Saucer News - Whole Number 15 - Vol 03 No 01 - 1955 12-1956 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 3, NUMBER 1 (Whole Number 15)
Date: DECEMBER-JANUARY 1955-1956
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, presents a collection of articles, reviews, and news items related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The magazine aims to explore these topics with a critical yet open-minded approach, as indicated by its editorial stance and the variety of content.

Editorial Notes

The "THOUSAND DOLLAR OFFER" is prominently featured, with Editor James W. Moseley challenging individuals to provide concrete, material proof of flying saucers visiting Earth. He states that no photographic evidence will be accepted, but anything less than concrete proof will not suffice. The offer is aimed at those who claim to have witnessed landings, urging them to 'put up or shut up.'

An announcement is made regarding a new, non-scheduled "Newsletter" that will contain information deemed "too hot to handle" for the regular editions. This newsletter will be sent free to Honorary Members and available to regular subscribers for an initial charge of $1.00.

A "QUESTIONNAIRE" is enclosed with the issue, designed to gather readers' views on saucers and to solicit feedback for improving SAUCER NEWS. Readers are urged to participate, with the assurance that their names will not be used and that the results will be published.

Information is also provided on how to obtain a copy of the Air Force Press Release No. 1053-55 and the summary of Project Blue Book Special Report #14, free of charge to Honorary Members and subscribers in good standing.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes a letter from "Dr. D." (full name withheld) who discusses the AVRO "flying saucer" and its potential operation based on the Coanda effect, noting that this principle was described in a 1939 publication. The letter suggests that this effect explains the silence of saucers, a characteristic frequently reported by observers.

Another letter, from a reader who wishes to remain anonymous, critiques Lonzo Dove's article debunking Adamski's claims. The writer agrees with Dove's debunking but points out several other errors in Adamski's book, particularly regarding the description of stars as flickering and moving rapidly.

Recent News

This section covers several recent reports and incidents:

• SAUCERS AND "ANGEL HAIR" AGAIN: On October 27th, a large group of students and teachers at Whitsett High School, N.C., witnessed a fleet of 10 flying saucers. Simultaneously, a large quantity of "angel hair" floated earthward and was examined by observers. Lab tests indicated the material was not cotton, wool, or synthetic yarn, with suggestions it might be spider webs or animal material, though a biologist found it unlikely to be spider webs. The substance remained unidentified, with rumors of Air Force involvement.
• 25 PEOPLE DISAPPEAR MYSTERIOUSLY FROM YACHT: A sea mystery reminiscent of the Mary Celeste case involved a pleasure yacht found floating aimlessly near the Fiji Islands with no trace of its 25 passengers. The yacht had left on a short trip and was later discovered flooded, with its funnel possibly blown or washed away, and the ship's log missing.
• TWO FLYING SAUCERS FOUND IN BARN NEAR BALTIMORE, IN 1949: An article from the Atlantic City Press, citing the Baltimore Sun, reports that an Air Force officer stated two battered old aircraft found in a barn near Glen Burnie were 'definitely prototypes of the flying saucer.' The article suggests improved models are now flying and are the source of recent reports. The inventor, Jonathan E. Caldwell, had disappeared around 1941.
• NEWS BRIEFS:
• Major Donald Keyhoe was scheduled to address the Civilian Saucer Intelligence Group of New York on "Flying Saucers Censored," likely based on his new book.
• A bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to form a joint committee for studying extraterrestrial exploration.
• A New York magazine called "Expose" published an article about why Frank Edwards, former Mutual newscaster, was fired.

Book Review: The Case for the UFO by M.K. Jessup

Reviewed by Justin Case, this section summarizes M.K. Jessup's book, which argues that many unexplained phenomena can be attributed to the actions of space ships operating within the Earth-moon binary system. Jessup posits that objects falling from space are dumpings from these craft, containing various materials and life forms. He also explains disappearances and teleportations as the work of these spacecraft.

A significant part of Jessup's work is the compilation of astronomical data from 1877-1887, showing objects crossing the sun with movements indicating intelligent control. These sightings suggest space ships inhabit the gravitational neutral of the Earth-moon-sun system, approximately 160,000 to 170,000 miles from Earth. Jessup believes these are parent ships that send observational craft to Earth.

The review highlights Jessup's claim of a worldwide civilization before the "Flood," supported by megalithic stonework and ancient records of wingless aerial craft. He suggests UFOs originated on Earth or came from another planet, planting a civilization of which humans are remnants.

The reviewer, Justin Case, finds Jessup's views on the antiquity of space ships and civilization speculative but acknowledges that Jessup presents a strong case for the existence of UFOs. The review notes that while many reports are inaccurate, Jessup's compilation of oddities is impressive. However, the reviewer cautions against accepting explanations solely due to ignorance and suggests that some sightings might be natural satellites. The book is recommended for believers and students of saucer phenomena, particularly chapters on "Fireballs and Lights" and "Astronomy Speaks." The reviewer encourages Jessup to analyze data on strange objects seen in the sky over the past ten years.

Feature Articles

• WHAT ON EARTH WERE THEY? by Harold T. Wilkins: Wilkins discusses phenomena described as "utterly fantastic" or cosmic, dismissing notions of "little men" or "angels." He recounts an incident on May 1, 1954, where a "brilliant red hemisphere" shot out of the ground in Utah, exploded violently, and created an eight-foot crater and an earth tremor. He questions if this is related to a similar red ball phenomenon in New Mexico in 1952 and whether it is "contra-terrene matter." Wilkins suggests that whoever or whatever caused these explosions is not interested in improving life on Earth. He then describes a bright red phenomenon he personally witnessed on July 23, 1954, flying at about 500 feet and faster than a jet. The incident was reportedly recorded by Royal Air Force radarscopes but received no press coverage. Similar objects were later seen in France and Italy, followed by radar. The article also describes a luminous cloud sighting in Sydney harbor on January 1, 1955, which changed shape and separated into ovoids before vanishing. Wilkins concludes by posing questions about whether these are "fourth dimensional" phenomena and what their purpose or origin might be.

• The "Little People" Case for the UFO by M. K. Jessup: Jessup argues that his hypothesis for UFOs remains valid, regardless of the Air Force's stance. He believes that spatial intelligence is to be expected and that his evidence is distinct from that used by the Air Force. Jessup acknowledges that some events may be government experimentation but insists that many cannot be explained this way. He uses the debate on lunar crater formation (volcano vs. meteor impact) as an analogy for the UFO debate, suggesting that multiple factors are involved. Jessup proposes "intelligent construction" as a third cause for some lunar craters. He discusses his research since writing "The Case," revealing a broad history of UFO activity. Jessup defends his theory that massive stone structures worldwide were moved by levitation, arguing that unlimited manpower alone is unlikely to explain such feats. He suggests that "little people" (pygmies) may have played a significant role in ancient civilizations, possibly developing levitation and space flight. He links them to legends of supernatural powers and suggests they may be returning from space, drawing a parallel to a passage in the 13th Chapter of St. Mark.

News Briefs

• The National Geographic Society reported a vast new blue-green area on Mars, believed to be living vegetation.
• Truman Betherum, author of "Aboard a Flying Saucer," is involved in a divorce case where his wife names a "beautiful space woman" as co-respondent.
• George Adamski reportedly suffered a heart attack before a scheduled lecture.
• A local resident in Medina, Ohio, found a "curious piece of metal" after a fleet of "space ships" flew by, which is being analyzed.
• Harold T. Wilkins' new book, "Flying Saucers Uncensored," is released.

Summary, Notes and Comments on PROJECT BLUE BOOK SPECIAL REPORT NO. 14

By Justin Case and James W. Moseley, this section summarizes the Air Force's eight-year investigation into unidentified aerial objects, as released in Press Release No. 1053-55. The report concluded that "no evidence of the existence of the popularly-termed 'flying saucers' was found." Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles stated that no such objects had overflown the U.S. but noted that aviation technology was advancing, leading to aircraft of unusual configuration. The report emphasized that these craft would obey natural law and be manned by terrestrial airmen, and that other countries also possessed such capabilities. The authors note that the 316-page report can be examined at the Pentagon. The accompanying cartoon humorously depicts the Air Force's stance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFOs, the skepticism and official denials from government bodies like the Air Force, and the persistent efforts of civilian researchers and enthusiasts to gather evidence and understand these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open inquiry, challenging official narratives, and presenting a platform for diverse viewpoints, even those considered speculative. The magazine actively seeks reader participation and publishes critical reviews and analyses of books and reports concerning UFOs. There's a clear interest in historical accounts, scientific explanations (like the Coanda effect), and the potential for extraterrestrial or advanced terrestrial origins of these sightings.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, identified as issue number 11 and dated May 5th, 1955, focuses heavily on the findings of the U.S. Air Force's "Analysis of Reports of Unidentified Aerial Objects," also known as Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14.

Air Force Report Analysis

The issue begins by summarizing the Air Force's comprehensive study, which covered approximately 4000 reports received between July 1947 and December 1952. The report details the process of filtering these reports, eliminating those that were contradictory, vague, or duplicates, leaving 2200 reports for further analysis. Of these, 1766 were identified as 'Knowns' (e.g., balloons, aircraft, astronomical phenomena), and 434 remained 'Unknowns' because their descriptions and maneuvers did not fit known patterns.

The analysis involved tabulating data in various ways, but no definitive patterns or trends emerged. A comparison of characteristics between Knowns and Unknowns showed similarities in five out of six categories. A statistical 'Chi Square' test was employed, but it neither confirmed nor denied that the Unknowns were different from the Knowns. Further re-evaluation of the 434 Unknowns, separating daylight and night sightings, suggested that many could have been familiar objects, but visual estimation inaccuracies made certainty impossible.

The Air Force's primary conclusion was that "it can never be proven that flying saucers do not exist" but that it is "highly improbable that any of the reports of unidentified aerial objects examined in this study represent observations of technological developments outside the range of present-day scientific knowledge." This conclusion was based on the lack of patterns, the absence of a distinct 'Unknown' group, the inability to derive a typical saucer model from detailed reports, and the lack of any recovered physical material.

The report also noted that improved reporting methods and prompt investigations by Air Intelligence Service Squadrons had reduced the percentage of 'Unknowns' to 3% by 1955. The report itself comprised about 60 pages of text, 38 pages of charts and graphs, and 218 pages of tables and miscellaneous material, representing a significant effort by the Air Force Technical Intelligence Center and its consultants.

Comments by Justin Case

Justin Case offers a critical commentary on the Air Force report, noting its complex language and potential for multiple interpretations. Case suggests the report implies that flying saucers are not real, but that the U.S. now possesses advanced aircraft that resemble them. He highlights a discrepancy between the press release (concluding saucers don't exist) and the report (stating they can't prove they don't exist and that they are improbable beyond current knowledge).

Case questions the statistical basis of the report, suggesting that the dismissal of many sightings might have created a lack of data for a firm conclusion. He proposes three possible interpretations:

A. Flying saucers are secret U.S. developments, which the Air Force is implying but not stating directly. Case finds this interpretation difficult to reconcile with the report's claims that saucers don't exist and the effort to deceive the public.

B. Flying saucers are misinterpretations of ordinary objects. Case points to several well-known sightings (e.g., Captain Mantell, Chiles-Whitted) that are not explained by the report as ordinary objects.

C. Flying saucers are connected with intelligent visitors from space, and the Air Force is either concealing this or is unsure, while simultaneously developing similar aircraft. Case believes this is a logical interpretation given the report's vagueness and the dismissal of many Unknowns.

Case concludes by urging readers to appreciate the Air Force's efforts and expertise, acknowledging that the government is in a better position to determine national interests. He encourages continued study of the mystery.

Further Comments by James W. Moseley

James W. Moseley commends the Air Force for its thorough and honest attempt to solve the "Saucer Mystery," acknowledging the extensive technical details, charts, and graphs in the report. He dismisses the idea that the Air Force is hiding proof of interplanetary saucers, noting the lack of any open hints in the report to support this.

Moseley focuses on statements from the report's summary, particularly the conclusion that it is "highly improbable that reports of unidentified aerial objects examined in this study represent observations of technological developments outside the range of present-day scientific knowledge." He also highlights the report's assertion that there was "no evidence that the unexplained reports of unidentified objects constituted a threat to the security of the United States," questioning why the Air Force was so certain from the beginning.

He points to the report's classification of a high percentage of Unknowns as "rocket-aircraft-shape," suggesting these could have been identified if flight route information was available. Moseley also quotes the report stating that the failure to identify most Unknowns was due to "the unavailability of supplemental data such as aircraft flight plans." He interprets this, along with other points, to suggest that the majority of recent sightings are of U.S. craft rather than foreign or extraterrestrial vehicles.

Moseley notes that the Air Force used similar methods to those described in a previous NEXUS article for evaluating sightings and points out that the report paid no attention to authorities on flying saucers in England and Southern California.

The Air Force's Twelve Best Unexplained Sightings

This section presents the Air Force's summary of 12 'Unknown' sightings that were described with sufficient detail to attempt to derive a model of a flying saucer. These cases, accompanied by drawings in the original report, include:

• Case I: Two men observed a shiny, metallic object, 6-8 feet long, gliding horizontally at about 30 feet altitude.
• Case II (Flint, Michigan): Several groups of objects, shaped like conventional aircraft with a red glow, were seen flying in formation.
• Case III (Sioux City, Iowa): Tower operators and pilots observed a light that maneuvered rapidly, blinking lights, and disappearing under their plane.
• Case IV: A farmer and his hand saw two cigar-shaped objects with exhaust, appearing transparent and illuminated from within.
• Case V (Montgomery, Alabama): Pilots observed an object with no wings or protrusions but with lighted windows, powered by rocket or jet motors, leaving a trail of fire.
• Case VI: An instrument technician observed an object moving erratically at high speed, rolling and showing a red side.
• Case VII (Korea): A Flight Sergeant saw an object performing spinning, tumbling, and rapid ascent maneuvers.
• Case VIII: An electrician sighted an object flying a straight and level course across the horizon.
• Case IX (Twin Falls, Idaho): A farmer and sons observed a sky-blue, cigar-shaped object with flame-shooting pods, making a swishing sound.
• Case X: Laboratory employees saw a metallic object reflecting sunlight, moving in horizontal flight at increasing speed.
• Case XI (Little Rock, Arkansas): Pilots observed a circular, disc-like object with a blinking light and portholes emitting purple light, traveling at over 1000 mph.
• Case XII (Pittsburg, Kansas): A musician observed a hovering object, described as two oval platters together, with a continuous blue light and visible occupants, emitting a deep throbbing sound and ascending vertically.

Editorial Notes

The Editorial Notes section encourages readers to write to the Department of Defense for further information. It also solicits contributions for future issues, preferring articles with new approaches or factual data. The editors state that writers are free to express their own opinions. Advertising rates and circulation figures are provided, along with a deadline for the February-March issue.

Back Issues and Next Issue

Information is provided on obtaining back issues of SAUCER NEWS and its predecessor, NEXUS. The next issue is previewed to include articles by Justin Case and John Pitt, as well as an article by the Editor titled "The Bender Story," focusing on Al Bender and intriguing saucer incidents.

Advertisement

An advertisement promotes eyewitness reports of flying saucer abductions and spectacular reports of spacecraft from other worlds in the December issue of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official U.S. Air Force stance on UFOs as presented in Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14, with a critical examination of its conclusions and implications. The editorial stance, as expressed through the commentaries by Justin Case and James W. Moseley, is one of skepticism towards the Air Force's definitive conclusions, suggesting that the report leaves room for alternative interpretations, including the possibility of advanced U.S. technology or even extraterrestrial origins, despite the official denial. The magazine actively encourages reader participation and the sharing of information, positioning itself as a platform for ongoing investigation into the UFO phenomenon.