Panorama - Vol 03 No 01 - 1963

Magazine Overview

This issue of PANORAMA, identified as Volume 3, Number 1, published in 1963, is the official organ of U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation Australia). It incorporates 'The Australian Saucer Record' and is aimed at students and research groups interested in flying saucers and related subjects. The magazine is issued bi-monthly and priced at 2/- (25c). The editor is Fred. P. Stone, with the publication address listed as 22 Northcote St., Kilburn, S. Aust.

Editorials and Featured Articles

"Fireballs."

The editorial section begins with a discussion on 'fireballs,' prompted by a report of a fatal consequence. The editor ponders the nature of these phenomena, noting that while they have baffled scientists, they often appear to be linked to disturbed weather conditions, suggesting a terrestrial rather than extraterrestrial origin, though acknowledging they can be perceived as UFOs. The unpredictable behavior of fireballs is highlighted, with some causing fire and damage, while others have no effect. The editor recounts a personal frightening incident from 1936 during a severe storm in Adelaide where a fireball entered his home, danced around the room, and exited through the window without causing any damage. He contrasts this with another incident involving a policeman's house where a fireball did cause damage.

A more tragic account is presented, quoting The Advertiser of September 30, 1963, about a girl named Judy Larkins who was killed by a fireball in Canberra on September 29, 1963. The incident occurred during a violent hailstorm on a hockey field, where the fireball struck, causing a sheet of flame and stunning many players. Miss Larkins, who was closest to the impact, died in hospital after her heart stopped beating. The report notes that the girls were wearing rubber-soled shoes, which may have prevented more serious injury to others. The incident is again linked to an electrical storm, reinforcing the idea of fireballs as meteorological phenomena.

Sunspots Cut Radio Links

A news item from the Daily News of September 17, 1963, reports that unseasonal sunspot activity had disrupted Australia's radio-telephone communications with the rest of the world. The Geophysical Observatory noted severe magnetic disturbances in the ionosphere, which are unusual for that time of year. This disruption was expected to last for some days.

Insects Swarm at 7,000 ft.

An article from Melbourne, dated September 29, 1963, details an Adelaide pilot's encounter with hundreds of locust-type insects at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The pilot, Mr. Bruce Tunbridge, a flying instructor, could not identify the insects but believed they were similar to locusts. The insects hit the aircraft's windscreen with a loud crack. The Professor of Zoology at the University of Adelaide, H.G. Andrewartha, stated that while large insects can be at that altitude, thermal currents could have lifted them. The article raises concern about potential damage if these insects, possibly grasshoppers, came from the Northern Territory or Queensland.

Philosophical and Critical Essays

"Sipping from a Saucer."

This section features an anonymous contribution from 'The Venusian,' which the editor presents for readers' evaluation. The essay posits that a 'holy man' is a complete, integrated individual functioning harmoniously on physical, psychical, and spiritual levels, symbolized by a triangle. It suggests that reading 'Law' instead of 'Lord' in the Bible would clarify teachings on Universal Law. The author criticizes the interpretation of the Bible as a 'good luck charm' and the resulting fragmentation into sects. The essay argues that humanity, particularly in medical science, operates against natural law, attempting to cure illness with poisons rather than understanding the body's natural healing force. It critiques the focus on money and material gain over natural principles and spiritual well-being, suggesting that humanity is becoming 'too educated, too scientific for its own good' and lacks wisdom.

The essay continues by examining humanity's 'battle against nature' in food production, criticizing the use of chemicals and boosters for profit, which sacrifices quality and harms the soil and crops, leading to 'diseases' and insect infestations. It draws parallels between this and the medical field, where 'man' attacks symptoms rather than addressing the root cause, which is seen as a disregard for natural law. The author argues that humanity is caught in a vicious cycle, poisoning itself and the environment, and that nuclear devices offer a quick end to a life that has become hostile. The essay concludes that man's pursuit of money leads to enslavement and that true fulfillment comes from abiding by the Law (Lord), which provides for all life.

Editorial Comment on "Sipping from a Saucer."

The editor comments on 'The Venusian's' essay, acknowledging it may cause criticism but boils it down to the instruction given to God's children: 'If you abide in the Law, the Law shall make you free.' He expresses a desire to know the identity of the writer, noting the screed was posted in Australia and received while the writer was lecturing in Perth.

Other Reports

Adamski Visits Pope John.

A report from the N.Z. 'SPACE REVIEW' details George Adamski's European tour in July-August 1963. He visited Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and England. In Denmark, he appeared on radio and TV and was featured in newspapers. He addressed 700 people at a congress organized by the Scandinavian UFO Investigation. In Belgium, he met with European co-workers and gave private lectures. Before traveling to Rome on May 30th, he was granted a short audience with Pope John, just days before the Pope's death, spending about two hours in the Vatican.

"There Were Giants in Those Days"

This section discusses accounts of 'monsters' or 'giants' found in UFO books and magazines, often associated with saucer sightings. The writer suggests that some of these 'fairy stories' may have a basis in folklore with a foundation of truth, even if distorted over time. The article criticizes the tendency for saucer fans to dismiss such evidence, which could be valuable in understanding the nature and purpose of 'saucer people.' It posits that there appear to be two types of saucers or forces at work: one peaceful and one antagonistic. The writer has been researching 'Dero' and other earth cavern forms, noting that while some evidence might seem fantastic, accredited scientists have reported similar creatures in various parts of the world, prompting a consideration of their potential connection to UFO visits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Panorama strongly emphasizes the concept of a universal 'Law' or 'Lord' that governs all existence, including natural phenomena and human life. There is a critical stance towards modern science, particularly medicine and agriculture, for operating in ignorance or defiance of this natural law, leading to detrimental consequences. The magazine appears to advocate for a return to understanding and living in harmony with these fundamental principles. UFO phenomena are explored, but often with a cautious approach, distinguishing between meteorological events like fireballs and potentially more significant, possibly dualistic, extraterrestrial or unknown forces. The publication encourages open discussion and the sharing of evidence, even if controversial, to further the understanding of these subjects. The editorial stance seems to be one of seeking deeper truths beyond conventional scientific or religious explanations, often through personal accounts and philosophical inquiry.

This issue of Panorama, Volume 3, Number 1, dated July-December 1962, is a magazine published in Australia. It covers a wide range of topics including historical accounts of giants, UFO sightings, religious prophecies, astronomical observations, and scientific findings.

Giants in Those Days

The magazine presents a continuation of an article discussing the historical presence of giants. The writer claims to have traced evidence that fits a "wonderful pattern" of giant reports across the USA and globally. Investigations into witness accounts and official records are said to support these claims. The article references the "abominable Snowman" and delves into biblical texts, mentioning giants who married the "daughters of men" and were identified as "fallen angelic remnants of Lucifer." It also recounts the biblical narrative of Joshua's spies reporting giants in Canaan, with archaeological evidence of their large heads preserved. The article draws parallels between these ancient accounts and modern-day phenomena, suggesting a prophetic connection to the days of Noah and the potential emergence of monstrous beings from the "bottomless pit" in the end times.

UFOs and Government Secrecy

A news item from October 10, 1963, reports that the Australian Air Minister, Mr. Fairbairn, refused a request from the Australian Flying Saucer Research Committee to release an R.A.A.F. dossier on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). While acknowledging the existence of a dossier, the minister stated there was no single document suitable for publication. He explained that reported UFO cases were investigated, with most identified as stars, weather balloons, aircraft, or the moon, leaving 3-4% unexplained. Compiling miscellaneous material for publication was deemed too significant a task.

The Aquarian Age and Prophecy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to discussions about the "Aquarian Age" and its prophetic implications, largely through a letter from a reader named Veronica to Mr. Stone, the editor. Veronica, a Christian, expresses her initial belief in the teachings of George Adamski regarding "space brothers" and the Aquarian Age. However, she was prompted by an editorial to re-evaluate her beliefs, questioning whether she placed more faith in Adamski's opinions or in the Bible. She contrasts Adamski's narrative with biblical prophecy, suggesting that Adamski's message might be a distraction from a divine plan. The article highlights the planetary conjunction of February 1962, involving seven major planets and a lunar eclipse, as a sign foretelling the dawn of the Aquarian Age, marking a transition from the Piscean era. It references the writings of Besil Stewart from 1946, who described the Aquarian Age as an era of reason, intellect, cooperation, and enlightenment, a "DELIVERANCE from bondage" and the inauguration of the "Kingdom of God on Earth." Stewart's writings also touch upon future atmospheric conditions and the need for spiritual purification. Veronica quotes from the "Aquarian Gospel" and biblical passages (Matthew 24, Luke 21) that describe signs in the heavens, suggesting a connection to the Aquarian Age and the "Son of Man."

Mormon Records and Tunnels

An article titled "MORMONS BUILD HUGE TUNNELS FOR RECORDS" details the construction of four large, deep tunnels in the Little Cottonwood Canyon by the Mormons. These tunnels are not for bomb shelter purposes but for preserving their genealogical records, which they highly value as part of their religious belief. The project, costing $1,700,000, involves digging into the mountain to a depth of over 600 feet. The tunnels are sealed with heavy vault doors, and humidity is controlled to preserve the records "through the millenium." The article notes the Mormons' belief in a "millenium" and questions why such preservation is needed during this period. The magazine editor notes that he is not a Mormon but quotes freely from various sources of interest.

Science and Superstition

Another section, "SCIENCE SUPPORTS OLD SUPERSTITION," reports on research by Dr. G. Keller of the National Foundation of Science. Studies at New York University indicate that farmers' centuries-old belief in planting crops during a new moon may be correct. Research over 91 years shows that the chances for heavy rainfall increase significantly in the week following a new moon and full moon. Similar effects were observed in Australia and New Zealand.

Astronomical Observations and Life Beyond Earth

"A BLASTS REPORTED ON MARS" discusses observations of "mushroom clouds" on Mars, similar to those associated with atomic explosions on Earth, as reported by scientific magazines in Russia and the USA. The Moscow magazine Smena suggested that spacecraft could photograph these phenomena in detail. Dr. Frank Salisbury of Colorado State University also noted observations of bright spots of light on Mars followed by distinctive white clouds, leading to speculation about life on Mars, a belief shared by many Russians. The article also mentions the discovery of primitive insects in the Antarctic lichens and moss, suggesting that life can exist under extreme subzero temperatures, potentially changing views on extraterrestrial life.

Mysterious Object at Mt Stromlo

"MT STROMLO ASTRONOMERS SEE STRANGE OBJECT" recounts an incident in May where two astronomers from Mt Stromlo Observatory, Prof. Bart Bok and Dr. Gollnow, observed an object flashing across the sky. They discounted the possibility of it being a meteor due to its slow speed and lack of a trail. Civil Aviation confirmed no aircraft were in the vicinity, although the RAAF later suggested a Vampire jet. The scientists felt they could distinguish between the object's glow and aircraft lights. An ABC Radio announcement detailed how convinced the observers were that "there must be something in the existence of unidentified flying objects."

Articles by Morris Jessup

Finally, the magazine expresses regret that it cannot reprint articles by Morris Jessup due to the unavailability of permission in Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, whether it be historical giants, extraterrestrial phenomena (UFOs, potential life on Mars), or future prophecies related to the "Aquarian Age." There's a strong undercurrent of questioning established beliefs and seeking truth, often by comparing modern claims with biblical texts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to critically evaluate information and not be swayed by unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the possibility of extraordinary events and phenomena. The magazine seems to favor a perspective that integrates biblical prophecy with contemporary events and scientific observations, particularly concerning the "Aquarian Age" and the potential for a "Deliverer."