1967 06 00 SAGA - John Fuller - Moon craters or secret UFO bases

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine, dated June 1967, features a prominent cover story questioning whether Moon craters are actually secret UFO bases? It also includes an article on Vietnam's Savage "Victor Charlie." The magazine's price is 50¢.

Moon Craters-Or Secret UFO Bases?

This extensive article by John A. Keel explores the mysteries surrounding images of Mars and the Moon, suggesting that what scientists have explained as natural phenomena might be evidence of extraterrestrial activity or cover-ups.

Mariner IV and Mars

The article begins by recounting the Mariner IV mission to Mars in 1965. Despite initial publicity, the photographs returned have raised more questions than answers. While the planet was expected to potentially support life, the images revealed a surface pockmarked with craters, resembling the Moon more than anticipated, and notably lacking the famous 'canals.'

Scientists are divided on the interpretation of these findings. Some believe Mars has an atmosphere capable of supporting life, while others note the presence of methane gas ('swamp gas'). The article highlights the discovery of Mars's two moons, Deimos and Phobos, in 1862, and the continued debate over the existence and nature of Martian 'canals.'

The 'Canals' Controversy

Italian astronomer Schiaparelli first charted 'canals' on Mars in 1877, sparking a long-standing controversy. While some astronomers deny their existence, others insist they have seen them. The article claims these 'canals' were photographed over 15 years prior to this publication but were kept secret, not even appearing in obscure scientific journals. The reason for this secrecy is questioned.

Other Martian Mysteries

Beyond the 'canals,' other anomalies on Mars are noted. In 1900, astronomer Lowell reported a large beam of light shooting up from the surface. In 1937 and 1954, brilliant flashes of light were observed, far brighter than volcanic activity. Strange gray clouds were also seen in 1909, 1911, and 1950, including a large W-shaped cloud in 1954.

The possibility of life on Mars was taken seriously by the U.S. Air Force in the late 1940s, with studies suggesting that 'flying saucers' might originate from Mars. These studies indicated a peak in saucer reports during Martian 'oppositions,' a pattern NASA astronomer Jacques Vallee states still continues.

Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto, claimed to have found traces of 'canals' in seven of the Mariner IV photographs, a finding supported by Dr. William Pickering of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. However, astronomers remain divided on whether these markings represent planned constructions or natural features like cracks or vegetation belts.

James Goddard analyzed the Mariner IV photos and claimed to have detected minute geometric formations, including triangles and circles, arranged in an organized manner. Dr. Gerard de Vaucouleurs identified a 'canal' called Pyriphlegethon after canceling out Martian atmospheric blurring. Dr. Robert P. Sharp and Dr. Bruce C. Murray suggested Martian craters show signs of erosion, speculating about moisture in the Martian soil causing cycles of expansion and contraction.

The article contrasts the thin Martian atmosphere with Earth's, noting the presence of methane and carbon dioxide. It criticizes scientists for adhering to rigid theories and ignoring contradictory evidence, citing past instances where scientific consensus was later proven wrong (e.g., Mercury's rotation, Jupiter's classification).

The Moon's Mysteries

The article then shifts focus to the Moon, presenting evidence that challenges the long-held belief that it is a dead hunk of rock. Scientists at Douglas Aircraft Co. proposed that mysterious 'domes' on the Moon are volcanic mounds, but the sheer number of these formations suggests an incredible seething beneath the surface, potentially indicating a molten interior.

Several Lunar photos are examined. One released on November 22, 1966, shows long, pointed shadows and a bright spot at the base of each shadow. NASA's explanation of these as 'reference marks' is questioned, especially since the author found only one such 'cross' in NASA files, which appeared to be a three-dimensional object.

Another Lunar picture from December 14, 1966, revealed craters unlike others, appearing as perfect circles with uniform lip heights, aligned in neat rows resembling underground ICBM silos. These 'silos' are spread over a large area, suggesting deliberate construction rather than natural processes like volcanism or meteor impacts.

UFOs and Government Secrecy

The article posits that the government is determined to conceal hard data on unidentified flying objects. It mentions Albert K. Bender's 1952 suggestion that UFOs might have bases on the Moon in the form of 'silos.' Bender's subsequent destruction of his files and discontinuation of research, allegedly due to threats from 'government agents,' is noted.

The author questions why NASA would classify photos or claim pictures 'didn't come out,' citing the example of Gemini-4 astronauts photographing a circular object with arms, for which the pictures were initially declared non-existent before being quietly released later.

Al Chop, a former spokesman for Project Bluebook, is mentioned as now holding a high position in NASA's public relations. His public declaration of no longer believing in UFOs is presented with skepticism.

The article highlights that astronomers have reported over 400 years of strange lights on the Moon, with over 200 sightings of 'bright spots' and moving lights around craters in recent times. A specific incident on October 29, 1963, involved observers at the Lowell Observatory witnessing 31 objects moving in organized geometric formations on the Moon's surface, some estimated to be three miles wide.

Soviet astronomer Nikolay Kozyrev also observed a very bright light in the Aristarchus crater around the same time. These phenomena are now attributed to 'volcanic activity,' leading to the sarcastic remark about 'walking volcanos.'

Despite numerous space probes and successful landings, the article implies that the true nature of the Moon and Mars remains obscured. It concludes by suggesting that astronauts might discover evidence of unknown extraterrestrial visitors on the Moon, as predicted by Soviet astronomer Dr. V. Davydov, who hinted that visitors might leave tokens on the Moon due to its lack of wind and water erosion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for extraterrestrial life and artificial structures on Mars and the Moon, and the suspicion of government secrecy and cover-ups by NASA regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a strong belief that there is significant evidence of UFO activity and potential alien presence that is being deliberately hidden from the public. The article encourages readers to question official narratives and consider alternative explanations for unexplained phenomena in space.