Nexus - Whole No 10 - Vol 02 No 04 - 1955 04 00

Magazine Overview

NEXUS, the official publication of the Saucer And Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.), presents its April 1955 issue, Volume 2, Number 4 (Whole Number 10). Headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, with James W. Moseley as President, the magazine covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects and unexplained celestial events. This issue announces significant changes, including a shift to bi-monthly publication starting in June and a name change to 'SAUCER NEWS', along with adjustments to subscription costs.

Editorial: Controversy Continues Regarding Origin of Saucers

The editorial addresses the ongoing debate about whether flying saucers are of Earthly origin or extraterrestrial. It references a previous article that contended most unexplained saucers are made on Earth and notes the Air Force's omission of previous denials regarding U.S. government involvement in saucer production. The editorial mentions a letter sent to the Pentagon seeking clarification, which was cleared but required a specific disclaimer.

Feature Articles

How to Evaluate Reports of UFO Sightings (Richard Cohen)

This article emphasizes that the study of UFOs is a scientific problem requiring accurate and reliable data. Richard Cohen outlines three classes of sightings: radar, photographs, and visual. He focuses on visual sightings, explaining the limitations of human perception regarding size, distance, and speed estimation. Cohen proposes four requirements for a credible UFO sighting: the object must be unfamiliar, the witness must be responsible and preferably experienced (like pilots), conditions must be favorable for observation, and the report must be free of flaws. He uses examples like Kenneth Arnold's sighting to illustrate the difficulties in estimating size and distance.

The Case for the UFO (M. K. Jessup)

This section provides an outline of M. K. Jessup's new book, 'The Case for the UFO'. Jessup, a former professional astronomer, proposes that many unexplained phenomena can be attributed to entities living in space near Earth, possibly within the Earth-Moon system. His research compiles astronomical data and suggests that objects seen crossing the sun are navigable structures. The article also links these phenomena to ancient megalithic structures worldwide, such as those in Peru and Baalbek, suggesting they were built with the aid of levitating space ships. Jessup's work implies that science needs to revise its understanding of mankind's environment.

Book Reviews (Dr. Benjamin Benincasa)

Dr. Benjamin Benincasa reviews two books: 'Flying Saucer from Mars' by Cedric Allingham and 'Space, Gravity, and the Flying Saucer' by Leonard Cramp. Allingham claims to have encountered a Martian pilot from a saucer in Scotland in 1954, describing an unusual breathing apparatus and a unique language. He likens his sighting to one by Stephen Darbishire in Lancashire. Leonard Cramp, associated with the Interplanetary Society, takes a pro-Venusian and pro-Adamski stance, highlighting similarities between Adamski's and Darbishire's photographs and proposing a theory of space navigation based on unbalancing gravity. Cramp also discusses the function and lift of flying saucers.

Mystery on the Peruvian Desert (James W. Moseley)

James W. Moseley explores the intriguing markings on the desert near Nasca, Peru, which are believed to be ancient and were recently discovered through aerial photography. These lines and figures, covering over 40 square miles, are described as perfectly straight and forming complex patterns. Moseley cites archaeologist Maria Reiche, who notes that these designs are best appreciated from the air and represent a significant feat of engineering. The article discusses the mystery of their purpose, with one theory suggesting an astronomical function related to tracking seasons, particularly given the scarcity of water in the region. The article also touches upon the difficulty of reproducing these ancient patterns with modern technology.

Recent News

This section covers several brief reports:

• Mysterious Explosions: An explosion in New Zealand's South Island followed reports of a cigar-shaped object. In Florida, a blast near Richmond Air Base left a crater, with a strong smell of dynamite, but the cause remained unsolved.
• Two Humans Who Invented Saucers Come Forward: Charles D. Lennon claims a U.S. patent for a 'Lennoncopter' that flies at high speeds. An Italian inventor reportedly created a saucer model in 1938 in Germany, but the engineer and plans disappeared.
• News Briefs: Reports include a strange blue light sighted in Oregon, 'flying cigars' reported by Soviet citizens, and a metallic object with letter-like markings found in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Back Issues Still Available

NEXUS announces that January, February, and March issues are available for purchase at 35 cents per copy. Issues prior to January are not available.

Advertisement

An advertisement promotes M. K. Jessup's book, 'The Case for the UFO', published by Citadel Press, describing it as a scientific attempt to explain the UFO phenomenon. The Library Research Group is seeking help in selling the book to finance future research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of NEXUS continues its focus on UFO phenomena, exploring both contemporary sightings and historical mysteries. The magazine presents a platform for various theories, including the Earth-Made Saucer Theory and the Interplanetary Theory, while maintaining a critical approach to evaluating evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific inquiry and the presentation of diverse viewpoints, even while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for further evidence before drawing definitive conclusions. The shift to 'SAUCER NEWS' and bi-monthly publication indicates an evolving strategy for the publication.

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN, Vol. 3, No. 1 (Whole No. 5), dated January 1955, is presented as the "WORLD'S LARGEST FLYING SAUCER PUBLICATION." It is edited and published by Gray Barker, with Roger N. Farris as Associate Editor and Research Consultant, James Moseley as Eastern Editor, and D. C. Lucchesi as General Consultant. August C. Roberts is the Photographic Technician. The magazine is available for 35¢ per single copy, with a subscription for 6 issues costing $2.00. All correspondence and subscriptions are to be sent to Gray Barker at Box 2228, Clarksburg, W. Va. The publication aims for a quarterly schedule but notes it may vary.

Article: Theories on the Nasca Lines

The issue features an article discussing the enigmatic Nasca Lines in Peru. The author, while acknowledging the scientific approach of researchers like Maria Reiche, proposes a more imaginative explanation. It is suggested that the people who created these patterns, which are only fully visible from the air, likely possessed a means of space travel or flight. The author speculates that these ancient people, who have since disappeared, might have been visitors from another planet or, more plausibly, Earth-bound individuals who constructed the lines as signals to interplanetary visitors or an advanced Earth race.

The article emphasizes that while the complete solution remains unknown, the evidence presented by the Nasca patterns suggests that modern humanity may not be the highest civilization to have existed on Earth. A footnote clarifies that Maria Reiche's booklet is the only book printed on the subject and is not readily available in the United States or Peru, with the publisher expressing reluctance to part with their copy but offering to loan it for short periods.

Notes Concerning This Issue and the Next

The "Letters to the Editor" column is omitted from this issue but will return in the May issue. The upcoming May issue is in preparation and will feature an article on Extra-Sensory Perception (E.S.P.), a topic on which the NEXUS staff has been conducting extensive research and experimentation for the past six months. Additionally, the May issue will include more material, both for and against, the controversial book "Flying Saucers Have Landed" by Leslie and Adamski, which was discussed in the January issue.

The NEXUS staff notes that their supply of material for future issues is encouraging, expecting more contributions from top British and American saucer researchers. Past contributors mentioned include Frank Scully, Desmond Leslie, John Bessor, John Pitt, and William Nash. The publication actively seeks more material from readers and reserves the right to edit submissions. They also express a desire to increase advertising, outlining rates: fifty cents per line, $10.00 for a half page (27 lines), and $20 for a full page. Advertisers have reportedly received significant business from small ads. The closing date for submissions for the June-July issue is May 1st.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN strongly aligns with the burgeoning field of ufology and unexplained phenomena in the mid-1950s. The editorial stance is open to speculative theories, particularly those that challenge conventional scientific explanations, as seen in the discussion of the Nasca Lines. The magazine actively promotes research into topics like flying saucers and E.S.P., positioning itself as a platform for enthusiasts and researchers in these areas. There is a clear emphasis on encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information within the UFO community.