Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine, titled "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries," delves into the phenomenon of UFO waves, with a particular focus on the significant wave experienced in October 1973. The article, written by John A. Keel, explores the historical patterns, public and media reactions, and potential future occurrences of these events.

The 1973 UFO Wave: A Shift in Perception

The October 1973 UFO wave marked a turning point in how the phenomenon was perceived. For the first time in 26 years, the U.S. media paid serious attention, with nightly reports on network television news programs. The usual sneers and ridicule associated with earlier UFO sightings were conspicuously absent. Distinguished scientists and news commentators viewed the events soberly, and for the first time, the U.S. Air Force and the Pentagon remained largely aloof and silent. A Gallup poll revealed that 51 percent of the population accepted the existence of extraterrestrial life, a dramatic increase from fewer than 5 percent in 1950.

Several factors contributed to this shift: credible spokesmen like astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek emerged, millions of people witnessed unidentified aerial objects, making it difficult for the Air Force to dismiss witnesses. Additionally, NBC's news department had begun a comprehensive UFO special, though it was canceled due to the Watergate scandal and the war in the Middle East.

Old Patterns in the New Wave: Historical Context

The article highlights that the 1973 wave followed established patterns observed in previous UFO waves. The first significant wave in modern times occurred in 1896-97, beginning on the West Coast (San Francisco) and spreading to the Mississippi Valley. In 1947, the first major flying saucer sightings also began on the West Coast (Washington and Oregon), then moved to California and subsequently the Mississippi region.

Subsequent waves in 1952, 1957, and 1964-67 followed a similar pattern: appearing on the West Coast, peaking, declining, and then reappearing in the Midwest. Two subsidiary patterns, or "routes," were identified:

1. The "Great Circle" Route: UFO activity starts in Canada and spreads into the northern U.S. in a circular pattern, from the Great Lakes to the Northwest. Sudden waves in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta are often followed by sightings along this route in the U.S.
2. The Southern Route: This route extends up from the Gulf of Mexico, encompassing southern states and moving northwards in phases, linking with objects in the Great Lakes region. The article notes that UFO experts can often predict the progress of these waves, even anticipating where they will be seen next, suggesting the objects follow rivers.

Sightings in 1972 in Canada and California preceded the 1973 wave, allowing ufologists to predict a buildup and a subsequent flap in the Mississippi delta states and the Great Lakes region.

The "Meanwhile Down Under" Correlation

A curious pattern noted is the correlation between UFO sightings in Australia and the U.S. Each major American wave is preceded by a large flap in Australia and New Zealand, a phenomenon dating back to 1909. In that year, New Zealand experienced a wave of aerial visitors, followed by sightings in Great Britain, Sweden, and Europe, and a massive wave in New England in December 1909.

Sightings in Australia and Scandinavia are seen as signals for an impending wave in North America. Scandinavia experienced a "ghost rocket" invasion in 1946, preceding the 1947 American wave. In 1972, Australia and New Zealand experienced a significant flap, with the Eastern coast of Australia and much of New Zealand reporting heavy UFO activity since mid-1971.

This pattern suggests a systematic operation, with one group of sightings moving up from the south and another sweeping down from the north, almost like a military pincer movement.

The Great Wave Begins and What's Next

By the end of 1972, warning signals were flashing globally. Flaps in Australia, Scandinavia, and South America, along with Canada, indicated a new wave was approaching the U.S. Sightings increased in California, and reports filtered in from states along the "great circle" route. A large, though less publicized, flap occurred nationwide in May 1973, with many sightings around Piedmont, Missouri.

Ufologists charted the probable course of the phenomenon, predicting a major wave in the southern states and a full-scale nationwide flap. In August 1973, eerie lights and humming objects were reported in Manchester, Georgia, and other sightings occurred in the Great Lakes region. The wave was underway, following old patterns precisely, with a peak expected in mid-October or November around Thanksgiving.

On October 3, 1973, the wave officially "crashed" across the U.S., with widespread newspaper reports of daily sightings. Objects were seen over villages and farms nationwide, and numerous landings and contacts were reported. A surprising new pattern was the wholesale contact with scattered police chiefs, many of whom had witnessed landings before.

Looking ahead, the article predicts that Florida and the Gulf States might experience minor waves in January. April 1974 is expected to produce one of the biggest flying saucer waves in history, contingent on factors like publicity and the absence of major political events. The phenomenon typically operates in cycles, reappearing every 4 or 5 years. The current wave is predicted to peak in April or July-August 1974, after which the objects will suddenly seem to disappear. The next major wave is not expected until 1978-79, with activity potentially beginning in Canada, Scandinavia, and Australia in 1976-77.

Ongoing Investigation and Understanding

UFO investigators worldwide are now organized and in communication, sharing details of unique events. Statisticians and computer experts are analyzing thousands of reports to uncover more patterns. Despite decades of research, there is "still no real answer" to the phenomenon. The article concludes that these objects have been present for a long time, following consistent geographical and temporal patterns. Understanding these underlying patterns may unlock greater knowledge than simply collecting witness accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the cyclical nature of UFO waves, the historical patterns of their appearance, and the evolving public and media perception of the phenomenon. The editorial stance, as presented by John A. Keel, is one of serious inquiry and a belief that understanding the underlying patterns of UFO activity is key to unraveling the mystery, rather than dismissing it outright. There's an emphasis on the growing credibility of the subject due to increased sightings and more sober reporting.