Panorama - Vol 05 No 06 - 1966

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 6
Date: Nov-Dec 1966
Publisher: UFOPIA (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation, Australia)
Country: Australia
Price: 25c

This issue of Panorama, the official organ of UFOPIA, explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, blending scientific inquiry with religious and philosophical perspectives. The cover features a stylized drawing of a UFO over a map of Australia, with the main headline emphasizing the ongoing investigation into Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena in Australia.

Editorial: How Much Will Be Told of the Truth?

The editorial section questions the sincerity of the U.S. government's announced full investigation into 'Flying Saucers,' funded by the Colorado University. The editor expresses skepticism, believing that while some 'near truths' might be revealed, the 'whole truth' will likely remain hidden due to the potential for governmental overthrow. The editor outlines eight potential explanations for UFOs, ranging from secret earth-made vehicles to extraterrestrial probes, some with hostile intent, others with a grander purpose.

Key Articles and Discussions

A Catholic Priest's Viewpoint on UFP

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a paper presented by a Catholic priest and theologian at a CPIO convention in Adelaide. The paper, presented anonymously, assumes the existence of extraterrestrial beings (UFP) and explores their potential relationship with divine revelation. The author posits that if these beings exist, they, like humans, are likely made for God and communal worship. The paper also addresses the possibility of sin among UFP and their potential to find communion with God, possibly through Christ. It discusses how scientific and theological viewpoints on UFP have evolved, noting that while some theologians initially dismissed the idea, others have considered it. The author also touches upon the concept of materialization and dematerialization, linking it to spiritualistic mediums and warning against their condemnation by the Church. The Fatima events are also discussed, with some interpretations suggesting the Lady could have been a UFP and the phenomena UFOs, though the author cautions against bringing the UFO problem into disrepute.

Editor's Commentary on the Catholic Viewpoint

The editor, while acknowledging the right of the priest to express his views, states his personal disagreement with the article in several places. He emphasizes that Panorama aims to be an open forum for expression, even for views that differ from his own, and criticizes the tendency in some UFO circles to dismiss religious views or contactee stories without consideration.

Sightings Around Adelaide Continue

This section reports on a series of UFO sightings in Adelaide during early January 1967. Observers reported seeing objects in the night sky that were larger than ordinary stars, exhibiting unusual movements like zigzagging and changing position. The Meteorological Department denied knowledge of the objects, suggesting they might be satellites, an explanation the magazine dismisses as improbable given the described behavior.

News and Sightings from Here and There

• Russians Plan to Contact Space Beings: Professor D. Martinov of the Moscow Observatory announced plans for a Soviet system to receive signals from intelligent beings in space, seeking international cooperation due to the complexity of the task.
• Looking for an X-Ray Sent by the Stars: An American-financed team was set to launch balloons over Queensland to detect gamma rays from stars.
• Balloon Near Adelaide Causes Stir: A series of phone calls to UFOPIA headquarters reported a clearly observable object in the sky near Adelaide. While a representative of the 'Advertiser' suggested it was a balloon from a joint US-Australian aerial survey, the magazine's editor and his wife observed it, noting its unusual behavior and shape changes, which they found inconsistent with a typical balloon.

Materialization and the Fourth Dimension

This article delves into theories about UFOs and the concept of materialization and dematerialization, suggesting that visitors might possess the ability to change their material solidity to become invisible or enter a 'fourth dimension.' It discusses how this concept, though initially dismissed by mainstream science, was explored by some physicists and has roots in ancient Eastern philosophies and Christian beliefs, particularly the resurrection of Christ.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the idea of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, advocating for freedom of expression and a willingness to consider diverse viewpoints, including religious and philosophical interpretations. The editor expresses a strong belief in the importance of seeking truth, even when it challenges established norms or governmental narratives. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a critique of those within the UFO community who may be overly dogmatic or dismissive of alternative perspectives. The magazine appears to position itself as a platform for those who believe in the reality of UFOs and are seeking deeper understanding, encouraging readers to comment and share their views while maintaining a focus on relevant discussion.

This issue of PANORAMA, Volume 5, Number 6, dated November 1966, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related scientific and metaphysical discussions. The cover headline is '"Mat and Demat" continued (2)', indicating a continuing exploration of a concept related to the appearance and disappearance of objects, possibly linked to advanced technology or phenomena.

"Mat and Demat" and Scientific Speculation

The lead article, '"Mat and Demat" continued (2)', posits that visitors from space possess extraordinary abilities and knowledge of aerial travel, capable of making their craft appear and disappear. This is presented not as supernatural, but as a demonstration of advanced scientific laws, comparable to humanity's understanding of electronics. The author suggests that humanity's failure to achieve similar feats might stem from not 'qualifying ourselves enough' to possess such knowledge, fearing its potential for destruction, similar to nuclear fission.

The article highlights a growing scientific admission of the possibility of 'mat and demat' laws, linking them to the metaphysical world. It quotes from 'The National Message' of England, which references an article in the magazine 'Nature' by Dr. F.R. Stannard, a physicist from University College, London. Dr. Stannard proposes a theory of an 'invisible universe' where 'impossible things may happen,' suggesting that atoms and processes could be completely insulated from our reality in a 'faustian' time-reversed scheme. The author finds this theory heartening, believing it could support the accounts of UFO visitors and their advanced capabilities, suggesting they are part of a 'GREAT PLAN' and in touch with the Creator.

Woodrow Derenberger's Encounter

Under the heading 'ALESMAN SEES ASAUCER AND SPACEMAN CONTACT', a report from New York dated November 4, 1966, details an encounter by Woodrow Derenberger, described as a 'sober churchgoer'. While driving on Interstate Route 77, he reported a dark, long object travelling at his speed, which cut in front of his vehicle. The object, described as made of metal with a flat bottom and domelike top, emitted a fluttering, soft noise and hovered about ten inches above the roadway. A man emerged from the object, and Derenberger claimed to have a 'five to ten minute conversation' with him via 'thought waves of mental telepathy'. The occupant, whose clothing was 'blue and quite shiny', identified himself as 'Cold', a 'searcher', and assured Derenberger they meant no harm. The occupant promised to contact him again before returning to the object. Derenberger admitted to being shaken by the experience.

Farmer's Sighting in West Australia

'THE FARMER AND THE SAUCER IN WEST AUSTRALIA', reported by the 'SUN HERALD' on November 7, 1966, recounts the experience of Philip Johnson, a young Western Australian farmer. On August 14, 1966, near Kununurra, West Australia, Johnson was working a bulldozer at night when he saw a bright light that slowed down and stopped. He described it as having a string of reddish lights behind it, which went out when it stopped, leaving a white light. He felt scared and observed the light go behind a hill. Later, the light reappeared, focused on him, and became brighter than a welding light. He felt covered in a 'moonlight glow'. The light then went out, and four red pilot lights appeared, moving away. The white light returned, hovering about 200 yards away, illuminating the field. He described the craft as being 'at least twice as long as our shed—120ft to 150 ft. long, but only 6 ft. to 8 ft. high'. After about half an hour, the craft returned, showing three red lights and a vague shape, settling in the mountains. The next night, the craft reappeared closer. Mrs. Beverly Johnston, Philip's mother, reported that Philip claimed to have seen the craft again, smashing his finger. They pursued it in a car, and about six miles out of town, they sighted a bright white light.

Philip Johnson later explained that he had cut his finger badly and was returning to town when he saw the white light approaching. He stopped his car and shone a torch on the object, which was about 100 yards away, moving slowly. He described it as 'at least 160 to 180 feet long, and about 6 to 8 feet high of shining metal'. It had 'two doors, many windows and what looked like a front window or windscreen'. After a faint swish, it accelerated and disappeared. The whole event lasted about 3 or 4 minutes. Mrs. Johnston noted that while some people were sceptical, others came forward having also seen lights and things but were afraid to speak out.

The article notes that the craft seen by Philip Johnston was not the same as that described by Barney and Betty Hill (under hypnosis), who saw an 'enormous disc', but both had similarities like a brilliant white light, silent movement, and windows.

American Boys Photograph UFO

'AMERICAN BOYS TAKE PICTURE OF FLYING SAUCER', reported by the SYNDEY SUN on November 11, 1966, details how two boys, Gary Schwend and Robert Kreie, from Bloomington, New Jersey, took photographs of an unidentified flying object. While looking for squirrels, they saw a flat, circular disc about 150 feet away, estimated to be between two and three feet wide, which gave off a golden hue. They managed to take about half a dozen photos with Gary's camera. The object reportedly kept spinning and turning around. The article questions whether the boys hoaxed the public and the Air Force. Mrs. George Schwend, Gary's mother, stated that Gary is not prone to fantasy and believes him. A spokesman from Mc Guire Air Force base confirmed they would request a full report and investigation, and the Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Ohio, which handles UFO reports, would also investigate if sent a full report. The comments suggest the pictures are clear but depict an unusual shape, comparing the object's flatness to two large cake pans. Three pictures are mentioned, showing the object from different angles.

Editorial and Index

The issue includes an editorial titled '"How much Truth will they tell us?"'. It also features an index listing articles and their page numbers, including 'People From Space' (Pages 1-2), 'A roman Catholic Priests Views' (Pages 3-7), 'Mat and Demat' (Pages 9-11), and 'West Aust. Farmer and a Saucer' (Pages 12-14). A special supplement is announced: 'STORY BY BIA FERKINS "CONSTELLATION CRION."' PART ONE.

In Memoriam: John Ferry

A section titled '"VALE" JOHN FERRY...' expresses deep regret over the loss of John Ferry, described as one of the society's greatest workers and an associate of the editor. Ferry played an important role in past events and incidents, lectured on behalf of the society, and participated in telepathic contact sessions with 'saucers'. He also hosted meetings at his home. The magazine extends its deepest sympathy to his widow and daughters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena (UFOs, 'mat and demat' concepts) with scientific and metaphysical interpretations. There's an underlying belief in the reality of UFOs and their occupants, often presented as advanced beings with knowledge beyond current human understanding. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging the investigation of such phenomena and seeking to reconcile them with both scientific inquiry and spiritual or metaphysical perspectives. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and the potential for scientific theories to evolve to encompass these unexplained events. The tribute to John Ferry and the general tone suggest a community dedicated to exploring these subjects.