Panorama - Vol 06 No 02 - 1967 INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: No. 2
Volume: 6
Date: March-April 1967
Publisher: U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation Australia)
Country: Australia
Price: 25c. Aust.

This issue of Panorama Magazine, subtitled 'Official Organ of U.F.O.P.I.A.', is dedicated to the investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena in Australia and beyond. It features articles on UFO investigations, potential government cover-ups, and the alarming effects of radiation.

Editorial: Rashulations and Optimism

The editorial, written by Editor Fred P. Stone, expresses skepticism about the US government's $300,000 grant to investigate UFOs, suggesting it's a psychological study of witnesses rather than the objects themselves. Stone criticizes ufologists for being overly optimistic and urges them to consider the 'forces behind the scenes' that might suppress the truth. He believes governments will not reveal the whole truth due to international power dynamics and economic threats. The editorial references an article in Ray Palmer's 'Flying Saucer' Magazine detailing conversations with Kenneth Arnold, who also expressed doubts about the investigation's true aims.

The US Investigation: A Psychological Study?

This section delves deeper into the nature of the US government's UFO investigation. It argues that the public's impression of an investigation into the reality of flying saucers is false. Instead, the grant is designed to answer 'what kind of people see (and report) flying saucers, and why they do it?' The research is framed as a psychological study of the 'sighters,' not the saucers. Kenneth Arnold reportedly confirmed this, stating that questions focused on 'What makes you think flying saucers are real?' rather than 'What did you see?' The article criticizes the approach, suggesting it aims to label witnesses as psychological liars, deluded, or victims of mob hysteria, rather than genuinely investigating the phenomena.

"Shadows on the moon...." (Parts 2-5)

This multi-part article details a significant UFO sighting by Rev. Father Benito Reyna, an astronomer and priest, from the ADHARA Observatory in San Miguel, Argentina, on November 14, 1964. While tracking the ECHO II satellite, Father Reyna and technicians observed a UFO that deviated from its path, interacted with the satellite, and exhibited extraordinary speed (estimated at over 100,000 km/h) and maneuverability. The object was described as having a greenish upper turret and a yellow central ring, appearing larger than the full moon. The article emphasizes the credibility of Father Reyna, a qualified astronomer and member of a religious order, making his testimony difficult to dismiss. It contrasts the UFO's capabilities with terrestrial astronautics, highlighting its apparent disregard for the laws of space mechanics and gravity. The report also mentions that UFOs frequently follow artificial satellites and rockets, raising questions about why such phenomena would escape the notice of those tracking space vehicles. The article references a report by Major Keyhoe of NICAP about similar incidents involving Gemini capsules and suggests that both Russia and America have concluded that flying saucers are extraterrestrial.

Photos Show Possible Artificial Structures on the Moon

This section reports on six 'statuesque and deeply mysterious shadows' on the Moon, photographed by Lunar Orbiter 2. These shadows, ranging in size, were described as geometric in shape and of unknown origin. Scientists interviewed in a Washington Post article admitted they had 'no idea' what was casting them. The photos were taken from an altitude of about 30 miles. The article notes that while strange formations on the Moon have been observed before, this photographic evidence is considered a significant step forward, being taken at close range and less susceptible to accusations of faking or atmospheric causes.

The Perils of Radiation.. Some Hazards

This article, drawing from 'Dany's Understanding' and other sources, discusses the dangers of radioactive fallout. It cites Dr. W. Russell's experiments with mice, showing that radiation exposure shortens lifespans and can lead to birth defects and physical malformations in offspring. Dr. Warren Teaver is quoted stating that thousands of defective babies may be born due to atomic weapon tests. The article notes an increase in physical malformations, Siamese twins, and unusually small or stillborn babies in various locations. It also mentions that radiation reduces the ratio of boy to girl babies. Furthermore, it details instances of 'freak births' in animals, including Siamese twin pigs, a two-headed tortoise, and a green puppy. The article also touches on abnormal egg production in poultry and alarming increases in dwarf cattle in America and Australia. It mentions hydra-headed flowers and strange plant growth resulting from atomic radiation exposure, such as from the Bikini Atoll tests. The author concludes that humanity might be headed for a world populated by 'freaks and cretins' if atomic experiments continue.

The Editor adds personal testimony about collecting freak plant life around Adelaide, suggesting an 'abortive force' at work. He recounts an instance where a tree near a portable X-ray unit developed freakish leaves and stems, speculating a possible link to radiation exposure.

The article connects these radiation hazards to UFO warnings, suggesting that 'space brothers' had communicated prior to the atomic bomb tests, warning of such consequences. It implies that humanity may have passed a point of no return, facing the grim results of scientists' 'mad dream of world conquest.'

He Vanished in the Snow and the Story Grew

This piece recounts a legend from Byrd Station, Antarctica, about a 26-year-old scientist and a dog named Gus who disappeared in the snow in Marie Byrd Land in May 1965. Search parties followed their tracks for several miles before the weather forced them to stop. The legend states that the scientist and dog headed directly towards the South Pole. Strange lights and the sound of heavy engines were reportedly heard before they vanished completely. Ron Sefton, a scientific leader at Byrd Station, offers a more grounded explanation, stating that Carl Robert Disch (the scientist) disappeared while investigating radio noises. He and three other men had visited a nearby station, and Disch reportedly left to return to his own station. Sefton dismisses the UFO-related folklore surrounding the disappearance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official narratives and highlights potential government secrecy regarding UFOs. There is a strong emphasis on the credibility of eyewitness accounts, particularly those from qualified individuals like Father Reyna. The publication expresses a critical stance towards scientific dogmatism that dismisses unexplained phenomena. A significant recurring theme is the potential danger posed by human activities, particularly atomic radiation, and its far-reaching consequences, including genetic mutations and environmental anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that significant, unexplained phenomena are being deliberately obscured or misunderstood.

This issue of PANORAMA, Volume 6, Number 2, dated November 1966, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related mysteries, with a prominent cover story titled "HE VANISHED IN THE SNOW (2)". The magazine presents a collection of reports from various locations, including Antarctica, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, and Australia, alongside expert opinions and discussions on the nature of these phenomena.

The Disappearance of Carl Disch in Antarctica

The main narrative details the perplexing disappearance of a scientist named Carl Disch in the Antarctic snow. Disch, while on his way to Big Hole, failed to check in at Byrd Station within 45 minutes, triggering a missing person alarm. Search parties were organized, utilizing handlines and tracked vehicles. Despite extensive efforts in harsh conditions (temperatures as low as 35 degrees below zero, blowing snow, and winds gusting at 30 m.p.h.), no trace of Disch was found. His dog, Gus, was also involved in the search, with Sefton explaining that huskies can see farther in snow and are curious creatures that might investigate dark objects or mounds.

Several theories are presented for Disch's disappearance:

1. Whiteout: Disch may have been caught in a sudden 'whiteout', lost his grip on the handline, and, unable to discern up from down, walked straight in the direction he believed the station to be, freezing in the process.
2. Accidental Injury: He might have stumbled, hit his head, and wandered away in a daze.
3. Malady: A theory suggests he was struck by a sickness similar to one that affects Eskimos and Falkland Islanders, causing them to run in a straight line until they hit an obstacle.

Sefton doubts evidence of running from the tracks, and also doubts that anyone could run nine miles in thermal boots across the high Byrd Land Plateau. The mystery of Disch's disappearance has spawned a modern legend, with the story growing wilder as it is retold. The article notes that the men at Byrd Station do not entirely discount the possibility of UFOs being involved, suggesting that their theories must be based on some evidence of UFO reality and their association with evidence received from Antarctica.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine features numerous other UFO-related reports:

• East London, South Africa: Multiple sightings of a "flying saucer" were reported over two consecutive days. Five people observed a "space craft" hovering near an FM radio tower, described as circular, surrounded by gaseous vapors, with revolving red, green, and white lights. It moved in fits and starts and was observed for over an hour with telescopes and binoculars. The object was described as definitely not an aircraft.
• Canterbury, New Zealand: Two sisters, Mrs. D. Manhood and Mrs. R. Coleman, reported seeing a "flying saucer" hover over a bowling green. Described as a "strange round thing," it descended to treetop level, less than 100 feet away. It was compared to a large plate, the size of a small aeroplane, dark grey in color, and made a weird humming noise. It moved horizontally and then shot upwards into the sky before disappearing into clouds. The telephone line reportedly went dead during the sighting.
• Wellington, Texas, USA: A local farmer, Caroll Watts, reported encountering a "flying saucer" near an abandoned house. He described an object about 100 feet long and eight to ten feet high. After finding a port or door, a voice spoke to him, asking if he would submit to a physical examination. Watts declined and left, observing the object rise and move away.
• Peterborough, null: Three young men reported sighting an unidentified flying object that caused the engines of three motor cars to stop. The object was described as green, about the size of their vehicle, and capable of tremendous speed. This incident has led to numerous similar reports in the area.
• New York, USA: Mysterious men in Air Force uniforms or bearing government credentials were reportedly trying to "silence" people who had seen flying saucers. Col. George Freeman, spokesman for Project Blue Book, confirmed these individuals were not connected with the Air Force. Cases cited include a man telling witnesses they "hadn't seen anything" and another demanding original photographs of a UFO.
• Sydney, Australia: A report from the "Sunday Telegraph" (March 19, 1967) states that flying saucers are real and no longer considered UFOs by an independent research group led by Dr. Robert S. Powell. Their team claims to be able to create a mass of glowing gas that takes the shape of flying saucers using ammonia vapor and high voltage sparks. While acknowledging the phenomenon, they do not consider them visiting craft from outer space.
• Balmoral, Australia: A UFO emitting a strange red light was sighted multiple times by three young men. The object was described as oblong, measuring about 12 ft. by nine, and capable of stopping and moving at high speeds without noise. It followed them when they turned off their spotlight.

Expert Opinions and Government Stance

• Dr. Olavo T. Fortes (Brazil): Brazil's top UFO investigator stated that there is no flying saucer controversy in Brazil, with thousands having seen objects over 16 years. He noted dramatic incidents including power failures and hospitalizations due to alleged UFO encounters. Dr. Fontes, a physician, has investigated over 200 cases. He explained that the Brazilian government investigates reports but does not release findings, and its agencies ignore queries. He expressed concern about UFOs visiting military bases, power plants, and water sources, suggesting answers might be found within three years.
• Sir John Cockcroft (British Physicist): Noted that the world was only "a slip of a switch" away from nuclear devastation, especially by smaller nations, and that increasing nuclear development placed the world in peril due to improper control of nuclear power.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Astrophysicist): A respected scientist and Air Force consultant on UFOs, Hynek has reportedly been won over by UFO enthusiasts, suggesting that the hypothesis of UFOs being space vehicles is a serious one.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The editorial comments on the Carl Disch case, noting the lack of connection between the UFO and a Viscount Airliner crash, but acknowledging that similar circumstances have been recorded. The magazine generally presents UFO sightings with a degree of seriousness, encouraging readers to use common sense and thorough evaluation to distinguish genuine sightings from hoaxes. The recurring themes include unexplained disappearances, mysterious aerial phenomena, potential government secrecy or cover-ups, and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs. The publication seems to lean towards the reality of these phenomena, even if their origin remains uncertain, and encourages continued investigation and reporting.

The magazine also includes a "STOP PRESS" item about a Peterborough sighting being investigated and mentions an article on a "VISITORS FROM OUTER FACE" in the Russian Digest "SPUTNIK". The overall tone suggests a fascination with the unexplained and a desire to bring such reports to the attention of its readership.