Saucer News - Whole Number 45 - Vol 08 No 03 - 1961 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Volume 8, Number 3 (Whole Number 45)
Date: September 1961
Publisher: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated September 1961, presents a blend of aviation mysteries, esoteric texts, and ancient artifacts, reflecting the magazine's focus on unexplained phenomena.

Contents of This Issue

The issue includes "Editorial Notes," "Recent News Stories," and several "Feature Articles." The main articles are "What Happened November 9th, 1957?" by Max B. Miller, "Extraterrestrialism and the Oahspe Bible" by Y. N. ibn Aharon, and "I Spoke With an Earth-Man" by Melvin Morbid of the Planet Masar.

Editorial Notes

The "Editorial Notes" section addresses several points. It mentions the "SPACE PANCAKE" incident, where a laboratory in New Jersey was investigated by the Air Force, and the NI-CAP organization's efforts to analyze it. The editor notes that the NI-CAP organization's findings were not yet published. The notes also announce that the "Letters to the Editor" section will be printed in the forthcoming December issue. A forthcoming article by Ivan F. Sanderson, described as a world-famous naturalist, is highlighted, focusing on "Living Animals of the World," "The Continent We Live On," and "The Abominable Snowman." Additionally, a report on the 1961 Giant Rock Convention is promised for the December issue. A significant announcement is the resignation of John Marana as Managing Editor of SAUCER NEWS, with Ted Hunt taking over. The notes also list back issues of SAUCER NEWS available for purchase.

Feature Article: What Happened November 9th, 1957?

This article by Max B. Miller, a former editor of "Saucers" and author, details the mysterious disappearance of Pan American Clipper 944 on November 9th, 1957. The incident occurred during a period of increased UFO activity following the launch of Sputnik II. The airliner, bound for Honolulu, vanished, triggering a massive search by Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy assets, including the aircraft carrier "Philippine Sea." While some wreckage and 19 bodies were recovered, the cause of the crash remained officially classified and undetermined by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).

The article highlights several intriguing aspects: the flight was equipped with two high-frequency radio transmitting and receiving systems with SELCAL, yet no emergency message was received. The CAB report noted that "External examination of the bodies was made, carefully noting all external injuries. There was no evidence of foul play found on any of the recorded bodies." Evidence of fire was found only on wreckage floating above water, suggesting it occurred after the crash. The cargo included sodium sulfide, a volatile chemical, and radioactive medicine, though the CAB found no connection to the crash. A significant point of inquiry was why the SELCAL or transmitters were not used, especially since 14 passengers had managed to put on lifejackets, suggesting some warning or preparation time.

ARINC tape recordings were analyzed, revealing weak, ambiguous transmissions after the last reported position. Despite extensive efforts, the CAB could not definitively establish that any emergency transmissions came from Clipper 944. The probable point of impact was estimated to be 105 miles west of the last reported position and 30 degrees off course. Pathological examinations indicated that at least 10 of the 19 recovered bodies died from drowning, and the lack of severe mutilation suggested the water impact was not catastrophic. Some pathological tests showed evidence of carbon monoxide intoxication, but this was not conclusive. The CAB report listed 14 findings, concluding that "The Board has insufficient tangible evidence at this time to determine the cause of the accident." The article notes that Aviation Week Magazine headlined the event as "PanAm Crash Cause Remains 'Unknown'."

Feature Article: Extraterrestrialism and the Oahspe Bible

Authored by Y. N. ibn Aharon, this article explores the concept of extraterrestrialism through the lens of ancient writings, particularly the Oahspe Bible. The author argues that his previous articles on the subject were not products of imagination but summaries of ancient historical writings, which are often overlooked in favor of Greek and Roman history. He suggests that archaeological findings have not yet supported his theory because researchers are not actively looking for advanced scientific apparatus among ancient ruins.

The article discusses the preservation of knowledge through different mediums, from clay tablets to papyrus and paper, lamenting the ephemeral nature of modern paper-based information. It contrasts the past, where individuals cherished books, with the present, where literature is abundant but often of questionable quality. The author critiques modern society's detachment from the meaning of words, suggesting this confusion is a root cause of societal problems and potentially linked to the "saucer mystery." He posits that saucers have become a distinct problem, divorced from other natural mysteries, and that the field of Ufology lacks meaningful appraisal, hindering the development of extraterrestrialism as a working hypothesis.

The author then focuses on the Oahspe Bible, a work from the 1870s by John Ballou Newbrough, which he describes as a voluminous text summarizing ancient wisdom. He compares it to Helena Blavatsky's "The Secret Doctrine" and notes that Oahspe has engendered a fanatical enthusiasm among groups like the Essenes of Kosmon (Faithists). The article delves into the Oahspe's complex language and structure, including its "Books" and lengthy subdivisions. Aharon asserts that while Oahspe may not be literal truth, it contains "remarkably well-informed guesses" that have been borne out by events. He suggests that Ray Palmer, a prominent figure in the UFO field, drew inspiration for flying saucers from Oahspe, and that the book has influenced other figures like Mark Probert and Richard Shaver.

Feature Article: I Spoke With an Earth-Man

This article, by Melvin Morbid of the Planet Masar, is presented as a first-person account of an encounter with an "Earth-Man." The narrative is brief and somewhat surreal, describing a conversation where the Earth-Man expresses a desire for "dames" and questions the purpose of sending them. The tone is humorous and speculative.

Cover Image Description

The cover features an ancient Iraqi ivory carving depicting a being with a headdress, possibly an extraterrestrial. The headline "ART THOU TRULY GOD?" and the magazine title "SAUCER NEWS" are prominently displayed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER NEWS continues its exploration of unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on aviation mysteries and the potential for extraterrestrial explanations. The detailed analysis of the Pan Am Clipper 944 crash highlights the magazine's interest in official investigations and the possibility of UFO involvement, even when not explicitly stated. The article on the Oahspe Bible indicates a willingness to delve into esoteric and historical texts that might offer alternative perspectives on human origins and advanced civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to connect disparate pieces of information from historical records, scientific investigations, and personal accounts to form a broader understanding of unexplained events. The magazine also seems to encourage reader participation through its "Letters to the Editor" section and by offering back issues and newsletters.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 15
Volume: 11
Date: August 1954

This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical accounts, and contemporary sightings, interspersed with a satirical parody.

Articles and Content

Historical UFO Descriptions

The issue begins by referencing historical texts that describe various types of flying craft. The 'avalanza' is presented as a ship capable of multi-directional movement and equipped with a magnet for directional control. Another craft, the 'adavaysit,' is described as having a 'photosphere of its power,' appearing like a 'crystal ship within a globe of phosphorescent light,' with the photosphere being the 'true light' and the shell of darkness being reflective. The origins of 'Shaver's Caves' are linked to Newbrough's 'temples of Darkness.'

Critique of Newbrough's Work

The author expresses skepticism regarding Newbrough's book, suggesting that the admission of fallibility was not out of modesty but perhaps a reaction to the Pope's claims of infallibility. The author criticizes the work for presenting itself as a guide for spiritual betterment while containing 'heinous, unnecessary and irrelevant errors.' Two specific errors are highlighted: the assertion that in languages descended from Phoenician or ancient Hebrew, 'i' is always preceded by 'y' or 'w,' which is contradicted by the Hebrew name 'onniyah' for a ship; and the phonetic representation of 'A as in awe' as 'A' when it is phonetically an 'O,' questioning why this inconsistency extends to Panic, Yi'haic, and Vedic languages.

Parody: 'I Spoke With an Earth-Man'

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a parody titled 'I Spoke With an Earth-Man,' by Melvin Morbid, Flight Leader 669, Squad 8, Planet Masar (Code 3). This story is presented as a 'weird message' relayed through automatic writing during a seance on February 13th, 1954. The narrative is a parody of the George Adamski desert contact of November 19th, 1952.

Melvin Morbid, an inhabitant of 'Masar' (which he clarifies is a planet, not his name), describes his life as dull and seeks excitement by borrowing his father's flying saucer to visit 'Planet Filth' (Earth).

He lands his saucer in a desert area in Southern California and encounters an 'Earth-man' named John Adams Sky. Morbid is astonished by the Earth-man's appearance. After a brief exchange, Morbid takes Sky for a ride in his saucer. Sky, a pilot, explains that his car is a 1912 Rolls Royce. Morbid learns that Masarians listen to Earth's radio programs.

Morbid delivers a 'very important message' to Sky: that Earth must stop using atomic weapons to avoid destroying its civilization. However, Sky misunderstands, and Morbid clarifies that the real problem is Earth's 'singing commercials' which transmit at 960 ectograms, interfering with Masarian communication systems like trans-video-telegraphy, intra-visual-telepathy, and psychosomatic radiography. Sky solemnly vows to make this his 'Mission in life.'

Morbid then asks Sky to take him back to his saucer. Sky offers to take him to Los Angeles, but Morbid declines, fearing the 'crackpots' and the expectation to solve crimes. He expresses a desire to avoid further trouble.

Later, while Morbid is repairing his saucer, Sky annoys him with requests for proof of his identity. Sky asks Morbid to make an impression on a steel bar with his thumb. Morbid makes a quarter-inch gouge, then a half-inch gouge, spraining his thumb in the process. He laments the lack of doctors on Masar, as they have conquered all diseases.

Sky offers the name of a doctor, 'Williamspoon,' which further angers Morbid. Morbid blasts off, leaving Sky on the desert. He reflects on the experience, deciding that contact with the 'barbarous inhabitants of Filth' should be avoided for at least 2,000 light-years.

Recent News Stories

The issue includes several brief news reports on UFO activity:

• California Newsboy Attacked by Saucer: A thirteen-year-old newsboy in Sacramento claims two shiny aluminum objects, 50 and 40 feet in diameter, attacked him while he was delivering papers.
• SAUCER BRIEFS: This section notes the death of Meade Layne, founder of BSRA, and Arthur Constance, author of 'The Inexplicable Sky.' It also advertises a picture from 'The Little Listening Post' for $2.00 and mentions Gabriel Green's intention to run for the U.S. Senate. Otis T. Carr is reported to be facing jail time for selling unregistered stock.
• Two Close Sightings by Ohio Pilot: Ernie Stadvec, a pilot from Akron, Ohio, reported seeing a brilliant green and white light UFO on July 4th and July 5th. The object approached his plane, turned, and disappeared. Radar at Cleveland Hopkins Airport also detected a similar object.
• SAUCER "FLAP" IN PENNSYLVANIA: Reports from Lower Makefield and Bristol, Pennsylvania, describe sightings of lighted objects, one described as round with no tail and a smoky streak, and another blinking a giant red light.
• NEWS BRIEFS: A report from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, mentions an investigation into a large round object flying over the area. A meteorite fell in Marshall, Texas. A strange object with probing beams of light was seen near Mount Rainier. A planned landing of a 'space man from Mars' in Munger, Minnesota, failed to materialize.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena, often presenting accounts with a degree of skepticism or highlighting unusual aspects. The inclusion of the 'I Spoke With an Earth-Man' parody suggests an editorial stance that is willing to engage with UFO lore through humor and satire, while also critiquing perceived absurdities within the subject matter. The 'Editor's Note' preceding the parody indicates a desire to clarify that the story is a parody and not intended to be taken seriously, aiming to prevent further confusion among readers. The magazine also seems to have a focus on historical UFO accounts and the broader context of ufology, as evidenced by the mention of figures like Kenneth Arnold and the organizations like BSRA.