Saucer News - Whole Number 39 - Vol 07 No 01 - 1960

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 7, NUMBER 1 (Whole Number 39)
Date: MARCH 1960
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Country: USA
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS presents a mix of investigative journalism, personal accounts, and scientific speculation within the realm of UFO phenomena. The cover features "Princess Negonna and Prince Neosom," described as "the most fantastic contactees of them all."

Editorials

The editorial section addresses two key points: Norbert Gariety's accusation of censorship against Major Keyhoe, and the changing landscape of ufology due to the death or retirement of several prominent writers.

Norbert Gariety Accuses Major Keyhoe of Censorship

This section quotes an editorial from "S.P.A.C.E." by Norbert Gariety, who criticizes Major Keyhoe for allegedly not investigating or publishing certain UFO cases, particularly those from New Zealand, Australia, and New Guinea. Gariety questions why Keyhoe, who intended to investigate UFO reports and provide facts to the public and Congress, has not publicized cases like the "Blenheim Report" involving occupants in metallic suits or an Episcopal mission account with 38 witnesses. Gariety suggests Keyhoe is following the Air Force's pattern of selective reporting. The SAUCER NEWS editorial responds by stating that while they also do not accept all contact cases, they do not censor news and did not print the mentioned sightings because they were not brought to their attention soon enough. They emphasize their aim to print all interesting news and allow readers to form their own conclusions.

The Changing Scene

This part of the editorial notes the recent losses in the ufology community, including the death of Harold T. Wilkins, author of three saucer books, and Tiffany Thayer, editor of "Doubt." It also mentions the suspension of "Doubt" and the impending cessation of publication for "Saucers" magazine by Max B. Miller. SAUCER NEWS positions itself as now being the third oldest saucer magazine in the world, with "A.P.R.O. Bulletin" and "Saucerian Bulletin" being older or non-scheduled.

Feature Articles

Prince or King, He Isn't a Spaceman! by Michael G. Mann

This lengthy article investigates the claims of Douglas Hancock, who introduced himself on the New York scene in October 1958 with tales of experiences with Buck Nelson and Lee Childers. Hancock, a member of a U.S. Army band, visited various contactees. The article reveals that Lee Childers, who had previously claimed to be a spaceman named Prince Neosom, was exposed as a charlatan. Childers' wife provided evidence that his claims originated from comic books. He had claimed to travel to the Moon, Mars, and Venus in minutes. His companions, Beth Docker and Mrs. Fannie Lowrey, apparently accepted his stories without thorough investigation. The article details how Childers, as Prince Neosom, predicted a fleet of saucers would rebroadcast his radio program, which did not happen. A letter from a Michigan saucer researcher to William Woods of the Bureau of UFO Research and Analysis confirms Neosom's identity as Lee Childers and highlights his fabricated stories. The article also mentions Mr. Kover's involvement in a lecture where objects purportedly fallen from the sky were displayed. A telegram sent by an unknown party to Douglas Hancock, congratulating him and announcing Neosom's departure and a new contact via "Tythan," is presented as a method to expose Neosom. The epilogue reveals that Douglas Hancock was discharged from the Army on a "Section Eight" and granted a pension. Harry Hoffman, Neosom's follower, claims Prince married Beth Docker, who is now "Princess Negonna." Hoffman also supports Otis T. Carr and makes claims about the telegram being a prank, which the author refutes, stating its purpose was to expose Neosom.

Do Flying Saucers Come from Space? (Part II) - by Justin Case

This article continues the discussion from Part I, concluding that flying saucers are not man-made and do not originate on Earth. Part II explores the possibility that saucers contain intelligent life from interstellar space within the Milky Way Galaxy or beyond. The vast distances involved are emphasized, with a light-year defined as 5.88 trillion miles. The Milky Way Galaxy is 100,000 light-years in diameter. The article notes that within 16 light-years of the Sun, there are only 48 stars, the nearest being 4.3 light-years away. While scientists accept the probability of planets with intelligent life existing elsewhere, there is no scientific proof. The article then details the significant dangers and difficulties of space flight, including extreme temperatures (absolute zero to over 10,000 degrees F.), cosmic rays (which can penetrate six feet of lead and are far more powerful in space), and collision with meteors of varying sizes. It also mentions dangers like illness, power failure, and loss of control. The article discusses Einstein's theories on time dilation and velocity, suggesting that time slows down as speed increases, making interstellar travel potentially more feasible if speeds close to the speed of light could be achieved. However, it also notes that Einstein's theories predict mass becomes infinite at the speed of light, making it unattainable. The author concludes that for humans, interstellar space flight is impossible, but might be possible for a more intelligent, knowledgeable, and hardy form of life.

How to Build a Saucer - by Y.N. ibn Aharon, B.D., S.T.M.

This article is listed in the table of contents but its content is not provided in the scanned pages.

Other Sections

Letter Section

This section includes a letter from Major Lawrence J. Tacker of the USAF, clarifying that James W. Moseley of SAUCER NEWS is not the Captain Mosley who resides in Florida. It also features letters from Richard C. Weiner, M.D., and David Wightman (Editor of "Uranus"). Weiner comments on the "Long John Program" and Barker's response. Wightman critiques Michael G. Mann's article about Major Keyhoe, questioning Mann's methods and suggesting that Mann is trying to manufacture controversy. Samuel Goldberg offers a brief comment about future space travel and the eventual discrediting of writers like Adamski and Keyhoe.

Russian Scientist Confirms Ibn A'haron's Theories

This article reports on Soviet scientist M. Agrest, who proposed that travelers from outer space may have landed on Earth centuries ago. Agrest cited the Biblical account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as evidence, suggesting it was caused by nuclear fuel explosion by space visitors. He also pointed to the Baalbek terrace and astronomical knowledge inexplicably possessed by ancient humans as supporting evidence. The article connects this to Y.N. ibn A'haron's series on "Extraterrestrialism as an Historical Doctrine," which posits that Y'hova was a space being using radioactive flying saucers.

Saucer Clippings Still For Sale

An advertisement for approximately 6,000 saucer clippings, contained in 40 volumes covering 1954-1959, is mentioned as still being available for purchase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea of investigating UFO phenomena with an emphasis on original research and exclusive content, differentiating itself from publications that rely on reprints or endorsements of unproven claims. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalist "contactee" stories, as exemplified by the Prince Neosom exposé. The publication also engages with scientific theories, particularly concerning the feasibility of space travel and the potential extraterrestrial origins of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to present information and allow readers to draw their own conclusions, while also being wary of censorship and sensationalism within the ufology community.

This issue of Flying Saucers magazine, dated October 1959, delves into the theoretical possibilities and ancient concepts related to flying saucers and advanced flight.

Interstellar and Intergalactic Travel

The issue begins by exploring the immense challenges of interstellar and intergalactic space flight. The author posits that for a life form to undertake such journeys, it would need to be exceptionally long-lived, resistant to disease, require minimal sustenance, and possess the ability to hibernate or suspend animation. Furthermore, immense courage and luck would be necessary to navigate dangers, such as meteor collisions, and to locate a suitable planet within the vast emptiness of space. The author concludes that the improbability of such flights, multiplied by the unlikelihood of intelligent visitors choosing our solar system, suggests that flying saucers are not intelligent visitors from interstellar or intergalactic space.

The Nature of Flying Saucers

Part I of a previous article concluded that flying saucers are not man-made and do not originate on Earth or other planets in our solar system. Part II of this article, presented here, concludes they are not from interstellar or intergalactic space. The author admits to not knowing their origin, suggesting they might be phenomena beyond present scientific knowledge and comprehension. The author rejects all explanations for flying saucers that lack a scientific basis.

HOW TO BUILD A SAUCER

This section, authored by Y. N. ibn Aharon, B. D., with illustrations by Michael G. Mann, explores ancient knowledge of flight technology. It argues that applied science, unlike pure science, depends on economic feasibility for progress. The article references the "Majians" and their understanding of technology, where it was unthinkable for a person to use a machine without understanding it.

The Marvid and Chaldean Law

The text introduces the "marvid," an aircraft described as a "flying saucer" according to modern notions. It is linked to Chaldean law, specifically the "Corpus Juris of Chaldean law" (Halkatha), which is presented as a skillful summary for public information.

The Privilege of Flight

The Halkatha is quoted as stating that the privilege of operating a flying machine is great, and the knowledge of flight is an ancient inheritance, a gift from "Those from upon High." This knowledge was received as a means of saving lives, but its abuse could lead to the destruction of many more. Therefore, the knowledge of flight and its implications were restricted to those who could master its intricate details, and they were responsible for teaching it only to those of equal capacity.

Ancient Flight Manuals

It is implied that practical flight manuals were not readily available in ancient times. The practical secrets of cargo hauling and passenger carrying were not committed to writing in Majian times. The Chaldean literature on the theory of flight is described as extensive, with ancient books averaging 80 to 120 pages, suggesting concise and well-thought-out content.

The Sifr'ala

The most important single treatise on the theory of flight mentioned is the "Sifr'ala." Passages from it are quoted in ibn Ezra's commentary on the Old Testament. An edition was reportedly printed in San'a in 1938, though the author has not seen a printed copy, only manuscripts. The Sifr'ala begins its discussion with "Equilibrium" and "stability," stating that "Three spheres vibrate on the underside of the marvid." The angles of their positions must be stable and vibrate in sympathy. A graphite rod must scuff rear assemblies, and a copper coil must entwine the foremost sphere, both governed by a turning wooden rim. A crystal indicates the necessary position of the rim, with a different crystal used for each journey, and its calibration is the "heart of the flying art."

Chaldean Craft Design

The Chaldeans were apparently not overly concerned with the operator's skill in the air. The crystal would change color to guide the pilot on course as the craft changed direction or elevation. The graphite rod was attached to the wooden rim by flexible shafting, and the coil was attached directly to the rim. Turning the rim could simultaneously change friction between the rod and rear spheres and the number of coils around the front sphere. The floor of the marvid was flexible to allow for variations in moving parts. If the machine did not stay in the air, it would descend slowly like a glider, not crash.

Power Requirements and Versatility

Attempts were made to reduce the power requirements of the aircraft. One model for short trips required the passenger to lie flat on the floor to reduce wind resistance. The airfoil was made of wood, and two small cabins could be attached. The Chaldean saucer is described as not versatile compared to modern aircraft but better suited for its limited function, less dangerous, more dependable, and practically free of operating expenses. The author suggests that such craft could obviate the problem of glutted cargo ladings.

RECENT NEWS STORIES

This section provides a collection of recent reports related to UFO phenomena:

• HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SHOOTS AT SAUCER: In Poquoson, Virginia, a 15-year-old student reported a UFO at dusk on October 20th, hovering at about 100 feet. He shot at it twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, believing he hit it, but nothing happened.
• FALLS: According to Reuters, a mysterious object fell in Holland around September 23rd, creating a star-shaped hole 102 feet deep. A similar hole was found nearby. In Kentucky, an unidentified object measuring eight inches by 1.5 inches, made of white plastic and aluminum, was found. On November 2nd, a 50-pound chunk of ice fell from a clear sky on a Georgia farm, creating a crater. Two days earlier, a 66-pound chunk of ice fell near Acaia, Italy, making a large crater. Strange ice falls were also reported in Cleveland, Ohio.
• SAUCER RIDE TO BRAZIL FIZZLES OUT: Gray Barker announced in his "Saucerian Bulletin" that he and about 20 others were invited by "Space Brothers" for a saucer ride to an island off Brazil. The invitation came from Dr. George Marlo. The trip was canceled at the last minute when an alleged government agent known as "Mr. Z" warned the "Space People" to call it off.

NEWS BRIEFS

• Mysterious Blue Light: On January 6th, a mysterious blue light was seen racing across the sky by personnel at McCarran Field, Nevada, and reported by two commercial airline planes.
• Mutated Frogs: Frogs with extra legs and eyes have been found in Gainesville, Florida, believed to be due to heavy doses of radioactive rain.
• Radio Telescope: A sensitive radio telescope is being put into operation at Green Bank, West Virginia, to intercept messages from other worlds, marking a new era in radio astronomy.
• Inductive Cross Phenomenon: Telephone users in Sheridan Square, New York City, heard squeaky voices reciting phone messages due to an "inductive cross" phenomenon in the wires, causing widespread confusion and complaints.
• Air Force Warning: The Air Force has issued a new warning to treat saucer sightings as "serious business," emphasizing thorough investigations.
• Fiery Red UFO: A fiery red UFO was spotted over the Oakland-Freemont area of California on December 1st, seen by ten watchers at the Oakland Airport control tower. It shot upwards at a fantastic speed and exploded into a white cloud.
• Ball of Light: Robert L. James of Statesville, N. C., claims a weird ball of light with a blue glow chased his automobile down a highway on November 2nd.

SAUCER BRIEFS

• Otis T. Carr Fined: Otis T. Carr, inventor of the OTC-X1 "free energy" saucer, was fined $5,000 for selling stock without a license.
• Ruppelt's Revised Book: Edward J. Ruppelt, author of "The Report on Unidentified Objects," has published a revised edition with two new chapters, one blasting contactees and the other blasting NICAP.
• George Williamson's Lectures: George Williamson is giving lectures around the U.S. after his third trip to Peru and has published a new book, "Road in the Sky."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the mystery of flying saucers, questioning their origins and dismissing explanations lacking scientific rigor. There is a strong interest in ancient civilizations and their potential knowledge of advanced technology, particularly flight. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while maintaining a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the critique of contactees and NICAP. The inclusion of recent news briefs and saucer briefs suggests a commitment to reporting on current events in the UFO field.