Panorama - Vol 03 No 03 - 1963

Magazine Overview

This issue of Panorama, dated 1963, with Volume 3, Number 3, is the official organ of U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation Australia). It is presented as a magazine with a 'wide horizon for U.F.O. students and groups & societies,' edited by Fred. P. Stone, and published in Kilburn, South Australia. The cover price is 2/- (25c).

Editorial: The Things That Hinder

The editorial, penned by Fred. P. Stone, addresses the significant obstacles hindering UFO investigation. These are categorized into forces from 'without' and 'from within.'

Forces From Without:

1. Official Silence: Despite attempts by individuals like Major Keyhoe, breaking official silence has had little effect.
2. Media Suppression: A significant portion of UFO information (around 90%) never reaches the public through papers, press, radio, or TV, often ending up in the waste paper bin. This lack of information deprives the public, hinders investigators by preventing true evaluation, and discourages witnesses who feel their reports are dismissed or made to feel foolish.
3. Public Apathy: A general lack of interest from the public could be overcome if the full facts were known. However, fear of public ridicule or past mistreatment prevents many from reporting sightings.

Forces From Within:

1. Opposition of Views, Interests, and Approaches: Even prominent leaders are criticized for disdainfully dismissing others' views. The issue of 'contact stories' is a prime example, with some being violently opposed and others derogatorily labeled as belonging to the 'lunatic fringe.' This 'self-superiority complex' damages the cause more than any wild claims.
2. Egos: The editor notes that egos among leaders and individuals lead to denunciations of fellow workers, blurring the lines between wisdom and personal ego.
3. Open Enmity: In Australia, despite attempts to unify groups, divisions have led to open hostility, with many friendly overtures being ignored. This internal conflict makes the UFO cause appear weak and disunited to outsiders.

The editor questions whether the hindrance from within is greater than from without and urges self-reflection.

Old Contact Story of 1947 in Brazil

This section presents an account from Mr. Jose C. Higgins, reported by Elidio Hernandes of Brazil. On July 23, 1947, near Goio-Bang, Brazil, Higgins and his men witnessed a strange, circular spaceship, resembling a medicine capsule, descending from the sky. It made a deep hissing sound and landed about 50 meters away. The object was approximately 30 meters in diameter with a border of 1.5 meters.

News Items From Here and There

• Mine Disaster Phenomena: Two miners trapped in a Penn., USA, mine disaster in August 1963 claimed to have seen unusual phenomena, including a bright blue light and two men, which they believed aided their rescue.
• Satellite Mystery: Four USA satellites mysteriously went dead and then inexplicably came back to life. Scientists are stumped by this phenomenon, which is unlikely to be caused by solar heat.
• George Adamski and C.A. Honey Dispute: The Planetary Centre of Baltimore reports a falling out between George Adamski and C.A. Honey. Adamski claims Honey is not running things as 'the Brothers' (whom Adamski claims to contact) would like, suggesting Honey may be consciously or unconsciously working with a 'Silence Group' trying to prevent UFO information from becoming public. Adamski states he never intended Honey to be his representative in the U.S. and that Honey changed after being given access to Adamski's files.

Jackie Gleason Reaffirms His Belief in the U.F.O.

Comedian Jackie Gleason is quoted as reiterating his belief in UFOs as extraterrestrial objects. His interest began at age thirteen, fueled by readings on psychic phenomena. He considers telepathy an absolute fact and is involved in research, including hypnosis. Gleason believes UFOs are interplanetary machines and that Earth is under constant observation. He dismisses the idea of 'little green men' but is convinced of their existence, noting that they have reportedly killed at least one pilot. He also finds contact stories fantastic and lacking evidence, questioning the need to involve rocket firings at Cape Canaveral for explanations.

Gleason believes investigation should be personal, not group-driven, and that humanity will eventually develop extrasensory perception. He views the existence of UFOs and organizations like NICAP, along with government investigations, as substantiating the phenomena as visitations from other planets.

Red Flares and Eruptions on the Moon

News items report apparent eruptions on the moon's surface, observed shortly after a LASAR ray blast. These eruptions, described as light and red ruby in color, were located near the Aristarchus crater. The article questions whether these are connected to LASAR probes or represent a deeper phenomenon, challenging the notion that the moon is 'dead' and suggesting possible inner activity or external forces at play. The editor laments that such discoveries may be classified as 'top secret.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and internal divisions within the UFO research community, the perceived suppression of information by official sources, and the presentation of specific UFO sightings and contactee accounts. The editor, Fred. P. Stone, consistently advocates for unity, honesty, and a critical examination of both external and internal factors hindering the advancement of UFO knowledge. He expresses a pragmatic yet persistent belief in the reality of the UFO phenomenon and the need for rigorous, unbiased investigation, while also cautioning against ego and self-aggrandizement among researchers.

This issue of Panorama magazine, identified as Volume 3, Issue 33, features a series of articles titled "SNATCHED INTO SPACE" by M. K. Jessup. The issue date is indicated as 'TEN V 3 3', and the content appears to be from around January 1964, with some articles referencing events from 1947, 1958, and earlier.

Article 1: Snached Into Space by M. K. Jessup

The first article introduces a series of five articles written by the late M.K. Jessup for an Australian paper. Jessup, described as an American astronomer, archaeologist, and explorer, proposes a solution to the mysterious disappearance of 25 people from the steamer Joyita. He suggests that these individuals, along with others who have "disappeared in to space," may have been "whisked away by flying saucers." Jessup encourages readers to "let our imaginations fly" and be prepared for startling revelations. He traces the first reported sightings of flying saucers back 3,000 years and investigates other mysteries like the Marie Celeste. Jessup claims that the volume of saucer sightings cannot be explained as natural phenomena or optical illusions, but rather as instances of people being "SNATCHED INTO SPACE."

He recounts the famous Kenneth Arnold sighting on June 24, 1947, where Arnold, flying his private plane near Mt. Rainier, saw nine gleaming discs, each about the size of a C-54, flying in a diagonal, chainlike line at an estimated speed of 1,200 m.p.h. Arnold described them as flat, shiny like mirrors, and incredibly fast. Since that event, thousands of sightings have been reported, leading to the persistent question: "What are they?" Jessup also notes that well-documented volumes exist listing sightings and reports from various individuals, including astronomers and those claiming conversations with saucer passengers.

Jessup expresses his long-standing interest in the unexplainable and how early flying saucer reports caught his attention. He believes these phenomena, when viewed collectively, place them within the broader field of observable phenomena that were previously obscure. He dismisses attempts by contemporaries to prove these sightings as illusory, arguing that an overwhelming mass of authentic evidence exists. Jessup posits that these events are not necessarily natural phenomena but could involve "intelligence" operating space ships, possibly of more than one kind. He believes this intelligence has been active for much longer than since 1947, citing reports dating back to 1500 B.C.

He refutes the idea that all sightings are mirages, planets, or illusions, emphasizing that people are articulate enough to tell their stories sincerely. Jessup draws parallels to historical shifts in understanding, such as the Earth being flat or the heliocentric system, suggesting that the acceptance of UFOs is a matter of time. He urges readers to "loosen our thinking" and "let our imaginations fly" to approach the question of UFOs with an open mind.

Article 2: Telepathic Direction to a Saucer Sighting

This section details an experience of the Editor, who on Wednesday, January 8th, 1964, met with an old friend, a retired Civil Servant. The friend brought a companion who was interested in discussing flying saucers. The visitor asked if telepathic communication from "Space ships" was possible and if one could be told the actual day and time of a visit or sighting. The Editor, having had a personal experience, affirmed this possibility. He recounted his own telepathic message and subsequent sighting of a space ship, witnessed by four other people, known as the "Bolivar sighting."

Briefly, the visitor outlined a similar occurrence where he and two others received a telepathic message predicting a saucer appearance on the following Sunday evening. The sighting occurred in a suburb of Adelaide, Australia. The craft appeared, faded momentarily, then reappeared and moved in another direction. The confirmation was strengthened when a relative returning from a country town also observed the craft, with its description matching that of the Adelaide observers in size, color, and time. The relative had no prior knowledge of the telepathic message.

The description of the "saucer" was a conventional round, circular type, half the size of the moon, yellowish-whitish in color, moving at great speed and pulsating slightly. The observers were certain it was not a satellite due to its directional changes.

Further discussions revealed that the man had extensive knowledge of metaphysical subjects and had been part of groups studying such phenomena, but had not received such a direct telepathic message before. The names of the individuals involved were withheld at their request.

Article 3: Further Sighting Follows the Above

On Wednesday, January 15th, 1964, a week after the previous event, another man, a member of UTOPIA living in a western suburb, reported seeing a similar object. It appeared over the hills at about 9:30 p.m., slightly smaller and with the same coloring. It changed direction mid-sky, moving from east to west and then south. This man had no knowledge of the other sighting. The article notes the similarity in time and dates, suggesting a possible connection. The man was adamant that the object had no distinguishing lights like a conventional plane, and its size ruled out such a possibility.

Article 4: MYSTERY LIGHT REPORTED IN W.A.

This report, from "The West Australian" dated 9/1/64, describes a mysterious light that moved erratically across the sky. Mrs. K. Saggers, a local resident, described it as a "blurred mass of moving light." She and her daughter observed it appear from the North West, darting up and down, zig-zagging, and then shooting forward at tremendous speed. The light was visible for about a minute.

Article 5: "WHY I CHASE 'FLYING SAUCERS' AS A HOBBY" BY GEORGE D. FAUCETT

George D. Faucett of Massachusetts, USA, shares his 17-year pursuit of 'flying saucers' as a hobby. He has chased this interest while going to college, serving in the Armed Forces, raising a family, and working full-time. He has lived in various states and even the Panama Canal Zone, with the 'flying saucers' always present. Faucett reflects on why he pursues this hobby, noting it's a complex question with many answers. He participated in skywatch parties in 1947 and 1957, pondering whether saucer sightings inspired space travel or if they were related.

He has dedicated significant spare time, money, and energy to this mystery, officially named "Unidentified Flying Objects" (UFOs). Faucett recommends this hobby as interesting, educational, scientific, and creative, leading to increased knowledge in subjects like science, history, physics, astronomy, and anthropology. It has also provided opportunities to travel, meet diverse people, develop creative talents in public speaking and writing, and receive invitations for media appearances. He finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and assisting others with UFO-related projects. Faucett views 'Ufology' as a new, increasingly important science, especially concerning the identification of airborne objects for global safety.

He discusses the potential of UFO studies to answer questions about whether they are "Friend or Foe?" and to help prevent accidental wars caused by mistaken identification. He believes studying their propulsion could reveal keys to space travel. Faucett acknowledges handicaps to truth, including ridicule, apathy, conformity, censorship, and secrecy. He emphasizes the growing demand for people willing to explore the unknown and bring about truth. He states that such individuals must be grounded yet open-minded, prepared for name-calling (like 'crackpot' or 'Communist Spy'), but that the advantages of finding facts and friendships outweigh the disadvantages. His 17-year pursuit has resulted in an "open mind" and a philosophy of life that connects UFOs to God and the Universe, suggesting that "flying saucers" are real and have a definite meaning, possibly holding the key to conflicts between science and religion.

Article 6: ANOTHER UFO STUDENT EXPRESSES HIS VIEWS

This section presents the views of another UFO student who feels that current newsletters are appropriate for "difficult times" and that the "Coming of the Master to Earth is most significant." However, he expresses disappointment with UFO clubs, stating he has "given up the UFO Club and the one also." He believes these clubs are now influenced by government pressure, citing the example of Gray Barker in the USA. He feels that the absolute concentration on scientific principles, divorced from religion, leads to ignoring spiritual values. He predicts that such UFO clubs will eventually be dominated by scientific advisors, stifling individual efforts.

Article 7: 1947 Contact Story Cont.

This continuation of a 1947 contact story describes an object with pipes crossing it, emitting a hissing sound but no smoke. It had bent leg-like supports and appeared to be made of a white-grey metal. The narrator noticed a window and saw two strange-looking people inside. Subsequently, three more people emerged, dressed in transparent overalls that wrapped them completely, including their heads. They carried metallic sacks and wore undershirts, trunks, and sandals made of a material resembling aluminum paper. Their appearance was characterized by big round eyes, no eyebrows, long eyelashes, and bald heads.

These beings had no beards, big rounded heads, and longer legs than the narrator. They were about 30 cm taller than the narrator (1.80 m). All looked like twins. One carried a small metal tube and pointed it. They spoke a language the narrator couldn't understand but found pleasant. They moved with great swiftness and formed a triangle around him. The one with the tube motioned for him to enter the ship. Inside, the narrator saw a small den, another door, and a pipe. He also noticed rounded planks. When he asked where they were taking him, they drew a circle on the ground, showing the sun surrounded by seven other circles, and pointed to the seventh circle and the ship. The narrator, realizing he might be taken away from Earth, feigned a need to fetch his wife, which they allowed. He then watched them play, jumping and throwing stones. After about half an hour, they entered the ship, which took off with a peculiar noise and headed north.

The narrator could not determine if they were men or women but stated they were good-looking and appeared to have wonderful health. He recalls two words: "ALAMO" for the sun and "ORQUE" for the seventh circle. The story was originally published in "Diario da Tarde" on July 27, 1947, and republished on July 29, 1947.

Comments on the 1947 Contact Story: The comments highlight interesting features, including Mr. Higgins's inward fear that the contacts were sinister and their avoidance of the sun. The fact that they did not restrain him suggests their intentions might not have been sinister, and the encounter was perhaps an open invitation. The use of a subterfuge to leave is seen as a weak point, as the beings might have understood his reluctance.

Article 8: ANOTHER BRAZILIAN LANDING

This case, transcribed from SBEDV No. 15 Bulletin, occurred in January 1958 in Itapoa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and was recorded in the newspaper "O Diario" of Belo Horizonte. Professor Garrion reports the experience of six reliable persons who witnessed the following:

An object descended from the sky at enormous velocity and landed (or stopped) about 2 meters above the ground near a deserted lagoon. The object was circular, emitted an orange-red light, and was about 10 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height. Two tall beings (about 2 meters) wearing white overalls with darkish collars and white belts were seen. Three other beings, described as child-like in complexion, with long black hair, wearing brown overalls and belts, also appeared. They walked with a fast, goose-like gait, giving the impression their feet did not touch the ground. Footprints were later discovered, showing smooth heels and soles with star-like imprints, and also prints of bare feet with protruding heels and long toes.

The beings showed no interest in their surroundings and moved incessantly. The quieter ones, the smaller beings, stuck together. They moved towards a house about 500 meters away but retreated when the lady of the house opened the door. The steady flash of light from the ship made the house orange and red. The animals around showed no agitation, and the dogs guarding the house remained still.

Comments on the Brazilian Landing: The comments note the strangeness that the husband of the house did not notice the orange-red glow, and that a ship of that size should not have escaped notice. It is also pointed out that no attempt was made to contact each other, suggesting either the observers were not noticed, ignored, or were too scared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Panorama revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, specifically "flying saucers" or UFOs. There is a strong emphasis on the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and contact, with articles exploring both direct sightings and more esoteric forms of communication like telepathy. The magazine appears to advocate for an open-minded approach to these phenomena, encouraging readers to challenge conventional explanations and consider extraordinary possibilities. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious inquiry into the unknown, distinguishing between genuine reports and sensationalism, while also acknowledging the potential spiritual or philosophical implications of UFOs, as seen in Faucett's article connecting them to God and the Universe. There is also a critical perspective on how UFO phenomena are sometimes handled by official bodies or certain groups, as expressed by the "Another UFO Student."