Panorama - Vol 02 No 01 - 1963

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. Two No. 1
Date: February 1963
Publisher: U.F.O.P.I.A. publications
Country: Australia
Price: 2/- or 25c.

This issue of Panorama magazine, subtitled 'The Magazine With The Wider Horizon for Students and Study Groups of U.F.O. and Co-Related Subjects,' explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, extraterrestrial life, and related spiritual and controversial topics. The publication is printed and published by U.F.O.P.I.A. publications in Kilburn, South Australia, and edited by Fred P. Stone.

Editorial: Life on Other Planets

The editorial addresses the long-standing question of life on other planets. It notes that while such a question would have been met with scorn a century ago, advances in science and recent events, particularly concerning 'saucers,' have prompted a re-evaluation. Even esteemed scientists are now reportedly considering the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. The editorial acknowledges that 'saucer fans' have long insisted on this, and while academic circles are only recently accepting the concept, it doesn't mean all claims are validated. Scientists who entertain this idea generally envision life on remote planets rather than within our own solar system. Those who do believe in life on planets like Venus or Mars often base their opinions on claimed telepathic or instrumental contact, which the editorial suggests is not convincing to skeptics who rely on factual evidence and current scientific instruments. The reliability of these instruments, particularly spectroscopic observations, is questioned, as they have shown discrepancies, such as indicating Earth has no oxygen when surveyed from a satellite. The editorial posits that if instruments are unreliable for Earth's atmosphere, their ability to accurately assess conditions on other planets is even more dubious. It concludes that without complete knowledge of space and the conditions between Earth and other planets, any assessment of life's possibilities remains speculative. The piece emphasizes that belief in extraterrestrial life is currently a matter of faith, and the unreliability of some witnesses has made the case more difficult to prove. It also touches upon ancient writings that describe pleasant celestial places and references Jesus's teachings about 'mansions' in space, suggesting a different form of radiance and central life source. The editorial concludes by urging humanity to improve Earth before considering new worlds, questioning if humans would simply replicate their current destructive behaviors elsewhere.

The Facts About Gloria Lee

This section details the life and death of Gloria Lee Byrd, a cult leader from Palos Verdes Estates, California, who founded the 'Cosmon Foundation.' The article, based on information from Mark Age associates and a news clipping from the Long Bay Independent (December 3, 1962), reports that Gloria Lee died in a Washington D.C. hospital after a 66-day fast, which she undertook on the advice of 'space people.' Her husband, William H. Byrd, an aircraft design engineer, disapproved of her activities. The hospital stated her coma was due to natural physiological factors from fasting, refuting claims of supernatural origin. Gloria Lee, who had a background in acting and as an airline hostess, claimed to have received her first message from space people during a coffee break, leading her to found the Cosmon Foundation five years prior. She had an office in Torrance and a retreat in the Mojave Desert. She reportedly left for Washington with a collaborator, Mrs. Hedy Wood, to interest authorities in a space platform plan, but was rebuffed. The article notes that MarkAge learned of her confinement from another newspaper clipping. The information supplied by Mark Age associates aims to clarify misconceptions, stating that Gloria was never arrested and was not in a mental institution, though her associate, Hedy Wood, was being held at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C. The article suggests Gloria's situation was part of a spiritual plan. It also mentions efforts to contact Life and Saturday Evening Post magazines. The hotel manager in Washington became concerned about her condition and contacted her husband, who then alerted the hospital. Gloria Lee made her 'transition' from the hospital.

Gloria Lee Continued

Further details on Gloria Lee's fast are provided, noting it was undertaken to improve her 'attunement.' Frequent contact with Gloria via 'vocal spirit communication' was reportedly maintained. A booklet titled 'Gloria Lee Lives: An Evidential Document Proving Eternal Life' was planned, containing messages from the Hierarchy and Gloria's background. The section also includes a brief report on 'Mariner II Reveals Remarkable New Data' from London, dated January 8, 1963. This report discusses a coded message from the American spacecraft Mariner II, which suggested that Venus might have conditions suitable for life due to a weak magnetic field and potentially lower surface temperatures. The editorial staff comments that scientific knowledge of outer space is negligible and textbooks quickly become outdated.

Watch for These Events

• This section provides a list of future events to watch for, dated February 5, 1963 (typed January 17th):
• Startling news regarding Atomic power and Bombs.
• Revolts in East Germany.
• Red China making a significant move.
• Unseasonable weather, crop damage, and widespread fires.
• Economic advice: Invest only in essential commodities.

The Famous Fatima Letter: The Editor is Taken to Task

This section features a letter from Rev. Guy J. Cyr of the Sacred Heart Rectory in Lawrence, Massachusetts, dated November 12, 1962, addressed to Mr. Stone. The Reverend challenges statements made in a previous Panorama article ('More about Fatima Letter,' Vol 1 No5, Oct 1962) regarding the Vatican's handling of the Fatima secret. Rev. Cyr questions the assertion that the Vatican's failure to publicize the 'vital declaration' is an indictment against it and proof that its contents are too dangerous to reveal. He states he has studied Fatima accounts extensively and does not recall any mention of the Madonna or Lucia specifying that the famous sealed letter (the third part of the secret) had to be opened by 1960 or any other specific time. He clarifies that Lucia wrote the third part of the secret around 1941 and gave it to the Bishop of Fatima in a sealed envelope, with instructions not to open it before 1960. He also questions who at the Vatican promised to reveal the contents and demands precise details. Rev. Cyr interprets Mr. Stone's use of 'truth' as implying an untruth has been told by Vatican officials, and asks for verbatim quotes to support this claim. He suggests that if 'truth' means providing information, then the word is misleading in this context. He also refers to Mr. Stone's assumption about 'terrible judgments' for failing to carry out a mission.

The Editor's Reply and Defence

Fred P. Stone replies to Rev. Guy J. Cyr, regretting that his article upset him but defending his position. He explains that his belief that the Fatima letter was to be opened by 1960 and announced by the Vatican stems from information gathered over many years. Initially, as a non-Catholic, he dismissed the Fatima message as 'boloney.' However, after becoming interested in 'saucer studies,' he came to believe that 'God had for many centuries been sending messengers' to Earth, often associated with celestial phenomena. His research led him to believe that the Fatima message was part of this broader pattern. He was introduced to the details of Lucia's messages and met with a high Catholic prelate who lent him books on the Fatima miracle. Through these interactions, he became convinced that the 'whole proceedings of the initial visit of the angelic to the final visitation were actually identical with space messengers vis and the accompanying phenomena we now a days term saucers.' He contacted Catholic friends who confirmed his understanding that a final stage of the messages was to be opened in 1960, with an announcement from the Vatican. He states he has received this information from multiple independent sources and has also read printed accounts supporting this 'assumption.' Regarding the term 'truth,' Stone clarifies that he meant 'full facts or information' and did not infer anyone had lied, but rather that withholding details was misleading. He acknowledges that the exact source of the promise to reveal the secret is not precisely quoted, as his information was given confidentially. He expresses a willingness to reveal sources if permitted but prioritizes trust. He concludes by stating he hopes to assemble further facts for the next edition.

Strange Writings from Whom and Where

This section presents 'strange writings' received by a young associate of the magazine in late 1962, the second such occurrence since 1957. In 1957, the associate and his elder brother, while studying 'saucers,' were reportedly overcome by a force that caused them to draw or write unusual glyphs and hieroglyphic messages. Neither had any prior experience with such phenomena, and they maintained they were not in a trance state. The elder brother has not had further experiences, but the younger brother has continued to receive and send these writings. The editor publishes these to seek identification or decipherment of their meaning. The first set of drawings from 1957 was published in the Australian Saucer Record. A copy was requested by a professor from an Indian University, but no findings were returned. The editor notes that the glyphs feel familiar to him and others, suggesting they might represent machinery or, in the case of the elder brother's 'Egyptian type' writings, possibly identification of the directing force behind the younger brother's work. A later writing included an interpretation by the young man himself, which was factually verified by an event fifty miles away that caused significant TV and radio interference. The section urges readers to consider the interpreted writing in light of this event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Panorama consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and spiritual beliefs. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is open to unconventional explanations and interpretations, often challenging mainstream scientific and religious orthodoxies. The editorial encourages critical thinking about scientific instruments and theories, particularly concerning space exploration. The coverage of Gloria Lee's death highlights the influence of 'space people' and cultic beliefs, while the Fatima letter controversy delves into the perceived secrecy and potential hidden truths within religious institutions. The inclusion of 'strange writings' suggests an interest in direct communication from unknown sources. The overall tone is one of seeking wider horizons and questioning established narratives, particularly within the realm of unexplained phenomena and potential contact with non-human intelligences.

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: PAGE TEN, PAGE ELEVEN, PAGE TWELVE, PAGE THIRTEEN, PAGE-FOURTEEN, PAGE FIFTEEN, PAGE SIXTEEN, PAGE SEVENTEEN, PAGE EIGHTEEN, PAGE NINETEEN
Date: October 31, 1962 (for the message) and November 12, 1962 (for the Albany sighting).
Content Focus: This issue of Panorama magazine is heavily focused on visual documentation of alleged extraterrestrial or anomalous phenomena, including "writings," "receptions," and sightings. It presents a collection of drawings, symbols, glyphs, and detailed accounts of unidentified objects and potential communications.

The 1957 WRITINGS (Pages 1-3)

The "1957 WRITINGS" section presents a series of complex drawings and symbols across several pages. These appear to be attempts to visually represent or transcribe unknown forms of communication or objects. Page 1 shows various diagrams, including what looks like a structured object with radiating light and a diamond-shaped symbol. Page 2 continues with similar symbolic representations and a note suggesting a specific reading order. Page 3 includes a drawing labeled "The Elder Brothers glyph" and more intricate symbolic patterns, alongside depictions of what could be spacecraft or technological devices.

The 1962 RECEPTIONS (Pages 4-8)

This section focuses on "receptions" and sightings from 1962. Page 4 features a drawing of what is described as an "ancient form of space craft," possibly a representation of a matchbox, with the words "Australia" and "matches or hatches" inscribed on it. Page 5 shows another drawing of a structure with a figure inside, accompanied by more symbols. Page 6 presents a symbol that is thought by some to represent Ayers Rock in Central Australia, while others consider it to resemble a recently washed-up unidentified life form found in Tasmania. Pages 7 and 8 continue with symbolic writings and diagrams, including a diamond shape and various glyphs.

Message from RAMIT DA. CANMARS (Page 9)

A significant part of the issue is a transcribed message from "RAMIT DA. CANMARS," dated 3.30 p.m. 31/10/62. The sender, identified as a brother, is conducting "vibration tests" with a "small type of craft at 75 feet in diameter," which is described as a laboratory. The message speaks of "receiving power and increasing at a great speed" and approaching "direct communication." It mentions "fagon" as a learning stage and describes the earth's "negative thoughts" and "changes" gathering momentum. The sender also notes that a brother is "making tests in a south easterly direction from your city, just on the coast across the stretch of water," experiencing trouble with his equipment due to "unnatural force lines" and requires assistance. The reference to the north country is interpreted as the Nullabor Plains or Inland North of Central Australia, and the place referred to as S.E. of the city across the water is identified as Pt Pirie, where radio and T.V. interference occurred that evening.

SIGHTINGS: ALBANY. WEST AUST SKY MYSTERY CAUSES STIR. (Pages 10)

This section, dated "DAILY NEWS" 11/12/62, reports on an unidentified shiny object sighted over Albany, Western Australia. The object was tracked for over two hours, moving slowly at great height. Albany Senior Mail officer A. Reitze sighted it while tracking a weather balloon. It was described as being of considerable size, barely visible to the naked eye, but clear through a telescope. A witness described it as "a tiny sliver of the moon." Perth Observatory could not track the object due to distance and lack of information. The Head of meteorological station, Mr. B. Hall, stated it was "definitely not a weather balloon" and estimated its altitude at above 30,000 ft. The R.A.A.F. Base at Pearce reported no aircraft in the area. The Acting Govt. Astronomer, Mr. B.J. Harris, identified it as the planet Venus, stating it goes through phases like the moon and is about 35,000,000 miles from Earth.

Editors Comments on Albany Sighting

The editors express skepticism regarding the Albany sighting. They question why the object was not seen by the Perth Observatory if it was Venus, and why it was not immediately identified. They suggest that the observatory boys might not be "too bright" or perhaps "didn't want to leave their cup of tea to identify it." The editors emphasize that meteorological officers should be trained enough in astronomy to identify Venus, implying that even high school boys could do so.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Panorama are the documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the interpretation of symbolic or alien writings, and the reporting of mysterious communications. The magazine appears to present these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, though the editorial comments on the Albany sighting reveal a critical and questioning stance towards official explanations and the competence of astronomical observers. The overall tone suggests an interest in exploring the unexplained and challenging conventional interpretations, particularly concerning UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact.

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: PAGE TWENTY
Date: SATURDAY, JAN. 5th 1963

This issue of Panorama features a report on a mysterious sky object sighted near Clifton, Australia, and a critique of astronomical observatories.

Sky Object is Mystery

The main article details an investigation into an unidentified flying object sighted on January 5th, 1963, near Clifton, a town located 10 miles from Toowoomba, Australia. A team from the Flying Saucer Research Group (Brisbane) was dispatched to the location.

The object was first observed by Mr. Hoey, a local farmer, at approximately 1:30 a.m. He described it as the brightest star in the sky but closer to Earth than the moon, fringed by an orange glow. Later, around 3:30 a.m., a smaller, duller light reportedly moved slowly away from the larger object, changing course several times before disappearing below the horizon. Mr. Hoey stated that the smaller light seemed to be quite close and did not return to the original object.

A photographer from Toowoomba, who visited the site for the Brisbane newspaper, confirmed that "there was something definitely there" and described it as "a shining disc."

By 4 o'clock that afternoon, a spokesman indicated that observers had been prevented from gaining a clear view. The R.A.A.F. (Royal Australian Air Force) reported that they could not track the object with radar from their Amberley air base, which is located 30 miles from Brisbane. They explained that their surveillance radar is typically used for tracking objects reported closer to the base, and the Clifton object was too far away. The radar system is designed for aircraft approach and has a range of only 42 miles.

The article concludes by stating, "We await further news and reports from our Brisbane associates."

Debate on Astronomical Observations

Another section of the magazine criticizes the staff at observatories in Albany and Perth for their inability to locate or identify Venus, even at its various stages. The author questions the efficiency of these official observatories, particularly the Government Astronomer, suggesting that if his evidence is accepted, it implies a lack of capability.

The author speculates that the instruments might be too inferior to detect Venus during the daytime. The explanation for this perceived failure is suggested to be "gross negligence somewhere or a huge cover-up." This situation leaves the author with a "very unfavourable estimation" of the official boys' abilities in Perth, finding it hard to believe they are incapable of identifying a large planet like Venus.

Personally, the author gives credit to the "Albany boys" who claim to have seen something, implying they were dismissed or ignored. The article suggests that many people who witness UFOs are reluctant to give evidence because they are made to feel foolish by higher authorities. The author concludes this section by stating, "Never mind Albany, we are on your side. we have the laughs."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Panorama appears to champion the accounts of ordinary individuals who report unusual aerial phenomena, contrasting them with the perceived inefficiencies or potential obfuscation by official scientific bodies. The editorial stance is critical of governmental and institutional explanations for UFO sightings, suggesting a bias towards dismissing witness accounts and potentially covering up evidence. There is a clear sympathy for those who report UFOs and a distrust of official statements from astronomical observatories and military organizations like the R.A.A.F. when it comes to unexplained aerial events.