NICAP Reporter - Vol 3 No 05 - 02 1965 - No 29

Magazine Overview

Title: N.I.C.A.P. REPORTER
Issue: No. 29
Volume: Vol. 3
Date: February 1965
Publisher: National Investigations Commission on Aerial Phenomena

This issue of the N.I.C.A.P. REPORTER presents a collection of recent reports and scientific speculation concerning unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and potential extraterrestrial life.

Water Found in Venus Atmosphere May Mean Life There

The lead article reports on findings by a team of Johns Hopkins University astrophysicists who stated that the clouds surrounding Venus are composed of water in the form of ice particles. This discovery raises the possibility of oxygen in Venus' atmosphere, which could in turn support life. The scientists based their reasoning on calculations that Earth's oxygen could be accounted for by the release of oxygen from water vapor under sunlight. These findings were obtained from an unmanned balloon flight on October 27th. The article also notes previous measurements indicating Venus' surface temperature is close to minus degrees Fahrenheit, contrasting with radio-telescope readings suggesting 800 degrees Fahrenheit. The latter may indicate significant electrical activity rather than temperature. The report cites The Star--Orlando, Florida--12/7/64.

Sees Life in Space Possible

British astronomer Dr. Fred Hoyle is quoted discussing the probability of "live" TV transmissions from outer space, implying the existence of people on other planets. Hoyle believes such planets and civilizations are likely, and that radio waves might carry messages, potentially offering guidance on avoiding nuclear war. He expressed more concern about boredom than self-destruction by mankind. Hoyle noted that personal visits to these planets would be impractical due to vast distances, but receiving pictures would be sufficient. His views are presented in his book, "Of Men and Galaxies." The source is listed as unknown, credited to Mr. Gene Duplantier.

Key Incidents and Sightings

The magazine then details numerous specific sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from late 1964 and early 1965:

• January 13, 1965 - Riverside, California, USA: A 14-year-old boy reported seeing a 100-foot-long, football-shaped object with a bright light and four red lights, making a 180-degree turn at high speed.
• January 4, 1965 - Near Bethel, Vermont, USA: Dr. Richard S. Woodruff and a state trooper observed three identical, rapidly moving, orangish-red objects that disappeared swiftly.
• January 2, 1965 - Joliet, Illinois, USA: Rockdale police officers observed a hovering object making circular movements at about 1,000 feet, displaying various colored lights.
• December 29, 1964 - Patuxent Naval Air Station, Maryland, USA: Navy radar operators reported two high-speed objects approaching at approximately 4,800 miles per hour, executing a tight turn and disappearing.
• December 28, 1964 - Gilroy, California, USA: A county park employee and others observed a large, bluish transparent object, larger than an airplane, circling and then heading north.
• December 21, 1964 - Near Fishersville, Virginia, USA: An Air Force investigating team was dispatched to a site where an 80-to-90 foot UFO was reported to have landed, but no evidence was found.
• December 10, 1964 - Owen Sound & Clarksburg, Ontario, Canada: Residents reported seeing bright flashes of intense light shining downward, described as lightning-like.
• December 7, 1964 - Superior, Montana, USA: Observers saw a blazing object traveling northwest, losing molten pieces, before disappearing behind a cloud.
• December 7, 1964 - Near Hutchinson, Kansas, USA: Col. Carl Boggs observed a streak of light that changed color from orange to blue to green.
• December 7, 1964 - Crosbyton, Texas, USA: A "bluish-green" object was reported moving at high speed.
• December 6, 1964 - Near Houston, British Columbia, Canada: Two forest service members saw a dark object in the sky, lit up from within, which remained stationary before disappearing.
• December 5, 1964 - Wilmington, North Carolina, USA: Several persons reported seeing a "bright green light" traveling east-west, with the Air Force reporting no radar sightings.
• November 28, 1964 - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island, Canada: Three fishermen sighted a silver-colored, wingless object flying at high speed with orange fins.
• November 27, 1964 - Longmont, Colorado, USA: Deputy Sheriff Walt Dunbar and others observed a bright white object moving rapidly, with bright streaks shooting out from its sides.
• November 19, 1964 - Near Ravenna & Rockville, Nebraska, USA: Reports described a bright streak with a red forepart and a tail, which then disappeared.
• November 16, 1964 - Lolo, Montana, USA: A service station operator saw a shimmering circular object flying noiselessly.
• November 15, 1964 - Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada: A 15-year-old reported sighting a small disk, brighter than Venus, which moved south and then east.
• November 14, 1964 - Near Drummond, Montana, USA: Authorities investigated the explosion and crash of a fiery object into a mountain ridge, described as a bright yellow and orange mass.
• January 11, 1965 - Washington, D.C., USA: Army specialists reported seeing 12 to 15 white, oval-shaped objects moving erratically at high altitudes, chased by two jet planes. The Defense Department denied the incident.

Investigations and Official Statements

The issue highlights the Air Force's involvement in investigating UFO reports, often through Project Blue Book. Sergeant David Moody of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is mentioned as investigating a sighting in Virginia, noting its unusual nature and that it did not conform to any known aircraft. Professor Ernest Gehman of Eastern Mennonite College also investigated a sighting and reported high radiation readings at the site. The article notes that the Air Force has repeatedly denied the existence of UFOs despite numerous authenticated reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena by credible witnesses, often contrasted with official denials or lack of explanation from authorities like the Air Force and FAA. The magazine appears to advocate for a more open investigation and public disclosure of information regarding UFOs, as evidenced by its publication of numerous detailed sighting reports and the inclusion of scientific speculation about extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance supports the idea that these phenomena warrant serious attention and investigation beyond standard explanations.