Panorama - Vol 05 No 03 - 1966

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 3
Date: May-June 1966
Publisher: UFOP.I.A. AUSTRALIA
Editor: FRED. P. STONE

This issue of Panorama, the official organ of the Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation Australia (UFOP.I.A.), presents a blend of UFOlogy, spiritual philosophy, and historical speculation. The cover features a prominent illustration of Australia overlaid with a classic flying saucer, setting the theme for the magazine's focus on unidentified aerial phenomena within an Australian context.

Editorial: Pessimists or Mystic Pests?

Fred P. Stone, the editor, opens the issue with a reflection on the nature of belief within the UFO community. He addresses an article from another 'Saucer journal' that criticized 'pessimists' for harming the cause. Stone agrees that if a pessimist solely focuses on the gloomy side and calamities, they are detrimental. However, he distinguishes this from his own view that humanity is undergoing a necessary period of 'cleansing and adjustment' to achieve a 'BETTER WORLD,' with saucers playing a role in this transition. He boldly declares himself a 'pessimist' in this context, finding company with historical figures and sacred texts that foretold periods of disturbance leading to peace.

Stone then pivots to what he considers a greater danger: 'Mystic Pests.' These are individuals or groups who present themselves as saviors or channels for 'space people,' lulling listeners with beautiful words, demanding money, and fostering an attitude of unquestioning adoration. He criticizes the ego and lack of humility often displayed by these figures, recounting an experience in New Zealand where he perceived a 'stammering, confused message' from a supposedly enlightened individual. He warns readers to be discerning, to look at the 'fruits' of these messengers, and to avoid those who claim infallibility or seek personal gain, emphasizing that true inspiration comes without price and is aligned with 'LIGHT' rather than 'darkness.' He concludes that the greatest danger is not pessimism but these 'Mystic Pests,' urging readers to 'SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND' truth.

Atlantis and Our Present World Problem

This extensive article by Alice Winston explores the lost continent of Atlantis, connecting its history and downfall to contemporary global issues, particularly the threat of nuclear weapons. Winston references 'The Secret Doctrine' by Helene Blavatsky, outlining a history of Earth's evolution through four great continents: the Imperishable Sacred Land, the Hyperborean, Lemuria, and Atlantis.

• The Four Continents:
• First Continent (Imperishable Sacred Land): Located at the North Pole, it is described as the cradle of the first humanity and destined to last throughout all cycles.
• Second Continent (Hyperborean): Stretched from the North Pole to Northern Asia and vanished like vapor.
• Third Continent (Lemuria): Extended from Madagascar to Sumatra, now largely submerged beneath the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This was a paradise where androgynous mankind lived before the 'Fall' and the separation of sexes, leading to its destruction by volcanic eruptions.
• Fourth Continent (Atlantis): A 'God-inhabited land,' with its famous island of Poseidon being just a fragment. The Atlanteans built advanced cities, developed arts and sciences, and possessed knowledge of astronomy and architecture. They were divided into two races: a warrior race and a pious, meditative race. The article suggests a conflict between 'Forces of Light and Darkness' within Atlantis.

The Fall of Atlantis:
Winston describes how Atlantis, initially inhabited by beings of divine parentage, became materialistic and misused the 'creative force,' leading to a 'war of the gods' and a descent into 'wicked magicians.' The submersion of Atlantis is linked to a great war and the misuse of power. A figure named Xisuthrus (likened to the Hindu Noah) is mentioned as having escaped, becoming the progenitor of the Aryan or Fifth Root Race.

Relevance to the Present:
The article strongly asserts that the sinking of Lemuria and Atlantis is not fictional, citing Sanskrit and Tamil works. It posits that many people today have evolved from these ancient civilizations and are living through the 'last Great Crisis.' Winston draws a direct parallel between the misuse of life forces by ancient Atlanteans and the current dangers of atomic energy. She warns that 'atomic energy is' the misuse of 'Life Forces,' leading to 'awful results.' The article highlights the ongoing nuclear experiments, the resulting radioactive fallout poisoning the Earth, and the accumulation of strontium 90 in human bones, leading to diseases. It calls for public opinion to demand an end to nuclear testing, stating that 'man has not the power to neutralize the forces he has loosed upon the planet.'

Spiritual Interpretation:
Winston emphasizes that the universe is governed by Divine Harmony and karmic laws. She suggests that even if humanity makes Earth unfit for habitation, it may be part of a cleansing process for a 'New Age' of peace and harmony. The 'Dark Star' (Earth) is predicted to evolve into a 'Shining Planet.' She reiterates that 'THIS WORLD DOES NOT BELONG TO US. IT IS THE LORDS' and that 'VIMANAS of old ARE HERE AGAIN TODAY TO DELIVER EXACTLY AS THEY DID BEFORE. HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.'

The Sky People

This section, with acknowledgement to Brinsley le Peor Trench, uses poetic language to describe the arrival of 'fabled gods' or 'space people' in 'argosies of transient light' and 'pulsing stars' in ancient times. These beings, referred to as 'Young Hormes and great Zeus, and the rest,' came with the purpose 'To help us train our minds and reach the goal / To know ourselves, and liberate the soul.'

The poem reflects on humanity's past, tracing the builders of ancient structures like Stonehenge and Avebury, and questioning if humanity will repeat the follies of Atlantis. It poses the question: 'Did potents gloom on old Atlantis loom / Foreshadowing its sad and tragic doom?' It suggests that 'messengers from Space' may have given warnings that were ignored, leading to the destruction of Atlantis. The poem concludes with a plea for humanity to learn from the past, live 'at peace with Nature without strife, / In unity with universal life.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the duality of belief systems within the UFO community (discernment vs. blind faith), the cyclical nature of history and civilizations (Atlantis, Lemuria), and the spiritual interpretation of cosmic events and human destiny. The editor, Fred P. Stone, advocates for a balanced approach that combines critical thinking with spiritual awareness, warning against charlatans ('Mystic Pests') while embracing a belief in a higher purpose and a coming 'New Age.' Alice Winston's article strongly links ancient cataclysms, particularly the fall of Atlantis due to misuse of power, to contemporary threats like nuclear warfare, underscoring a message of caution and the need for humanity to learn from its past mistakes. The overall editorial stance is one of spiritual guidance, historical inquiry, and a call for humanity to align with divine laws and principles to avoid self-destruction.

This issue of Panorama, Volume 5, No. 3, dated April 23rd, 1966, is primarily focused on the burgeoning interest in UFOs and related phenomena, alongside explorations into ancient mysteries and scientific discoveries. The magazine presents a blend of eyewitness accounts, scientific reports, and speculative commentary, reflecting the ufological and speculative interests of its readership.

Cover Content

The cover features a poem reflecting on monuments, ancient knowledge, and a search for cosmic understanding, followed by a quote from an 'Astropologist'. The main headline announces "SIGHTINGS ALL AROUND ADELAIDE CONTINUE THROUGH JUNE," highlighting a lead story about two drivers who witnessed a flying object.

Articles and Reports

"ASTHROPOLOGIST"

This section begins with a poem and a personal reflection from the editor, who expresses gratitude for being asked to publish the poem by a reader whose thoughts align with an article on Atlantis in the same issue. The editor muses on the nature of chance and destiny, suggesting that greater minds guide human endeavors and that the magazine serves a higher purpose.

TWO DRIVERS SIGHT FLYING OBJECT (Adelaide, June 8th)

This report details an encounter by two ice cream truck drivers, Joe Armstrong and Geoff Polomka, who observed a brilliant flying object hovering over their vehicle. They described it as a white spotlight with a red top, appearing to be a craft interlaced with smaller colored lights. The object moved at a fantastic speed. Both drivers admitted reluctance to report the sighting for fear of ridicule, with Armstrong stating he had previously been scornful of such reports but now believed them to be real.

THE "BULLETIN" COMMENTS ON FLYING SAUCERS

This section reprints an article from "THE BULLETIN," Australia's "most conservative paper," which gave attention to the flying saucer subject. The article, titled "FLYING SORCERY," notes the arrival of a "saucer season" in Victoria and reports several incidents:

• Maryborough: Mr. Ron Sullivan, a steel contractor, reported his headlights were pulled towards a fence by a column of light, 25 ft. high and shaped like an ice-cream cone, which rose into the air without sound.
• Pascoe Vale: Dozens of people reported a "large glowing object" emitting a faint buzzing sound, described as two saucers stuck together in a discus shape, leaving a yellow-blue trail.
• Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society: The president released a photograph of an unidentified flying object (UFO) taken in Balwyn, described as about 25 ft. in diameter and 150 ft. up, which shot off northwards at high speed.
• Melbourne "Truth": This publication reported on a mystery object emitting a stark white light, with two craft following it, observed in the night sky near Melbourne.
• Castlemain: A man reported being followed by a bright yellow, spinning object resembling a flying saucer.
• Yea: A family reported a "bit red glowing object" circling their home.
• Culcairn: Local people discovered rings of dead grass in paddocks, attributed to "flying saucer beds."

The article notes that the government appears to be doing nothing about the saucers. It also mentions an interaction with the Department of Civil Aviation's operations officer, who expressed interest in seeing photographs.

ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS SPHERICAL OBJECT FOUND (Advertiser, May 2nd, 1966)

This report details the discovery of a heavy spherical metal object, about 18 inches in diameter, found on the beach at Taylor Island, south-east of Port Lincoln, S.A. The object, found by Mr. R. Casonova, is of unknown origin. The police were to examine it. This brings the total number of such discovered balls to four, with previous ones found in northern areas. These objects had markings, and though examined by the Long Range Weapons Establishment, no conclusions were reached, and they remain a mystery. The magazine suggests these objects might not be from flying saucers but could be earthly in origin, possibly reconnaissance discs or jettisoned objects.

MARS "CANALS" REAL. NEW FILM REPORTS SHOW.

This section, attributed to NICAP U.F.O. INVESTIGATOR, discusses the controversy surrounding the discovery of "canals" on Mars based on Mariner Probe films. Despite initial denials, the findings have sparked debate about intelligent life on the Red Planet. Copies of the Mariner film were shown to NICAP by Dr. Frank Salisbury, an exobiologist. Dr. C. Tombaugh reported finding "canal" steaks and "oasis" spots in seven of the 22 Mariner photos, coinciding with his telescopic studies. Prof. Robert B Leighton, in charge of Mariner IV's T.V. operations, admitted that the exact location of the camera was unknown, making it difficult to tie photos to specific Mars areas. However, Leighton expressed serious consideration for Tombaugh's findings, acknowledging his expertise on Mars. Other astronomers, including Dr. Earl C. Slipher, Drs. Richardson, and Pettit, have also observed the canals. Theories suggest these canals might be huge fractures or waterways connecting polar caps to arid regions, possibly created by a "designer" or higher intelligences. The controversy is expected to continue until the next Mariner-Mars probe in 1969.

Comments on Mars Canals: The editor expresses encouragement that scientists might not know as much about Mars as they claim. The issue of not being shown all photos from the 1965 Mariner probe is raised, as is the limited area of Mars captured by the camera. The editor questions why taking shots of the canals, a subject of discussion for decades, was not a priority. The magazine insists that until more is known about Mars, no one has the right to push theories about life on it. Historical parallels are drawn to Dean Swift's prediction of Mars's two satellites and Jules Verne's futuristic visions, suggesting that some individuals possess inner knowledge.

VISITORS FROM OUTER SPACE - RUBAN VIEWPOINT

This section presents the theories of Soviet scientist Alexander Kazantsev, who claims that "men from outer space" visited Earth in the distant past. His book "Stages of the Future" suggests spaceships from Venus have visited Earth, citing the calendar on the "Gates of the SUN" at Lake Titicaca as proof. Kazantsev also believes drawings in the Sahara desert portray spacemen from 8,000 years ago. The article mentions an ancient Etruscan Plate in a Leningrad Museum depicting anthropoid beings in a vessel propelled by rocket engines. Kazantsev's claim that the Tungus Meteorite of 1908 was a disintegrated spaceship is also noted, contrasting with the orthodox scientific belief of a comet collision.

Sahara Stone Drawings and Australian Rock Carvings: The article presents a drawing from Australian aborigines, linking it to the Sahara stone drawings and Adamski's "Footprints of the Venusian." An American reader suggested this similarity proves a Venusian visit. The magazine highlights the importance of the Australian "Saucer Record" in deciphering space men's writing. It also discusses numerous rock carvings across Australia, noting the usual lack of funding for exploration. A drawing is reproduced, with a tribal elder identifying the central white figure as the "Great White one from the Skies" and the circular spiral as his "boat." Other figures represent tribes being instructed. The article also reproduces drawings from the Australian Saucer Record, noting similarities to "mouthless creatures" emerging from saucers, suggesting telepathic communication or a different species. The rays of light around the heads are interpreted as an "aura of these Sons of Light."

Rock Carvings near Woomera: Another rock carving is described, approximately 4-5 ft wide by 4 ft long, oval in shape, and about 3 ft 6 in high. The article notes that many more such portrayals exist in the area.

Letters to the Editor

SURVEYORS OR SAVIOURS - A LETTER IN REPLY (J.M., QUEENSLAND)

This letter argues that space people are not merely surveyors but are keeping a watchful eye on humanity due to the misuse of nuclear power. The writer believes they are upholding Universal Cosmic Law to prevent self-destruction and global upset. Their visits are described as well-planned and timely, assisting those who align with "LIGHT."

FLYING SAUCERS AND THE B. CK OUT (A.W. CAL.)

This letter supports the editor's stance that not all phenomena are caused by saucers. It references a prediction by Jeane Dixon about a widespread blackout with effects similar to one on November 9th, and a subsequent prediction of spasmodic blackouts and enemy missile tests that could knock out communication and lighting systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial visitation, encouraging readers to question official explanations and explore alternative theories. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony and ancient evidence (such as rock carvings and historical texts) as proof of past and present contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, urging readers to remain courageous and dignified in the face of the unknown, while also cautioning against unfounded speculation and fear-mongering. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion on these subjects, often challenging conventional scientific and governmental perspectives.

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol 5 No3
Date: Tuesday April 26th 1966 (Adelaide sighting), April 19 1966 (Daily Telegraph reports)

This issue of Panorama focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, featuring reports from Australia and the United States. The primary narrative on the cover details a sighting in Adelaide, Australia, where a car radio experienced interference concurrently with the visual observation of a flying object.

Adelaide Sighting: Radio Interference and a Cigar-Shaped Object

The lead story details an incident on Tuesday, April 26th, 1966, in Adelaide, Australia. Mrs. J. Sheldon, a printing machinist, was traveling to work along Cavan Road when she observed a long, glowing orange, cigar-shaped object approximately four miles away over Port Adelaide or out at sea. The object appeared to pulsate. As she watched, her car radio began to malfunction, producing heavy static and loud humming noises, with the volume decreasing. When the object slowly moved forward and dissolved into a thick cloud layer, the radio returned to normal. Mrs. Sheldon noted that the object was below the cloud layer when she first saw it and may have been hovering. She dismissed the possibility of interference from high-tension wires, as this had never happened before. She estimated the object's apparent size to be about 18 inches to two feet long and 6 to 7 inches wide, which at a distance of four miles would indicate a large craft. The elevation was estimated at 45 to 50 degrees. Mrs. Sheldon expressed openness to the existence of flying saucers and contacted the editor for an explanation. The report highlights this as a rare instance of cigar-shaped saucers being reported in South Australia and expresses hope for more reports, particularly concerning radio interference, as the populated area between the witness and the object may have been affected.

US Sightings: Pursuit and Official Explanations

The issue also includes reports from the United States, primarily from April 19, 1966.

Ohio to Pennsylvania Pursuit

Two deputy sheriffs from Portage County, Ohio, Dale Spaur and W.L. No, were investigating a traffic accident when their police alert radio directed them to watch for a flying object. They pursued a "bright circular" unidentified flying object for 85 miles, from Atwater, Ohio, to Freedom, Pennsylvania. Spaur, a former Korean War Air Force gunner, described the circular object as being about 30 to 45 feet in diameter and traveling at speeds of 80 to 100 miles per hour at an altitude of about 1000 feet. He stated it was "extremely bright." Spaur reported the object's details to Deputy Sheriff Robert Wilson at Portage County Sheriff's H.Q. Wilson noted that Spaur reported the object had an antenna-like protrusion from its bottom and hovered above their car. A third patrolman, Wayne Huston, joined the chase near the Pennsylvania border. Huston described the object as appearing larger than an airliner and traveling in a straight line, noting that it seemed to stop and wait when it got too far ahead.

Benton Harbor, Michigan Sighting

In another UFO sighting, three rubbish collectors in Benton Harbor, Michigan, reported seeing a flying object so bright they couldn't look at it directly. They observed it hovering over a motel along the St. Joseph River. Joseph Franklin, the head of the crew, estimated the object was about 15 storeys high, had a "steel-like shell," and looked "something like a hot dog." Franklin and his crew reported the sighting to the police, who also saw the object. Dennis Charles, news director of radio station WSJM, also saw the object in the southern sky, describing it as high and resembling a morning star, with red and green lights.

Air Force Explanation and Skepticism

The U.S. Air Force issued a statement attributing the Ohio sighting to a combination of an artificial satellite and the planet Venus. However, this explanation was met with skepticism by the Ohio policemen. The article quotes Sheriff Ross Dustman criticizing the report, stating it was "not a satellite and not Venus" and that he had never seen Venus behave in such a manner. The editorial suggests the Air Force is deliberately attempting to downplay sightings and make witnesses appear foolish, questioning how so many reputable individuals could be wrong.

Air Force Retraction and NICAP

The issue also reports that the Air Force has retracted its statement regarding a UFO sighting in Exeter, New Hampshire, on September 3rd, 1965, which was seen by two police officers. This retraction followed the work of NICAP, leading to a re-examination of the evidence, which the Air Force could not explain. The article expresses hope that similar pressure might lead to an admittance that the Ohio sighting was not Venus or a satellite.

Index and Editorial

The issue includes an index listing articles such as "Editorial: Pessimism & Mystic Beasts," "Atlantis," "Men of Atlantis," "The Sky People (A Poem)," "Another Spherical Object Found," "The Mars Canals," "Outer Space Visitors," and "Letters from our readers." The index also provides page numbers for these articles and lists other sections like "Adelaide. Page 8" and "New York." The editorial stance appears to be critical of official explanations for UFO sightings and supportive of witness accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the nature of unidentified aerial phenomena, and the perceived attempts by official bodies, particularly the Air Force, to dismiss or explain away these sightings with conventional explanations like planets or satellites. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of investigating these phenomena seriously and is critical of what it perceives as a "smoke screen" or "hog wash" put forth by authorities to conceal the truth. The publication seems to champion the accounts of ordinary citizens and law enforcement officers, questioning the credibility of official denials and encouraging the public to awaken to these issues.