The object moved rapidly and then shot straight up into the sky. The Air Force suggested that a surface radiation inversion could have caused radar refraction and distortion of the star Antares, but conceded that the object's abrupt vertical ascent prevented an astronomical explanation, leaving the case unidentified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the challenges faced by witnesses, and the often inconclusive nature of official investigations. The articles present detailed accounts of specific incidents, emphasizing witness testimony and physical evidence where available. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these cases as significant phenomena that warrant serious consideration, even when official explanations are offered. The consistent thread is that many of these events remain unexplained, leaving room for speculation about their origin, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial. The publication seems to lean towards presenting UFOs as a genuine, unresolved mystery, highlighting the limitations of current scientific and military understanding.

This issue of "NOW do you believe me?" (issue number 20) presents a collection of UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a strong focus on photographic evidence and witness testimonies. The magazine explores various cases, from the widely reported "Case of the crashing Russian satellite" to the "Four Nights of UFO's" in Michigan, and includes historical photographs of alleged UFOs.

Case of the Crashing Russian Satellite

The lead story details the events of September 5, 1962, when a bright, reddish-white streak was observed across the skies of the Middle West by residents of six states and Canada, including Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa. Air Force officers at Wright-Patterson Air Force base investigated numerous eyewitness accounts. The object was initially perceived as a UFO, but within hours, it was identified as the decaying Sputnik IV satellite. Aircrews flying at high altitudes over Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, observed the object break into 12 pieces, each trailing a glowing red tail. A B-52 crew south of Minneapolis also witnessed a round object with red tails moving from west to east. The first mate of the cargo ship Wilfred Sykes reported seeing 15 to 20 objects trailing flame but making no noise. The switchboard at Duluth Municipal Airport was inundated with calls, and Milwaukee police received 25 calls in one hour. Joseph and Mrs. Wisner of Cato, Wisconsin, reported seeing five flaming objects heading towards Manitowoc, Wisconsin. In Manitowoc, police discovered a chunk of metal in the street, later identified as a fragment of the Sputnik IV. SPADATS, the government agency tracking satellites, confirmed the satellite's predicted decay. Experts from the Milwaukee Astronomical Society identified the metal fragment, which was sent to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Analysis indicated the fragment had been exposed to space environments at altitudes between 100 to 200 miles.

Four Nights of UFO's

This section focuses on a series of UFO incidents in southeastern Michigan during March 1966, centered around Dexter and Hillsdale College. The events brought the UFO controversy to the forefront and spurred a new Air Force-financed investigation. The sightings occurred on March 19, 20, and 21, with another on March 28. The most vivid sighting on the 19th involved Washtenaw County Police Sgt. Nuel Schneider and Deputy David Fitzpatrick near Milan, Michigan. They reported seeing three UFOs and took pictures. Dr. H. Allen Hynek, chief Air Force scientific consultant, explained these pictures as time exposures of the moon and Venus. However, witnesses, including police officers, rejected the Air Force's conclusion that they saw swamp gas, with Schneider stating, "I think the Air Force is full of malarkey. I know what I saw." The March 20th incident involved the farm of Frank Mannor near Dexter, where the Mannors, policemen, and other witnesses reported seeing an object or objects, or lights. Patrolman Robert Hunawill described a glowing object flying over the swamp. The Mannors reported seeing a pitted, football-shaped object the size of a car that moved off with a sound like a ricochetting bullet. On March 21st, coeds at Hillsdale College reported seeing a mysterious unidentified object for hours, described as pulsing, moving lights above a swamp. William Van Horn, the county's civil defense director, also reported a sighting in July 1965. Dr. Hynek attributed the Dexter and Hillsdale sightings to luminous swamp gas, explaining that "rotting vegetation" produces swamp gas trapped by ice and winter conditions, which is then suddenly released when the ground thaws, creating "popping noises." Hynek emphasized that while he couldn't prove it in court, the conditions likely produced an unusual display.

NOW do you believe me?

This section presents a collection of UFO photographs taken by amateur and professional photographers over several decades, questioning whether the images provide proof of UFO existence. The year 1947 is highlighted as the beginning of most American UFO sightings, with military authorities initially attributing them to weather balloons. The Navy's launch of devices with balloons and tin-foil reflectors to measure wind velocity is mentioned, with wreckage recovered in Fort Worth, Texas, initially thought to be part of a flying saucer.

Several photographs are featured:

• Bob Jung's photo (July 1947): Taken over Catalina Island, California, showing an object in the sky. Jung claimed three Air Force veterans saw six such objects.
• Paul Trent's photos (Spring 1950): Taken over his farm near McMinnville, Oregon. Air Force officials investigated and took Geiger counter readings, but the Trents were not informed of the findings.
• United States Coast Guard photos (July 16, 1952): Released by the Coast Guard from Salem, Massachusetts. No official explanation was given, but professional photographers suggested lens distortion or a developing mishap.
• George J. Stock's photos (July 28, 1952): Taken in Passaic, New Jersey, showing an object approaching. Stock snapped seven pictures, two of which are shown.
• Giuseppe Grasso's photo (1954): Taken at Taormina, Sicily, showing UFOs hovering. Dr. Donald H. Menzel of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory doubted its authenticity, suggesting the men were looking at a lower object and noting inconsistent shadows. Grasso later stated the objects were meteorological balloons.
• Albrecht Steiner's photo (1954): Taken over a factory in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, enlarged 60 times.
• U.S. Navy photo (1955): Taken at Marseilles, France, showing cloud formations in the shape of discs, attributed to unique wind and temperature conditions.
• Warren E. Siegmond's photo (May 15, 1955): Taken from the roof of his home in New York City. The Air Force classified it as a sighting they could not explain, ruling out Venus, temperature inversions, or other common misidentifications. Siegmond, a former antiaircraft gunner, stated he had never seen anything like it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to present UFO phenomena with a degree of open-mindedness, showcasing various sightings and photographic evidence while also including official explanations and expert skepticism. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting the cases and allowing the reader to decide "do you believe me?" The recurring themes include the initial misidentification of known objects as UFOs (like the Sputnik IV satellite), the debate between witness testimony and scientific explanations (such as swamp gas), and the challenge of authenticating photographic evidence of aerial phenomena. The magazine highlights the persistent public interest in UFOs and the ongoing efforts to investigate and explain these occurrences.

This document is a section from a magazine, continuing the feature "Now do you believe me?" It is primarily focused on presenting and discussing rare color photographs of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) captured by various individuals between the 1950s and 1960s. The issue highlights the visual evidence and accompanying eyewitness testimonies, aiming to present compelling cases for the existence of UFOs.

Rare Color Photographs

The main body of the document showcases several photographic examples of alleged UFOs, detailing the circumstances under which each picture was taken:

• Copenhagen, Denmark, 1959: Two young boys, while birdwatching, reportedly took a picture of a UFO that they claimed moved at "tremendous" speed.

• Peru, 1952: A back-country farmer captured an image of a "cigar-shaped object" over the jungles of Madre de Dios. He estimated its speed at 400 miles per hour and noted it appeared to be flying too low to leave such a vapor trail.

• Miami, USA, 1952: Ralph Mayher, a newsreel photographer, took a picture of an object that he described as approximately 50 feet long and an "ugly reddish orange color." This image was a blown-up frame from a 16mm movie film, and the Air Force reportedly declined to comment on it.

• Oklahoma, USA, August 1-2, 1965: Alan Smith, then 14, and his family witnessed and photographed a UFO. On the first night, it was described as a bright light moving rapidly. On the second night, Alan used a Kodacolor X high-speed film and captured an image of an object that appeared to be the size of a basketball, changing color from white to red to blue-green, and emitting a pulsating, whining sound that caused unease.

• New Mexico, USA, October 16, 1957: Ella Louise Fortune, a nurse, took a color picture of an object over Holloman Air Force Base. An APRO photo analyst suggested the object produced twice as much light as the clouds and was unlikely to be an ordinary cloud.

• Melbourne, Australia, April 2, 1966: An Australian business executive, who wished to remain anonymous, photographed a UFO. He estimated it to be between 20 and 25 feet in diameter at a height of about 150 feet. The object appeared to be made of highly polished metal, reflecting the color of a nearby building.

• Minnesota, USA, October 21, 1965: Arthur Strauch, a deputy sheriff, photographed a UFO while on a hunting trip. He observed the object through binoculars, noting it moved against the wind and changed color several times.

• Brazil, May 7, 1952: Brazilian photographer Ed Keffel and editor Joao Martins from the magazine O Cruzeiro claim to have taken two genuine pictures of a UFO over Barra da Tijuga, Rio de Janeiro.

• Rome, Italy, 1954: Amateur photographer Turi Mattarella took a picture of a UFO over Monte Mario.

Analysis and Expert Opinions

The article references the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), described as the oldest serious research organization in UFOs, founded in 1952. Professional photographers who analyzed Alan Smith's negative estimated the object to be 50 feet in diameter and less than a mile away, requiring it to be exceptionally bright.

William B. Weitzel, professor of philosophy and chairman of the Pittsburgh subcommittee of the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), described one of the photographs (James Lucci's) as "One of the most valid of the UFO on record."

James Lucci himself recounted how he took his photograph of a UFO near Beaver, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1965, while attempting a time exposure of the moon. He described the object as elliptical with a tail, brighter than the moon, and visible for about 30 seconds before ascending out of sight.

Explanations and Similarities

The document also touches upon potential misidentifications. For instance, a photograph released by the Air Force showed a weather balloon at Mitchell AFB in July 1952, with its battery-powered light registering like lightning. The article suggests that sightings of such balloons might have contributed to the rash of flying saucer reports in 1952.

Furthermore, the issue points out interesting similarities between two specific UFO reports and pictures taken within weeks of each other in different parts of the United States. Both objects were reportedly seen by multiple people, appeared to move independently of the wind, and changed color. A comparison is drawn between Arthur Strauch's daytime photo and Alan Smith's night photo, posing the question of whether they could be records of the same phenomenon under different lighting conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the presentation of photographic evidence as a primary means of substantiating UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these cases for the reader's consideration, implying that the evidence is significant enough to warrant belief or at least serious contemplation. The title "Now do you believe me?" directly challenges the reader's skepticism. The focus on color photography suggests an attempt to provide more vivid and potentially convincing evidence compared to black and white images. The inclusion of details about the photographers, their locations, and the specific characteristics of the objects aims to lend credibility to the accounts.

This issue of 'Saucer Jokes and UFO Hoaxes' delves into the phenomenon of alleged flying saucer sightings, with a particular focus on debunking famous photographs and explaining how many were the result of deliberate hoaxes and trick photography. The cover story, 'Now do you believe me? continued,' presents several photographic examples and accompanying witness accounts, many of which are later revealed to be fabricated or misinterpreted.

Debunking Famous UFO Photographs

The central theme of the magazine is the exposure of UFO hoaxes. A significant portion is dedicated to the confession of Bert Ruoff, a photographer who admitted that his 1947 photograph, long considered the first authentic UFO image, was a joke. Ruoff explained that he created the effect by using concave and convex lenses at a specific angle while taking night pictures of blast furnaces. He admitted to enjoying the widespread interest and receiving requests for prints from around the world.

Another section details how Jon Barnard, a high school junior, created a recipe for flying saucers using a plastic bag, coat-hanger, plastic straws, and birthday candles to make a hot air balloon. He launched 30 such devices on December 3, 1966, leading his father to state, 'There won't be any more.'

Several other photographs are presented with explanations that they are not genuine UFOs. A picture of the Eiffel Tower is revealed to show reflections of lamp shades in a window. A photograph of the Travelers Insurance Company tower in Hartford, Connecticut, is shown to feature 'Saturn-shaped moons' that are actually rivets reflected from a rain-slicked bridge girder. Another image, claimed to be of strange invaders, is explained as carrots in a patch, with the 'flying saucer' being a garbage can cover topped by a safety helmet.

Specific Sightings and Investigations

Despite the focus on hoaxes, the magazine also presents several alleged sightings:

• Texas-Oklahoma Border (August 2, 1965): Bob Campbell, a newsman, claims to have photographed a UFO. He was accompanied by Peter McCollum, a police officer, who also observed the object.
• Wall Township, N.J. (March 1966): Thirteen-year-old Robert J. Salvo photographed a UFO and submitted the picture to the Air Force, which released it without comment.
• New England Covered Bridge Area (November 25, 1966): Two 14-year-old boys, Danny Gay and Ricky Sharp, reported seeing a doughnut-shaped UFO hovering about 100 feet above the ground. They described it as noiseless, black and white, with a shiny coil, estimated to be 25 feet in diameter. Ricky took five pictures before it ascended rapidly.
• Presque Park Peninsula, Erie, Pa. (August 1966): Betty Jean Klem (16) and her boyfriend Douglas Tibbetts (19) reported seeing a 'machine in the sky' resembling a mushroom with lights, or a five-sided object with lights. They claimed it landed about 300 feet away. An Air Force Maj. William S. Hall investigated and pointed out markings resembling a 'claw' found near the car, but declined comment.
• New Castle Fair Grounds Area, Pa. (July 30, 1966): Joseph Yost, a high school mathematics teacher and photographer, took a picture of a hexagonal object. He did not see it through the camera viewer, only on the negative, and initially sought to photograph a cloud formation. He dismissed the 'iris image' theory suggested by a friend.
• California Highway (December 3, 1966): A highway patrolman reported sighting a 'flying platform' with struts, appearing to have someone inside wearing a crash helmet, and described as being about the size of a hot water heater.

Scientific Explanations and Theories

The issue also touches upon scientific explanations for some phenomena:

• Ionized Partial-Vacuum Experiments: Physicist Noel W. Scott at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, produced orange-colored 'flying saucers' in a bell jar using an ionized partial-vacuum. Scott believes that some UFO sightings might be 'anode glows' caused by the ionization of thin air in the upper atmosphere, viewing his experiments as miniatures of what pilots might see.
• Lens Reflections: Several instances highlight how lens reflections can be mistaken for UFOs, such as the New York City skyline photo and the Eiffel Tower photo.
• Civil Defense 'Flash Bomb' Test (1949): A photograph taken during a Civil Defense 'flash bomb' test over the Hudson River shows what might be a lens reflection near the Empire State Building.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly to question the authenticity of many UFO claims, particularly those supported by photographs. It aims to educate readers by revealing the methods behind hoaxes and providing plausible, often mundane, explanations for seemingly extraordinary events. The recurring theme is that a significant number of 'flying saucer' photographs and reports are not evidence of extraterrestrial visitation but rather the result of human ingenuity in creating illusions, misinterpretations of natural phenomena, or simple pranks. The editorial tone is skeptical yet informative, seeking to demystify the UFO phenomenon by exposing its less sensational origins.

This issue of a magazine, identified by page numbers 50-59, focuses on the concept of "Man-made flying saucers" and related phenomena, exploring historical attempts at creating such craft, alleged encounters with extraterrestrials, and the psychological interpretations of UFO sightings.

Man-Made Flying Saucers and Experimental Craft

The issue begins by showcasing historical attempts to create flying saucer-like vehicles. Amos A. Wyckoff of Oakland, California, built a "dirigible aeroplane" in 1912, which unfortunately burned up due to the use of inflammable hydrogen. The article notes that while many speculate about UFOs being experimental military aircraft or inventions of lone inventors, the Air Force has denied possessing such craft, and no inventor has demonstrated a full-scale, highly maneuverable flying saucer matching observer descriptions. Despite this, inventors continue to try.

Paul S. Moller, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is mentioned as hoping to test his "flying saucer" soon, believing it could become a popular family sport. The United States and Canada collaborated on the disc-shaped Avro car, developed by AVRO Aircraft Ltd. of Canada. This project, first revealed in 1960, was abandoned in 1965 because the craft lacked stability and could not ascend more than a few feet. Another experimental craft, the "flying flapjack" of the U.S. Navy, did get off the ground and is featured from a 1952 release.

Otis T. Carr of Baltimore is highlighted for his 1959 claim of inventing a "free energy system space ship." A scale model is shown, with Carr stating a full-scale 45-foot saucer could fly to the moon. He offered to deliver a spaceship to the Pentagon without charge, but the Defense Department reportedly declined. Two years later, Carr had become discouraged with the project.

A flying saucer model built by Nick Stasinos, a Northrop Aeronautical graduate, was created for the Ripley "Believe it or not" Museum in New York. This craft, called the "Experimental N.S. 97," is considered aerodynamically practicable, though a full-sized version is not under consideration.

The Saunders Roe "hovercraft" is shown participating in an amphibious warfare exercise in Portsmouth, England, in 1959. It could speed across water and climb beaches but only rise a few inches above the surface.

In 1949, state police in Marley Park, Maryland, found parts of a saucer-like flying machine in an abandoned tool shed. Air Force investigators were unable to locate the inventor who had built the craft before World War II and subsequently disappeared.

Saucer Clubs and Conventions

The issue delves into the community of UFO enthusiasts, noting that saucer clubs and conventions study UFO problems and feature speakers discussing personal experiences with "space beings" and "extraterrestrials." It highlights the polarized views on UFOs, with people either convinced of their existence or dismissing the matter entirely. Some believers extend their conviction to accepting that UFOs are piloted by "humanoids" from other planets.

The 13th Annual Spacecraft Convention, held on October 22-23, 1966, at Giant Rock in southern California's San Bernardino County, attracted 5,000 attendees. Giant Rock is described as a seven-story high rock formation used for meetings and exhibits. The Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America, Inc. (AFSCA), headquartered in Los Angeles, is presented as a prominent organization that charges dues and sells publications. Gabriel Green, the director of AFSCA, promoted the organization by listing potential benefits from "Space People," including the elimination of disease, poverty, and smog, and solutions for automation and unemployment.

Previous AFSCA conventions were held in Reno, Nevada, with speakers like Chief Standing Horse and Dr. Frank Stranges. Another convention, the "1967 Congress of Ufologists," was scheduled for New York City in June 1967. Some attendees of the Giant Rock convention reportedly flew in their own private planes to a nearby government-owned airfield.

Personal Experiences and Contactees

Several individuals share their alleged encounters with UFOs and extraterrestrials.

Daniel W. Fry of Merlin, Oregon, claims to be the first Earthman to ride in a spaceship on July 4, 1950. He recounts finding a flying saucer on the ground near White Sands, New Mexico, and being warned not to touch it because it was hot. He states he was invited aboard, and the craft made a round-trip flight to New York in about half an hour. Fry denies using LSD or other drugs, noting that LSD was not available in 1950.

Paul Villa, Jr., a mechanic from Albuquerque, New Mexico, claims a telepathic conversation with space people in 1953. Ten years later, he received a telepathic request for a rendezvous. On June 16, 1963, he met nine crew members (five women, four men) who disembarked from a landed spacecraft. He described them as "beautiful beings" ranging from seven to nine feet tall. They told him they were from the galaxy of Coma Berenices. The ship, estimated to be 70 feet in diameter, hovered over him for two hours.

Woodrow Derenberger, a salesman from West Virginia, recounts being stopped on Interstate Highway 77 by a flying saucer in November 1966. An occupant, described as six feet tall, 35-40 years old, and of dark complexion, communicated telepathically, reassuring Derenberger that his country was "not nearly as powerful as yours" and that they meant him no harm. The occupant's clothing was described as "blue and quite shiny." The occupant also mentioned a similar place in his country called a "gathering." The saucer then departed at tremendous speed.

Antonio Villas Beas, a Brazilian farmer, claimed in October 1957 to have been kidnaped by spacemen and forced to make love to a blonde spacewoman. Doctors examined him shortly after this alleged experience.

J. D. Desverges, a hardware salesman and former marine, reported in 1952 that he not only sighted a flying saucer but had his forearm singed by a "ball of fire" from the object when he investigated flashes of light in the woods near West Palm Beach, Florida.

Barney and Betty Hill, a couple from New Hampshire, reported an encounter on September 19, 1961. They claim six "humanoid" creatures took them aboard a spacecraft where they underwent physical examinations. Betty described a six-inch needle inserted in her navel for a pregnancy test. They later sought help from psychiatrist Benjamin Simon, who hypnotized them, leading to the emergence of their consistent stories. Writer John Fuller documented their experience in the book "The Interrupted Journey."

What Do the Psychologists Think?

The issue presents contrasting psychological perspectives on UFO sightings.

Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a professor of psychology and counselor at the University of Wyoming, is described as Wyoming's unofficial expert on UFOs. His interest began in 1951 with seeing a "round and metallic looking" object. In 1956, he and his wife saw a strange red light near Boulder, Colorado, which he found frightening because it was unidentifiable and silent. Sprinkle has studied UFO literature and the attitudes of those interested in UFO reports. He notes that consistent reports often come from near electric power lines or water sources. Based on his interviews, Sprinkle believes that "The impression I got is that they were looking at lights." He concludes that if these lights are on spacecraft, it suggests Earth is being surveyed, and he is "pretty well convinced that we are being surveyed."

Dr. Richard Youtz, chairman of the psychology department at Barnard College, Columbia University, believes UFOs are "after-images" from bright lights. He notes that many psychologists avoid the subject due to its perceived improbability. Youtz's theory is that sightings are often caused by after-images, similar to those seen after staring at a bright light source. He suggests that hallucinations, public hysteria, and explainable objects like weather balloons can contribute to UFO reports. Youtz argues that publicity can embellish after-images for experienced pilots. He defines an after-image as a stimulus on the sense organs that can be enhanced by illusions. He cites an example of a pilot who saw a "saucer" after watching stadium lights, and passengers on a plane who had a similar experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent human fascination with flying saucers, whether as technological marvels, extraterrestrial visitors, or psychological phenomena. The magazine presents a balanced approach by showcasing both the inventors and alleged experiencers, alongside skeptical psychological interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation, presenting various accounts and theories without definitively endorsing one over the others. The focus on "man-made" saucers suggests an interest in human ingenuity and the potential for advanced technology, while the inclusion of contactee stories and psychological analysis covers the more speculative and perceptual aspects of the UFO phenomenon.

This special issue, titled "FLYING SAUCERS," is a collaborative effort by the editors of United Press International and Cowles Communications, Inc., presented under the LOOK magazine banner. It delves into the U.S. Air Force's extensive investigation into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

The U.S. Air Force Investigation: Project Blue Book

The central hub for UFO investigation by the U.S. Air Force is Project Blue Book, located at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. The project is led by Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., a physicist with 18 years of Air Force service, including experience as a radar operator during World War II. His staff consists of a first lieutenant, a staff sergeant, a secretary, and a temporary typist. The article notes that the project's importance is reflected in the fact that no officer above the rank of major has ever been permanently assigned to it.

Until recently, Project Blue Book operated from a small, highly guarded room within a building that also housed the Air Technical Intelligence Command. This security was primarily for the latter command's sensitive work on anti-missile programs. In December, Major Quintanilla and his staff moved to a larger, less secret building.

Project Blue Book maintains a comprehensive summary of all investigated reports, which had surpassed 11,000 by 1966. All Air Force bases are instructed to collect and forward UFO sighting reports to Blue Book. Major Quintanilla occasionally conducts field investigations himself and collaborates with civilian scientists, notably Dr. H. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University.

Major Quintanilla, described as pleasant and patient with a sense of humor, does not state whether he believes in flying saucers. However, regarding their origin from stars, he points out that the closest star known to potentially harbor intelligent life is at least four and a half light-years away.

A Separate Scientific Study

In the fall of the previous year, the Air Force established a completely separate, 18-month study of UFOs, operating with a $300,000 budget. This project is entirely independent of Project Blue Book's supervision. The civilian director is Dr. Edward U. Condon, former head of the National Bureau of Standards and a physics professor at the University of Colorado. Dr. Condon stated that his team of approximately 100 scientists from various universities, including Colorado, were just beginning their work. The study is expected to conclude in early 1968, with results submitted to the National Academy of Sciences and made public.

Dr. Condon's group will initially investigate some of the unsolved cases from the Air Force's files. New cases that Project Blue Book cannot resolve will be passed on to Condon's team.

Criticisms and Alternative Views

Donald E. Keyhoe, a retired marine major and former pilot, is presented as a prominent critic who believes the Air Force is not doing enough and has accused them of covering up information. Keyhoe directs the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), a large private UFO organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. Keyhoe is convinced that UFOs represent craft that have visited Earth, and he argues that if the U.S. or Russia possessed such advanced technology, they would not be developing the "crude" space objects currently in use.

Keyhoe's personal files contain over 10,000 reports, and his investigators interview witnesses nationwide. He famously stated in a 1950 True magazine article that for the past 175 years, Earth has been under "systematic close-range examination by living, intelligent observers from another planet."

UFO Sighting Statistics and Analysis

The issue includes tables detailing UFO sightings reported to the U.S. Air Force from 1947 to 1966, totaling 11,003 reports, with 659 classified as unidentified. A breakdown of the Air Force's analysis of 1966 UFO sightings is also provided, categorizing reports into Astronomical (199), Aircraft (195), Balloon (20), Insufficient Data (103), Other (71), Satellite (100), Unidentified (13), and Pending (155), out of a total of 856 for that year.

What to Do If You See a UFO

The magazine offers guidance on what to do if one encounters an unexplained aerial phenomenon. The government's initial advice is to use common sense and consider rational explanations. If a UFO is still suspected, individuals are advised to report it to the nearest U.S. Air Force Base, local police, or state highway patrols. State highway officers may investigate themselves before passing information to the Air Force.

Official U.S. Air Force UFO Form

Reproduced within the issue is the "Official U.S. Air Force UFO Form." This detailed questionnaire is designed to gather comprehensive information from witnesses about their sightings. It includes sections on:

• When and where the object was seen: Date, time, time zone, location (address, city, state).
• Object characteristics: Duration in sight, continuity of sight, sky conditions, sun location, appearance (solid, transparent, vapor, light), brightness compared to stars, edge definition (fuzzy, sharp).
• Object behavior: Movement (stationary, speed up, break up, give off smoke, change brightness, change shape, flash, disappear/reappear).
• Weather conditions: Clouds and general weather.
• Observation details: Stars and moon visibility, brightness comparison to common objects.
• Estimates: Speed and distance estimates.
• Location context: Type of location (building, car, outdoors, city, countryside).
• Observer's movement: Direction and speed if moving in a vehicle.
• Observation method: Through eyeglasses, sunglasses, windshield, binoculars, telescope, etc.
• Drawing and description: Space for a sketch of the object, its path, and a description comparing it to common objects.
• Additional details: Altitude, direction, number of objects, arrangement, previous sightings, presence of other witnesses, and personal information.

The form emphasizes that the information is for research purposes and will not be used in publications without permission, though personal contact information is requested for follow-up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue adopts a neutral, informative stance, presenting the official Air Force investigation, scientific efforts, and critical viewpoints. It highlights the scale and methodology of UFO investigations, the challenges in gathering reliable data, and the public's fascination with the phenomenon. The inclusion of the official reporting form underscores the government's systematic approach to collecting data, while the inclusion of figures like Keyhoe provides a counterpoint of persistent skepticism regarding official explanations and a belief in extraterrestrial visitation. The overall tone suggests a serious, albeit sometimes bureaucratic, effort to understand a persistent and widespread phenomenon.