NICAP Reporter - Vol 2 No 10 - 07 1964 - No 22

Magazine Overview

Title: N. I. C. A. P. REPORTER
Issue: No. 22
Volume: 2
Date: July 1964
Publisher: National Investigations Commission on Aerial Phenomena
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the N.I.C.A.P. REPORTER, dated July 1964, delves into various reports and observations of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) from around the globe. It begins with a quote from the U.S. Air Force stating that UAP have not posed a threat to national security. The publication features a mix of scientific speculation, eyewitness accounts, and official responses to sightings.

MOON/MARS TRYING TO CONTACT OUR EARTH

This section, authored by Bert Groth (Science Editor), discusses flashing lights observed on the Moon and flares seen on Mars. It also recounts a report from a young couple who claimed to be pursued by a mysterious light that affected their car's radio and headlights. The Air Force's explanation of Jupiter is questioned for its inability to account for these effects. The article details specific sightings on the Moon, including a constantly flashing white light observed by an astronomer in Woodland, California, on January 16, 1956, and flashes seen on the east wall of the crater Cavendish on January 24, 1956. These are interpreted as potential signals from the Moon. Another sighting from Stanford, California, on April 19, 1959, describes a white light on the Moon that shone steadily before fading, possibly an attempt to send a message. Activity on Mars, specifically a desert section called Edom Promontorium, is also discussed. A rapid brightening and dimming on January 1, 1954, is interpreted as a possible rocket launch, while a similar event on July 23, 1954, with a longer duration of brilliance, suggests a more powerful rocket or even atomic energy experiments. The section concludes with the observation of an unidentified object near Mars on September 8, 1956.

LIFE ON VENUS? PERHAPS: VAPOR CLOUDS BOOST THEORY

This article reports on the discovery of sizable amounts of water vapor in Venus' upper atmosphere, a finding that bolsters the theory of potential life on the planet. The observations were made using a balloon-borne telescope. Dr. John Strong of Johns Hopkins University commented that this evidence, combined with the known presence of carbon dioxide, necessitates a re-examination of previous calculations regarding the possibility of life on Venus. Despite scientific opinion leaning towards Venus being too hot for life, based on temperature estimates around 800 degrees Fahrenheit, Dr. Strong remains "stubbornly optimistic" about the possibility of life, particularly in the upper atmosphere.

WELCOME BACK UFO'S--(Editorial)

The editorial expresses reassurance that unidentified flying objects are once again being seen in the U.S. It acknowledges that many people scoff at such reports, dismissing them as hallucinations or misinterpretations. However, it suggests that a mild thrill of excitement accompanies these reports, reflecting a human desire to believe in flying objects from alien worlds. The editorial posits that this interest is linked to humanity's current stage of development and the contemplation of conquering new worlds. It suggests a deeper meaning, with humanity seeking evidence of not being alone in the universe and hoping that contact with another planet might provide perspective, diminish worldly problems, and foster unity and peace.

Sighting Reports from Across the USA and Beyond

This section compiles numerous specific UFO sighting reports:

• May 18, 1964 - Hubbard, Oregon, U.S.A.: A 10-year-old boy, Michael Bizon, reported seeing a "bright silver" square-like object, about 3 feet wide and 5-6 feet long, with legs. The object emitted a "beep beep" noise and rose into the air, then "took off like a rocket." The site showed flattened wheat and three "dinner-plate" sized impressions in the ground.
• April 30, 1964 - Alamosa, Colorado, U.S.A.: Four children reported seeing and hearing a bright silver oval object flying in a curved path toward Mt. Blanca. It moved slowly with a low, steady hum before disappearing into a cloud. Noble C. Gantvoort, an associate professor, found the children's stories consistent and did not rule out the possibility of an extraterrestrial craft.
• Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.: Warren Fiester found two identical circular markings on his farm, each about eight feet in diameter, with a scorched ring and greener vegetation inside. He believes something made the marks, possibly a spaceship.
• March 19, 1964 - North Atlantic Ocean-West of Irish Coast: Pilots of two jet liners observed an unidentified object explode with a tremendous flash, leaving trails of white smoke as fragments fell.
• February 8, 1964 - Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A.: Eyewitnesses described a mysterious, brightly illuminated object with a luminous tail streaking across the sky at varying speeds and directions.
• February 8, 1961 - Del Norte County, California, U.S.A.: A group of 17 people reported seeing a glowing object changing color from orange to gold to white, with a long tail, flying from north to south over the beach.
• January, 1964 - Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada: A resident reported seeing strange red lights resembling 60-watt bulbs that appeared to move up and down. The reporter also witnessed similar lights and found that local authorities and the weather office had no explanation.
• December 16, 1963 - Near Lac de Flambeau, Wisconsin, U.S.A.: A man reported seeing a "bluish-green flying object" traveling northward at an estimated speed exceeding 500 miles per hour.
• November 8, 1963 - South Dudley, Victoria, Australia: Two individuals reported seeing a glow with light rays issuing from it, moving slowly along the coast. A local mechanic later saw a similar object.
• October 30, 1963 - Meridian, Idaho, U.S.A.: Federal Aviation Agency officials are investigating reports of a "strange object" that made a "loud, deep and weird noise" and hovered about 8 feet above the ground.
• October 21 & 22, 1963 - Trancas, Tucuman, Argentina: A squadron of six flying objects remained suspended in the air for about 40 minutes, emitting a smell of sulphur and filling the air with blinding light from beams that examined the terrain.
• October, 1963 - Cordoba Province, Argentina: A truck driver reported seeing three strange, robot-like beings near an oval-shaped device with portholes during a violent storm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the consistent descriptions of unusual lights and objects, and the frequent lack of definitive explanations from official sources like the Air Force or FAA. The editorial stance, as indicated by the "WELCOME BACK UFO'S" piece, is one of cautious optimism and a belief that these phenomena warrant serious consideration, potentially reflecting humanity's place in a larger cosmic context. The publication itself, the N.I.C.A.P. REPORTER, positions itself as an official bulletin dedicated to investigating and disseminating information on aerial phenomena, serving the public through education.