AI Magazine Summary
Saucer News - Whole Number 66 - Vol 13 No 04 - 1966-1967
AI-Generated Summary
This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated Winter 1966-1967, is Volume 13, Number 4 (Whole Number 66). It is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.) and is published quarterly. The cover features a prominent "SAUCER NEWS"…
Magazine Overview
This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated Winter 1966-1967, is Volume 13, Number 4 (Whole Number 66). It is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.) and is published quarterly. The cover features a prominent "SAUCER NEWS" masthead with an illustration of a flying saucer. The price is 50¢.
Membership and Organization
Page 2 details the opening of membership to the S.A.U.C.E.R.S. organization, previously restricted to staff. For $2.00 per year (in addition to the subscription), members receive a laminated membership card and various benefits. These include discounts at lectures and a planned June 1967 convention in New York City, the authority to investigate UFO cases, and the ability to form local clubs. The organization emphasizes that there is no age limitation for membership.
Convention Promotion
Page 3's "Editorials" section announces plans for a "Giant 1967 New York Saucer Convention." The editorial highlights the growing support from radio and TV personalities, including Terry Bennett and Bob Barry, who have joined as "honorary advisers." It also lists "consultants" such as Eugene R Steinberg, Sol Lipsky, Pamela Spelman, Allen Greenfield, Al Manak, and Rick Hilberg. Readers are encouraged to help distribute promotional materials for the convention, which is described as the "first truly national UFO convention dedicated principally to the more conservative elements in Ufology."
Staff Changes and Future Content
Page 4 notes staff changes, with Eugene R Steinberg resigning as Managing Editor but remaining as an Associate Editor, replaced by Pamela Spelman. Yonah ibn Aharon has rejoined as Historian. The editorial also mentions a "Special Non-Scheduled Newsletter Mailing List" available since 1955 for $1.00, which contains "too hot to handle" material. Upcoming content includes an article by Brinsley le Poer Trench about enthusiasm for flying saucer research in Japan and the International Sky Scouts organization.
Feature Articles
"The Motive Power of the Flying Saucers (Part One)" by Hans Lauritzen (Page 7): This article explores the possibility of a "Mechanical Accelerator" as a propulsion system for flying saucers. Lauritzen suggests that Soviet space experts are working on such calculations and that previous scientific understanding of physics, particularly Kepler and Newton's laws, may have been misinterpreted. He proposes a machine combining centrifugal power and gravitation that could achieve speeds exceeding light. The article details a mechanical model involving rotating arms with weights and springs, designed to create upward thrust. Lauritzen mentions experiments in Germany in the 1930s and German saucer research during WWII, with material allegedly taken over by the Russians.
"Did I Contact A Spaceman?" by Gray Barker (Page 10): Barker recounts a personal experience from June 1959 where a stranger visited his office. The man, of apparent foreign extraction, described seeing a brilliant light that hovered and settled on the ground. The object was described as half-physical and half-invisible, changing colors and intermittently displaying the letters "A-L-A-N." Barker connected this to Daniel Fry's book "Alan's Message To Men Of Earth." The visitor asked Barker what an alien would look like if it landed on Earth.
Book Reviews
- "Flying Saucers Through the Ages" by Paul Thomas: Reviewed by Richard E. Wallace (Page 22).
- "The Book of George Adamski" by Gray Barker: Reviewed by I. F. Young (Page 24).
Editorials, Letters, and News
- Editorials (Page 3): Discusses the upcoming 1967 convention and encourages reader participation in publicity efforts.
- Letters to the Editor (Page 5): Includes correspondence from William Quay praising the magazine's design and a scientific approach, Ronald David Tarr on his UFO exhibit and the success of SAUCER NEWS, Brinsley le Poer Trench detailing his trip to Japan and the inauguration of a "Sun Pyramid," and Robert D. Null commenting on the cover design and a mysterious light incident in Spain.
- Recent News (Page 12): Not detailed in the provided pages.
- Recent UFO Sightings (Page 28): Not detailed in the provided pages.
Other Content
- Page 6: Features a letter from George W. Earley discussing Peter Kor's theories on "physical" and "psychic" phenomena and the concept of "super physics." It also includes a letter from James P. Furey seeking information on UFO sightings in New Jersey and a description of a UFO mystery light seen in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a similar light in Oklahoma that has been glowing since 1886.
- Page 8: Contains a detailed description of a mechanical model for generating upward thrust using rotating arms, weights, and springs, and a cartoon related to telepathy.
- Page 9: Continues the description of mechanical models for propulsion, including the "Hallberg Device," and includes an advertisement for "DIARY OF A PSYCHIC."
- Advertisement (Page 6): Offers UFO newspaper clippings for trade and a UFO album for sale.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently promotes ufological research and investigation, encouraging reader participation through membership, letter submissions, and distribution of information. There is a focus on scientific and technical aspects of UFOs, as seen in the article on motive power. The editorial stance appears to be open to various viewpoints within ufology but aims to focus on "conservative elements" for the convention. The publication also highlights the importance of historical UFO research and personal encounters. The society actively seeks to expand its reach and influence through events and publications.
Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 18
Volume: 1
Date: 1966 (November)
Publisher: SAUCER NEWS
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $0.50
Personal Encounter and Skepticism
The issue opens with a personal anecdote from the narrator, recounting an encounter with a man who claimed to be from another planet. The narrator, initially skeptical, reflects on descriptions from figures like George Adamski and Howard Menger, and the views of Willy Ley. The man's insistence that the narrator try to run him down with his car leads the narrator to decline further engagement, fearing the man might be a terrestrial individual rather than an extraterrestrial. The narrator's assistant, John Sheets, investigates the man's residence, finding an elderly couple with no unusual connections, leaving the narrator to ponder if he was hoaxed or if the visitor was indeed unusual.
Dr. Hynek's Critique of Scientists
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, head of the Air Force's panel of scientific consultants, is featured for his public criticism of scientists in an open letter to Science Magazine. He charges American scientists with 'provincialism' for not adequately addressing UFOs as a significant mystery. Hynek draws parallels between current attitudes towards UFOs and historical skepticism towards meteorites. He notes the increasing rate of sightings and public interest, admitting that many reports defy current analytical methods. He advocates for in-depth investigative processes and states that he has learned the fallacy of assuming all UFO reports stem from hysterics, asserting that only a small fraction come from 'true believers'.
Recent Public Appearances and News Briefs
The magazine lists recent public appearances by the SAUCER NEWS staff, including radio and television interviews and lectures across various cities. Following this, a section of 'News Briefs' covers a range of UFO-related incidents and developments:
- Contributing Editor Role: The SAUCER NEWS Editor has become a Contributing Editor for 'Real' Magazine, writing a column called 'Offbeat'.
- British UFO Magazine: An article from the British magazine 'Orbit' discusses an alleged contact made by a man named Bryant shortly after George Adamski's death.
- Fake Martian Arrest: In Rome, a young law student was arrested for attempting to swindle a Supreme Court member with a fake pill promising immortality.
- Anti-Matter Universe Theory: A physicist at University College, London, proposes a theory about an invisible anti-matter universe where time runs backward.
- Akron Drive-In Landing Field: An Akron, Ohio theatre owner has cleared part of his property as a landing field for flying saucer pilots, based on his belief and sightings.
- Radio Station Offer: A radio station in Little Rock, Arkansas, offered free air time to 'passengers of any unidentified flying objects,' with no takers.
- Exeter UFOs and Ball Lightning Theory: A science writer suggests UFOs near high-tension power lines might be balls of ionized air, related to 'ball lightning.' John J. Fuller, author of 'Incident at Exeter,' denies that electrical discharge could explain the Exeter sightings.
- California Monster Sighting: A 'bush beast' monster was sighted by two girls near Fontana, California, leading to a large-scale search.
- Pentagon Visit: The Editor and a researcher visited Lt. Col. George P. Freeman, Jr., at the Pentagon, who is in charge of UFO information, but learned little. They obtained a document titled 'Facts About Unidentified Flying Objects,' noted as being slanted towards the Air Force's negative viewpoint.
- Unmanned Submarine: Three students at the University of California developed an electromagnetically propelled unmanned submarine.
- Astral Projection: Dr. E.E. Bernard, a psychologist, is convinced that minds can leave bodies and drift away, a phenomenon he calls astral projection.
- Loch Ness Monster: Roy Mackal suggests the Loch Ness Monster might be a giant sea slug, though no monster sightings have been made by his expedition.
- August C. Roberts: A photographer, August C. Roberts, has joined the editorial staff of a new newspaper in Wayne, New Jersey.
Recent Lectures and Book Sales
The magazine highlights the growing attendance at SAUCER NEWS lectures, partly due to publicity from the Long John Nebel radio program. Speakers have included psychic researcher Stewart Robb and Dominick Lucchesi, who shared his UFO experiences. The issue also mentions the theft of a tape recorder during a lecture, leading to the discontinuation of recording lectures for the time being. A list of available lecture tapes is provided, along with upcoming speakers for future lectures, including Bob Golka on UFO propulsion, Richard Basile on Space People philosophy, Ivan T. Sanderson on UFOs and monsters, Rabbi Yonah ibn Aharon on Biblical theories, and August C. Roberts.
UFO Photographs and Exhibits
Several UFO photographs are presented:
- North Carolina Sightings: Three photos taken by Art Richardson show UFOs sighted on July 27th. Two middle photos, taken by Harold A. Trudel, show UFOs sighted on July 24th.
- Pennsylvania Sighting: A photo taken by Joseph Yost of the New Castle (Pa.) News inadvertently captured a UFO in the background.
- Australian Sighting: Photos taken by a correspondent in Melbourne show an object that appeared solid and turned slowly before departing rapidly.
- Sussex County Artifact: A black box found in Sussex County, N.J., which emits strange light and sound, is mentioned as an exhibit for the 1967 saucer convention.
Book List
A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to advertising outstanding books available for purchase directly from SAUCER NEWS. These include works on George Adamski, UFOs around the world, contact stories, analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book, and classics by Kenneth Arnold and Ray Palmer. Other listed books cover topics such as 'A New Bible,' 'Flying Saucer Pilgrimage,' 'My Contact with Flying Saucers,' and 'The Smoky God.'
Press-Time Bulletins
- Loch Ness Monster: Professor Roy Mackal announced a close sighting of the Loch Ness Monster by members of the Loch Ness Phenomena Investigation Bureau.
- Mysterious Object off Florida: The Air Force plans to investigate a mysterious rocket-like object found by treasure hunters off the coast of southern Florida.
- Erie, Pa. Monster Sighting Sequel: Researcher John Keel reports on a humanoid creature sighting in Erie, Pa., with a huge, moon-shaped head.
Convention Announcement
The issue concludes with an announcement for 'New York's First Flying Saucer Convention,' scheduled for June 22nd-25th, 1967, at the Hotel Commodore in New York City. The convention will feature numerous prominent figures in the UFO field, including Kenneth Arnold, Gray Barker, Art Ford, Gordon Evans, Long John Nebel, Howard Menger, James Moseley, Ray Palmer, James Randi, Stewart Robb, and Ivan Sanderson. The event will include four public sessions.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER NEWS revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien contact, and the ongoing investigation and reporting of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the serious study of UFOs, as evidenced by Dr. Hynek's critique and the magazine's own efforts in reporting sightings, lectures, and relevant literature. There is a clear effort to document photographic evidence and personal accounts, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The magazine actively promotes UFO research and related publications, positioning itself as a central hub for enthusiasts and researchers in the field.
This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated July 1967, is Volume 21, Issue 21. It focuses on upcoming convention details, book reviews, and recent UFO sightings.
Convention Information
The SAUCER NEWS club, the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.), is holding convention sessions at the Hotel Commodore in New York City on June 22nd and 23rd. The public sessions will be held in the Grand Ballroom, while "closed" sessions for authorized representatives of legitimate UFO organizations will take place in a smaller hall to discuss matters of importance to organized ufology. Reservations for the hotel can be made by sending name, address, and a deposit of $14.70 for a single room or $19.95 for a double, with a deadline of May 15th, 1967. The cost for public sessions is $2.00 at the door, or a special pass for $7.50 if paid in advance by mail. Members of S.A.U.C.E.R.S. can get a pass for $5.00, or pay $1.35 per session at the door.
A form is provided for attendees to indicate their hotel reservation status, interest in a brochure, or payment for convention passes, along with the mailing address for SAUCER NEWS in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Book Reviews
Flying Saucers Through the Ages by Paul Thomas (Neville Spearman, Ltd.)
Reviewed by Richard E. Wallace, this book is described as an exploration into the possibility that biblical events describe visitations from extraterrestrials. Wallace finds the book confusing and lacking a definitive approach. He criticizes the author (identified as Mr. Paul Misraki) for numerous errors, including misinterpreting the U.S. Air Force's classification of UFOs, stating that only 150 "unknowns" exist when the Air Force admits to 646 unsolved cases. The review also points out the erroneous claim that Major Keyhoe's book received "seal of approval" from the Department of Defense. Misraki-Thomas's thesis that the struggle between good and evil is a conflict between extraterrestrial factions (Yahvists and Luciferians) is also discussed, as is his difficulty reconciling cases like Fatima with his theory of physical space people.
The Book of George Adamski edited by Gray Barker
Reviewed by I.F. Young, this book is presented as a collection of Adamski's work and Barker's writings. Young notes that the book exhibits a similar tone to "The Strange Case of Dr. M. K. Jessup." The review highlights chapters that are lifted from other sources, including Adamski's own "Questions and Answers" and "Space Age Philosophy" from Carol Honey's newsletters. A chapter on Adamski's falling out with Karl Hunrath is also mentioned. Young praises Barker's "purple prose" and his ability to convey the impression that he subconsciously knows the answer to the UFO mystery. The review also touches upon Desmond Leslie's contribution and Michael G. Mann's attempt to "prove" Adamski's photos are real, though it finds the logical arguments lacking. The section detailing Barker's involvement in the "Straith Letter" affair is considered of most interest to serious ufologists, with Barker's perspective on it as a hoax being noted. The book includes sketches by Gene Duplantier and photographs of saucers and Adamski. The review mentions that the book is a proof copy and some pasteups are uneven.
Recent UFO Sightings
Spectacular Saucer Landing at Erie, Pennsylvania
On July 31st, a group of young people witnessed a mushroom-shaped UFO land at Presque Isle State Park. The object had lights and emitted a beam of light. After the UFO departed, a strange, dark, apparently featureless creature was seen near the car. Scratches were found on the car, and a dent on the roof. Investigators found various imprints in the sand, some conical-shaped, leading to the car and the water.
Weird Saucer Murder Mystery in Brazil
Two electronics technicians were found dead on a hillside near Rio de Janeiro after a woman reported seeing a luminous object land. The bodies had lead masks over their faces, and an autopsy failed to reveal the cause of death. Undeciphered letters and electrical charts were found with the bodies.
South American Round-Up
On July 31st, three UFOs landed near Ovalle, Chile, one with an antenna emitting a searchlight, causing radio interference. On August 7th, two luminous objects, one oval and one cigar-shaped, landed in Tanchachin, Mexico. UFOs have also returned to Peru, with one seen flying at a low altitude over Santiago de Chuco.
Close UFO Sighting in Texas
On July 18th, two attendants at a gas station in Baytown, Texas, saw a "pure white" flying saucer, about 30 feet in diameter and three to ten feet thick, with square windows, pass low over their garage.
UFO Flap in the Southeast
On July 27th, hundreds of people, including police, saw two flying saucers over North Carolina. At almost the same time, a milkman in Richmond, Virginia, reported an unidentified object at "twice tree-top level" traveling from southeast to northwest.
Advertisements
The issue also contains advertisements for various UFO-related books, including "New Flying Saucerama," "The Hollow Earth," "The Smoky God," and "Journey to Earths Interior." A new record, "Flying Saucers - Unlimited," by Dr. Frank E. Stranges, is also advertised. Other ads include "Flying Saucers: An Analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14" and a listing of books by Aime Michel, Adamski & Leslie, Truman Bethurum, George H. Williamson, and Timothy Green Beckley. The Youth UFology Society is seeking representatives, and an advertisement from a New York publisher seeking manuscripts is also present.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, book reviews related to ufology, and information about UFO organizations and conventions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, with a critical yet engaged approach to books and reports within the field. There is a clear interest in historical cases, government reports, and the personal accounts of witnesses. The reviews, while sometimes critical, aim to inform the readership about new publications and their potential significance within the UFO community.
Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Fall 1966
Date: Fall 1966
Publisher: SAUCER NEWS
Country: USA
Language: English
This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into a variety of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and related topics, reflecting the ongoing public and official interest in the subject during the 1960s. The magazine presents a collection of sighting reports, expert opinions, and discussions on the nature of these phenomena.
Key Articles and Reports
UFO Sightings and Encounters
The magazine details several specific UFO sightings from around the mid-1960s:
- Virginia Incident: A milkman reported a large spotlight pointing at the ground, illuminating an area 30 to 35 yards wide, and a whistling object that was visible for at least two minutes. He asked police to withhold his name for fear of ridicule.
- Prince Edward County, Virginia: Three days prior, a deputy sheriff named Clinton Childress observed a dome-shaped object, over a hundred feet wide, hovering silently about 500 feet above the ground near Farmville.
- Atlanta, Georgia (July 26th): A Federal Aviation Agency official, Robert A. Bennett, reported seeing three or four UFOs simultaneously. He first spotted a strange oval object moving east, leaving an "oblong trail of reflecting light." Later, another UFO was seen in the west, and a third was detected by weather instruments. Other FAA officials at the airport also observed the same UFOs.
- Nampa, Idaho (August 6th): Three men on a cave exploring expedition witnessed an aerial display of four to twelve mysterious objects for nearly two hours. The objects moved rapidly at low altitudes, and at one point, a saucer dived to within 200 yards of their parked car.
- Northern New Jersey (First three weeks of August): Dozens of UFO sightings were reported in northern New Jersey, an area known for the Wanaque Dam flap. However, most of these sightings lacked detail and were likely misinterpretations of conventional objects.
- Fort Smith, Arkansas (August 16th): Several hundred people, including police and reporters, observed a mysterious UFO consisting of four red stationary lights that rotated like a police car's beacon. The object hovered for one to three hours, with no unusual maneuvers reported.
- East Liverpool, Ohio (August 19th): Four boys sleeping outdoors reported a large UFO hovering near them. One boy, who stayed to watch, was struck on the side of the head by a "light ray" from the object, which impaired his hearing.
- Barvaria, Germany (August 22nd): U.S. Air Force jets chased a large, brilliant UFO described as dragon-shaped with a silver glare. The object was about 40 yards in diameter and hovered at 75,000 feet, too high for the planes to approach.
Old Sightings Given New Publicity
- "Great Airship" Scare of 1897: An article from the August 18th edition of a Long Beach, California newspaper highlighted incidents from the 1897 "Great Airship" UFO scare. A reprinted report from the Houston, Texas, Daily Post (April 28th, 1897) described a heavy object dragging along with a rope, identified as an airship. A man in a light blue sailor suit descended via rope, and after discovering observers, cut the rope and sailed off.
- "Little Men" Case from 1914: A police captain in Wanaque, New Jersey, received a letter from William J. Kiehl detailing a case from 1914 involving "little men" with square masks adjusting rods on top of a pulsating, saucer-shaped craft. The craft had lights of varying colors. One of the creatures failed to enter the machine before it took off, leaving it hanging outside as it accelerated into the sky.
UFO Film Received
- Lost Creek, West Virginia: SAUCER NEWS headquarters received an apparent movie film of a flying saucer, taken with a Bolex camera in 16 mm. color on July 23rd. The photographer, who asked to remain anonymous, and an employee named John Sheets were driving when a strange object began following their truck at low altitude. After the camera was loaded, the object returned, and several feet of film were shot. The object was described as about ten feet in diameter and made a humming sound as it shot off at high speed. Sheets was ill for two days afterward. The undeveloped film was given to Gray Barker, a saucer researcher, who co-operated in developing it and making a copy.
Expert Opinions and Editorial Stance
- Dr. J. Allen Hynek: The magazine quotes Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Chief AF-UFO consultant, from a September 1966 statement. Hynek asserts that scientifically trained people do report UFOs, including astronomers and technical specialists. He notes that UFO sightings have reached a new high and that no true scientific investigation has been undertaken. He suggests a serious, open-minded investigation is needed.
- Official AF Statement: The cover features an official AF statement asserting that "The AF has no evidence that UFOs are extraterrestrial or represent advanced technology of any kind."
- Editorial Stance: PROBE MAGAZINE (likely a related publication or section) welcomes the proposal for a serious investigation of the "saucer" phenomenon, emphasizing the need for capable, open-minded individuals from diverse scientific fields.
Advertisements and Book Reviews
- "The Amazing Flying Saucer Story" Record Album: An advertisement for a long-play record album featuring interviews with people who claim to have met alien beings and revelations about the Air Force admitting UFO existence.
- "FLYING SAUCERS ILLUSTRATED" Book: A description of a book published in January 1967, containing over 100 UFO photographs and chapters on various UFO-related topics.
- "THE HUMANOIDS" Special Edition: An announcement for a 72-page special edition of Flying Saucer Review focusing on UFO landings and occupants, featuring articles by notable researchers.
- UFO Study Group: An invitation to join a new UFO study group for those under 18.
- "UFO SAGA" and "Explorations In Awareness" Books: Advertisements for books by Cleve Twitchell and John W. Aiken.
- T. Lobsang Rampa Books: An advertisement for the complete library of T. Lobsang Rampa's works, offered to mature readers with background in advanced new-age sciences. The advertisement references a headline about a youth electrocuted following directions from the book "YOU-FOREVER."
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO sightings, the credibility of witnesses (including scientific personnel), the apparent lack of a comprehensive scientific investigation into the phenomenon, and the ongoing public fascination with extraterrestrial life and advanced technology. The magazine appears to advocate for serious, scientific inquiry into UFOs, while also presenting a wide range of anecdotal evidence and speculative content. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded investigation, challenging official dismissals and encouraging further research, as evidenced by the call for participation in new searches for "REAL TRUTH."