Probe - Vol 3 No 1 - 1966 01-02

Magazine Overview

Title: PROBE
Issue: Volume THREE, No. 1 (Whole No. 13)
Date: January-February 1966
Publisher: PROBE
Type: The Controversial Phenomena Magazine

Editorial Staff and Contributors

This issue of PROBE is edited by Joseph L. Ferriere and Armand A. Laprade. The staff includes Samuel S. Reynolds, Jr. as Staff Reporter, with illustrations by Tibor J. Csapo, Lionel E. Renaud, and Joseph L. Ferriere. The Advisory Board consists of Ovila Larochelle, Mary Nugent, and Lionel E. Renaud. August C. Roberts serves as Photography Consultant, and Ovila J. Larochelle is the Treasurer.

PROBE is published bimonthly. Representatives are listed across the USA and in foreign countries, including Canada and Denmark.

In This Issue

The table of contents highlights several key articles:

• UFO SIGHTINGS PRIOR TO 1947
• UFOS SEEN IN UXBRIDGE?
• THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE
• MY FLYING SAUCER
• UFO NEWS REPORTS
• IF CHRIST WERE ALIVE TODAY
• TRADE WINDS
• JOYITAS MYSTERY VOYAGE
• UFOS AND THE BLACKOUTS
• FLYING SAUCERS AND POWER FAILURES
• SCIENCE AND SPACE PHILOSOPHY

UFO Sightings Prior to 1947

This section, authored by Lucius Farish, compiles several historical UFO sightings:

• August 1945, South Pacific: A Navy sailor reported a red streak in the sky, described as a hot bar of steel, visible for 40 seconds.
• 1945, Sweden: A 'great torpedo-like bird' was sighted at 10,000 feet altitude.
• Late 1945, Arkansas: A large carrier ship, estimated to be a block long and 5000 feet in the air, was observed by a bus passenger and an Army pilot. The object had no wings or tail appendages and was symmetrical.
• September 1946, Cracroft Island: A round, glowing red ball, about the size of the moon, was seen hovering before moving with a shimmy and then ascending.
• Fall 1946, Country near Belfast, Maine: A small orange ball moved horizontally low over trees before vanishing.
• October 9, 1946, San Diego, California: A 16-year-old boy and fifty other people witnessed a 'thing' during a star shower.
• November 1946, Chicago, Illinois: A traffic-light green ball, as large as a dinner plate with a tail of sparks, flew from southeast to northwest.

Uxbridge UFO Flap

Samuel S. Reynolds, Jr. reports on a significant UFO flap in the Uxbridge, Massachusetts area, beginning on October 4, 1965. Gary Redding, 19, reported seeing a large, dark, oval-shaped object with red lights near Route 146. The object reportedly stopped his car, turned off its engine and lights, and emitted a 'friendly sensation'. Over the following nights, numerous other sightings were reported, including objects seen at treetop height and a blaze at the town dump attributed by some to the UFO. The article details efforts by local police and investigators to document the sightings, including the use of cameras. The flap involved multiple witnesses and a variety of reported phenomena, including jet vapor trails and airplane running lights, which some initially mistook for UFOs.

My Flying Saucer

This article by Keith Hooper recounts a personal sighting and discusses the broader phenomenon of UFOs. Hooper describes seeing a 'greenish-white iridescent cigarlike object' over the Adelaide Hills in South Australia on October 18, 1952. The object, estimated to be the size of a Boeing 707, moved from southeast to northwest and then executed a sudden right-angle turn upwards at high speed, vanishing from sight. Hooper contacted the Adelaide Airport control tower, which reported no aircraft in the air at that time. He later spoke with Mr. G. Dodwell, a South Australian Government astronomer, who was convinced that flying objects from outer space were visiting Earth, based on his research and interviews with other witnesses.

Hooper also touches upon historical accounts and alleged precognition, mentioning Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon," Jonathan Swift's "two moons of Mars," and George Adamski's claims about fireflies in space, suggesting that some individuals possessed knowledge of future events or phenomena.

The Quest for Knowledge

Armand A. LaPrade explores the history of space travel and rocketry, tracing its roots back to ancient times and early science fiction. The article mentions "Somnium Scipionis" (160 B.C.) and Lucian of Greece's "Vera Historia" as early visualizations of space travel. Edward Everett Hale's "The Brick Moon" (1869) is highlighted as a novel about a man-made satellite. The article emphasizes the scientific advancements in rocketry, noting the Chinese use of 'arrows of flying fire' in 1232 A.D. and the pivotal role of Dr. Robert H. Goddard. Goddard's launch of the first liquid fuel rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts, on March 16, 1926, is presented as a significant event, despite initial ridicule. The destructive potential of rockets, as seen in the German V-2 program during World War II, is also discussed, along with Goddard's attempts to interest the U.S. military in rocketry.

The article connects science fiction writers' predictions to actual technological developments, citing the Buck Rogers panel as an example. It suggests that many phenomena, including flying saucers, have been ridiculed but are now becoming accepted realities.

UFOs and Power Failures

This article explores the correlation between UFO sightings and power failures. It includes a report from James R. Newton about an incident involving James Townsend in Long Prairie, Minnesota. Townsend encountered three 'tin can'-like objects standing under a rocket ship on the highway. The encounter caused his car's engine and lights to stop working, and his radio to go silent. After the objects and ship departed, his car's systems returned to normal. The article also mentions a report from the Woonsocket Call about two teen-agers in Cumberland Hill who witnessed a strange phenomenon in the sky, which coincided with a power outage in their area. The object was described as red, large, and elongated, separating into two points of light before disappearing with a 'whoosh' and a 'boom'.

Science and Space Philosophy

This section delves into the philosophical implications of UFO phenomena and space exploration. It references the book OAHSPE, which reportedly contains predictions of 20th-century UFO sightings and details about 'ships of fire,' 'ships of light,' and 'starships.' The article suggests that OAHSPE provides insights into the origins of humanity, the history of Earth, and the intentions of extraterrestrial visitors. It highlights the advanced knowledge, power, and abilities of these beings, while also noting that they do not claim infallibility. The magazine offers the first 96 pages of OAHSPE for 50 cents.

What's THIS?

Reported by Dulcie Brown, this section shifts focus from the sky to Earthly phenomena, detailing reports of numerous natural healings, including cancers, occurring in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The source of these healings is attributed to the waters of the Shalotte River. The article mentions Joseph S. Hufham, who reportedly experienced a rapid healing of an eye disease after swimming in the waters. Many others have since sought cures in these waters, with testimonies of various diseases and infections being healed. Attempts to bring this to the attention of the medical world have reportedly been unsuccessful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PROBE consistently explores the theme of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential implications. The magazine presents a variety of historical and contemporary sightings, often linking them to unexplained phenomena such as power failures. There is a recurring interest in the technological capabilities of UFOs and their potential extraterrestrial origins, with references to early science fiction and speculative texts like OAHSPE. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The magazine also includes a section on 'What's THIS?' which, in this issue, deviates to discuss natural healing phenomena, suggesting a broader interest in unexplained or extraordinary events.

This issue of the New York Journal-American, dated Friday, December 10, 1965, features a prominent cover story about a widespread sighting of an unidentified flying object, dubbed a 'fireball,' that flashed across the sky over six states and Canada. The magazine also includes articles on other UFO reports, a discussion on the potential connection between UFOs and power failures, and a piece questioning the modern interpretation of Christ's teachings. Additionally, there are reports on the mysterious 'Joyita's Mystery Voyage' and an advertisement for a course on eternal youth.

'What-Is-It' in Sky: Hunt Fireball

This lead article by Jack Mahon and Richard Barr details the search for an "Unidentified Flying Object" that appeared as a bright orange flash, believed by experts to be a fireball or meteor, over six states and Canada shortly before 5 p.m. on December 10, 1965. The sighting was reported by an airplane pilot and residents of Windsor, Ontario; Michigan, Indiana, Northern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, New York, and Northern West Virginia. Fallen debris was reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Lt. Jack Trumbull of the Elyria, Ohio Fire Department reported extinguishing about ten small grass fires in an area where a fireball was believed to have fallen. Mrs. Ralph Richards of Elyria described the object changing from blue-yellow to pure yellow and diminishing in size as it landed. Pentagon sources indicated a belief it was a meteorite, and Dr. Paul Annear suggested it could have been a bolide. Near Laper, Michigan, two small stacks of shredded foil were found by the Sheriff's department investigating reports of a flaming UFO. Deputy Sheriff Lanny Tolly noted the foil looked fresh and suggested it might be used in tests to jam radar signals. Other sightings were reported in East Indiana, Oberlin, Ohio, and Erie, Pa. The U.S. Coast Guard reported a flying object exploded over the Windsor-Detroit area, and Raymond Wallings, a private pilot, saw the 'fireball' plummet into Lake St. Clair. A spokesman for the Federal Air Traffic Control Center at Oberlin, Ohio, indicated it was likely a meteor.

UFO Report (Sunday Call-Chronicle, Dec. 26, 1965)

This section, from the Sunday Call-Chronicle, highlights reports of UFO sightings in the Lehigh Valley, particularly around Bethlehem Steel Corp.'s Homer Research Laboratories. It mentions an account of an auto chase involving a UFO on December 10, 1965, involving a Mrs. R., her daughter Susan, and a friend. Susan described a round object with a dome and about 30 lights, which hovered and then shot upwards. Jane, another witness, described the object as slightly larger than a car and at the level of a telephone pole, following their car for about five minutes. Mrs. J., from South Mountain, reported seeing car-sized objects with dullish-red lights on two successive nights in October. Other sightings include a disc-shaped object with a brilliantly lighted center on August 17, and a report from Mrs. John Novack who saw an object resembling a cup upside down on a saucer, which grew larger before disappearing.

Unidentified Flying Objects... (The Enterprise, Nov. 10, 1965)

Leo P. Morrissey's article discusses the phenomenon of 'flying saucers' over the past 15 to 20 years, questioning the possibility of effective secrecy if they originate from Earth. He hypothesizes that if they originate from another civilization, their developers may have neutralized gravity, allowing for rapid movement without acceleration or resistance. This control of momentum would make them impervious to conventional weaponry. Morrissey hopes experts will debunk this hypothesis but also suggests that if it holds true, humanity should approach visitors with hospitality, learning from them without revealing too much, referencing the fate of the Beothuk Indians. He concludes with a quote from Eileen Duplantier.

Housewife, Dog Spot a 'Flying Saucer' (Paterson News, Dec. 2, 1965)

Mrs. Audrey Lockhardt of Riverdale reported seeing an object about six times the size of the moon while walking her dog on Wednesday night, December 1, 1965. Her dog also reportedly saw the object. She described it as an oval-shaped mass of giant spotlights. Her husband, Walter, also witnessed the end of the sighting.

Glowing Spheres Seen at Wichita (Arkansas Gazette, Nov. 18, 1965)

Two Wichita machinists, David Faidley and Alan Handley, reported seeing an array of brilliant green spheres, some as large as the full moon, streak through the sky for about two hours before dawn on Wednesday, November 17, 1965. An airline pilot and a tower controller at Wichita Airport also viewed the phenomena and referred to them as meteorites. The pilot stated he had seen about 100 such objects between Wichita and Chicago. The spheres reportedly glowed, then faded, leaving a vapor-like trail, and streaked in all directions.

Michael Campione Addresses Assembly (The News Chronicle, Oct. 21, 1965)

Michael Campione, a UFOlogist and head of a local group, addressed a Friends School assembly in Moorestown, New Jersey, on unidentified flying objects. He believes UFO information is being suppressed by the U.S. Air Force.

If Christ Were Alive Today (By Hugh Garner)

This article speculates on how Christ would be received if He returned to Earth today, suggesting that many self-professed Christians would be embarrassed or brand Him a fake. It envisions a media frenzy, with Billy Graham, Pope Paul, and news columnists like Louella Parsons involved. It critiques the schisms and dogmas within Christianity, contrasting the pomp of the Roman Catholic Church with the quasi-military setup of the Salvation Army. The author questions various practices and interpretations within different Christian denominations, from baptism methods to beliefs about the Sabbath and salvation. He criticizes the hypocrisy of some evangelists and the commercialization of religion. The article posits that Christ would be bewildered by the modern interpretations and practices, such as the arguments over His divinity, the use of psychiatrists for confession, and the adoption of worldly pleasures by some religious figures. It also touches upon the historical perception of Jesus as a man by His early followers and the subsequent development of diverse Christian beliefs. The author concludes that Christ would not return, as it would lead to a "debacle" for existing churches, and questions who could meet Him today.

Trade Winds: Flying Objects and Power Failures (Saturday Review, Oct. 2, 1965)

John G. Fuller's article explores the potential link between UFO sightings and power failures, referencing reports from Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico that were initially corroborated by radar but later contradicted by the Air Force. It details a specific case involving Officer Eugene Bertrand and Norman Muscarello in Exeter, New Hampshire, who witnessed a bright red, flashing airborne object. The object, described as having five red lights and no sound, hovered about 100 feet in the air and 200 feet away. The article also mentions a report from the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomenon (NICAP) about an alleged UFO landing in Exeter, New Hampshire, witnessed by two police officers. The piece highlights the Air Force's cautious approach to UFOs and the reliability of reports from various sources.

Joyita's Mystery Voyage

This article by Gene Duplantier recounts the baffling disappearance of the motor-ship Joyita and its 24 passengers and crew in the South Pacific on October 3, 1955. The ship, which sailed from Upolu, Samoa, was found floating and listing 590 miles off course on November 4, with no one aboard. An inquiry by a New Zealand government commission termed the fate "inexplicable." The cause of the casualty was attributed to flooding from a broken one-inch pipe in the auxiliary engine's cooling system. Despite the ship being afloat, the passengers' personal belongings were found on deck, raising questions about their departure. The article notes that no bodies were ever recovered. Dr. Robert Jessup, a flying-saucer expert, claims the crew and passengers were kidnapped by a mysterious spaceship.

Did Circuit Breaker, New Weapon Or Flying Saucer Cause Blackout? (Paterson News, Dec. 2, 1965)

Elmer Roessner's article investigates the cause of the widespread power blackout in the Northeastern United States on November 9, 1965. Robert Kaye reported seeing a ball of fire with 'petals' in the sky over New York City, which moved sharply westward and then disappeared. His daughter-in-law, in the Chrysler Building tower, did not see this phenomenon. The article mentions a letter published in Time magazine by Harold F. Whitney of Boston, suggesting a flying saucer hovering over New York City might have caused the blackout. Otto Binder, a UFO specialist, had not heard of the fireball. The article also considers the possibility of a failed circuit breaker in an Ontario power system. It notes that the New York Telephone Co. functioned with emergency power, but the fire department's radio system went dead for three hours. The article concludes by referencing a prophecy by Jeane Dixon, who foresaw a blackout caused by a Russian missile capable of immobilizing communications and lighting systems.

Playful Poltergeist? Mysterious Bumps, Bulges Terrify Coast Family (Worcester Sunday Telegram, Dec. 12, 1965)

This article reports on mysterious events occurring at the Kenneth Cannon home in Yucaipa, California, since Monday, November 8, 1965. The family has experienced a wall banging and bulging, mysterious gusts of air, pounding noises, and air blasts that have raised rugs and bellied out a picture window. The family dog has also moved out. The events have been occurring for about an hour or two in the morning and evening. The article questions if it could be a poltergeist, a phenomenon previously unknown in Yucaipa. Sheriff's deputies, waterworks men, and building inspectors are baffled. The dwelling is one of numerous four-year-old homes in a tract, and none of the others have been affected.

Astronomers See Mysterious Glow on Moon (August C. Roberts)

This report from Washington (UPI) states that a team of amateur astronomers has seen and photographed mysterious 'color glows' on the moon. Some scientists attribute these glows to fluorescence caused by solar radiation, while others believe they are 'lunar gas wells,' indicating the moon is not a physically dead object. The theory suggests that gas generated in the lunar interior escapes through fissures to the surface. The moonglow was observed in the crater Aristarchus during a four-hour period before daylight on November 15, through a 16-inch telescope.

We Probe Moon --Can't Light a City (Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, Nov. 10, 1965)

This article discusses the widespread power blackout in the northeastern United States on November 9, 1965, attributing it to a fouled-up switch, a single wire failure, or a computer malfunction. It highlights the vulnerability of modern society to its technological achievements. The article notes that factories closed, airplanes were diverted, and stores were shut down. It contrasts the failure of advanced technology with the simple heat provided by a log in a fireplace. The New York Times was the only morning paper to publish, using the Newark, N.J., News plant. The article mentions a report by Ruth Montgomery about Jeane Dixon's prophecy of a blackout, which she interpreted as a Russian missile attack. It also references a report about the Soviet Union launching a vehicle of 'staggering nature,' which Tass news agency described as a weather satellite.

Flying Saucers and Power Failures (George D. Fawcett)

George D. Fawcett, a UFO researcher, explores the potential relationship between flying saucers (UFOs) and power failures. He suggests that UFOs utilize an electro-magnetic force field that can affect motors, headlights, radar, and other electronic devices. Fawcett cites several incidents: in Uberlandia, Brazil (1959), power failed when a UFO passed over a power station; at Eureka, Utah (1962), a UFO landing near a power station caused it to be inoperative; in Cuernavaca, Mexico (1965), three consecutive power failures occurred during reported UFO sightings; and the Northeast blackout of November 9, 1965, is speculated to have been caused by the electromagnetic effect of a UFO. Fawcett is convinced that such events will occur again and that flying saucers will be observed during future power failures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential implications, ranging from scientific investigation to speculative theories about extraterrestrial visitors. There is a consistent focus on unexplained phenomena, including sightings, alleged landings, and potential connections to technological failures like power blackouts. The articles also touch upon the human response to the unknown, from official skepticism to public fascination and fear. The issue seems to adopt a stance of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of open-mindedness, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions while acknowledging the lack of definitive explanations. The article on Christ's return, while seemingly unrelated, critiques the current state of organized religion, suggesting a disconnect between its practices and its purported founder's teachings, which could be seen as a commentary on human interpretation and deviation from original truths, a theme that can be paralleled with the interpretation of UFO phenomena.

Title: SCIENCE DIGEST
Issue: Page 19 (Late Science News Dept.)
Date: August 1965

This section of Science Digest focuses on recent scientific discoveries and their philosophical implications. It features reports on complex antimatter particles, the potential for an antiuniverse, and an editorial from Vatican Radio concerning the ethical use of technology in space exploration. Complementing these scientific discussions is a philosophical essay on the nature of the universe and the principles of cause and effect.

Complex Antimatter Particles

Physicists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully produced complex antimatter particles, specifically the antideutron, in a particle accelerator. This breakthrough demonstrates that antimatter can exist in groups of particles, a significant advancement from previous detections of only isolated subatomic particles.

Is There An Antiuniverse?

The findings regarding complex antimatter have led to speculation about the existence of an antiuniverse, a mirror image of our own, potentially populated by anti-people. Dr. Leon M. Lederman suggests that an equal number of particles and anti-particles may have been created at the universe's inception. The location of such an antiworld remains unknown, and there is no indication that it interacts with our known universe.

Antimatter Explosion?

In theory, the contact between matter and antimatter results in mutual annihilation and the release of tremendous energy. Three American scientists have theorized that the mysterious explosion in Siberia in 1908 might have been caused by an antimatter meteor impacting Earth.

Editor's Note: The information on antimatter was reprinted from the August 1965 issue of Science Digest, with permission granted by Daniel Cohen, Managing Editor.

Science and Space Philosophy

By Alice B. Pomeroy

Alice B. Pomeroy, writing from the perspective of a student of George Adamski's Cosmic Philosophy and Science of Life Course, offers a philosophical interpretation of scientific findings. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of understanding the underlying Cause rather than just observing the Effects.

The Universe as a Chemical Laboratory

Pomeroy describes the universe as an immense chemical laboratory where Mother Nature continuously combines elements with varying vibratory rates to create diverse forms. This process involves extreme conditions and results in combinations that can be mild or violent, uniting or repelling.

Cause and Effect

She posits that a single Principle governs all things, with Creation being the Effect of this primal Cause. While some scientists focus on Cause to Effect, Pomeroy notes that most orthodox scientists study Effects only. She advocates for acknowledging and working with the elements, rather than against them, to master them.

Disintegration and Eternity

Disintegration is presented as equally important as creation. Elements continually combine and separate, and during disintegration, each cell seeks its natural place to be reused. This process illustrates Eternity in action, where nothing is lost but merely changed, akin to logs on a fire serving their purpose.

Elements and Their Changes

Elements are changed but not destroyed. The original elements of any form are indestructible and eternal. Scientists are combining particles that do not naturally affinity or separating those that do. When elements are left over, they seek to unite or struggle until freed from an unnatural state, which can lead to an explosion. The existence of both particles and anti-particles, matter and antimatter, is deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the Cosmos. Understanding how to combine and separate elements naturally, as intended by the Creator, is key to comprehending the Universe.

Space Rendezvous Poses Question, Vatican Says

Source: The Catholic Free Press, Friday, Jan. 7, 1966 (Reporting on Vatican Radio comments)

Vatican Radio commented on the American astronauts' space rendezvous, questioning whether humanity possesses the moral maturity to ensure that technological advancements serve well-being and lasting peace, rather than becoming instruments of ruin.

The Superiority of Human Intelligence

The editorial noted that space endeavors reveal the superiority of human intelligence over space, aligning with biblical accounts of man's vocation to dominate the earth. However, it observed that the marvel of technical progress, human capabilities, and intelligence are now taken for granted.

The Purpose of Cosmic Enterprises

While cosmic enterprises still attract interest, they no longer astonish. Man inquires about the purpose of these vast investments of intelligence, energy, and organization required for space missions. Science and technology are seen as instruments in man's hands, capable of leading to either ruin or a more dignified way of life.

The Question of Moral Maturity

The central question is not whether man can conquer the universe technically, but whether he will achieve the moral maturity to make his technology an instrument of well-being and lasting peace. The editorial concludes that an answer cannot be given at present, only a wish.

Classified Advertisements

The classified section includes advertisements for various publications and products related to UFOs, science, philosophy, and self-improvement.

• "REALITY of UFO's THEIR DANGER, THEIR HOPE": A manual by Michael J. Campione.
• "MASTER YOUR LIFE! Influence others! Unfold mind powers!": Offering "THE GATES OF HEAVEN" by Clifford Allen.
• "SAUCERS, SPACE, SCIENCE": A study by Gene Duplantier, with authentic photos.
• TAPES: UFO Science Music by Ronald Latour.
• "CHOOSE BLISSFUL LIVING WITH LOVE OF GOD": Offering free circulars on Biblical Allegory and Correct Nutrition by C.I.S.
• UFO DETECTOR: A sensitive, battery-powered electromagnetic device.
• "GRAY BARKER'S BOOK OF SAUCERS": Available from Dorothy Low.
• "UFO SIGHTER": A publication by Allen Greenfield.
• Back issues of PROBE Magazine: Formerly the Controversial Phenomena Bulletin (CPB).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue explores the intersection of scientific discovery, particularly in physics and space exploration, with philosophical and spiritual interpretations. There's a recurring theme of questioning the ultimate purpose and ethical implications of technological advancement. The editorial stance, as indicated by the inclusion of the Vatican's concerns and the philosophical essay, leans towards a cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for moral and spiritual development to accompany scientific progress. The publication appears to cater to an audience interested in both cutting-edge science and broader existential and metaphysical questions.