Panorama - Vol 07 No 04 - 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. 7 No. 4
Date: July-August 1968
Publisher: U.F.O.P.I.A. (Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation. Australia.)
Price: 25c. Aust.

This issue of Panorama magazine, the official organ of UFOPIA, presents a collection of articles and editorials exploring UFO phenomena, scientific perspectives on space, and societal commentary. The cover features a stylized map of Australia with a flying saucer illustration, hinting at the magazine's focus.

Editorial: "They Just Can't Be Ignored."

In the editorial, Editor Fred P. Stone addresses the tendency for interviews and discussions about UFOs to avoid or dismiss questions related to religious angles. He emphasizes that the UFO subject should not become an arena for religious wrangling, nor should it be labeled as another religion. Stone argues that disassociating the scientific side of research from the UFO work is insulting to both sides, asserting that true answers will unite science and religion. He believes that humanity's inner spiritual force and the influence of religion are undeniable and must be considered in any comprehensive research. UFOPIA, as an open-minded organization, aims to answer questions from all perspectives, including religious beliefs, as ignoring this angle is a mistake that will eventually lead to a crisis. The editorial suggests that avoiding such questions implies a lack of answers or fear of providing a logical one.

Editorial (2) & (3): The Union of Science and Religion

Continuing the editorial theme, the author stresses that no honest investigator can deny strange reports of UFO incidents, especially when viewed from the perspective of peaceful visitors. The article urges readers to research the history of saucer incidents and consult with pioneers in the field, whose knowledge is invaluable. It posits that there must be an explanation for the 'nasty incidents' that contrast with more peaceful encounters, and this explanation requires deep digging, potentially challenging the prestige of purely scientific investigators. The author reiterates that ignoring religious attitudes is a mistake, as answers will come easier when scientific and religious approaches are united. A committee of open-minded individuals with an interest in this area is proposed to explore the connections between these two attributes of knowledge. The article suggests that a questionnaire distributed to various religious faiths might reveal differing views on saucers and their relationship to the Bible, with some even branding them as demonic. However, it also notes that some denominations are open to discussion. The core message is that faith should not be upset by UFO beliefs, and that a balance between scientific and spiritual understanding is crucial for comprehending the UFO phenomenon. The article concludes by referencing an emblem of Justice and the concept of balance, suggesting that the true balance lies in walking together, and that the hidden secret of UFOs might be found in the union of science and religion.

Out of This World

This section, authored by W.K. Litchfield, begins a series on basic knowledge of Earth, satellites, and planetary neighbors. The first part focuses on Venus and Mars.

Venus

Venus is described as resembling Earth in many ways, with an extensive atmosphere and a hot climate. Powerful telescopes have revealed heavy cloud layers and allowed for measurement of atmospheric gases. The conclusion is that landing on Venus with aeroplane-type vehicles is possible. While Earth's atmosphere is mainly nitrogen, Venus's is carbondioxide. The article speculates that Venusian animals might be equipped to extract oxygen from carbondioxide or thrive on other gases. Exploring Venus thoroughly requires visiting it, similar to how ancestors explored beyond oceans.

Mars

Mars is presented as more romantic and better understood than Venus. Photographs show red and green areas, believed to be high desert plateaus and low regions with vegetation. The famous canals, a web of lines, are also mentioned, with some scientists suggesting they are cracks or narrow valleys carrying water, supporting more elaborate vegetation. The seasons on Mars are similar to Earth's, with snow melting in summer. Mars has two tiny moons, Phobos and Deimos, compared to the size of large mountains. The article notes that Dean Swift mentioned two tiny moons of Mars over a hundred years before their discovery, questioning how he obtained this information and suggesting they might be artificial constructions or that Phobos is not a satellite at all due to its short periodic time.

It is speculated that if Earth faced water scarcity, humanity would try to control the weather, a feat now partially achievable with weather satellites. The gravity on Mars is considerably less than on Earth. Soviet astronomers report no oceans on Mars, and its lakes are very small. The Martian atmosphere contains oxygen, similar to high mountainous regions on Earth, but with lower atmospheric pressure. Temperatures on Mars are lower than on Earth, potentially rising to fifty or sixty degrees Fahrenheit at noon near the equator.

Space Mirror Concept

The article revisits Homan Oberth's concept of a space mirror, which could reflect the sun's radiation in focused beams. This could be used to 'boil' ocean water, yielding vapor and rain for drought periods. The concept was first suggested in 1928.

Move On UFO's..

A group of scientists in New York has urged the United Nations to bring the UFO problem before the Security Council. The Intercontinental UFO Resonance Analytical Network (Icufon) has requested emergency classification of the subject and its inclusion in the UN conference on the peaceful uses of outer space. Icufon also seeks a restricted area for an international UFO research institute.

Sighting: Western Australia

On Saturday night, farmer Fred Tucker and three other people witnessed a UFO for 45 minutes. It was described as a ball of fire, bright red on the bottom and bright yellow on one side, and at times appeared triangular. The object was observed widely over Spain as well.

Comments from Previous Issue: "The Time Has Come"

This section features comments from Don. Alfredo Calfe regarding a discussion on "Human reaction in time of Crisis." Calfe concurs with the possibility of a great crisis before the end of the century, suggesting it might be nearer than anticipated. The idea of a "space lift" to other planets for refuge is considered, not necessarily for escape, but for places of safety. The author believes that certain people will be lifted out of danger zones to "safe areas" on Earth, which will help build character and rid individuals of "old world" influences. Warnings of this coming event are expected to come in various ways, potentially requiring a brief and immense migration. The article notes that many people are already moving from vulnerable areas due to an unsettled feeling or dissatisfaction, even without explicit persuasion. It draws a parallel to the "angels" warning Abraham and Lot in "The Bible," depicting them as highly evolved people. The author suggests that people's love of possessions might prevent them from "accepting" deliverance.

Comments (2): "The Time Has Come"

This part of the commentary continues the discussion on impending crises and societal changes. It suggests that humanity may have to return to a simpler, nature-dependent lifestyle, similar to pioneer grandparents, due to necessity. The author believes that while finding a place in this new world will require earning it through love and knowledge, not financial gain, a select group of highly evolved individuals might remain behind to guide others. The commentary criticizes the current state of the world, highlighting chaos, corruption, and the misuse of human lives in a game for world dominion. It points to the Earth itself showing signs of revolt due to humanity's misuse of its gifts, citing strange movements of birds and animals. The article references the story of Noah and the animals entering the Ark as an example of instinctual knowledge of impending events. It concludes by referencing two allegories: the Open Coffer and the bottomless pit, suggesting that those who are blind will follow blind leaders.

1. Countdown "68"

Authored by A.E. Bran, this article reflects on the potential impact of the Icarus event and urges readers to be alert to forces propelling humanity towards a "Grand Finale." The author compares the present civilization to past ones like the Babylonian, Egyptian, and Roman empires, which reached peaks and then declined due to corrupt, degenerate forces. Bran criticizes modern media, including newspapers, magazines, films, and television, for their excessive focus on sex, violence, and degradation, which he believes contributes to moral regression and societal decline. He calls for restraint and propriety from public figures and criticizes the normalization of marriage mockery, drug-taking, and sexual license. The article also addresses student unrest, suggesting that authorities should clamp down on anarchists, while acknowledging that some discontent may be legitimate. It advocates for the right to voice disapproval but condemns taking the law into one's own hands. Potential solutions for subversive elements include expulsion from universities or withholding scholarships.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Panorama magazine revolve around the intersection of UFO phenomena with religious beliefs, the scientific exploration of space, and a critical commentary on the state of modern society. The editorial stance, particularly from Editor Fred P. Stone, is one of open-minded inquiry, advocating for the integration of scientific and spiritual perspectives to understand complex issues like UFOs. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about societal moral decay, the potential for global crises, and the need for a more profound understanding of humanity's place in the universe. The magazine encourages a holistic approach to research, one that does not shy away from uncomfortable questions or diverse viewpoints.

This issue of Panorama magazine, Volume 7, No. 4, dated July 19th, 1968, focuses heavily on UFO sightings, particularly in Western Australia, alongside a speculative piece on the future of robotics and human-machine integration. The magazine adopts a tone of concern regarding global events, including nuclear testing, and presents numerous eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Countdown '68: A World in Crisis

The issue opens with a reflective piece, 'Countdown '68 Cont.', by a parson who expresses an 'uncomfortable feeling that something enormous and catastrophic is pending.' He believes the world is experiencing a 'spiritual quietness' and that 'inner-selves are under continual attack from the forces of Darkness.' This crisis, he argues, goes beyond politics, racialism, or religion, and is a condition of the spirit. He links the assassinations of Senator Robert Kennedy and Luther King to 'deep, dark forces' undermining democracy and warns of potential annihilation if this 'creeping evil' is not checked. While acknowledging that some attribute these events to Communist powers, he suggests the forces at play are diametrically opposed to any form of lawful authority.

The author also revisits his forecast of climatic changes, adhering to his belief that the overall weather pattern will alter significantly, despite localized variations. He expresses concern about the French atomic tests in the Pacific, particularly the planned hydrogen bomb explosion, questioning whether scientists are sufficiently informed to predict its consequences. He advocates for global pressure on France to cease these tests, citing the potential for widespread pollution and harm to life.

UFO Sightings Across Western Australia

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reporting UFO sightings, primarily from Western Australia. These accounts are often presented with details from local newspapers and eyewitness testimonies:

• West Aust Sightings Continued: This section details a sighting by Mrs. B. Perkins, recounting how 'long patches of light' appeared in the sky, initially resembling stars but later described as 'round or oval in a cluster of about seven or eight.' These lights faded and reappeared in different positions and shapes, visible for about ten minutes.

• Pilots Tell of Strange U.F.O.: Reported by the 'West. Aust. Daily News' on August 23rd, 1968, this article describes an unidentified flying object seen by two commercial pilots, Gordon Smith and Walter Gargin, approximately 130 miles east of Kalgoorlie. The object, likened to the size of a Boeing 707 at 10 miles, appeared as a white glow and travelled at the same speed as their aircraft. The main object split into two halves, with smaller cigar-shaped objects emerging from a 'mother ship.' The object eventually took off with rocket-like speed. Mr. Smith, an experienced pilot, had never seen a UFO before.

• Mystery Objects Seen in Western Australia: This section, from the 'Daily News' on Friday, July 19th, 1968, compiles reports from two taxi drivers and a hotel manager. Taxi driver Stan Bubis described seeing a 'flying saucer' that was circular with a knob on top, blue-green in colour, with a bright orange ring. Ian Bonney, another taxi driver, saw a circular object with a 'fiery streak' and an 'iridescent grey colour,' which moved at an angle and shot upwards. Hotel manager Bruce Marsden reported a 'big bright orange object' passing over the Swan River, noting its size and unusual angle of approach. Another report from Stanley Cooper described a light travelling low in the sky.

• Mysterious Lights Out at Sea: Three people in Scarborough reported seeing 'long, horizontal lights hovering above a cloud bank out at sea.' Paul Varsany, Helen Cell, and Stephen Popaduk described them as 'tube lighting' arranged in a horizontal line.

• Sightings Here and There: This section includes several reports:
• A Bunbury woman saw an unidentified flying object on July 14th, described as a 'fire-red object low in the east sky' that rose, pulsed with fiery light, and appeared circular.
• An extract from the diary of Mr. C.A. Fee, dated October 22nd, 1914, describes seeing a 'bright star' that was actually a light moving swiftly northward at an altitude of about 5° above treetops, with a speed comparable to a railway train.
• A report from Bloemfontein, South Africa, mentions a strange round object seen in the sky, observed by hundreds of people, including the pilot of an SAA Boeing.
• A report from Stockholm, Sweden, details two huge holes found in ice covering lakes, described as 'incredibly powerful things.'

• U.F.O. Lands in a Paddock: Three teenage girls in Bunbury claimed to have seen a 're-glowing ball' land in a paddock. They described it as bright and large, descending fairly fast before the glow went out.

• West Aust. Driver Says 'Saucer' Tracked Him: A Fremantle publican, John Stevens, reported being tracked by a 'flying saucer' near Coolgerdie.

The Rise of the Android and Cyborg

The magazine also features an article titled 'IT'S SOONER THAN YOU THINK,' discussing the convergence of man and machine. It explores the concept of 'androids' and 'cyborgs,' suggesting that in the future, machines will be highly advanced, capable of learning, remembering, seeing, reasoning, walking, talking, and even playing games. The article highlights 'Roberta,' a manufactured figure designed for domestic tasks, as an example of this trend. It quotes Dr. John C. Lily, who predicts that within a decade or two, humans will establish communication with alien species. The article concludes that the union of man and machine is an uncertain but rapidly approaching reality.

Investigation Team's Findings

The magazine's Investigation Team has been actively investigating UFO reports. Brief summaries of their findings are presented:

• January 20, 1968: Three young men reported a formation of objects passing overhead. While a press statement suggested asteroids, the team felt the formation was too perfect and the elevation too low, concluding 'Objects Unidentified.'
• July 11, 1968: Mr. Gunter Podeu reported a round, golden yellow object moving directly towards him. It disappeared in a split second and was not a meteor, leading to a conclusion of 'Object Unidentified.'
• June 5, 1968: Several people at Seaton saw a large, silver glowing object with changing colours. The team concluded it was not a balloon and listed it as 'Unidentified.'
• June 23, 1968: Reports of flashing lights in the Parafield/Elizabeth South Area were investigated and found to be light aircraft at Parafield.

The issue also mentions an 'EXCELLENT sighting report from Kingston-On-Murray' that was detailed in a previous issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and mystery of UFO sightings, the potential for global catastrophe due to political and spiritual factors, and the accelerating pace of technological advancement, particularly in the realm of robotics and artificial intelligence. The magazine's stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, coupled with a critical view of governmental actions like nuclear testing and a speculative, somewhat cautionary, outlook on the future of technology and its impact on humanity. There is an underlying sense of unease about the direction the world is heading, both spiritually and technologically.

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol 7 No. 4
Date: Undetermined, but likely from the 1960s based on content and style.
Publisher: PANORAMA
Country: CANADA
Language: English

This issue of Panorama magazine focuses heavily on UFO and flying saucer phenomena, featuring a personal account of a sighting, an editorial, reviews, and reports from various locations.

Feature Article: Mr. Stevens' Sighting

The primary narrative on the cover and within the issue details an encounter experienced by a Mr. Stevens. He recounts an event where a light "disappeared" the moment he got out of his car. Upon re-entering the car and driving away, the light reappeared behind him. Initially suspecting a "motor cycle trying to be funny," Stevens became scared as the light kept pace with him. He described the light as difficult to describe, but it appeared to have "two arms of light in a V-shape with a big central spotlight between them." Stevens admitted that prior to this experience, he "didn't believe in flying saucers," but this event changed his mind. In a further interview, he added that the light was "about the size of a saucer and was just above the ground," and that it "went on and off about every 300 yards." He also noted that as he "got to the right and disappeared" around midnight, the light seemed to follow him.

Editorial and Reviews

The issue includes an editorial titled "Out of this World" by W.K. Litchfield. Other sections include a review of a piece titled "The Time has Come" by A.E. Bran, a section called "Countdown" by A.E. Bran, and a report on "West Aust. Pilots Sighting." A "Sketch of the above" is also mentioned.

Sightings and Recommended Reading

Under the "SIGHTINGS" section, the magazine lists reports from "WEST Australia" covering pages 15-20, and "South Africa" covering pages 19-20. A specific article titled "Its Sooner than you think" is mentioned on page 14.

The magazine highly recommends a publication titled "SAUCERS. SPACE AND SCIENCE," edited by Gene Duplantier. It is described as an "OFFSET PRODUCED QUARTERLY FULL OF FOO UFO DATA," with "20 PAGES OR MORE," and costs "$2.00 per year."

Contact Information

Readers are directed to "WRITE THE EDITOR. GENE DUPLANTIER." The address provided is "17 Shetland St. Willowdale O'Pario CANADA."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly UFO sightings, unidentified aerial phenomena, and the belief in flying saucers. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of such phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed accounts and the promotion of specialized UFO literature. The inclusion of personal testimonies, like that of Mr. Stevens, suggests an effort to present firsthand experiences as credible evidence.