Probe - Vol 3 No 5 - 1966

Magazine Overview

Title: PROBE
Subtitle: THE CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA MAGAZINE
Issue: Volume THREE - No. 5, Whole No. 17
Date: Winter 1966
Publisher: PROBE
Price: 75 CENTS

This issue of PROBE, a quarterly publication, announces a price increase and a change in format, with the editorial now appearing on the inside cover. The magazine covers a range of controversial phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings and related investigations.

Editorial Stance and Reader Reaction

Joseph L. Ferriere, the Managing Editor, penned an editorial criticizing what he perceived as a CBS-TV 'white-wash' attempt regarding UFOs. He suggests that a planned re-run of a UFO program was cancelled due to the magazine's expose, implying the 'still small voice' of PROBE had an impact. Reader letters express strong agreement with the editorial, with one correspondent lambasting Walter Cronkite for perceived 'phoney-baloney' and another praising the magazine for bringing out 'needed-to-be-stated points' about the Oldfield film, while still acknowledging that other UFO explanations remain elusive.

News and Reports

Rio de Janeiro Deaths: A perplexing report details the deaths of two men found on a steep hill, their faces masked, after a witness saw a 'luminous flying saucer.' Autopsies revealed no violence, but coded messages and electrical chart notes suggested a pre-arranged meeting and capsule consumption.

Air Force Investigation: The Air Force announced a $300,000 independent investigation into UFO reports to be conducted by the University of Colorado, involving multiple universities and over 100 scientists.

UFO Explodes: In Brewster, N.Y., an unidentified object exploded with flame and smoke on a ball field, leaving a hole and a coal-like object. Patrolman Gene Blaney witnessed the event and heard subsequent explosions.

Visitor Raps Air Force For Excuses: Gordon F. Shandley, an investigator since 1924, criticized the Air Force's explanations for UFO sightings, calling them inadequate and citing cases where 'swamp gas' or 'corona discharge' were improbable explanations for observed phenomena. He shared his own sighting from 1924 and noted his association with the late George Adamski.

Mysterious Chunk of Hardware at Ottawa: An unidentified metallic object, roughly hemispherical and weighing about 3,000 pounds, was found near Quebec. Initial analysis by CARDE suggested it was a high-manganese austenitic steel, possibly from a foundry. However, laboratory experiments by the late Wilbert B. Smith produced unusual reactions, like blossoming into a bright cloud when heated, leading to the conclusion it was not a standard blast furnace product. Further analysis revealed micro-meteorite inclusions, suggesting exposure to outer space. The object's arrival at the site remains a mystery.

Feature Articles

Why the UFO's Came to Mt. Rainier: Kenneth Larson proposes a mathematical and geographical theory linking UFO sightings at Mt. Rainier (1947), Salt Lake (1952), Levelland (1957), and the Salton Sea (1957/1963). He suggests these locations were pre-determined 'points' on the land, possibly related to ancient records or sites, with the Salton Sea area historically being Lake Cahuilla, which disappeared around 1400 A.D. This date is linked to the 14 units of distance between Mt. Rainier and the Salton Sea, and the settlement of the Great Salt Lake by Mormons in 1847, 100 years before the Mt. Rainier sighting.

The Babylon Battery: This section, accompanied by reports from 1881, 1885, and 1897, appears to be a historical investigation into an ancient artifact or phenomenon.

Remember Way Back When...: This recurring section features historical reports, with this issue highlighting specific dates from the late 19th century.

Saucerists - Spiritualists - and Scientists: This article likely explores the intersection and differing viewpoints of various groups interested in UFO phenomena.

Concerning That Anaheim Meeting: This brief mention suggests a report on a specific gathering related to UFOs.

An 86 Mile Chase to Oblivion: This title implies a narrative account of a UFO chase or encounter with a potentially negative or mysterious outcome.

Other Content

Probe UFO News Reports: A regular section providing updates on recent UFO sightings and related news.

Letters to the Editor: Includes comments on previous articles, particularly the 'Aggen story' and the CBS exposé, and discussions on the Oldfield film.

Radio Appearances: The editor, Joseph L. Ferriere, and staff reporter Sam Reynolds, are noted to have made several radio talk program appearances to discuss UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PROBE include the persistent mystery of UFOs, the perceived reluctance of official bodies like the Air Force to disclose information, and the exploration of historical and ancient connections to these phenomena. The magazine champions the pursuit of truth and encourages public awareness and investigation, often criticizing what it views as official obfuscation. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards conventional explanations and a willingness to explore unconventional theories, including mathematical and geographical analyses of sighting patterns. The editorial stance is clearly pro-disclosure and critical of perceived cover-ups, advocating for the public's right to be informed about controversial phenomena.

This issue of PROBE magazine, dated August 3, 1966, is primarily focused on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The cover features a headline about 'REEL tape buys!' and advertises books and tapes on 'FLYING SAUCERS'. The issue includes reports from various locations, discussions on potential explanations, and announcements related to UFO research and conventions.

Article: UFO Reports and Analysis (Page 1)

The first page details a complex analysis of UFO reports, connecting sites like Mount Rainier, Salt Lake, Levelland, and Salton Sea to a perceived mathematical design of the USA West Coast. It suggests that these sites might hold clues to the origin of UFOs or even reveal 'remaining sealed plates' related to Joseph Smith. The article draws parallels between UFO designs and patterns observed in other reports, such as the 'quilt' pattern from Ann Arbor. It also introduces an 'ABC Arithmetic' design, linking the word 'AMERICA' to the number 50, and 'RAINIER' to 74, suggesting a coded message or significance.

Article: New York's First Flying Saucer Convention (Page 2 & 3)

Pages 2 and 3 announce the '1967 Congress of Scientific Ufologists' to be held at the Hotel Commodore in New York City from June 22nd to June 25th, 1967. The event will feature prominent figures in the UFO field, including Kenneth Arnold (who coined the term 'flying saucer'), Gray Barker, Art Ford, Gordon Evans, Long John Nebel, Howard Menger, James Moseley, Ray Palmer, James Randi, Stewart Robb, and Ivan Sanderson. The article details the convention's schedule, including public and 'closed' sessions for authorized representatives of UFO organizations. It also provides information on hotel reservations and admission rates, with special rates for members of the 'Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)'.

Reports from Various Newspapers (Pages 4-9)

The subsequent pages compile numerous newspaper clippings detailing UFO sightings from different locations and dates:

• Buffalo Evening News (August 3, 1966): Reports an unidentified flying object landing near Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA, which is being investigated by the Air Force Project Blue Book and NICAP. Soil samples and indentations were collected.
• The Evening Gazette (August 3, 1966): An Air Force officer investigated reports of a flying saucer and a 'creature' over Presque Isle Peninsula, referring queries to the Secretary of the Air Force.
• Bendigo Advertiser (April 6, 1966): Alby Strong of Elphinstone, Australia, reported being followed home by a flying saucer.
• Springfield (Mo.) Leader-Press (August 1, 1966): A photograph of a UFO over New Castle, PA, made July 30, is presented, noting its similarity to other descriptions.
• The Lowell Sun (August 12, 1966): Reports an unidentified flying object sighted over Turramurra, Australia, described as a large circular object with flashing gold lights.
• Lawrence Eagle-Tribune (July 14, 1966): Salem, NH residents reported seeing a bright object in the eastern sky about 4 a.m. Sunday, described as larger and brighter than a normal star.
• Corning Leader (August 5, 1966): Two 'Unidentified Flying Objects' were spotted in the Hornby, NY area, described as white objects that turned greenish and made no noise.
• Australian Press Cuttings (May 11, 1966): Brian Pollock photographed three mystery objects over New Plymouth, New Zealand, which changed from hexagonal to circular shapes.
• Australian Press Cuttings (May 7, 1966): A bright unidentified object was seen in the sky above Mount Maunganui Wharf, Tauranga, New Zealand.
• The Herald (June 6, 1966): Two policemen in Sydney, Australia, chased a 'flying saucer' for two hours around Grafton.
• The Morning Call (August 3, 1966): Residents of West Bergen and Passaic, NJ, reported seeing a white object over Paterson, described as nine times larger than a star and hovering.
• South Dakota (Associated Press): Reports of something streaking through the sky, not a bird, plane, or satellite, seen by highway patrolmen and other residents.
• Long Island Press (April 30, 1966): An editor spotted a silver-colored object, described as a big pillow, hovering over Long Island City.
• The Woonsocket Call (August 22, 1966): Joseph Ferriere and Harold A. Trudel reported seeing two UFOs near Diamond Hill Road, described as small, three to four feet in diameter, and photographed them.
• Easton Express (August 23, 1966): A College Hill family reported seeing a huge orange-red mass in the sky, described as a 'flaming mass' and later like 'half a grapefruit'.
• The Evening Gazette (September 24, 1966): Discusses a UFO sighting photograph from New Castle, PA, and a similar reflection in a Gemini 10 photograph, suggesting camera lens reflections as a possible explanation.
• Worcester Sunday Telegram (September 25, 1966): Reports on a space experiment involving a barium payload that created a multicolored cloud, followed by sightings of brilliant objects in the sky. Potential explanations include atmospheric reflections and visual tricks, though some reports, like those in Richmond, VA, remain unexplained.
• Lowell Sunday Sun (September 4, 1966): Scientists at the State University in Plattsburgh, NY, confirmed sighting an unidentified flying object described as bright and making looping movements.
• The Evening Gazette (September 21, 1966): Discusses the theory that some UFOs might be flying insects attracted to electric charges, or possibly 'balls of ionized air' originating from power lines.

Article: Explanation for Saucers (Page 6)

This section discusses the theory that 'flying saucers' might be balls of ionized air originating along high-tension electric power lines, a suggestion from 'Aviation Week & Space Technology'. It notes similarities between this phenomenon and ball lightning, and how it might explain the erratic movements of UFOs. Philip J. Klass, a senior editor, emphasizes that this is not a definitive explanation for all sightings but urges further investigation by the Air Force and scientists.

Article: About Those Flying Saucers (Page 6)

This piece questions the fate of the Agena rocket after its blast-off, suggesting that a UFO might have been responsible for its loss. It also notes a sudden blackout of UFO reports in the public press and asks about unexplained airline crashes.

Article: SAUCERISTS-SPIRITUALISTS- AND SCIENTISTS (Page 10)

This article categorizes different types of writers in the UFO field: those focused on religious, spiritual, and sighting aspects. It identifies 'hold-backs' in UFO research, including the perceived arrogance of science authorities, the dismissive attitude of science towards the public, the twisting of knowledge into technical jargon, and the government's assumed superior knowledge. The authors express a desire to teach about these fields without replacing existing structures, encouraging personal investigation. They describe a strategy of sending 'emissaries' to understand different groups and maintain a neutral stance to avoid becoming part of the problem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different continents, the ongoing efforts to find scientific explanations for these phenomena, and the organization of UFO research and conventions. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a subject worthy of serious investigation, despite skepticism from some scientific and governmental bodies. The magazine actively promotes events and publications related to UFO research, encouraging readers to engage with the topic.

ORION Magazine, published bi-monthly by the Christian Spiritual Alliance, Inc., presents a diverse range of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and spiritual concepts. This issue, identified by its cover headline "SOMEWHERE in undreamed dreams," delves into topics ranging from ancient technology to modern UFO sightings and theories about extraterrestrial life and human origins.

Ancient Technology and Mysteries

The issue features an article on the "Babylon Battery," discussing ancient electrochemical cells discovered in Iraq that date back over 2000 years. These cells, composed of a copper cylinder and an iron rod, were likely used for electroplating. The article highlights the advanced knowledge of ancient civilizations in chemistry and technology, suggesting that modern discoveries may be re-discoveries of ancient artifacts.

Another piece explores the concept of "Ancient Space Ships," referencing medieval German records and the idea that Earth has been under observation by extraterrestrial visitors for millennia, supported by historical accounts and stone carvings.

Historical UFO Sightings

"Colorado's UFO of 1881" by Alice Wright Wallace recounts a remarkable sighting on February 14, 1881, where residents of Denver witnessed a large, semi-opaque yellow-white circle around the moon, a phenomenon later explained by scientists as a paraselene caused by ice crystals.

Frank Masquelette's "'UFO' Of 1897" details the "Great Airship Flap of 1897" in Texas, where numerous sightings of a mysterious airship were reported. Accounts describe a cigar-shaped object with lights and sometimes wings, including a bizarre incident in Aurora, Texas, where an airship allegedly crashed.

Modern UFO Encounters and Their Impact

"An 86-Mile Chase To Oblivion" by John DeGroot chronicles the harrowing experience of Deputy Dale Spaur, who, along with other officers, chased a flying saucer in Ohio in April 1966. The encounter profoundly affected Spaur, leading to the loss of his job, the shattering of his marriage, and a life of fear, as the craft reportedly continued to haunt him.

Another article reports on a UFO sighting in New Hampshire on September 10, 1966, where a housewife and neighbors observed three unidentified flying objects hovering silently in the sky.

Speculative Theories on Human Origins and Consciousness

Samuel S. Reynolds' "CONCERNING THAT ANAHEIM MEETING" discusses a gathering of scientists who explored the possibility of life beyond Earth. Reynolds speculates on human origins, suggesting that humans might be aliens to this planet, possibly adapted to an environment with higher oxygen content and lower gravity. He questions whether current human limitations, such as oxygen starvation of the brain, might be a clue to our true origins.

Advertising and Related Content

The magazine includes advertisements for books by Frank Edwards, such as "FLYING SAUCERS—SERIOUS BUSINESS," which is promoted as a comprehensive study of UFOs. Other advertisements offer courses on telepathy and cosmic philosophy by George Adamski, and various classified ads related to UFO research, books, and tapes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of ORION Magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, ancient history, and speculative science. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas and encourages readers to question established norms and explore the 'unknown.' The publication champions the idea that many modern 'discoveries' are actually re-discoveries of ancient knowledge and that there is much more to reality than what is conventionally understood. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of individual investigation and critical thinking in understanding phenomena that defy easy explanation.