Probe - Vol 3 No 3 - 1966 05-06

Magazine Overview

Title: PROBE
Subtitle: THE CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA MAGAZINE
Issue: Volume THREE, No. 3
Date: May-June 1966
Price: 50 CENTS

This issue of PROBE magazine delves into the widespread UFO activity during the spring of 1966, highlighted by a significant "Giant Saucer Flap" that swept across the nation. The cover prominently features photographs of flying saucers taken by Paul Villa near Bernalillo, New Mexico, on April 18, 1965, and announces an "8 PAGE REPORT ON THE SPRING FLAP OF 1966" with "MANY PHOTOS."

Key Articles and Features

Giant Saucer Flap Sweeps Nation

The magazine dedicates a substantial portion to the "Giant Saucer Flap" of Spring 1966, detailing numerous sightings across the United States. Reports from New Jersey include incidents at Wanaque Reservoir in January 1966, where bright lights were observed, and a March sighting of an unidentified object described as a "flying kite on fire" over Ringwood. The issue also covers sightings in Michigan, where objects with flashing lights were seen, and in Indiana, where egg-shaped objects were reported.

UFOs from the 4th Dimension

This section, authored by Riley Crabb, explores the concept of UFOs originating from a "4th Dimension," suggesting a theoretical framework beyond conventional understanding.

Spirit Photography

While not detailed in the provided pages, "Spirit Photography" is listed as a feature, indicating a broader interest in paranormal phenomena beyond just UFOs.

Mathematics and the UFO

This article likely examines the mathematical principles or patterns that might be associated with UFO sightings or the phenomena themselves, suggesting a scientific or analytical approach to the subject.

Probe in the News

This section likely covers recent media attention or public discussions regarding UFOs, potentially including official statements or reactions.

Book Reviews

Reviews of relevant literature on UFOs and related topics are included, offering readers further resources and perspectives.

Acknowledgements and Notes

The "Acknowledgements" section details the magazine's publication schedule (every other month), subscription rates ($2.00/year in the U.S.A., $3.00/year foreign), and submission guidelines for manuscripts (under 1500 words, subject to condensation, and not returned without proper postage). It also notes that views expressed are not necessarily those of the editors. A "Note" encourages readers to become representatives for PROBE in their states and countries.

Specific Sightings and Incidents Detailed

• January 13, 1966 (Wanaque Reservoir, NJ): "That Thing" appears again, described as a much brighter-than-a-star object that moved erratically. Witnesses included a patrolman, the mayor, and the civil defense director.
• January 20, 1966 (Wanaque Reservoir, NJ): A "weird light" was seen hovering over the reservoir, described as bright like a star and disc-shaped.
• January 25, 1966 (Saddle Brook, NJ): A Paterson school teacher and an auxiliary policeman reported spotting unidentified flying objects.
• March 8, 1966 (Mobile, Ala.): Housewives reported seeing objects described as "sort of like a starfish" and "like a saucer with a cup sitting on it."
• March 14, 1966 (Ann Arbor, Mich.): Mysterious flying objects with flashing bluish-green and red lights maneuvered over Washtenaw and Livingston counties, witnessed by police officers.
• March 21, 1966 (Dexter, Mich.): Patrolman Robert Huniwell reported seeing a flying object with red and green flashing lights, described as pyramid-shaped with antenna-like devices.
• March 21, 1966 (La Porte, Ind.): Four people, including a policeman, reported seeing a strange orange ball with antenna-like appendages.
• March 24, 1966 (Key West, Fla.): Theatergoers reported seeing unidentified flying objects described as disc-like with flickering lights.
• March 24, 1966 (Bridgeton, N.J.): A resident reported seeing a hovering white object that blended with the sky.
• March 25, 1966 (Hoboken, N.J.): An electric power failure occurred, lasting 33 minutes.
• March 25, 1966 (Hawthorne, N.J.): An 18-minute power shortage occurred due to a feeder line issue.
• March 26, 1966 (New Jersey): A motorist and four policemen reported an "unidentified flying object" from daylight until dawn.
• March 24, 1966 (Bangor, Maine): A report of an orange-colored flying object with a blue light on one end and a white light on the other, which was fired upon.
• March 27, 1966 (San Mateo, Calif.): A foot-square chunk of ice crashed through a house roof.
• March 27, 1966 (Detroit, Mich.): Reports of sightings extended into Ohio and Wisconsin, with objects described as "glowing green," "red and white," and "bright, reddish orange."
• March 29, 1966 (Colorado): Two students and a night clerk reported a strange object with a pulsating light hovering in a cloudy sky.
• March 29, 1966 (North Carolina): Police reported seeing a glowing blue object streak low in the sky and explode.
• March 29, 1966 (Georgia): An airport control tower operator reported tracking an oblong object on radar over Atlanta.
• March 29, 1966 (Indiana): State Policeman John Reschke reported seeing two egg-shaped objects near Valparaiso.
• March 30, 1966 (Massachusetts): Residents and police reported sightings of "big stars changing colors" and a UFO described as cigar-shaped.
• March 31, 1966 (Iowa): A flying object was seen in southeast Des Moines.
• March 26, 1966 (Kansas): Two flying saucers reportedly landed in a driveway.
• April 18, 1966 (Weston, Mass.): Two persons reported a large, yellow, glowing object with flashing lights hovering over a field.
• April 20, 1966 (Kingston, Ont.): A blazing fireball was photographed seconds before it disintegrated.
• April 20, 1966 (North Dade, Miami): Strange, saucer-shaped objects were sighted.
• April 22, 1966 (Springfield, Mo.): Reports of flashing lights and bright, hovering lights were received.
• April 27, 1966 (Tallahassee, Fla.): Governor Haydon Burns and his campaign plane occupants reported seeing two yellowish lights pacing their Convair, which then climbed steeply and disappeared.

Police Chase UFO

A deputy sheriff reported chasing an unidentified flying object from Ohio into Pennsylvania for over an hour and a half at speeds up to 103 mph. The object was described as looking like "two table saucers put together" and having a "brilliant and shiny" appearance.

'Fireball' Sighting

Reports from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut described a bright green object with a red spark trail, which astronomers identified as a meteor. However, Joseph Ferriere, a UFO spotter, disagreed, citing the object's horizontal movement and quick burnout as inconsistent with a meteor.

NASA to Test 'Flying Saucer'

NASA was preparing for a test launch of a man on a lifting body vehicle, described as a "kind of flying saucer," as part of a project for future manned re-entry vehicles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often questioning official explanations like "swamp gas." There's an underlying theme of government investigation and potential cover-ups, with mentions of Project Bluebook and the Air Force's role. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial phenomena, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and acting as a platform for diverse viewpoints on UFOs and related topics. The "Editor's Note" at the end of page 6 poses a provocative question: "All right! Did They come trillions of miles just to bother us, or, do They have something else in mind?" This suggests a speculative and curious editorial outlook.

The publication also touches upon broader paranormal and scientific topics, including spirit photography, mathematics related to UFOs, and the potential for life on other planets, as discussed by figures like Arthur C. Clarke and Dr. Hermann Oberth. The issue highlights a growing public interest in UFOs, evidenced by the numerous reports and the involvement of law enforcement and even political figures like Governor Haydon Burns.

This issue of "Probe In The News," published by The Woonsocket Call on Wednesday, April 27, 1966, features Joseph L. Ferriere, the co-editor of the bimonthly magazine "Probe," which focuses on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The article highlights Ferriere's personal journey into UFO research, the evolution of his publication from the "Controversial Phenomena Bulletin" to "Probe," and its growing circulation.

"Probe" Magazine and Joseph L. Ferriere

Joseph L. Ferriere, a 27-year-old resident of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, co-edits "Probe" with Armand Laprade of Worcester. The magazine, initially a mimeographed bulletin, has improved its quality and expanded its content to include not only UFOs but also monster sightings and poltergeist manifestations. Its circulation has grown significantly, reaching 2,000 copies. The mailing list extends internationally, with subscribers in Canada, Denmark, Africa, Belgium, Sweden, Great Britain, France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Ferriere's personal interest in UFOs began in 1952 after hearing reports of UFOs over Washington. He works at the Fairmount Dye Works and, along with his colleague Ovila "Larry" Larochelle, compiles UFO reports nightly. Ferriere recounts his first encounter with a UFO while working at Fairmount, describing silver, disc-shaped objects gliding over Woonsocket.

He mentions four separate sightings, including two disc-shaped objects and two cigar-shaped objects witnessed over Pawtucket. A recent sighting on April 17th involved a vaguely bell or pear-shaped object described as gold, with a waxing and waning effect, observed with his wife.

Air Force Censorship and UFOs

Ferriere expresses skepticism about the Air Force's claims of not withholding information, quoting from Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker's book, "Flying Saucers and the United States Air Force." He cites a regulation stating that Air Force personnel will not discuss UFO operations with unauthorized persons unless directed, which he believes effectively "muzzles" them.

He argues that the public should be informed about UFOs to psychologically prepare them and avoid potential panic or hostile actions towards potential extraterrestrial intelligences. Ferriere also notes that the Air Force categorizes about 7.7% of sightings as unknowns, but he believes this figure is higher, and he is bothered by the 32% written off due to "insufficient information."

UFOs on the Moon and Interplanetary Travel

Ronald Calais, state director of the International Intelligence Of Unlying Objects (IIOUFO), believes that flying saucers could be real and may come from other planets. He predicts that within 10 years, there will be conclusive proof of UFOs, leading to their acceptance as reality. Calais suggests that the fear of ridicule might be why scientists are hesitant to accept the idea of interplanetary travel.

He theorizes that UFO visits might be for the purpose of assessing humanity's friendliness and intentions. Calais is conducting his own research into interplanetary travel with an open mind. He agrees with former NASA consultant Jacques Vallee that the UFO problem should be handled by scientists. Calais points to increasing public support for answers regarding UFOs and notes that fantastic speeds recorded on radar suggest electromagnetic propulsion.

He also mentions findings of fossiliferous life in meteorites, suggesting the possibility of life on other planets. Calais's studies extend to exobiology, astrophysics, and astronomy. He advocates for investigating UFOs with an open mind.

Ivan T. Sanderson on UFOs

Ivan T. Sanderson, a zoologist and author, dismisses explanations like "swamp gas" and "Navy blimps" for UFO encounters. He suggests that UFOs might be terrestrial and operated by a computer-like basis. Sanderson posits a possible connection between UFOs and electromagnetic interference, including the New York blackout of the previous year. He describes seen UFOs as saucer-shaped with extraordinary speed, glowing lights, and no sound.

Spirit Photography

Dorothy Low discusses the phenomenon of spirit photography, categorizing it into two types: psychic pictures obtained with infra-red film and images that appear on photographs of people, representing spirits or astral beings. She presents an example of a spirit photograph, noting that while faking is possible, this particular image appears genuine. The photograph features the sitter's departed sister, a teacher, and her doctor-teacher in spirit, all of whom were not previously photographed.

Low explains that spirit photography requires the photographer to have the gift of spirit photography and be psychically able to reproduce manifestations. She compares spirit pictures to X-ray films, suggesting they reveal aspects of reality invisible to normal human vision.

Book Reviews

"The Strange Flight of Frank Shapar" by Alfred L. Milligan

Reviewed by J. Ferriere, this book is described as a fictionalized account of spiritual matters and higher realms. The author, Frank Shapar, experiences the death of his wife and children, leading him to explore the nature of death and the afterlife. His wife returns to him from the Astral Plane, providing knowledge of Time and Space, and he is tasked with developing a new type of space craft. The review notes the book's educational and constructive aspects, despite being fiction.

"Gods or Spacemen?" by W.R. Drake

This book explores the idea that extraterrestrials may have visited Earth in ancient times, citing archeological finds and ancient legends. Drake suggests that proof of past alien visitation could transform human understanding of history, religion, and philosophy. He links current UFO sightings to the possibility of advanced civilizations mastering space travel. The book is noted for its exploration of ancient legends and folklore related to space visitors, and Drake's own articles on spacemen.

"Gray Barker's Book of Saucers"

This review highlights Gray Barker's extensive work in UFO research, including his publications "The Saucerian" and "Saucer News." The book is described as varied and entertaining, covering topics such as "They Saw The Saucers," "Cosmic Kidnappers," and "Visitors From The Bird Planet." While not considered Barker's best work, it is deemed educational and constructive.

Flying Saucers from the 4th Dimension

Riley Crabb, Director of BSRA (Borderland Sciences Research Associates), explains the concept of flying saucers originating from a "4th Dimension" or etheric plane. He posits that UFOs materialize into our physical world by changing their vibration and energy conversion. Crabb suggests that mental action can bring mental forms into physical existence, and that etheric objects are as real as Earth objects in their own world. He emphasizes the difference between psychic phenomena generated by departed relatives and positive etheric plane phenomena from advanced beings. Crabb also notes that the stoppage of electric motors can be an indication of a nearby UFO.

Mathematics and the UFO

Kenneth Larson analyzes UFO sightings in the western United States between 1947 and 1963, suggesting a predetermined, intelligent, and mathematical design pattern. He maps key sightings, including those at Mount Rainier, Salt Lake, Levelland, and the Salton Sea, and notes a correlation with dates and distances. Larson suggests that the Salton Sea might be a focal point due to its historical significance, including ancient civilizations and potential buried records.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Probe" magazine include the investigation of UFO sightings, the exploration of paranormal phenomena like spirit photography, and the potential for extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine adopts an open-minded stance, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is a consistent emphasis on the need for more information and a critical examination of official explanations, particularly from the Air Force. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting research, sharing information, and challenging established paradigms in the fields of UFOlogy and the unexplained.

This issue of PROBE magazine, identified by its cover headline "EXCITING BREAKTHROUGH INTO THE SUPERNATURAL" and the prominent "PROBE THE CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA MAGAZINE" logo, presents a collection of articles and advertisements focused on UFO phenomena, paranormal topics, and esoteric subjects. The issue includes striking imagery and promotes various books, newsletters, and courses related to these themes. The pages are numbered 19 and 20, suggesting it is part of a larger publication.

Content Highlights

UFO Sightings and Photography

The issue features a photograph taken by Enrique Hausemann Muller in Spain on April 24, 1950. Muller described the object as a very luminous, huge UFO spinning across the heavens and emitting streams of rays like a firework's pinwheel. Another significant sighting detailed is from Exeter, New Hampshire, in September 1965. This event involved a saucer descending from a cigar-shaped UFO to hover above a power line, with a slender tube emerging to touch the line, leading to speculation about refueling.

UFO Books and Publications

A prominent section promotes a "startling New UFO book" titled "Incident at Exeter: Documentary of a UFO" by John Fuller, whose work was previously excerpted in LOOK magazine. The article describes it as a classic in UFO literature, offering complete facts and advance publication notice. It also mentions a best-selling European non-fiction book that explores topics like evidence of contact with other worlds, increased IQ, alchemy, Atlantis, and hollow earth theories.

UFO Detection and Technology

An advertisement introduces the "UFO DETECTOR," described as a Swiss-precision, sensitive unit that is portable and provides loud and visual signals. It operates on a 9-volt battery and is available as an assembled unit, an assembly kit, or blueprints.

ESP, Telepathy, and Universal Laws

The magazine promotes "S. P. NEWSLETTER," a monthly publication by C. A. Honey, which continues the work of George Adamski in exploring the scientific approach to UFOs, telepathy, and universal laws. It also advertises a correspondence course on "TELEPATHY AND UNIVERSAL LAWS," covering topics such as the mechanism of telepathy, Cosmic Science, and basic physics, designed for individuals with a grade school education or higher. Yearbook editions of the S. P. NEWSLETTER from 1962 and 1963 are also offered.

Other Advertisements and Mentions

Several other advertisements and mentions appear throughout the pages:

• Michael J. Campione offers a book titled "REALITY of UFO's THEIR DANGER, THEIR HOPE."
• Gene Duplantier provides "SAUCERS, SPACE, SCIENCE," a serious study in the UFO field with authentic photos.
• C.I.S. offers free circulars on "BIBLICAL ALLEGORY & CORRECT NUTRITION."
• Ronald Latour provides tapes of "UFO SCIENCE MUSIC."
• IIOUFO Headquarters offers a book titled "FLYING SAUCERS" by Hayden Hewes, detailing events from August.
• Allen Greenfield offers "UFO SIGHTER," which provides facts.
• Clifford Allen offers "THE GATES OF HEAVEN."
• Contact information is provided for individuals interested in showing the George Adamski film and lecture, or for those interested in an International Magazine.
• ORION Magazine, published bi-monthly by the Christian Spiritual Alliance, Inc., is advertised, focusing on esoteric, religious, and educational topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PROBE magazine are UFO sightings, the scientific and philosophical study of UFOs, paranormal phenomena (such as ESP and telepathy), and esoteric knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, promoting a "scientific approach" while also embracing the "supernatural" and "controversial." The magazine serves as a platform for sharing information, promoting related literature and courses, and connecting individuals interested in these fringe topics.