SAGA

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine, dated April 1970, presents a compelling cover story titled "ATOMIC MISHAP NEARLY WIPES OUT COLORADO!" alongside a prominent feature on "INCREDIBLE UFO CONTACT RECORDED." The cover also showcases images of various firearms, hinting at an article on "TREASURE HUNT FOR RARE WW II PISTOLS." Other highlighted articles include "LIFE FORMS FOUND IN SOLAR SYSTEM," "PREVIEW OF THE SEX-PLOSIVE 70's," "STEVE MCQUEEN: ALL-OUT ROADRACER," and "TV'S SULTRY STARLET: KAREN JENSEN," as well as "INVASION OF PRIVACY: U.S. CENSUS."

The World's Most Incredible UFO Contact Case

The main feature, "WORLD'S MOST INCREDIBLE UFO CONTACT CASE" by Roy Norton, recounts the extraordinary experience of Patrolman Herbert Schirmer of Ashland, Nebraska. On the night of December 3, 1967, Schirmer, a reliable and well-adjusted individual, encountered a strange circular device on the highway. He was struck by a mysterious "ray gun beam" that caused temporary paralysis. The incident led to a "lost half hour" in his memory, which he later recalled through hypnosis and truth serum administered by investigators from the Condon Committee and Dr. Leo Sprinkle at the University of Colorado.

Schirmer's account details how his police cruiser's lights flickered when he approached the object. He described the device as having flickering lights, and upon closer inspection, he noticed it was a circular object. He was struck by a beam that caused paralysis and stopped his vehicle's engine and lights. He was then "invited" aboard the flying saucer by a "crew leader" and received information about its origin, guidance, and propulsion. The beings used an "electro-magnetic" force field to disable his vehicle. He was given a "cover story" to tell.

During the hypnotic sessions, Schirmer recalled details about the ship's construction (100% magnesium, no visible seams), its interior (computer-like machines, pyramid-backed chairs), and its defense mechanisms (an invisible force field). He described the beings as approximately four-and-a-half to five feet tall, with rigid postures, thin, long heads, and "cat-like" eyes, wearing tight-fitting helmets. He also mentioned smaller "baby saucers" used for surveillance. The craft's propulsion was described as "Reversible Electro-Magnetic Energy," capable of speeds up to 150,000 miles per hour.

Schirmer was told that the beings were from another galaxy and had bases on some of our planets, including Venus. They were observing Earth for a long time and had a program called "breeding analysis" which involved some humans. He was also informed that the craft could be stopped by bullets but not penetrated. He was told that he would be contacted two more times.

The Condon Committee's official report, however, was not a positive assessment. It referred to Schirmer as a state trooper instead of a city policeman and a Marine instead of a Navy veteran. The report claimed no evidence was found that a physical object was present and that psychological assessments failed to prove the incident was physically real. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, however, expressed the opinion that Schirmer believed in the reality of the events he described.

Despite the official dismissal, Schirmer gathered other information, including suspicions that the Condon Committee might have been a cover-up and that the CIA was involved. He also heard about another contactee being held against his will.

After the incident, Schirmer resigned as Chief of Police and decided to move on with his life, stating, "You can't let something take over your life." He expressed that he does not believe future contacts will occur but would drive away if he saw something unusual in the skies.

Life Has Been Discovered in Our Solar System!

Another significant article, "LIFE HAS BEEN DISCOVERED IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM!" by Joseph F. Goodavage, announces a groundbreaking discovery. The article posits that the threat of alien invaders is a reality, not science fiction. It suggests that extraterrestrial life forms are radically different from what humans might anticipate and that communication systems may exist beyond human perception, such as between ultraviolet and infrared segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. The article poses hypothetical scenarios, such as an "outworlder" coming from Jupiter.

Other Articles and Features

The issue also includes a preview of the "SEX-PLOSIVE 70's," suggesting a look at societal changes and trends. A profile on actor Steve McQueen highlights his passion for racing. The "INVASION OF PRIVACY: U.S. CENSUS" article likely addresses concerns about government data collection. The "TREASURE HUNT FOR RARE WW II PISTOLS" article appeals to collectors and history enthusiasts, showcasing various historical firearms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

SAGA magazine in this issue appears to focus on sensational and intriguing topics, particularly UFOs and extraterrestrial life, presented with a sense of urgency and mystery. The magazine seems to lean towards exploring the unexplained and the potentially threatening aspects of the unknown, as evidenced by the atomic mishap headline and the alien invasion premise. There's a clear interest in presenting accounts that challenge conventional understanding, even if they are met with skepticism from official bodies like the Condon Committee. The inclusion of topics like sex in the 70s and celebrity profiles suggests an attempt to cater to a broad audience interested in contemporary culture and sensationalism. The editorial stance seems to be one that embraces the extraordinary and encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond the mundane, while also acknowledging the skepticism that often surrounds such phenomena.

This issue of SAGA, titled "LIFE HAS BEEN DISCOVERED IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM!", delves into the profound implications of extraterrestrial life, both on a microbial and potentially larger scale, within our solar system. The cover features an illustration of a researcher studying a meteorite, hinting at the cosmic origins of life.

The Threat of Super-Microbes

The magazine highlights the alarming development of drug-resistant bacteria, a phenomenon that has scientists concerned about the potential for worldwide epidemics. The article explains how bacteria are rapidly evolving and sharing genetic information to become immune to powerful antibiotics. This "purposeful" resistance is seen as a significant threat, with fears that human efforts to combat diseases might become "abysmal failure." The New England Journal of Medicine is cited for raising alarms about these microscopic "invaders" that are "fighting back" against human attempts to control them.

Dr. Tsutomu Watanabe's research from Keio University is mentioned, detailing how bacteria like shigella have learned to pass antibiotic resistance to other intestinal bacteria. This resistance has been observed globally, breaching human defenses. The article posits that this could be a natural reaction to the massive and widespread use of "wonder" drugs, similar to how insects develop resistance to pesticides.

Georgetown University, the Food and Drug Administration, and the World Health Organization have convened an international symposium to address Multiple Drug Resistance, framing it as a "war against deadly invaders."

Extraterrestrial Life and Planetary Theories

Beyond microbial threats, the issue explores the broader concept of extraterrestrial life. Exobiologists have long suspected interplanetary exchange of life, with initial evidence coming from fossils found in meteorites. Now, there is "solid scientific proof that other alien micro-organisms are drifting gently down through our atmosphere." The article questions whether life forms range from the "infinitely large to the infinitely small," suggesting that the entire solar system might be a "huge 'atom'" and the galaxy a "molecule."

Immanuel Velikovsky's controversial theories are discussed, particularly his ideas about planetary disturbances caused by a massive comet. These events, he argued, led to cataclysms that reshaped the solar system, including the potential origin of Venus from Jupiter's atmosphere. The article supports Velikovsky's claims by noting Venus's retrograde rotation, suggesting it was not formed at the same time as other planets and is a "very young world."

Evidence for life beyond Earth is also drawn from the observation that microbes, and even insects, have survived in outer space. The New York Department of Health Bulletin is cited for reporting that Earthly organisms survived extended periods in space aboard the Gemini 9 capsule, far exceeding previous records.

The Nature of Intelligence and Life

The magazine probes the definition of intelligence, questioning whether it is exclusive to humanoid forms. It poses the idea of "germ intelligence" and suggests that even microbes might be "purposefully motivated." The article touches upon the concept of "hereditary-genetic code" in plants, questioning if this implies intelligence. It also references the possibility of highly evolved insect life beneath the dust-cloud atmosphere of Venus, adapted to extreme conditions.

Scientific Investigations and Speculation

Researchers like Lincoln LaPaz are mentioned for their work studying meteorites. The article discusses how the solar wind might transport micro-organisms between planets, citing British astronomers' discovery of bacteria that fed on photographic plates, traced to Venus when it was in inferior conjunction with Earth.

The potential for intelligent life on Venus is presented as a strong possibility, given that any planet supporting life must have a complex ecological cycle with various forms of life. The article also briefly touches upon the "legendary planet: Vulcan" and its unnatural destruction, possibly due to a "runaway nuclear holocaust."

Concerns about Human Tampering

The issue raises concerns about humanity's impact on the cosmos, particularly regarding nuclear activities. The Atomic Energy Commission's continued detonation of underground nuclear devices and plans to explode a bomb on the Moon are criticized. The article warns that such actions could potentially nudge the Moon out of orbit or trigger other uncontrollable events, suggesting that "Beings whose warrior-based technology and conqueror's philosophy outweighs their awareness of the true condition of the Universe" might be responsible for cosmic phenomena like supernovae.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAGA revolve around the existence and implications of extraterrestrial life, the resilience and potential threat of microbial life, and the re-examination of scientific and historical theories about the solar system. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, challenging conventional scientific dogma and embracing speculative, yet evidence-based, theories. There is a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of life across the cosmos and a cautionary note regarding humanity's technological advancements and their potential consequences on a universal scale. The magazine encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond anthropocentric views and to question established scientific narratives.