Saucer News - Whole Number 14 - Vol 02 No 08 - 1955 10-11

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 2, NUMBER 8 (Whole Number 14)
Date: OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 1955
Publisher: THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, delves into various phenomena related to flying saucers and potential extraterrestrial life. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien creature, dubbed the "Head Man," accompanied by a story that the editor later debunked as a hoax. The table of contents reveals a mix of letters, book reviews, poetry, and feature articles exploring scientific and speculative topics.

Letters to the Editor

The "Letters to the Editor" section showcases a diverse range of reader opinions. Justin Case critiques a book on flying saucers, questioning its adherence to scientific principles and Newton's Third Law. Richard Hughes sends thanks for copies of the magazine and a photo of the editor, humorously comparing it to a "spirit photo." Robert Scroggins expresses his disapproval of an article on "Saucery and Religion," withdrawing his subscription in "pity and distrust." Yonah H. Fortner praises the magazine's current format for presenting information and allowing readers to form their own opinions, commending the editor for giving a hearing to "erstwhile enemies." Ruth C. Helfand thanks the editor for his hard work in providing interesting information on the subject. Finally, Kenneth H. Ford compliments the magazine for its diversity of opinion.

Feature Articles and Content

"The Sky Cross" by Frank Reid

This article presents a case that cannot be classified as a UFO sighting: the "Sky Cross" vision that occurred in Ipswich, England, on April 27, 1944, during an air raid alert. A great light appeared in the sky, and many witnesses described seeing Jesus standing on a pillar of cloud or, more commonly, on a cross. The vision lasted fifteen minutes and was widely publicized, with many reputable individuals, including a naval commander, attesting to its reality. An engineer, William Gernham, described seeing the "sign of the cross actually start to form." Skeptics attributed the event to "suggestion" and "hysteria," with Dr. F. W. Edridge Green suggesting "mental expectation" played a role. However, Rev. Harold G. Green, an army chaplain and vicar, conducted a personal investigation, interviewing two thousand witnesses. He concluded that the vision was seen by hundreds and considered it a "definite good omen." The article cites sources such as "Forgotten Mysteries" by R. DeWitt Miller and "Newsweek."

Concerning "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer" by Desmond Leslie

Desmond Leslie takes issue with a previous review of the book "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer" by "Justin Case" (identified as a scientist from Washington, D.C.). Leslie refutes the reviewer's claims about the Adamski photos, particularly the assertion that the landing gear's dimensions, when compared to a light bulb, suggest the saucer is merely a light fixture. Leslie challenges the reviewer to produce an example of such a light fixture with identical proportions and criticizes the logic of equating superficial resemblance with identity. He also defends the appearance of multiple highlights on the spherical landing gear, explaining it as a natural effect of light reflecting from incandescent air and translucent spheres. Leslie further disputes the reviewer's claim that a telescope photo of the Moon's surface exceeds five degrees of arc, stating that the Moon's diameter is only about two degrees or thirty minutes of arc. He suggests the reviewer lacks basic knowledge of physics and astronomy, and criticizes SAUCER NEWS for publishing such "ill-reasoned fault-filled nonsense."

"Are There Other Inhabited Planets?" by Justin Case

This article explores the possibility of flying saucers originating from other worlds. Justin Case examines three theories for the origin of our planetary system: a wandering star collision, an explosion in the sun, and Carl Weizsauker's 1943 theory of planetary formation through the accretion of dust. The Weizsauker theory is presented as the most scientifically sound, explaining the circular orbits and chemical composition of planets. This theory implies that planetary systems are common, suggesting billions of planets in the Milky Way galaxy, many of which could host intelligent life. The author considers the likelihood of advanced civilizations existing on these planets and ponders the probability of receiving visitors from space.

The article then discusses the possibility of visitors from nearby planets like Venus and Mars, concluding that the continuous sightings of flying saucers over years make these planets unlikely sources. It suggests that saucers might come from further away, possibly from stars like Alpha Centauri, or even from within our own solar system or planet. The author notes that even a few hundred years of advancement could enable space flight.

Recent News Reports

This section compiles various recent accounts of unusual aerial phenomena and alleged encounters. A prominent report details the "Small Green Men" invasion in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, on August 23rd, 1955, where the J. C. Sutton family claimed to be visited by 12-15 glowing, little green men. The police investigated and found shotgun holes in the house, admitting the Suttons were not prone to exaggeration. Mrs. Glenie Langford also reported seeing similar green figures. Captain Robert White, a Pentagon expert, is quoted as describing these beings as under four feet tall, greenish, often glowing, and smelling bad, though he expresses skepticism about seeing one himself. Another bizarre incident from Riverside, California, involves children's contradictory statements about saucers and a man with "big red eyes" and diamond-shaped features. Cincinnati, Ohio, is noted as a center for "little-men" sightings in August and September 1955. Other reports include a flying saucer landing near Bedford, Indiana, leaving "half-circle" impressions in the ground, and a five-hour search in Galveston Bay for a "ball of fire" that fell from the sky. Additionally, the section mentions Len Stringfield's research for his magazine "Orbit" on saucer landings in Australia and a report from Afghanistan about a "bottle-shaped aircraft" tested at a secret Soviet base.

More Radio Signals from Space

A team of Australian scientists is reportedly receiving weekly "radio" signals from Jupiter, originating from a visible marking on the planet. American radio astronomers have also received similar signals. Scientists at Ohio State University have discovered a new type of celestial body emitting radio waves with rapid changes in strength, described as the "most spectacular" object yet recorded, possibly within or outside the solar system.

Fireballs May Be "Shells" in Test War, Says LaPaz

Dr. Lincoln LaPaz of the University of New Mexico's Institute of Meteoritics suggests that "green fireballs" could be ice projectiles used in an "ice-cube test war" by a "shrewd opponent" to test the range of deadly missiles. He notes that since 1948, observers have been asked if ice or water drops were detected falling from the sky during such incidents, with some observers reporting water drops.

Air Force Balloons Traversing U. S. Skies

The Air Force announced it is tracking large plastic balloons across the U.S. to study satellite development. These balloons appear as swiftly moving, brightly-lit discs at high altitudes (up to 100,000 feet) and can be illuminated by the setting sun, potentially appearing as balls of fire. They travel at high speeds and can change course rapidly due to winds at those altitudes.

Important Announcement

The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society announces the publication of a non-scheduled "Newsletter." This publication will deliver information deemed "too hot to handle" for the regular SAUCER NEWS editions. It will be sent free to Honorary Members and will cost $1.00 for regular subscribers, providing them with an indefinite subscription to the Newsletter. The frequency of this bulletin will depend on future developments in saucer research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER NEWS revolve around the mystery of flying saucers, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine presents a wide array of accounts, from alleged encounters with "little green men" to celestial visions and advanced aircraft. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of open inquiry and the presentation of diverse viewpoints, as evidenced by the "Letters to the Editor" section and the editor's own defense of allowing different opinions to be heard. The magazine also engages with scientific theories, particularly regarding planetary origins and the potential for life beyond Earth, while also featuring more sensationalistic reports. The announcement of the "Newsletter" indicates a commitment to providing readers with potentially sensitive or controversial information, reinforcing the publication's role as a conduit for cutting-edge, and sometimes fringe, research in the field of UFOlogy.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: December-January 1955-1956
Publisher: S.A.U.C.E.R.S.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into several key topics within the UFO and unexplained phenomena field, featuring a mix of news reports, scientific analysis, and critical reviews.

Key Articles and Reports

Air Force Admits Building Flying Saucers

A sensational news story, added at the last minute, reveals that the Air Force announced on October 25th that it would soon have a vertical rising, man-bearing jet plane resembling a flying saucer. This plane, manufactured by the Ryan Aeronautical Co., was to be flown near San Diego, California. The Air Force also stated that previous saucer sightings were illusions or explainable as 'conventional phenomena,' and not 'aircraft of foreign origin.' However, the report does not specifically deny the possibility that previous sightings could be accounted for by other American craft.

A second type of saucer-shaped plane is expected to emerge from research contracted with Avro Limited of Canada. This project, initially abandoned by the Canadian government, was taken over by the American Air Force. The article notes that U.S. military security shields this three-year-old Avro project tightly. An artist's design of the Avro saucer was released, showing a disc with a raised central plateau and a transparent cockpit, along with a 316-page book of previously unpublished facts about the Air Force's research.

Law of Gravity Defied on a Cincinnati Hill

This section reports on a phenomenon occurring on a hill on North Bend Road in Cincinnati, where automobiles appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral. A Cincinnati Post reporter investigated and confirmed the effect with his own car. The phenomenon is described as cars coasting up the oncoming hill when approaching from the opposite direction.

News Briefs

• The Civilian Saucer Intelligence Group of New York held its first meeting of the 1955-1956 season on October 28th, with M. K. Jessup as a speaker.
• The latest official Pentagon 'fact sheet' on flying saucers indicated only 200 reports received in the first six months of 1955, a significant decrease from 1,700 reports in 1952.
• A report from the February 1942 'Mechanix Illustrated' is cited, describing a 'bizarre flying pillbox' capable of lifting a 75mm field gun and crew to four miles altitude, designed by an aircraft engine company in Burbank, California, which employed no propellers.
• Henry Holt & Co. moved the publication date of Major Keyhoe's third book, 'The Flying Saucer Conspiracy,' from January 1956 to November 28, 1955. The book reportedly suggests that certain groups in Washington are keeping the truth about saucers from the American public.
• There is mention of public curiosity regarding the silence of Gray Barker, editor of 'The Saucerian,' who is said to have uncovered startling information.

The Green Fireballs of the Southwest

Authored by "Dr. D.," this article distinguishes 'green fireballs' from 'flying saucers.' Green fireballs are described as traveling in straight lines, without hovering, at high speed, and lasting only a few seconds, unlike saucers which hover and make sharp turns. The Air Force has not publicly analyzed reports of green lights in the Southwestern United States. However, Prof. J. Allen Hynek, in the Air Force's final 'Project Grudge' report, suggested that these reports were caused by secret U.S. research activity in the Southwest.

The article points to an article by Dr. Fritz Zwicky in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (February 1947) describing a U.S. Government-sponsored program for producing artificial meteors (fireballs) at White Sands, New Mexico. These artificial meteors would have appeared at times and places consistent with 'green light' reports. The author notes the Air Force's silence on this potential explanation and the 'strange coincidence.' The article also suggests that similar phenomena observed in the Baltic Sea might be linked to Russian experiments with V-2 rockets.

Dr. Lincoln LaPaz of Albuquerque, an official participant in the White Sands tests, is mentioned as believing 'green fireballs' to be man-made, though he has not referenced Zwicky's work. Other groups involved in the tests include the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, the New Mexico School of Mines, and the Army Ordnance Department.

An amateur astronomer in Los Alamos, New Mexico, witnessed eleven 'green fireballs' and concluded they were not natural meteors due to their duration (about five seconds), brilliant green color, horizontal travel, and North-South or South-North direction, contrasting with natural meteors.

Triangulation data from two New Mexico cities indicated a 'green light' at an altitude of about ten miles, traveling at several miles per second, consistent with 'artificial meteors' as described by Dr. Zwicky. The article contrasts this with 'flying saucer' sightings, noting the lack of reputable triangulation for speeds over half a mile per second. Commander R.B. McLaughlin's report in 'True' magazine is critiqued for using only one theodolite and an unconvincing approximation method to estimate altitude and speed, potentially confusing 'green fireballs' with 'flying saucers.'

Book Review: Inside the Space Ships by George Adamski

Reviewed by Lonzo Dove, this section critically examines George Adamski's book. Dove argues that Adamski's claims of firsthand knowledge of space ships are contradicted by his apparent ignorance of basic scientific principles. Specific points of contention include:

• Earth's Apparent Size and Brightness: Adamski claims that from 50,000 miles, Earth appears the same size as the Sun and less bright than the Moon. Dove refutes this, stating that from that distance, Earth would appear significantly larger and brighter than the Moon and Sun, due to its size and reflective surfaces.
• Moon's Rotation and Temperature: Adamski's statement about a temperate zone around the visible edges of the Moon is called a physical absurdity. Dove explains the Moon's rotation and temperature distribution.
• Number of Planets and Life on Other Planets: Adamski's mention of 12 suns revolving around a larger body is dismissed as incorrect. Dove also argues against the possibility of human-like or even organic life evolving on planets like Saturn, Venus, or Mars due to extreme environmental conditions, suggesting Martian life might be composed of Deuterium instead of Hydrogen.
• Meteors and Space: Adamski's description of meteors as darker than outer space is challenged; meteors are said to reflect sunlight and appear bright from space, becoming self-luminous only upon atmospheric entry.
• Telescope and Photography: The review questions Adamski's ability to see fine details from a flying saucer using a telescope, especially in darkness or through a turbulent atmosphere. The photographs of space ships with port holes and faces are heavily criticized as being blurry, poorly resolved, and likely faked, with the explanation of 'mysterious rays' being dismissed.

Dove concludes by stating he is not scoffing at Adamski but pointing out demonstrable flaws in his story, hoping rational people will question whether Adamski's claims of flying saucer rides and photos are credible.

Last Minute News (Editorialized)

This section, added after the planned 18-page edition went to press, reiterates the Air Force's admission of building saucer-type planes. It also mentions a second type of saucer-shaped plane from the Avro project in Canada, now under Air Force contract. The article concludes that it is now known that the Germans experimented with saucer-like craft during World War Two, and the Air Force is currently building similar craft. The authors infer that many unexplained sightings are likely due to these top-secret American craft, though they do not rule out extraterrestrial origins entirely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on debunking sensational claims, particularly those made by George Adamski, by applying scientific reasoning and scrutinizing photographic evidence. The publication also highlights official government statements and research, such as the Air Force's admission of building advanced aircraft, while simultaneously suggesting that such developments might explain many past sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor explanations rooted in terrestrial technology and secret government projects, while maintaining an open mind to the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement, though with a clear preference for the former as a more significant contributor to the observed phenomena. The magazine positions itself as providing 'confidential information' and 'world-wide press clipping services' for those seeking an 'inside' perspective on the saucer field.

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